America and West Indies: July 1692

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: July 1692', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692, (London, 1901) pp. 663-679. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp663-679 [accessed 12 April 2024]

July 1692

[July 1.] 2,309. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Governor Fletcher's Commission has been ordered to pass. His agent having advanced a considerable sum is unwilling to advance more for the fees of passing the Commission under the Great Seal. It is therefore proposed either that the Commission may be passed on credit, or that no other fees be charged than for the labour of the clerks. Royal draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 115.]
[July.] 2,310. Another memorandum on the same subject, recommending that the fees be unpaid till Governor Fletcher can receive the money from New York; or that his agent pay the money on receipt of the money due for subsistence of the two foot-companies, to be afterwards reimbursed by Governor Fletcher; or that the amount be stopped from his salary. Draft with corrections. 1 p. Undated. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 116.]
July 1.
Whitehall.		 2,311. Order of the Queen in Council. Approving the draft instructions to Governor Fletcher as Governor of New York, Pennsylvania and Newcastle. Signed. John Nicholas. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 419, and Vol. LXXVI., p. 37.]
July 3. 2,312. William Blathwayt to William Sanson. Forwarding an extract from Governor Kendall's letter relating to the sickness in the West Indies (see No. 2189) for the Commissioners of Customs. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 83.]
July 4. 2,313. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for payment of the ship's companies of the William and Mary, and of the debentures issued for discharge of military expenses. A committee appointed to consult as to measures for prosecuting the war against French and Indians. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. LXIV., p. 182.]
July 4. 2,314. Complaint of Peter Woodbery to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts. That his house was invaded by Captain Richard Short and his men, who beat him with his cane while he was in bed and then hauled him out into the street for some distance and left him. Complainant prays for redress. Dated 1 July, 1692. Sworn before William Stoughton, 4 July, 1692. 1 p.
Three more copies of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 561. Nos. 8–11.]
July 4.
Boston.		 2,315. Complaint of John Tomson to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts. I, being a member of the General Court, was on the 30th of June in my quarters at the Green Dragon when Captain Short of H.M.S. Nonsuch came with several of his men and asked if any of his crew were there. I told them that there was no one in the house, but an ancient member of Assembly. They searched the house and the men presently told me that they had the Captain's orders to pull me out of bed. On my going down the Captain called me several ill names, and told his men to hale me away, without giving me time to put on my stockings. The Captain struck at me as I came out, and beat a man who fended off the blow. After taking me some way they let me go. I beg satisfaction for this affront. Dated 2 July, 1692. Sworn before William Stoughton, 4 July, 1692. 1½ pp.
Two more copies of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 561. Nos. 12–14.]
July 5. 2,316. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Assembly met, but asked for adjournment until the 14th. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., p. 299.]
July 5. 2,317. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Christopher Robinson's commission as Secretary signed. John Lear and Edward Hill sworn Commissioners of Customs (p. 735). On intelligence of pirates, letters were ordered to Captain Townsend to be on his guard and to Captain Finch to get H.M.S. Henry off the careen as soon as possible. On news of several white servants having escaped on board the men-of-war, the Captains were ordered to give up all persons not having passes (pp. 736–738). Governor Copley to be warned of the presence of pirates (p. 738). Warrants for sundry payments signed (pp. 743, 744). Order for the masters of apprentices sent out from Christ's Hospital to write a report on them twice a year to the Governors (p. 747).
July 6. The Collectors of the penny per lb. duty were informed that they could appoint no deputies, and that they must all charge the same fees and agree on one form for bonds (pp. 735, 736). Resolved, in consequence of Captain Finch's repeated neglect of the Council's orders, to report that neither he nor his ship are fit for the station (p. 738). Major Ingoldsby's letter read, as to Indians' complaint of want of assistance from Virginia and Maryland. Resolved to send £100 to Colonel van Cortlandt with instructions not to deliver it until ordered by the Governor of New York; and to desire the Government of New York to do all that it can to prevent further attacks on Virginia. Mr. Blathwayt to be asked to allow the £100 to be refunded from the quit-rents. Governor Copley to be informed of the assistance now and formerly given to New York, since he has resolved to send no money thither till so informed. Warrant for payment of the £100 signed. Resolved that a perfect rent-roll would be the best means of improving the revenue from quit-rents; the question postponed. Order for suing certain tenants who have not paid their quit-rents (pp. 739–743). Mr. Jenings's brick storehouse taken for the housing of the stores of war sent from England. Order for payment of fees on account of the seizure and condemnation of the ship Society. William Sherwood examined as to Thomas Jarvis's petition (pp. 744–747). The Lieutenant-Governor gave his orders in case of emergency, being about to leave for Point Comfort (pp. 749–750).
July 7. Order for the Collector's accounts to be cleared at the Council in September next (p. 736). Recommended that public notaries use a peculiar seal instead of their private seals as at present (p. 749). Council fixed to meet at York River on the 1st September (p. 750). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. as cited.]
July 6.
