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Dec. 1.
Whitehall. | 521. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor
Bennett. Since out letter of Feb. 9, 1709, we have received
yours of June 13 and Aug. 30, 1710. We have consider'd what
you writ concerning James Briggs; enclose letter from Sir C.
Hedges thereupon, and certificate from Capt. Ferdinando (v.
Nov. 28), both which, seeming to us to relate to the same facts
as are mentioned in the affidavits you sent us, and Sir C.
Hedges informing us he findes nothing further relating to the said
Briggs, who was not accused here; you will do well to consider
whether there be any new matter alledged against him before he
be discharged. In the mean time we are to inform you that you
are under a mistake in supposing that the Act for the more effectual
suppressing of piracy is not in force, the same having been
continued by an Act pass'd in the 5th year of H.M. reign intituled,
An Act for continuing the Laws therein mentioned relating to the
Poor, and to the buying and selling of cattle in Smithfield, and for
suppressing of piracy, which Act is here enclosed and was formerly
sent you, tho it may have miscarried. We have also consider'd
what you write relating to the sloop St. James of Barbados,
and have read the depositions and proceedings in the Admiralty
Court, relating thereunto; and observe that the Spanish merchant
on board that sloop and five more of the crew, were set on shoar on
the South side of Hispaniola, which is very irregular; for when
a prize is brought into port in order to an adjudication in the Court
of Admiralty, (as the Law directs) it will be difficult to prove
whether such capture was made within the limits mentioned in
the Act for the incouragement of the trade to America, or not,
without a discovery thereof by some of the captor's crew, or
unless some of the men belonging to the prize be brought into
port to evidence the lawfulness of the capture; and therefore,
for the future, we expect that you give an Instruction to all
privateers in your Government that they always bring into port
some of the crew of such prizes as they shall make, and that you
take care the said Instruction be strictly observed and comply'd
with. The cruel and inhumane treatment of the Spanish
merchant on board the said sloop is of very ill consequence, as
tending to discourage our trade with the subjects of Spain in
America, and directly contrary to Article IV. of the Instructions
given to privateers here, and which were sent you in 1704, by Sir
C. Hedges, then Secretary of State, a copy of which Instructions
we again inclose, whereby you will be informed what you are to
do in the case of those that misused the said Spanish merchant.
You tell us that you hear the owners of the sloop St. James will
apply to H.M. for restitution, but you should have acquainted
us in what manner they intend to make the said application,
whether by Appeal or otherwise, and if by Appeal, whether the
same was made within time after the adjudication. We have
received the Act relating to Capt. Richard Jennings, and when any
persons shall appear in behalf of the said Jennings, we shall then
consider the said Act. We shall expect the old seal, according to
your promise. We are sorry to hear the Island has laboured
under such a violent sickness as you mention, and hope that,
long ere this, it is abated. [C.O. 38, 6. pp. 507–509.] |
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Dec. 1.
Whitehall. | 522. Mr. Popple to Josiah Burchet. Encloses extract of
Governor Handasyd's letter, Oct. 3, relating to French and
Spanish ships at Carthagena. [C.O. 138, 13. p. 303.] |
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Dec. 1.
Whitehall. | 523. Same to Capt. Gardner. Gov. Handasyd (Oct. 3)
has not received the pardon, nor the duplicate thereof, which you
informed their Lordships you had sent, etc. [C.O. 138, 13. p.
304.] |
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| Dec. 1. | 524. Capt. Moody to Lord [? Dartmouth]. Last year I took
a more exact survey than I formerly had done of all our inhabited
parts [in Newfoundland], but found none so strongly and conveniently situated for fortification and fishery as Ferryland, a
draft of which I have ready and is the same that at my arrival in
England was approved etc. Signed, J. Moody. 1 p. [C.O.
194, 22. No. 76.] |
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Dec. 2.
Whitehall. | 525. Duke of Queensberry to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses petitions of the Royal African Company and
of several planters and inhabitants of Barbadoes, etc., for their
opinion. Signed, Queensberry. (v. Dec. 9.) Endorsed, Recd.
Read Dec. 4, 1710. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 13. No. 77; and 389, 21.
p. 332.] |
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Dec. 2.
Whitehall. | 526. Memorandum as to papers sent to the Council of Trade
by Richard Warr. Signed, Adrian Drift. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
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| 526. i.–xiii. Duplicates of Nos. 332 i.–iii., v.–vii., x–xv. |
| 526. xiv. List of 62 French prisoners sent home by the Fleet
(v. No. 333). 1 p. [C.O. 28, 43. Nos. 47, 47 i.–xiv.] |
Dec. 2.
Whitehall. | 527. Lord Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their opinion. Signed,
Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read 6th Dec., 1710. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
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| 527. i. Mr. Waterhouse to Richard Warre. General Post Office
Nov. 15, 1710. Encloses following from Virginia,
there being no such person to be heard of, as it is directed
to. Signed, Ben. Waterhouse. Addressed. 1 p. |
| 527. ii. William Killick to Charles Kennett. Asks for some
books, etc. Since ye late Governor's death, we live very
peaceably, etc. July 14, 1710. Addressed. ¾ p. |
| 527. iii.–v. Testimonials and informations ad gradum in the
Society of Jesus, on behalf of George Dyne and
Edmund Clarkeson. Signed, Gul. Hunter, and Robert
Brooke S.J. in Maryland. July 20–22, 1710. Latin.
5 pp. |
| 527. vi. William Killick to James Whittmore. July 14, 1710.
