|
May 2.
Jamaica. |
912. Governor Vaughan to Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson.
Acknowledges receipt of his letters, the last three days since by
Mr. Ellasson, for whom he will do all in his power. In the close
of one Sir Joseph is pleased to take notice of the differences between
Sir Henry Morgan and himself, and advises the Governor to make
them up. Does not know what complaints Sir Henry might make,
but in the character I am shall never represent any personal
dislikes, but endeavour faithfully to do my duty and advise of all
such who do not do theirs. Therefore wrote his sense of the loss
of his Majesty's stores, and impartially placed the miscarriage
where he is sure the fault was. Could complain of the great ingratitude and disingenuity of the same person in having written
so many false and malicious stories of the Governor, though is
satisfied his Honour will not suffer the Governor to be abused by
them. "What I most resent is, and which I consider as part of
my duty to lay before your Honour, that I find Sir Henry, contrary
to his duty and trust, endeavours to set up privateering, and has
obstructed all my designs and purposes for the reducing of those
that do use that curse of life." Had by several proclamations
declared he would not permit those rapines and spoils, and that he
would proceed against the offenders as pirates if they came into
any of our ports. They went to Tortugas and took French commissions, and Sir Henry recommended some of our English
privateers to the French Government for commissions, was himself
concerned in their vessels, and put a deputation into his brother
Byndlosse's hands to receive the tenths for the King of France, and
has ever since corresponded with them. Relates all the circumstances concerning the seizure of John Deane's vessel [see Beckford's
letter, ante No. 860], "who had the impudence to come to town."
Doubts not, from the information and proofs sent, Secretary
Coventry will be sufficiently satisfied of Sir Henry's disobedience
and unfaithfulness, and of what dangerous consequence his setting
up that kind of faction may prove to the island. 1½ pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 58.] |
May 2.
Jamaica. |
913. Peter Beckford to Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson. Seizure
of a ship by Governor Vaughan; complaint of the master who
brought her in that he had been robbed by privateers, upon which
the Governor ordered Sir Henry Morgan to imprison the offenders,
"which my Lord imagines he did not act cordially in," but on the
contrary let them have advice that they might escape, and rather
encouraged them, insomuch as one John Deane told the Governor he
had done wrong in the seizure, so he was imprisoned, and at a
Court of Admiralty, on 27th April, his Excellency sitting as Judge,
was condemned of piracy, for which the multitude complain as wellwishers to piracy, but all of sense think it necessary, so that a
strict peace be kept with the Spaniards. "Per the St. Thomas,
Captain Knapman." 1 p., with seal. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI.,
No. 59.] |
May 3.
Whitehall. |
914. Order of the King in Council. Approving form of oath to
be taken by the respective Governors of his Majesty's plantations;
the persons who administer said oath to make certificate thereof.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 60; also Col, Entry Bk.,
Vol. XCVI., p. 69.] |
| May 3. |
915. The form of oath above referred to. Well and truly to
execute and perform all matters and things which, by the statutes
made in the 12th and 15th years of his now Majesty's reign, they
are sworn to the performance of. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII.,
p. 40.] |
May 3.
Jamaica. |
916. Governor Lord Vaughan to the Earl of Anglesea, Lord
Privy Seal. Acknowledges his letter, and has written fully to their
Lordships relating to the island and government. Has written to
his Lordship upon all occasions, finding himself under a necessity
of making use of his friends when so many had appeared industrious
to misrepresent him. Hopes what he has written may by this
time have given resolution to their removal, so that the island and
himself may be in peace. Relates the whole circumstances of a
case in which "I have detected him (Sir Henry Morgan) of most
gross unfaithfulness in his trust and a wilful breach and disobedience of my orders, only because they have obstructed his
design of privateering." (John Deane's case, see ante, Nos. 912–3).