James City.		 2,318. Lieutenant-Governor and Council of Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We beg to represent the danger and inconvenience to the Colony if ships be not suffered and encouraged to bring the ordinary supplies of goods at the usual times, otherwise the planters will be forced to manufacture the things that they require and give up planting tobacco, which will diminish the King's revenue here and in England. If the distress for want of the usual clothing should be increased, the peace of the country will be endangered. We think that much might be remedied by suffering all ships for Virginia to proceed on their voyage early next fall, especially those from the North and West of England, which run least risk in coming out and supplied most of our goods last year. We must inform you also that we find the minds of the people much disturbed by false reports spread by residents in London (who pretend to have great credit with the Commissioners of Customs) that the Acts of this country are valid only for one year after passing, unless the royal assent to them has been given. Some have declared this to be the expressed opinion of the Commissioners, who we are sure cannot have altered it. The busiest of these malicious persons is Captain Roger Jones, sometime a resident here but now of London, as enclosed letter shows (see No. 1,979). He is a man who from nothing pretends to have risen in a few years to great estate, and as he left this country refusing to serve in any office or take any oath, we will inform you as to his character. He came out as a soldier under Lord Culpeper, and was by him made captain of a small sloop which was manned to carry twelve men and cruise in prevention of illicit traders. But having early learnt to cheat, he never had more than eight men, though he received pay for twelve, for which, as well as for entertaining pirates, Lord Culpeper tried to call him to account. This is the foundation of his great estate, this and his trade with the pirate Davies, to whom he is said to have struck the King's colours. But seeing that he was one of themselves they dismissed him with a present of French wines, as was credibly reported at the time. We beg you to take measures for suppressing these reports. Signed. Fr. Nicholson, William Byrd, Jno. Lear, Edw. Hill, Hen. Whitinge, E. Jenings, Chr. Robinson, Hen. Hartwell. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept. Read 19 Sept., 1692. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 111, and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 212–215.]
July 6. 2,319. Abstract of the preceding letter. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 112.]
July 6.
James City.		 2,320. Christopher Robinson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Reporting his appointment as Secretary of Virginia and asking to be confirmed therein. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept., '92. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 113, and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 205.]
July 7. 2,321. Certificate of Christopher Robinson and Henry Hartwell. That Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson, while always favourable and respectful to the Burgesses, has never discussed affairs of state unless they have first been made public. He entertained some of the Burgesses daily to his table during session, which was much appreciated, but we never heard it said that he did so with any design to influence the Assembly unduly; and he always cautioned the Burgesses against any infringement of the royal prerogative. Signed. Chr. Robinson, Hen. Hartwell. July 3, 1692.
Answers to questions propounded to the Council of Virginia by Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. At the Lieutenant-Governor's coming the Colony complained much of arbitrary proceedings and expected much of King William and Queen Mary. Redress of grievances, rather than force, was used as a remedy. Very probably there would have been some disturbance if Lord Howard had stayed much longer, owing to the discontent of the Burgesses. The Lieutenant-Governor has done good by his visiting the whole country and has received the thanks of the General Assembly. He has also been diligent in suppressing false trade, towards which effort the Act for Ports would be great help. He has always asked the Council to propose any alternative to his own proposals for the King's service, and never pressed his own hastily upon them. Mr. Blair's actions as Commissary were done by others before him who were authorised by the Bishop of London. Signed. William Byrd, John Lear, Edw. Hill, E, Jenings, Hen. Whitinge, Chr. Robinson, Hen. Hartwell. 7 July, 1692. The questions and answers are given in alternation. Copy. The whole, 3½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept., 1692. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 114.]
July 7. 2,322. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Royal warrant for appointment of John Peeke to the Council was read, and the oath was administered to him. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 198.]
July 8. 2,323. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Heads of enquiry to be made by the commander of the convoy to New foundland approved.
Mr. Manley's memorial read; and decision thereon taken.
Colonel Beeston attended; and he was ordered to attend, together with the Africa Company, at next meeting, to fix the price of negroes. His proposals as to his instructions were also read, and it was agreed that the King's house at St. Jago de la Vega should be sold, and the proceeds devoted to purchase of another house. He was desired to lay his request for guns before the officers of ordnance, and his questions as to wrecks were referred to the Lords of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 110–112.]
[July 8.] 2,324. "Mr. Manley's Memorial." Letters from New York say that sundry persons bound over to answer for assisting Leisler's Government have since been prosecuted for treason, and that the recognizances of those who came over to appeal to the King have been estreated. It is therefore requested that orders may be given for these prosecutions to cease and for the estreated goods to be restored. 1 p. Endorsed as headed. Read 8 July and 21 July, 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 117; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 422.]
[July 8.] 2,325. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the Lord President ascertain whether a general pardon shall be granted to Leisler's partisans in New York, to the end that prosecutions shall cease and estreated recognizances be restored. Draft. ½ p. endorsed. 8 July, 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 118; and Col. Entry Bk, Vol. LXIX., p. 423.]
July 8. 2,326. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord President to bring the question of Colonel Beeston's transport to Jamaica before Council. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 108.]
