America and West Indies: February 1676

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 9, 1675-1676 and Addenda 1574-1674. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1893.

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'America and West Indies: February 1676', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 9, 1675-1676 and Addenda 1574-1674, (London, 1893) pp. 345-355. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol9/pp345-355 [accessed 19 March 2024]

February 1676

Feb. 2. 806. Estimate of the Officers of the Ordnance for arms and field carriages to be sent to St. Christopher's viz., 500 small arms with powder and ammunition, and 18 field carriages. Total, 1,113l. 5s. Signed by Jonas Moore, Edward Conyers, and Edw. Sherburen. "Read at the Comtee, 3 Feb. 1675–6." 1 p. [Col. Papers Vol. XXXVI., No. 17, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 61, 63.]
Feb. 2.
Port Royal, Jamaica.
807. Sir Henry Morgan to Secretary Williamson. Has received his letter of 16th July. Is sorry he cannot answer his commands, for the little share Sir Henry has in the government makes him incapable of giving any perfect account of the state of the Island which his Excellency has not a yet been pleased to give him leave to see. And as for corresponding with their neighbours, the French and Spaniards, he has positively commanded the contrary, and having ever loved obedience to his superiors will never presume to break his orders; but if his Honour thinks it may be as Sir Henry is apt to believe, for his Majesty's service, begs to receive his orders therein, and shall then labour all that he can to satisfy him. 2 pp., with seal. [Col. papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 18.]
Feb. 3.
Whitehall.
808. Reports of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Presented his Majesty on 8th January last (see ante, No. 755) with their opinions of the best method for restoring his Majesty's subjects of St. Christopher's to their possessions, and having since considered what relates to the defence and security of that place, examined all papers and summoned merchants and others who have lived there and are acquainted with the affairs of those parts, and now propose,—1st. That good ministers be sent over to St. Christopher's, Nevis, Montserrat, and Antigua, one to each place, and that his Majesty enable the Bishop of London to secure preferment unto them in the church for their pains there, since they are not like to find any stipend of above 50l. per annum. 2nd. To complete the two companies to the number of 80 men in each, and to that purpose send over 80 men for recruits, and to settle a fund for their support, otherwise they must scatter themselves in the island where work or charity may be found, which is the present case of the soldiers there, who are almost naked for want of so many years' pay, while the French appear in strength and vigour, punctually paid, and supplied with clothes and provisions. Beseech his Majesty to consent to what the Lord Treasurer declared on their Lordships' last report of 8th January, and to direct his Lordship to advance that fund (3,478l. 10s. 8d.) to Lieutenant Daniel Greatbach, who is sent over to that effect, unless his Majesty shall think fit for more expedition to draw that number of men out of his Majesty's guards, who would prove more useful, and whose rooms would be more easily supplied. 3rd. To allow the Merchants and Planters to have 300 malefactors condemned to be transported, free of fees from the gaols, for the better supply of white men in the island. Sir John Shorter, sheriff, finds the fees may be reduced to 1l. 11s. a head, or in the whole 465l. 4th. To erect a fort at Cleverley Point, and that his Majesty contribute 500l. 5th. To sent 400 or 500 arms with ammunition, to the value of 491l. 8s. 6th. To send 18 field carriages, which will amount to 499l. 7th. That the islands be attended with a fifthrate frigate. 8th. That a Court of Admiralty be erected there as in Jamaica and Barbadoes. Signed by Anglesey, Ormonde, Craven, Fauconberg, J. Bridgewater, and Robert Southwell, "which being read in Council on 18th February following, his Majesty did not then think fit to Signify his pleasure thereupon." 8 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 19; also Col. Entry Bks., Vol XLVI., pp. 54–61, and Vol. CIV., pp. 64, 65.]
Feb. 3.
Whitehall.
809. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The report prepared by their Lordships' order, touching the defence of St. Christopher's, containing the eight points ordered on 21st January, read and approved. Only ordered that some inquiry be made touching the malefactores, as how the merchants would warrant and secure that they should not return back; and about reducing the fees which the gaolors demand at their delivery, Sir John Shorter, Sheriff of London, to be writ to on this point, and Captain Gorges on the other. Also agreed that the field carriages to be sent over according to estimate of Officers of the Ordnance should be carriages that are shod, and 400 small arms. Lieutenant Greatbach to give copy of his Colonel's instructions for soliciting "about conveniences for St. Christopher's," and Colonel Stapleton in the circular letter to have information of their Lordships three reports touching St. Christopher's, and to be required to send home a general state of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIV., pp. 68, 69.]
Feb. 3. 810. Journals of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Ordered, that in the circular letters for New England, the Governors be required to send home exact maps of their colonies. Mr. Attorney to be called upon for his report (see No. 814). Mr. Purcas, an old inhabitant of New England lately come over, to attend the Lords. Letter of 18th December 1675 from Governor Leverett to Secretary Williamson read (see ante, No. 745). The Earl of Anglesey informed their Lordships that he also had during his late sickness a letter from the same hand. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. CIV., p. 69.]
Feb. 3/13.
[Barbadoes.]
811. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Their letter of 11th August did not arrive until the January following "thro' the malignity of this last year by the operation of a most fatal hurricane." Will do his best to answer their Lordships' enquiries. Found the Government in the hands of the Council on the death of (William) Lord Willoughby with a President of their own selection. [N.B.— The answers to enquiries which follow are contained in the next Abstract entitled, "An Account of his Majesty's Island of Barbadoes and the Government thereof," so that Governor Atkins' comments upon the answers are only referred to in this abstract.] Their greatest wealth is slaves, and the strictest laws are made to establish propriety in them and to keep them in order. Payment on all contracts is in sugar, cotton, and ginger, the other products of the country being accepted. Was received at his coming with "great alacrity and belief in me as much as could be expressed," and the first thing he did was to call a new assembly who met so well tempered that all disputes were laid aside "so that with some industry I have brought them to a right understanding one with another that we all live amiably." Leaves it to their Lordships whether it is honourable for the king or safe for the people to leave the Government in the hands of the Council, "but doubtless if the Governor die 'tis best that a Deputy be appointed by him till his Majesty's pleasure" (sic). Believes there is not a spot of ground in the universe better planted or better inhabited. It is very fruitful and always green the whole year. The Guinea corn produces a thousand for one grain. A Spanish Don driven in by foul weather was amazed to see so great a city with so great gardens, the many villages being so near together look at a distance like one great city. Ministers are presented by the Governor to the several parishes which are not endowed but honestly provided for by the parishioners, only the ministers are not all ordained there being no means for it. Wills are proved before the Governor and kept on record by the Secretary, and all deeds of sale and mortgages registered, but not one penny of fee or profit to the Governor. The collecting of the King's revenue of 4½ per cent is very troublesome to the people, and the ends for which it is granted are not accomplished, which they say has compelled them to present it in their address to the King as among their grievances. The King hath no effective force in his pay nor is he one penny charged with this Island. Ammunition, arms, and all other military employments are upon the public account. The Militia is solely in the King and the Governor is his Captain General. There are two regiments of horse of 14 troops or 800 and in a short time 2,000 can be mounted. Six regiments of foot make 8,000 men. People frequently go to other plantations in America, some for change others with persuasion of mending their fortunes, but many would be glad to return, many of the American colonies not being very inviting by reason of the Indians who destroy the people and spoil their goods. Doubts they will not easily be subdued for they have learnt the art of praying, and by their doctrine the knowledge of right and wrong which gives them a confidence, the lands the English enjoy are properly theirs, and they have imbibed a spirit of rebellion "a devil that I doubt will not be laid with prayers and fasting."Their misfortunes are from the hand of God and not from any neglect of their own. 200,000l. will not repay the damage caused by the hurricane of last August, churches, houses, and mills being destroyed, and the sugar canes twisted and spoiled. 5 large pages. "Rec d 22 April 1676, read 24 April 1676, and to be considered when the business of Barbadoes is taken in hand."[Col. Papers, Vol XXXVI, No. 20; also Col. Entry Bks., Vol. VI., pp. 47–57, and Vol. CIV.,p. 111.]
