America and West Indies: November 1693

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1903.

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'America and West Indies: November 1693', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696, (London, 1903) pp. 201-215. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol14/pp201-215 [accessed 25 March 2024]

November 1693

Nov. 1. 657. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The suit between Henry Stonham and John Adams heard, and the 600 acres of land in dispute divided, Stonham receiving 200 acres and Adams 400 acres.
Nov. 2. Letter from the Governor of New York, asking for assistance, read, and referred to the Burgesses. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 835–836.]
Nov. 2. 658. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for disposal of certain muskets and carbines, according to the directions of Colonel Nicholas Lawes. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 262.]
Nov. 3. 659. Extract from Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Message of the Council to the Assembly desiring them to proceed with the Act for raising money for defence of the Island. Answer of the Assembly that they were concerned with other business. Second message of the Council desiring the bill to be sent up presently. The messenger returned with the news that the house had broken up and had not proceeded with the bill. After a short adjournment, the Council again desired the bill to be sent up, and declined to receive any message until this was done; and the house finally sent up the bill with a protest against the uncommon action of the Council.
Nov. 4. Message from the Assembly that no ill was intended by the House; and after a conference the dispute was adjusted and the Governor in presence of the Assembly gave his assent to four bills. The Governor then told the Assembly that as they would not attend to his admonition to settle the bills for revenue and quitrents and had sent insulting messages to the Council he would dissolve them. 5 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 27 Feb., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 27.]
Nov. 4. 660. Minutes of General Assembly of Virginia. The Conferrers reported the result of their Conference with the Burgesses.
Nov. 5. The Burgesses agreed to all the bills amended by the Council except one, on which the Council accepted a compromise.
Nov. 6. Message to the Burgesses as to the Ports Act and bulk-tobacco.
Nov. 7. Twenty five revised bills read a first time.
Nov. 8. The bills for Rangers and manufacture of linen passed and sent to the Burgesses. Seven revised bills read a third time and sent to the Burgesses with amendments.
Nov. 9. Five acts were returned by the Burgesses as agreed to, and ten more were read a first time. Address of the Burgesses setting forth the inability of Virginia to help New York. Nine acts were read a second time.
Nov. 10. The nine acts were read a third time and returned to the Burgesses with amendments. Message of the Council as to appointment of a commission for the Congress. Two bills assented to.
Nov. 11. Address from the Burgesses as to the Ports Act and bulk-tobacco. Messages from the Governor and Council as to giving help to New York, and as to the Ports Act and bulk-tobacco. Three bills read a third time and returned to the Burgesses with amendments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 1021–1036.]
Nov. 5. 661. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Montserrat. Order for the Treasurer to take up all necessaries for the men encamped, for publications to be set up for the inhabitants on the first alarm to drive all their cattle to windward and to bring in what country provisions they have to the Treasurer, who will pay ready money for the same, also for a publication for the inhabitants of the Middle and Windward divisions to send all their horses, with negroes to attend them, to White River Camp, and those of the Northern Division to send their horses and saddles to Carr's Bay Camp. Ordered also that any trespass in driving cattle in case of invasion shall, if the enemy be repulsed, be made good by the country. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 323.]
Nov. 6.
Antigua.
662. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Our apprehensions of a French attack were true. On the 29th October one of our privateer-sloops took two prizes going from Martinique to Guadeloupe and brought them in hither. By examination of the prisoners and several French letters we have certain intelligence that three ships of war have recently reached Martinique from France, one of fifty-two guns, one of forty-eight, and a third of twenty odd, with 150 recruits from the King's companies there; that immediately on their arrival the French resolved on an attempt on Montserrat, and that accordingly commissions were issued for 600 militia, who, with the assistance of three frigates, the King's Companies and three East Indiamen, should endeavour to surprise Montserrat this week. These prizes had commissions and were going to pick up men at Guadeloupe for this same expedition, the rendezvous being Marie Galante. I at once sent orders to Colonel Blakiston to put Montserrat into the best posture of defence and to guard against surprise, and ordered fifty men of the King's Companies here to embark for that Island at once. I hope that the vigilance of Colonel Blakiston and Major Nott may defeat the French designs, but in case the French should change their plan I have warned the Lieutenant-Governors of all the Islands to be on their guard and shall send to Governor Kendall to spare us the man-of-war there. That ship when joined with our frigate may be able to give the enemy some diversion, though it will be with extreme hazard, and I shall endeavour to relieve Montserrat in person if it should be brought to any stress, of which they are to give me notice by signals. While the French are masters of the sea they will be continually attempting some of our Islands, which will oblige us to encamp and will harass and destroy our inhabitants; whereas, if the King could spare us a few frigates with active commanders, we should not only be free from apprehension but could continually alarm and harass our enemies. I beg therefore for speedy despatch of ships. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 2 Jan. 1693–4. Read 8 Jan. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 23; and 44. pp. 133–135.]
Nov. 6. 663. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 24; and 44. pp. 183–185.]
Nov. 6. 664. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia. The book of claims was presented to the House. Report of the Conferrers as to the Conference with the Council received, and further conference ordered.
Nov. 7. Report on the Conference of yesterday. Resolved to agree to the Council's amendments. Message from the Council, with several arguments why the House should reconsider its decision as to the Ports Act and the prohibition of export of bulk-tobacco. After debate thereon, the House resolved that it adhered to its former resolutions on the question. The Governor's speech of the 2nd inst. read, and order given to draw up a reply.
Nov. 8. Address of the Burgesses to the Governor giving their opinion that the affairs of New York are in no such desperate condition as is represented, that Albany is no bulwark to Virginia, and that Virginia is so much burdened by the weight of her own defence that she can spare no help for New York. The bills for Rangers and for encouraging the manufacture of linen were received from the Council with amendments, which were accepted by the Burgesses.
Nov. 9. Bill for an impost on furs for support of the College read a first time. Seven revised bills were received from the Council and the amendments considered. Bill to fix the site of the College read first time.
Nov. 10. Message received from the Governor that he had appointed a commissioner to attend the Congress at New York. Ten bills returned by the Council with amendments, on which the House declined to proceed since the bill as to subpœnas was not sent with them, sending a message to that effect. The House attended the Governor, who assented to two bills. Address to the Governor saying that beyond the revision of the laws and two bills concerning the College they had nothing further on hand. The House attended the Governor, who expressed his regret that it would not consider the matters submitted to it by the King.
Nov. 11. Address to the Governor, setting forth that the House adhered to its first resolution as to the Act for Ports and bulk-tobacco. Another address to the Governor setting forth the House's opinion that the expenses of the commission to New York should be paid out of the Royal revenue. Messages from the Council that it was about to join the Subpœna bill to another bill, and that the House's reply to the Governor's speech urging the measures ordered by the King as to New York, was still awaited. The bills to fix the site of the College, and for an impost on furs were passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 1117–1134.]
Nov. 7.
Newcastle.
665. Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Thomas Davis, Secretary of New Hampshire, is going to England to lay before you the condition of the province. Signed. John Usher. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 10 Jan., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 30; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 237.]
Nov. 7.
Newcastle.
666. Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Captain Stileman, a justice of the peace and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas refused to obey my order for billeting twenty soldiers, who were impressed for work at the fort, and deported himself in so contemptuous a manner, that I took away his commission and appointed Captain Nathaniel Fryer to be judge in his stead. Since then the Assembly has sat, when I made them the enclosed speech, and after three days' waiting it was moved (the Representatives being then in Council) that they should despatch the business proposed to them. One Furbur, a Representative, asked me if I threatened them, adding in a contemptuous manner that I had already undone them by putting hardships upon them and making them sit in corners. When the Representatives withdrew every member of the Council pressed me to call him to account, and to make an example of him, or otherwise the Government would be run down. I left Furbur alone for that day, hoping that the Assembly would deal with him. Next day, having passed all the Acts, I acquainted them with Furbur's words, and said that I had thought they would have taken cognisance thereof, and that as they had not I had no further service for them and therefore prorogued them. The Council taking the affront as to the whole board ordered him to be taken into custody, when after some days he sent me a petition acknowledging his fault and asking for clemency. I released him accordingly, but deprived him of his commission as ensign and made him incapable of serving in any public station during our pleasure, for which clemency he gave me many thanks. I hope there is nothing illegal herein, but we want a judge out of England to advise us in such matters. The matter has caused much discourse and even an expectation of the people's rising, and I think it likely that it may be represented to you as a complaint against me. As nothing has been done for support of the Government and as a justice tells me he cannot execute his warrants from fear of the people, I am about to retire to Boston, where I shall remain for my own safety until the King will afford us 100 soldiers for our assistance or give us fresh orders. Signed. John Usher. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 21 Dec., 1693. Annexed,
666. I. Speech of Lieutenant-Governor Usher to the Assembly of New Hampshire. 16 October, 1693. Pointing out his work for the province, his economical administration of funds and his expenditure out of his own pocket, and asking for funds for the support of the Government. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 21 Dec., 1693. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 31, 31 I.; and (without enclosure) Col Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 234–236.]
Nov. 7. 667. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor reported his visit to Connecticut and how he had tried to persuade the Government to obey the Royal orders, but that he had met with nothing but opposition and disrespect. Agreed that an order be sent to Governor Treat to furnish 100 men for Albany, provided that the proceedings in the said order be, good and lawful. The Governor asking whether he should reside at Albany this winter, and it being represented that money would be wanting to pay the cost of the expedition, he offered to go without considering the expense if his presence were thought necessary. The Council thought that Albany was in no such imminent danger as to require the Governor's presence. Warrant for grant of land to Anthony Crepell. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 476, 477.]
[Nov. 9.] 668. Memorial of the Commissioners for the Leeward Islands to the King. Praying that a squadron may be despatched to the Leeward Islands, as the inhabitants are much diminished by war and sickness, and the French have ships at Martinique, which may lead to the ruin of the Islands. Signed. Bastian Bayer, Jeff. Jeffreys, Joseph Martyn, Rd. Cary. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 9 Nov., 1693. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 25; and 44. p. 153.]
[Nov. 9.] 669. Declaration of Jacob Woolster, master of the Teneriffe, merchantman. That he threw overboard some packets for the Admiralty and the Lords of Trade from America, on meeting some ships which he took to be French, but which turned out to be an English vessel with her prizes. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 9 November, 1693. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 35.]
Nov. 9. 670. Minutes of Council of New York. Order, owing to alleged scarcity of provisions, that a Committee board a Dutch ship in the harbour, and see if she have more provisions on board than are permitted by her licence. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 477, 478.]
Nov. 10. 671. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Colonel Hamilton's letter and Peter Heyman's petition for a subvention to the Post Office, referred to the Burgesses. The Council decided that the letter from the Governor of New York had been sufficiently recommended to the Burgesses. Order for all creditors on the estate of Edward Davies and his fellow-pirates to bring in their claims. The Council decided that the easiest method of providing for the Clergy would be found on revision of the laws. The embargo on shipping for Europe raised. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 835–838.]
Nov. 10.
New York.