July 8. 2,327. John Povey to Sir H. Goodrick. Forwarding copy of Colonel Beeston's proposals as to great guns for Jamaica for consideration of the Board of Ordnance. Draft. ½p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 102.]
[July 8.] 2,328. Proposals of Colonel Beeston as to Jamaica. That it be an instruction to sell the King's house at St. Jago de la Vega and devote the money to building or buying another house; that the guns in the forts at Port Royal are too short and should be exchanged for larger; that plain instructions be given as to the Assiento Trade, that it may be carried on without advantage and without danger to myself; that the instructions as to the King's share in wrecks and wrecked treasure be plain; that those who have deserted the Island for the wreck or other causes may be recalled with promise of pardon; that the number of negroes imported may be so apportioned that neither the planters nor the Assiento shall suffer; that directions may be given which shall put an end to disputes between Governors and Captains of the King's ships; that the ships sent to Jamaica may be good sailers. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 8 July 1692. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 103 and 53. pp. 68, 69.]
July 8. 2,329. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. John James appointed Chaplain to the soldiers at Wells, at £5 per month. Samuel Legge, Sampson Stoddard, Nathaniel Williams and Joseph Parson appointed a Committee for the war and for providing supplies, etc., to the forces. Resolved to raise 500 men from the militia for the war. Committee appointed to impress supplies for the same. Coroners for Essex county approved. The Governor announced his intention of going eastward to erect and settle a garrison in some suitable place. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 183, 184.]
July 9. 2,330. Extract from Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for H.M.S. Mordaunt to sail to Porto Bello and bring from there £40,000 due to the Jamaica merchants. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 12 Dec. 1692. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 104.]
July 9.
H.M.S.
Assurance.		 2,331. Captain Townsend, R.N., to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. On Friday, 8th inst., when ashore I was informed that my boatswain and one Edward Legge had beaten and abused Captain Marshall and carried him on board my ship. I at once went board with Captain Hickes of the Archangel and Captain Wenham, when I asked to be present at the examination. I find that drink had occasioned the quarrel and that though Captain Marshall had been the aggressor yet my people had been more intolerably to blame. I ordered the boatswain to be confined to his cabin and Legge to be put in irons, assuring the injured person that he should have all satisfaction. The surgeon's mate reported the wounds curable, and I prepared to send the injured man on shore, but at his request I allowed him to remain on board, and I called Captain Hickes and Wenham to witness that I was prepared to send him ashore. Marshall remained in my own cabin. Between midnight and one in the morning he smoked a pipe and drank a mug of beer. I went to bed and he took his leave, and my servant undressed him and put him to bed in the cabin next to mine. At eight o'clock I sent my servant to see how he did, who reported that he was not there. No one of the ship's company knew anything of him, except the cook's mate who said that he had seen a stranger, half dressed, go towards the head. I think that being strange to the ship, he must have fallen overboard, but I shall make every effort to arrive at the truth. Copy. 2 pp. Annexed,
2,331 I. Deposition of Captains Eustace Hickes and Tho. Wenham confirming Captain Townsend's report as to his consideration towards the wounded man. 8 July, 1692. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept., 1692.
2,331 II. Deposition of Richard Hickes and others as to the assault on William Marshall. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding.
2,331 III. Deposition of James Baker, as to the same. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. [America and West Indies. 637. Nos. 115, 115 I–III.]
July 9. 2,332. Governor and Council of Maryland to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have examined the case of Nicholas Sewall, who has petitioned us for a trial at law, and accordingly he will be tried in September. As to the other persons mentioned in Sewall's petition, we find that they were fairly tried, but that only Woodcock was executed, the rest being respited till signification of the King's pleasure, which we beg may be made known to us. At our last provincial Court, a woman was convicted of murder of her bastard child, but it seems to us that concealment rather than murder was intended, so we recommend her to mercy. Letters from New York tell us of the necessitous condition of the place and the need of help from neighbouring Colonies. We have contributed £100 and shall be willing to advance proportionally to Virginia and the other Colonies. We enclose an address setting forth our reasons for not swearing Mr. Frisby of the Council, as unworthy of the trust. He has embarked for England with his kinsman and correspondent in sedition Peregrine Browne, who with his brother John Browne have been active in disturbing the Government, vilifying the King's officers, and setting the people against them, all at the instigation of Frisby. Signed. L. Copley, Nea. Blakiston, Hen. Jowles, Thomas Tench, John Courts, Tho. Brooke. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 24 Nov., 1692. Annexed,
2,332 I. Address of the Council of Maryland to the King. We are satisfied of the violent turbulent humour of Mr. James Frisby, who, by some means that we know not, was nominated one of the Council. We know him to be adverse to your service not only by his adherence to your professed enemies in the late revolution, but by his public aid to the party at home which defends rebellious practices. Since his return here he has striven by lies and falsehoods to stir up ill-feeling against the Government and restore the rule of Lord Baltimore. We therefore recommended to the Governor that he should not be admitted to the Council. As further evidence of his rancour Frisby has now embarked for England with two confederates, who have also vilified the Government and tried to stir up a cry for innovation. They have openly bragged of their contempt of the Government. The whole document is full of vague abuse, without the adduction of a single fact. Signed. Nea. Blakiston, Hen. Jowles, Thomas Tench, John Courts, Tho. Brooke. 1½ large pp. Endorsed Recd. 24 Nov., 1692.
