America and West Indies: December 1674

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 7, 1669-1674. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

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'America and West Indies: December 1674', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 7, 1669-1674, (London, 1889) pp. 626-635. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol7/pp626-635 [accessed 24 April 2024]

December 1674

Dec. 1–2 1395. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Names of the Assembly elected, viz., for St. Michael's, Cols. Wm. Bate, and Richd. Guy; Christchurch, Nathaniel Kingsland and Richd. Scawell; St. James's, Edward Littleton and James Walwyn; St. Peter's All Saints', Col. Richd. Bayley and Sir Wm. Yeamans, Bart.; St. Lucy's, Majr. Saml. Tidcomb and John Maddocke; St. Joseph's, William Sharpe and Edward Binney; St. John's, Henry Walrond, junr., and Christopher Codrington; St. Thomas's, James Carter and John Davis; St. Philip's, James Fauntleroy and Richard Pococke; St. Andrew's, Thomas Lake and John Gibbs; St. George's, Henry Odiarn, and Rowland Buckley.
Dec. 2. The Assembly attended and Mr. Speaker delivered two papers containing votes for presenting his Excellency with 200,000lbs. sugar, and discharging the duty on 10 pipes of wine for his Excellency's use; which were agreed to by his Excellency and Council. Three papers delivered by Mr. Speaker, viz., for payment of mattrosses, for discharge of duty on Sir William Poole's wine, and for nominating a committee to inspect the Acts concerning the Act of Militia. Four of the Council nominated to meet those nominated by the Assembly to inspect the Act of Militia. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., 281–284.]
Dec. 1–2.
Barbadoes.
1396. Journals of the Assembly of Barbadoes, elected by virtue of a writ form Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins. List of members returned for the several parishes (see No. 1395), who met at the house of Paul Gwynn in St. Michael's Town, and every member giving in a paper with the name for speaker, Col. Codrington was chosen and presented to his Excellency. John Higinbotham was chosen clerk, and Joseph Withers Marshal. Adjourned till tomorrow after dining with his Excellency.
Dec. 2.—The oaths taken by the members, the Clerk, and Marshal. Text of same rules and orders for governing the Assembly in their proceedings, Fines of 1s. to 10s. for not attending to the Speaker's hammer for silence, not addressing the Speaker, interruption, speaking to things not in debate, and using reviling language; a member not present at the hour of adjournment or within a quarter after, to pay 2s. and if absenting himself during a sitting without leave of the Speaker, to pay for every half hour 2s. Ordered that 200,000 lbs. sugar be presented to Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to express the Island's welcome, and assist him in settling himself and family; that 10 pipes of wine landed for his Excellency's own use, pay no duty or excise; and that the excise due on 30 pipes of Madeira wine belonging to Sir William Poole, and brought in H.M.S. St. David, be presented to his Excellency, to be disposed of as to him shall seem meet. Ordered by the Governor, Council, and Assembly, that the Treasurer pay out of the excise on liquors imported, to the gunner, mate, and matrosses of Charles Fort, 34,060 lbs. sugar, their salary from 25 Aug. 1673 to 25 Sept. 1674. His Excellency's speech yesterday to the Assembly, and sent this day in writing. Refers to the great clamour in England of the injustice of the Island to their creditors; recommends that the multiplicity of Courts be considered, that treble damages be paid as in England to those injured by dilatory pleas, and that bills and bonds be Bench actions as formerly; the King's particular commands to the Governor, to endeavour to prevail with the Assembly, that the 80 days' delay after judgments be not allowed, that the way of appraisement be abolished and estates and goods of debtors sold by inch of candle, and that the prison be repaired, or a new one built. Confesses his astonishment that so honorable an Assembly should have no house to meet in but a Public Tavern, or a place for the Governor to put his head in, though he found himself not destitute, for which he gives them many thanks. Six of the Assembly nominated, together with such of the Council as shall be appointed, a Committee to consider the defects in the Act of Militia, and prepare amendments against next sitting of the Assembly. Names of the members of the Council appointed for said Committee. The House adjourned to the second Tuesday in Jan. next. 10 1/2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XIII., 125–135.]