812. "An account of His Majesty's Islands of Barbadoes and the Government thereof." Situation; extent, 120,000 acres; discovery, before 1600; taken possession of by Sir William Courteen in February 1627; first and second grant to the Earl of Pembroke in trust for Sir William Courteen 25th February 1628; third grant in 1627 to the Earl of Marlborough of all the Caribbee Islands; fourth grant to the Earl of Carlisle 2nd July 1627 of certain islands, and another of 7th April 1628; Governors appointed by the Earl of Carlisle till 1646; Lord Willough by admitted LieutenantGeneral in 1649, and dispossessed in 1651 by Sir G. Aysuce sent with a fleet from the Parliament; surrender of the Earl of Carlisle's Patent in 1663, and Francis Lord Willoughby constituted Governor; death of Francis Lord Willoughby in August 1665, and appointment of William Lord Willoughby 3rd January 1667. Separation of the Leeward from the Windward Islands in 1671. Death of William Lord Willoughby 10th April 1673, Sir Jonathan Atkins appointed to succeed him; Government; his powers, Commission and Instructions, his Council, consisting of 12 chief inhabitants nominated by His Majesty; assembly, of 22 persons, two being chosen out of every parish by freeholders holding 10 acres of land; laws, framed by the Governor, Council and Assembly continue in force two years only unless confirmed by His Majesty; five Courts of Judicature, each with a judge and four assistants; Courts of King's Bench, Chancery, and Admiralty. The inhabitants of four sorts, viz:—Freeholders, paying yearly one ear of Indian corn to His Majesty; freemen, who having served out their time are freed from their masters and serve for wages; servants, whose time is not expired; and negro slaves brought from the coast of Guinea, Cormantin, or Madagascar; 10,000 white men able to bear arms, 3,030 white male children, 8,695 white women and girls, total 21,725; negro men 10,525, boys 5,827, women and girls 16,121, total 32,473, in all 54,198. Principal towns, St. Michael's, commonly called Bridge Town, mostly built of stone with handsome streets, and Spikes (Speights) Town, 10 miles to Leeward; 11 parishes and 5 precincts; no rivers, but many springs and pools; no harbours, but several convenient bays and roads for shipping, viz., at Bridgetown, defended by four forts with 83 guns, Bistons Bay defended by 25 guns, the Hole Bay by 13 guns, Reed's Bay by 10 guns, and Spikes Bay by 25. Natural commodities:—ginger, indigo, cotton, wool, tobacco, logwood, fustick, lignum vitae, and chiefly sugar the support of the Island; great store of Indian corn yielding two crops yearly; commodities imported; 150 ships of from 20 to 300 tons come yearly, and about 60 sloops belong to the Island. Revenue:—Customs on commodities exported to other English plantations; and 4½ per cent, on all dead commodities of the growth of the Island shipped off thence, which was granted to His Majesty 12th September 1663, in lieu of all other taxes, for maintaining His Majesty's authority, the repair of forts and public buildings, and other charges of Government. One moiety of this was granted by His Majesty to Francis Lord Willoughby for his own use in October 1662; and in 1670, it was farmed to the Hon. Robert Spencer, Sir Charles Wheler, John Stroad and George Marsh for seven years under the rent of 7,000 per annum. Opinions in religion:— The inhabitants of different persuasions; Quakers very numerous; every parish provided with a church and minister. Other islands of this Government:— St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Dominica, Grenada, Bequia, inhabited by 1,500 Indians strong in bowmen; in St. Vincent are 600 escaped negroes. Of late some French families have settled on these islands, and at Grenada they are 600 strong. The inhabitants have always been very pernicious to the English; account of their incursions and treachery from Purchas' Pilgrims, L'Histoire des Antilles, and Colonel Stapleton's letters. But never were they more notorious than during the late wars with France, when those of St. Vincent and Dominica surprised the inhabitants of Montserrat and Antigua, burnt their houses, tormented and killed the men without quarter, eating many of them, and carrying away the women and children; all which obliged Colonel Stapleton to commission Colonel Plilip Warner, Deputy Governor of Antigua, against these savages. His expedition upon Dominica and the consequences will appear in an exemplification of his trial transmitted by Sir Jonathan Atkins (see his letter 25th September 1676). 14 pp. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. VI., 1–14.]