672. Governor Fletcher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I am returned from Connecticut. The documents that I have sent home will shew you what contempt is thrown on the Royal authority. It would be tedious and troublesome to repeat the personal slights I met with; but I confess that I found them upon their penitentials on my return, wishing to have their money restored by Winthrop, their Agent, and that the General Court had made a dutiful submission. Major Palmer, Mr. Gershom Bulkeley, the two Rosewells, and Mr. Trowbridge are gentlemen of the best education, sense and estates among them. They with many other well-affected people have suffered very much from the arbitrary illegal proceedings there. If Connecticut be annexed to New York, these are the fittest men for Councillors. I find from their charter that they have no other military power than to array their people upon urgent occasions, which does not extend to a fixed, standing militia. I am persuaded that their irregularities have been so great that they would not defend their charter against a quo warranto. I am told that the east end of Nassau Island have joined them to use the same person, Major Winthrop, to procure that they may be cut off from this province. They also are an independent people, and think anything may be done at Whitehall for money. While everyone pursues their sluggish ease, Albany is in imminent danger of being lost. I tried to get assistance from the neighbouring Colonies and to have quotas of men and money ascertained for each for the defence of the frontier. Commissioners met on this business at my summons in October; but Sir William Phips declined to send a Commissioner, and the rest would not proceed unless there were a full meeting of at least one from each colony. Sir E. Andros and Colonel Copley have discounted a former contribution sent by them for the sum now ordered by the King from the treasuries of Virginia and Maryland. Governor Hamilton of New Jersey has proved very zealous and forward to our assistance, and has prevailed with the Assembly to give us thirty men, with pay, from 1 May next during the war. Our hardships grow upon us. Canada by a late information has received 700 men and stores from France. Our Indians falter, and the enemy pass them and turn their sword upon our farmers, which is their great cunning and likely to be our ruin. There is no remedy left but a squadron of ships and land forces to take Canada next summer, and the building of a stone fort at Albany and finding us four companies of grenadiers at the King's charge. These small polite Colonies on this main are as much divided in interest and affection as Christian and Turk. Pray remember the artillery and stores that I wrote for. Signed. Ben Fletcher. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 28 March, '94. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 36; and 48. pp. 93–96.]
Nov. 11.
Newcastle.
673. Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Advising despatch of several affidavits, etc., relating to the case of the prize, Three Brothers. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 238.]
Nov. 13. 674. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia. Two Addresses to the Council, setting forth that the House still adheres to its resolutions as to the Ports Act and the question of bulk tobacco, and as to the inability of the Colony to help New York.
Nov. 14. Four bills received from the Council with amendments. Accounts and claims considered and £250 voted to James Blair for his services in connection with the College. Five bills amended by the Council were considered, and a conference desired.
Nov. 15. A further conference desired on the Subpoena bill, which being held, it was resolved to prepare a new bill.
Nov. 16. Further consideration of bills amended by the Council.
Nov. 17. Address to the Governor and Council asking them to concur in an Address of thanks to Their Majesties for the Charter granted to the College. Further consideration of bills amended by the Council.
Nov. 18. Bill for a public levy read thrice and passed. Message from the Council concurring in an Address of thanks to the King and Queen. Copy of the Address. The House attended the Council by summons. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 1134–1146.]
Nov. 14. 675. Minutes of General Assembly of Virginia. Two bills as to the College read a first time, also fourteen revised bills. Two addresses were received from the Burgesses.
Nov. 15. Conferrers appointed on the Subpoena bill. Message to the Burgesses offering amendments on the book of claims. Two bills read a second time, and two a third time, and the two latter sent to the Burgesses with amendments.
Nov. 16. The two bills as to the College received back from the Burgesses with the amendments agreed to.
Nov. 17. Answer to the Burgesses to the amendments of the book of claims [these pages are so faded as to be with difficulty legible], and further messages exchanged thereupon.
Nov. 18. The Governor having assented to the bill to fix the site of the College and the bill for a public levy, dissolved the Assembly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 1036–1050.]
Nov. 14. 676. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Montserrat. The Assembly, on the motion of the Council, agreed to draw up an Act for the more speedy sending of negroes to work on the fortifications. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 323.]
Nov. 14. 677. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Remonstrance of grievances against the African Company passed, viz., (1) that the incorporation of the Company has diminished the number of ships engaged in the negro-trade, and therefore (2) diminished also the King's customs in divers ways. Monopoly is always an evil, and the warm trade driven in Africa by foreign nations, despite the pretensions of the Company, threatens to drive the English out. Moreover it is a fact that the Colonies have not been so well or cheaply furnished with slaves as before the establishment of the Company; and the consequence is injury to the sugar industry, which will thus fall into the hands of the French. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 357–360.]
Nov. 14. 678. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commissioners of Customs and the merchants attended on the business of convoys.
Draft grant to Sir John Hoskyns read and approved. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 222–224.]
