|
Oct. 1.
Whitehall. | 506. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Enclose
following:— |
|---|
| 506. i. H.M. Commission to Mitford Crowe for the Government of Barbados, etc. Cf. C.S.P. 1702. Nos. 591.i.,
472, and 1699. No. 382. Add: With the advice
and consent of the Councills respectively, from time to
time as need shall require, to summon General Assemblys
within every of the respective Islands under his Government, the elected members to take the oaths appointed
instead of the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, etc.,
or else to be incapable of sitting, though elected. Laws
to be not repugnant but as near as may be agreable
to the Laws of England. He is given power to
administer the oaths appointed instead of the oaths
of Allegiance and Supremacy to every person as he
shall think fit, who shall at any time pass into any of
the said Islands, or shall be resident or abiding there;
to build forts, castles, towns, etc.; to dispose of lands
by and with the advice and consent of the Council
under moderate quit-rents etc.; to appoint Deputy
Governors in the respective islands, Barbados excepted,
who are to act according to his directions. Upon his
death, if there be no C. in C., the Council to take the
administration of the Government and the first Councillor
to preside. The power of Vice-Admiralty is not granted
in this Commission. (See Oct. 30.) Countersigned,
Wright. Oct. 30, 1706, Westminster. [C.O. 29, 10.
pp. 97–123; and 319, 1. pp. 1–9.] |
| Oct. 1. | 507. Answer of Alexander Skene to charges (cf. C.S.P.
Aug. 13, 1705). No complaints were made against him in
Barbados. He took the usual fees, 5s. licence for a ship to sail,
12s. 6d. for a petition. He made no exactions. Refers to his
acquittal at trial to prove that he was not accessory to Capt.
St. Loe's carrying off F. Lee, etc. etc. Signed, A. Skene.
Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Tryon, Read Oct. 1, 1706. 3¾ large pp.
[C.O. 28, 9. No. 54; and 29, 10. pp. 124–131.] |
|---|
| Oct. 1. | 508. Governor Parke's Commission to Michael Lambert
to be Lieut. Governor of St. Christophers. (See Oct. 5.) Signed,
Daniel Parke. Sealed. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 42. No. 7.] |
|---|
Oct. 2.
Bristol. | 509. N. Byfield to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
States the case of the Charles' prize, and defends himself against
the complaints of John Colman etc. (See July 19, 1705.) Signed,
Nathl. Byfield. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25, 1706, Read Feb. 28.
1706/7. 2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 509. i. Copy of petition of Nicholas Paige etc. to Gov. Dudley.
June 23, 1705. (No. 1274.xv.) 1½ pp. |
| 509. ii. Copy of Order of Assembly of Rhode Island, June 19,
1705. (No. 1275.) 1 p. |
| 509. iii. Governor Dudley to Mr. Byfield. June 25, 1705.
Copy. 1 p. |
| 509. iv. Mr. Byfield to Sir C. Hedges. July 19, 1705. Copy.
4 pp. |
| 509. v. John Colman to Governor Dudley. Rhode Island,
June 17, 1705. (No. 1274.xvi.) Copy. 1½ pp. |
| 509. vi. Governor Cranston to Mr. Byfield. June 16, 1705.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 1263. Nos. 139, 139.i.-vi.; and (without
enclosures) 5, 1291. pp. 451–456.] |
Oct. 2.
Boston, N.E. | 510. Mr. Campbell to Wm. Popple. Governor Dudley
acquainted me that I had offended the Council of Trade and Plantations in representing in the Boston News-Letter of Oct. 29 that
the Quakers were endeavouring by their false Addresses at home
to misrepresent the Government of this Province for making and
executing several severe Laws against their friends only for
their conscientious dissent from the National way, and not for
any evill fact done by them. I have nothing in that matter
to offer in my justification, but that I had seen a letter from the
Quakers in London to some Ministers in London, which was
covered by the Ministers of London to Mr. Mather and the
Ministers of this place (copy enclosed). Prays for a favourable
interpretation etc. I shall carefully forbear reflecting upon
those people, who I observe are very well and easily treated by
the Government here, and for ought I know are peaceable in
their places, etc. Signed, Jno. Campbell. Endorsed, Recd.
Nov. 26, 1706, Read Feb. 28, 1706/7. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|---|
| 510. i. Ministers in London to the Rev. Increase Mather.
There was lately an application made to us by some
noted persons among the people called Quakers in
London complaining of severall severe Laws made
in New England against their ffriends only for their
conscientious dissent from ye national way there, and
not for any crime or evil fact done by them, and requesting
that, provided we are for liberty of conscience to those
who dissent from us, we would manifest our sincerity
therein by representing to you our dislike of such laws,
as you may more fully understand by following enclosure.
Refer to Act concerning Hereticks (see C.S.P. 1705).
Quote Cotton Mather's History of New England, etc.
Permit us to propose it to your serious consideration
whether the punishing persons professing Christianity
meerly for their conscientious dissent from the establish'd
Religion be not manifestly repugnant to the just rights
of mankind and the true principles of the Christian
Religion. We are sensible how prejudicial it may
prove to our common interest for those of our
perswasion to countenance any penal laws for matters
of meer conscience. It's evident such a conduct always
administers too much ground for the reproach commonly
made us, that where we have the power in our hands, we
deny that liberty to others, which we ever plead for in our
own case, and by vertue of an Act of Parliament enjoy.
In case such penal laws are still in force, we make it
our humble and earnest request to you and the rest of
our Revd. Brethren and Elders of Church that you
would joyntly use your pious endeavours to remove
all occasions of this complaint etc. Signed, Richard
Taylor, John Nesbett, Tho. Rowe, Benja. Rowe, Matth.
Clarke, John Singleton, Robert Bragge, Tho. Simmons,
Isaac Watts, Tho. Collins. A true copy, signed, Increase
Mather, Boston, N.E. Sept. 9, 1706. 2 pp. |
| 510. ii. Quakers in London to the Ministers and Elders of
the Independant Congregations. There being severall
severe Laws made by your Brethren in New England,
both in the Massachusets Bay Province and also in
the Colony of Connecticutt against our ffriends the
people call'd Quakers etc. as in preceding. Request
their communication to their brethren as in preceding,
and their concurrent application with us to the Queen
to disallow all such laws, etc. Signed, Wm. Crouch,
Wm. Mackett, Theodore Eccleston, John Whiting,
John Field, George Whitehead. London, Sept. 9, 1703.
True copy, signed, Increase Mather. 1 p. |
| 510. iii, iv. Copies of the Boston News-Letter Sept. 23—Oct. 7, 1706. Numbers 128, 129. Boston. Printed
by B[artholomew] Green. Sold at the Post-Office.
8 pp. [C.O. 5, 864. Nos. 156–159.] |
Oct. 2.
Boston. | 511. Governor Dudley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. My last letters were of July 22 and Sept. 7 last past,
since my letters by Capt. Huntington and Col. Povey, since
which I have two letters from your lordships, both of Feb. 4;
the one referring to Mr. Bridger etc. He is very welcome to
me having long known him a person of skill and industry, and
I shall use all possible methods in my power to put forward the
people in making their returns by those species of naval stores
which H.M. so justly expects to be provided of from her own
people, besides the great benefit it will be to themselves who
have no other species to make return by for one quarter part
of what they import from the Kingdom of England. In the
affair of Connecticut and Road Island, and their refusall of
assistance to the Massachusets, I have never said anything in
that matter but what I thought my duty to let your Lordships,
upon whom I am willing to depend, know, and the insupportable
charge upon this Province as being the Bulwark of those Colonys,
and if I have gone too farr in it I ask pardon, I shall trouble
your Lordships no more with that complaint, but go on cheerfully
with H.M. subjects of this Province, as I have done this last
summer very successfully. The Indians were in May last fitted
out 300 of them, and sent in 3 troops to fall upon the frontiers,
from Deerfield to Wells about 200 miles in length in open villages,
which forced me to march the one half of two countys near
1,500 men to lodge in all places not knowing where they would
make their impression, and very fortunately met them everywhere, and they are most returned, and the rest going off with
four or five scalps of women and children and that is all, and
have left about 20 behind them at two small villages where they
expected to devour all, and I have visited with a good force
all their great fishing and planting places at the heads of the
rivers, so as they cannot live nor plant between Cape Cod and
Panobscot, and some other places where they were never
interrupted in any former warr, and this I am humbly bold to
acquaint your Lordships is so very apparently the favour of
[Almighty God to the] Government here, that everybody publickly
acknowledges it, and Boston and the seaports know little of
these troubles, saving their payments for the support thereof.