Feb. 4. 813. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Letter of Governor Leverett to the Lord Privy Seal, of 6th September 1675, read [see ante, No. 662]. Debate concerning New England; it proposed to consider in due time the points wherein it was necessary to have New England more in dependance on his Majesty, e.g. (1), in relation to the irregularity of their trade; (2), to bring them to such an acknowledgment of his Majesty's authority as to submit and leave the final determination of superior points to his Majesty, and whether the acts and laws then made should not have like approbation from his Majesty as in other plantations. Their Lordships thought it remarkable (whether the sentence were valid or no, yet) that the King's Bench in Westminster Hall in 1635 took on them to judge and determine upon the patent of New England as in the petition of Mr. Mason is at large set forth. But on the other side their Lordships do not suppose that to consider New England so as to bring them under taxes and impositions or to send thither a Governor to raise fortune from them can be of any use or service to his Majesty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol., CIV., p. 70.]
(Feb. 8.) 814. Sir W. Jones, Attorney-General, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. In answer to their letter of 28th January [see ante, No. 798]. Is of opinion that bondsare to be taken, if the ship be of England, to bring the goods into England only, and in that case no duty is to be paid at the Plantations, but if the ship come from any other place than England, then the duty must be paid and a bond given to the Governor to carry the goods to some English plantation or to England. "Received 8 Feb. 1675–6, read 6 April 1676," [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LX., p. 106, and Vol. XCVII., p. 29.]
Feb. 10.
Fishmougers' Hall.
815. Sir John Shorter, Sheriff of London, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Transmits abstract of the fees usually paid for malefactors that are pardoned for transportation, which amount to 1l. 11s. each person. The Recorder of London says when a considerable number are transported at each time there is usually given to his clerk five pounds. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII., pp. 30, 31.]
Feb. 10.
Boston.
816. R. Wharton to John Winsley. Not having heard anything of or from John Bradley or Winsley's brother Douglas, knows not how to direct any advice to either of them, but supposes both the pink and the ketch will touch at Cork for his orders, and they will there meet them or him. Should not have sent this at so great uncertainty but to let him know (if happily it may find him) that men fear a great scarcity of all provisions, but especially bread corn the ensuing year; is very desirous that if both or either vessel is with him the cargo in company may be invested into and they laden back with wheat and malt chiefly, and some oatmeal if at reasonable rates, some beef if well salted, candles, and good store of cheese. Are likely to have little leisure this year to sow, and less opportunity to reap, the Narragansets and all the Indians they have ever heard of, except the Mohegans and Mohawks having one way or other declared themselves enemies, and the Monsieur that came down and returned last summer through the woods having by promise of aid and ammunition over the lakes and by ships to lie on their coast this summer animated them to an unexpected boldness; all the praying Indians, except those secured on the islands, are with the enemy. Doubts not that Mr. Medlicot or some other friend has informed him of the success of their Narraganset expedition, but, lest theirs should miss, briefly informs him that the three colonies made a force of 1,300 or 1,400 English, Governor Winslow being appointed General Commander; to these joined 200 Mohegans who on 19th December assaulted the whole body of the Narraganset and neighbouring Indians (about 3,000 fighting men) in a fort which the enemy thought invincible and after sharp resistance and the loss of 130 men and six captains (honest Captain Davenport, Captain Gardiner of Salem, Johnson of Roxborough, and three of the other colonies), their men got possession of the fort and destroyed about 350 fighting men and as many others of all ages and both sexes, and, were our great Councillors at home as expeditious and politic to supply and command as the soldiers have been diligent and courageous to fight, the Narragansets had been utterly subdued, but they are driven hungry out of their country, their army called home and frontiers left ungarrisoned, notwithstanding