Nov. 16. 679. Minutes of Council of New York. Agreed that the Assembly should be dissolved. In consequence of scandalous reports in the town that there were not ten men in a company in the troops at Albany, the Governor produced the latest returns showing 261 effective men in the four companies, 39 having deserted. Order for the release of Nathaniel Cole, junior, on his giving security to take his trial at next Supreme Court. The audit of Governor Sloughter's accounts sent to Mrs. Sloughter to see if she objects thereto. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 478, 479.]
Nov. 17.
Bermuda.
680. Governor Goddard to Sir John Trenchard. My voyage lasted twelve weeks and four days, so that I did not arrive till the 10th of August. I found the place in general confusion owing to the action of Governor Richier. The people had not only been oppressed, but were in daily fear of their lives, the late Governor intending to govern by martial law. To redress these grievances I called a General Assembly of which a Committee of Grievances exhibited several articles against Mr. Richier, a copy of which I have sent home. By next opportunity, six weeks or two months hence, I will send the Acts of Assembly, the articles against Mr. Richier and the sworn evidence against him. I can give you no account of the Islands yet. I must, however, call your attention to the following matter. One Fifield, a wicked profligate fellow, had by means of one of your clerks obtained a patent for the places of Sheriff and Secretary. Shortly before my coming he was killed by one Mr. Thomas Walker, who will shortly be tried for the same. The two places vacated I gave gratis to two gentlemen who came over with me, the sheriff's place to Mr. Stephen Crow, who served in the 3rd troop of Horse Guards in Ireland and Flanders, and the secretary's place to Mr. Nicholas Trott, junior. Fifield had, by favour of Mr. Richier, cut down and destroyed the King's timber to the value of £2,000, and the King's lands have been so generally wasted by the late Governor and Sheriff that there is hardly a good tree left in them. Fifield had put his brother John Fifield, into the Secretary's place as his deputy, so idle and drunken a fellow that everyone was forced to go to the public drinking houses to transact their business, and the Island records are so confused that no one can understand them. In some cases not only of meum and tuum but even of life and death persons have been condemned to die, and there is no record of process or judgment against them. I could easily send you bundles of affidavits to prove what I say, but I will only ask you to confirm these two gentlemen in their places. Signed. Jo. Goddard. 1½ pp. Endorsed, R. Feb. 21, 1693. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 50.]
Nov. 17.
Bermuda.
681. Governor Goddard to the Earl of Nottingham. To the same effect as the preceding with the following postscript. One Mr. Hordesnell, who sails in the same ship as this packet, tells me that he is very intimate with your Lordship. He came here two months before me and assured Mr. Richier that I was then actually in Flanders with the King and could not come here this summer, and that before next summer there would be such changes in England that I should not come at all, so that Mr. Richier might consider himself safe for twelve months more. This gentleman has been Mr. Richier's only council and comes, I believe, to defend his administration. 2½ pp. Endorsed, R. Feb. 22, 1693. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 51.]
Nov. 17.
Bermuda.
682. Governor Goddard to Lords of Trade and Plantations. To the same effect as preceding letters. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 20 Feb. 1693–4. Read 5 March. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 2. No. 13; and 28, pp. 95–97.]
Nov. 17. 683. Abstract of the preceding letter. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 2. No. 14.]
Nov. 18. 684. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for public notice to be given of the grant of land by the King to the College, in the Courts of the Counties wherein the said land lies. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 838–839.]
Nov. 18. 685. Address of the Council and Burgesses of Virginia to the King and Queen. Thanking them for granting a Charter for the College of Virginia, which they will not be slow to encourage. Signed. R. Wormeley; Tho. Milner, Speaker. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 638. No. 15.]
Nov. 20. 686. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The question of convoys again considered.
Petition of Richard Levy, master mariner, read; agreed to recommend that his ship be cleared for the Plantations, as he requests.
The King to be reminded as to the despatch of Governor Russell's Commission. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 225–227.]
Nov. 20. 687. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Montserrat. Orders for the billetting of the three companies of the English regiment, and for a gratuity to be paid to Captain Glover and his men for discovering the enemy's late design of invasion. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 324.]