Sends the depositions and an exemplification of the trial that his
Lordship may be satisfied that it is according to law, and agrees
with all precedents in the Admiralty. Since the trial Sir Harry
has been so impudent and unfaithful at the taverns and in his own
house, to speak some things which seemed to reflect upon my justice,
and to vindicate the pirate, but the people are more prudent than
to be led away or persuaded by seditious discourses; however, has
thought it his duty to lay it all before the Ministers, and that my
Deputy Governor endeavours to set up privateering, and has, with
his brother Byndlosse, encouraged the King's subjects to take
French commissions, fitted them out to sea, and been concerned
with them in their ships and prizes, and received a deputation to
collect the tenths for the King of France. Supposes the Ministers
will not consider Sir Harry worthy of any character or authority
who makes use of it only for his own ends. Knows his imprudence
and weakness lead him a great way, but believes his necessities do
more, which would prove of sad consequence to the island if there
should be any devolution of the Government. It would be a great
satisfaction to all reasonable people in the island if they could be
once freed from those fears, all having great apprehensions of his
succession. His brother Byndlosse agitates him in all he does,
has therefore given him no authority or any civil or military
commission. He is a very turbulent fellow, some years since was
surgeon of a ship, but can never be easy in any government. It
would be a good thing if the Governor had a private instruction to
put him out of the Council. Says nothing of this to any but his
Lordship, as he knows he can depend upon his secrecy and friendship. Beseeches him to communicate the exemplification to the
Duke of York, Encloses, |
|
916. i., ii., iii. Depositions of Warwick Coffin, John Yardley,
master of the John Adventure, and George Bayley,
Deputy Marshall of Jamaica in reference to John Deane's
piracy and the privateers. 1676, April 28, 29, and
May 3. |
|
916. iv., v. Exemplification of the trial at the Court of Admiralty,
held at Port Royal, 27th April 1676, before John Lord
Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica, of John Deane, Commander of the St. David, who is adjudged to be a pirate,
and condemned to suffer death. Two copies. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXXVI., Nos. 61, 61. I., II., III., IV., V., also
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 61–80,] |
May 3.
Jamaica. |
917. Governor Lord Vaughan to Sir Robert Southwell. Wrote
by His Majesty's frigate Foresight that sailed three weeks since
all that had occurred, and ordered Captain (Davis) to put the map
of the island into his hands. Hopes the sight of his letter and map
will abundantly satisfy their Lordships in all they have desired to
know of this place and government. "Rec. 3 July 1676, by Capt.
Jos. Knapman, Commander of the St. Thomas." 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 62.] |
| May 5. |
918. Jacob Binckes, Commander of the Dutch Squadron, to.—.Arrived in the river of Cayana 4th May, and on the
French Governor, the Chevalier Delesy, refusing to surrender they
attacked the enemy and obliged them to desire quarter, which was
given. Thirty-seven cannon in the fort. The sugar that grows is
as good as Brazil, and for the goodness of the land it excels
Surinam. There are 16 great plantations with sugar mills, and
above 100 lesser plantations of indigo, cotton, and ginger, and room
enough for more than 100 sugar mills. Had four killed and
72 wounded, being 1,047 men in all. 2 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXVI., No. 63.] |
May. 10.
Henrico County [Virginia]. |
919. Proclamation of Governor Sir William Berkeley, addressed
to the Sheriff of Rappahannock county. Setting forth his reasons
for dissolving the present Grand Assembly, and requiring him to
cause two of the most sage and best experienced and most understanding persons to be elected Burgesses of said county to meet the
Governor and Council of State at James' city on 5th June next.
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 64.] |
May 13.
[Virginia]. |
920. Colonel William Travers to Giles Cale. The Governor is
at the falls of James River, daily expecting the enemy. He has
writ to Colonel Goodrich and Captain Hawkins to raise what force
they can to destroy those barbarous Indians. The Governor
understands it is the Susquehannahs that have done us the mischief,
but does not speak at all of the "Portobaccoes," which makes
Colonel Travers think he has not been rightly informed. |
|
N.B.—This is written on the third page of the sheet, upon which
preceding proclamation has been copied; on the fourth page is
written: "This comes this post from Mr. Cale, Postmaster in
Bristol, to Mr. Gardner, for your Honor, Ja. Hock (?)." [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXVI., No. 65.] |
| ? May. |
921. Petition of your poor distressed subjects in the upper parts
of James River in Virginia to Governor Sir William Berkeley.
