America and West Indies: October 1690

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: October 1690', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692, (London, 1901) pp. 325-338. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp325-338 [accessed 25 April 2024]

October 1690

Oct. 1. The House waited on the Governor with two bills and called his attention to the disregard of their orders for officers to attend them about their fees; to which the Governor replied that fees were no business of theirs. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 245–248.]
Oct. 1. 1,089. Order of the King in Council. That four hundred men be forthwith raised to recruit the Duke of Bolton's regiment. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 282.]
Oct. 1.
Whitehall.
1,090. Order of the King in Council. For Captain Wright, commanding the West Indian Squadron, to detach one fifth-rate frigate to New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 262.]
Oct. 1.
Admiralty.
1,091. Instructions of the Admiralty to Captain Lawrence Wright commanding the fleet in the West Indies. To stay in the West Indies till the 1st of January and then leave a frigate each for Barbados, Jamaica and the Leeward Islands. Supplies for three months will be sent to you about the 26th inst. You will appoint convoys for the ships homeward bound from Barbadas, Jamaica and the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 313–315.]
Oct. 3. 1,092. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Captain Leisler's letter of 23 June (see No. 955) and its enclosures read, also a petition from the Merchants of New York. Agreed to advise that Colonel Sloughter enquire into the allegations therein contained. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 352, 353.]
Oct. 6.
Admiralty.
1,093. Mr. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. The sailing-orders for the advice boat to the West Indies will leave town to-morrow night. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 99.]
Oct. 6. 1,094. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Paul Grimball, Receiver of South Carolina. We hear that English money is scarce in Carolina, so you may receive our rents in Spanish money, or in produce at such rates as they would clear in England, all charges deducted. You will send us an exact account of the vessels seized and condemned for violation of the Navigation Acts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 166.]
Oct. 6. 1,095. Order appointing Thomas Smith Governor of South Carolina. Signed. Craven. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 166.]
Oct. 7.
Bermuda.
1,096. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Lord Shrewsbury. We have had no packet for twelve or fourteen months, when I received my recall. One Mr. Fifield has come here with a commission under the broad seal. I humbly think it strange, when I am not informed, for him to turn out good men and put in I know not whom. I ordered the Chief Justice to call a special court to recover the King's dues, but Fifield, as sheriff, refused to empanel a jury, so you may see how the King is served here. For this and other reasons I have protested against him, and made forfeiture of his commission till I receive the King's orders. Samuel Trott too has a commission, unsealed, from the Customs, though they say the Customs are not the King's but the country's, and have paid none for twelve months. By my commission the money should be paid to my treasurer, but they will not pay a penny, and so honest workmen are defrauded. Fifield's commissioner says that if he is not on the spot within three months it shall be void, and it was more than six months before he arrived. I enclose an account of the King's slaves (see No. 943) which are kept from us, and no court can be held for the King. Signed. Robt. Robinson. 1½pp. Endorsed. Recd. 17 Nov., 1690.
Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Recd. 15 Feb., 1690/91. [America and West Indies. 477. Nos. 32, 33; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 287, 288.]
Oct. 9.
Whitehall.
1,097. Order of the King in Council. For the officers of the Ordnance to send out to the Leeward Islands an engineer, two miners and stores as given in a list. These stores include 600 firelocks, 300 bayonets, 1,000 hand grenades, and one mortar. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 237.]
Oct. 9. 1,098. Order of the Privy Council. For the preparation of draft commission and instructions for the Governor about to be sent by the King to Maryland. Copy. ½p. [America and West Indies. 556. No. 3.]
Oct. 9. 1,099. Instructions to Lord Howard of Effingham as Governor of Virginia. The Council is to consist of Francis Nicholson, William Cole, Ralph Wormeley, John Custis, Richard Lee, William Byrd, John Lear, Christopher Wormeley, Isaac Allerton, John Armistead, Edward Hill and Henry Whiteing; three to be a quorum. In cases of suspension the charges, evidence and defence are to be sent home. Some other methods of taxation than the poll-tax are to be recommended to the Assembly. A law is to be preferred to the Assembly empowering the Governor and Council to raise money for the support of the Government, giving an account to the next Assembly, in order to save the expense of Assemblies. The salaries of members are to be reduced. No printer's press is to be used without the Governor's leave first obtained. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 319–339.]