As to ye accounts you desire of me of our factory, (fn. 1)
I'm sorry I can't give you any such tydings as you
hear from that of Madera and ye East, etc. It goes
here much as in England, where by ye severity of times,
we do little more then keep our own. I think there is
between 200 or 300 yt. frequent my store: all ye
good I do is to try to make them constant and good
customers, thousands of whose failings I hope I have
concurred to prevent, who otherwise without our
help wu'd become renegades. This and the will of
God makes me content with my station, even without
that great advance wch. is made in ye Eastern factorys.
'Tis our joy to read of them; and as [a] great a trouble
to hear of ye unfortunate jarrs of China. We, God be
thanked, live in good peace and union one with another,
in expectation of better times to advance our trade etc.
I am building now a house in a place which by Mr.
Cataway was christned Paradise: 'tis indeed a pretty
situation, with a fine prospect of our River; it resembles
something the Hill, etc. The 2 underfactours, Mr.
Dyne and Clarckson (v. iii.–v.) are passed there time
of giving us new bonds; as also Mr. Delveaux is. They
all seem to me to be fitt for our purpose: and to have
those conditions our factory requires. My bonds were
sealed long ago. We have imploy for 2 or 3 factours
more: but whoever comes, please(d) to lett them be
well qualifyed: others do but disgrace our trade. The
wares I want are chiefly those wh. you cant send,
being they are prohibited goods. I shud be glad (for
my diversion) to read ye lives of ye modern Hero's
of Don Inago's company, etc. My kind love and respects
to Mr. Sheldon, etc. Signed, William Killick. 2 pp. |
| 527. vii. — to Thomas Parker. Refers to some bills drawn
upon Mr. Kennett (v. ii). July 20, 1710. Addressed.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos. 20, 20 i.–vii.; and (without
enclosures) 5, 727. p. 207.] |
Dec. 4.
Whitehall. | 528. Lord Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Having laid before the Queen your Lordships' Representation of Feb. 23 last, concerning the state of Newfoundland, and
severall papers on the same subject, which have been lately putt
into my hands, your Representation being of an old date, H.M.
would have you take it again into your consideration, as also the
other papers, etc., and report your opinion what may be fitt and
expedient to be done for the good of that Colony, and for the
advantage and security of our navigation and fishery there. Capt.
Moody and Mr. Vane, whose papers are enclosed, will waite
on your Lordships, etc. List of papers enclosed. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 6, 1710. 2¼ pp. Enclosed, |
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| 528. i. Capt. Moody's Proposal for building a Fort at Ferryland.
Signed, J. Moody. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 8th Dec.,
1710. ¾ p. |
| 528. ii. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Lord
Dartmouth, Admlty. Office. Dec. 2, 1710. There
were sent to Newfoundland the last year three ships of
her Majesty's of fifty gunns, one of two and thirty, and
two frigats of the sixth rate, and when the Trade shall
have occasion for convoy and protection the next year,
wee will endeavour to furnish them with the like security.
Signed, J. Leake, P. Methuen. J. Aislabie, William
Drake. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 8th, 11th, 1710.
1 p. |
| 528. iii. George Vane to Lord Dartmouth. Aug. 2, 1710.
In pursuance of your Lordp's. orders, I have here sett
down the just relacon of the takeing of St. John's
Harbour and Fort. A detachment of the French that
were coming from Placentia commanded by Monsr. de
St. Ovide, Lt. Governour of the aforesaid place, being
composed of part of the said Garrison, of part of a
shipp's company of a small friggate of the King's of 20
gunns call'd the Venus, as likewise of a mercht. ship
bound for Hudson's Bay that winter'd there, some of
their inhabitants fishermen, some Canadians and 7
Indians, in all about 170 men, each arm'd with musquett
bayonett, one or two pistolls, a small ax, etc., having
made the journey by land from Placentia, Dec. 22nd,
1708, about 4 a'clock in the morning came within little
more than pistoll shott of the pallasadoes of the cover'd
way, on the side of the great Gate, before they were
perceiv'd by the centryes, that before the centry had
challeng'd them and fired his peice, the headmost of
the enemy were entering the cover'd way, so into the
ditch, (where they were under cover of our cannon)
placeing their scaleing ladders and mounting. Our
guard that consisted of 13 men of the garrison and 19
of the inhabitants fishermen, commanded by a serjant,
who being wounded, his corporal and some of the
soldiers rann away and gott over the ramparts on the
other side, as the French were entering on that. Having
rose att the fireing of the first musquet I came to the ramparts about that time, there not being yet one Frenchman in the place (as I cou'd perceive) by their not having
been able to pull down the new pallasadoes I had about
a month before sett up in the room of the old rotten
ones that were on the Berme before, so that they were
forced to pull up their ladders unto the Berme to gett
over them, finding scarce anybody on the ramparts,
went and call'd over to the inhabitants who kept a
guard without the sally porte to come to our assistance,
was answer'd they cou'd not gett in, then ran to the
guard house to see if any were there, and found almost
all the inhabitants men, who woud not take their
arms and mount the rampart, for all the intreaty I
cou'd make them, meanwhile severall of the Frenchmen
were entered the place, others having lett down the
drawbridge of the great gate (the lock of which is said
to have been simply hung on and not lock'd) forced
open the gate, and were entering in a body, seing
myself almost surrounded and having no men to make
head against them retired towards my house, the French
pursuing me and fireing att me, and that so close (as
since they told me) that just as I gain'd the rails before
the door one had clove me down with his ax but that
another call'd to him, don't kill him, 'tis an officer, wch.
words I heard but knew not then 'twas me they meant.