Dec. 2. 1397. State of the differences in the several Provinces of New England. The Council for New England established in 1620, was framed as an expedient for the convenient deriving from them certain grants, of which 20 were made. Amongst others one dated 9 March 1620 to Cap t. John Mason, of Cape Ann, one dated 1628 to Rosewell and others of the Massachusetts, in 1629 grants to Ferdinando Gorges and Capt. John Mason of Hampshire and Maine confirmed in 1634. In 1652 the Massachusetts, being of the greatest strength, their numbers having been improved by collections in England to the amount of 6,000l., and encouraged by Frost and Hugh Peters, invaded Hampshire and Maine, pretending that their line and limits led them into those Provinces. It is answered that Capt. Mason in 1620 had a prior grant to the Massachusetts, and that the bounds of Gorges and Mason's grants in 1629 were exclusive to the Massachusetts according to the maps then used. The Massachusetts, though affecting an universal authority, will allow the Proprietors, if they had their right to the Massachusetts power, to have free disposing of the land. Endorsed, Mr. Povey, 2 Dec. 1674. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 81.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
1398. Instructions for John Lord Vaughan, Capt.-General and Governor-in-chief of Jamaica. Similar to those for the Earl of Carlisle of 23 March, 1674 (see ante, No. 1252), but with three additional Articles, viz., Art. 31. To take care that there be no trading within the Charter of the Royal African Company. Art. 50. That the offices granted under the Great Seal be freely enjoyed by the Patentees or their Deputies, and in case of misbehaviour, only to suspend during the King's pleasure. Art. 51. To receive kindly the King's subjects from Surinam, furnishing them with provisions, and granting them twice the usual quantity of land. There are also slight alterations in Art. 17, 18, and 28. With two marginal columns containing a short abstract, and also an abridgement of each of the 51 Articles. 12 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI, No. 82.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
1399. Copy of the preceding, with the alterations and additions above referred to, written out on a separate page. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 83.]
1400. Three copies of the above instructions, two of which are dated 18 May 1674, with note that the added Articles were dated 3 Dec. 1674, see his Commission, No. 1259. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XXIX., 12–27, Vol. XCIII, 92–98, and Vol. XCV., 11–27.]
Dec. 4.
Villiers House.
1401. Address of the Council for Plantations to the King. On perusal of the Extract of the Resolution of the States General of 5/15th November last [see ante No. 1377 I.] concerning their orders to the Governor of Surinam, advise that his Majesty's Minister in Holland have order to demand; (1.) That the orders to the Governor be express that the person his Majesty sends may have liberty to go on shore and converse freely with his Majesty's subjects there concerning the provision made for their transporation; and (2.) That the Clause in said Extract about not diverting those willing to remain there, be either wholly omitted, or explained so that it may be understood that his Majesty has a right to send anyone freely to discourse with his subjects on the provisions made for their removal, &c., with other like inducements to their departure; forasmuch as the like clause in the former despatches was made use of by the Governor, to render his Majesty's sending of Major Banister ineffectual: besides there is not in the 5th Article (as they insinuate) the least pretence for such restraint, but quite the contrary. 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 84.] See also copy with Mem. Dđ. to Mr. Sec. Williamson the same day. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVII., 71.]
Dec. 4. 1402. Commission from the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Appointing John Richards Treasurer and Agent in matters relating to their joint carrying on that Plantation, with authority to receive debts due upon that account, and particularly to take the accounts of their late Treasurer and Agent, Peter Jones, deceased, and receive from his executors or administrators all books and papers belonging to the Lords Proprietors, with the salary of 20l. per annum: Signed by Shaftesbury, Jo. Berkeley, Craven, and G. Carteret. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 102.]