That the Indians have already most barbarously and inhumanly
taken and murdered several of their brethren, and put them to most
cruel torture by burning them alive; that they are in daily danger
of losing their lives, and are afraid of going about their domestic
affairs. Request they may be granted a commission to make
choice of commission officers, to lead this party now ready to take
arms in defence of their lives and estates, not that petitioners
desire to make any disturbance or put the country to any charge.
Implore the Governor's speedy answer, as the Indians daily
approach nearer to their habitations. Endorsed, "Petition presented to the Governor per Jordans." 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXVI., No. 66.] [This is the petition which, ignored by
Governor Berkeley, most probably led to Bacon's rebellion.] |
| ? May. |
922. Relation of John Bland. That he settled two of his
brothers in Virginia, and supplied them to the value of 10,000l.,
expecting proportionable returns, but both dying, and one leaving a
widow, he sent over his only son Giles to take care of the considerable estate left and settle things on his behalf. On his arrival his
son did his best to accommodate the whole affair with his aunt,
and going to the house of Thomas Ludwell in company with Sir
Henry Chicheley after they had drank plentifully there happened
a discourse in which Giles Bland thought Ludwell's speech too
severe in relation to his father, and told Ludwell's that he dealt basely
and unworthily to cast such aspersions upon his father and himself,
and being transported with passion upon "further exchange of
language" came to blows, and exchanged gloves to meet in the
morning. His son slept not all night, and continuing hot headed,
hastened to the place appointed, where, missing Ludwell, he nailed
the glove on the door of the Grand Assembly [house] writing some
words under it. Ludwell more wisely sought reparation before the
Governor and Council, where Giles Bland was ordered to ask
forgiveness which he performed, and the Court fined him 500l. for
his abuse done to the Assembly, the payment to be suspended for
two years to enable him to supplicate his Majesty to remit the same,
it being intended rather to deter him from the like rash actions in
time to come, than to ruin him for what he had unadvisedly
committed. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 67.] |
| Virginia. |
923. Remonstrance of John Bland of London, merchant, on
behalf of the inhabitants and planters in Virginia and Maryland, to
the King, setting forth their grievances caused by the passing of the
late Act for increase of trade and shipping wherein the Hollanders
are debarred from trading with them, and arguing at great length
on the inevitable destruction to those plantations if the Act remain
in force and the advantages to their commerce and the King's
revenue if it be repealed. 4 pp. Printed. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XXXVI., No. 68.] |
|
[This most probably belongs to the year 1663, and should have
been abstracted in a previous volume of this calendar.] |
May 18.
Council Chamber, Whitehall. |
924. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr.
Cranfield gave account of his proceedings upon his Majesty's
commission and instructions of 28th March 1675 [see ante,
Nos. 487–492], for the bringing of his Majesty's subjects from
Surinam, and he presented a narrative to the like effect which was
read. Ordered that he give in a memorial of Simpson's case who
Cranfieldsaid had behaved ill at Surinam. Secretary Williamson
to be asked what effect his Majesty's last orders had in Holland for
demanding the jews detained in that Colony [see ante, No. 818].