2,332 II. Petition of Nicholas Sewall to Governor Copley. I am quite willing to submit the charge of my complicity in the murder of John Payne to your enquiry; but being convinced of my innocence prefer to take my trial in ordinary course. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 24 Nov., 1692. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 78, 78 I. –II., and (without enclosures) 8. pp. 84–87.]
July 9. 2,333. The Attorney-General of Maryland to Edward Randolph. I remember an information exhibited by you against a ship, one Mackay master, for illegal trading. I can declare with certainty that at the trial a member of Council on the bench declared that in his opinion the niceties of the law ought not to be observed and that the statute under which the information was laid was out, or words to that effect. Signed. Edward Chilton. Copy, in Randolph's hand. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept., 1692, from Mr. Randolph. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 79.]
July 11. 2,334. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Orders for certain payments, for repair of the mace, for a new line to be laid out for security of the channel, and for provision for the transport of fifty French prisoners to Petit Guavos. Charles Sadler ordered to continue Provost-Marshal till further order from the patentee of the office. Orders permitting certain ships to sail and appointing Charles Knight to administer the estate of George Reeve, deceased.
July 12. Orders for a general court-martial on the 21st, for the taking of a house for a gaol, for certain payments, and for the next meeting of Council to be at Mosquito Point, to choose a site for a fortification to guard the channel. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 199–201.]
July 12. 2,335. William Blathwayt to Henry Guy. Forwarding an extract from Colonel Beeston's proposals as to wrecks for the report of the Lords of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 70.]
July 13. 2,336. Henry Guy to William Blathwayt. In answer to yours of 12th, the Lords of the Treasury consider a tenth reasonable as the King's share of wrecks; but the Queen is about giving a grant of wrecks, so if this grant passes there will be no occasion for the proclamation calling men back from them to the Islands. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 105 and 53. p. 71.]
July 14. 2,337. Inventory of the goods in the estate formerly belonging to Terence Dermot, now granted to Sir Michael Cole. Total value, £762 4s. Od. Certified copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 59.]
July 14. 2,338. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Governor put the question on oath to each of the Council whether he had ever done any of them any wrong or injury, since one of them had freely traduced him to his friends, namely Mr. Prideaux, by making the following statements. (1) That he had made Mr. Whetstone his private secretary. (2) That he had set apart only one day a week for business, taking his pleasure on the other days, and leaving business to Colonel Stede. This Colonel Stede utterly denied. (3) That he hindered the passing of the Habeas Corpus bill, and refused to receive a bill to regulate fees. (4) That he was the sole cause of raising Colonel Salter's regiment for Guadeloupe. Mr. Prideaux, while denying that he had so written, seemingly owned to the truth of charges (1) and (2). the Governor then replied (1) That he had appointed Mr. Whetstone private secretary and saw no reason to regret it. (2) That following the example of a noble patron at home he had fixed a certain day for the convenience of poor people and found it sufficient, but that he was accessible at all times. (3) The Habeas Corpus bill was thrown out by the Council and never reached the Governor, and no bill for regulating fees was ever presented to him. (4) Colonel Salter's regiment was raised by advice of the Council, and an Act passed by the Assembly for its support. He advised Mr. Prideaux to be more careful in future. Order for a committee to draw up a new Highways bill. Order for several payments. The Assembly brought up a bill to present the Governor with £2,000, which was passed, and a bill to ascertain qualifications of jurors, which was deferred. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 299–306.]
July 15. 2,339. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for impressment of sloops for transport of the troops. Sir Edmund Andros's accounts, with the Privy Council's Order for examination of the same, presented. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 184, 185.]
July 15.
Whitehall.		 2,340. Order of the Queen in Council. For a letter to be written to Governor Fletcher announcing the speedy issue of a general pardon to offenders in New York, and ordering prosecutions to cease and estreated recognizances to be restored. Draft with corrections, 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 119, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 423, 424.]
July 15. 2,341. Lords of the Treasury to the King. We have considered the two memorials for the erection of a college in Virginia, and for increase of the salaries of Ministers (see No. 1,937) and have referred the same to Mr. Blathwayt and the Commissioners of Customs. Marginal note. (It is submitted that this good design should be carried on by new funds without prejudice to the revenue.) 1. No objection occurs to us if you grant the following sum, which appears to be unappropriated, to this object, viz.; the sum of £1,985 of quit-rents, which was in hand in cash on 9 June, 1691. But it must be remembered that £6,000 a year is due for eleven years to Lord Culpeper's representatives in lieu of said quitrents, which is charged on the Establishment for Forces in England, so that if this £1,985 be required for exigencies of defence in Virginia, the Governor would have recourse to the English Treasury. Marginal note. (This £1,985 is the only fund in hand for an emergency, such as an invasion of Indians, which is daily feared. The defences of the country are admitted to be defective, so that if this sum be withdrawn the Colony may be ruined, to say nothing of the importunity that such a proceeding might bring upon the King from the clergy of other Colonies, who will be for building colleges out of the Royal revenue.)
