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October 2.
Georgia Office. |
461 Harman Verelst to William Stephens enclosed to James Abercromby or in his absence to Messrs. Crokatt & Seaman, by the Hope, Capt. White. The Trustees not hearing from you since your journal and letter of 27 May last when opportunities have occasioned their hearing from Mr. Whitefield twice makes them fear you were indisposed, you always having been so regular in your correspondence. They desire that in case of indisposition at any time happening to you your son may keep up the correspondence with them. P.S. When Rev. Mr. Norris has occasion for his salary of 50l. a year from the Trust please assist him in the application for it out of the Trustees' effects in Georgia. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 103d.] |
October 2.
Georgia Office. |
462 Same to William Bull by Hope, Capt. White, signifying receipt of copies of his representation to Council of Trade and Plantations dated 25 May and of his letter to their lordships dated 20 July last. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 103d.] |
October 2.
Georgia Office. |
463 Same to Rev. George Whitefield enclosed to James Abercromby or in his absence to Messrs. Crokatt & Seaman by the Hope, Capt. White. My last were of 11 and 25 August. This acknowledges receipt of your letters of 14 June and 1 July last. The Trustees are well pleased with your account of the people's behaviour at Savannah and they hope for as good an account from Frederica where your future station is intended, and by your speedy return to England expect the same in person. Entry.½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 103.] |
October 3.
Abercorn. |
464 Isaac Gibbs to Trustees for Georgia. The land I began to clear turned out to be someone else's; I had household goods lost or damaged by the wreck of the Minerva at Charleston; my wife had a miscarriage and later died. So I am obliged to crave assistance. But I despair of ever doing any great matters by pecking with a hoe for when, if there be two or three hands, they have cleared 5 or 6 acres it is as much as they can well manage by way of planting or tilling without going on with clearing any more, so that there is like to be a poor maintenance for families of such a small quantity of ground; and indeed there is but very little progress made as I have seen got by the gentlemen that have been here longest. But I propose to have a plough if I can possibly, for it is a hard thing to come at in this place for I have heard of nor seen but one in this colony, and that a very indifferent one too. Here is scarcely any that understands to make them or husbandry either, and what they do in carpentry is so very chargeable that it is hard to come at on that account. It might be of great service to the colony if you would assist them with a few English ploughs for I am sure that one man and a boy with but a couple of oxen or horses shall do more than ten men with their hoes and much better done, and I think would be better also than that inhuman and abominable using of negroes. I crave the favour of another 50-acre lot in my younger son's name and the grant of favours promised to other settlers, such as a cow, hog, gun and two or three odd tools which I am not provided with. A cow would be very agreeable to our little ones in this place: here is not one nor a drop of milk to be had. Signed. P.S. An original of this was prepared and perused by Mr. Oglethorpe who so well approved that he commanded me to send a copy of it to you. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 640, fos. 196–197d.] |
October 4.
Jamaica. |
465 Governor Edward Trelawny to Duke of Newcastle. On 20 September Capt. Russell, commander of H.M.S. Kingsale, brought into Port Royal harbour a Spanish ship called La Nuestra Senora del Rosario San Francisco Xavier y las Animas alias La Venus, Don Bernardo de Espinosa commander, which he met off the Isle of Pines near Cuba and suspected to have been guilty of piratical practices. As soon as the Naval Officer acquainted me with the arrival of the Spanish ship I ordered him on board to enquire into her clearances and then to come with the commander and inform me of what he should be able to learn: which he accordingly did on 23rd, Commodore Brown and Capt. Russell being present, as also Mr. Gregory and the attorney-general (which two were the only councillors then in town). After a strict examination of the Spaniard and his clearances it appeared plainly that the vessel was a register ship and fair trader. But as the council was to meet on 27th, I thought it necessary to lay the whole matter before the board in order to know what they might think proper to be resolved upon concerning the vessel. The council, being met on 27th and having fully considered the case, were of opinion that as no piratical acts appeared to have been committed by the Spaniard nor any molestation given to H.M.'s subjects, the ship ought to be discharged and desired that I would send an order to the captain of the fort to let her pass and depart upon her lawful occasions; which I did accordingly, and she set sail this day. A week ago I received your letter of 11 July with a copy of the French ambassador's memorial and Mr. Paxton's report concerning a negro boy. I have found and delivered him to the attorney-general who will send him to Mr. Paxton by the first ship which sails for London; and this will be some time next week. Signed. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 3 December. [C.O. 137, 56, fos. 141–142d.] |
October 5.
