America and West Indies: September 1698, 26-30

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1905.

'America and West Indies: September 1698, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698, (London, 1905) pp. 455-468. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol16/pp455-468 [accessed 25 April 2024]

September 1698



[Sept. 26.]	846. A collection of papers handed in by Mr. Weaver, Agent for New York, on 26 September, 1698.
	846. I. Deposition of Jacob Boolen and others to the effect that at the last election Ebenezer Willson, sheriff of New York, would not allow the votes of the freeholders of Orange County to be recorded. 1 p. Endorsed, Read 27 Sept., 1698.
	846. II. Copy of a report from the Attorney-General of New York to Lord Bellomont, 20 April, 1698. In the spring of 1693, Edward Coates, the pirate, after some hovering off the eastern end of Long Island, sent an emissary ashore, who through Mr. Nicoll obtained access to Governor Fletcher and permission for the ships to come into New York. Nicoll and Ebenezer Willson boarded the pirate at Long Island. Many of the crew dispersed, but those that remained gave the ship to Governor Fletcher and also bought from him protection at the price (it was said) of 100 dollars apiece. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed as No. I.
	846. III. Copy of a report from the Attorney-General of New York to Governor Lord Bellomont, 4 May, 1698. As to the pirates, Captains Tew and Hore, who obtained commissions from Governor Fletcher, Tew had been roving in the Red Sea and in the East Indies, and had made much money. He brought his spoil to Rhode Island, and his crew dispersed to Boston, where they shewed themselves publicly. In 1694 or 1695, Tew came to New York, where Governor Fletcher entertained him and drove him in his coach, though Tew publicly declared that he would make another voyage to the Red Sea and make New York his port of return. He had no ship when he received his commission from Governor Fletcher, but fitted out a sloop in Rhode Island, whence he sailed to the Red Sea and there died or was killed. His crew picked up another ship at Madagascar. Hore came first from the East Indies and took his prizes to Rhode Island. He came to New York and gave out that he was bound for the Red Sea, which procured him many men, and obtained a commission from Governor Fletcher. He died or was killed in the Red Sea; his ship lies sunk at Madagascar and his crew was dispersed, though some are said to have come in the ship Fortune, now under seizure. 1 p. Endorsed, Read 26 Sept., 1698.
	846. IV. Memorial of Captain Richard Culliford. As to his searching Major Selleck's house in Connecticut for East India goods, the Major's resistance to the seizure of the said goods, and subsequent concealment of them. 2 pp. Endorsed as No. I.
	846. V. Address of the Mayor and Common Council of New York to Governor Lord Bellomont. The decay of our trade in late years is attributable, among other things, to the grievous law which deprived us of the sole right of bolting flour and baking biscuit for export, and placed the market thereof at every planter's door, to the ruin and confusion of those who had laid out their estates in this city in reliance thereon. The Act in depriving us of this right has taken away the livelihood of two-thirds of the people in this city and transferred it to about thirty persons in the rest of the province. Formerly New York was the granary of these parts; now it cannot procure corn enough in store for the daily bread of the inhabitants. While the present unhappy Act is in force, it will be impossible to reduce the bakers to any kind of order, since they claim the same benefit as every farmer is entitled to under it. Our trade in flour and biscuit to the West Indies is in such disrepute that it will not yield so much by four or five shillings a hundred as that which comes from other parts; it is so subject to corruption (for there can be no inspection while there is so great a latitude for bolting) that probably the whole trade will perish in four or five years. We beg, therefore, for the repeal of the obnoxious Act against unlawful by-laws and unreasonable forfeitures, which has brought about this state of things. Nine signatures. 1 p. Endorsed as No. I.
	846. VI. Certificate to the authenticity of the papers which follow, under the seal of New York city. Signed, Will. Merrett, Mayor. List of the said documents. 2 pp. Endorsement, referring to the whole of the said papers, Read 28 September, 1698.
	846. VII. Copy of a General Commission to the Mayor and Aldermen of New York, to enforce the by-laws of the Corporation. 12 June, 1665. 3 pp.
	846. VIII. Copy of a warrant for seizure of flour imported into New York. 18 April, 1683. 1 p.
	846. IX. Copy of an order of the Governor of New York in Council, prohibiting the bolting of flour except in New York. 17 and 20 January, 1679–1680. 1 p.