Oct. 1,100. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 25th August last Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Freeman received a wound from Colonel Blakiston, Governor of Montserrat, of which he died the following day. I suspended Blakiston from his Government and appointed him to be tried, which he was on the 19th ult., and was then found guilty of manslaughter in his own defence. From copies of the depositions forwarded to me it appeared to me that Freeman was the unfortunate provoker of his own death and that no blame attached to Colonel Blakiston, who was forced to the act in self-defence. I have therefore restored him to the Government in which he has behaved himself well, not doubting of his good behaviour in the expedition we are next designed on. I have directed my agent to lay before you the depositions if you desire it. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 23 Dec., 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 100, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 266–267.]
Oct. 14. 1,101. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I am so busy preparing for our next expedition that I cannot write to you all that I would. I have had much trouble in shipping away French prisoners from this island, though it is now nearly done. When the next vessel has sailed for St. Domingo in two or three days, there will not remain above a hundred and fifty men and fifteen hundred women and children. To-day I sail to Nevis, thence to Montserrat, and thence to Antigua. The fleet, which returned here five or six days ago, will follow me, for our rendezvous is Antigua, and I hope by the end of the month that we shall be ready for a further attempt on our enemies. We have lost many men by sickness since my last, and particularly in Nevis, where upwards of two hundred men have died. The mortality of the English regiment has been much the same and great numbers are still sickly. There is also a great scarcity of provisions, and for want of ships from England half of our people are naked. After all my efforts the planters, who go on the expedition, will perforce be on half allowance, and I am too sure that above a third of them will march without shoes or stockings. Also ill tidings have come of the behaviour of the fleet at home. We have great apprehension of the arrival here of a considerable squadron from France, no supplies have arrived for the fleet, which will compel it to leave us at the end of next month, and if the French fleet arrive and ours depart we shall be in a worse case than ever. These considerations have much disheartened our people, and the representation of these topics by certain men has (as I shall in due time report to you) much obstructed the prosecution of the war. You may understand what vast trouble I have had and shall have to effect anything further against the French, for I have planters, not paid soldiers, to deal with. Still I hope to be able to attack Guadeloupe with fifteen hundred men after leaving a garrison of three hundred and fifty here. We hear that the New England men have been successful against the French in Canada, and that Sir William Phips designs to winter there with his fleet, so we can hope for but scanty supplies of fish, flesh or flour from thence. I hear from Jamaica that numbers of their sloops have been taken by the French privateers at St. Domingo, and that Lord Inchiquin had sent five hundred men thither to join the Spaniards against the French; but I have heard nothing of their success, nor have I received any answer to my letters asking for his assistance against the French in these Islands. The Governor of Barbados has written to me saying that he has failed to induce his Council to send so much as a few recruits to the regiment here, though it is now reduced to two hundred and fifty men; they were rather desirous that he should move for return even of that remnant. Provisions indeed are very scarce in that island at present, but even when that objection is removed by supplies there is no expectation that Barbados will take part in the war beyond the positive orders of the King. What more I shall be able to effect I know not, but I trust in the continuance of God's favour to us. While our fleet is here I shall give the French no rest, and as our security depends in so great a measure on the fleet, I shall try to pick up a month's subsistence for it, even if we should half starve ourselves, for if we can lengthen out our stores till December, we count on the arrival of supplies from England by that time, as also of the recruits and supplies for the Duke of Bolton's regiment. I beg that, if such men can be spared, experienced soldiers and enured to hardships may be detached from the standing regiments. They will not only be more serviceable but they will probably not be subject to half the mortality of new-raised men. We shall also want supplies of ammunition shortly. A hundred and fifty barrels of pistol-powder with proportion of lead, some barrels of flints, which are very scarce here, and a hundred and fifty barrels of cannon powder would put us into a pretty good condition. Pray give orders for these supplies. Though at present we are a great expense, yet a few years will enable us to reimburse the charge, apart from the new acquisitions that may meanwhile be gained for the Crown. Signed. Chas. Codrington. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read the 22 Dec., 1690. Recd. same day. Undated but endorsed. 14 Oct. 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 101, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 274–279.]