Whitehall. |
466 Council of Trade and Plantations to Duke of Newcastle enclosing the following relating to the Chactaw Indians. Signed, M. Bladen, R. Plumer, Arthur Croft. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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466. i. President Bull of South Carolina to Council of Trade and Plantations, 20 July 1738. Copy, of No. 359. [C.O. 5, 384, fos. 44–51d; entry of covering letter in C.O. 5, 401, p. 305; draft of covering letter in C.O. 5, 381, fos. 301–302d.] |
October 7.
Frederica. |
467 James Oglethorpe to Trustees for Georgia. I have sent up Mr. Jones, as I informed you in my last I would, and am now going to Savannah. In the enclosed is an account of the condition I found the southern part of the colony in on my arrival as also a petition from the people for support: the allegations of it are very true. The storehouse at Savannah has supported this division of the province so ill that the people must have starved or abandoned the place had not Mr. Horton given them his own cattle and corn to eat. You see the quantity of provisions, a great deal of the flour is in danger of spoiling, on which I had it made into bread and sold to the soldiers at prime cost, so that they had it at five farthings a pound. The money arising from it I have ordered to be laid out in fresh flour for supplying the Trustees' people. The Indian corn Mr. Causton bought in at 3s. 6d. per bushel and charged it at that price to the store here; it is now fallen upon the new harvest which (God be praised) is very plentiful in Carolina, so that it is sold at 1s. per bushel there. Our poor people lost their harvest by reason of their being called by the Spanish alarms from their hoeing. I have ordered the old corn to be issued at 1s. 2d. per bushel which if I had not done would have been lost, for the people would not have taken it at 3s. 6d. when they could have bought new corn cheaper and it would have spoiled in two months. |
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We want beer extremely. I brought over 20 tuns of beer which I issued to the soldiers and inhabitants at prime cost which I believe will be gone before I can receive a supply. There are six barrels a day drawn and paid for in ready money. It would be very proper therefore, if the Trustees' affairs would allow it, to send over a cargo of at least 50 or 60 tons of strong beer and that of the same as I had from Mr. Hucks in Southwark. It will be a better remittance than even bills since beer's being cheap is the only means to keep rum out of the colony. Thank God there is none in this part, Mr. Horton having used great diligence to prevent it, to which in a great measure is owing the health and industry of the people. Upon the necessity I have granted the petition so far as to continue to furnish the people upon credit with 6lbs. of breadkind vizt. 2lbs. flour, ½ peck Indian corn, they had 4lbs. meat but I have now reduced them to 2lbs. of meat per week and 1 pint of molasses. |
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I shall when I come to Savannah strive to reduce all the Trustees' expenses as much as I can. But I can say nothing of certain relating to the northern part of the province, reports being so different. I fear there has been great roguery in the certified accounts, there having been several barrels of provisions bought from Philadelphia and New York which were condemned as unfit for food and burnt as such. The prices of the goods were also exorbitant and the species very bad. I have great difficulties to struggle with as you may conceive, a great number of mouths to feed, empty magazines and no money; a great debt I fear is contracted, but as there was no authority for contracting that debt I shall wait your orders before I will approve or pay any of it. I take a list of all the stores I find in the colony and I will intermeddle nor approve of nothing that was done before my arrival till I hear from you. I will make the few stores that are here go as far as possible towards supplying the people, but if we have not a supply from Parliament the misery will be inexpressible for there are eight months that the colony is to be supported and no other fund as I can find except the 500l. of sola bills which you sent over with me and what is in the magazines. The best expedient I can think of is to support the credit by paying such certified accounts, the particulars of which have been honestly delivered at moderate prices. If any certified accounts shall appear to have been fraudulently obtained your judgment will be the best direction how to proceed therein. I will enquire at Savannah into that matter whether there has been any combination or fraud between the persons who delivered the goods and those employed by you, and you will take the advice of proper persons how far such informations will justify you in overhauling those accounts. Till I have examined things at Savannah I cannot see clear enough to make a full report but hope that if the Parliament grants us the supply I shall be able to settle all things so as to put the colony into a very flourishing condition. It will cost me a great deal of labour but I shall grudge no pains for to bring about that good end. |