	846. X. Copy of a warrant for the seizure of all flour imported into New York City. 23 April, 1683. 1 p.
	846. XI. Copy of a petition of the Mayor and Common Council of New York to Governor Dongan. 9 November, 1683. Asking for certain reforms in the constitution of the Corporation. 3 large pp.
	846. XII. Copy of an order of Governor Dongan, assenting to the reforms proposed by the Mayor, subject to the signification of the Duke of York's pleasure. 10 December, 1683. ½ p.
	846. XIII. Copy of a by-law of the Common Council of New York. That all bakers shall brand their casks before exposing flour for sale, and that no flour whatever be imported into New York. ½ p.
	846. XIV. Copy of a petition of the Mayor and Common Council of New York to Governor Dongan. 17 March, 1683–4. For confirmation of the former sole right of bolting, making and packing flour and biscuit, for sale or export, to New York City. 1¼ pp.
	846. XV. Copy of the reasons presented to the Governor by the Mayor and Common Council in favour of the foregoing petition, 6 April, 1684. The manufacture of flour and biscuit is the chief support of New York trade, and keeps up the price of flour and bread to the farmer. 2½ pp.
	846. XVI. Proclamation of the Governor and Council of New York, 22 May, 1684. Prohibiting the bolting or packing of flour and bread made for transportation in any place except New York City. 1¼ pp.
	846. XVII. Petition of the Mayor and Common Council of New York to Governor Fletcher. That he will order the Royal confirmation of the City's charter, and confirm the sole right of bolting and packing flour to New York. 4 pp.
	846. XVIII. Copy of the opinion of the Judges of the Supreme Court of New York in favour of the City's privilege as to bolting flour. 1 p.
	846. XIX. Address of the Mayor and Common Council of New York to Governor Fletcher. Giving him thanks and asking his acceptance of a cup of gold. 3 pp.
	846. XX. Copy of a letter from the Recorder of New York to a Committee of the Common Council, 21 December, 1696. A long discussion as to the terms in which the King shall be addressed for the repeal of the law which destroys New York's privileges in the sole right to bolt flour; the said terms having given rise to many heats at the last meeting of the Common Council. Signed, Ja. Graham. 8 pp.
	846. XXI. Reasons in defence of the rights and privileges of New York. It appears from this that in the Dutch days the jealousy of the Government for the trade of New York was such that the inhabitants on the Hudson and Long Island were not allowed to pursue husbandry without paying one-tenth of their produce to the Government, while the planters themselves were obliged to follow the trade of husbandry only and Albany was strictly confined to the fur-trade. These regulations were relaxed by the British Government; and the husbandmen, growing rich from the high prices given by the New York merchants for their produce under their old privileges, now clamour for the ruin of the city and for every homestead to become a market. It is, however, necessary to confine the bolting of flour to a place in order to check adulteration and corruption, and for that one place none is so suitable as New York. 18 pp. Sealed with the City's seal and signed, Will. Merrett.
	846. XXII. The case of the City of New York. This sets forth the rise of the city's sole privilege of bolting flour, and the destruction of that privilege in 1694. ``Through this libertism of trade and confusion of ``market the whole Government is reduced into an ``anarchy, every man doing what seemeth good ``in his own eyes; and particularly they that bolt ``flour in the country" have corrupted it with a mixture of other grain that has spoiled the reputation of New York flour in the West Indian market. When bolting began in 1678, there were but 343 houses in New York; in 1696 there were 594 new buildings added, which is all to be attributed to the bolting trade. The revenue in 1678–1680 did not exceed £2,000 a year; in 1687 it rose to £5,000. Since 1694, this revenue has decreased. There were in 1670 3 ships, 7 boats and 8 sloops; in 1694, 60 ships, 40 boats, 62 sloops; but since then navigation has decayed. In 1678 not above 400 beeves were killed, in 1694 there were 4,000. Of 903 houses built in New York since bolting began, 600 depend on bolting. In King's, Queen's and Ulster Counties there are not above 30 bolters, which exhaust all the wheat of those counties for their private gain; so that to feed 30 families 600 must perish in New York. There are not 500 families in the three counties; there are 8,000 souls in New York. Unless the Act which deprives the city of her privileges be repealed, the revenue will fall, the navigation will decrease, the granary at New York for emergencies will perish, the buildings at New York will fall to decay, the people will desert, the Government will be embarrassed by poverty, money will pass to neighbour provinces, and ``all things reduced to ``confusion even to the dissolution of the province." 6½ pp.