2. The growing quit-rents are particularly desired for payment of a Commissary of the clergy. Marginal note. (The solicitor for Virginia forgets that this will deprive the temporal Government of £1,000 a year, which is properly applicable to its support.)
3. The next item to be taken is the proceeds of the sale of tobacco proposed by the Commissioners of Customs, and the appropriation of forfeitures. Marginal note. (This must be left to the Commissioners of Customs.)
4. The next item is the making over of 10,000 acres to South of the Blackwater and on Pamunkey Neck to the College, for the service of rendering annually to the Government two copies of Latin verses. Marginal note. (No objection to this as it deprives the King of no profit.)
5. The next proposal is the grant of the Surveyor General's office to the College. Marginal note. (It would be of the worst consequence to allow this post, on which the properties of Virginia depend, to be bought and sold.)
6. The next proposal is to grant the College all escheats; but it is a question in law whether escheats can be granted before they accrue. Marginal note. (This is also part of the revenue by which the Government is supported.) Signed. Godolphin, R. Hampden, C. Montague. Written below. The solicitor for Virginia knows well that the Assembly of Virginia can levy what taxes it pleases for support of a college and for better payment of the clergy without encroaching on the King's revenue; the loss of which would bring the Government under the discretion of the people, who would not be so easily persuaded to grant an equivalent. If by such alienations the Colonies become a charge to the Crown, it will be hard for the English Treasury to support them. Copy. 5½ pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 116, and (without the marginal notes). Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 190–192.]
[July.] 2,342. Memorial as to the quit rents of Virginia. These rents were reserved to the Crown, at the rate of 2s. per hundred acres till 1673. They were then granted to Lords Arlington and Culpeper for thirty-one years, but surrendered in 1684 by Lord Culpeper in consideration of an annual payment of £600 a year, when the King undertook that they should be applied to the support of the Government. In six years £4,375 had been raised, of which all but £1,985 has been expended for the public service in Virginia. There is now an additional charge of £300 a year on the quit rents to the Lieutenant-Governor, besides what must be drawn from thence or from the English Treasury for New England and New York for defence of the frontier at Albany. This expense and £1,000 for which Sir E. Andros begs to meet the exigencies of government must be paid from the quit rents or the English Treasury. The Virginian Assembly has repeatedly asked that the quit rents may be employed for support of the Government. But the growing quit rents are asked for not to build the College but to pay Mr. Blair's salary as Commissary of the clergy and augment the salaries of ministers. The Council of Virginia asks that the office of Surveyor-General, requested by Mr. Blair for the College, may not be granted out of the disposal of the Government. It is proposed that the representatives of the Council of Virginia of 15 January and 1 August, 1691, be considered before any determination in this matter. Copy. 2½ pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 117.]
[July.] 2,343. Memorial as to the £2,000 of quit rents, now begged for the College in Virginia. The quit rents have never been of profit to the Government of Virginia or to the Crown, having been first granted to Lord Arlington and Lord Culpeper, and, though afterwards promised to the Government, never so employed. Marginal note. (It would be easy to prove that not a farthing of the quit rents has been diverted from the Government of Virginia since the repurchase; and it is strange that the contrary should be alleged.) The sum now lying ready in cash has never been appropriated to any purpose, so may be conveniently granted by the King to the College. It is objected that if extraordinary exigency should arise, the Government would have no fund in this case, but must fall back on the English treasury. But to this it may be answered that the Assembly has never been backward to vote money for defence of the country. Marginal note. (The Lieutenant-Governor and Council have represented that the imposition of this charge would mean ruin to the country, owing to the prevailing poverty, and that if the ships fail to arrive to carry away the tobacco, there will be no fund but the quit-rents.) But to meet all objections I will show that the quit-rents never have been applied to the contingent charges of Government, ample provision being otherwise made by the same. Thus: 1. By law of Virginia every head of the family is obliged to keep a well-fixed gun, 2 lb. of powder and 8 lb. of shot for every able-bodied man; and the custom is so well observed that all young Virginians can use a gun as soon as they can lift it, there being plenty of game to encourage them. Marginal note. (These provisions are precarious and will not be in the power of the Crown, like the quit-rents, if unjust spirits in the Assembly, as often happens, avail themselves of the necessities of the Government. Moreover the Lieutenant-Governor reports that the people are so poor that the officers cannot compel them to find arms, as obliged by law). 2. All the white men are listed in the Militia, which is well armed and accoutred. 3. There are rangers employed at the head of the rivers as a security against Indians. 4. The law that provides for the rangers empowers the Governor and Council to raise such forces as he thinks necessary. 5. There is an Act for a tax on liquors by which £1,000 can be raised for lessening the levy by poll and defraying contingent charges of government. It is true that these two last are temporary laws, so made in order to compel the calling of Assemblies. For the people reckon that if they gave away the power of levying and maintaining at the country's charge, such an arbitrary armed force would enable the Governor to dispense with assemblies; but it is plain that the people are resolved to renew these laws unless the Governor so quarrel with them as to refuse to call assemblies, in which case it will need a much larger sum than that now asked for the college, to defend the country. Marginal note. (This article sufficiently proves a former comment, by pre-supposing an armed arbitrary force to enable the Governor to dispense with assemblies; but it may as well be understood that if the Crown part with this revenue or fund, it will place itself at the mercy of the Assembly. If the King wish to dispose of this fund, the only unanticipated fund in his dominions, as I believe, the money would be better spent in redeeming the other half of the quit-rents from Lord Fairfax and others. This would be a relief to the people and a lasting benefit to the Crown. It is easy to ascertain the daily necessities of government, for which it is not always reasonable to call an Assembly. Nor is the Assembly always in humour to grant what is desired, at least without an equivalent surrender of the rights of the Crown. As to the allegation that, in this time of war, there is no special exigency requiring the use of this fund, the Lords of the Council will judge that there is such exigency close at hand, and far more pressing than the need for erecting a college). 5 pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 118, and (without the marginal notes) Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 195–201.]