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Among other disappointments the great drought and the Spanish alarms last year have rendered the best and most zealous part of the people incapable of supporting themselves this year, but thank God we are rid of great numbers of idle mouths who ran away from the northern division, part for debt, part for fear of the Spaniards. I hear there are several industrious people of some substance who are willing to come up at their own expense if you will give them the forfeited lots. The Spaniards have tempted the Creek Indians with great presents to join against us which they have refused and yesterday arrived a messenger from the towns that the chief men are coming down to meet me. The Spaniards reported that I had been disgraced in England and that I should never return, and this was confirmed by the Carolina traders. The Creeks declared that they would take no determination till they could see me and their chief men come down to confer with me and I shall see them in a few days at Savannah. This will be a new expense for there must be presents given to them. |
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Some soldiers who had been in the Irish troops in France and Spain listed in our regiment. I had some information of this at Portsmouth, since which I have found out the whole combination and have taken the furlow which one of them had from the Duke of Berwick's regiment. A young recruit has discovered the proposal they made to him to secure some advance post, destroy the officers and go into foreign service. I have ordered a general court-martial to be held upon them but have not yet received their report. The fellows are very artful and it was with great difficulty we could find out that they had been in foreign service. Signed. P.S. I send you a plan of the town of Frederica with the granted lots and the names of the possessors. Some families go away and some are newly come. I send you also the petition of the old freeholders as likewise of those newly arrived. Dr. Hawkins is in the regiment and wants no provisions, therefore is not in the list. I send you a list of the new freeholders and a list of the old freeholders and of their allowances. I send you a return of the freeholders and of the weekly issues to them before my arrival [and] a list of persons on pay in the Trustees' service at Frederica. The establishment of St. Andrew's which consists of 19 of the Trustees' servants and 10 upon hire: I have ordered the ten upon hire to be reduced but it will be necessary to give them one month's pay to enable them to return to their homes. I have also reduced the two carpenters but have continued Mr. Hugh Mackay to oversee the Trustees' servants and one storekeeper and I shall send as many of the Trustees' servants from the other parts of the province as will make up the complement and I hope by their labour to defray the charge of keeping them. The whole of St. Andrew's for keeping and employing the servants will be 229l. p.a. The surgeon of the regiment will take care of the servants so that that expense also will be saved, therefore there will be 31 of the Trustees' servants subsisted and kept to work for 229l. p.a. which upon each will be 7l. 10s. Here are also servants on pay at Frederica: Mr. Auspourger at 3s. per day, surveyor; John Calwell, deputy surgeon at 2s. per day, and the labourers at the same rate. I have ordered the labourers to be turned off as soon as the ships are unloaded in which they assist, and I shall get the service they now do performed by three of the Trustees' servants who are without wages. Their food is mentioned in a list, but it will be necessary to keep a cooper and the two clerks, Smallwood and Dobree, and the storekeeper White upon pay. I have reduced upon the people of Frederica with their own consent, so that they are now to have but 2lbs. of meat per week per head, and they consent to pay even this little which they shall receive. If we do not supply these expenses the people cannot keep together here. I desire therefore an answer as soon as possible what I should do, and I shall write you an account from Savannah of that part of the province. 7 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 22 January 1738/9, Read 26 March 1739. [C.O. 5, 640, fos. 198–201d.] |
October 8.
Frederica on
St. Simon's. |
468 James Oglethorpe to Duke of Newcastle. Since my last to you I have reviewed the regiment here and send you the enclosed return by which you will see that it is above complete and that every officer is at his post, two things pretty singular which I believe there are few regiments can say. For fear of sickness I brought over more men than our complement, and our men being all healthy obliges us to pay supernumeraries. I have as yet received no further advices concerning the Spaniards excepting that some Indians who are come down acquaint me that the Spaniards are making encroachments on their lands on the back of Carolina. We have discovered some men who had listed themselves in the regiment to be spies. We took upon one of them his furlow from Berwick's regiment in the Irish troops. They strove to persuade some of our men to betray a post to the Spaniards who instead of complying discovered their intentions. I have ordered a general court martial for the trying of them who have not yet made their report. One of them owns himself a Roman Catholic and denies the king having any authority over him. In my last I acquainted you that this harbour can receive 40-gun ships with ease and that in case of necessity a 60-gun ship could come in. The great conveniency of commanding the Spanish homeward bound trade, besides the benefits which will arise to England from a plantation where silk, wine and oil will be cultivated, makes me not doubt the continuance of your protection of this colony. Signed. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 29 January. Enclosed, |
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468. i. Monthly return of Gen. Oglethorpe's regiment for September 1738. Strength: 6 field officers and captains, 6 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 60 sergeants, corporals and drummers, 640 privates, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 654, fos. 170–173d.] |
October 12.