He answered that the Hollanders denied the jews were his Majesty's
subjects or free citizens. Cranfield prays their Lordships to give
him some testimony of their approbation to his Majesty. Agreed to
meet on Monday to proceed with Cranfield's business touching his
orders to visit other parts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIV., pp. 117,
118.] |
|
925. Abstract of the laws and statutes made by John Lord
Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica, with his Majesty's Council and the
Assembly of Freeholders there, which assembly was begun 26th
day of April 1675. For the titles of these forty-five Acts, see ante,
No. 538. Endorsed by Williamson "June 1676." 29 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 69.] |
| May 18 to June 22. |
926. "Minutes of the Laws of Jamaica." A transcript of all the
entries in the "Journal" in the preeding Abstract with certain
alterations. In the Act for the better maintenance of the Ministry,
the justices and vestrymen are authorised to raise the constant
salary for their support and not under, which words the Lords
think should be left out. That said justices and vestrymen may not
seem to have an unlimited and arbitrary power of taxing the people
on this account, but this minute is to be "left out." In the Act for
the perpetual anniversary thanksgiving on the 10th May for the
happy success and conquest made and obtained in his Majesty's
island of Jamaica, the Lords agree to report to his Majesty that
this Act be laid aside and the solemnity be discontinued as too much
reflecting upon the circumstances of those times and of that conquest
which rather seemed to have been made in opposition to his
Majesty. In the Act for regulating the fees of the several offices,
the Lords order that Sir Thomas Lynch be spoken to concerning the
Marshall's fee of 2l. 10s. 0d. for executing persons which seems to
be too great, but he informed their Lordships that the Marshall was
at great charges in hiring an executioner and burying the person so
"the fee agreed." As to the securities given by these patent officers,
their Lordships agreed to lay the whole matter before his Majesty,
but this paragraph has been struck out. In the Act for prevention
of damages by fire, if any servant or slave smoke tobacco or carry
firebrands within twenty feet of any cane piece they shall be
punished by whipping or otherwise altered to whipping or other
corporal punishment not extending to life or member unless done
wilfully. In margin: Q. What law if it be done wilfully?
"Mr. Attorney to consider" an Act for Naturalization. Mem.—Sir
Thomas Lynch was, according to their Lordships' order, present at
the reading of these Acts. Also "Heads of the Minutes relating to
the laws of Jamaica" or Abstract of what their Lordships agreed
to represent to his Majesty respecting the alterations and amendments to said Acts. 20 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 70.] |
| May 18 to June 22. |
927. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. The
Lords do now take in hand the laws of Jamaica transmitted by
Governor Lord Vaughan to Secretary Coventry ("all which laws
are bound up in a particular Book," see ante No. 538). And their
Lordships appoint a day on purpose for their perusal in order to
prepare them for his Majesty's confirmation. The first and second
read. Mem.—That Sir Thomas Lynch was by their Lordship's order
present at the reading of these laws to satisfy their Lordships in
the difficulties which might arise, and is to attend for the future
from time to time. |
| May 22. |
Their Lordships proceed to the perusal of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
and 7th laws of Jamaica and make sundry amendments. At the
reading of the law touching foreign debts, their Lordships intend
to take notice of two caveats brought in against it by Sir James
Edwards and Sir Arthur Ingram [see No. 930]. Sir Thomas Lynch
gave the Lords "several informations" relating to the constitution
of the Island. |
| May 25. |
Their Lordships take in hands the laws of Jamaica, and make
certain amendments in the Act for the better maintenance of the
Ministry. |
| May 30. |
The Lords begin with the laws of Jamaica, and the Act for the
good governing of Christian servants is read; their Lordships are
not pleased with the word Servitude, being a mark of bondage and
slavery, and think fit rather to use the word Service since these
servants are only apprentices for years. They very much approve
of this regulation for governing of servants, and order that enquiry
be made whether this or the like law be in force in all other his
Majesty's Colonies as being very necessary for the prevention of
spiriting away children. |
| June 1. |
Their Lordships proceed with the perusal of the laws of Jamaica
and make several amendments, but observe that when any alterations are made by his Majesty in the laws transmitted they are
to be approved of by the Governor, Council, and Assembly there
without re-enacting and sending them back for his Majesty's
approbation again. |
| June 7. |
The law for settling the Militia read and amendments made. |
| June 8. |
Their Lordships again consider the laws of Jamaica, and on
reading the Act for regulating the fees of the several offices, order
that Sir Thomas Lynch be spoken to concerning the fee for executing persons, which seems to be too great, and further amendments
are made in this Act and in others read at this meeting. The
Lords will likewise propose to his Majesty that after his Majesty
has given his assent to these or any other laws of Jamaica, it may
yet remain in his Majesty's power to alter or revoke them at his
pleasure since a perpetuity in some of them would be inconvenient
and their liberty is only fit for encouragement. |
| June 12. |
An Act for confirming divers Orders in Council is read and
amendments made. |
| June 15. |
Their Lordships consider several laws of Jamaica and make
sundry amendments. |
| June 19. |
The Lords "enter upon the laws of Jamaica," read several, and
make amendments. |
| June 22. |
Their Lordships proceed to the laws of Jamaica, several of which
are read and amendments made, and their Lordships order search
to be made whether the Governor be empowered by his Commissioner to appoint the Judges of the Island. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CIV., pp;. 118–122, 124, 126, 127, 131, 133–136, 139, 140,
144, 145, 149.] |
May 18.