July 16.
H.M.S.
Assurance
near the
Capes of
Virginia.		 2,344. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have lately visited most of the country, exercised the militia and inspected the rangers. The upper parts of the Potomac were much affrighted by mischief done near the falls on both sides the river. Some of the inhabitants had left the plantations (who are since returned) and others were about to do the like (for the settlements on the Upper Potomac are very stragglingly located), but I prevented them. If such an accident occur again I shall not be wanting to my duty. I seized the opportunity while there to speak with the Governor of Maryland about securing our frontiers, so that we might have a good and quick correspondence in case of need. I stayed with him two days at St. Maries, and the Council, Speaker and Burgesses all came to see me, so now I hope that, when required, we shall act vigorously in assistance of each other. While in Maryland I had an account of strange Indians being on the Upper Potomac, so I went near a hundred miles on the Maryland side, saw its borders with this Colony, and what posture of defence they were in. The Marylanders told me that they were very glad to see me in those parts—I assured them that in case of need I should not be backward to help them—I went to their two Indian towns and told them that now Maryland and Virginia had each a King's Governor the two countries would assist each other on all occasions. They told me that if summoned they would do their best for us. I dare not wholly believe the accounts that are sometimes given as to our frontiers and as to the Indians, for there are conflicting interests, and every man tries to promote his own before the King's. I am now seeing the fleet despatched, and hope that the tobacco now shipping will bring the revenue the largest return ever known in one year. I do all I can to encourage the planting of tobacco, for there are some whose interests lie the opposite way; but I hope they will not prevail. I proposed to the Council to draw up an account of our trade and send you our letter about it. I intend to move about the coast for some time, to exercise the militia and try to make the frigate serviceable. I send certificates as to her condition. When the coasting is done I shall visit the frontiers again and perhaps make a step into Maryland. I have an account that a ship lately came to South Carolina, which pretended to have come from the Red Sea and to have captured a Moorish ship, which brought £2,000 a-piece to the hundred men of the crew. They parted in Carolina and I hear that several of them are in Pennsylvania, where the government, owing to the Quakers falling out among themselves, is very loose. I beg your orders for my guidance, in case any of these men should come here, for it such people be encouraged they will debauch the inhabitants and make them leave planting to follow the same trade. I very much fear that these sort of privateers, or rather pirates, when they have lavishly spent what they unjustly get, are ready to make a disturbance. I send the Journals of Council and Assembly, an account of the seizure of the ship Society, an account of the Northern Neck, and a list of our fleet with their sailing and fighting orders. Signed. Fr. Nicholson. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept. 1692. Read 19 Sept. '92. Annexed,
2,344. I. Certificate of the Captain of H.M.S. Henry, Prize and other surveyors, that the ship is "a very ill roader, pitches very dangerously, and cannot ride in a sea-gate without great danger either of masts or hull." 6 July, 1692. ½ p. Endorsed. Read 6 Sept. 1692.
2,344. II. A second certificate of the same that the Henry cannot be careened in Virginia. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept., 1692.
2,344. III. List of ships entered and cleared in the Rappahannock district from 17 June, 1691, to 5 July, 1692. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding.
2,344. IV. List of ships entered and cleared in the Potomac River from 17 Sept. 1691, to 17 June, 1692. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding.
2,344. V. List of the merchant ships bound to England under convoy of H.M.S. Assurance. Ninety in all. 2½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
2,344. VI. List of the line of battle of the convoy-three divisions each of ten ships; with list of signals. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding.
2,344. VII. Sailing orders and signals for the convoy. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed as the preceding. [America and West Indies. 637. Nos. 119, 119 I–VII; and (without enclosures) Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 207–211.]