Jamaica. |
469 Governor Edward Trelawny to Council of Trade and Plantations transmitting laws passed 1 March 1737/8 and 19 July 1738; journal of council, 1 September 1737 to 23 March 1737/8 and 5 May to 19 July 1738; minutes of council, 1 September 1737 to 4 March 1737/8 and 30 April to 15 July 1738; minutes of assembly, 15 June to 19 July 1738. Signed. P.S. The enclosed key belongs to the box in which are contained the forementioned papers. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 3 January, Read 10 January 1738/9. Box received from John Sharpe, 10 April 1739. [C.O. 137, 23, fos. 1, 1d, 4, 4d.] |
| October 17. |
470 Certificate by George Thomas, lieut.-governor of Pennsylvania, that Benjamin Franklin, clerk of assembly, appeared and declared the following to be a true copy extracted from the journal of the said assembly. Copy. ½ p. Enclosed, |
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471. i. 31 August 1738. Resolution of House of Representatives of Pennsylvania continuing Ferdinando John Paris as agent for the province. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 14 December, Read 15 December 1738. [C.O. 5, 1269, fos. 29–30d.] |
October 18.
Whitehall. |
471 Council of Trade and Plantations to the King, proposing that Nathaniel Bascome, William Riddell and John Harvey be appointed to the council of Bermuda to complete the number of councillors in that island. Entry. Signatories, Monson, M. Bladen, Arthur Croft, R. Plumer. 1 p. [C.O. 38, 8, p. 297.] |
October 18.
Whitehall. |
472 Same to Duke of Newcastle, transmitting the enclosed. Signed, M. Bladen, Arthur Croft, R. Plumer. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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472. i Affidavit of Daniel Cheston, 22 July 1738. Copy, of No. 389. i. |
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472. ii. Deputy Governor Thomas to Council of Trade and Plantations, 3 August 1738. Copy, of No. 389. [C.O. 5, 1233, fos. 200–209d; entry of covering letter in C.O. 5, 1294, p. 112.] |
October 19.
Whitehall. |
473 Thomas Hill to Francis Fane enclosing three Acts passed at Bermuda in August last for his opinion thereon in point of law, vizt. Acts for laying a duty on the whale fishery; for adding to the salary of Governor Popple; for paying 100l. a year current money to Governor Popple. Entry.1½ pp. [C.O. 38, 8, pp. 298–299.] |
October 19.
Whitehall. |
474 Same to same, enclosing two Acts passed at Antigua in May and June last, for raising a tax for paying public debts, and to reduce and settle the rate of interest, for his opinion in point of law. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 153, 16, fo. 75d.] |
October 19.
Whitehall. |
475 Same to same, enclosing four Acts passed at Montserrat in April and May last, for more speedy dispatch of public business, to explain and amend an Act for repairing highways, for raising a poll-tax, and for repairing Plymouth Fort and magazine, for his opinion in point of law. Entry. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 153, 16, fo. 76, 76d.] |
October 19.
Whitehall. |
476 Same to same, enclosing an Act passed at Nevis in May last for raising a poll-tax on negroes and other slaves, for his opinion in point of law. Entry. ½ p. [C.O.153, 16, fo. 76d.] |
October 19.
Kensington. |
477 Royal warrant to Lieut.-Governor William Bull to appoint William Mackay clerk of the markets of Charleston, Beaufort Town and Port Royal in South Carolina in the room of John Beswicke, deceased. Entry. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 324, 50, pp. 123–124; another entry in C.O. 324, 37, p. 120.] |
October 19.