	846. XXIII. Minutes of a meeting of the Common Council of New York, 17 November, 1696. The Mayor represented the low stock of corn in the City, not exceeding one week's maintenance. The Council resolved that this was due to the abolition of the City's sole privilege of bolting flour, and a committee was appointed to draw up a representation accordingly. Copy certified by the Mayor under the Corporate seal. 3 pp.
	846. XXIV. A second certificate of the Mayor of New York, under the Corporate seal, for authentication of the documents that follow. 7 July, 1698. 1 p.
	846. XXV. Copy of the articles of the surrender of New York to Colonel Richard Nicolls, 27 August, 1664. 4 pp.
	846. XXVI. Proclamation of Governor Sir Edmund Andros for confirming the rights, properties and privileges in New York. Copy. 1 p. The whole of the above endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Weaver, 26 Sept., 1698. [Board of Trade. New York, 8. Nos. 4, 4I.–XXVI.]
Sept. 26.	847. A collection of papers relating to the dispute between New York and Connecticut as to boundaries.
	847. I. Copy of the agreement between the Commissioners of York and Connecticut as to boundaries. 10 October, 1684. 2¼ pp.
	Copy of a Minute of Council of Connecticut of 25 Nov., 1683, respecting the question of the boundary. 1 p.
	847. II. The Boundary-Commissioners of New York to Governor the Earl of Bellomont. Pursuant to your orders we attended Major Jonathan Selleck, Captain Nathaniel Gold and Mr. Richard Edwards, the Commissioners appointed by the Governor and Council of Connecticut to treat with us as to their pretended right to the towns of Rye and Bedford. First they cited the settlement of 1664 (given at length), and insisted that Rye and Bedford, being to the east of the bounds then settled, were within the government of Connecticut. We contested this, on the distances named in the same document and by the written declaration of a former Secretary of New York. We also quoted a settlement of 28 November, 1683 (given at length), and an order made thereupon by the Governor and Council of Connecticut of 3 December, 1683 (given at length), requiring the inhabitants of the town of Rye to surrender themselves to the Government of New York. This the said inhabitants did. We also insisted that it was the opinion of the General Court of Connecticut that Rye and Bedford were in the Government of New York, since when they reassumed their charter in 1689 they did not require the inhabitants of those towns to come under their Government. To this the Commissioners of Connecticut replied that their Commissioners had no power to make such an agreement as that of 1683. We answered that it only confirmed the agreement of 1664, and that if they took this ground we should insist on the Duke of York's patent, which extends the boundary of New York eastward as far as Connecticut River. They replied that their patent was older and gave them all this province to the South Sea. We rejoined that we took over all Dutch rights when New York was conquered and that the patent granted by the States-General in 1621 fixed the boundaries of New York at Connecticut River and Delaware River, and that this was confirmed to the Duke of York by King Charles II. They then broke up, and said that they would treat no further, but would address you in writing. It appears to us, upon the whole matter, that the towns of Rye and Bedford belong to New York under the agreements both of 1664 and 1683, and that if Connecticut declines to be bound by these, then the right of New York to them is established by the Duke of York's patent. We are therefore of opinion that the abetting of the revolt of Rye and Bedford by the General Court of Connecticut was a violence committed upon the King's Government, and that they owe satisfaction for the same. Signed, N. Bayard, S. van Cortlandt, Ja. Graham. 11 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 26 Sept., 1698, from Mr. Weaver. Read 21 Feb., 1699–1700. Entered in Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 455–468.