I humbly thank your Lordships that my service referring to
the Pyrates was acceptable, they were the first ever prosecuted
and convicted here, and it was an affair of difficulty to perswade
people of the Justice of pursuing those men that brought in gold,
but H.M. acceptance of that service will take off every bold
challenge that has been offered at it. Mr. Usher is still labouring
in the matter of his accounts, and would feign have a finall
direction and answer, but the Assembly is slow and difficult to
be brought to anything. I shall obey your Lordships and miss
no opportunity of pressing it upon them to be just to him as I
think his accounts are to them. Referring to the salarys of
the Governour, for the time being, the Lieutenant Governour,
Secretary and Judges, I have done all I could agreeable
to H.M. Instructions at my first coming, and the repeated
commands ever since, as well out of obedience as in hopes of
my private benefit, but seeing how that affair labours, and how
impossible it is at this juncture to obtain it of the Assembly,
I shall not further trouble your Lordships therein, but rest myself
contented with what they please, having a place of my own
and something to support mee, without which could [not] live
upon their present, which in this great Province makes not 350l.
sterling per annum; and has not yet amounted to the payment
of [my] four great Seals and my equipage I brought hither, if
my service may be but acceptable to H.M. and to your Lordships,
as I perceive every day it is to the universall satisfaction of the
Countrey, who depend upon the defence they see every day
provided for them. Capt. Redknap is about a month since
gone to New York to attend my Lord Cornbury in obedience
to your Lordships' direction tho I stand in great need of his
service, and hope he will return as soon as he may, his last service
here was to mount the 20 cannon of H.M. bounty, which are all
disposed of into their proper places, but I have still the grants
which your Lordships will see in the papers of 1,000l. to be laid
out upon the Batterys of Boston, 400l. for a powder-house to be
arched [that] it may not be burned by a bomb, and 300l. to raise
a new work in Winter Harbour Eastward in the rome of Saco
Fort, which is adjudged both by Coll. Romer formerly and Capt.
Redknap now to be so ill placed and so ill built that it will not
be tenible, but fitter to be removed down the River [a] league,
where it will cover a great fishery and be quit of a hill that over
looks [it] within pistol shot. The old work was built by Sir Wm.
Phipps, when there [was] no Engineer in the Province, both
unskillfully for scituation and workmanship, and I have convinced
the Assembly thereof, and they are lately satisfied to pay the
charge of the reform that I now humbly acquaint your Lordships
with. If I shall further know your Lordships' commands, referring to [the reward of deserters ?] I believe it might have good effect.
And as to the business of Quebeck and Nova Scotia, upon the
news of the union of the Kingdoms, I most humbly propose
to your Lordships, that a Scotch Colony there of 5,000 men would
find their own Scotch climate and health, and a country farr
surpassing all Scotland, for all sorts of provisions, flesh and fish,
infinite timber and masts the first of the whole continent, and
would with the assistance of these Provinces very easily remove
the French and put an end to the troubles upon the whole shore
of America, and they would be therefore very acceptable here.
I humbly thank your Lordships' acceptance of the affair referring
to the Speaker. While I have the honour to serve H.M. here,
I shall never disturb the affairs with my own humour or pride,
by the help of God, nor take any other methods but such as
are most agreable to H.M. own wise and most excellent conduct,
the good and great effects of which are so apparent at home,
nor did I use any pique in the present instance of the Speaker,
but the very great poverty of the Person, not being able as he
lately offered to pay a tax of a few shillings, when his neighbours
pay'd many more pounds, together with other inconveniencys
attending that Person, which I need not mention, put mee upon
it. I forthwith exprest your Lordships' orders, and H.M. repeal
of the Law of Connecticut, entituled Hereticks, and had in answer
from the Governour of Connecticut his letters of receipt thereof;
I never yet saw that Law in print, and was absent in the Kingdom
of England when it was made, never yet perused any more of
it then what is contained in the Repeal, and yet I perceive by
the Papers I am reflected on as if assisting or advising the making
thereof, a very unjust and false scandal, which I am used to
from that Gentleman. I am very sorry that the News-Paper
should give your Lordships the least disturbance referring to
the Quakers, here is no Law in being that reflects upon them or
is greivous, saving the military Laws, which demand fines for
want of service which was made before I came hither, but has
been used as moderately as I can bring to pass. There are none
of that perswasion here but will give testimony if need were of
my friendship and kind reception of them at all times, and in
this matter I have reprimanded the writer, and required him to
tell his news without any reflection for the future, which I am
sure he willn obey, and of this the Quakers here are knowing and
well satisfied. I omit no Session of the Assembly to bring back
and kee[p up] the coin to H.M. standard, and rigorously observe
it in Courts and pub[lick] receipts, and have told them often
what your Lordships observe, that they above [all] teh Plantations are most oblidged, it being their own Law of the Province
before [the] Proclamation arrived, and shall always continue
to dob my duty herein, and I hope to success. Referring to the
broken Seals, I humbly acquainted your Lordships by Col. Povey,
that the Seals in former reigns were publickly [broken] and given
to the Secretarys to melt down, and so by advise when they were
publickly broken in Council the two Secretarys had them,
Mr. Add ngton melted his down, but [upon your] Lordships'
direction I made hast to send and recovered that of New Hampshire before it was melted, and Col. Povey I doubt not has
delivered it to your Lordships. In the affair of the Mohegan
Indians I humbly thank your Lordships' acceptance of what
I did therein, and pray leave to assure your Lordships that I
never sought that Ckommission, though I allways thought it my
duty to obey it and every other command I shall receive from
H.M. at all times. That I never mentioned to your Lordships
or any Officer any jone of those Commissioners named with myself
in the Commission. That I proceeded in it with all honour to
the English Government and Justice to every body. That the
articles were everyone clearly proved and the judgement given
unanimously. That I never had an acre of land in that Colony
of Connecticut in my life, much less given mee as a reward for
that service. That I never was an enimy to Chatrer Government,
but to those men that upon pretence of such Government, will
give no oedience to H.M. just and lawfull commands, all which
are falsely insinuated against mee in the papers offer'd upon the
tryall before H.M. Privy Councill, by Sir H. Ashurst. And here
I most humbly ask leave of your Lordships to say that I never
did that gentleman injury, that I am not his inferiour in birth
nor education, nor services which I have been honoured with
from the Crown of England, [yet] I have been allways inveterately
persued by him these 20 years, and in[terru]pted in my coming
hither till I was heard before his late Majesty in Council
and there justified, and forthwith had my dispatches, and I
would feign be at rest from him here, but he still follows mee,
and now it is said here from those papers or perhaps his letters,
that I have obtained an illegall Commission, and proceeded as
illegally in reporting the matter, that some of us here fear least
that Gentlemen [would] have us outraged by the people for our
strict obedience to H.M., but [I most] intirely referr myself herein
to your Lordships' favour and protection. I have written to
Mr. Chamberlayn to take out the order for Richard Waldron
to be one of H.M. Council of New Hampshire, and some [time]
since acquainted your Lordships that Nathaniel Fryer was dead,
and John [Ware] so old and infirm that he very seldom attended
and prayed to be dismist, and [I con]tinue humbly to offer Col.
Winthrop Hilton and Major Joseph Smith as the [fittest] men I
know in the Province for that service. There is also Mr. Peter
Coffin [I thi]nk at this time 80 years of age, but he still makes
his attendance. Referring to Mr. Serjeant's refusall to be of
the Council of the Massachusets refers to letters of June 15 (?),
1703, which give an account that at two Sessions of the Assembly,
I had with all earnestness recommended the setling of salarys,
and the rebuilding of Pemaquid, and particularly in the Session
of October that year had in full session in a [large] speech recommended the duty of the Province to rebuild Pemaquid for their
own honour, security and duty to H.M. commands. |
|---|
| Mr. Serjeant answered mee at the Board he did not believe
a word of it, and accordingly laboured to obtain the Council's
refusall of that vote. If Sir Henry Ashurst would have his
kinsman sit at the Board to contradict H.M. commands and
to reproach H.M. Governour as if speaking falseley in such
important affairs at a Council Board, I hope he will be alone
in that opinion, my education and the character H.M. has
honoured mee with, will not allow mee to be patient of it; since
which time I must acquaint your Lordships Mr. Serjeant has
carried it with more respect to mee, and I believe I should not
have refused him these two last years, but truly the Assembly
has not seen meet to chuse him, nor have they ever restored
Col. Byfield nor Col. Thomas nor any the other gentlemen they
put out at that time. I have left my answer referring to
Mr. Coleman's complaint to the last, that it might be in a fair
view. In the papers, which I humbly thank your Lordships
I have the copy of, the complaints are; (i) That he and others
solicited a commission for Halsey in the Charles galley which
cost them 2,500l. to equip, and could not obtain it, and so were
forced to go to Mr. Cranston for it; (ii) that at their return they
were forced to wait a month for judgement, and then pay 50l.