Savannah. |
478 James Oglethorpe to Trustees for Georgia. I received a copy of Mr. Verelst's letter dated 4 August and in answer to it am very glad that the prudent measures you took to stop all credit here has had an effect (as you mentioned) suitable to your intentions. I have not issued the 500l. sola bills and do not intend to do it till I hear from you. Upon my arrival I sent Mr. Jones from Frederica and have taken possession of the books and effects in the store. Mr. Jones will receive them as soon as they can be delivered him regularly. I demanded an inventory of the stores which Mr. Causton has delivered (but Mr. Jones thinks it is imperfect), I send it herewith. You will see how small the remains of the vast stores laid in are and how insufficient of supporting the colony to midsummer. These accounts are very imperfect, great part of the steers and hogs charged to the account are wild in the woods, others lost, the price of all overcharged. The account of stores sent to Frederica is not allowed by the storekeeper there, he alleging that he can prove they were not delivered, the Darien the same, and a great part of what they received was damaged when sent. I am very sorry to send you such trifling papers but they are the only accounts I can yet get. The estimate of the monthly allowance of provision for servants would lead one into an error, for most of those whom Mr. Causton trusted with servants cannot maintain them and depend on the store for subsistence. |
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I cannot as yet find that Causton has been guilty of getting for himself though he has unaccountably trifled away the public money. One of the follies that has brought this ruin on is the trusting people that importuned him with goods and provisions of all kinds and then let them discharge the debts by day labour in trifling works. Whilst money was thus squandered the real necessary charges of the colony were not defrayed. The scoutboatmen, rangers and others who defended the province are not paid, and starving whilst the Trustees owe them money; and yet they were not only contented to stay till my arrival, but when I told them the Trustees' circumstances their affection was so great that they offered to serve on until the Trustees' affairs mended. I thanked them but reduced the rangers since I could not feed them with hopes of what I could not make good. The scoutboats I have for this month paid out of my own money since they are absolutely necessary and I will not charge the Trustees with new debts. |
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There is a worse circumstance than any before, vizt. the industrious poor people who have saved something by frugality have lodged their little all in the store hoping to have provisions from thence in their necessity, and now if the store cannot pay they must perish for want. The like misery must befall all the Trustees' servants as well as many of the inhabitants whom sickness and misfortunes have prevented from having a crop this year. I have sent your orders to Mr. Stephens and Parker, a copy of which I send you, and their answer which I believe you will think reasonable and a very good expedient. I can see nothing but destruction to the colony unless some assistance be immediately sent us. I support things for a while by some money I have in my hands and is the balance of my account with the Trustees and the rest I supply with my own money for I will not incur debts nor draw bills upon you; and if the effects here go to pay the certified accounts they will not near pay them for they will not amount to half the sum of the debts incurred here that are not certified. If this (I know not what name to give it) had not happened the colony had overcome all its difficulties and had been in a flourishing condition. The Italians begin to like the place and the family of Cameus have wound silk as fine as the last which was made in Georgia. There are a great many mulberry trees in the garden which begin to recover themselves so that next year they will feed a great quantity of worms. There is earth found here that a potter has baked with china ware, they have also found stone, they make a very good brick and lime, there are several yokes of oxen broke, and several carts with horses. Since the idle people have run away there seems to be a spirit of industry stirring but I fear it comes too late if they are not speedily supported. The Trustees' sawmill has worked and has sawed 700 foot a day which if managed right will bring an income. |
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You recommend it to me to keep the industrious people from real want out of the surplus of the stores after payment of the debts, but as I mentioned above there will be no surplus for they are not sufficient to pay half the debts owing here; and therefore I fear cannot support the people till the news of what the Parliament may grant at the next session can arrive. Had any bills been sent over to me, or was I sure there would no demand be upon what is now in store, I could make shift to support the most valuable part of the people which I shall still strive to do, though with little hopes of success for I must do it out of my own money. I have already expended a great deal and as far as the income of my estate and employments for this year will go I shall sooner lay it out in supporting the colony (till I can hear from you) than in any other diversion. |
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You ask me the sum I think necessary to carry on the civil concerns of the colony. I reckon the lowest sum that can be expended here, if you expect any success in the improvements in silk and wine and keep up a form of civil government, will be 5,000l. per year expended here. And you are exceedingly right in sending that sum over in sola bills (and that in time) and in not suffering any debt to be contracted here to which the Trustees can be liable. It will be necessary to have a sufficient sum to pay what you are in arrear. I believe that sum may be made out by adding what you owe here to what Mr. Verelst knows from the certified accounts, but I suspect there is a good deal more for I fear by their loose manner of keeping their accounts (since Mr. Burntside whom I left here was dismissed from the store) that they scarcely know how much they owe. It is said that there is above 1,000l. owing to carpenters for building sheds and huts, to boat hire etc., yet not brought in. Another thing may lead you into a mistake is believing that there is money due to the store here from the account Mr. Causton sent you of goods issued from the store to sundry persons (a copy whereof you sent me) whereas most of those people were creditors who were paid what was due to them from the store by giving them credit with the sloop owners. |