Dec. 11/21.
Hague.
1403. Sir Wm. Temple to [Sec. Lord Arlington]. The States General and himself fell upon the several heads transmitted by the Commissioners for Plantations on the affair of Surinam [see ante, No. 1367]. Obtained in the first place that new orders be sent to the Governor of Surinam by the Advice yacht, containing the very words of the last paper, with the addition only of using no threats to such as desire to stay. In the next place gained the consent of all the Deputies, excepting of Zealand, that his Majesty should send a man-of-war to convoy the flyboats; and though that Deputy would not consent, he gave reasons that the thing would be yielded to. Then they would have entered into greater complaints of Major Banister, but he cut them off as no part of his business. As to the 2nd Article of the Orders desired for the Commissioners, it was added that the ships riding and removing should be with communication to and not with consent of their Governor; on the 3rd Article that provisions might be bought at the usual rates, the words were added "en telle quantité que cela n'incommoderoit pas la Colonie; "the 12th Article was agreed to be reciprocal and all the rest were agreed to, except the 6th to 10th, on which Pensionary Fagel was peremptory that they could not possibly be agreed to, not only because there was no ground for them in the Article of the last Treaty, but because the States had not the power to alter the course of judicature or to force any man to accept another creditor than he to whom his money had been lent, nor to force him to accept lands or houses in payment of money lent, but they offered that in buying and selling, &c., his Majesty's subjects should have the same privileges with the rest of the inhabitants, and to order Commissioners to assist those of his Majesty in disposing the parties concerned to adjust such debts by exchange, or by taking satisfaction in lands or goods. In this they were immovable; told them he could not accept what they offered, and had nothing to do but to represent it to his Majesty. Meantime is assured that the Orders for the Advice yacht will be in his hands before the closing of this packet. Indorsed by John Locke, "Surynam." Received 17th December, Read 18th December 1674. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 85.]
Dec. 11/21.
The Hague.
1404. The States General of the United Provinces to the Governor of Surinam. Have taken Resolution upon what has this day been represented in their Assembly concerning Surinam, the person the King of Great Britain sends thither, and the departure of the English thence, according to which he is to comport himself without failing in the least, viz.:—Resolved, that the Governor of Surinam be again writ to, to suffer the person, whom his Majesty of Great Britain sends with the Advice yacht, freely to come on shore and acquaint his Majesty's subjects there with the time and conveniences his Majesty has appointed for their transportation; provided that he use no threats towards such as shall desire to remain there; and that an extract hereof be sent to the States of Zealand or to the Lords of their Council. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 125–126.]
Dec. 11/21.
The Hague.
1405. The same to the States of Zealand or their Council. Have taken Resolution (see above) on what has been this day represented in their Assembly concerning Surinam, and the person the King of Great Britain sends thither, and the departure of the English thence; which is sent for their necessary information. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 126.]
Dec. 11/21.
The Hague.
1406. Copies of preceding Resolution. Dutch and English translation. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., Nos. 86, 87.]
Dec. 15.
Whitehall.
1407. Sec. Sir Joseph Williamson to Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes. Humbly thanks him for his of 17–27th Sept. from Madeira. Hopes he is safe settled in his station, and asks his commands if in anything he may be serviceable. One of his secretaries, Mr. Benson or Yard, shall regularly furnish him with extracts of all that passes here; and in return begs to hear from him as to the state of that place, more for the King's service, and the good of the Colony than for curiosity. [Col. Entry Bk., No. No. XCIII., fo. 123.]