I gain'd the door and shutt it, but scarce had lockt it
when the balls came in att the windows very thick,
and some to batter att the door, having ask'd in French
who was there, was answer'd good quarters, on which I
surrender'd. While I went to the Guardhouse, Majr.
Loyd had quitted the ramparts as he said since to fetch
the keys and open the sally port to lett in the inhabitants, was really knock'd down and taken a little after
coming from his house with the said keys in his hand.
There was not above 6 or 7 of the soldiers that were
not on the guard that took arms and came out of the
barracks, the rest refuseing (as Steel the eldest serjant
of the Garrison since told me) to do it, that in less than
half an hour the enemy was intirely master of the place.
On the first alarme 6 or 7 of the inhabitants came
running from their houses with their arms, and fired
on the French as they were mounting, but not being
seconded were 5 of them kill'd or wounded by the fire
of some of the French who turn'd upon them. This
was all the defence the inhabitants made, and it's
not much to be wonder'd since 'tis assur'd that some of
them said after, they were glad provided Majr. Loyd
was hang'd, as they hoped he wou'd be, besides the great
distinction and favour the French are said to have shown
to some of them, give great reason to believe it was
not for nothing, and it's well known that nothing passed
on our coast but the French were inform'd of it. I heard
myself one of them say he had lain att the house of one
Minchin of Petty Harbour 2 or 3 times the summer
before, of wch. none of H.M. officers were ever inform'd
of, as ought to have been. A boy belonging to one of
the inhabitants named Gilbert Jane, having been in the
woods the day before we were taken, saw the musquetts
of some of the French sett up agt. a tree, heard them
talk etc., came home and told his said master, who
instead of advertiseing of it, threatned the boy to break
his bones, if he said another word of it, for he was a
lying rogue, and wou'd make them be all night under
arms, if Major Lloyd came to hear it. One of the
French who spoke good English being one night a
little in drink was ask'd what they wou'd have done,
if they had fail'd in their attempt, for provisions to have
gone back with, answer'd that in Gr—y's house up the
Harbour were provisions enough, and that they were
sure of that before they sett out, but for their lives
should not say he had told it, for Monsr. de St. Ovide
wou'd have him hanged, if he were discover'd, etc.
The Castle that defended the harbour's mouth might
have made a very good defence, had an officer been
there, being rather stronger then the fort, and furnish'd
with all warlike stores to the full as well, yet was
surrender'd up without fireing a shott. About a
fortnight after wee were taken, the French having
prepared a challoway, Major Loyd, the youngest
Lieut. and myself were put on board it and sent for
Placentia, the eldest Lieut. being sick staid behind,
about 2 months after took hostages for the inhabitants
and demolished the fortifications, bringing the said
Mr. Gully, about 50 of the soldiers, the gunners etc.
prisoners, the cannon ammunition with what else they
thought proper, for which end the Governour of
Placentia had sent thither the aforesaid friggate with 3
sloops, the rest of the soldiers, some took on with the
French, others hid themselves in the woods, or engaged
or took on with the inhabitants as fishermen, so were
left behind. About the end of April 1709, the Governour
of Placentia having had news from Europe that a strong
squadron of English men of warr were design'd for those
parts, with a great many land forces, sent Major Loyd,
his nephew, and the rest of the prisoners to Quebeck
in Canada, Mr. Gully being sick was to stay, myself
with one of the gunners (by the intercession of the
Lt. Governour) got leave to stay, to be sent by the
first opportunity to Old France. In the beginning of
June arriv'd att Placentia the Fidelle man of warr of
54 gunns commanded by Monsr. della Rochalare, with
a large flyboat of the Kings, having on board them 200
extra marine soldiers devided into 4 companys design'd
for a garrison for St. Johns with stores etc. for the same,
not knowing of its being demolished till on the Banks.
The Governour caused the said troops and stores to
be landed to strengthen his garrison. The man of warr
continued there till the Fall to convoy home the shipps
there, when the Governour sent Mr. Gully on board
the flyboat, with the gunner, but me on board the man
of warr, which brought and landed me att Rochfort,
where I continued prisoner till July 12th, 1710 N.S.,
that I obtained my liberty on my parole of honour to
come for England. Insists on necessity of fortifying
St. Johns so as to render it impregnable, with a garrison
of 200 to 300 men and an experienced Governour, etc.
30 of the garrison to be New England Indians for
running the woods, so as to prevent correspondence
with the enemy, and to give timely notice of his
approach. If the country be as I left it, it's open for
the French to come and ruin all the stages, train fatts
etc. on our coast every winter wch. will in time be the
ruin not only of the inhabitants, but of the fishing shipps
that use that trade, for tho' the inhabitants att Ferryland have the Island of Boys where they secure their
persons and provisions, those in Conception Bay, Bell
Isle and Carboneer, those att Trinity, Green Island
not securing their stages and train fatts lye open to all
insults, as doth St. Johns having no Island att all and
by consequence every way exposed to all the attempts
of an enemy. Signed, G. Vane. Endorsed, Recd. 6th,
Read 11th, 1710. 3 large pp. |
| 528. iv. Extracts of letters from Mr. John Collins to his brother,
Edwd. Collins, Minister of Wimbledon, Surrey. (a)
St. Johns, July 16, 1709. Thank God I am escaped with
my life, tho' near losing ye same, having ye next man
to me kill'd and another wounded, and all to little
purpose, the Garrison being lost without firing a gun,
or not above 4 or 5 musketts, which when they were
masters of commanded ye inhabitants being under ye
said garrison. No doubt but ye inhabitants lye under
ye same scandal as those that belong'd to the garrison;
if so, it must be by them that are not acquainted with
ye same. The French obliged us to ransom our houses
etc., or threatned to carry us off for Canady, etc. After we
had consented to their articles and gave them ransoms,
and they oblig'd themselves not to disturb our Fishery,
nor carry none of us inhabitants away from ye same,
without any manner of notice carried me with them
to Placentia, and before I return'd it was ye 27 of June,
etc., etc. (b) Oct. 24, 1709. The Garrison being repair'd,
in wch. ye inhabitants desire to live this winter, they have
with all others as merchts., masters of ships and
Commanders of H.M. ships, etc., pitched on me to command ye same, etc. It will cost me abundance of money
to fitt myselfe for that post, wch. I hope to maintain if
not surpris'd before we can settle ourselves and gett ye
people in, if doe, I do not doubt of making a handsome
defence. I am told that I need not doubt of ye Government's making me satisfaction, etc Encloses copy
of his Commission. (c) Nov. 8, 1709, we have (in the
garrison) near 500 souls, but not att most 4 months
provision, and of which one half women and children.
