|
March 16.
Whitehall. | 288. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following for their report. Signed, James
Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 19th, Read 21st March, 17 14/15. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|---|
| 288. i. Petition of Merchants of London to the King. Notwithstanding many petitions to her late Majtie. from London
and other ports for a restoration (by the pace) of the
whole Island of Newfoundland and all the Islands
belonging to the same, yet the French were excluded
from no more than one half of the said Island, and even
in this one half expresly contrary to the Treaty of Peace
they have ever since continued their trade and fishery
in the same manner as they did before, and are providing
against the ensueing season in Placentia and St. Peters
and other harbours within the sd. limitts or bounds of
the English considerable quantitys of salt and other
goods to the great damage of the trade of Great Britain.
Pray that the French for the future may be debar'd
from the sale of any salt or other goods within the bounds
of the English and from all manner of trade and fishery
within the same and be obliged to remove what goods or
effects they have to their own settlements, and that
H.M. Brittish subjects may have the sole and absolute
enjoymt. of all the harbours ports and fisherys within
the same moyety and of all trade fishery and commerce
therein exclusive of the French and all others whatsoever,
and that the Acts of 15th Charles II. and 10th and 11th
William may be put in force and orders given to the
Governrs. in Newfoundland and Commanders of men of
war attending this Fishery as shall seem meet. Signed,
Richd. Greene, Solomon Merrett and 39 others. 1 p.
[C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 80, 80 i.; and 195, 6. pp. 54–56.] |
March 16.
London. | 289. Capt. Wade to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses following in reply to their request of 8th instant. Signed,
Caleb Wade. Endorsed, Recd. Read 23rd March, 17 14/15. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|---|
| 289. i. Capt. Wade's report of frauds and abuses in the Newfoundland fishery. The Newfoundland Trade was
formerly carryed on to advantage by owners of ships
in the West of England, who hired men by "thirds,"
vizt., the Commander and men had a third of the fish.
This made every man careful for the good of the voyage.
Latterly, monthly wages have been paid them, which
has not answered so well. Formerly the owners of
ships took great numbers of apprentices, for seven years
time, whom they sent to Newfoundland every season,
thence to Spain etc. with their fish, or to Virginia and
the West Indies and then to London, by which means
the apprentices, before they were out of their time,
became hardy, able seamen, fit for the Government's
service, when required. Repeats abuses in the trade
previously reported. |
| 289. ii. Capt. Wade's proposed remedies for preceding, to be
embodied in an Act. Encouragement should be given
for taking apprentices. The Commander of a sixth-rate
frigate to be appointed to go from harbour to harbour
and confer with the Admirals, etc. No penalty is laid
on any person who breaks the Act of 10 and 11 William,
which encourages evil men to goe on in their irregularitys.
A penalty should be thought of, in the Act, etc. 6½ pp.
[C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 82, 82 i., ii.; and 195, 6. pp. 61–82.] |
March 16.
Treary. Chambers. | 290. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. Encloses following.
The Lords Commrs. of the Treasury desire the opinion of the
Council of Trade and Plantations thereupon. Signed, Wm.
Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. Read 28th March, 1715. Addressed.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 290. i. Mr. Blathwayt to Mr. Lowndes. Whitehal, 10th March,
1714. Upon the occasion of Governor Lowther's demand
of an allowance to defray the charge of transporting
himself, his family and equipage to Barbadoes, mention is
made of a resolution of the late Earl of Godolphin (when
Lord Treasurer) for discontinuing such allowance for the
future. Requests copy of the said Minute. It is likewise
necessary that I be inform'd upon what occasion the
half salary has been allow'd to the Governor when
absent by order or permission from the Crown, and
whether immediately from the date of the Commission
of such Governor. Which I pray may be explain'd
to me from the Treasury Books for the satisfaction of
Mr. Lowther. Signed, Wm. Blathwayt. Copy 1¾ pp.
[C.O. 28, 14. Nos. 37, 37 i.; and 29, 13. pp. 296–298.] |
March 16.
Whitehall. | 291. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose following. "There being two vacancies in
the Council, we have inserted the names of Nathl. Harrison and
Mann Page," etc. Annexed, |
|---|
| 291. i. H.M. Instructions for Governor Lord Orkney, in the
usual form (cf. April 15). [C.O. 5, 1364. pp. 93–205;
and 5, 1335. No. 190.] |
March 17.
Whitehall. | 292. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Upon our examining into ye state of the Councils
in the Plantations, we have found that the publick service has
frequently suffered by the absence of Councilors from their
posts; and this has happen'd from Councillors obtaining licences
here in England to be absent as aforesaid: We therefore offer,
that for the future no such licences be granted till we have been
acquainted therewith, and shall have made our report thereupon.
[C.O. 324, 10. p. 65.] |
|---|
March 17.