Dec. 16. 1408. Memorials from two books, one covered with vellum, the other with blue paper, lent by Lord Gorges, 16 December 1674, being from 1631–1633. In the book covered with blue paper it is observable that in the 4th line of the first folio it is said "5 English miles and so by an imaginary line up into the Maine North to the bounds of a Plantation. p. 9. One Humphreys, in 1632, complains to the Council meeting at Warwick House for not permitting ships and passengers for the Massachusetts Bay without a license, to which they were free not only by a patent granted by the President and Council of New England but by a patent of confirmation from the King, which the Council desiring to see it was answered that it was in New England, that it had been often writ for but not yet come. p. 11. June 1, 1632. The names of the Council were but 21, whereas by the patent there should be 40, 19 of the number being dead, they therefore in Council desired their members to incite others to come in. The E. of Warwick was desired to direct a course for finding out what patents had been granted for New England. p. 12. Nov. 1632. That a conveyancer be sent over to hear and determine all differences, relieve grievances, if not, to certify to the President and Council here in whom the fault is. p. 14. Commissioners made by the King to examine abuses in New England. p. 18. On 18 April 1634 leases for 3,000 years were made of the several divisions, on 10 April deeds of feoffment were made to them. p. 19. A Petition to the King to accept a surrender of their grand patent and to grant confirmations of every particular grant.p. 20. A declaration of the King's pleasure to establish a general government in New England. 25 April 1635. p. 25. An Instrument for the resignation of the great charter of New England. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI, No. 88.]
Dec. 17. 1409. Address of the Council for Plantations to the King. The Council of Barbadoes having sent notice that 11 Indians have been lately brought thither, as they judge by force, from the River of Amacoura in Guiana; they advise that orders be sent to the Governor and Council of Barbadoes that they be sent home to the place whence they were taken by the first convenient opportunity, and meantime be kindly used, and that they take occasion to gain the goodwill of the neighbour Indians to his Majesty's subjects, who have lately found by their assistance to the French, of what consequence their friendship is. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV., 105.]
Dec. 18.
Whitehall.
1410. Sec. Sir Joseph Williamson to Lord Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica. Finding his Lordship still in the Downs, takes leave to make his excuse for not wishing him a good voyage and receiving his commands before his departure. Takes leave to recommend to his favour and protection Mr. Beckford, the Secretary of the Island, who is related to some very good friends of Williamson's in town. There is a suspicion that one Sierra, a kind of a Spaniard by birth, late servant to the Baron de Vic, having robbed his master to a considerable value, has sheltered himself in the Jamaica fleet; if so his Lordship is prayed to have him found out and sent back in custody. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 124.]
Dec. 18.
Whitehall.
1411. Sec. Sir Joseph Williamson to Mr. Beckford, Secretary of Jamaica. Takes this opportunity, on the encouragement of his good friend Mr. Beckford, to begin a small commerce with him, which may be for the good of the Island and his Majesty's service, and for his own advantage, to which Sir Joseph will contribute in anything within his power. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII.. fo. 124.]
Dec. 21.
Westminster.
1412. Commission revoking and determining a Commission of Sept. 27, 24 Car. II. (1672), appointing Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury and others a standing Council for affairs relating to Trade and Foreign Plantations, and appointing Benjamin Worsley, Secretary to the said Council, and others concerned, to deliver all books, papers, or writings relating to said Commission to the Clerk of the Privy Council. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIV., p. 1.]
Dec. 22.
Villiers House.
1413. "Instructions for our trusty and welbeloved." As soon as wind and weather permit to sail for Surinam. To give notice to the Governor of his arrival and deliver the States letter and acquaint him with his commission and demand liberty to come ashore and speak with any of his Majesty's subjects. To acquaint as many of his Majesty's subjects as he can that his Majesty is sending two other great flyboats with a frigate for their guard, wherein they may transport themselves, families, estates, slaves, and utensils freight free to England or to any of his Majesty's Plantations wheresoever they shall desire to settle. That his Majesty has commanded his respective Governors to set them out by the head double the quantity of land allowed to other planters, and to take care that they be furnished with provisions and other necessaries at a moderate rate, till they can produce them themselves. That he is sent to give them notice that they may be ready to embark on the arrival of the flyboats, and particularly that they may disentangle themselves from all debts and other hindrances to their removal. To inquire whether there be any public laws or private contrivance to discourage any of them from removing, and therewith to acquaint the Commissioners as soon as they arrive, and inform them in what money or goods creditors are compellable to receive their debts. To stay in the river till the arrival of the other ships, and follow the orders of the Commissioners, and to do what else he judges necessary for this service, and shall not be repugnant to his commission and instructions. In the handwriting of John, Locke. Endorsed by Williamson "Instructions for the Advice a vessel." 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI, No. 89.]
