America and West Indies: February 1689

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

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'America and West Indies: February 1689', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692, (London, 1901) pp. 4-11. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp4-11 [accessed 15 April 2024]

February 1689

Jan. 22.
Feb. 1.
Hague.
11. Memorial of Abraham Kick to the Prince of Orange. Congratulations on late successes; followed by a brief eulogy of the people of New England. The Colony had a patent from King James I. which was confirmed by Kings Charles I. and II., but upset by a Quo Warranto under King James II. The Colony stood a trial at Westminster Hall and cast the King, but the King caused it to be brought to a review and by stratagem forced a judgment against the patent, took away their privileges and imposed a Governor and new laws upon them. I am confident that when they hear of your happy success they will appeal to you for restoration of their liberties. Having for many years corresponded with that people, and knowing how much they will suffer unless their present Governor be removed I venture to urge thus early the restoration of their privileges. Signed, Abraham Kick. One large closely written page. Endorsed in Edward Randolph's hand. Transcribed from a printed copy brought from Holland. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 1.]
Feb. 2. 12. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for adjournment of the Provincial Court to the first Tuesday in April. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., p. 209.]
Feb. 6.
St. Christopher.
13. Deputy-Governor Thomas Hill to Lords of Trade and Plantations. A duplicate of the letter of 8th January. Signed, Tho. Hill. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 8 May 89. [America and West Indies, 550, No. 1A, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 397.]
Feb. 7.
London.
14. J. Mackleburne to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. I have received several packets from you, some of which I have delivered and some not, the great revolutions here not admitting of opportunity. I told you of the landing of the Prince of Orange, and the flight of the King and Queen to France. The Convention has declared the throne to be vacant, and we expect the Prince and Princess to be declared King and Queen. Ireland is in a deplorable condition, Lord Tyrconnell has an army of forty thousand Papists, and the Protestants have collected in the north, awaiting the arrival of help from hence. I am very sorry to hear that you have declared yourself a Papist and that persons are therefore making interest with the Prince for your employment, which I doubt will be granted. I have tried to destroy the belief that you are so, but the report is so general and positive that I have reason to fear the worst. God grant your enemies there may not knock you on the head. I am sure your reputation and advantages are much damnified by it, and it is thought that your stay in these parts cannot be long. I have not heard from your friends in Ireland these two months though I have written them many letters. Your last held an enclosure from Paul Keiran, which I delivered; but his thoughts are for something in Admiral Herbert's fleet, with whom he has interest. Pray let me know how matters stand with you, and what measures you think to take if removed. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with a severe comment by Lieutenant-Governor Stede. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 2.]
[Feb.] 15. Father de la Forest to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. I cannot express my thanks for your letters. If I were with you you would know how great is my gratitude to you and to all the Catholics of Barbados; and I wish I could go in the ship which carries this, but Mr. Lynch thinks it safer for me to wait for the ship by which he returned. I fear that I shall be long delayed. We have no news from France for three weeks. You have heard of the landing of the Prince of Orange and his occupation of Exeter, but there is nothing to be alarmed at, for the King's prudence and generosity have won the adherence of his subjects so that few have gone over to the Prince, and the Dutch not only have won no victory but are reduced to great straits. We hope that God will be with his own. It is certain that the Dutch will repent their treachery, for the King of France after storming Philipsburg with slight loss and subduing the whole of the Palatinate has a hundred and fifty thousand men to break the strength and insolence of the Dutch. Everything is over on the side of Spain and Italy, for they will have nothing to do with us, and the Emperor does not contemplate peace with the Turks. The Father Superior begs you to excuse him for employing another to make his service to you, as he suffers from a cold which has gone from his head to his chest. Meanwhile Father Petre has written frequent injunctions to give Father Michael all possible help in every way and to forward your business to a successful issue. I would gladly write to my good friend Mr. Chamberlayne, but Mr. Lynch advises me to do so through you. Tell him that all our house is attached to him and myself above all. Signed, Carolus de la Forest. Copy, 3½ pp. Latin. Inscribed with a long minute by Governor Stede. "Without date but came with Andrew Lynch's and other Martinique letters" (see May 30, Enclosures II., III.) [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 3.]
Feb. 14. 16. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King having been proclaimed on the 13th nominated his Privy Council. Names of the Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 191–194.]