[Oct. 14.] 1,102. Abstract of the foregoing letter. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read at the Admiralty 12 Jan. 1690–1. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 102.]
[Oct. 11.] 1,103. A collection of Acts of the Revolutionary Assembly of New York.
1,103. I. Act to explain the Act of 23 April for raising three pence in the pound. Passed. 22 September, 1690. 1½pp.
1,103. II. Act for administering and executing the laws. Passed. 27 September, 1690. 1 p.
1,103. III. Act to naturalise John Baptista van Rensselaer. Passed. 27 September, 1690. 1 p.
1,103. IV. Act for raising three pence in the pound on all real and personal estate. Passed. 2 October, 1690. 3 pp.
1,103. V. Act for fining all persons who refuse to receive commissions from the Lieutenant-Governor. The fine to be £75. Passed. 4 October, 1690. 2 pp.
The whole certified by Abraham Gouverneur. 11 October, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 170 I–V.]
Oct. 15. 1,104. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Proclamation for pursuit of a ship with the Governor's commission, of which ship the crew had mutinied and turned the captain ashore. Order for copies of the bonds given by Thomas Ryves for faithful performance of his office, to be supplied by the Secretary. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 68–70.]
Oct. 16.
Whitehall.
1,105. Order of the King in Council. That Sir Robert Robinson be recalled from Bermuda, and that a clause be inserted in Mr. Richier's instructions directing him to admit Samuel Trott as Collector of the King's Customs. Signed. John Nicholas. ½p. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 34, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 285.]
Oct. 16. 1,106. Warrant of Lords Proprietors of Carolina for the passing of four hundred acres of land to Thomas Smith. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 170.]
[Oct. 17.] 1,107. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Kendall's letters of 26 June and 22 August read, and Colonel Codrington's of 3 August (see Nos. 968, 1,004, 1,034). The Lords agreed to lay the several questions before the King (see next abstract). The Leeward Islands merchants presented a list of stores which they desired might be sent. Agreed to move the King therein. Petition of Margaret Hill read and referred to the Treasury.
Memorandum of documents sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 353–356.]
[Oct. 17.] 1,108. Memorandum from the Lord President. A collection of points raised by Governor Kendall's letter of August 22 (No. 1,004) and Governor Codrington's of August 3. The questions whether the fleet shall remain in the West Indies shall remain for another year, as to the disposal of the prisoners of Monmouth's rebellion, as to giving permission to Governor Kendall to receive the Assembly's present, as to Governor Codrington's company of foot, and as to a supply of ammunition for the Leeward Islands are noted in the margin "To be laid before the King." The question as to sending prisoners in Ireland to Barbados, and as to leaving frigates about Barbados in case of the fleet's return are noted for further consideration. Draft. 1½pp. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 103.]
[Oct. 17.] 1,109. A second memorandum bringing forward the same points written fair; headed: "For my Lord President." 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 104.]
[Oct. 17.] 1,110. A third memorandum bringing forward the same points in greater detail; practically abstracts of Kendall's and Codrington's letters; with one or two marginal notes. 2¼ pp. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 105.]