Dec. 22. 1414. Copy of preceding. Signed by Thos. Culpeper, Vice President, and five others of the Council for Plantations. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI, No. 90.]
Dec. 22. 1415. Another copy of the above with Mem., That this draft was left the same day, by Mr. Locke, sealed up at Mr. Sec. Williamson's office with Mr. Yard, one of the clerks there. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVII., 72–73.]
Dec. 22.
Villiers House.
1416. Address of the Council for Plantations to the King. Mr. Sec. Williamson having communicated to them a letter from Sir Wm. Temple signifying that the States General have accorded that orders be sent to the Governor of Surinam agreeable to his Majesty's desires in all material points, except Articles 6 to 10, which relate only to clearing his Majesty's subjects who are in debt, in which very few, they are informed, are like to be concerned, offer as their opinion and humble advice, That his Majesty's minister in Holland be directed to accept said orders as already accorded, rather than expect concessions, which (if after some time they should be obtained) would not countervail the inconvenience of disordering his Majesty's preparations and causing the ships to arrive at an incommodious season. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 91.] See also copy with Mem. Dđ to Mr. Sec. Williamson the same day. 1 p. Col. Entry Bk., LXXVII., 74.]
Dec. 22.
Derby House.
1417. Saml. Pepys to Sec. Williamson. In answer to his commands of this morning;—The flyboat designed for carrying letters of advice to Surinam is the Henry and Sarah, John Baker, master; the two hired ships which are to follow are, the America, Roger Packston, master, and Hercules, Simon Orton, master; the King's ship that conveys them is the Hunter, Capt. Richd. Dickinson, commander. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI, No. 92.]
Dec. 22. 1418. Order of the Council for Trade and Plantations. That John Locke, Esq., Treasurer, pay to the Duchess of. Cleveland, 250l. for a year and a quarter's rent of Villiers House. [Col. Entry. Bk., No. XCIV., p. 120.]
Dec. 22. 1419. Similar order. That John Locke, Esq., Treasurer, pay himself 100l. for his pains and charges in that service up to date. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV, p. 121.]
1420. Petition of Ferdinando Gorges to the King and Council. Recites a previous petition (see ante, No. 439) and prays his Majesty to put forth his authority, that the few factious persons in Boston may no longer dispute the grants under the great seal, and compel a people well inclined to his Majesty to submit to an arbitrary and dangerous government and combination, to the ill example and hazard of his Majesty's other dominions. Endorsed praying relief for the province of Maine against the Massachusetts. Xmas, 1674. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 93.]
Dec. 30.
Boston.
1421. Benjamin Batten to Sir Joseph Williamson. Is emboldened by the favour he has found at his hands to write from those remote parts in which he chooses to live rather than in England, where his father was better known, his patrimony being unjustly kept by Lord Lionsberg, who married his mother-in-law, and by seizing the ship given by the King to his father had nipped him in his bud. Entreats him to be a means to induce Lord Lionsberg to restore him his right. Had seen the King's warrant of Sept. 29, [see No. 1357] for sending the Expectation, Moline, master, for London; which ship was taken by the Dutch as it was coming into New York from Barbadoes, and afterwards, laden with plundered English and some Dutch goods, was bound for Holland, but putting into one of their ports by stress of weather was seized by some private merchants, the Dutch having left her, and the former master only being left aboard, who pretended all to be his, the ship not being condemned; the ship was brought to a trial, but not determined, and had been sent to Jamaica with Moline in her, of whom no account had been heard; much is pretended on both sides, the ship having been tried at Barbadoes for a Dutchman, and cleared, and having had another trial before; Moline is a Dutchman, but hath his denization from the English. Thinks that the vessel was designed to go safe whether it met English or Dutch: desires his name to be concealed, it not being any interest of his. The seizing of the ship occasioned the difference between them and New York, which proclaimed war and took 7 sail of their small craft. 2 pp. with seal. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI, No. 94.]