	847. III. Report of the Commissioners for Connecticut on the dispute over the boundaries of that Colony and New York. The following are the grounds on which we rest our claim to the towns of Rye and Bedford. For some time after the granting of our charter our western boundary was so vague that it could be taken to include the whole province of New York. In 1664 King Charles II. appointed Commissioners to settle this boundary, which was accordingly done; and this settlement remained undisturbed until Colonel Dongan became Governor of New York, who undeniably challenged the just rights of Connecticut on our western boundary, and sent us threatening letters. Thereupon there was an unhappy condescension on Connecticut's part, yet not without a proviso subjecting the matter to the approbation of King Charles II. and the Duke of York. It might be thought strange that we should thus have given way, unless we consider the doubtful and fearful face of that day when a papist Governor made demands on behalf of his papist master, the Duke of York; but it will seem the less strange seeing that the gentlemen of Connecticut under the same fear shortly afterwards yielded up the whole Colony to another Government. It does not appear that these gentlemen had any power to alter the boundary of Connecticut nor did the agreement ever receive the sanction of King Charles and the Duke of York—a condition which cannot now be fulfilled—and therefore the whole concession and the claims founded thereon are null and void. Moreover, King William on his accession declared his resolution to restore the property of his subjects, and since these towns of Rye and Bedford claimed their privileges under the charter of Connecticut, we have adopted them, at the same time obliging them to pay all arrears justly due to New York. Signed, Jonathan Selleck, Nathan Gold, Richard Edwards. Certified copy, endorsed by Lord Bellomont, Delivered to me 28 June, 1698. Further endorsed as No. II. Entered in Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 468–472. [Board of Trade. New York. Nos. 5 I.–III.]
Sept. 26. Whitehall.	848. Secretary Vernon to Council of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding copy of a letter written by John Bridger to the Admiralty, for consideration. Signed, Ja. Vernon. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 27, Read 28 Sept., 1698. Enclosed,
	848. I. John Bridger to the Admiralty. Boston, 22 July, 1698. I send account of what I have done here and at Piscataqua, and am now going thither to prepare the trees for the fall of the year to make pitch and tar, having a true account how they make it in the east country. The enclosed orders I obtained after much trouble and solicitation, having none to assist me here, where I found the greatest obstructions. Mr. Jackson, being still at York, never gave me any assistance by letters or otherwise, though my instructions tell me that he was to shew me the country, obtain for me the favour of the Government and give me all information. He received as much money as I did, after all my waiting and solicitation at the various offices, and now never comes near me. I have gone through all the difficult parts without him. The rest we shall do with ease, for he knows nothing of my business and is only acquainted with the people. Mr. Partridge, Governor of Piscataqua, was very ready and immediately gave me the enclosed order. I am now going there again as far as our guard will enable us, which will not be far owing to the continued hostility of the Indians. I have run through all the difficult part of the business myself; though there were four of us appointed, Jackson, Partridge, and Furzer who is dead, so that I am obliged to do all myself and ride night and day. I enclose a proposition from one Mons. Denys to the French King. He lives in Nova Scotia and was taken by our privateers, when this was found among his papers. 1 p. Over page, Copy of Lieutenant-Governor Partridge's order to raise sixty men to escort John Bridger while inspecting the forests. 14 June, 1698. ½ p.
	848. II. Mons. Denys to the King of France. I was so struck with the majesty of your presence when I went to present you with a fox more rare than fine, which came from one of your dominions, that I forgot to say to you what charges you have been at for Quebec, and how much more requisite it would be to incur some expense, though less, in New France from the entrance of the St. Lawrence to the English Plantation. One-fourth of what you have spent at Quebec will put New France into such a condition that it will yield more in one year than Quebec in forty. The country is extraordinary good for wine, salt and corn, full of woods fit for building ships and making pitch and tar. Again, trade may be carried on in salt fish, herrings, mackerel and salmon, now supplied to us by England and Holland. Once settled, this would bring you in near two millions per annum, and would be a nursery for seamen for your fleet. I might add much more, but beg you to grant me a hearing. Translation. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. Nos. 35, 35 I., II.; and 37. pp. 33–39.]
Sept. 26.	849. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. The instructions to the gentlemen appointed to negotiate with the Eastern Indies were approved. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. p. 176.]
Sept. 26.	850. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. List of papers from Virginia and Jamaica received since last meeting.
	Captain Dampier was asked to consider the time that would be occupied in the sailing of the expedition against pirates, and to bring his answer in writing. Order for Mr. Blackborne to send any master or pilot acquainted with the coasts to the Board.
	Mr. Richard Cary delivered a letter of 22 July from the Council of Nevis, and the abstract of a letter of 14 July concerning Mr. Barry Tankard's sloop Nos. 674, 692).
	Lord Bellomont's papers were further considered; and additional papers concerning New York were received from Mr. Weaver.
Sept. 27.	Mr. Weaver attending, gave information that some hundreds of pirates had received protection from Governor Fletcher. He said that the sheriffs complained that the elections for last Assembly chose generally men of no great figure, and made statements as to the great tracts of land granted unconditionally by Governor Fletcher.
