America and West Indies: August 1729

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 36, 1728-1729. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1937.

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'America and West Indies: August 1729 ', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 36, 1728-1729, (London, 1937) pp. 462-475. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol36/pp462-475 [accessed 17 March 2024]

August 1729

Aug. 2.
New York.
859. Governor Montgomerie to Mr. Delafaye. Abstract. Encloses copies of papers sent 30th June. Hopes that the matter will be laid before H.M. and that it will plainly appear that, as the Council declares, he has acted according to his instructions and according to precedents etc., and could have no private view of making one shilling by the savings, but was endeavouring to reduce the expenses of the government to answer the revenue granted by the province, in order to prevent the inconveniencies that made some of his predecessors very uneasy, and provok'd some of H.M. subjects so far, that at his arrival the only argument used against setling the revenue for five years was, that perhaps part of it would be squandered away to support useless officers etc. Requests his support in obtaining approval of Philip Courtland in place of Lewis Morris in the Council etc. Refers to following letter and asks him to speak to some of the Lords of Trade on the matter of paper money etc. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, R. Oct. 3rd. Holograph. 4 pp. Set out, N.Y. Col. Doc. V. p. 888. Enclosed,
859. i. Copy of No. 860.
859. ii. Copy of No. 799.
859. iii. Copy of No. 799 i.
859. iv. Copies of Nos. 799 i.–iv. [CO. 5, 1093. ff. 86–98v., 100–103, 106–115, 118, 118v.].
Aug. 2.
New York.
860. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract:—Gives at length his reasons for his agreeing with Governor Burnet and differing from the Board in the matter of the Act of New Jersey for appropriating a part of the interest money etc. cf. 20th Nov. 1728, and concludes by representing that if they insist on their Instruction to him of sinking the interest money or detaining it in the Treasurer's hands, till the paper credit ends, the Government of New Jersey will in all probability remain unsupported from Sept. 1730, when the present revenue expires, to Sept. 1736, and suggests that this is risking too much. He must delay meeting the Assembly till he has their answer, etc. Set out, N. J. Archives, 1st Ser. V., 249, and N.Y. Col. Doc. V., 889. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd Oct., 1729, Read April 22nd, 1730. 11¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 972. ff. 191–196v., 197v.].
Aug. 7.
Whitehall.
861. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Worsley. Acknowledge letter of 7th April. Have recommended Mr. Davers and Leslie etc. (v. June 4). Continue:—What you say with respect to the Assembly's complaints against you will be considered when we have an opportunity of hearing what the Agent for the Assembly and your Attorny have further to offer. We have lately had under our consideration an act passed at Barbados in 1728, to reduce the rate of intrest, upon which we have some doubts; For this act establishes the rate of intrest to be at 8 pr. cent. per annum upon all contracts made after the 24th of June last, and repeals the acts which allow 10 pr. cent. before that time, upon which we apprehend some dificulty may arise as to the validity of contracts made upon the former acts, because everything enacted by the 10 pr. cent. acts is by the present act made void. An act of this nature may be of general advantage to the island, but we think it ought to be cautiously worded, to prevent disputes; and therefore we desire you will consult the Learned in the Law with you whether this act be intirely free from the above-mentioned objection, and in the mean time we shall let it ly by. Acknowledge letters of 1st and 15th and acquaint him with their letter of 20th June to the Duke of Newcastle. Continue:—The same is now under consideration of the Council and we shall send His Grace copies of your two last letters and of the papers therein referred to for the further information of the Council in this matter. Signed, Your very loving friends and humble servants etc. [C.O. 29, 15. pp. 112–114.]
Aug. 7.
Whitehall.
862. Same to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose copies of letters referred to in last paragraph of preceding. Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed,
862. i. Copy of letter from Governor Worsley to Council of Trade and Plantations. 1st June, 1729.
862. ii. Copies of Mr. Reeve's opinions, 15 Jan., 1727, 1st Feb., 1728. (v. 20th April.) 1 p.
862. iii. Copy of letter from Governor Worsley to the Council of Trade and Plantations, 15th June, 1729. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 40. Nos. 4, 4 i.—iii.; and (without enclosures) 29, 15. p. 114.]