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The short state of your affairs is that this unhappy man Causton has contracted a debt at home and abroad far beyond what the Trust is possessed of, therefore nothing can be issued from the store except in payment of debt since all belongs to the creditors. There are a great number of people to be assisted here, orphans, widows and the sick. There is a great surplus I fear due by the Trust. Therefore the only remedy I can think of is if the Trustees have not money sufficient to pay the certified accounts and demands in England then to pay what they have equally at an average and out of the next supply (if any) given by Parliament to pay the remainder; whilst I will out of the stores here pay the debts as far as they go and make out an account of the remaining debt which I think should also be paid out of the supply granted by Parliament. When all the debts are paid the Trustees set out anew and setting aside what the expenses of the office and other expenses in England will amount to for the year they should send hither in sola bills what part of the parliamentary supply they think will be sufficient for the improvement and support of the colony. I think that sum cannot be less than 5,000l. but whatever it is I will make it go as far as possible, it shall not be exceeded. You have given me orders to build the church and cultivate the lands for religious uses both here and at Frederica. As I will not incur any debts I cannot proceed unless you send me sola bills or order me to issue those in my possession and place in the bank so much of the money appropriated to religious uses as shall answer the bills which you order me to issue. |
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With respect to Causton's behaviour here I have already mentioned I examined him to know what could be the meaning that he dare to exceed so excessively your orders and thereby plunging the colony into its present difficulties. He answered that he made no expenses but what necessity forced him to and that he could prove that necessity. He entered into several particulars: that the multitude forced him to build a fort for fear of the Spaniards, that the charge of Salzburghers and other charges were not provided for in the establishment sent over by the Trustees, that he received that establishment too late to comply with it. He did not pretend to justify himself in not sending over the balance of his accounts. His negligence to bring his accounts to a balance half-yearly or every year at least has been the occasion of the melancholy situation he has put us in. Some things he alleged that had weight: that the prices of provisions were treble to what they were at my first arrival here from whence we calculated the estimate, that the Spanish alarms obliged him to comply with the humour of the people here, for which reason he was forced to give any prices to sloops to bring down provisions to the colony. He said further that he had not been guilty of any fraud nor converted any of the Trustees' money to his own use. He at first seemed pretty stubborn but upon a second examination he was more submissive. When I was about to commit him he pleaded that it was not usual here to commit freeholders for any but capital crimes, that Watson who was accused of killing a man and had been found guilty by a jury was bailed upon his own recognizance, that he submitted to the Trustees, and that all he had acquired in his six years service and all that he had in the world was laid out in improvements on his lot in the colony and that he would give all security to abide and justify his accounts. He has accordingly given security; he has delivered the stores, books etc. unto Mr. Jones according to your appointment. I have not been able to enter into the rest of the affairs of the colony. The Salzburghers thrive and so do the people at Hampstead and Highgate. There are abundance of good houses built in this town. I desire to know in what manner you would have me proceed in Causton's affair and I desire you would favour me with your answer to this letter as soon as possible. Signed. 4½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 22 January 1738/9. [C.O. 5 640, fos. 203–205d.] |
October 19.
Savannah. |
479 Rev. William Norris to Harman Verelst. On 15 October I landed here. Gen. Oglethorpe not having any letters from the Trustees recommending me looked on himself as less concerned in the interest of my cause or support of my necessities and considered me only as one who would contribute to the present and growing calamity. He could not give me credit here. He told me that Mr. Whitefield at his departure substituted Mr. Habersham in the ministerial office in which he was expected to continue till Mr. Whitefield's return. I shall stay here till advice from the Trustees. Signed. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16 March 1738/9. [C.O. 5, 640, fos. 206–207d.] |
October 19.
Savannah. |