notice given three weeks since of the enemies design about a week since to fall upon an out plantation to furnish themselves with corn which at the time told was done and 10 persons killed and carried away; the same spies told us that yesterday their design was to cut down Lancaster Bridge to keep all recruits and aids from thence, which also is exactly come to pass, for the bridge is cut down, and a garrison-house burned and the men killed and women and children carried away captive, in all about 45; the other garrison houses wherein till yesterday was none but the men of the town and then about 60 soldiers got to them are the soldiers and people besieged, and now they begin to think of sending relief, if a way can be found over the river, but it is feared it will be either too small or too late, and except God give greater wisdom to their rulers or put it into the King's heart to rule and relieve them, the colonies will soon be ruined and they reduced to the necessity of subjecting upon any terms to any that will protect them. Our Governor is crazy in body and many are so in their heads. He (Winslow) will make a calculation what supplies will best save them. Desires his service to be presented to Captain Breedon, and to know what has been done in his business, and to have the proceeds of the tobacco remitted. Postcript: Connecticut having the enemy on their backs deny us corn and we expect none from New York, so that without foreign supplies many must starve. The town of Menden is lately burned. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 21.]
Feb. 11.
Whitehall.
817. Order of the King in Council. On the memorial of the Ambassador of the States General with reference to the capture of forts Penatscop and St. John. Ordered that copy of said memorial be sent to the Boston magistrates, who are required to return answer to the complaint; Secretary Williamson to prepare a letter for the King's signature accordingly. Signed, Robert Southwell. With seal. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 22; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVI., p. 46.]
Feb. 11.
Whitehall.
818. Order of the King in Council, on petition of Aaron de Sylva and Isaac Peiriera, and divers other Jews, inhabitants of "his Majesty's late colony of Surinam." That petitioners and 10 other Jews settled in Surinam, and were made free denizens by letters patent, that Mr. Cranfield, in presence of the Dutch Governor, promised to take petitioners into his care equally with other of his Majesty's subjects, whereupon petitioners disposed of their plantations and shipped 250 of their negroes, but said Governor absolutely refused to let petitioners go with the rest of their servants. Directing that copy of said petition be delivered to Mr. Secretary Williamson, who is as well to speak with the Dutch Ambassador concerning same, as to direct Sir William Temple, his Majesty's Ambassador at the Hague, to complain thereof to the States General and obtain their orders for the discharge of petitioners and their servants, that they be at liberty to go to Jamaica, where they are to be received by the Governor and to have the same measure of favour with other of his Majesty's subjects, in pursuance of his Majesty's instructions formerly given and copy of Mr. Cranfield's protest is to be annexed to said petition. Annexed,
818. i. Request [of Secretary Williamson] to Mons. Van Benningen, Dutch Ambassador, to give the necessary orders to the Governor of Surinam to let these subjects of his Majesty freely go in accordance with the 5th Article of the Treaty of Peace between his Majesty and the States General. The names of the above-mentioned Jews, besides the petitioners, are Jacob, David, and Benjamin Peiriera, Isaac de Pradoe, Isaac de la Paxa, Isaac Govia, Gabriel Antonius, and Moses Baruk. Whitehall, 1676, 23rd February. French. Together, 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 23, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVI., pp. 47, 48.]
Feb. 11.
(Recd.)
819. Petition of the Merchants and Owners of the ship Virgin, Edmund Cook, master, taken by the Spaniards in the West Indies, to the King and Privy Council. Being referred by the Lords of Trade and Plantations to Secretary L. Jenkins to report his opinion what ought to be done, he did so about four months since, but petitioners cannot obtain a copy. Pray his Majesty to order that copy of said report be forthwith delivered to petitioners, and a speedy day for the hearing in Council be assigned. Endorsed, "Rec. 11 Feb. 1676, Read 16th and 18th February." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 24.]