I desire you will make our condition known, that we
may have a speedy relief, without it, 'tis impossible
we shou'd subsist, but must become tributaries as
before, etc. (d) June 27, 1710. We have had a
miserable hard winter, but thank God our people stood
very well in health, in ye garrison, we have a man of war
arrived and many other ships, but no relief to ye
garrison, no further than he is persuaded to quitt
some marines in for ye ease of ye poor people, that they
may go on their employment, but requires me to continue
in ye same, which is a great hindrance to my business,
besides a considerable charge I have been att. I have
wrote to ye Commrs. of ye Ordnance relating to ye
same, etc. All yt. know ye benefit and worth of this
trade and income to our Crown admire there should be
so little care taken of it. Same endorsement. Copy.
3 pp. |
| 528. v. (a) John Collins to the Board of Ordnance. Fort
William St. Johns, Newfoundland. June 27, 1710.
As I was appointed the last fall by Capt. Joseph Taylor,
Commander of H.M. Garrison in this harber, beleave itt
my duty to acquaint your honers that with the few
inhabitants left in the garrison have securde the same
the winter and for the better security have carried
round the works a forth rank of pallasadoes, wch. hass
bin of sum charge, etc. (b) Same to same. Oct. 24,
1710. Encloses account for above, etc. Signed, John
Collins. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 27, 1710. Addressed.
Postmark. Seal. 1 p. |
| 528. vi. Major Lloyd to Solomon Merit. Placentia, Nov. 13,
1709. Having write to Capt. Lloyd and Mr. Reynolds,
I referr you thereto, and here will venture a few lines,
which recommend to the Secretary of State, having not
an oppertunity to writ to him in that manner I ought,
the which I will endeavour to do when I am in France.
When I was in Quibec this summer, it was the news the
English were design'd for Canada (vizt.) by water for
Quibec 12 menn of warr with transports etc. and
6000 Scotts and their families commanded by Macharty;
by land from New York, Albany and Boston 3000 to
attacque Mon Royal. You must understand that on
the River Canada the French have four Governours as
vizt. at Quibec the Governour Generall Monsr. Marquis
de Vadrele at Mon Royal Monsr. Ramsey 60 leagues
distance from the former, in the middle between both a
place called the Three Rivers another who died last
winter; and at New Misasippy, which goes into the sea
towards Mexico, another who likewise died last winter;
Monsr. Ramsey with 700 menn was sent with intent to
surprize the English from Albany as they crossed a Great
Lake, which they were obliged to doe in their canoes
etc., he was on that expedition about 20 days, but finding
they were in two small forts which they had built,
he return'd with two prisoners having killed four more,
which the French called 60. At my parting from Canada
the Governor Generall with 3000 menn was at a place
called Chambly by Mon Royal building a small fort
at a pass where they expected the English would
come, but they may march another way and avoid
that if advertised of it, beleive me at that time 500
was sufficient to take Quibec, there being neither
officer, soldier or inhabitant hardly left there; most
part of last summer they worked about the fortifications
of Quibec from 3 to 600 men a day; the back part
towards the land which was formerly weakest is now
much the strongest, it being where they think the
English would attempt; they have in all Canada 6000
menn, and noe more including the soldiers; at Quibec
72 pecies of canon mounted, which they call 100, it is
a very foolish fortification that cannot be defended
with less then 20,000 menn, it being at least 8 or 9
miles round, of no strength in severall places, tho'
strong in some others, what is of greatest danger is,
that this summer they had an invention as following,
they had bound together vast quantity of wood which is
bound with iron barrs, two or three foot under water,
and this being above the towne the first night the ships
anchored before the place they were to lett it goe
with the tyde which is vastly strong, and put it a fire,
being contrived with all manner of combustable matters
for burning; and where the ships will anchor (as presumed they will if not advertised of this) it would reach
from one shore to the other, or very near, and without
dispute, if the fire would not take, as it probably would,
the weight of it would either break the cables or make
the anchors give way and so drive the ships aground,
the flowing and ebbing there being a perfect sluice.