480 Thomas Jones to Harman Verelst. You will be informed by the general's letter to the Trustees (of this date) what distressed circumstances the people are under in this colony through want of a sufficient quantity of provisions and other necessaries for their support in the store (having no other market to go to), and a great part of those provisions which are most necessary are damaged. I have little to add but that pursuant to their instructions I went to Frederica (in my way hither) and caused their order to be affixed on the door of the storehouse there. When I saw the bad condition some of the stores were in and found several goods there which I thought not altogether so necessary for the people's subsistence such as cinnamon, cloves and other spices, hams at 6d. per lb., dried beef at 5d. per lb., I asked Mr. White whether he used to send Mr. Causton an account of such stores as were most wanted at Frederica or did he (Causton) send the stores discretionally. He answered that Mr. Causton always sent such goods as he thought fit but often damaged and many things that the people there had no occasion for. I called on Mr. Causton at Oxtead (his plantation) and delivered him a letter from the general. He told me that he had a faithful servant whom he would despatch to town that would take care of the accounts and effects in the store. He wanted not my assistance but if he should have need of my advice he'd thank me for it. I was at Savannah six days before he came there (being indisposed). Copies of the Trustees' letters sent per Capt. Piercy to Mr. Causton and others had been received by them a month before our arrival in Georgia, the contents whereof were publicly known by all the inhabitants at Savannah. |
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I had no access to the books until the general's arrival here on 10th instant, at which time I delivered Mr. Causton the packet (which you gave me for him) as per his receipt enclosed (the general having ordered me to deliver none of the letters until he came). His excellency the next day ordered the stores, books of accounts etc. to be put under my care. I have put my servant into the storehouse (Mr. Causton having likewise a servant of his own there) until I can have the goods inventoried and their quality examined. There are four clerks employed in stating the accounts (which are very confused) but make a slow progress therein. One of the clerks, Hurst a servant to the Trustees, who likewise was employed by Mr. Causton in his private affairs went away in the night-time privately about three weeks ago soon after I came here. |
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Mr. Bradley would not enter into any examination of his accounts with the Trustees before the general came here, he pretending some engagement of his excellency to him. But before the general came he (Bradley) was seized with a violent fever which endangered his life, but there are some hopes of his recovery. I fear there will appear very great waste and mismanagement in his conduct, his debt to the store (Mr. Causton says) is very large but I could not have that account hitherto made out. The general is of opinion that all such servants whom the Trustees contracted with to feed and clothe have a just demand upon the store for such provision. I have laid by three months provisions for the servants, to be issued as they have occasion, lest the other demands on the store should exhaust all the provisions before that time. How the Trustees' orders for winter clothing can be complied with I am at a loss, there not being a sufficient quantity of cloth in the store to do it. Signed. P.S. When the general ordered me for Savannah he empowered me to secure Mr. Causton's person if I should find that there was any suspicion he would leave the colony. But when I saw the improvements he had made, by far the best in this province, I could not entertain any such thoughts. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
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480. i. 10 October 1738. Receipt by Thomas Causton of a packet of letters from Mr. Thomas Jones. ¼ p. [C.O. 5, 640, fos. 209–211.] |
October 20.
Savannah. |
481 Same to same. Gen. Oglethorpe having paid unto Abraham de Lean 100l. part of 200l. for which he, jointly with Dr. Samuel Nunes, Daniel Nunes and Moses Nunes of Savannah, have given bond for repayment to the Trustees, which bond and receipt I have in my custody until I have your or the general's directions. A counterpart of the receipt you have in one of the parcels sent you. The general has advanced the said sum in compliance to the Trustees' desire mentioned in your letter. Signed. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 22 January 1738/9. [C.O. 5, 640, fo. 212, 212d.] |
October 21.
Antigua. |
482 Governor William Mathew to Council of Trade and Plantations. Thomas Pym and William Clark, two of H.M.'s council for Nevis, left that island some time ago, and the number remaining being fewer than seven, the president being very often disappointed of a board to do business, he wrote me to fill up their places. I have wrote to him to swear John Williams, junior, and Thomas Herbert as councillors till H.M.'s pleasure be known, two gentlemen in my humble opinion fittest there to serve H.M. in that station. As Mr. Pym never applied to me for my licence for his absence as Mr. Clark did, his seat at that board is become void unless H.M. please to restore him. John Duer, member of the council for Antigua, some time since by a letter desired to be excused on account of his bad health from attending any more at the council board, and there remaining but six councillors (and three of these almost worn out with age and sickness) I was forced to swear a seventh councillor, John Gunthorpe, a gentleman of first distinction in the island by his affection to H.M. and government, by his capacity and by his estate. The council still, from the many absent in Europe, often meets to do business but in vain. Col. Morris from a bad state of health, Col. Frye from age and having above twenty miles to ride each council day, and Col. Crump from age and sickness very often are uncapable of attending. The lieut.-governor is falling into the same state though he struggles hard to do his duty. These circumstances make it fit I should apply to you for orders to the absent councillors to return or for leave to name others here unless H.M. please to name them at home. I have delivered to Capt. Jones a box to be forwarded to your office containing the following public papers: duplicate of minutes of council of St. Christopher's, 9 February 1737/8–20 July 1738; minutes of council of Nevis, 12 November 1736–12 May 1738; minutes of council of Montserrat for quarter ending 30 September 1738; minutes of assembly of Montserrat for quarter ending 23 September 1738. Signed. 4 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 7 December 1738, Read 10 January 1738/9. [C.O. 152, 23, fos. 170–172d.] |
October 22.