[Oct. 17.] 1,111. Memorial [of merchants and traders to the Leeward Islands], to the Lords of Trade and Plantations. St. Christopher has been recovered, and preparations are making for attack on Guadeloupe, which it is expected will be easily subdued. Then only Martinique remains, which the forces in the Leeward Islands are at present not strong enough to conquer. If the King will send orders to Barbados to help the Leeward Islands with ten or twelve hundred men, the joint forces could probably take Martinique, and by sending the French to St. Domingo would secure not only the Leeward Islands but also Barbados. When the French are all removed and their Islands destroyed it will not be worth the French King's while to send a fleet to look after them, for the men being all to leeward the ships would lose too much time in bringing them back; and forces probably could not be spared from France. If the French Windward Islands were destroyed the English would bid fair to become masters of the sugar-trade. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 17 Oct., 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 106, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 267–269.]
[Oct. 17.] 1,112. A second memorial of the same. St. Christophers has been recaptured, and an intimation has lately reached us from thence that many English intend shortly to settle thereon. Such settlement would be of very fatal consequence not only to St. Christophers but to all the British Caribbees; for the former inhabitants, who are now dispersed in various Islands, would not only return themselves, but many of the people from other Islands would go and settle with them, whereby they would be exposed to great peril in case of a French attack. If St. Christophers were allowed to lie waste for a time and were held only by a company or two at the fort there would be no temptation to the French to retake it. We beg the King's orders that the settlement of St. Christophers may be suspended till the close of the war. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 107.]
Oct. 17. 1,113. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sloughter. Forwarding Leisler's letter of 23 June, and Benjamin Blagge's petition and enclosures (see No. 1,082) for examination and report. Signed. Carmarthen, P., Fauconberg, Newport, H. Goodricke, Nottingham, Wm. Harbord. Printed in New York Documents III., 750. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 282.]
Oct. 17. 1,114. Governor Sloughter to William Blathwayt. The bearer, who is lately come from New York, tells me that Leisler still continues his irregular command there, and that another of his ministers is coming to attend for the continuance of his Government. Pray let me know how far the last prevailed and what in your judgment may be the success of the next. I communicated with you as soon as I heard that the captain had orders to sail, but have heard nothing, which makes me fear there is some foul play which may prevent our regular correspondence. Pray hasten my orders for shipping my men at Cowes, and send me any further orders. Signed. H. Sloughter. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 24 Oct. 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 171.]
Oct. 17. 1,115. Minutes of the Council of Virginia. Order forbidding all ships to sail for Europe until the 6th of November. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 388, 389,]
Oct. 18. 1,116. Receipt for the Public Seal of New York. Signed. Joseph Dudley. ½p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 172, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 252.]
Oct. 18. 1,117. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Andrew Percival. You write to us that you have proclaimed that all persons who have not grants for their lands must pay arrears. This was not our intention, as may be seen by reference to our instructions. We have always wished to deal justly and fairly with all men, and have made our terms of land-grant public, so that every man could know what they were and leave the land alone if he did not like them. We are ready to receive rent in commodities and have so instructed our receiver. If the population of Carolina be decreasing we believe the fault to lie in some of the old settlers, who have spared no pains to discourage others. It was they who affronted Lord Cardross and the Scots, and who discouraged Landgraves Morton and Axtell, who brought five hundred people to Carolina in a month. We made no alterations in our Constitutions after March, 1669, until desired to do so by some intending settlers, and the changes made in 1681 encouraged many to go there. The next alteration was at request of the Scots, who intended to send ten thousand people there but would not be under the Government of Ashley River unless the change were made. Many wealthy men, who had been discouraged before, now took heart, and had things been settled we doubt not that many thousand men would have come. For wise men will not come where there is no settled Government. We hear that Parliament refused to pass a law for raising of powder without inserting a clause reflecting falsely upon us, and treating the Governor as James Colleton, Esq., without mentioning his quality. Such a law would have been illegal even if passed. Still, because they could not be humoured, these men refused to pass the act and left the country to the mercy of Indians and French, when the Governor wisely published the articles of war, lest honest people should be endangered by the perversity of a few. Power is given us by our Charter to exercise martial law, and we shall not discuss whether the King had the right to give us such power or not; but since all patents pass through the hands of the Attorney and Solicitor General it is not likely that they would have inserted this power unless it were legal. We shall never use it but in extremity; but we think the order in Council for all men to appear in arms a very good one and that it may be sufficient. But if men do not obey, would you like to be at the mercy of any small party of invaders? You have a good estate in Carolina, but the courses of some men are such that you run great hazard of losing it. We cannot advise any man to go among your men, for we value our honour above anything we have in Carolina. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 167, 168.]