Dec. 31.
Carolina.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
1422. Henry Woodward to Earl of Shaftesbury. "A faithful relation of his Westoe voyage, begun from the head of Ashley river the tenth of October and finished the sixth of November following." Received notice from Mr. Percival that strange Indians had arrived at his Lordship's plantation, he immediately went up in the yawl, where he found they were, according to his conjecture, Westoes. Not understanding their speech, and they very desirous Woodward should go along with them, he set forth on the afternoon of Saturday the 10th October. After describing his voyage he came in sight of the Westoe town, alias ye Hickanhaugan, which stands upon the point of a river, undoubtedly the river May. His reception by a concourse, of some hundreds of Indians, dressed up in their antique fighting garb, through the midst of whom he was conducted to their Chieftain's house, which, not being capable to contain the crowd that came to see him, the smaller fry uncovered the top of the house to satisfy their curiosity. The Chief made long speeches, intimating their own strength, and, as Woodward judged, his desire for friendship with us. Description of the town, consisting of many long houses, whose sides and tops are artificially done with bark, and upon the tops of most of them are fastened long poles with, at the ends, the locks of hair of Indians they have slain. They are well provided with arms, ammunition, trading cloth, and other trade from the northward, for which they truck skins, furs, and young Indian slaves. Tarried ten days and viewed the adjacent country. Eight days' journey from Westoe inhabit the Cowatee and Choorakee Indians, with whom the Westoes are at continual war, and 40 miles distant from the town, northward, lies the head of Edistoe River. Two days before Woodward's departure arrived two Savanna Indiana, living 20 days' journey west, southerly. They entreated by signs friendship with the Westoes, and told them the Cussetaws, Cheesaws, and Chiskews were coming to fight them. A young Indian boy was given to Woodward. The Savanna Indians brought Spanish beads and other trade as presents, and were civilly dismissed before Woodward left. Ten Westoes accompanied him in his journey home, and returned the same way, but for good reasons he did not permit them to enter his Lordship's plantation. Endorsed by Locke. 5 pp. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 96]
Dec. 31
Whitehall.
1423. Additional instructions to John Lord Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica. To observe exactly the Articles of the Peace with Spain; his Majesty having been credibly informed that his Catholic Majesty has sent orders to his Governors in America to give commissions to privateers to act hostility upon his Majesty's subjects in the West Indies. Immediately on his arrival at Jamaica to inquire into the truth thereof, and if he find that any such hostilities have been acted by virtue of such commissions, contrary to the late Treaties of Peace, to send to the Governor by whose commissions they have been acted for reparation of damages and punishment upon the offenders, which if denied or unreasonably delayed, in pursuance of the 14th Article of the Treaty of 8/18 July 1670, to give out commissions to privateers sufficient to redress the injury and satisfy those endamaged; and this he may do in behalf of all his Majesty's subjects in the West Indies when so injured. Mem. "That this additional instruction was read in the Council for Foreign Affairs and approved. Dec. ult. 74. Signed H. Coventry." 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCV., 31–32.]
Dec. 31. 1424. Memorial of Sir Wm. Godolphin to the Queen of Spain. Has formerly complained of the barbarous murder of Timothy Stamp, and most of the men in the Humility, Matthew Fox, master, and now with all earnestness demands satisfaction and reparation for same and for the losses sustained. 1674 Dec, (Two copies.) Together 2pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., Nos. 95, 96]