Aug. 7. 863. Tho. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. The Assembly of Pensilvania has lately laid a duty of 40s. pr. head upon every Palatin, that shall for the future arrive in that Province. So that now their Lordships have it in their power to settle Carolina, with an industrious honest race of people. There is also gone to S. Carolina a few Palatins (by commission from their countrymen) in order to send home an account of the place etc. It would be much for the service of the publick, if their Lordships would immediately recommend to the President and Counsel the using those persons with humanity and kindnesse. Signed, Tho. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 12th Aug., 1729. Addressed. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 24, 24v.]
Aug. 11.
Kensington.
864. Duke of Newcastle to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their report as soon as possible, "the King's service requiring that no time should be lost in erecting the proper buildings upon that island for the service of the Navy" etc. Signed, Holles Newcastle. Endorsed, Recd., Read 13th Augt., 1729. 1 p. Enclosed,
864. i. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to the Duke of Newcastle. Admty. Office, 9th Aug., 1729. We have purchased Linches Island on the N. side of Jamaica etc., but there being 20 acres on the E. end included in the 30,000 acres taken from the respective Proprietors of Jamaica, by an Act of Assembly there, and there being an absolute necessity the Crown should have the whole of Linches Island for the use of the Navy etc., Pray that H.M. may direct Governor Hunter to invest them with the said 20 acres, that so it may be built, and improved, to the intention of the aforesaid Act etc. Signed, Torrington, Jno. Norris, T. Lyttleton. Copy. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 137, 18. ff. 32, 33, 33v., 35v.]
Aug. 13.
Whitehall.
865. Mr. Wheelock to Sir Philip Yorke and Charles Talbot, Attorney and Solicitor General. Encloses, for their opinion in point of law act of Montserrat, for establishing a Court of King's Bench etc., and an act of limitations etc. [C.O. 153, 15. p. 29].
Aug. 14.
Whitehall.
866. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose following, in reply to No. 864, to be laid before H.M. Autograph signatures. 1 p.
866. i. Same to the Queen, Guardian of the Kingdom etc. Quote Act of Jamaica for settling the N.E. part of the Island allotting for a town, the 20 acres on Ruthers or Lynchs Island, now required for a fort. Conclude: We have no account of any grants made thereof pursuant to said Act etc., but as grants may have been made, tho not come to our knowledge, it will in that case be necessary to have regard to persons who have acquired a property under such grants, and likewise as the limitations and restrictions of the said Act for granting the said 20 acres, may not suit with the dispositions which may be judged necessary for fortifying and securing the Island, we therefore, for avoiding all doubts and difficulties, that may possibly arise, are humbly of opinion that your Majesty's Royal pleasure be signifyed to Major Genl. Hunter to recommend to the General Assembly to pass an act for vesting the said 20 acres absolutely in the Crown without limitation, and to make satisfaction to such persons already settled there (if any such there be) whom it may be necessary on this occasion to remove; and we cannot apprehend there will be any difficulty in obtaining an Act for these purposes, as manifestly tending to the advantage and protection of the Island. Autograph signatures. 3 pp. [C.O. 137, 47. Nos. 12, 13; and 138, 17. pp. 275–280.]
[Aug. 14.] 867. Merchants trading to the British Colonies in America to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Wee are fully convinced of the wisdom and good tendency of the Act for ascertaining the price of Coins etc., to prevent the draining of species from one place to another, which if it had been duely observed, and properly enforced by all Governours, wou'd have prevented the misfortunes and injustice the good and well-meaning traders, widows and orphans have been subjected to, where paper money hath been introduced by designing men, to defraud their creditors. Pray that the said paper currencies be reduced and abolished and the Proclamation payments restored in their full force and vertue conformable to the said Act and the many orders of the King and Council to all Governours, and particularly those of South Carolina. Signed, John Lambert, Steph. Godin, John Hewlett, Jos. Wyeth and 28 others. Endorsed, Recd, (from Mr. Godin) 14th Aug., 1729, Read 12th March, 1729/30. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff 52, 52v.]