to the Governour and 150l. to the Judge, in which time the men
had spent all the cargo, which was 2,600l; (iii) that I summoned
him to give evidence referring to Col. Cranston's refusall to let
him have the Lord High Admirall's dues, that I then perswaded
him not to be too favourable to Mr. Cranston, and that he was
oblidged to speak the whole truth, and therefore I never asked
him any more for that paper to send to your Lordships, which
he therefore doth himself to shew as he saith the naked truth;
(iv) that I refused him the pyrates' gold, saying, "and I think
also that I have been very much slighted, that the treasure should
be taken out of my hands, who had given security in England,
and I kept in the dark." And lastly that one negroe was sold
for 40l. and another for 20l. to the Attorney Generall, who is the
Governour's son. To the first I humbly offer that H.M. and
all Sovereign Princes allow to their Governours forreign, and
expect of them that they use a just prudence and discretion
what and how many forces, by sea or land, to equip according
to their capacity, so as they may be safe at home as well as serviceable abroad, and tho' I have equipt more privateers in this warr
than all the Queen's Governments on the Continent, yet I have
taken care not to carry away too many men from the land service,
which has been very pressing, not to rob all the mercheant men,
of which yet I have had many complaints, nor to imploy unfit
officers, of which the Governour is to be judge, as being to answer
his prudence therein to H.M. This was the unfortunate vessell,
and Mr. Coleman, Sir Charles Hobby and others the owners of
her, out of which the pyrates were taken, and though she was
condemned also, they obtained of the Judge of the Admiralty
to have her upon appraisement at 200l., tho' as Mr. Coleman
saith she cost 2,500l., a much better penny-worth than the Negroe
boy, and at the same time of their sollicitation, the merchants
of this place and severall gentlemen of the Council of another
value than Mr. Coleman, more earnestly sollicited that she might
not carry away 100 men, capable to sayle 10 ships then ready
to go to sea to the West Indies, notwithstanding all which, I
allowed them to take up men and make ready, while this was
doing I received your Lordships' of Feb. 16, 170¾, wherein to
prevent the great irregularities in the granting Commissions
in the Plantations, I am commanded to govern myself according
to a Commission and Instructions, which I was to receive by
your Lordships' next letters. This command I acquainted
Mr. Coleman and the owners of that galley with, and told them
I expected your Lordships' letters every day, and that they
should not tarry an hour after, and this was satisfactory to every
body in this Province except Mr. Coleman and his company,
and the vessell being gone down out of command some time
before by my allowance to get men, they now carryed away the
men of this Province and sailed to Rode Island, and Mr. Coleman
follows them to get Mr. Cranston's Commission, who had my
commission of the Vice-Admiralty on record in his own Court
at Road Iland, and H.M. letters commanding him not to meddle
in the Vice-Admiralty, which by H.M. order was wholly in my
hands, but being sollicited by Mr. Coleman, H.R.H. Receiver,
I am of opinion he thought himself safe therein. Mr. Coleman
saith in his letter this was in November; no sooner were they
gone than about the middle of the same month I received under
cover from Sir C. Hedges the said Instructions, and gave notice
of it, and dispatched what was before mee, and sent to acquaint
Mr. Coleman with it, who smiled at it as too late for him. All
this Mr. Coleman hides from your Lordships, and puts it wholly
upon my will to refuse him, which after your Lordships' notice
of that new Instruction I dare not do, and adds that Mr. Cranston
took not a penny for that commission which he himself knew
was not worth a farthing. (ii) Referring to the expence of the
money so soon, I hope it is not true, but if it be, 'tis what I told
those Gentlemen and others often, that Road Iland was so
dissolute a place that they would lose all there, which they might
have prevented by coming to Boston. The 150l. was all the
payment that was made to the Judge, Advocate, Register and
Marshall, and was by agreement with them that the owners
should pay to the officers above mentioned, divisible amongst
them 5 per cent., provided it did not not pass 150l. in the whole,
which is but half what is taken in the other Governments, but
however is allways to be rectifyed by the Judge of the Court of
Admiralty of England, upon whom they depend, and to whom
they have written for direction. The Judge's letters are in this
packet. For the 50l. paid my self by Col. Paige, his letter is inclosed,
wherein he justifies me in all poynts [No. 498], and I nor he ever
had any present from Mr. Coleman, and do not expect it, though
I had the trouble to see and receive the owners of that unhappy
vessell, as he saith himself, every day for a month to give out
warrants and allowances for a great number of saylors for that
voyage to allow them to sayle, and which is above all they
disbanded and left my men near 100 at Roade Island to my great
loss, contrary to the Instructions for privateers, a copy whereof
I have also inclosed, and when these men had disparaged the
Admiralty's jurisdiction in my hands, lost mee such a number
of men for want of attending the standing Instruction, for one
of them to make mee a present, which every Governour of H.M.
has from all prizes, and this to be complained of by them that paid
no penny of it, is what I hope your Lordships will not account
a fault. (iii) Mr. Coleman has lost his memory with his truth.
Mr. Secretary Addington acquaints mee that in the papers sent
home last year there is Mr. Coleman's evidence, as now the copy
inclosed, so that I did send for it, and he brought it before my
self and the Secretary, and there swore it. And at my demand
to tell the whole truth he added that postscript, which was all
that I wanted, that he was obstructed and had complayned of;
your Lordships will perfectly see the value of the man, if you
please but to compare his complaint and this record which will
be allways too strong for everybody, that I did ask it, and had
it, and had the addition made to it to get the whole truth. And
this, my Lords, is the naked truth of that Gentleman. That
I refused him the Pyrates' gold is most true, H.M. Instructions
commanding mee so to do, to take all pyrates' goods and treasure
into safe keeping, and give notice thereof to my Lord High
Treasurer, for H.M. direction therein, which I have strictly obeyed,
to your Lordships' acceptance and H.M. satisfaction. He saith
he was much slighted when that treasure was taken out of his
hands. I do not know whether your Lordships were advised
that 700l. or 800l. of this pyrates' gold was upon a secret division
amongst the owners of that unfortunate vessell carryed home
to Mr. Coleman's house, as was all the rest to the other owners,
and if he means he was injured when the Goverment sent for
that gold and directed him to give his oath that that was the
gold and all that came to his hand, this was a service to H.M.,
and he would have kept me in the dark for all that gold if those
methods had thrived, and it would have been an extraordinary
proceeding, after I had searched the town for that gold, and
Mr. Coleman had brought in the biggest share, which he had
secretly divided without any judgement in the Admiralty, or
regard to the Prince's interest, if it had been a lawfull prize,
while himself was the officer, if after all these irregularitys contrary
to my Instructions I had given it to Mr. Coleman again, it had
been an extraordinary proceeding; I took a better course and
lodged it with a sworn Committee of the best Gentlemen in the
Country, of whom Mr. Coleman's Master the Commissary Generall,
Mr. Andrew Belcher, was one, a man of unspotted reputation,
who as I am told was supplanted by Mr. Coleman out of this very
Office, and I suppose [would] perform it for half the commissions
Mr. Coleman now has. The last article is the rich pennyworth
of the [Negro]; it is certain that the price of Negroes differs
from 10l. to 100l. [in the] market. This and everything else
was sold at a public vendue; and if Mr. Coleman had offered
1s. more, he might have had the rich pennyworth himself. I
humbly pray your Lordships to allow mee to say after all this
matter, that for an Officer and a servant of H.R.H. in the
Admiralty, knowing all that is above, to encourage and take
commission from a person without any authority; to complain
that I would not give him commission, and hide the reason
thereof from your Lordships which was your Lordships' own
Instruction; to deny that he gave evidence, and say that I was
loath he should say all, when he had done it and added to it
upon my demand, as your Lordships see in the postscript; to
expect that I should break H.M. commands, and give into his
possession the gold I had taken from him the day before; to
pretend that prize goods are well and at the best kind sold, when
he himself is the purchaser—such articles do not recommend
an Officer. I humbly submit myself to your Lordships' censure
in every thing, but pray not to be left to the calumny of
Mr. Coleman, who is of no further consideration originally here
than the son of a poor Ale-house keeper yet living, and, as they
say, not able to pay his debts. In the two last Generall Assemblys
of this Province, I have moved that the Council and Assembly
would address H.M., as upon other heads, so to acknowledge
the receipt of H.M. Picture, which is disposed and set up in the
Council Chamber, but they are of different minds, and have not
agreed the Address. I only say this because I observe other
Provinces have addressed H.M. upon that head. I acknowledged the receipt of it to your Lordships and Mr. Phipps, the
Agent of this Province, when it arrived, and prayed him to do
my duty where it was proper, but since it was in the Councill
Chamber, I would have had it done by the Assembly, and shall
yet further move it. Since H.M. favour to Owaneco and the
Moheegs, they have offered their service as voluntiers against
the Eastern Indians, which I thought a service both to supply
so many men, and also to secure a breach between them, and
accordingly directed Mr. Mason their guardian to give notice
to Mr. Winthrop, the Governour, and to tell them I would give
them subsistence and 5s. per week wages as I do to English men,
whereupon a small troop of about 30, with the Sachim's son
is now in the service, since which I understand 'tis an offence
to the Governour of Connecticut they are in the service, and
that I do entertain them, tho' it be upon the reasons above,
and to keep them from starving; I shall send them home soon,
but thought it proper to acquaint your Lordships therewith.