At a place called the Gulf about 30 leagues before you
come to Quibec, they have likewise severall small ones
of this kind, but of no great danger, unless the ships
anchor there, the last news we had at Canada was that
the Allyes had lost a considerable battle in Spain, which
occasioned the 6000 Scoth to be sent to Portugal, that
there was 8 menn of warr at Boston, but would not
stirr by orders of the Governour, expecting orders from
England, that the army from Albany etc. had burnt
their forts etc., and were retired; Monsr. Vadrell on
this was on his journey from Mon Royal to Quibec,
and was expected to arrive the day I left the place being
Sept. 30th. At Plaisence likewise I find they have
minded their garrisons very much; they have here
seaven companys of soldiers; Capt. Goddrell and a
detachment of about 36 of them goes in a privatier sloop,
that belongs to the Governour to cruize on the coast
of Martineco, the rest winter here; I had it from the
mouth of the Lieut. du Roy, who took St. John last
year (in his passion he spoke, on account of some part of
the ransom being not paid) vizt., now they were resolved
the English should have Placentia or he would see all
the English had in Newfoundland levell with the ground
before a 12 month came about. It is true I have been
unfortunate and am in a manner ruined; but were I
but at liberty to serve my Nation, I believe myselfe
capable to be a means to retrive their loses and my own
too; could I have my revenge I would be contented.
That cowardly villian of an Enginier Capt. Vane, I
am sure is a traytor, and will betray the Government
whatever they trust him, had it not been for him I
should not have been a prisoner here, it is my opinion
the French will burn and distroy all they can this winter,
etc. I expect to be at Rochell in France soon, etc.
Signed, T. Lloyd. Same endorsement. Copy. 5 pp.
[C.O. 194, 4. Nos. 143. 143 i.–vi and (without
enclosures) 195, 5.pp. 160, 161; and 324, 32. pp.
46, 47; and 324, 31. pp. 8, 9.] |
Dec. 4.
Whitehall. | 529. Lord Dartmouth to the Board of Ordnance. Encloses
following for their opinion. You are to consult Mr. Vane, etc.
Signed, Dartmouth. 1p. Enclosed, |
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| 529. i. Capt. Moody's proposal for building a fort at Ferryland
at the cost of £5000, etc. Signed, J. Moody. Copy.
1p. [C.O. 194, 22. Nos. 77, 77 i.] |
Dec. 4.
Spanish Towne. | 530. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Since my last dated Oct. 3, Commador Littleton
arrived here with one man of war, and about 3 or 4 merchantmen,
the two other men of war that came along with him, he left
cruseing off on the Spanish Coast, which is not yet arrived. We
have 7 or 8 traders now upon the Spanish coast, and one man of
war to attend them, there is one of the number since come in and
has brought with her in returne for her small cargoe about 15
or 16,000 peices of eight which has given encouragement for
more goods and sloops to be sent out upon the same accot. Since
the last sloops sayled wee have had an accot. by a vessell from the
Island of Cuba, that there came from France and Spain a Fleet
of ships to the number of 15 or 16 sayle, for the Havana and
Laverde Cruse (if it be so will spoyle our trade) under the convoy
of 4 Spanish and 2 French men of war. It's reported they are
to convoy home the galloon that escaped last, with what other
ships are then ready. We are also informed they were not sayl'd
a month ago. Commador Littleton has dispatched two men of
war, 7 or 8 days agoe, for the coast of Carthagen to gett intilligence whether the afforesaid information be true or not, and in
case they are not gone, he will take all the care that is posible to
interscept them, but I am very apprehencive they will steal
away. Mr. Littleton intends to send in case nothing intervene
to prevent all the traders that are ready to sayle to the number of
10 or 12 ships under the convoy of one or two men of war, who
will saile the 8th or 9th inst. I heartily wish them a safe-arrival
in Great Brittain. As to other newes here, wee have little
material, the Island has been afflicted for this six weeks past with
sickness, as feavers, sore throats etc., but not so mortal as
formerly. I understand that some of our privateers has taken
and carry'd into New York 3 or 4 French merchantmen, they being
so leakey they could not bring them to the windard to their
commission'd Port. I hope soon my Regt. with myself will
be releived, etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd.
10th, Read 15th Feb., 1710/1011. 2pp. [C.O. 137, 9. No. 31;
and 138, 13. pp. 318–321.] |
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Dec. 4.
Spanish Towne. | 531. Same to Lord Dartmouth. Duplicate of preceding.
[C.O. 137, 51. No. 29.] |
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| Dec. 5. | 532. Affidavit of R. Love, master of the Abraham galley,
in favour of Charles Arrabella (v. Nov. 14). Signed, Richard
Love. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 7, 1710. 1 p. [C.O. 5,
717. No. 21.] |
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Dec. 6.
Whitehall. | 533. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Queensberry. In reply to Dec. 2, refer to their representations of Feb.,
1708 and Dec. 1709. [C.O. 389, 21. pp. 334, 335.] |
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Dec. 7.
Craven House. | 534. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Receiver General
of South Carolina. You are to send over the account of the late
Receiver General and remit the balance due to us in rice etc.
by 2 of the next ships that shall come for England. You are to
pay no money to any persons whatsoever, except ye usual and
allowed salaries of our officers of that part of our Province as
they are mentioned in our late Receiver General's Commission
and Instructions, unless you have an express warrant for the
payment thereof under our hands and seals. P.S. You are
required not to make any payment to ye person in present
possession of the Govermt. since the death of the late Governor
unless you have further orders from us. Signed, Craven, Palatin,
Beaufort, Maurice Ashley, John Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. pp.
4, 5.] |
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Dec. 7.
Whitehall. | 535. Lord Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. A letter from Governor Bennet, June 13, directed
to the Earl of Sunderland having been put into my hands, I
observe he desires H.M. directions (i) About one James Briggs,
charged with piracy and in custody at Bermuda; (ii) relating to
several soldiers condemned to death there; (iii) a pardon for
Anthony Kenty, one of them. He says you are as fully informed
as I am in these matters. I desire therefore your opinion on these
particulars etc. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. 9th,
Read 13th, Dec., 1710. 2 pp. [C.O. 37, 9. No. 13; and 38, 6.
pp. 510, 511.] |
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Dec. 7.