[Aug. 14]. 868. Additional Instructions proposed for a Governor of South Carolina. Endorsed as preceding. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 53–54v.].
Aug. 14.
Whitehall.
869. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Committee, of the Privy Council. Pursuant to order of 31st July have reconsidered their letter of 20th May etc. Quote from their representation, C.S.P. 12th May, 1727, upon Col. Spotswood's petition with regard to taking up lands in Virginia, and Order of Lords Justices in Council on that subject, 6th Aug. 1723. Continue:—As to the number of acres taken up in the two new counties, for which no quit-rents or purchase of rights have hitherto been paid etc., we have no accounts of the lands granted in Brunswick County, which we believe to be but inconsiderable, from what the late Lt. Govr. Drysdale and Major Gooch have written to us upon that subject. But we have in our Office two accounts transmitted to us by Major Drysdale, relating to the number of acres taken up in Spotsylvania county; the first is a list of all the patents issued for land in Spotsylvania county, dated 24th Jan., 1723, the other of land belonging to Colo. Spotswood in Spotsylvania county etc., (copies enclosed). The number of acres contained in the first of these is 208,733, and in the second, 86,650. But forasmuch as two of the grants in trust for Colo. Spotswood, of 40,000 and 19,786 acres, are contained in the first general account, the total will be 235,597 etc. Quote order in Council of 1st Feb. 1729. By the aforementioned account from Mr. Drysdale, there appear to be granted, exclusive of those to Colo. Spotswood, and of 1000 acres for which each patentee was exempted from rights and from quit-rents for the 7 years ending 1st May, 1728, according to the directions in the Lords Justices' order (6th Aug. 1723), 120,330 acres, the purchase rights whereof, if payd in money at 5s. per acre for 50 acres would amount to £601 13s., and ye quit-rents of ye same, at 2s. pr. 100 acres pr. ann. for the whole seven years to £842 6s. 2d. etc. As H.M. has already been graciously pleased to confirm the grants made to Colo. Spotswood by his order in Council, 1st Feb. 1729 etc., we should submit to your Lordships whether the like indulgence might not in some measure be extended to the other grantees of lands in Spotsylvania country, upon the conditions suggested in Major Gooche's letter, that is to say, that they should be permitted to hold their lands, and be excused from the rights on payment of the seven years quit-rents now in arrear, which will amount to a larger summ than the rights would do, tho' the same were payd in mony, which seldom happens, because the planters are at liberty to produce importation rights in lieu thereof. But on the other hand, as we were formerly of opinion that these grants should not be exorbitant in their quantity, we would humbly propose that this indulgence, in case H.M. shall approve thereof, should be restrained to grants of 6000 acres or under, including therein the one thousand allowed of by the Lords Justices' orders for settling these counties, and that whosoever shall be desirous to hold more than 6000 acres, shall pay both the same rights and quit-rents for every acre exceeding that number, as lands in any other part of Virginia are lyable to. We are the rather inclined to this proposition, because we find by Mr. Gooche's letters, that greatest part of these lands are already settled, and that a quit-rent will from thence immediatly become payable to H.M. [C.O. 5, 1366. pp. 38–47.]
[Aug. 14]. 870. Extract of a letter from France. Two or three merchants of Rouen have received permission to settle a little Island near the northern extremity of Gaspey in Newfound-land, to establish a cod-fishery there. They have despatched thither a fleet with about 200 peasants. They hope next year to send five or six ships with people etc. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Stephen Godin) 14th Aug., Read 17th Sept., 1729. French. Copy. ¼ p. [C.O. 194, 8. ff. 222, 222v.]