I have covered to his Grace the Duke of Marlborough the [year]'s
accounts of expences at the severall Forts, with the present
state of the or[dnanc]e and stores, ending Sept. 29, having had
no safe conveyance [for the] half year, and in this packet are
the Acts of Assembly, Minutes of Councill [Causes and] other
papers of both the Provinces. Mr. Thomas Allen's Attorney
is here arrived, and has presented [mee with] H.M. Order in
Councill referring to that tryall, which I shall care[fully obey],
and make all the direction in my power that the Juryes may
find specially and that the matter may stand fairly for a just
and finall judgement before H.M., that it may have an end. I
have given the Judges notice of H.M. commands to give their
answer for refusing the appeal of Capt. Lawson, and they will
obey it by this conveyance. In all times past the Goverment
of this Province have been obliged to purchase their prisoners
from the French at Quebeck and Port Royall, sometimes at 5l.
per head, but I have obliged them to return them without payment by the prisoners I have taken from Nova Scotia, which
I lately returned, and dayly expect the return of a briganteene
I sent to bring away mine from Quebeck, those from Port Royall
being all come home already. If I might have H.M. favour
that 4 or 5 shipps might spend 3 summer months here, I think
both these places might be reduced with a proper force taken
up here, and would be a very fair settlement for a Scotch Province
or otherwise, as H.M. should please. I humbly ask your Lordships'
pardon for this long account of affayres here and I humbly pray
the continuance of your Lordships' favour to represent mee well
to H.M. All H.M. good subjects are easy and satisfied with
the administration of the Goverment, and I believe the Militia
of this Province, and the Assembly of New Hampshire, and the
ministers and Clergy have sent their addresses to H.M. On
that head I have written by Mr. Phipps to attend your Lordships
for direction therein. I pray your Lordships that I may not
be a sacrifice to Connecticut and Road Island, who, as well as
their Agent at home, are angry at my obedience to H.M.
commands, and upon no other head. When I neglect my duty
here, I am willing to be disgraced, and when I am unfortunate
I will pray to be dismissed. In the meantime I humbly pray
that I may not lose H.M. favour in my present imployment, where
I have yet got nothing, which I am perswaded this Province
would be sensible of, if the debts contracted by the warr were
discharged. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25,
1706. Read Feb. 28, 1706/7. Edges torn. 9 pp. Enclosed, |
| 511. i. Deposition of John Colman. Boston, Aug. 10, 1705.
Being deputed by John Dod, Receiver of the Lord High
Admiral, and being informed there was a prize brought
into Newport by Capt. John Blew, by the direction of
Joseph Dudley, Governour and Vice-Admiral, I went
to Rhode Island and shewed my Commission to Governor
Cranston. On perusal he found it said "Boston and
the districts thereof," and answered they were no district
of Boston, and could not admit me to be the Receiver,
adding that he had put the matter into the hands of
the Queen's Collector. I then wrote Mr. Dod, who
sent me another commission, impowering me to be
Receiver over all N. England and Rhode Island, and
about the same time H.M. Commissioners for Prizes
sent me a deputation to be the Queen's Receiver also,
which as soon as I received, I advised Gov. Cranston
of, who then shewed all respect to me as the officer
and accounted with me for the tenths of the prize,
part whereof I have received. Signed, John Colman.
P.S.—The money remaining in Governor Cranston's
hands is since recd. Oct. 11, 1705. P.S.—At my return
from Rhode Island, I complained to Gov. Dudley that
I was obstructed in my receipt of H.R.H. dues there.
Gov. Cranston kept me out of ye same for more than
two years, and, as I understood, the Government petitioned home that the money might be applied to ye
use of their fortifications, wch. money is now actually
paid to me. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25, 1706. Copy.
1½ pp. |
| 511. ii. Copy of an Article in the Instructions given by Governor
Dudley to privateers. You are not to enter or retain
any man's sons under age, or servants, contrary to
the Law, and before you depart, you are to deliver
into the Secretary's Office the names of the company
with the place of their dwellings, and such as belong
to this Province, you are to bring back with you to
the same, or use your best endeavours so to do. Same
endorsement. 1 p. |
| 511. iii.–ix. List of causes in the several Courts of Justice
in the Massachusetts Bay, Jan. 1704—July, 1706.
Same endorsement. 19¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 864. Nos. 114–126; and (without enclosures) 5, 912. pp. 267–300.] |
| Oct. 2. | 512. Governor Winthrop to Governor Dudley. Acknowledges H.M. Order repealing the Act about Hereticks. New
London, Aug. 29, 1706. Signed, J. Winthrop. Endorsed, Recd.
Nov. 28, 1706, Read Feb. 28, 1706/7 Addressed. Holograph.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 1263. No. 137.] |
|---|
Oct. 2.
Boston of the Massachusets. | 513. Judges of the Superior Court of the Massachusetts
Bay to Governor Dudley. In obedience to H.M. Order in Council,
signified by your Excellency Sept. 28, to give an account in
writing of the reasons which induced the Court to refuse the
appeal of George La[w]son, Plaintiff against Peter Sergeant,
from a verdict of the Court, it appeareth that the Defendant
at an Inferior Court of Common Pleas at Boston, Oct. 3rd, 1704,
obtained a judgment which was affirmed at the Superior Court
Nov. 7 following, upon the defendant's plea in barr of the action
brought by George La[w]son, the cause not having been committed
in either Court to the jury, as the course of the Courts is, and
hath been by the direction of a particular Act of this H.M.
Province. The Clerk of the Court hath not entered any motion
made by Lason for an appeal, as at all times he hath been used
exactly to do upon such motion made, nor do any of the Justices
remember that he made any such motion, or that the Superior
Court ever refused his appeal, nor had they authority to grant
it, for the sum sued for by him, being but 147l. 16s., amounts
not to the value set in the Charter etc. Signed, Samuel Sewall,
John Hathorne, John Walley, J. Leverett. Endorsed, Recd.
(from Mr. Sec. Hedges) Dec. 3, 1706, Read Feb. 21, 1706/7. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 864. No. 88.] |
|---|
Oct. 2.
Boston. | 514. J. Colman to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
A bond for the 50l. Governor Dudley squeezed out of us was given
to his son, for the Governor. The sale of the negro boy was
clandestine, for there had not been due notice thereof, etc. etc.
(cf. Oct. 10, etc.). Signed, John Colman. Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 11,
1706, Read Feb. 28, 1706/7. Holograph. Addressed. 2 pp. [C.O.
5, 864. No. 160.] |
|---|
Oct. 2.
Treasury Chambers. | 515. Mr. Taylour to W. Popple. The Lord High Treasurer
desires the opinion of the Council of Trade and Plantations upon
enclosed. Signed, J. Taylour. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read
8th Oct., 1706. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 515. i. Comptrollers of the Accounts of the Army to the Lord
High Treasurer. Comptrollers' Office, Sept. 4, 1706.
Upon Capt. Moody's application for 363l. 3s. 8d. for
provisions supplied by him to the garrison at St. Johns,
and for his pay from Xmas, 1704, to Nov., 1705, which
he prays may be ordered him without charging respitts,
we acquaint your Lordship that 355l. 5s. 7½d. has been
paid to Capt. Lloyd and the executors of Capt. Powell
for provisions for the garrison when they were commanding there, and 150l. to Capt. Moody for wine and
brandy furnished to the garrison during the 5 weeks'
siege. In our report, June, 1705, we offered that the
Council of Trade and Plantations should lay before
your Lordship a scheme how the garrison and company
at Newfoundland might be maintained with less
disadvantage to the publick. In which opinion wee
are further confirmed, since we find repeated demands
made by every Governour of that place, which so farr
exceeds the respits and contingencies, and humbly
submit whether this demand of 363l. is not more
properly examinable by the Council of Trade. Signed,
Arth. Moore. Copy. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 194, 3. Nos. 166,
166.i.; and 195, 4. pp. 285–287.] |
| Oct. 3. | 516. Capt. Moody to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Prays for a favourable report. See preceding. Endorsed, Recd.
3rd, Read 8th Oct., 1706. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 516. i. Sir C. Hedges to Henry St. John, Secretary att Warr.
Whitehall, May 10, 1706. Recommends Lieut. Moody
for the first Captain's commission which becomes vacant.
Copy. 1 p. |
| 516. ii. H. St. John to Earl Rivers. Whitehall, July 22, 1706.
Recommends Capt. Moody for one of the first companies
that shall fall vacant upon the expedition in which
he will attend him. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 3. Nos.
167, 167.i., ii.; and 195, 4. pp. 288–290.] |
Oct. 3.
New York. | 517. Governor Lord Cornbury to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. On Aug. 22 last I received from Col. Quary your
Lordshipps' letters of July 18, 1705, Nov. 28, 1705, two letters
of Feb. 4, 1705/6 and one from Mr. Popple of Feb. 9, 1705/6.