Oct. 18. 1,118. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to [Governor James Colleton?] We are pleased to hear of the proclamation of King William and Queen Mary. We notice that several people wish to buy their land rather than pay rent. We are content, provided the Spanish money be Mexico and Pilar pieces and of good weight, and we send you authority to sell six thousand acres. We are glad to hear of your good relations with the Governor of St. Augustine. We hear that Indians are still shipped away underhand, which can only be with the connivance or by the neglect of our officers. You will do your best to prevent this. These poor people have done us no injury, and without them you cannot recover runaway negroes. We are determined to break this barbarous practice. We hear that you have set up martial law although the Grand Council on the 26th February passed an order for all men to be ready to appear in arms, which should have been sufficient. The Journal of the Parliament was taken by the French. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 168, 169.]
Oct. 18. 1,119. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governor and Deputies of Ashley River. We hear that the inhabitants of Berkley find it troublesome to come to Charlestown for the election of their representatives. If the county had been divided according to our rules this would not have been so, but for their case we make the following divisions. From Charlestown to Goose Creek between the rivers Ashley and Cooper shall be one precinct, from Goose Creek to the North-west bounds of the county between the same two rivers another precinct, all South of Ashley river a third, and all South of Cooper river a fourth. Charlestown precinct will choose four members and the rest two each, so as to make ten; when the number is reduced to eight members each precinct will return two; when it is reduced to five members Charlestown will return two and the rest one; and when it is reduced to four members each precinct will return one. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 169.]
Oct. 18. 1,120. Warrant for the sale of six thousand acres at one shilling an acre to such as desire to purchase, no part of the land to be town lots except the lots in possession of William Dunlop, Bernard Schenking and Thomas Smith. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 170.]
[Oct. 19.] 1,121. A list of stores of war required for the Leeward Islands, "humbly offered and desired." Against an item of six twenty-four pounder cannon is written "seem to be unnecessary." Against an item of 500 swords "never issued by the ordnance"; against the rest, "all these particulars seem fit to be issued if his Majty pleases." The memorial is signed by Bastian Bayer and six other merchants trading to the Leeward Islands. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from Colonel Bayer and others, 19 Oct. 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 110.]
Oct. 20. 1,122. Petition of Christopher Guise to the Lords of the Treasury. For regrant of his office of Registrar of servants for the Plantations, with additional powers. In the margin. Reference of the petition to William Blathwayt, Oct. 20, 1690. Signed. J. Jephson. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 5.]
Oct. 20. 1,123. Memorandum from the Lords of the Treasury. Desiring them to order £2,252 to be paid to the Earl of Ranelagh to defray the expense of recruiting the Duke of Bolton's regiment. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 283.]
Oct. 20. 1,124. Petition of John Severin. Petitioner about four years ago sent a letter of Attorney to one in St. Christophers to take over a plantation which had been awarded to him by the Courts in Paris in satisfaction of a debt due to him. St. Christophers has since been seized by the French and again captured entire by the English. Prays a grant of the plantation, being an English denizen and intending to spend the rest of his life in the British dominions. 1p. In the margin. Order of the King referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Nottingham, Whitehall Oct. 20, 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 111.]
[Oct. 20.] 1,125. State of the case of John Severin, slightly more detailed than in the petition. In the handwriting of Lord Nottingham. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 112.]
Oct. 20.
New York.
1,126. The Revolutionary Government at New York to the King. We send another letter to the Secretary of State. We are all well but for want of ammunition, which we beg may be sent as soon as possible. We are confident that you will distinguish between those who have done their duty and others who seek only their own ends and purposes. Signed. Jacob Leisler, P. Delanoy, Samuel Staats, J. Bruyn, Hendrick van Jansen, Robert Lecock, Jacob Mauritz, Joh. Provoost, G. Duykinck. 2 pp. Printed in New York Documents III., 751. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 173.]