	Captain Dampier handed in a letter as to the navigation from India to Cape Comorin, dated this day (see next abstract); and added that after the ships are got round to east of the Cape of Good Hope they may be sure of good winds if they keep about thirty leagues from the shore.
Sept. 28.	Mr. Vernon's letter of 26th inst. with enclosures concerning naval stores in New England read (No. 848).
	Captain Barloe, an East India commander, gave information as to the voyage to Cape Comorin.
	New York papers further considered, and directions given for a representation thereupon.
Sept. 30.	At the instance of the Board Mr. Secretary Vernon gave orders for Humphrey Perkins, master of the ship Frederick, to be brought before the Board on Tuesday week, saying that he would also attend himself on that day.
	Letter to the President and Council of Nevis, as to the devolution of the Government of the Leeward Islands upon them, signed.
	Several further papers were received from Mr. Weaver and laid before the Board. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 229–239.]
Sept. 27.	851. Captain William Dampier to William Popple. The Council of Trade yesterday asked me. (1) How long a ship might be running from England to Madagascar at this time of year? I answered that to the best of my judgment it might be done in three months and a half. (2) How long a ship might be in passing from Madagascar to the Red Sea? I could not answer this without consulting my papers, and I now inform you that since, according to the best of my information, on the coast of Madagascar the winds are at N.E. and N.N.E. from the end of January to the end of May (which is right against them) the voyage could not be performed in less than two months. (3) How long a ship might be in passing from the Red Sea to Cape Comorin? This depends upon the setting in of the western monsoon. In the Red Sea this falls out in May, when you may pass in a month, but you cannot bridge that way earlier. Thus if a ship leave England in November, she may reach Madagascar by the middle of February and the Red Sea about the middle of April. She must then wait about a month for the monsoon and about the middle of June she will reach Cape Comorin, a week or two sooner or later according to the setting in of the monsoon. Signed, Wm. Dampier. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 27 Sept., 1698. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 139; and 34. pp. 347–348.]
Sept. 27. H.M.S. Winchester. St. John's Harbour, Newfound- land.	852. Commodore Norris to Council of Trade and Plantations. I enclose an abstract of all the shipping, of the planters and inhabitants, and of the fish they have made this year. I hope to answer your queries in my next. Nothing has arrived this year for the further fortifying of St. Johns, and the Ordnance office having sent no money for the subsistence of the gunners, they are put to hardship to clothe themselves for the winter. Signed, Jno. Norris. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 31 Oct., 1698. Enclosed,
	852. I. Abstract of the planters and boat-keepers in New-foundland, and of their voyages for the year 1698. Forty-three settlements, 284 planters, 1,894 servants, 176 women, 286 children. Quantity of fish made by the inhabitants and servants, 101,152 [? quintals]. Boats belonging to the inhabitants, 397. Number of inhabitants designed to stay this year in the country, 1,416. Boats sent fishing this winter, 20. Large sheet. Endorsed as the letter.
	852. II. Abstracts of the ships and of their voyages in New-foundland for the year 1698. Total number of harbours, 28; ships, 252; tonnage, 24,318; number of people brought over to fish, 935; number of boats kept a-fishing, 532; number of quintals of fish made, 114,770; number of quintals of fish purchased, 157,845; number of quintals carried to market, 265,198; number of men that stay in the country, 477. Note.—There is no distinction how many ships were fishing-ships, how many sack-ships, and how many went to market. The figures above given represent the gross totals; but the items for each harbour are given distinctly. 1 p. Endorsed as No. I. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. Nos. 125, 125 I.–II.; and 25. pp. 255–258.]
Sept. 27.	853. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Act for an impost on imported liquors read thrice and passed. Samuel Maynard sworn member of the Assembly. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 374–375.]
Sept. 27.	854. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Several members fined for absence. No quorum. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 313–314.]
Sept. 28.	855. Minutes of Council of New York. David Jamison dismissed from being Clerk of the Council and Barne Cosens sworn in his stead. Messrs. Bayard, Minivell, and Laurence were then acquainted with their suspension, and order was given to apprise by letter Colonel Willett and Townley that they were suspended likewise. Abraham Depeyster, Robert Livingston and Samuel Staats were then sworn of the Council.