Craven House. | 536. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. We having receiv'd information of the death
of our late Govt. Col. Edward Tynte, have agreed to constitute
Charles Craven Esq., Govr. of that Province, whose integrity
and capacity for that imployment we very much rely on. We
therefore desire your Lordships to lay this matter before the
Queen and humbly desire H.M. approbation of our said Governor.
Signed, Craven Pallatine, Beaufort, M. Asheley, J. Danson.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 8, 1710. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1264. No.
105: and 5. 1292. p. 235.] |
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Dec. 7.
Whitehall. | 537. William Penn to the Council of Trade and Plantations
Honble. Ffrds. I have no other accounts to lay before you of
the proffits and charges of Pensylvania, but what you had from
me about two years agoe so that I cannot so fully answer your
6 Queries (v. Nov. 4) as perhaps you may expect. If I could, yet
do I not conceive, how your first and second have any relation
to the surrender of my Governmt. For I do not remember to
have made an offer of alienating any part of my Propriety (strictly
so called) but only the Governmt., which will alone, I presume,
entitle me upon a surrender, to aske a considerable sum of money,
as well in consideration of the expence I have been at, in making
it a country, as of the benefit and advantage the Crown has
already, and hereafter will receive thereby, in the increase of the
Customs, as well as other parts of the Revenue, which I am
inform'd, have amounted for several years to between 10 and
£12,000 per annum, and sometimes double that sum, and
especially surrendring it at a time when in keeping it in my own
hands, I may reasonably expect a great proffit thereby, the
Country being now come to that maturity, to stand upon it's
own leggs, that is able to raise supplies, equall to most of the
neighbouring Collonies, more than sufficient to defray all the
charges of Governmt., which are less considerably in my Governmt. than in other places. I cannot possitively say what revenue
at present is setled to defray such charges. But the same has
been maintain'd heretofore, partly out of my own private fortune,
and partly by ye people. Which I have been the more willing
to comply with, because it was my opinion taxes in ye infancy of
a Collony, would be a cramping of the industry of the People,
and experience has since shown, my notion was not ill-founded,
by ye superiour improvemts. and trade, above many of their
neighbours. It having been during the late scarcity of corn in
Europe, not only ye granary of ye W. Indies, (which it hath
been many years) but also of some part of Europe, and what has
been may be again. The proffit the Crown will gain by my
surrender, may easily be perceived to be very considerable, if
it be considered that upwards of 25 years since, the people made
a free gift of a small duty upon goods exported and imported,
which at that time of day would have brought in by a modest
calculation £1200 per annum. This I thought fitt to let fall, in
consideration of £600 and intended it should lye dormant for
sometime. And soon after coming for England, it was never
revived. The flourishing state of Pensilvania neither requires nor
expects to put me to further charge. But will, I am well assured,
upon my going there, setle a handsom revenue, if the same be
not already done, to defray the charges of Governmt., and enable
their Governour honbly. to subsist. The Crown has formerly
desired my Governmt., when it was not arrived at ye ability and
perfection it now is, and I am sure it will appear, if I surrender
my Govermt. to the Crown, that the Revenue will not fall short of
its neighbours, and at the same time the charge much less, so that
upon the whole the Crown will be more a gainer by my Governmt.
than by some others. I hope not only this, but the making a
wilderness, a fruitfull country, without any expence to ye Crown,
who will reap the fruit of my labour and expence in the increase
of the English navigation and customs, and the maintaining, as
well as making that country, chiefly out of my own estate, does
intitule me to a good and valuable consideration. And I doubt
not but in justice you will so report it, that this affair may have
a speedy issue. Upon the whole matter, I expect £20,000 for
my governmt., but am content to allow seven years for the
compleating the full paymt. thereof, receiving yearly proporconable sums, till the whole be paid. Which is so far from being a
boon, that it has sunk my patrimony, several hundred pounds per
annum to bring it to what it is. If you are not pleas'd with this
proposal, then I only begg that what was intended for a satisfaction as well as a favour (I mean the grant of Pensilvania)
may not be made the ruin of my other estate, and family to
support it, as it hath hitherto been, by the many interrupcons,
and avocacons there, and here, for 28 years past. I have been
several times there, and as often called home to my great expence,
fatigue, and danger, to defend my just right, not to say merit,
to the Crown. Signed, Wm. Penn. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read
22nd Dec., 1710. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 106; and 5,
1292. pp. 237–240.] |
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Dec. 8.
Whitehall. | 538. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth.
Enclose following, "communicated to us by Mr. Stephen Du
Port." Annexed, |
|---|
| 538. i. Extract of a letter, dated St. Christophers Sept. 16,
1710, relating to Guardaloupe:—One of our privateers
has taken a small vessel coming from Guardaloupe.
One of their chief officers writes as follows: "It is two
years since M. de Philipeaux was appointed to this
Government, and he comes not. The Court leaves us
without ships, money, flour or Government. M. de
Gabarett, the present Governor, is so weak that the
negroes intended to take advantage of it to plunder
the whole Colony, but were discovered and nearly 40
of the leaders punished by wheel and fire, and in faith
it is time M. de Philippeaux came." I have the original
of this letter signed De Lavalmiuiere, Lieut. de Roy de
la Guardaloupe. It is certain that if we could profit by
this occasion, we could go very far towards the conquest
of this Island. Copy. French. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 39.
Nos. 120, 120 i.; and 153, 11. pp. 96, 97.] |
Dec. 8.