Boston. |
928. Unsigned letter to [blank]. The hand of God has
been heavy on the land, more especially upon this town. The
sword prevails abroad and sickness at home. We have heard that
Plymouth, Deauxborough, and Bridgwater, are great part destroyed,
and that Captain Bradford and his son are both slain; all communication between this and that land obstructed, so that there is
room for hope that matters are not so bad as reported, but hitherto
they have commonly proved worse. Some few captives escaped
and others redeemed since he went hence. [In margin, 9th May.]
The enemy instead of peace propound only a truce for a month
with this, but not with Plymouth colony. The General Court still
sit, they have weighty concernments before them, the Lord help
them. Mr. Russell, the Magistrate and Country Treasurer, is dead;
few families in town or country but have some dead or sick in
them. Captain Gookin is made Mayor of Middlesex. From
Hadley we hear that the Maquaes have fallen on the enemy and
slain 79 from the eastward that many are cut off by the Maquaes.
The sickness is among the enemy and some report the small-pox
which is very fatal to them. Endorsed by Secretary Williamson,
"10m. about Stratton in Bedfordshire." 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXVI., No. 71.] |
| May 18. |
929. Minutes of the Council of Antigua. Present: Governor
Sir William Stapleton, Lieutenant-Colonel Rowland Williams,
Deputy Governor, and others. That the Act for establishing the
towns be put in force; the Act for the import of liquors received
(revived ?), and the advantage thereof redound to the only use of
the country; that for the better settlement of lands every one keep
one white servant to every 10 slaves; that the fort and gaol of
St. John's be forthwith gone about; that all soldiers listed in any
company continue therein without (unless by) permission from the
Governor or their Captain; that the Act for ordering the Militia
be duly put in execution, and the Captain fined if they have not
within 12 months, partizans, drums, colours, and halberds; that the
Articles of War customary in other islands under his Excellency's
command be put in execution here; and that the Surveyors of the
highways be duly punished for their negligencies. 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXV., No. 55*.] |
| [May 22.] |
930. Mem.—In relation to the "Act against suing persons for foreign debts ["within five years after their arrival,"
see ante, No. 538, Act 42], the following papers were presented
[to the Lords of Trade and Plantations] by Sir Arthur Ingram, once
Governor of the Canary Company, and Sir John Edwards, Deputy
Governor of the East India Company, on 22nd May. Geo. Needham of Jamaica did acknowledge a judgment in said Island on
6th January 1668[–69] for 640l. for account of Sir Arthur Ingram,
and "after a multitude of other tricks to avoid the payment" now
pretends to shelter himself under above Act of said Assembly;
brought over amongst others by Sir Thomas Lynch for his Majesty's
confirmation. It being so unreasonable that said Needham should
be protected by said Act from a judgment acknowledged many
years before said Act was made, Sir Arthur prays that said Act
may not be confirmed by his Majesty, but made null that all
his Majesty's loyal subjects may have equal justice in said Island,
or that if it pass it may be with a proviso not to extend to the
protection of said Needham from satisfying what he justly owes to
said Sir Arthur Ingram. |
|
Petition of Sir Arthur Ingram to Lords of Plantations. Setting
forth the above-mentioned statement of his case and praying their
Lordships' favour that if said Act be confirmed it shall not extend
to the protection of said Needham. |
|
Sir James Edward's case. That John Lewis is indebted to him
by bonds which he had exemplified in 1671, but Lewis now pleads
the five years Act. Humbly conceives the design of said Act was
to encourage new planters by giving them reasonable time to