Feb. 16. 17. Order of the King in Council. That the Lord President, Marquis of Halifax (Lord Privy Seal), Earl of Devonshire (Lord Steward), Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Bath, Earl of Nottingham, Viscount Fauconberg, Viscount Mordaunt, Lord Bishop of London, Sir Henry Capel, Mr. Powle and Mr. Russell, or any three of them be a Committee for Trade and Plantations, and meet to prepare the drafts of proclamations to proclaim their Majesties in the Plantations. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 195, 196.]
[Feb. 18.] 18. Petition of Sir William Phips, Kt., and Increase Mather of the College of Cambridge, New England, to the King. The charters and corporations of the four Colonies of New England were taken away in 1684 by illegal and arbitrary proceedings and Sir Edmund Andros was appointed Governor. Sir Edmund's commission is now determined by the devolution of the Crown upon your Majesty. We beg the restoration of our ancient privileges and that Simon Bradstreet, Thomas Hinkley, Robert Trant, and Walter Clark may be re-admitted to their respective Governments. In the margin. Order of the King in Council. Whitehall, Feb. 18 1689. Referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed, Shrewsbury. 1 p. [America and West Indies. Massachusetts, 561. No. 2, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 77–78.]
Feb. 18. 19. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft proclamation approved. Agreed to send orders to Jamaica to restore the officers put out by the Duke of Albemarle. Mr. Penn and Lord Baltimore to attend and receive their proclamations. Draft letter to the Governors of Colonies read and approved. Memo. 19 Feb. The drafts were approved in Council, except those for New England, consideration of which was deferred. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 197–199.]
Feb. 19. 20. Circular. The Council of Government to the Governors of Colonies. Ordering them to proclaim King William and Queen Mary, to continue all officers and to administer the oath of allegiance. Signed, Halifax, Winchester, Devonshire, Shrewsbury, Bath, Macclesfield, Mordaunt, Delamere, Robt. Howard, Henr. Capel, Hen. Powel, R. Hampden, Hen. Boscawen. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 36. Vol. XLVII., pp. 389, 390. Vol. XVIII., pp. 204, 205. Vol. XXII., p. 148. Vol. XXXII., p. 153. Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 236, 237. Vol. VIII., p. 29. Vol. LII., pp. 111, 112.]
Feb. 19.
Whitehall.
21. Order of the King in Council. Approving the draft proclamations for the King and Queen to be proclaimed in the Colonies, except that to New England, which is deferred until the business of taking away the Charters can be reported on to the King. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 36. Vol. VIII., p. 30. Vol. XVIII., pp. 206, 207. Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 238, 239.]
Feb. 19. 22. Proclamation of the King and Queen continuing all officers of the Colonies in their offices. Forms of oaths of allegiance. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 37, 38.] Vol. XVIII., pp. 208–210. Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 239–241. Vol. VIII., pp. 31, 32. Vol. XLVII., pp. 390–393.
Feb. 19. 23. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The following members were returned for the Assembly:—
Christchurch Richard Elliot.
John Dempster.
St. Michael's Richard Barret.
John Sutton.
St. John's John Leslie.
John Bromley.
St. Joseph's John Waterman.
John Holder.
St. Andrew John Mills.
William Dottin.
St. Thomas William Allonby.
William Eastchurch.
St. George's John Cousens.
Robert Hooper.
St. Philip's Edward Bishop.
Peter Evans.
St. James's John Reid.
Abel Alleyne.
St. Lucy's Michael Terrell.
Robert Harrison.
St. Peter's John Berringer.
John Bailey.
The Council decided that there was no occasion to keep more militia on duty than already employed. The Assembly presented John Reid as their speaker, who was approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 111, 112.]
Feb. 19. 24. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Names of the members. John Reid chosen Speaker, Richard Cartwright, Clerk, and William Geddes, Marshal. The Assembly sworn. The old rules of the Assembly confirmed. Adjourned to 16 April. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 177, 178.]
Feb. 20. 25. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Penn, and Lord Baltimore attended and promised to order the proclamation of their Majesties in Pensylvania and Maryland. Petition of Sir William Phips and Increase Mather read. (See No. 18.) Petitioners on being called in complained of a flaw in the Scire facias. Sir Robert Sawyer and Mr. Penryn ordered to attend next meeting with records of the Scire facias. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIX., pp. 199–201.]
[As to New England. Vol. LXII., p. 78.]