Whitehall. | 539. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth. Representation on petition of Ann Pauley (v. Nov.
14). Charles Arrabella having already suffer'd the greatest part
of his penalty, we are of opinion that, if H.M. shall judge him a
fit object of her royal compassion, he be not discharged from his
imprisonment till an opportunity shall offer of his being put on
board some ship bound for Europe, in order to his leaving the
Province of Maryland. [C.O. 5, 727. pp. 204–206.] |
|---|
Dec. 9.
Whitehall. | 540. Lord Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Returns above Representation for a fuller report of
the circumstances of the case. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed,
Recd. 11th, Read 12th Dec., 1710. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos.
22, 22 i.; and 5, 727. pp. 207–210.] |
|---|
Dec. 9.
Whitehall. | 541. Duke of Queensberry to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Having laid your answer (Dec. 6) in relation to the
Royal African Company before the Lords of the Committee
of Council, it has been represented to their Lordships that the
papers I transmitted to you did contain several new proposals,
and I therefore inclose the said papers again to you for your
further consideration. Signed, Queensberry. Endorsed, Recd.
11th, Read 12th Dec., 1710. 1p. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 541. i. Petition of the Royal African Company and their
Creditors to the Queen. It is generally admitted that
the trade to Africa is naturally adapted to the common
interest of Great Britain and the Plantations. Reason,
experience, and the singular nature of the trade itself,
and the universal and continued practice of all other
European nations trading thither, demonstrate that it
can never be carry'd on and improved by any other
method so securely and advantageously as by a Company
exclusive. While the present Royal African Company
had the countenance and authority of the Sovereign
on their side, no trading Company in Europe did, in
so short a compass of time, carry on and improve their
trade so much as they did, etc. For besides their
having built a considerable number of forts, they
increased the export of far greater quantities of British
manufactures; they furnish'd the Plantations with
constant supplies of choice negro slaves at very moderate
rates, and imported such quantities of gold dust
from the coast of Africa, that in few years time before
the Revolution, they coin'd many more guineas in the
Tower, than both the Company and separate traders
together have done in quadruple the number of years
ever since. By reason of the unrestrain'd liberty assum'd
by the interlopers for some years after the Revolution,
and the temporary permission which the Parliament
were prevail'd upon to grant to the separate traders
for an experiment under the plausible (tho' fallacious)
pretence of benefit to the nation by laying the trade
open to all your Majesty's subjects, the trade to Africa
has fallen ever since under very great and unavoidable
disorders; for as the French, Dutch, Danes, Portuguese,
etc., were always rivals and competitors with the Royal
African Company for the trade of the coast of Guinea,
so the private traders having not only separate stocks,
interests and designs quite different from that of the
Company, but likewise very uncertain, precarious, and
disconcerted methods of trading thither, the British
interest by being so divided on the coast, is thereby
reduced to very great extremities: insomuch that for
the want of a preconcerted, uniform and regular management of the trade there, the British interest daily declines,
their manufactures are still more and more depretiated,
the value of. negro-slaves are by degrees advanced to
the treble or quadruple of what they cost the Company
formerly, the Plantations have been but very
indifferently and uncertainly serv'd with slaves, and
those they get are at excessive dear rates, the importation of gold dust etc. not worth the naming, the French,
Dutch, etc., taking advantage of our separate interests,
are gaining ground daily with the natives, and the
Royal African Company who (while encouraged and
protected in the enjoyment of their privileges) were
alone capable of out-rivalling all their foreign competitors, are now under unsuperable discouragements
and difficulties both abroad and at home, so that if
some effectual care be not speedily taken for remedying
those growing evils, that most valuable branch of
our foreign trade is in extreme danger of being irrecoverably lost to this nation. Tho' what is above
represented was in a great measure laid before the
honourable House of Commons in both the Sessions of
the last Parliament, yet some few private traders had the
art of imposing impracticable notions on some members
in such a manner, and possessing them with very groundless prejudices against the Company, that both the
Sessions terminated without any effectual care being
taken for the preservation of that trade, but leaving it
(as it still lyes) in extreme disorder, and the Company
(merely for want of encouragement and protection)
wholly expos'd to the most intolerable insults and
reproaches imaginable, both abroad and at home.
Describe conditions of the trade on the African coast, the
financial position of the Company, which has lost £400,000
by seizures by the enemy in the late and this present
war. The Company's creditors are willing to unite
with the Company to carry on this trade, which is
absolutely necessary for the good of the nation, upon
any reasonable terms, provided they might have the
Company's priviledges, as by their Charter, mutually
secur'd to the Company and their creditors. Petitioners
enclose their scheme, by which they humbly conceive
the Trade would be effectually preserv'd to the Nation,
and carry'd on to the utmost extent, and the Plantations
most certainly supply'd to their satisfaction, etc.
Signed, By order of the Royal African Company, John
Pery, Secretary, and 256 other signatures. Enclosed, |
| 541. ii. Petition of Planters and other inhabitants of Barbados
to the Queen. Barbados, July 20, 1710. Petitioners
are deeply concerned in the trade to Africa, the constant
supply of negroes at moderate prices being the cheif
support of this Colony, whereby we can only be enabled
to preserve the staple of sugars, and other commodities
and to afford them in greater quantities and cheaper
than other nations. For many years, while the Royal
Affrican Company had the sole management of that
trade, this Island was duely supply'd with a sufficient
number of negros at moderate prices, from £10 to £20
per head, which was a very great encouragement, and
enabled us greatly to improve the manufacture of
this Island; but for several years past, since that trade
hath been laid open, the number of negroes imported
by the Royall African Company and separate traders
together hath not been sufficient to supply this Island,
and those which have been imported have been sold at
extravagant prices, from £20 to £40 per head, which
petitioners conceive to have been occasioned by the
different intrests of the Company and separate traders,
each biding on the other; of which the natives of the
coast taking an advantage have raised the price of their
own commodities and sunk the price of those of Great
Brittain and this Island, which is an unspeakeable damage
and discouragement to petitioners, tends to the ruine of
this trade, the lessening your Majesty's Revenue, and
the navigation of Great Brittain. Pray that the British
interest on the coast of Africa may be effectually
preserved, and the trade put on such a foot that a
sufficient number of negroes may be had on the coast, on
moderate rates. Signed, Thos. Carney, Tho. Beckles,
Reynd. Alleyne, Wm. Sharpe, S. Durousseau, Wm.