enable them to pay their debts, and not to shelter those that are
able and have been more than double that time there from the
lawful prosecution of their creditors. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI.,
Nos. 72, 73; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 88, 153–157.] |
| May 26. |
931. Chas. Bertie to Sir Robert Southwell. The Lord Treasurer
desires him to send copy of oath agreed on in Council to be
administered to Governors of Plantations, respecting the laws
relating to trade and customs. If a warrant be issued to arrest
Rawlins for forging certificates. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI.,
No. 74.] |
May 30.
Council Chamber. |
932. Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to the
King. Having taken account from Mr. Cranfield how he has
executed his Majesty's late commission, find by a particular narrative of all his proceedings that he has conveyed from Surinam to
Jamaica 250 of his Majesty's subjects, all whites, and 981 slaves;
that he adjusted all differences in accounts, and brought them off as
much savers as could possibly be expected, leaving very few or
none unless some Jews, whose coming away the Governor ob
structed, and for whom his Majesty has since interposed to the
States General. That this number of his Majesty's subjects and
slaves being conducted to Jamaica has been of considerable
advantage to that Island, as certified by the Governor, who
afforded them all the accommodations His Majesty directed.
That Cranfield used his best endeavour to view his Majesty's other
plantations as instructed; but wanting conveyance of transport,
could only apply his observations to Jamaica, where he has given a
general narrative such as the time of his continuance could afford.
He alleges he has spent 100l. beyond his Majesty's allowance, which
they suppose may be true. Presume to signify that he has in all
points discharged himself with fidelity and success, and to recommend
him to his Majesty's favour. 2 pp. Annexed,— |
|
932. i. Edward Cranfield's Narrative of proceedings upon his
Majesty commission and instructions of 28th March 1675
for the bringing of his subjects from Surinam. "Read to
the Lords of the Committee 18th May 1676." 27 pp.
see ante, No. 683. |
|
932. ii. Minute of the Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Having this day taken into consideration Mr. Cranfield's
"Narrative," direct that Secretary Williamson be asked
what effect his Majesty's late Orders in Council have had
for demanding from the States of Holland those of the
Jewish nation who are detained in Surinam contrary to
the late Treaty. To another copy of this Minute is the
"Mem.—Mr. Secretary returned for answer that the
"Hollanders did deny that the Jews were his Majesty's
"subjects or free denizens." Council Chamber, Whitehall,
1676, May 18. Together, 2 pp. |
|
932. iii. List of "Orders and Despatches from the States in the
matter of Surinam," with duplicates of all the papers
in said list from 1675, January 8/18 to March 2/12
calendared under their respective dates, see ante, Nos. 408–410, 416, 417, 422, 454. Together, 20 pp. |
|
932. iv. Reasons presented by Cranfield and read why he could
not see any of the Leeward Islands. 1676, May 30.
[Col. Cal., Vol. XXXVI., Nos. 75, 75 i., ii., iii., iv.] |
| May 30. |
933. Copies of the Minute and Report of the Lords of Trade
and Plantations in the preceeding abstracts, also Order of the
King in Council. On said report of how Edward Cranfield had discharged the trust reposed in him by his Majesty's commission for
the removal of his subjects from Surinam, declaring his Majesty's
entire satisfaction, and that Cranfield had acquitted himself very
well and should not want marks of royal favour. Whitehall, 1677,
January 21. Also Copy of Reasons presented by Cranfield why he
could not see any of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXVIII., 166–171.] |
May 30.