[Aug. 15]. 871. Capt. Burrington, late Lt. Governor of N. Carolina, to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Abstract. Refers to his report on the state of the country and papers sent by him l½ years ago by Mr. Durley, who, he now learns gave them to Lovick's brother in London, or destroyed them. On his return from his first journey to Cape Fair River he also sent them a description of that part of Carolina and his intention to return there to induce people to settle on that river, as well as a large relation of the conduct of Chief Justice Gale and Secretary Lovick etc. and of the law-suit concerning Mr. Eden's will etc. During the two years he has been in Carolina he has only received one letter in answer to some hundreds sent to England etc. At his first coming there was a great mortality among the cattle and most planters lost above half their stocks, etc. A mighty storm in the preceding autumn destroyed their corn, so that there was almost a famine, the year following on 19th Aug., another storm had the same effect. These mischievous winds raised the price of corn to five times the usual rate, pork from 45s. per barrel to 5 or £6. Nevertheless 1000 families came to live in Carolina during his administration. The militia was in strange disorder, in most places no officers, in others very unfit persons. This he regulated to the satisfaction of all. The Justices of the precinct Courts were mostly illiterate and of no authority. He persuaded Col. Moseley and other Gentlemen to preside in the Courts of the precincts where they lived, whereby Justice was established and disorders in those Courts, very frequent before, immediately ceased. No complaints have been made against any officer, civil or military, since these new Commissions were granted. This year there is great plenty of provisions and grain, and everything is at a low rate, but he has not heard of one man come to live in the country since the change of Government. He expected 5 or 600 families in the new country, but fears that not above a tenth part of that number will now come. Sir R. Everard came in July and took the Government without acquainting him of his Commission. He had prepared to entertain him, but his incivility saved him that trouble. Out of respect for the Proprietors' interest and the good of the country, however, he warned him against following the advice of Gale, Lovick and their gang, but his advice was treated with ridicule etc. Sir R. is overthrowing all order and good Government, and many gentlemen are resigning their Commissions etc. Continues:—Great improvements have been made since I knew the country in husbandry, the unsettledness of trade has been the subject of my discourse many days among the most substantial men, the conclusion ended in a resolution to buy vessels and carry on a sufficient trade to Jamaica to supply the country with rum, molossus, and salt etc. My removal has put an end to this, and many other designs, several masters who sailed their own vessels had bought land with design to settle their familys here have now changed their minds etc. There is in the hands of the publick Treasurer and Receivers above £2000 although there has been no tax besides the common levy of 5s. pr. head, which before my time did not defray the publick charges. Refers to his hardships and expenses by land and water. All his expeditions were at his own expense. He brought a large family of servants whom he maintained out of his own stock. His salary, fees and perquisites were not worth more in 18 months, than he could have made £100 well laid out in England to produce here. "This was occasioned by some Acts of Assembly passed the November before my evil destiny brought me into Carolina. I know but one thing your Lordships can take amiss from me, which was my appointing Naval Officers. Dunstan's ill behaviour obliged me to do so, besides you well know it was my right" etc. Is only staying in Carolina in expectation that the complaints of Gale and Lovick will be sent there, which he will be able to prove false and scandalous. The lawsuit between Mr. Lloyd and Lovick has been the chief occasion of difference there. A large part of Governor Eden's estate has gone into the hands of affidavit men and others as bad. He is at a loss to know why their Lordships removed him from the governorship etc. Printed, N.C. Col. Rec. III. 27. Signed, Geo. Burrington. Without date. Endorsed, Recd, (from Capt. Burrington) 15th, Read 26th Aug. 1729. Copy. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1267. ff. 97–98v.]
[Aug. 15]. 872. Journal of Assembly of N. Carolina, 1st Nov. 1725—13th April, 1726. Endorsed as preceding. 26 pp. [C.O. 5, 1267. ff. 83–95v., 96v.]
[Aug. 15]. 873. Copy of a bill prepared in 1725 for taking off the enumeration of rice from the Plantations in America. Endorsed, Recd, (from Mr. Cary) Read 15th Aug., 1729. 7 pp. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 26–29v.]
Aug. 16.
Treasury
Chambers.
874. Mr. Scrope to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Lords Commissioners of H.M. Treasury upon enclosed petition do agree that the sum claimed be incerted on the next quarterly bill of incidents for your Office etc. Signed, J. Scrope. Endorsed, Recd. 16th Aug., Read 23rd Sept., 1729. ¾ p. Enclosed,
874. i. Petition of Henry Horridge, letter carrier to the General Post Office, to the Lords Commissioners of H.M. Treasury. Applies for payment of postage paid by him to the General Post Office on letters delivered to the Board of Trade before the decease of His late Majesty etc. (v. Jan. 27). There being no cash that goes through their hands but by the order of the Lords of the Treasury, the Lords Commissioners of Trade have referred petitioner to them etc. 1 p. [C.O. 888, 79. Nos. 48, 49.]