Allumby, Benj. Alleyne, Saml. Cox, S. Matson, Ben.
Bullard, Josph. Haines, Tho. Alleyne, Manass. Gillingham,
Tho. Alleck, Saml. Osborn, Midleton Chamberlain,
Edwd. Jordan, Richd. Parsons, Geo. Walker, Alex.
Walker, Wardll. Andrews, Tho. Stokes, Richd. Sandiford,
Timot. Salter, Hen. Lintott, Tho. Prideaux, Robt.
Hamson, Saml. Beresford, Saml. Brown, Hen. Carter,
Wm. Cleland, Jno. Frere, John Dolin, Nth. Ides, John
Trent, Jno. Whetstone, Raynes Bate, Richd. Carter,
Thos. Waite, Jno. Sandford, Robt. Vaughan, Benj.
Matson, John Sober snr., Saml. Gollop, Saml. Nauterick,
Mar. Niccolls, Jo. Scott, Jno. Colleton, Wm. Dottin,
Edwd. Niccolls, Mat. Reynell, Joseph Todd, Jno.
Eastmond, John Sharp, Const. Kelley, Dan. Hooper,
Jno. Hottersall, John Jordan, Saml. Haggard, Wm.
Hooper, Edwd. Hooper, Jos. Salmon, Guy Chapman,
Steed Bonnet, Saml. Collyns, Jno. Rous, Tho. Carmichael, Rd. Morgan, Jos. Puckering, Wm. Howard,
Tho. Rollfone (?), Hen. Piers, John Naucrick, Ja.
Waterman, Will. Carter, Robt. Osborn, James Dotin,
James Cowse, Edwd. Morgan, Tho. Harper, Josph.
Brown. Elisha Holder, John Clarke, Tho. Steward.
Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th Dec., 1710. 2¾ pp.
[C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 50, 51 (covering letter and enclosure
i. only); and 388, 13. Nos. 94, 95; and (without
enclosures) 389, 21. pp. 344–356.] |
Dec. 9.
Whitehall. | 542. Lord Dartmouth to Governor Hunter. Encloses H.M.
Warrant of Nov. 21. Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. p. 49;
and 324, 31. pp. 9–11.] |
|---|
Dec. 9.
Treasury Chambers. | 543. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. Encloses following. My
Lords of the Treasury request the Council of Trade and Plantations
to report to them what abatements of these duties they
think may be a reasonable encouragement for those privateers,
in order to the laying the same before the Parliament. Signed,
Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th Dec., 1710.
½ p. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 543. i. Address of the Governor, Council and Assembly of
Jamaica to the Queen. March 28, 1710. Duplicate.
3pp. |
| 543. ii. Memorial of merchants and inhabitants of Jamaica
to the Lord High Treasurer. Copy. 4 pp. |
| 543. iii. H.M. Commissioners of the Customs to the Lord High
Treasurer. Custom-house, London, May 19, 1710.
Report on preceding. The Collector, Peter Beckford,
hath not done any more than his duty according to his
Instructions from this Board, in pursuance of your
Lordship's warrant July 6, 1708, the Act being silent,
by whom the said duties should be received and
accounted for. We shall direct him to remit hither
the money he has received on account of the duties on
prize goods in Jamaica. It appears that he has been
greatly obstructed in the execution of his duty by Wm.
Norris, the Naval Officer there. And forasmuch as he
has signify'd to us that the powers he collects the said
duties by are questioned as not sufficient, we humbly
pray your Lordship will write to the Governors of
the Plantations to countenance the officers of the
Customs in the execution of their respective duties, and
in remitting the Queen's money home. Signed, J.
(=T) Newport, Will. Culliford, J. Werden, J. Stanley.
Copy. 4 pp. |
| 543. iv. Same to [? Same]. Custome-house, London. Aug.
19, 1710. Refer to preceding and following. In consideration of the hardships represented in following
petition, which we believe in great measure to be true,
we think if security could be taken to answer ye duties
till the persons concerned shall have an oppertunity of
applying to Parliament, it would very much conduce
to the encouragement of captors, the benefit of the
trade and security of that Island, and that the same may
be made generall for the releif of all H.M. Plantations in
America. Signed, T. Newport, Will. Cullyford, M.
Dudley, J. Shute. Copy. 2 pp. |
| 543. v. Order of Queen in Council, Kensington, July 31st,
1710. Referring following to the Lord High Treasurer.
Set out. A.P.C. II., 1120. Signed, John Povey. 1p. |
| 543. vi. Petition of Merchants, Traders and Inhabitants of
Jamaica to the Queen. Pray for the remission of the
duties on prize goods, which frequently exceed their
value etc. Copy. 4 pp. [C.O. 137, 9. Nos. 23, 23
i.–vi.; and (without enclosures) 138, 13. pp. 304, 305.] |