Feb. 17.
St. Jago de la Vega.
820. Journal of the Council of Jamaica. Present: LieutenantGeneral Sir Henry Morgan, Colonels Thomas Freeman, Charles Whitfield, Anthony Collier, and Thomas Ballard, Lieutenant-Colonels William Beeston, Samuel Barry, Ralph Whitfield, and Samuel Long, Majors John Colebeck, Theo. Cary, Whitgift Aylmore, and William Parker. Ordered that the Articles of War be proclaimed and copies distributed to the several Colonels. His Excellency communicated the care he had taken for reducing the rebellious negroes, and all were of opinion that nothing further could be done, those in pay to still keep moving after them, that the guards at Captain Bourdens and Lieutenant Hysom Crawle be continued, and the small plantations be strengthened, and that the Governor issue his proclamation for all to act vigorously; some hunters who had offered their services in pursuing and subdueing the negroes ordered that they be encouraged and furnished with all things necessary at the public charge. That the several Colonels forthwith hold regimental courts-martial, and publish the Articles of War that all persons be duly listed and well armed, exact lists taken, and how many white men in each plantation. Orders to be observed in case of an alarm. Articles and rules of war set forth by Governor Lord Vaughan, under the headings: Duties to his Majesty's authority and government; Duties towards superior officers; Duties in marching and in action; Duties in camp and in garrison; Rules for regulation of musters; Administration of justice. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXV., pp. 453–471.]
Feb. 18.
Whitehall.
821. The King to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts. Requires them to return speedy answer to the complaint of the Ambassador of the States General. Encloses,
821. i. The memorial to the King referred to above. That Juraien Aerents, Captain of the ship Post-horse, of Curacoa, left Curacoa with a commission from the Governor, and having made himself master of the forts Penatscop and St. Jan, belonging to the French, and situated on the river Pentagould, in North America in New France, and having left there some men for defence and traffic, the English at Boston attacked the garrison, made them prisoners, and raised the fortification, on no other consideration but that they would not endure any Dutch there. This being an open violation of the Treaty of Peace, the King is asked to procure the exemplary punishment of the guilty, and to send orders for the prompt release of the prisoners and restoration of the forts. Signed by Van Benningen, dated Windsor, 1675, 26 July/5 Aug. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., Nos. 25, 25 I.; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIII., p. 147 b.]
Feb. 20.
Jamaica.
822. Governor Lord Vaughan to Sir Robert Southwell. Sent about a fortnight since by Captain Swan a letter to the Lords, with a particular account of the island and government, also duplicates by Captain Broad who sailed in company. Arrival of Captain Knapman of the Foresight four days since who has orders to return. Necessity of a frigate here to supply the Foresight's place, and contribute to the safety and reputation of the island, otherwise it will be impossible that his Majesty's treaties be observed, piracies repressed, and the Acts of Trade and Navigation put in execution. Begs him hasten the perusal and confirmation of their laws. Has had some trouble with rebellious negroes on the north side, eight or nine have been taken and executed, and the rest not heard of this fortnight, so hopes they are wholly reduced or dispersed. "Rec. 27 April 1676 by Capt. Webber." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 26.]
Feb. 20.
Jamaica.
823. Peter Beckford to Secretary Sir Jos. Williamson. Has just received his of the 6th December. It is truly his misfortune, and not his fault, that he seems worthy of reproach for any negligence; has never omitted giving his Honour an account of passages here, but fears his letters by Captain Taylor of the Port Morant and Captain Alford of the Employment have miscarried. There is some difference between Lord Vaughan and Sir Henry Morgan, but cannot judge whose fault. Testifies to his Lordship's having "hitherto behaved himself so well" that no one can lay the least just blame on him; his Lordship now removing from Spanish Town to Port Royal. Supposes he may the better hinder the privateers from going out and hinder them from taking French commissions against the Spaniards. Advice that the latter have sprung a silver mine at Panama that produces beyond expectation. "Per the Dragon, Captain Webber." 1 p., with seal. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 27.]