[As to Maryland. Vol. LII., p. 111.]
Feb. 20. 26. James Mackleburne to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. I do not yet know how things may go with you, but I have not been wanting to do you service, and think you may in a short time see your adversary Colonel Stede displaced and find yourself in power with a new Governor from here. Expect his name by next ship, for I am credibly informed that the King has granted his warrant to a person of quality, who if he does not soon go himself, will send a deputy. The Prince and Princess were not proclaimed King and Queen till Wednesday. We shall soon know the names of the Judges, for the Convention are turning themselves into a Parliament, so that shortly they will fall to the trials of my Lord Chancellor and others. Mr. P. Keiran and I drank your health this evening. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with a long comment by Governor Stede. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 4.]
Feb. 21.
Whitehall.
27. Warrant for continuing the seal of King James for the present in Jamaica. Countersigned, Shrewsbury. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 163.]
The same to the Leeward Islands. Vol. XLVII., pp. 393, 394.
The same to Bermuda. Vol. XVIII., p. 212.
The same to Virginia. Vol. LXXXIII., p. 243.
The same to Barbados. Vol. VIII., p. 32.
Feb. 22. 28. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir William Phips and Mr. Mather again attended, when Sir Robert Sawyer gave an account of the prosecution of the charter of Massachusetts. Agreed to recommend the despatch of the governor to New England in lieu of Sir Edmund Andros with a provisional commission, to take charge of the administration till further order; in which a clause shall provide that no money shall be raised by the Governor and Council only. Agreed also to prepare a new establishment that may be lasting, and preserve the rights of the people of New England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 201–203.]
Feb. 22. 29. The King to the President and Council of Jamaica. Roger Elletson, Sir Richard Derham, and Thomas Wait are to be removed from their places; John White and John Bourden are to be restored to the Council, Samuel Bernard to the office of Chief Justice, Symon Musgrave to the post of Attorney-General, Smith Kelly to the post of Provost Marshal, and all other persons to the places enjoyed by them before the arrival of the Duke of Albemarle. No Assembly is to be called or to sit till the arrival of a Lieutenant-Governor; the methods of Sir Thomas Lynch are to be followed; and all officers under the conditions above-named are to continue in their offices. Countersigned, Shrewsbury. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 156–161.]
Feb. 22.
Bermuda.
30. Henry Hordesnell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. This Island is not in a position of defence except in name. What should help is sold, to put money in the Governor's pocket, particularly the two guns taken from the privateer-ship. Powder is refused to the Captains for the use of their companies, only dangerous persons are protected and supported, and the execution of the laws is opposed under hand and seal. Our action here looks as if the Island were intended to be a prey to another nation. A little care with true loyalty would avert the danger, but where money is the god loyalty cannot dwell. I am pressed by many of the Council and chief inhabitants to represent their condition. I reserve details until my return for which I have received permission. It is reported that Colonel Cony comes out again as Governor, at which the whole country is amazed, so obnoxious is he. I am sorry that this poor Island should be so unhappy and give so much trouble, when it could so easily be prevented. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 16 May. '89. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 2, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII. pp. 220, 222.]
Feb. 22.
Bermuda.
31. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Deputy-Governor Stede. The negro which I sent by my kinsman, though he had been free, became a slave to the King in virtue of an Act of Bermuda, which obliges all free negroes to depart within a given time or to become the King's slaves. The Act was passed chiefly because of that negro and his gang, and it would be very prejudicial to the Islands if he were not sold. I beg you to return him. The Chief Justice, who wrote about him, rather out of malice to me and the Government than good will towards the negro, is going home shortly. Since I wrote the above I have received your letter. I marvel at the long continuance of the embargo, but hope that the disturbances at home may turn to the glory of King and kingdom and the good of all true Christian believers. I am still fortifying the Island against the King's enemies. I have no news, for we have nothing here to invite foreigners; so pray continue your correspondence. Signed, Robert Robinson. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 17 May. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 1.]
Feb. 23.
Bermuda.
32. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Lord Preston. I received the King's proclamation of 16th October on the 31st of January, and caused it to be published. I have been busy fortifying the Island ever since where nature has been wanting, which is not in many places. I find the inhabitants not unwilling, our militia being in fair readiness, though weak in numbers. Chief Justice Hordesnell leaves for England by the first ship, but before he goes I hope to have new instructions and to hear that all is quiet at home. I wish I were in England, but await the King's permission. I hope I shall never give occasion of mistrust but shew myself loyal to my great and good master King James II. Signed, Robert Robinson. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 17 May. [America and West Indies, 477. No. 3, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 218, 219.]