Nov. 21. 688. Extract from the minutes of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts. A messenger came to summon the house to the Governor, who thereupon declared the Speaker to be dismissed, as he had been the occasion of sundry disorders committed in the house, and desired the house to choose another Speaker. A deputation waited on the Governor to know by what right he did this.
Nov. 22. Resolution of the House of Assembly approving of fourteen items of accounts, excepting the grant of £500 to the Governor.
Protest of several members of the House of Representatives against a vote compelling all representatives chosen for towns to be residents in those towns. 4 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 86.]
Nov. 22.
Custom
House.
689. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. We have received an account from Mr. Jahleel Brenton, Collector in New England, of an assault by Sir William Phips on him and of other obstruction offered to him on his seizure of a ship for illegal trading. From affidavits received, it seems that this is not the only occasion on which he has been hindered and discouraged by Sir William Phips. We beg that the affair may be laid before Council, for redress. Signed. Jo. Werden, Robert Southwell, Robt. Clayton, J. Warde. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Read in Council. 23 Nov. Annexed,
689. I. Petition of Jahleel Brenton to Lords of the Treasury. In October I seized a ship in Massachusetts for illegal training and prosecuted her. The trial was deferred at the instance of Samuel Shrimpton, merchant, and meanwhile the Court illegally turned me out of the ship and gave her to Samuel Shrimpton together with her cargo, who sent her at once to sea. I still prosecuted my information and obtained a verdict against the ship; but at Shrimpton's instance an appeal was allowed, and the judgment was reversed by the Court of Assistants, who refused me an appeal to the King in Council. The ship returned after some time from Spain with a cargo, and I again seized and prosecuted her. The jury found for me, but the judge refused to accept any verdict except for the defendant. I then entered a review of the cause which would have assured the condemnation of the cargo, where upon Samuel Shrimpton broke open the King's storehouse and took the cargo away. The Governor and Council have lately issued an order forbidding me to enter and clear vessels, saying that this duty lies only in the Naval Officer, which is a great encouragement to illicit trading. Sir William Phips himself is carrying on private and illicit trade, but finding this order insufficient to conceal it he has prevailed with the Assembly to pass an Act exempting all ships trading from Colony to Colony from entering or clearing, in the teeth of the Acts of Navigation. Sir William and his Naval Officer have kept all cocquets and certificates from me and have frequently permitted ships to unload without producing them. I lately seized a sloop called the Good Luck for illicit trading, whereupon Sir William Phips came with about fifty persons and laid violent hands on me, dragging me about the wharf, striking me with his cane and his fists, and threatening to break all my bones and commit me to prison if I did not give up the ship and goods, which I was forced to do. I beg that I may prosecute these cases before the King in Council and collect evidence for that purpose. Large sheet.
689. II. Copies of three affidavits, showing that Sir William Phips denied the authority of Jahleel Brenton as King's Collector, and encouraged masters of ships to ignore it. 3½ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 87, 87 I., II.; and (without enclosures) 35. pp. 67–69.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
690. Order of the King in Council. Approving the draft of a grant of the Islands of Ascension, Martin Var, and Trinidad in the West Indies to Sir John Hoskyns, and directing it to be prepared for signature. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 324.]
[Nov.] 691. A collection of documents relating to the grant of Islands to Sir John Hoskyns.
691. I. Order of the Privy Council, 18 June, 1691, referring a petition of Sir J. Hoskyns for grant of the said Islands, for consideration and report.
691. II. Heads of a grant of the Islands. 2¼ pp.
691. III. Draft of a grant of the Islands. Endorsed, Recd. July 29, 1691. 2 pp.
691. IV. Abstract of the grant of the Islands. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. Nos. 63 I.–IV.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 314–316.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
692. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of planters and merchants of Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ¼ p. Annexed,
692. I. Petition of planters and merchants of Barbados to the King. Praying for disallowance of an Act lately passed in Barbados limiting freight of muscovado sugar to seven shillings per hundred weight, and of other goods in proportion; since petitioners being unable to get ships to sail at those rates have been forced to contract at higher rates. Twenty-three signatures. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Read 6 Dec. '93. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 30, 31I.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 432, 433.]