July 16. 2,345. Abstract of the preceding. 1½ pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 120.]
July 16. 2,346. Extract, from the same letter, of the passage relating to pirates. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 121.]
July 18. 2,347. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Orders for sundry petty payments and appointments. The embargo on shipping taken off. Order for payment of the Secretary's charge of £57, for making out ten commissions of the peace and 341 commissions for officers in the militia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 187, 188.]
July 19. 2,348. The Queen to the Governor of Virginia. Ordering him to procure the passing of a law to prohibit export of tobacco in bulk. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 168, 169.]
July 19. 2,349. The same letter to the Governor of Maryland. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. pp. 46, 47.]
July 20.
Barbados.		 2,350. Governor Kendall to Archibald Carmichael. I am credibly informed that your office, the Naval Office, is mismanaged, and that you have entrusted it to a young man who is not qualified for so important a trust. Henceforth you will remain in town and manage the office yourself, or within a fortnight's time I shall appoint a proper person to it. Signed. J. Kendall. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 84.]
[July ?] 2,351. Petition of Archibald Carmichael to the King. For continuance in the place of clerk of the Naval Office of Barbados. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 85.]
July 20. 2,352. List of the Governor and Assistants of the Company for working mines in New England. Peregrine, Earl of Danby, Governor; Sir Matthew Dudley, Deputy-Governor; and twenty-four Assistants. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 3.]
July 21. 2,353. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the petition of William Talbot for the Escheatorship of the Leeward Islands to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. John Nicholas. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 8 Feb. Read 8 and 11 Feb., 1692–3. The petitioner attended on the 11th, was judged not qualified for the employment. [America and West Indies, 551. No. 60; and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 117.]
July 21. 2,354. Order of the Privy Council. That the Admiralty be instructed to furnish transport for Colonel Beeston to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 109.]
July 21. 2,355. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Regulation for building the new town of Kingston in St. Andrews-that every purchaser within three years build a house worth £50 on forfeiture of that sum.
July 22. Order for the Middle Ground to be surveyed for a fort. Order for a Court of Judicature to be held on the last Tuesday in November forty days before which day martial law shall cease. Order for a proclamation that all rescued goods will be exposed for claimants to make their claims in the nearest parishes on several days. Orders prohibiting the charge of excessive rates for ferrying to Kingston, prohibiting negroes from trading on Sundays, for the recovery by H.M.S. Mordaunt of the sunken guns at Port Royal and for the new town to be called Kingston. Orders as to materials and labour for the building of Kingston. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 201–203.]
July 21. 2,356. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for payment of £30 or £40 in cash to the Committee for War for petty expenses. Order for the Committee to ship provisions for the soldiers and draw bills on the Treasurer for their expenses. Order for payment of £109 to the owners of the William and Mary. Sundry petty appointments.
July 22. Order for issue of debentures at the rate of £4 a week to Elisha Hutchinson while commanding in chief on the Eastern frontier, and for payments on account of the troops. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 188–190.]
July 22. 2,357. Acts passed in Antigua, for 1692.
Act for establishment of parishes and maintenance of Ministers. Passed 1 July 1692.
Act to confirm possession of inhabitants.
Act for easing tenants from taxes during the war.
Act to encourage importation of white servants.
Act to regulate the militia. These four were also passed on 21 July 1692.
Act for establishment of Courts. Passed 22 July 1692 [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. II.]
July 22. 2,358. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Beeston and the Royal African Company attended, when the Company said that they had now no contract with the Assiento, and had ordered all negroes to be sold by inch of candle in Jamaica. The question of prizes considered. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 113, 114.]
July 25. 2,359. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. A committee appointed to examine all accounts of expenses incurred through the war, receiving a commission of threepence in the pound on all sums for which they pass debentures. Order for credit to be given to Samuel Sewall for £200 advanced to the public.
July 26. Anthony Checkley appointed the Royal attorney at the approaching Court, and £40 advanced for the expenses of said court. Order for £15 to be advanced to Wait Winthrop, who is appointed to settle the militia on Martha's Vineyard. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 190–192.]
July 26. 2,360. Memorandum of the Agents of the Leeward Islands. Martinique and Guadeloupe are now practically the only islands from which the French obtain sugar. The loss of them would not only be a great blow to them but a great security to us. To capture them there will be needed 2,000 old soldiers from England, 1,000 men from Barbados and 1,200 (including Bolton's regiment); guns and stores; and ten or twelve ships of war. The men of war should leave in October or November at latest. The Governors of Barbados and Leeward Islands should receive notice to have all their men ready. On the fleets arrival at Barbados, ships should be sent at once to the Leeward Islands to transport the men to Martinique, which should be laid waste by frequent attacks and the inhabitants transported elsewhere. Martinique taken, Guadeloupe may be next attacked, and Hispaniola afterwards. 2 pp. Endorsed. A copy of what we delivered to the Lords 26 July 1692. Signed; Bastian Bayer, Jeffry Jeffrys, Joseph Martin, Richard Cary. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 17.]