Oct. 20. 1,127. The same to the Earl of Shrewsbury. Recapitulation of news in last letter. Our ships recently took a French vessel with ammunition and clothing for their soldiers, and a letter from the French King, saying that no more assistance could be given this year. Our ships landed men near Port Royal, demolished houses and took some booty, which was unfortunately captured on its way to New York by three French vessels, which have lately done some damage about Long Island. We fitted out ships against them, but to no purpose. Our ships have captured a few prizes. Now as to Albany. Boston and Connecticut pressed us much to accept Major-General Winthrop as Commander in Chief, to which we thought it our duty to yield. But they sent not a man with him, and his whole force in the fort did not exceed 135 men. With these he entered this province about twenty miles from Albany on the 21st July. We sent two officers to congratulate him. He seemed to slight them; then seeing Mr. Livingstone (against whom we had warned him as the chief instrument of evil in those parts) he caused him to be ushered in and guarded. The General took his (? Livingstone's) house for his headquarters, and wasted six days in unprofitable debates. Ultimately he marched slowly to the Houtskill where all the forces met close to the Lake. All was ready to embark when the General made difficulties, distrusting his numbers and his want of canoes, and complaining that his soldiers wanted provisions, though we offered to furnish him. He would let but thirty men go forward, who did some injury to the French, and said that if they had been one hundred they would have taken Montreal. On the return of the army Lieutenant-Governor Leisler hastened to Albany and secured several of the chief actors; but the chiefs of the Five Nations asked that they should be set at liberty and accordingly they were dismissed, the General on condition that he should return to New York and make his defence, which he has not yet done and probably never will. Mr. Dell, a "Cockcoean" minister at Albany is another chief actor. He has always inveighed against the Prince of Orange and maintained the validity of King James's acts and authority, and he is also a correspondent with papists. On the Lieutenant-Governor's return, leaving 200 men to garrison Albany, Dell fled to New Jersey and thence to Long Island, proclaiming that he is persecuted for conscience sake. He is since gone to Boston to sail for England with certificates of falsehood from his party. We are in a good posture and may maintain ourselves if Boston prosecutes her design against Quebec. Otherwise we must increase our forces at Albany, and husband our ammunition, of which we have but a slender stock. Signed as the preceding. The construction of the letter is so confused as to be almost unintelligible. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 10 Feb. 90/1. Read 11 March 1690/1. Printed in New York Documents III., 751. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 174, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 284–290.]
Oct. 20. Abstract of the foregoing. 3 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 175.]
Oct. 20. Draft of the abstract, with corrections. 2 pp. [Ibid. No. 176.]
Oct. 21. 1,128. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The Lieutenant-Governor informed the Council of Colonel Potter's return. Order for securing the frontiers. Order that no ships be cleared except at the time appointed for sailing. Order for strict examination of ships from Maryland, for protection of the King's dues. Order for enforcing the law for restraint on planting of tobacco. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 389–393.]
Oct. 21. 1,129. William Blathwayt to Governor Sloughter. My Lords very much wonder, seeing that the Archangel has for some days been ready to sail, that you have not taken advantage of the fair wind. If the opportunity be lost, all the disappointment will continue and the blame will lie at your door. The Agent has had the orders for embarkation more than a fortnight, and they were not necessary but only despatched to satisfy your scruples. The seal of New York, and the orders for delivery of the records and guns have been delivered to Mr. Dudley. Draft, with corrections. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 177.]
Oct. 22. 1,130. William Blathwayt to Governor Sloughter. Yours of the 17th came to my hand but yesterday, long before which time all necessary orders had been sent to you. The Captain of the Archangel has his sailing orders and I wish you a happy voyage. Draft, with corrections. ½p. Endorsed. 22 Oct. 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 178.]
Oct. 22.
Admiralty.