Sept. 29.	Frederick Phillips resigned his place in Council and Robert Walters was sworn in his stead. John Depeyster and Isaac Dereymer appointed Mayor and Sheriff of New York for the ensuing year. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 134–136.]
Sept. 28.	856. Journal of General Assembly of Virginia. Councillors were appointed to administer the oaths to the Burgesses and to their clerk.
Sept. 29.	Message to the Burgesses to choose their Speaker.
Sept. 30.	The Burgesses attending presented William Randolph as their Speaker, who was approved. The Governor then delivered his speech, recommending the passing of an Act against pirates, consideration of the debt on the King's revenue, the settlement of ferries, the restraint of drunkenness and immorality, and the question of the qualifications of jurymen for the General Court. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 52. pp. 60–63.]
Sept. 28.	857. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia. The burgesses to the number of thirty-four were sworn, and sent a message to the Governor that they awaited his commands.
Sept. 29.	The House proceeded to the election of a Speaker, but after nomination of five persons adjourned the debate till the morrow.
Sept. 30.	William Randolph elected Speaker. His speech on taking the chair. The House attended the Governor who approved the Speaker and delivered his speech. Committee of elections and privileges appointed; door-keepers appointed and orders of the House approved.
Oct. 1.	Copy of the Governor's speech was received and read. The Committee of elections made its report on the returns of the elections by the sheriffs. John Keeton, one of the members elected for Nancymond, being a foreigner, and not a native of England or Ireland, it was resolved to consider his capacity to sit at next meeting. Committees of claims and grievances appointed. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 52. pp. 324–333.]
Sept. 29.	858. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Four members present. The Governor mentioned the heads of his speech to the Burgesses, viz., to recommend an Act against pirates, the consideration of the debt on the revenue, and the questions of ferries, of the sale of strong liquors and qualifications of jurymen. All other questions were postponed to a further Council. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. p. 137.]
[Sept. 29.]	859. A collection of papers respecting Governor Fletcher's grants of land, referred to in Lord Bellomont's letter of 21 September, 1698.
	859. I. Copy of Governor Fletcher's grant of fifty miles of the Mohawks' [Maquas'] land to William Pinhorne, Peter Schuyler, Godfrey Dellius, Dirck Wessels and Evert Banker, 31 July, 1697. 1¼ pp.
	859. II. Petition of the Recorder and Common Council of Albany to Governor Lord Bellomont. Pointing out the mischief of the aforesaid grant and the damage which it does on the frontier and to the City of Albany, and praying that it may be voided.
	Order of Governor Lord Bellomont, 13 April, 1698, appointing the 16th of May as the day for hearing the petitioners. Copies. 2½ pp.
	859. III. Copy of Peter Schuyler's resignation of his share in the aforesaid grant, 19 April, 1698. 1 p.
	859. IV. Copy of Dirck Wessels's resignation of his share in the aforesaid grant, 19 April. 1698. 1 p.
	859. V. Record of the examination and answers of Henry and Joseph, Maquas, as to their part in alienating the Maquas' land referred to. Already abstracted in No. 822 II. This is the original document signed by the Indians. Henry's mark represents some description of quadruped, Joseph's some description of biped. 2½ pp.
	859. VI. Memorial of Jans Bleeker and Ryer Shermerhoorn, on behalf of the city and county of Albany, to Governor Lord Bellomont. Praying for the vacation of the grant of Maquas' land, as it will drive that tribe into the arms of the French. With all the help that was given by the Five Nations the English of New York were hard bested to protect their frontier during the last war. 2¼ pp. Copy.
	859. VII. Report of Governor Lord Bellomont upon the grant of the Maquas' land aforesaid. On the 16th of May I was attended by the petitioners of Albany (see No. 822 II.), who produced their evidence in support of their petition. I directed a copy of the petition to be sent to the five grantees and ordered them to attend me in Council in their own defence on two several days. Since they did not appear I took the evidence of the petitioners and of two Maquas. Upon the whole matter I am of opinion that the consent of the Indians to the alienation of their land was obtained surreptitiously and upon false pretences, and that the grant is therefore in itself void. Looking to this and to the evil that will ensue if the grant be upheld, I am of opinion that no settlement shall be made by the grantees on the said land until the signification of the King's pleasure. Signed, Bellomont. 2 pp.