Aug. 18.
Portsmouth.
875. Mr. Missing to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of 23rd Sept. 1728, and enquires as to H.M. intentions with regard to the peopling of South Carolina, in order that he may make an offer for a contract etc. Signed, Tho. Missing. Endorsed, Recd. 18th Aug., 1729, Read 13th March, 1729/30. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff 74, 75v.]
Aug. 18.
Kensington.
876. Order of Queen, Guardian of the Realm, in Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations, who are to prepare an instruction for Governor the Earl of Londonderry. Signed, Jas. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd, Read 26th Aug., 1729. l¼ pp. Enclosed,
876. i. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to the King. Admiralty Office, 25th July, 1729. Having given orders for building two storehouses etc. at English Harbour, Antegoa, for the more convenient cleaning and refitting of H.M. ships, request that the Council of the island may be directed to secure by an act water for them, particularly at Douglas's well, escheated lands near the harbour, and fuel at reasonable rates, and to oblige themselves to maintain the fortifications they have proposed for the security of the harbour, according to assurances given by the merchants to the Navy Board etc. v. A.P.C. III. No. 185. 4 signatures. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 17. ff. 86, 86v., 87, 87v., 89v.]
Aug. 18.
Kensington.
877. Order of Queen etc. in Council. Objection having been made by merchants trading to the Leeward Islands that the duties laid by the Acts of Antigua, Nevis and St. Kitts for settling additional salaries for Governor Lord Londonderry, are to arise chiefly from the shipping trade of Great Britain, Ordered that the said acts do lye by, and that the Governor do endeavour to obtain Acts of Assembly for raising duties in some other manner etc. v. A.P.C. III. No. 170. Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 23rd Sept., 1729. 4½ pp. [C.O. 152, 17. ff. 98–100, 101v.]
Aug. 18
Kensington.
878. Order of Queen etc. in Council. Confirming Act of St. Christopher to subject all goods of the growth and produce of the late French part shipped off to the 4½ p.c. duty etc. Signed, and endorsed as preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 17. ff. 102, 120v., 103v.]
Aug. 18.
Kensington.
879. Order of Queen etc. in Council. Repealing Act of Virginia for laying a duty on slaves imported and for appointing a Treasurer. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1322. ff. 27, 27v., 28v.]
Aug. 18.
Kensington.
880. Order of Queen etc. in Council. Approving the new seals for Barbados, Jamaica, Virginia and Carolina, and ordering the Council of Trade and Plantations to prepare draughts of warrants for transmitting them to the Governors, empowering them to make use thereof, and requiring them to return the old seals in order to their being defaced etc. Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd, Read 26th Aug., 1729. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 21. ff. 12, 13v.]
Aug. 18.
Kensington.
881. Order of Queen etc., in Council. Upon the report of the Attorney and Solicitor General that the Act of Barbados, 1722, for supporting the honour and dignity of H.M. Government is still in force and not determined, the same being directed to have continuance for so long time as Mr. Worseley should continue to be H.M. Governor in Chief of the said Island, and in that quality personally reside there, and his authority as Governor having been continued by virtue of the Act 6th Anne [for continuing officers six months after the demise of the Crown] and H.M. Proclamation of 5th July, 1727, to the time that the new commission granted to him by his present Majesty took place, without any interruption etc., Ordered that the said Act doth still continue in full force, and that the Governor do signify H.M. commands to all persons concerned therein, that they yield due obedience thereto, as they will answer the contrary etc. Set out, A.P.C. III. pp. 232, 233. q.v. Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 23rd Sept., 1729. 4 pp. [C.O. 28, 21. ff. 14–15v., 16v.]
Aug. 18.
Kensington.