1,131. J. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. The Captain of the Archangel writes that all his provisions would be on board on the 21st, and I know of nothing further to hinder his departure. Signed. J. Sotherne. 1½pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 179.]
Oct. 23. 1,132. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order that Philip Ludwell's orders as Agent for Lord Culpeper's heirs be not executed by any officers of the Colony, and that his proceedings be reported to the Secretary of State. Order for representing to the King the want of arms, stores and ammunition, and making report for a grant of the same, and the need of ships to carry away tobacco. Order for enforcement of the Militia Act.
Oct. 24. Order for survey of H.M.S. Dumbarton, and after repair for her to cruise in the bay. Order permitting four ships to sail without convoy as each is ready. Order for all settlers to move from the lands of the Chickahominy Indians, and for their houses to be burned. Order for payment of the debts of Edward Davies and his accomplices. Order for a letter to New England protesting against the treatment of Colonel Potter, and for directions as to requiring cocquets for New England ships. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 393–411.]
Oct. 23. 1,133. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Colonel Tobias Frere praying for restoration to his place in the Council of Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. John Nicholas. ½p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 55.]
Oct. 23.
Whitehall.
1,134. Order of the King in Council. Permitting Governor Kendall to accept a present of £1,500 from the Council and Assembly of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 242.]
Oct. 23.
Council
Chamber.
1,135. William Blathwayt to the Attorney-General. Governor Codrington has suggested the passing of an Act in St. Christophers exempting the inhabitants from all suits for debt for three years, as otherwise it will be a work of much time to people the island again. My Lords desire your opinion hereon. Draft. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 113.]
Oct. 23. 1,136. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. The Commissioners of the Treasury have entrusted me with two thousand five hundred pounds in farthings for payment of the Duke of Bolton's regiment in the Leeward Islands. Pray move the Admiralty to order them to be put on board one of the ships bound thither and delivered to Governor Codrington. Draft. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 114.]
Oct. 23.
Whitehall.
1,137. Order of the King in Council. For the Officers of Ordnance to provide an engineer, two miners and sundry stores of war for the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 310.]
Oct. 33. 1,138. Order of the King in Council. That the Admiralty provide freight and transport for an engineer, two miners and stores. [Ibid. p. 311.]
Oct. 23. 1,139. Order of the King in Council. For two months' provisions to be sent for the Duke of Bolton's regiment in the West Indies. [Ibid. p. 312.]
Oct. 23. 1,140. Order of the King in Council. For the Admiralty to transport the provisioning for the Duke of Bolton's regiment to the West Indies. [Ibid. p. 312.]
Oct. 24. 1,141. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. The freight of the farthings will be fifteen tons. Unfinished draft. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 115.]
Oct. 24.
Admiralty.
1,142. Mr. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. The Admiralty have instructed Captain Purvis, H.M.S. Wolf, to receive on board the £2,500 worth of farthings for the Leeward Islands. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 116.]
Oct. 24.
Cowes.
1,143. Joseph Dudley to William Blathwayt. I am most grateful to you for your favours during my stay. I hope the settlement of New England will at length come under consideration, wherein if I be remembered I shall attribute it to your kindness. There seems to be nothing more wanting for the despatch of these ships. Colonel Sloughter shewed me your letter to him and has written to Spithead. The Archangel will be here on Monday, and a day or two later I suppose that we shall sail. Colonel Sloughter is gone to South-hampton. Three of his men deserted last night and cannot be found; the rest seem in good health and well clad for the voyage. Signed. J. Dudley. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 180.]
Oct. 25. 1,144. Receipt for a packet with the Seal of New York, to be delivered to Colonel Sloughter. Signed. Child. Brooke. ¼ p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 181.]
Oct. 25. 1,145. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. Please move the Admiralty for orders to some vessel going to the Downs to transport the fifteens tons of farthings to H.M.S. Wolf. Draft. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 117.]