New York. |
483 Lieut.-Governor George Clarke to Council of Trade and Plantations. On 20th of this month I dissolved the assembly after they had very fruitlessly sat about seven weeks. My reasons you will see in the enclosed papers. I acquainted them at first with the petition of the Bermudians against the Tonnage Act passed in 1734, desiring them as it was passed before my time and as it was a matter of general concernment to the province to furnish me with reasons to be laid before you in support of it. But I do not find that they gave themselves one thought about it, and I presume you will not expect that I should attempt to give any after I have recommended it to them. They suppose as I have been told that you will let the Act lie as it is till you know their reasons; I cannot suppose that they intended by it to strengthen my hands when I insist upon a revenue for a term of years, and yet if the bill be rejected it will have that effect. For both the money struck on that bill as well as that on the Excise bill will be without a fund to subsist on to sink it; and next year they must return to their senses or involve their country in misery, for it cannot I think be expected that I should part with the advantages I have by this means over them on any other condition than that of giving a revenue for a term of years. Signed. 1¼ small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 3 January, Read 10 January 1738/9. Enclosed, |
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483. i. Abstract of proceedings of Assembly of New York, 19 October 1738. It was unanimously resolved not to pass any bill for the grant of money for support of government but with assurance that the bills struck and issued in 1714 and 1717 as also the Excise Act be continued from 1 November 1739 for a sufficient number of years to cancel and destroy those bills. This resolution being conveyed to the lieut.governor he answered that he could not give assent to such a bill unless this house settle a support for as long a time and in as ample a manner as had been given to former governors, neither could he consent to the appropriation of the money. 1¼ pp. |
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483. ii. Speech of Lieut.-Governor Clarke dissolving the assembly of New York, 20 October 1738. Your resolutions are such presumptions, daring and unprecedented steps that I could not look upon them without astonishment nor with honour suffer you to sit any longer. Printed. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1059, fos. 72–76d.] |
October 22.
New York. |
484 Same to Duke of Newcastle. Two days ago I dissolved the assembly: the reason for so doing you see in the enclosed papers, together with copy of No. 483. Signed. 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 3 January. Enclosed, |
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484. i. Same to Council of Trade and Plantations of same date. Copy, of No. 483. |
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484. ii. Speech of Lieut.-Governor Clarke to Assembly of New York, 20 October 1738. Printed. Copy, of No. 483. ii. |
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484. iii. Abstract of proceedings of Assembly of New York, 19 October 1738. Copy, of No. 483. i. [C.O. 5, 1094, fos. 75–80d.] |
October 23.
London. |
485 Samuel Waldo to Thomas Hill requesting copies of papers respecting Nova Scotia vizt. Patent to Sir William Alexander; Alexander's assignment to Sir Thomas Temple and another; Temple's and his partner's division of the patent lands between them; Earl of Arlington's (then secretary of state) order to Temple to surrender the premises to the French according to treaty of Breda. I also desire, if there be any mention in your ancient records or files of the place called Muscongus, being the western bounds of the patent granted to Thomas Leverett and John Beauchamp, that I may be favoured with copies or abstracts therefrom. The use I propose to make of the first mentioned papers is the better to enable me to lay some proposals for the settlement of Nova Scotia before their lordships; and the latter in order to ascertain the western bounds of the patent granted to Leverett and Beauchamp in 1629, I having a dispute depending with sundry persons in New England who claim a right to the western part of the said patent lands. Signed. 1½ small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 24 October, Read 25 October 1738. [C.O. 217, 8, fos. 32–33d.] |
October 26.
Whitehall. |
486 Order of Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs referring back to Council of Trade and Plantations a report proposing repeal of an Act passed in Antigua on 13 April 1737 for the trial of John Coteen and Thomas Winthrop for an intended insurrection and declaring the same to be high treason. No notice is taken in the said report of whether Coteen and Winthorp were convicted or whether the evidence against them was legal. Seal. Signed, W. Sharpe. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 10 November, Read 16 November 1738. [C.O. 152, 23, fos. 165, 165d, 168, 168d.] |
| October 27. |
487 [Duke of Newcastle] to William Shirley at Boston, New England, asking him to do all in his power agreeable to law and justice to hasten the lawsuit long depending between Sir Thomas Prendergast and Mr. Auchmuty. Draft. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 899, fos. 354–355d.] |
| October 27. |
488 [Duke of Newcastle] to Governor Jonathan Belcher to same effect as No. 487. Draft. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 899, fos. 356–357d.] |
October 27.
Georgia Office. |
489 Harman Verelst to William Stephens by Brunswick, Capt. Payne. My last to you was of 2nd inst. No letters have been yet received from Georgia by the Trustees of later dates than mentioned in my last although there are letters in town by way of New York dated 27 August in Georgia. The Trustees are impatient to know the occasion of this silence. Herewith you receive the Daily Advertisers for the use of the province from 7 August to 26 October 1738. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 104.] |