882. Order of Queen etc., in Council. Upon report of Council of Trade upon Lord Micklethwait's petition, ordered that the Governor of Barbados do, with the Council, examine and settle petitioner's account for money due to him for fees as Secretary, and that the Governor do recommend to the Assembly the immediate payment of what shall be found due to him, upon proper vouchers, according to the usual fees etc. Signed, and endorsed as preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 21. ff. 18, 18v., 19v.]
Aug. 18.
Oxford
att
St. John's
883. Commodore Lord Vere Beauclerk to Mr. Popple. Capt. Osborne is att Trinity, from whence he may not have an opportunity of writing etc. Before he left this place, he appointed three Justices of the Peace for this district, for as there are not in every town people of sufficient character and capacity to entrust with the power of a Justice, he has putt several towns into one district, as into this the towns of St. John's, Quidividy, Torbay, Petty Harbour and the Bay of Bulls, for which the three Justices are Mr. William Keen, Mr. William Weston and Mr. Allen Southmayde, besides which he appointed two or more constables, according to the number of inhabitants, in every town, to these Justices he delivers the books which I receiv'd from your Office, he will trouble you with the receipts when they arc all deliver'd. The inhabitants seem pleas'd with what has been done, and indeed I hope it will be of service to the Fishery. There is this year great plenty of fish, and a great deal of good weather to cure it, so there are no complaints but want of ships to fetch it away. Will send scheme of fishery when Complete etc. "If I can be of any service to you in my voyage, I hope you will be so good as to command me" etc. Signed, Vere Beauclerk. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 16th Sept., 1729. 3 pp. [C.O. 194, 8. ff. 220–221v.]
Aug. 27.
Whitehall.
884. Mr. Wheelock to Lt. Governor Pitt. Acknowledges letter of 30th April and acquaints him with the Board's letter of July 16. [C.O. 38, 8. p. 148.]
Aug. 27.
Whitehall.
885. Mr. Wheelock to Mr. Burchett. Requests copies of proposals of the Council of Antigua or merchants trading thither concerning fortifications at Antigua, and papers relating to assurances given by the merchants to the Navy Board relating to the repair thereof etc. v. 18th Aug. [C.O. 153, 15. p. 30.]
Aug. 28.
Admiralty
Office.
886. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. In reply to preceding encloses following offered as inducements for the Lds. Commrs'. resolution (v. 18th Aug.). Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 28th Aug., Read 2nd Sept., 1729. 1 p. Enclosed,
886. i. Speaker of Assembly of Antigua to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Antigua, 28th Feb., 1727. The Representatives etc. beg leave to lay before your Lordships the natural and improved advantages of the port of English Harbour etc., the security that may attend H.M. ships of war therein and a protection thereby given this and H.M. Leeward Islands, and European trade to the same. H.M. ships of the largest size may in our most tempestuous weather ride in that harbour without the possibility of injury, and by the assistance of a wharf already made may careen and refit in the same manner they can in any port in Great Britain without the use of a dock; and to prevent surprize from an enemy the Legislature is now building a fort to command the entrance etc., and by a law transmitted for H.M. assent hath vested in H.M. for the use of H.M. ships and the said harbour 20 acres of land contiguous thereto, that such store- houses and hospitals may be built thereon etc. as your Lordships shall judge most proper. These advantages we are perswaded will engage your Lordships to comand H.M. ships on the stations of Barbadoes and Leeward Islands to careen and refit in English Harbour and wait the hurricane months in that port, and we humbly hope etc. in case of a war with France, to send us a number of ships sufficient to protect us against the power of so near neighbours and thereby enable us to preserve this Island which is the only one of H.M. Colonies provided by nature with harbours, and therefore of the highest consequence to the trade and Crown of Great Britain etc. Signed, Geo. Thomas, Speaker. Copy. 2? pp.
886. ii. An account of what the Island of Antigua have done or will do towards perfecting English Harbour,
(i) Almost completed a fort which will cost £900 Antegoa money (£200 sterl.). (ii) Made a pond for fresh water for H.M. ships (£200 sterl.). (iii) Have begun a magazine to hold 3 or 400 barrels of powder (£200 sterl.) (iv) Given 25 acres of land lying round the harbour for the use of H.M. (£250). ¾ p.