[Nov.] 693. Copy of an Act of Barbados, for regulating the exorbitant rates demanded by masters of ships. Passed:—22 Dec. 1690. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, with a précis. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 31.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
694. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of John Usher to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed,
694. I. Petition of John Usher to the King. On the alteration of the Government of Massachusetts I submitted my accounts to the Treasury, and being in disburse was referred to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts. I laid my accounts before them, and a Committee reported £851 2s. 10d. to be due to me; but I can obtain no order from the Governor for payment of the money. I beg therefore for the King's order for it to be paid to me. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Dec. 1693. Read 21 March, 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 88, 88 I.; and 35. pp. 107, 108.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
695. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Thomas Newton to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed,
695. I. Petition of Thomas Newton to the Queen. For appointment to the office of Attorney General in New England. Copy. ½ p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 7 Dec. '93. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 89, 89 I.]
Nov. 23. 696. Order of the King in Council. Referring the memorial from the Commissioners for the Leeward Islands to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed,
696. I. Memorial of the Commissioners for the Leeward Islands. Begging for the reinforcement of the ships of war in the Islands as the French are reinforcing their squadron at Martinique, and for the despatch of recruits to strengthen the regiment and company of foot stationed in the Leeward Islands. Signed. Bastian Bayer, Jeff. Jeffreys, Joseph Martyn, Rd. Cary. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 6 Dec. '93. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. Nos. 26, 26 I.; and 44. pp. 154, 155.]
Nov. 25. 697. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Montserrat. Order for two great guns to be sent to Carr's Bay, and for all the negroes in Middle and Windward Divisions to begin work on the fortifications on the 4th and complete it on the 14 December. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 324.]
Nov. 27. 698. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor reported news from Albany that some of the Mohawks are cut off by the French, that the Jersey men have run away, that Governor Hamilton, for all his unwearied endeavours, cannot get men to fill their places, and that he had ordered twenty or thirty men to be sent up from New York. The Council approved. Orders for sundry payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 479–480.]
Nov. 29. 699. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Further consideration of the convoys of the outward trade. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 228–230.]
Nov. 29. 700. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Letter from Governor Codrington of 7 October. Joyful news has arrived of an entire victory over Marshal Luxemburg, in which the French had 30,000 slain, and their cannon and baggage taken. God send confirmation thereof. I must forbid you to admit Colonel Charles Pym to sit in Council, as he left the Government without my leave in time of danger. I have reported this to the Lords of Trade and Plantations. You may swear Mr. John Smargin in his stead. I have ordered the great guns lying in the sand at Nevis to be brought to Antigua, where they are much wanted. Pray give your assistance herein. I shall visit all the Islands shortly and look at their arrangements for defence, but I am assured by some of our prisoners returned from Martinique that the French are so sickly that they can give us little cause for alarm. At the return of the frigate I shall send her up to Barbados to refit. (Letter ends.) Colonel Charles Pym was accordingly dismissed the Council, but first entered his protest, denying the Governor's charge against him. The Council and Assembly agreed as to the Committee to regulate the trenches. The Assembly proposing an Act to make the Secretary give security for due performance of his office, the Council agreed, provided that the Assembly could produce a precedent for the same. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 281–283.]
Nov. 29. 701. Instructions of the Proprietors to Thomas Smith, Governor of Carolina. These are identical with those to Governor Ludwell of 8 November, 1691 (see preceding volume of this Calendar), except that laws affecting courts of justice, juries or elections are not to be executed until ratified by the Proprietors. Signed. Craven, Ashley, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. pp. 3–7.]
Nov. 29. 702. Commission of Thomas Smith to be Governor of Carolina. Signed. Craven. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 8.]
Nov. 29. 703. Warrant of Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Empowering Governor Thomas Smith to appoint a chief judge and four justices in any county, and to remove them at will. Signed. Craven, Ashley, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 9.]