	859. VIII. Copy of a letter from Peter Schuyler and Godfrey Dellius to Governor Lord Bellomont, 6 April, 1698. Four messengers from the Cayouges and Senecas have come here to report the return of the messengers of the Onandagas and Oneidas, which were sent to Canada last fall to treat of peace. No peace was concluded, as the three other nations were not represented, on which they have agreed to send messengers from all the nations, except the Maquas, with whom the Governor of Canada will have nothing to do because they act according to your directions. This message was authenticated by presents of beaverskins and wampam, which are herewith sent to you. We have used every argument with the messengers to dissuade the Five Natives from treating with the French, as we hope, effectually; and we have thought it best to stop their proceedings and invite the chief sachems to meet you here in forty days. We beg for your instructions. 1 p.
	859. IX. Copy of the Minutes of a Conference held with the Five Nations at Albany on 16th May, 1698, enclosed in a letter from Dirck Wessels to Governor Lord Bellomont. The Indians, in answer to questions, contradicted the report that they intended to make a separate peace with the Governor of Canada and disclaimed any idea of underhand dealing with him. The Commissioners at Albany, in reply, accepted the excuse, and urged them to send or receive no messenger directly to or from Canada until they had consulted the Governor of New York. 3 pp. The whole of the above papers endorsed, Recd. 29 Sept., 1698, from Mr. Weaver; Read 30 Sept., 1698. Enclosures VI., VII., VIII. are entered in Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 571–481. [Board of Trade. New York, 8. Nos. 6 I.–IX.]
Sept. 29.	860. A collection of papers relating to Governor Fletcher's traffic with pirates.
	860. I. Deposition of John and Hannah Hutchins. That they had heard Coats the pirate say that it had cost him £1,300 to obtain his protection from Governor Fletcher. Certified copy. 1 p.
	860. II. List of the Commissions granted by Governor Fletcher to the pirates. Thomas Tew and Rich Glover in 1694, John Hore in 1695 and Thomas Moston in 1696. 1 p.
	860. III. Copy of the Charter-party between Daniel Peterse of the ship Fortune and her freighters, merchants of New York. Certified copy. 3 pp. The whole of the above papers endorsed, Recd. 29 Sept. from Mr. Weaver, Read 30 Sept., 1698. [Board of Trade. New York, 8. Nos. 7 I.–III; and (Nos. I. and II. only) 52. pp. 483, 486.]
Sept. 29. Whitehall.	861. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Approving the report of the Council of Trade on the devolution of the Government of the Leeward Islands upon Governor Codrington's death, and ordering a letter to be prepared vesting the Government for the time in President Burt and the Council of Nevis. Copy. 1p. Endorsed, Read 10 Oct., 1698. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 121; and 45. pp. 298–299.]
Sept. 29. Whitehall.	862. Lords Justices of England to the President and Council of Nevis. Confirming William Burt as President of the Council, and directing him and his Council to take upon them the Government of the Leeward Islands pursuant to Governor Codrington's commission and instructions. Countersigned, R. Yard. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. pp. 290–293.]
Sept. 29. Whitehall.	863. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Referring a petition of Sir Thomas Laurence to the Council of Trade for report. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Attached,
	863. I. Petition of Sir Thomas Laurence to the Lords Justices in Council. For the restoration of the £150, profits and records belonging to the place of President of the Council of Maryland, which were wrongfully taken from him. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd; Read 4 Oct., 1698. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 3. Nos. 58, 58 I.; and 9. pp. 213–216.]
Sept. 29. Whitehall.	864. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Approving the Draft Commission for Nathaniel Blakiston to be Governor of Maryland, with one clause amended in Council. 1 p. Attached,
	864. I. Copy of the amended clause, empowering the Governor to grant commissions to officers of ships to execute martial law on board ship in time of war. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Read 11 Oct., 1698. [Board of Trade, Maryland, 3. Nos. 59, 59 I.; and 9. pp. 217–219.]
Sept. 29.	865. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Approving draft instructions to Nathaniel Blakiston and directing them to be prepared for signature. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 3. No. 60; and 9. p.220.]
Sept. 30. Whitehall.	866. Council of Trade and Plantations to the President and Council of Nevis. We received news of Governor Codrington's death before receipt of yours of 22 July; and the Lords Justices upon our representations have decided that his authority devolves upon you. Their letter to you is enclosed. Signed, Ph. Meadows, John Pollexfen, Jo. Locke. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. pp. 295–296.]