In the first of those letters your Lordshipps are pleased to say
that you expect to hear from me, what has been the effect of
the suspension of the execution of H.M. Proclamation relating
to the coin, in answer to which I herewith send a duplicate of
my letter of Aug. 10. In your letter of Nov. 28, 1705, you are
pleased to direct me to send an account what pay is due to the
Rev. Mr. Mott, late Chaplain to H.M. forces here, and what
effects he has left in the country; as for effects, he has left some
books, of which I herewith send a catalogue, and a very few
cloths, not worth in all 6l., a silver seale, a silver headed cane,
and some other trifles, all mentioned at the foot of the inventory,
I will likewise send you the appraisement of the whole, and wait
your Lordshipps' further directions, before anything is disposed
of; and upon this occasion I must observe that in the 63rd clause
of my Instructions, the Queen is pleased to reserve the probats
of wills, and the power of granting of administrations to me;
and this observation I make, not only because it seems to be an
encroachment upon the power granted to me by H.M. Letters
Patents under the Great Seale of England, but because of the
many inconveniencys which must attend such a method of
proceeding, for example, a man dies in New York intestate,
before he comes to New York he contracts severall debts in
England, afterwards he contracts several debts in New
York, the creditors in England, hearing of the death of
the party, obtain letters of administration in England, the
creditors at New York much sooner obtain letters of administration from the Governor of New York, and by virtue of those
letters of administration they dispose of the effects of the deceased;
a considerable time after that, the administration granted in
England is brought to New York by some person impowered to
act for the creditors in England, this puts a necessity upon the
Gouvernor, either of not granting any letters of administration
at all (not knowing if they are granted in England or not), or
else of disalowing the letters of administration granted in England,
which I would not willingly doe; therefore I intreat your
Lordshipps' consideration of this matter. Mr. Mott did owe
severall sums of money in this place, which if not paid out of
such effects as he has left here, noe person coming from England
must expect any credit here, besides if letters of administration
granted in England must take place here, it will cause great
difficultys among trading men, for men will be very cautious
how they part with their goods upon credit, because it is not
very easy to know what debts a man may have contracted in
England. In your letter of Feb. 4, 1705/6, you say, that you
have not received my letter of Nov. 6, I am sorry for it, and
shall observe your directions in sending duplicates by different
conveyances, and I am afraid that more of my letters are lost,
because by the Master of a sloop come in last night from Barbados,
I am informed that two sloops belonging to this Port, going to
Jamaica, are taken by the French, and indeed the conveyance
by the way of the West Indies has hitherto proved very uncertain
with respect to these Colonys upon the Continent. Your
Lordshipps are pleased to say you have considered what I have
acquainted you with upon the Bill for raising 1,700l., I am very
glad to see what has been your opinion upon that matter, and
I have obeyed your commands in acquainting the Assembly
with the method they must follow, in the passing of money bills
for the raising extraordinary supplys for perticular uses; I have
alsoe acquainted them that the Queen expects they should provide
towards their own security by giving necessary funds for furnishing the Inhabitants with arms etc., they are now sitting, and
I hope will comply. Your Lordshipps are pleased to say that
you hope noe occasion has been given by the Government for
any just diffidence, and that I have and will lay before them
an account of all moneys raised by Acts of Assembly, whenever
they shall desire the same. Whenever they have desired an
account, they have had it, and if you are pleased to direct
Mr. Popple to look into the Journalls of the Assembly, which
I have constantly sent to you, you will find that they did demand
an account of the 1,800l. taxe, and they had it. There has been
but four money bills past since I came to this Government,
the first was for the raising of 2,000l., which the Country made me
a present of, and which the Queen was graciously pleased to
confirm; the second was for the raising of 1,800l. for the defence
of the frontiers the winter of 1702/3, the third for the raising of
1,500l. for fortifying the Narrows, and the fourth for raising of
1,300l. for the defence of the frontiers the winter of 170¾, since
that have noe money bills past, I wish the Assembly here may be
convinced how reasonable a thing it is that they should raise
funds for the providing arms and amunition for the defence
of the country, but I much fear it, however I shall make use
of the most moderate and persuasive means I can to induce
them to it. I hope to get all the Minutes of Councill and Assembly
ready by this conveyance, but if not, I will send them by the
way of the West Indies; during the long sicknesse of my wife
(whom it has pleased God to take to Himself) the Clerks have
been very negligent, because I could not call upon them myself
soe often as I would otherwise have done, but now I will keep a
steady hand over them till they have finished. The two frigatts
your Lordshipps are pleased to mention, vizt. the Lowstaff and
the Triton's prize are both here, and are ships fit for the service
for which they are sent, Capt. Fane has behaved himself very
well since his coming into this Port, and has kept his men in
very good order, and not many have deserted as yet; but I
can not say the same for Capt. Miles, for he has used his men
soe ill that in 3 months above 40 of his men deserted, and when
some of those who remained were asked what was the reason
their comrades ran away soe fast, they said it was the ill usage
they had from their captain that forced them to it, particularly
in giving them ill provisions, and indeed when the two ships
lay in Kip's Bay, where the Queen's shipps always lye in winter,
Capt. Fane took care his men should have fresh meat, but Capt.
Miles's men had none, but were kept to their salt provisions
brought from England. I must acquaint your Lordshipps with
a practice Capt. Miles has used here, and which came very lately
to my knowledge, which is thus, the Captain (upon my telling
him he should cruise in a short time), told me that he wanted
40 men, whereupon I gave him a warrant to presse men out
of the vessells that should come from sea for a certain time
limitted, he does presse men, but afterwards for certain considerations disposes of some of them to some merchant men then going
out from this Port, upon another occasion he dismist one of his
midshipmen, and that man went out Master of a sloop from
this place, and still goes on pressing, which, if suffered, will at
last be the ruin of this place, and I know but one effectuall way
of preventing it, and that is, that H.R.H. my Lord High Admirall
would be pleased either to appoint a Clerk of the Checque in
this Port, or else to impower the Gouvernor to muster the men
belonging to H.M. ships of warr in this Province, by this means,
as soon as a ship has her complement, the presse will cease, and
the merchants will be able to man their vessels, and indeed I
doe not find but the people are very willing the Queen should
be served, but they think it is very hard that men must be pressed
under pretence of the Queen's service, when indeed there is noe
need of it. I hope your Lordshipps will be pleased to represent
this matter in such a manner that this evill may be remedyd.
Capt. Miles, at his first coming into this Port (which was late in
the year) applyed to me for orders to lay up the ship, and after
the winter was over, he came to me for orders to bring the ship
downe into the Road, and afterwards came to me for orders to
presse, but when his ship was fit to sail, and I sent him his sailing
orders, he sent me word he could not obey my orders, I sent for
him and asked him what he meant by saying he could
not obey my orders, he told me he had an order from
the Prince to follow such orders and directions as he should
receive from Capt. Fane. I told him if he had any such order,
he had done very ill not to acquaint me with that sooner, and
that he should not have applyed to me for the former orders
as he had done, and I asked to see the order and he shewed it
to me, I desired him to leave it with me that I might take a copy
of it, he said he would send me one, but has not done it to this
day; upon his refusing to obey the orders I sent him, I ordered
Capt. Fane to cruise, which he did, and I did not intend to send
any more orders to Capt. Miles, till I had an answer from
Mr. Burchett, to whom I wrote to desire him to acquaint H.R.H.
with this matter, and to desire that I might receive his directions
how to behave myself for the future, with respect to H.M. shipps
of warr appointed to attend this Port; and this I desire the
rather, because in the 51st clause of H.M. Instructions to me it
is said, that, with other powers of Vice-Admiralty, I shall receive
authority from H.R.H. upon the refusall or neglect of any
Captain or Commander of any of H.M. ships of warr to execute
the written orders he shall receive from me for H.M. service
and the service of the Province under my Government, or upon
his negligent or undue execution thereof, to suspend him etc.