Nov. 29. 704. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Smith and Council. We find from your letters that the Government is in your hands, which is as we would have it. We have not received the eight Acts passed by the Assembly. As to the Act of Indemnity, we hope that our pardon, sent by last ship, will settle that matter. We see that some of the troublers of the peace have left Carolina, and you say that if three more were gone, all would be quiet. There are laws to punish those who disturb the peace by false reports and seditious speeches, which might be enforced. Governor Ludwell had no right to propose to the Assembly a form of deed for grant of land. The land is ours, and we shall grant it on our own terms. Be careful as to your proceedings concerning the Englishman murdered by Indians. Indians are apt to throw the blame for such outrages on another tribe, and to take vengeance for bloodshed. So be sure that the right tribe is taken to task, and that the culprit be punished by his own people. You will explain why the pirates from the Red Sea, who were obliged to leave their ship and to land in Carolina, were not prosecuted. Signed. Craven, Ashley, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 10.]
Nov. 29. 705. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Thomas Smith. We sent for your commission and instructions, and hope you have obeyed our last orders to Governor Ludwell. We believe that the Goose Creek men have promoted disorder in order to avoid paying rent, which will come to an end when they see that we are determined to enforce payment. We hear that the persons indicted for murder of Indians were acquitted, the jury throwing out the bill. Peace cannot be expected if Indians are murdered, and no satisfaction given. You will enquire into this matter, and if you find plain proof against the offenders you will take care for their condign punishment. You will do your best to seize any pirates and their plunder, try them and make examples of them. Signed as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 11.]
Nov. 29. 706. The same to the same. Forwarding copy of the letter to Paul Grimball of 12 April (see No. 271). [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 12.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
707. Order of the King in Council. Referring the memorial of Stephen Duport to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ¼ p. Annexed,
707. I. Petition of Stephen Duport to the King and Queen. My estate having been plundered by your Majesties' forces at the retaking of St. Christophers, I asked for an order directing Governor Codrington to procure for me restitution of the same. This order was granted on 26 January last, but I am informed not only that Governor Codrington has slighted it, but that he directed my overseer to keep all the negroes, etc., on the plantation, and then had them sent to Barbados, giving my overseer a negro-woman for his pains. I beg for an order directing Governor Codrington to restore to me these my possessions. Copy. 1¼ pp. The whole endorsed, Recd. 2 Dec. 1693. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 27; and 44. pp. 172–175.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
708. Order of the King in Council. Referring the presentment of the Commissioners of Customs of 22 November, on the petition of Jahleel Brenton, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Endorsed, Read 6 Dec. '93. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 90; and 35. pp. 66, 67.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
709. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of several persons interested in Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ¼ p. Annexed,
709. I. Petition of several persons interested in Barbados to the King. Setting forth the dangerous condition of the Island from want of men; the late mortality, the expedition to Martinique and the burden of taxation having done much to dispeople it; and praying that a regiment may be quartered there during the war and frigates kept there constantly to secure the provision ships. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Read 6 Dec. 1693. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 32, 32I.; and 44. pp. 44–46.]
Nov. 30. 710. Additional instructions for Governor Thomas Smith of Carolina. If it is impossible to get delegates from Albemarle County for the General Assembly, then Berkeley and Colleton Counties shall choose seven delegates and Colleton County six for South Carolina until more country is planted. You may appoint a Deputy-Governor of North Carolina. Signed. Craven, Ashley, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 8.]
Nov. 30. 711. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor issued writs for a new Assembly, to meet on the 1st of March. Order for the accounts of the revenue to be prepared for the Assembly, and for the progress of the new battery to be examined. Order for the privateer-captain, John Reaux, to be released from irons and lodged in New York gaol. Order for the small arms in the armoury to be fitted forthwith for service. Orders for sundry payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 480, 481.]
Nov. 712. Accounts of receipts and disbursements of William Cole, Virginia, from October, 1692, to November, 1693. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 37.]
[Nov.]
Virginia.
713. Ralph Wormeley to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding duplicate copies of the Minutes of Council and Assembly. Signed. R. Wormeley. ½ p. Undated. Endorsed, Recd. 28 March '94. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 38.]