Council Chamber, Whitehall. |
934. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. On reading
petition of Sarah Bland in behalf of her son Giles in Virginia,
referred to their Lordships by his Majesty 22nd April [see ante
No. 897] ordered that the agents of Virginia have copy of said petition
and attend on Tuesday next. Cranfield attends, and his reasons for
not visiting other parts of the West Indies are read, as likewise his
observations on the present state of Jamaica. Ordered that inquiry
be made by what authority Judges and Justices of the Peace receive
their commissions under the seal of the Governor, also by what
warrant the chancery is established. Their Lordships note that no
blacks are permitted to bear arms. Cranfield ordered to give account
of pepper and other East India trees once said to be planted in
Jamaica, and Sir John Griffith to be spoken with on this subject.
Cranfield reported that while in those parts seventeen sail of New
England ships with logwood were bound to France whence they
bring the commodities of that place to sell in the West Indies. The
officers in Jamaica to keep an account of imports and exports.
Cranfield having given up all his papers and a full account of all
things passed in the execution of his commission, their Lordships
remain satisfied with his behaviour, and agree to report to his
Majesty their opinion that he hath been faithful in the discharge
of his duty and has expended above 100l. on extraordinary occasions. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 76; also Col. Entry Bks.,
Vol. CIV., pp. 124, 125, and Vol. XXIX., p. 52.] |
May 31.
Whitehall. |
935. Order of the King in Council. That the Lord High
Chancellor of England do forbear putting the Great Seal of the
Patent concerning Virginia notwithstanding the late order of 19th
April last [see ante, No. 892.] [Col. Entry Bks., Vols. LXXX., p. 56,
and Vol. XCVI., p. 74.] |
| May. |
936. "A description of the fight between the English and the
Indians in May 1676, Nathaniel Bacon being their General and the
number of his men 211." What we did was to destroy the king
of the Susquehannahs, the king of Oconogee, and the Manakin
King with 100 men besides what died. Took prisoner the King's
daughter with some others, but regarded not the advantage of
prisoners or plunder, but burnt and destroyed all, and what is
most material have left all nations where they have been in civil
war. 2¼ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXVI., No. 77.] |
| May ? |
937. Complaint from Heaven with a hue and cry and a petition
out of Virginia and Maryland to King Charles II. and his Parliament, addressed to the lord mayor, aldermen, citizens, and merchants
of London. (This was erroneously assigned to the year 1662 ? see
No. 404 in a previous volume of this Calendar.) The original
cause of late and former distractions the Barklian and Baltemore
party "the platform is Pope Jesuit determined to overturn England
with fire, sword, and distractions within themselves and by the
Maryland papists to drive us Protestants to purgatory within
ourselves with the help of the French spirits from Canada." Old
Governor Berkeley altered, by marrying a young wife, from his
wonted public good to a "covetous foolage." Account of wars with
the Indians and complaints of the proceedings of the Lords Proprietors of Maryland. 12 pp. closely written. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXVI., No. 78.] |
May—Oct.
St. Christopher. |
938. Five Acts passed in the Island of St. Christopher's, viz: 1.
An Act for regulating the prices of strong drink in detail, 19th May.
2. An Act for the levying of twenty-five lbs. of sugar upon all white
persons, and fifty lbs. of sugar upon all the slaves within his
Majesty's part of this Island, 31st May. 3. An Act prohibiting
entertaining of aliens, &c., 9th October. 4. An Act for the erecting
a fort on Cleversly Hill on this Island, 17th October. 5. An Act
for the regulating the weights and measures in his Majesty's part of
this Island, and to prevent the bringing of unsound provisions in
the same, 21st October 1676. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. L., pp. 11–16.] |