But as yet I have received noe such directions, soe have forborn
doing anything against Capt. Miles; but in a short time after
Capt. Fane was gone out, I received advice from the West Indies
that Monsieur D'Iberville with a squadron of French men of warr
under his command had burnt St. Christophers, and that he
intended to attack some other of the Islands, and then intended
to destroy this place in his return to Old France, the same accounts
came to severall of the merchants of this City from their correspondents, and particularly from St. Thomas's, one Mr. Serurier,
a French merchant, wrote to Mr. De Lancey, one of our
merchants here, that he had been on board Mr. D'Iberville, and
that he had all the reason in the world to believe that he intended
to attempt this place; the people here were so much the more
easily persuaded of the truth of this report because in 1701
Mr. D'Iberville came into Sandyhook, with a ship of 50 guns,
and pressed a man in East New Jersey to pilot his ship up to
a place called the Watering place, which is near Staten Island,
within sight of this City, and about nine miles from it, he lay
there between a month and six weeks, and sounded all the Bay
and the River from the point of the Fort to Sandyhook, without Capt. Nanfan's taking any notice of it, soe that he is perfectly
well acquainted with this Port; these reports encreasing by
every vessell that came from the West Indies, the people here
began to be very uneasy, and full of aprehensions of the danger
they were in, considering the Fort was quite out of repair, the
City quite open, having noe manner of fortifications about it,
and almost all the guns dismounted, and the carriages of the
rest rotten, soe most of the considerable merchants in town
joined with the Mayor and Aldermen in a Petition to me, in
which they desire that I would give directions for fortifying
the City, and for mounting the gunns. Upon this I called the
Councill, I acquainted them with the Petition I had received,
and desired their advice, who told me that the best way would
be to incourage subscriptions for the advancing money to carry
on the work, till the Assembly (which stood then prorogu'd to
Sept. 12) could be got together; upon this I desired the Gentlemen
of the Councill to appoint a meeting with the merchants
at the City Hall, which was accordingly done, and subscriptions
taken to a considerable value, and some money paid downe into
the hands of four merchants of this City, who were appointed
to receive and pay out the money that should be received upon
those subscriptions, the four were Col. D'Peyster, Capt. Lurting,
Capt. Read and Capt. Provoost; upon this I immediatly wrote
to Boston, to Capt. Redknap, H.M. Ingenier, to desire him to
make what haste he could to this place, that we might have his
directions and assistance in putting ourselves into a posture of
defence, as soon as he received my letter, he acquainted Col. Dudley
with it, and desired he might have leave to set forward immediatly
towards New York, Col. Dudley acquainted the Gentlemen of
H.M. Councill for the Massachusetts Bay with it, and they were
of opinion that Capt. Redknap ought not to be permitted to goe
till he had finished some works that were begun there, soe that
we were deprived of that Gentleman's assistance, though not
by his fault, who was very ready to come, upon this the people
began again to be very uneasy, and pressed me again to give
directions for the fortifying the City, which I did and in few
days we run a line of stockadoes from the North River to the
East River, which is about 45 chain, and raised a good brest
work, not only there but along the River side, we have raised
3 Batterys upon the East River, one of 22 guns, one 7 guns,
and one of 8 guns; 3 Batterys on the North River, one of 9 guns,
one of 5 guns, and one of 3 guns, and one Battery upon a point
of rock under the Fort of 11 guns, we had not guns enough of
the Queen's to suply all these batterys, but the City have
borrowed 18 guns out of a Scotch ship which lay at Amboy,
and some merchants here, who have some few guns for sale, have
likewise lent them; I thought this a favourable opportunity
to get the Fort repaired, which stood in great need of it, and I
have got the walls repaired everywhere, the parrapet (which
is of sodd work) all new done, and all the guns that wanted
carriages new mounted, and others repaired, soe that now I
have 46 guns mounted upon the walls, and the courtines and
bastions of the Fort in as good repair as they can be without
new building; upon this occasion, notwithstanding my former
resolution of sending noe more orders to Capt. Miles, I did send
him an order to fall downe to Sandyhook with the ship under
his command, to remain there till Capt. Fane came in and then
to proceed upon his cruise, this order he thought fit to obey, and
soe has continued doing till a few days agoe that he came in
from cruising and sent me word that he was at Sandyhook,
the ship had received some dammage, and that it was not safe for
the ship to ride there in the condition she was in. I immediatly
sent him an order to bring the ship into the Harbour, but this
order he would not obey. I do not write this to your Lordshipps
as a complaint against Capt. Miles, but only to let you see what
difficulties sometimes I meet with, with some of the Gentlemen
that have the honour to command the Queen's ships, and to
desire that I may have directions how to proceed in cases of
the like nature. The new Seale for this Province came safe
to my hands, and I herewith send your Lordshipps the old one
broken according to your directions. Signed, Cornbury. I
had almost forgot to acquaint your Lordshipps, that upon the
news of the French intending this way, I drew together the Militia
of this City, King's County, Queen's County, Richmond County,
West Chester County, and the West end of Suffolk County and
Orange County, which together made up 2,200 men, besides
in the Countys of Essex and Bergen in the Eastern Division of New
Jersey, which is but just crosse the River, there was 700 men in
arms, soe that in 24 hours I can have near 3,000 men in this
City. I herewith send an account I just now received from
Carolina. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Sloper. Nov. 28, Read
Dec. 5, 1706. Holograph. 7 pp. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 517. i. An Impartial Narrative of ye late Invasion of
S. Carolina by ye French and Spaniards, Aug. 1706.
Carolina being not onely a frontier to the English
settlements, but also frequently menaced by the
Governors of St. Augustine and the Havanna with an
invasion, it became absolutely necessary to prepare
for the same, accordingly (Sir N. Johnson being
Governor) Charles Town was with all imaginable
dispatch surrounded with a regular fortification, and
100 choice great guns mounted thereon, the Militia
by frequent exercise well disciplin'd, and all other
necessarys reduced to a millitary posture for their
reception. In which state the affairs of the Province
remained when it pleased God to visett us with a grevious
pestilence, which raged cheifly in Charles Town, took
off a great many of the inhabitants, and begann to
spread throughout the whole Province, which misfortune
comeing to the knowledge of our enemies encouraged them
to conclude that now was the only time to execute
their designs agt. us, and one Monsr. Le Feboure [or
Faboure], Commander of a private man of warr, hapening at that time to be at the Havanna, with 4 other
privateer ships, the Governor at last prevailed with
them to undertake the invasion, reinforced with about
800 men, and directed ym. to call at St. Augustine
for more supplys, and from thence saile directly for
Charles Town. The first accot. we received of them
was by Peter Stool [a Dutchman, Nov. 19], Commander
of a privateer sloop belonging to New York, who, having
lately refitted in this Port, sailed for the barr of
St. Augustine, intending to cruize thereabouts some
time in expectation of a ship with money on board
to pay that garrison. On Saturday, Aug. 24, he returned
and informed us that the Wednesday before he engaged
a french ship of[f] Augustine Barr, where [he] lost 2
men and had 5 wounded, and that the day before he
was chased by four ships on this coast. He had not
been arrived scarce above one hour, and not done
relating this news, before wee discovered from the
town 5 smokes on Sullivane's Island, which signified
that so many vessels were by that look-out seen at
sea, upon which Lt.-Col. William Rhete [Rhett] (being
the Commander in Chief then in town) caused the allarum
to be made, dispatched messengers to the Governor
and his superior Officers, and gave the necessary orders
for that night. That evening the enemy came up
with our Barr, but would not venture to come over
and then stood again off to sea, being near night.
Aug. 25th. On Sunday morning Col. James Risbie
came into town and received advice from the Look-out
that the enemy appeared to the southward of the Barr,
manning their galleys perriauguers and boats, wherefore
wee expected them to land upon us that night. In
the afternoon Major General Broughton came to town,
and two companies under Capt. David Davies and
Capt. Wm. Canty, about the same time also most of
the Gentlemen belonging to the troop commanded by
Col. George Logan came to town, strickt watch being
kept all that night. 26th. The next morning the
Country Compa. marched out of the lines of the Town,
and took up their quarters half quarter of a mile from
the same, it being thought convenient not to expose
them, but in case of new necessity, to the sickness of
the Town. All that day the Enemy continued at
anchor at Folly Island, their boats sounding the Barr.
The same day our Governor came to Town, viewed
our preparations and gave the necessary orders, his
presence gave great encouragemt. to us all having strong
confidence in his courage and conduct, in the evening
our forces were again drawn into Town. 27th. On
Tuesday morning the companies under Capt. Johnson
Lynch and Capt. George Hearn marched with[in] a
quarter of a mile of the Town, ready to enter when
ordered, and Capt. Jonathan Drake's companie from
James Island came over to Town. The same morning
the Enemy with four ships, one galley and a small
craft to land their men (to ye great surprize of our
Pilots, who esteemed it almost impossible) came over
the South Barr, and having a fair wind and tyde wee
expected would have come directly to the Town, but
they stretched along and came to anchor under
Sullivanes Island, whereupon the Governor drew up
all the fforces quartered near the lines, and march't
them into Town, in order to receive the enemy, and
Capt. Fenwich's (fn. 1) company being on a neck of land
lyeing between Wandoe River and the sea, a sloop
was sent over for them, which the enemy perceiving
sent out their galley to intercept them, but failing in
their purpose, our men were all safely landed at Charles
Town. |
| In the evening Marshall Law was proclaimed, and
the forces then in town disposed to severall quarters,
keeping a strong guard all night, the whole Town being
illuminated with lights from every window, the which
was repeated every night during the allarum. 28th.
The Santee Company under Capt. — Longboys [James
de Longbois, Nov. 19] march't into the Town and Capt.
Seabrook's Company from the southward. This morning
a Councill of Warr was held, where it was concluded
that 3 ships, one briganteen and two sloops then in
the harbour should immediately be fitted together
with a fire-ship in order to take or destroy the enemy,
who still continued at anchor under Sullivan's, the
command being conferred on Lt.-Col. Rhett. The
same day a Flagg of Truce came on shore with a message
to the Governor. The Messenger being brought into
Granville Bastian, then commanded by Capt. Geo.