Feb. 22. 824. Journal of the Council of Barbadoes. Present: Sir Jonathan Atkins, John Willoughby, Henry Drax, Henry Hawley, Samuel Farmer, John Sparke, Samuel Newton, Thomas Wardall, John Peers, Simon Lambert, and John Stanfast. Ordered that writs be issued for election of an assembly to meet 21st March. That a supplemental Act to the Act for the better ordering and governing of negroes should not pass without amendment; referred to a Committee of the Council to prepare such amendments and additions as they judge proper to be considered at next Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., p. 290.]
Feb. 23.
Whitehall.
825. Order of the King in Council. On petition of Aaron de Silva and Isaac Periera and other Jews, inhabitants of Surinam. That, by the 5th Article of the late peace with Holland, petitioners became his Majesty's subjects, and therefore have leave to go with their goods and servants to any of his Majesty's plantations, but are obstructed by the Governor. Pray in regard they lost their opportunity of passage for Jamaica that his Majesty will grant them relief. Ordered that petitioners shall have liberty to transport themselves with their goods and servants to Jamaica in any foreign built ship, and Governor Lord Vaughan shall receive them with equal favour as if they had arrived in English built ships, and deliver their servants carried thither by Mr. Cranfield, and set them out proportions of land according to his Majesty's instructions. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVI., pp. 48–49.]
Feb. 23. 826. Order of the King in Council on petition of John Moor, late owner of the yacht Prudence. That in June 1674 he sailed from Barbadoes to Antigua, and thence to Montserrat to unlade, where he was detained by the Governor's warrant on false pretences and his vessel carried away while he applied for redress; prays for relief. Ordered that copy of this petition be delivered to Edward Stapleton, the said Governor, who is required to return his answer with all convenient speed when his Majesty will declare his further pleasure. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVI., p. 49.]
Feb. 23. 827. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes. It hath been represented to his Majesty in Council by petition of Francis Standish that one, John Luntly, in July last was enticed on board a ship commanded by Captain Bolton, carried to Barbadoes, and there sold to Captain Thornhill. That Luntly's mother has since died and left him a competent estate, wherefore praying his Majesty to order Colonel Thornhill to receive back the price he paid for Luntly and permit him to return home. His Majesty, in consideration of the services of Luntly's father, and much disapproving the manner of his conveyance, commands the Lords to transmit copy of said petition that if the allegations be found true to persuade Colonel Thornhill to discharge his servant Luntly on receipt of what he paid for him so that he may return home as his friends desire. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVI, pp. 49, 50.]
[Feb. 23.] 828. Order of the King in Council. His Majesty having thought fit to order in Council that Colonel Philip Warner, late Deputy Governor of Antigua, should be transported in the Phœnix frigate to Barbadoes, there to be tried by a commission of oyer and terminer for killing certain Indians in Dominica, said Commission being directed to persons in the Leeward Isles and Barbadoes (see ante, No. 705). Ordered that Secretary Coventry prepare a letter for the King's signature directing Governor Atkins to allow three months from the landing of Colonel Warner for the coming of said Commissioners from the Leeward Isles, but if they shall sooner appear then the Commission to be forthwith proceeded in and the Commander of the Phœnix to deliver the body of Colonel Warner into the hands of Governor Atkins. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVI., pp. 50, 51.]
Feb. 29.
Westminister.
829. Warrant to the Lord Treasurer and others of the Exchequer. To pay to Colonel Stapleton or his assigns the sum of 4,556l. 14s., being the pay of two foot companies in the Leeward Isles for two years, from 7th July 1672 to 7th July 1674, and also hereafter, from time to time, to pay the sum of 2,778l. 10s. 8d. per annum for said service. 2½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 28.]