886. iii. Memorial of John Yeamans, Agent for Antigua, to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. July, 1728. Submits above considerations and prays for orders to be given accordingly. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 17. ff. 90, 91–92, 93, 95, 95v., 97v.]
Aug. 29.
Bermuda.
887. Lt. Governor Pitt to the Duke of Newcastle. To same effect as following. Signed, John Pitt. Endorsed, R. 30th Sept. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 29. No. 7.]
Aug. 29. 888. Lt. Gov. Pitt to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In my letter of July 11th I enclosed several coppys of the Acts of Assembly made here since my arrivall etc. Encloses duplicates and of some made in the late Governour's time, with Minutes of Council ever since his arrival etc. Concludes:—These comes by H.M.S. Success etc. No signature. Endorsed, Recd. 30th Sept., 1729, Read 22nd July, 1730. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 12. ff. 40, 43v.]
Aug. 29.
New York.
889. Governor Montgomerie to the Duke of Newcastle. Abstract. His recommendation of Lt. Andrew Nicoll for the command of the company vacant by the death of Major Symes not having been accepted, he recommends him for Lt. Captain. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, R. Aug. 23rd. Holograph. 2 pp. Enclosed,
889. i. Copy of following. [C.O. 5, 1093. ff. 120, 120v., 121v.–125v.]
Aug. 29.
New York.
890. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Encloses duplicate of Aug. 2 and gives an account of 12 acts passed in the last session of Assembly of New York, (i) To revive an act to prevent desertion from H.M. forces etc. (ii) continuing the currency of bills of credit struck in 1720 etc. (iii) continuing the act to farm the excise. (iv) continuing the act to empower the Justices living in Schenectady to regulate the streets and highways and prevent accidents by fire. (v–vii) acts for laying out, regulating etc. publick highways in Suffolk, Ulster and Albany counties, (viii) ascertaining the allowances of Representatives in Suffolk County. "Every County of the Province is by some act or other obliged to pay their representatives, but some of them agree before hand to serve for nothing, others make bargains at a rate under what they suppose they are authorized to demand. Others again make higher demands, than the supervisors of the county think they are intitled to, some demanding ten shillings and getting it, others contenting themselves with six shillings because they can get no more. In this county of Suffolk, some disputes having lately arose about their Assembly men's wages, upon the construction of the several acts, this was obtained to put an end to that dispute" etc. (ix) For naturalizing John Frederick Gunter and others. (x) For the effectual recovery of the arrears of several taxes etc., and for securing the duties on slaves not imported into the City of New York. (xi) Continuing acts for discharging the present demands on the trading house at Oswego. In great part of the same nature with that passed last year etc. "The expence for the maintenance of the Garrison is reduced to a pretty good certainty by contracting with an able person for supplying it etc. By this prudent provision, if the arts of designing men do not find ways to illude the intentions of the act, the furr trade will be in all probability vastly encreased, by the encouragement the remote nations of Indians will have to bring their furrs to Oswego, when they shall be informed of the protection that the Government has given them against the wonted abuses of the Handlers or Traders, who formerly wrested their furrs from them and then obliged the poor Indians to take what they were pleased to give them" etc. (xii) An act for raising £730 etc. Half the sum is laid upon the town of York, because that place is supposed to reap the greatest benefit of the Act of Parliament thereby intended to be obtained, but in reality the whole sum designed by them for the obtaining that act is laid upon the town, besides a proportion for the other services mentioned in it. With this act goes a memorial to the Treasury for an act of Parliament allowing the importation of foreign salt for our fishery. (xiii) Act for licensing hawkers etc. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 22nd, Read 13th Nov., 1729. 6½ pp. Printed, N.Y. Col. Doc. V. pp. 894–896. [C.O. 5, 1055. ff. 29–32v.].
Aug. 29.
New York.
891. Same to Mr. Delafaye. Returns thanks for most obliging letter giving fresh proofs of his friendship. "I am very sensible that My Lord Duke, Mr. Pelham and you did all you could for me in this affair" (the disposal of the Company) etc. as in letter to D. of Newcastle supra. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, R. Oct. 31. Holograph. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1086. ff. 18–19.]