Evans, where he remained for some time, and being
presently afterwards introduced to the Governor, he
told him he was ordered by M. le Feboure in the name
of the King of France to demand that wee should
surrender to him the town and country and our persons
to be prisoners of warr, adding that his orders were
to give but one hour's time to determine an answer.
The Governor told him that it needed not a quarter of
an hour or a minute's time, for he was not in a condition
to be obliged to surrender the Town, but would defend
it etc.; that he valued not any force he had, and bad
him goe about his business. The Messenger departed,
seeming very much surprised at our strength and
numbers. 29th. Wee perceived the enemy's boats
landing a party of their men on the beforementioned
neck of land, and in a short time severall smoaks arose
near Col. Dearsly's Creek, which wee afterwards understood to be from two vessells riding in the creek, which
the enemy sett on fire. Upon this Col. Risbye and
Major Parris were ordered to detach a party of 100 men
to be sent over to attack the enemy, but being just
ready to embark, were countermanded, and that service
referred to the next morning, at which time it was
hoped to land and fall on them undecern'd, which
succeeded accordingly. The same day another partye
of the enemy, about 30 men, went on shoar at James
Island, and sett fire to a house, whereupon the Governor
commanded Capt. Jonathan Drake with his company
to march over and disturb them, but being observ'd
by the enemy's ships, they fired a gun to call their
men back, who recovered their boat, and in great hast
put off before Capt. Drake with his company could
come up with them, but the Indians marching faster
came time enough to exchange severall shotts, and
wounded 2 or 3 in their retreat. 30th. Two hours
before day news was brought by a negro from the Neck
that the enemy, consisting of about 160 men, had been
on shoar all that night, had kill'd a great many cattle,
fowls and other stock, and were securely feasting and
making merry, whereupon the Governor immediately
commanded Capt. Fenwich with his company together
with a detachmt. out of the companys of Capt. Lynch
and Capt. Canty, about 106 men in all under Capts.
Fenwich and Canty, to pass over to the neck to cut
off the enemy. Undiscovered they landed at Hobeau,
and Capt. Fenwich leaving about 10 men to guard
the boats, advanced in pursuite, sending 2 soldiers
and half a score nimble Indians as scoutts before
him, and having march't about 5 mile mett the aforesaid scouts returning with accot. that they had seen
the enemy at Rowler's plantation being then distant
but half a mile from them, whereupon Capt. Fenwich
wth. speed and silence advanced towards them, and
being come up to the fence of the Plantation were they
were undiscovered, spread themselves in order to
surround them, but the enemy perceiving them, and
being but a party of the main body, imediately retreated
receiving our fire without any return on their side,
wee pursueing them came up to Gill's Plantation half
a mile distant from Rowzer's, where the enemy meeting
another party of their own men ralied and faced us,
disputing the ground for some time and exchanging
severall values, but huzaing and rushing on them,
they gave ground, and in great disorder fled to their
main body which were at Hartman's Plantation about
a mile further. In this action wee killed them 6 men,
wounded 4 and took 2 prisoners, with the loss only of
one man, and Capt. Fenwich pursueing this good begining
and the flying enemy, came up to Hartman's Plantation,
where their whole strength consisting of about 130 men
were drawn up in order of battle in the middle of the
pasture, being a large open feild of about 150 acres
of ground, seeming resolv'd to engage us, whereupon
Capt. Fenwich and Capt. Canty likewise drew up their
men full of eagerness and desire at sight of the enemy
to fall on them, and advanceing within half musquett
shott poured in their volley with [? which] the enemy
sustein'd and return'd theirs, but seeing our men running
on huzaing with a desperate resolution to engage them
closer, they imediately quitt the field and fled away
in great disorder and confusion, but being prevented
from heading the creek, the greatest part of them fell
into our hands and begging quarters were made prisoners
of warr, others attempting to escape by swiming the
creek were drowned. In the whole loss susteined by
the enemy there were 9 killed, 7 wounded, about 7 lost
in the creek and 33 prisoners taken, with the loss only
of one man on our side, so that of about 130 men, there
returned but 60 to the ships or thereabouts, the rest
being either killed or taken prisoners, with which good
success Capt. Fenwich and Capt. Canty with their
men and prisoners returned to the Town by 11 of the
clock. The Governor being rightly informed by them
of the posture and circumstance of the enemy, and
the vessels being in readyness gave orders for those
forces to embark where [? who] were allotted to mann
the ships. 31st. On Sat. morning our fleet, consisting
of 6 vessells and a fire-shipp under Lt.-Col. Wm. Rhett
as Vice-Admirall, sett saile towards ye enemy, who,
seeing us make towards them, in great hast and confusion
gott under saile standing for the south barr, and in a
very little time by the help of a favourable wind and
tyde gott not only out of our sight but overr the accidents
of that dangerous barr, and dirty weather comeing
on, the ships return'd again to the harbour before
Charles Town. |
| On Sunday afternoon Capt. Watson in the sloop
Seaflower was ordered to the barr to see if he could
discover any of the enemy's ships, and, returning without any accot. of them, from a point of land on the
Neck he took off 14 prisoners, who being deserted by
their vessels surrendered themselves prisoners of warr,
and the Governor being fully informed that the enemy
were fled, discharged the alarum and declared marshall
law to cease. |
| The same day at night John Abraham Motte commanding a pad round the Neck, sent an express to the
Governor acquainting him that a vessell was seen
rydeing at an anchor in Sea-wee Bay, who were landing
a great many men, whereupon the Governor concluding
this vessell to be ship which the prisoners told us the
enemy expected, wherein was Monsr. Arbousett, their
Land Generall and severall officers and abt. 180 or
200 men, resolved to take her and accordingly the next
morning [Sept. 2nd] commanded Capt. Fenwich with
his company to join Mr. Mott's pad round and together
by land march to Sea-wee Bay to anoy the enemy and
intercept their landing, and intending also to attack
her by sea, appointed the Seaflower and the aforementioned privateer sloop for that expedition under
Lt.-Col. Rhett. Orders were accordingly given
Col. Risbie to put on board a number of men; the
Seaflower was forthwith maned, but severall gentlemen
and others who were willing to share in the danger
and honour of that design, but desirous of the company
of Col. Risbie, the Governor at his earnest request,
permitted him with Capt. Evans and his Company
to goe on board the privateer sloop. That morning
both sloops sailed over the Barr, and made the best
of their way for Sea-wee Bay, but there being little
wind, they came to anchor that night off. 3rd. Capt.
Fenwich and Mr. Motte had notice that abt. 200 of
the enemy were landed and ashoar at Mr. Hollybus
his Plantation, upon which they immediately marched
towards them, endeavouring to cutt them from their
boats; they found them in an open plantation advantagiously posted, but runing up to them boldly huzaing
and fireing they durst not sustein the charge, for seeing
severall of their men fall, the rest cryed out for quarters,
there was abt. 12 or 14 of them killed and wounded
and about 60 prisoners, among whom the men of note
were Capt. Pasquereau, Commander of the ship, Capt.
John Baptist, with 4 more officers without the loss of
one man on our side. Capt. Fenwich and Mr. Mott
returned that night, and the prisoners the day following.
The 2 sloops early the same morning putt under saile
crowding for Sea-wee Bay, when between 2 and 3 a
clock in the afternoon the Seaflower being about a
league ahead, on a suddain tack'd towards the Privateer,
acquainting Col. Risbye that they had seen the ship
ryding at anchor in the Bay with the yards and topmasts
down. It was agreed that the privateer heading the
van should board the enemy on the quarter and the
Seaflower on the bow; in which order with a resolute
cheerfullness both of sailors and souldiers wee bore up
the helme, when comeing up with the ship and just
ready to lay her on board, she strok, cryed for quarters,
surrendered their ship, and yielded themselves prisoners,
having 4 guns then mounted and loaden and between
80 and 90 able men, among whom was M. Arbousett
and severall other officers. On the 6th the sloops
with their prize returned to Charles Town, where the
great guns from the Batteries and the shouts and
acclamations of all the people proclaimed their wellcome. We have now in all about 230 prisoners, French
and Spaniards, and about 90 or 100 Indians, which
they brought with them. And thus through the
Providence of Almighty God the malicious designs
of our enemies are defeated, and their fleet like a second
Spanish Armado, who had the[y] succeeded intended
nothing more than the utter ruine of the flourishing
Collony. The bravery and conduct of our Genll. the
Governor was very remarkable during the whole allarum,
who altho' worn out with age and pain forgott nothing
of the duty of a great Commander, being frequently
on horseback at all hours of the night, to see his orders
executed, and infusing by his example life and courage
among the people, resolv'd not to outlive the fate of
the Province. His worthy son-in-law, Major Genll.