Feb. 23. 33. Garret Trant to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. I suppose that you know how matters stand. The Dauphin has marched to Picardy with fifty thousand men. The Duke of Berwick is gone to Ireland with fifteen thousand men, a million of money, arms and ammunition. Our forces here are mutinous and not at all willing to go to Ireland. Lord Arran who opposed the crowning of the Prince to be King was set on last night in his chair and like to be murdered, but was saved by his chairmen and footmen, though wounded in the head and arm. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed with a long comment by Lieutenant-Governor Stede. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 5.]
Feb. 24. 34. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Council met in consequence of information of the arrival of thirty ships at Martinique. Order for hire of two sloops to cruise for intelligence, and a committee named to see to the matter. Order for publication of alarm-signals throughout the Island, and for ministers to read the Act relating thereto in the churches. Orders for the militia to exercise once a week and for the Militia Act to be read at the head of every troop and company, and for a guard to be furnished for Speight's and Oistin's forts. Order for the commitment of John Jorden for irreverent language about the Bible. Order for a proclamation directing all seamen to repair to their ships. Proclamation declaring all papists incapable of any office, military or civil, and order for the commitment of Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Willoughby Chamberlayne to custody for Popish practices. Order for an embargo on all ships. Proclamations enjoining upon tavern-keepers to prevent disorder and prohibiting them from the sale of liquor after ten at night; ordering seamen to their ships; directing good watch to be kept in the tower of St. Michaels; and ordering the custom-house officers to see that no one boards a ship before she comes to anchor. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 112–120.]
Feb. 25. 35. Orders of the Lieutenant-Governor of Barbados in Council. On information of thirty French sail arrived at Martinique and that France had declared war against England, two sloops are ordered to be hired, to cruise for information. The alarm-signals appointed by the Militia Act are to be observed. Guards are to be kept at Oistin's and Speight's Bay. Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Mr. Willoughby Chamberlayne to be committed to custody for having entertained a French Jesuit sent from the Governor of Martinique and having Mass said in their houses, they having been lately reconciled to the Church of Rome. Roman Catholics declared incapable of public employment. 5 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 7 June 1689. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 6.]
Feb. 26. 36. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Lumley was this day added to the Committee. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 204.]
Feb. 26. 37. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have considered the petition of Increase Mather and have heard the proceedings relating to the charters of New England. We recommend, in view of danger from the French, the immediate despatch of a Governor in Sir Edmund Andros's place with a provisional commission and instructions to proclaim your Majesty, but that no money shall be raised by authority of the Governor and Council only. We recommend also orders for preparing as speedily as possible a new establishment for preserving the rights and properties of the people of New England. Dated 22 February 1689. Ordered that the draft of a new charter be prepared, that two commissioners be appointed to take over the administration, and that the merchants and planters now in England attend the Lords to recommend one of the said Commissioners. Signed, John Nicholas. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 78–80.]
Feb. 27. 38. Lord Baltimore to William Joseph and the rest of the Deputy-Governors of Maryland. Forwarding duplicate of the order of Lords of Trade and Plantations for proclamation of King William and Queen Mary, in case the original order may have miscarried. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 124, 125.]
Feb. 27. 39. Extracts from his instructions left by Lord Howard of Effingham with the Council of Virginia. Certified copy. Signed, Effingham. 13 pp. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 1.]
Feb. 27. 40. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Orders for proclaiming a day of thanksgiving for the birth of the Prince of Wales, and for putting the country into a state of defence. Order for use of the old seal of the Colony till parchment and wax can be obtained fit for for the new one. Order for proclamation of the Government during the Governor's absence on leave. The Governor communicated the Royal Instructions to the Council. The Council requested the Governor to present the revised laws to the King. Colonel Nathaniel Bacon begged the Governor to obtain for him discharge from his various offices on account of his age. Certain members called attention to a mistake in the assignment of their seniority in Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 308–314.]
Feb. 28. 41. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Letters to Lord Howard of Effingham as to the sailing of the ships to Europe, 1 February, 1689, and 14 February, 1689. Order for Henry Darnall to depute a naval officer for the county of Somerset. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 207–219.]