July 26. 2,361. Grant of leave of absence for six months to Lieutenant Governor Nathaniel Blakiston, of Montserrat, to proceed to England on private affairs. Signed. Chr. Codrington. Copy. 1½ pp. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 61.]
July 26. 2,362. Certificate of the Council and Assembly of Montserrat as to the good service done by Lieutenant Governor Blakiston in peace and war, and in upholding the Protestant interest. Copy. 1½ pp.
Confirmatory certificate of Governor Codrington. Same date. Copy. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 62.]
July 26. 2,363. Order of Sir William Phips to the officers of the regiment at Boston. To search for all men who failed to appear on the 15th inst., and if any refuse to pay their twenty shillings fine, to send them on board H.M.S. Nonsuch. Copy.
Noted below. The fine imposed by law is but five shillings; but several paid it, and several merchants who did not were threatened to be sent on board the King's ship. I make no comment on the order to the Constables of Boston to aid in the execution of this order. The whole. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 19 July 1693 from Mr. Usher. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 4.]
July 26. 2,364. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The merchants trading to the Plantations attended, as to the question whether the embargo on ships should be raised for a time, to permit the seamen to return in time to serve in next year's fleet, or whether the trade should be limited to a certain number of ships, sailing under convoy. The merchants of Jamaica preferred the latter course.
July 27. The merchants of Barbados and the Leeward Islands also pleaded in favour of a convoy, but asked that some of the ships outward bound might be allowed to call at Madeira for wine. The Virginia merchants also favoured a convoy. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 115–117.]
July 28. 2,365. Order of the Privy Council. That copies of the report of the Treasury on the proposed college in Virginia, and other papers be sent to the Attorney-General for report. Signed. John Nicholas. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 193.]
July 28. 2,366. Petition of George Harris to the Queen. For an order to Lord Inchiquin to restore to his office of Secretary all the emoluments which petitioner originally enjoyed therein. Inscribed, Order of the King (see No. 1,663). In the margin, Recd. 31 July: Read Aug. 24, '91. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 83.]
July 29. 2,367. Extracts from Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Petition of the merchants of Port Royal showing that by the late earthquake they have lost nearly all their estates, and praying for a King's ship to fetch £40,000, that remains of it, from the Assiento at Porto Bello. Order for H.M.S. Mordaunt to sail accordingly. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 23.]
July 29. 2,368. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for H.M.S. Mordaunt to sail to Porto Bello and fetch £40,000 belonging to the merchants of Port Royal from the Assiento; but that Captain Francis Maynard shall take no merchandise with him. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 203, 204.]
July 29. 2,369. Address of the Grand Jury of Barbados to the King and Queen. Loyal thanks for the appointment of Governor Kendall. The Island is much weakened by sickness and providing regiments for the Leeward Islands. We beg for remission of the additional duty on sugar, and for a trade with Scotland for servants, to supply our militia and plantations. Fourteen signatures. Large sheet. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 38.]
July 29.
St. Marie,
Maryland.		 2,370. Governor Copley to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I write to guard myself against malicious misrepresentation of me by Mr. Randolph, not so much to set forth his exorbitant and malignant temper as to defend myself from his base aspersions against myself and the Government. These have discovered his rancour even to the least thoughtful, though I shewed myself kind and thoughtful to a degree which astonished all here who have the misfortune to know him. He scorns to be particular but treats all alike with scurrilous haughty deportment, under pretext of zeal for the King's service, to which really he is a great impediment, for he is busier to satisfy his private animosities than to work for the King. Thus he has seized and brought in two or three ships, upon the bare account of being what he calls New England rogues and pitiful damned Scotch pedlars, and though all help and countenance was given to him abused the jurors, men of the best character, as base and perjured rogues, and threatened them with the pillory. In public also he aspersed the justices themselves, men appointed by the Council's advice, though said by him to be packed by me and the Assembly for making laws to suit my inclinations or their own private interest. By such means the King's service greatly suffers, and matters of weight under his management fall into disrepute. He uses the people's horses, boats and goods without payment; and if he should have the best of causes before a jury his insolent tone would prevent them from treating it as an effect of his wild brain. His only associates are papists or men professedly disaffected to the Government, but even they can hardly afford a good word for him behind his back and have no design in their friendship with him but to disturb the Government. In fact he has done here what he has done elsewhere—made the country weary of him. He boasts that he has lived five and twenty years on the curses of the people, and I am sure that he never wants them. Signed. L. Copley. 2¼ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 24 Nov. '92. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2, No. 80; and 8. pp. 87–90.]
[July 29.] 2,371. Petition of Governor Samuel Allen to Lords of Trade and Plantations. For an order to the Government of Massachusetts to restore the records of New Hampshire. 1 p. Inscribed. Read and approved. 29 July, 1692. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1, No. 17; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 209.]
July 29. 2,372. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending that the foregoing petition be granted, and that a seal be prepared for New Hampshire. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 209, 210.]
[July ?] 2,373. Proclamation of the Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, appointing Ports of Entry. Undated. 1 p. Copy. [America and West Indies, 637. No. 122.]
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