Broughton is next to be remembered; the rest of the
officers behav'd themselves like men worthy their
Generall, and the common people upon all occasions
shew'd themselves ready to dye in defence of their
country. Capt. Stoole largely contributed to our
preservation. The vessels employed in this expedition
were. (1) The Crown galley, 12 guns, 96 men.
(2) Mairmaid galley, belonging to Col. Thomas Cary,
Governor of North Carolina, who chancing to be here
about some private affairs, cheerfully assisted the
publick cause. (3) Richard galley, Capt. Thomas
Spread, 16 guns, 6 patteraroes, 146 men, the bloody
pennant flying at his main topmast head. (4) William
galley fitted on this occasion as a fire-ship, Capt. Kember
(5) Flying-horse sloop, Capt. Peter Stool, 8 guns and
80 men. (6) Seaflower sloop, 100 men, Capt. Wattson.
[Add from acct. sent Nov. 19:—In the French ship
we took their field canons being of copper, and their
standard being white sarsenet having ye French and
Spanish arms at each corner and a green crosse in ye
middle, and with this motto Par le signe de cette crois,
vaincre ou mourir pour les deux Rois.] Endorsed, Recd.
Nov. 28, Read Dec. 5, 1706. 10½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1049.
No. 19; and 5, 1120. pp. 490–508 (covering letter
only); and (enclosure only) 5, 1263. No. 128.] |
Oct. 4.
Bristol. | 518. N. Byfield to Mr. Secretary Hedges. States case of
the Charles prize and replies to complaints of John Coleman.
[See C.S.P. 1705, No. 1274.] Signed, Nathal. Byfield. Endorsed,
Recd. Dec. 3, 1706, Read Feb. 21, 1706/7. Addressed. 3 large pp.
[C.O. 5, 1263. No. 136.] |
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Oct. 4.
St. Xphers. | 519. Governor Parke to Mr. Secretary Hedges. Acknowledges letter, where you hope I am arrived etc. I have been
3 months arrived; and I would desire you to remember whose
fault it was I arrived no sooner: I sollicited for a ship to carry
me for allmost a year, and allso for stores, but had not the good
ffortune to procure either. You order me to enquire into the
miscarage of these Islands; I will informe you in few words;
there is about 300 men on Neviss, and the French landed 3,000,
'tis true they might have done better and killed some of the
French, but that is all, for the French at last must have beat
them. I went to take deposetions, and I found there was no
end; for everybody complained wth. just caus against their
Lieut. Governr. and the C. in C. Col. Johnson, and allso against
each other, there is hardly one man but is impeached for a coward
or ill conduct by some or other; so that I found there would be
no end of that manner of proceeding, for if every one must be
turned out that was in fault I must have turned out all, and
where shou'd I have found others to putt in their places; for
Nevis was a rich little Island, but there are but few people, the
Island was devided amongst a few rich men that had a vast
number of slaves, and hardly any common people, but a few
that lived in the town; when I muster'd them, I could not gett
200 into the field; Coll. Codrington took the same method to
ruin St. Kitts, that is, he granted all the French land to rich
men that only sent some negroes to plant the land, by wch. means
the Island was not one whit the stronger; those grants are now
out, and the Assembly have addressed me to give no grants
but to the inhabitants of the Island, or to those that will be
obliged to come and settle here, wch. method I take; and
encourage all the poor people I can to come and settle here,
by giving them grants of land. I should have suspended
Col. Johnson had he lived, for I think he was wanting in his duty
both before and after takeing of Nevis, for he never went to them
till I carryed him theither; but poor man he was not so much
to be blamed as Col. Codrington. Repeats his account of Col.
Johnson. He and Codrington put the people of Nevis to an
excessive expence to build fforts wch. are not worth one bit of
bread etc. You lett me know 'tis necessary for me to live at Nevis
or St. Kitts; I have spent most of my time at St. Kitts. I gott
at Nevis what they call the feaver of the Island, wch. is in plain
English the Plague, for you have the tokens and break out in
sores. I thank God I am now well tho in a continuall swett;
there is only a small branch devides St. Kitts from Nevis, no
broader than the Thames at Long Reach; where I live at
St. Kitts I can see into the Harbour of Nevis, nothing can come
in but I can discover them and in two hours can be wth. them;
'tis necessary I should be at Antigua some times becaus 'tis ye
windermost Island and leys nearest Martineque; so I propose
during the rainy season at Antigua, wch. is six months, to live
at Nevis and St. Kitts, and the other six months to live at
Antigua, and the two Islands have provid[ed] a House for me
accordingly, yt. is have settled so much on me to provide myselfe
wth. one, 'tis a greater service to me to live at one Island, for
than I shou'd have one House, etc. Repeats part of following.
You order me to give all manner of encouragement to those
negroes that behaved themselves well, there is very little credit
to be given to reports, I heard a hundred falce ones before I got
there; two negroes behaved themselves very well and those
their masters incourage, and I gave them some mony to drink
the Queen's health, etc. Signed, Daniel Parke. Endorsed, Recd.
Dec. 15. 4 pp. [C.O. 239, 1. No. 15.] |
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Oct. 5.
St. Xphers. | 520. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations. After I had sealed my last packett with the two laws for a
provission for a House at Antegua and St. Kitts, I gott the Councill
and Assembly of Antigua to signe the inclosed Address, wch.
we desire your Lordships to present to the Queen. As the ffleet
were sayling to Nevis to take up those ships, we met the
Sheerness who came from Jamica. The Capt. informed me
he had lost company of the Jersey and Greyhound in a storm
and that I might expect them every houre; when the ffleet
arrived at Nevis and St. Kitts, I ordered the Capt. of the Swan
to make a signall for the Masters of the mercht. ships; when
they came on board they were asked if they were willing to stay
a few dayes for the Greyhound, wch. they all consented too;
accordingly the Greyhound and Jersey arrived in six dayes, but
they are both disabled haveing lost their masts in that storm;
I have much adoe to perswad the Capt. of the Greyhound, who
is the Commodore, to suffer the Medway prize to sayl with the
ffleet, tho' he declairs he cannot sayl till he can gett new masts,
wch. are not to be had in these Islands; he has not yett
concented, but I hope to perswade him, for I have no power
over any of the ships of warr that comes as convoy. We
have had an unfortunate accident here, the lightning sett
fyer to our magazine on Brimstone Hill, and blew up all the
powder, and threw down one bastion of the ffort, killed a
Lieutenant and several men, the Island must be at a great charge
to maintain the soldiers and new build that part of the fort that
is distroyed; God help us, we are the only unhappy people of
the Queen's Domenions; I brought with me 15 barrills of powder
to Nevis from Antigua, for at Nevis they had scarce any. I must
send the Swan to Barbados to gett more powder both for the
Greyhound and this Island; sure I have the hardest taske of
all the Queen's Governors tho' the least sallary, four distinct
Governments to take care off and nothing to do it with. I hope
the affairs of these Islands will mend, for certainly they cant
be much worse; we have no stores, nor men, and the Enemy
all round us. Mr. Poggson is not yet tryed, I can get no Attorny
Genll.; I made one at Antigua to try Capt. Sanderson, the
Attorny Genll. had no fee, but the Councillor that was for the
prisoner had 20 pistols; 'tis worth your consideration to gett
some sallary settled on the Attorny Genll.; I can not aske the
people to settle any, they are at so great a charge to defend their
Islands. I have given a Commission to Major Genll. Hamilton,
the Lt. Governor of St. Kitts to be Governr. of Nevis in the room
of Col. Johnson, and Col. Lambert, the President of the Council
of St. Kitts, I have made Lieut. Governor of St. Kitts, they
are both very good men, and have been uppon all the service
in this part of the world; these Gentlemen are very agreable
to the Gentlemen and Inhabitants of these Islands, and I think
at this juncture they ought to be gratefied, therefore hope your
Lordships will have them confirmed. Signed, Daniel Parke.
Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 17, 1706, Read Feb. 10, 1706/7. Holograph.
3 pp. [C.O. 152, 6. No. 72; and 153, 9. pp. 439–443.] |
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| Oct. 5. | 521. Mr. Thurston to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
The disbursements of the Commanding Officers at Newfoundland
for provisions have arisen cheifly by the late arrival of H.M.
provisions from England. Proposes that in such case the officer
be obliged to repay himself out of the provisions when they do
arrive. However the yearly provision from England may for
the future be reckoned on from every 1st of Nov. As making
good damaged provisions has been sometimes found a charge
upon H.M., Commodores may be directed to make a strict survey
of provisions on their arrival, and make good out of ships of
war. Provisions for prisoners, or the case of Capt. Moody can
be brought under no regulation. The present allowance for
contingencies, 50l. yearly, is designed only for fire and candle
for the company, and found, since the late encrease of the
garrison, to be too little for that service. Signed, J. Thurston.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 8, 1706. 3 pp. [C.O. 194, 3.
No. 168; and 195, 4. pp. 291–293.] |
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