Oct. 27. 1,146. William Blathwayt to Mr. Jephson. No orders are yet given for the delivery of the £2,500 worth of farthings to H.M.S. Wolf. Please despatch the matter. Draft. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 118.]
Oct. 27. 1,147. Additional Instructions to Governor Richier. To admit Samuel Trott to the place of Collector of Customs and support him therein. Signed. Nottingham. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 286.]
Oct. 28. 1,148. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The consideration of calling an Assembly postponed till next meeting. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 441.]
Oct. 28. 1,149. Duplicate of the Minutes of Council of Virginia from 16 August to 28 October, 1690. 41 pp. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 47.]
Oct. 28. 1,150. Mr. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. A vessel will be provided to carry the fifteen tons of farthings to H.M.S. Wolf. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 119.]
Oct. 28. 1,151. Engagement of William Freeman to carry one hundred tons of stores to the Leeward Islands for the King's service, freight free. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 120.]
Oct. 29. 1,152. William Blathwayt to Mr. Jephson. Enclosing William Freeman's agreement to carry stores, freight free, to the Leeward Islands for the Admiralty's consideration. Draft. ½p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 121.]
Oct. 29.
Cowes.
1,153. Matthew Clarkson to William Blathwayt. I send you enclosed by Colonel Sloughter's order. Eight of his men have deserted in the last few days. Signed. Math. Clarkson. ½p. Annexed,
1,153. I. Lieutenant Bradshaw to Colonel Sloughter. Cowes. 29 Oct., 1690. I met with Thomas Watmore, a deserter from you, in London. I gave him subsistence money and he promised to return in assurance of your favour. Signed. George Bradshaw. ½p. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 182, 182 I.]
Oct. 30. 1,154. William Cole to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last we have received information of the appointment of a ranger-general of the Northern Neck, which if executed will probably lead to disturbance. We learn also that the persons employed by Colonel Ludwell entered on the lands of divers persons as escheated to Lord Culpeper's heirs. Colonel Ludwell made no application to the Lieutenant-Governor and Council in the matter nor produced any powers from England for his action. I am therefore to represent this matter to you, as also that of granting and settling the lands near the Indians on Pamunkey Neck. The Indians are very few, and many people settle among them contrary to law, paying no quit-rents, so that unless land be set apart for the Indians and the rest granted to the inhabitants, a disturbance is feared between the English and the Indians. Signed. William Cole. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Jan. 1690–1.
Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 636. Nos. 48, 49; and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 34–36.]
Oct. 30. 1,155. Order of the King in Council. For the Admiralty to arrange for the transport of four hundred recruits for the Duke of Bolton's regiment to the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 282.]
[Oct. ?] 1,156. Petition of Cyprian Southack to the King. Forwarding copy of a letter from his son, who has attacked the French at Newfoundland. Petitioner was a Lieutenant in the Navy; his son fought at Sole Bay when ten years old. Begs encouragement for his son, and help for himself, being in great want. 1 p. Annexed,
1,156. I. Cyprian Southack to his parents. St. John's, Newfoundland. June 28, 1690. Describing the operations of Sir William Phipps at Port Royal, after which he was detached and went to Chebucto, which he took and blew up, afterwards making raids on French posts at Newfoundland. Large sheet. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 183, 183 I.]
[Oct.] 1,157. Address of several Merchants and others of New England to the King. The late revolution having divided New England into ten Colonies, viz.:— Pemaquid, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Rhode Island, King's Province, Connecticut, New York, East and West Jersey, the French and Indians have taken advantage of this disunion to do great damage. An expedition was lately made to Port Royal, which was surrendered, but as no care was taken to preserve it, little harm was done to the enemy. The Colonies then agreed to make an attack on Canada with 2000 men by land and 32 ships and 2200 men by sea, but the land-forces failing of their performance, the sea-forces were defeated with much loss. Thus through this and other expenses Massachusetts is £50,000 in debt. For want of a settled Government people in New York have already taken up arms against each other, which will encourage our enemies still further. We beg for protection, relief and assistance. Copy of an abstract. 1½pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 122.]