Whitehall. | 293. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. for his
directions thereupon. Annexed, |
|---|
| 293. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have
had under our consideration how to make your Majesty's
Province of Nova Scotia, of use and advantage to this
Kingdom, and have thereupon discours'd with sevl.
people well acquainted in those parts, some of whom are
lately come from thence; Whereupon we humbly take
leave to represent, That Nova Scotia may be made very
advantagious to this Kingdom by the production of
Naval Stores, which may be had in great quantity's
there, and by a plentiful Fishery upon that coast, if the
proper methods be taken; But before we offer anything
of that matter to your Majesty, we shall humbly take
leave to make some observations upon the state of Nova
Scotia. When the Expedition against that Province
was undertaken, Col. Nicholson had Instructions from
her late Majesty, 8th March, 170 9/10, signifying Her
pleasure that such persons in the several Governments
on the Continent of America, who should contribute
to the reduction of Port Royal, etc., then belonging
to ye enemy, shou'd have the preference, both with
regard to the soil and trade of the country, when reduc'd,
to any other of H.M. subjects; this having been made
known in the several Governments, the people readily
and chearfully came in, undertook the Expedition and
conquer'd the place. When Col. Nicholson went over
Governor of Nova Scotia in 1713, he had a letter from
her late Majesty, signifying Her pleasure that he shou'd
permit and allow such of the French as had any lands
or tenements in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and are
willing to stay there, to retain and enjoy the said lands
and tenements, or else to sell the same, if they shou'd
rather choose to remove elsewhere. But by the 12th
Article of the Treaty of Peace, there is an absolute
cession of Nova Scotia or Accadie, with it's ancient
boundaries, in which Cape Breton was formerly comprehended; and of the inhabitants thereof, to the Crown of
Great Britain. We are inform'd, that there were
about 500 French familys in Nova Scotia, amounting in
the whole to about 2,500 persons. That all these,
except two familys, had oblig'd themselves to remove
to Cape Breton upon the threats of two French Officers,
that they should be treated as rebels in case they did
not. And we find by a letter from Monsr. de Pontchartrain to Monsr. d'Iberville the French Minister
here, that the French had demanded some time the last
summer, the term of a year to remove their persons, corn,
cattle etc. to Cape Breton, and liberty to build vessels
in Nova Scotia for that purpose, and to receive from
France tackle and other furniture for equipping ye said
vessels, and permission to sell their habitations, and to
leave letters of attorney for that purpose. Upon
which, we take leave to observe, that if these sevl.
demands are granted, the consequence thereof will be
that it will entirely defeat the settlemt. of that valuable
country; for if they are allow'd to carry away their
black cattle, of which they have about 5,000 heads, there
will be none left for breed or fresh provisions to be had
there; and to supply that Province with such cattle
from New England, the nearest place, wou'd be so
expensive, as to render it almost impracticable. 'Tis
true, by the 14th Article of the Treaty of Peace, the
French are allow'd to remove themselves with their
moveable effects, to any other place they think fit
within a year; But we are inform'd by Col. Vetch, your
Majesty's Governor of that Province, that the French
never made that demand in the time limitted; nor
would they have done it at all, had they not been threaten'd as aforesaid. How far this is consistent with the
Treaty, is humbly submitted to your Majesty. We take
leave to make one observation more which is, that if
the French are allow'd to remove from Nova Scotia
to Cape Breton, the consequence will be that Nova
Scotia will be left entirely destitute of inhabitants (unless
it be speedily settled by your Majy's. subjects; which
we shall have occasion hereafter to mention) there being
none but French and Indians, except the British
garrison at Annapolis Royal, and as these French have
intermarry'd with the Indians, by which and their
being of one religion, they have a mighty influence over
them, so it is not to be doubted but that they will carry
along with them to Cape Breton both the Indians and
their trade, which is very considerable. And as the
accession of such a number of inhabitants to Cape
Breton will make it at once a very populous Colony, so
it is to be consider'd that 100 of the French who were
born upon the Continent, and are perfectly acquainted
with ye woods, can march upon snow shoes, and understand the use of birch-cannoes, are of more value and
service than five times their number of raw men, newly
come from Europe, so their skill in the Fishery, as well
as the cultivating the soil, must inevitably make Cape
Breton, by such an accession of people, the most powerfull Colony the French have in America, and of ye
greatest danger and damage to all ye British Colonies,
as well as the trade of Great Britain; For we are
inform'd that there is now at Cape Breton about 500
families, besides a garrison of seven Companys; that
they are fortifying that Island very considerably,
especially at two places, the one call'd Louisburg, and
the other St. Anne; Upon which they have labour'd
for these two summers past, with the utmost diligence
having the assistance, not only of the garrison, ye
inhabitants and a considerable number of people from
Canada, but also of three ships of war, which carryed
them all sorts of stores, and remain'd with them all
ye summer, and are all winter to help forward the
fortifications. These fortifications at Cape Breton
will be a continual check to Newfoundland and Nova
Scotia, and they may from thence at any time, not only
protect their own trade and fishery, there, but also
annoy ours, and our settlements in the abovesaid places,
whenever they think proper. If therefore the French
are allow'd to carry away their black cattle, sheep and
hogs, of wch. they have great numbers, Cape Breton
wou'd be stocked at once, which cou'd not be done other
ways in many years. Besides, the agreableness of
the soil and climate to those creatures (being the same
they were bred in) will very much contribute to their
healthfulness and fruitfulness, which cou'd not be in
sevl. years expected from those transported from France.
In consideration of the foregoing reasons, we humbly
offer that it will be for your Majesty's service, your
Majesty's orders shou'd be sent to Nova Scotia, directing
the Commander in Chief there, to use his endeavours to
persuade the French inhabitants to remain, and that he
give all fitting encouragement to such as are willing to
stay, and will take the oaths to your Majesty. As the
French did elapse the time limited by the forementioned
14th Article, for carrying off their moveable effects;
we are humbly of opinion, that in case they do determine
to remove, your Majesty may forbid their carrying off
their cattle and corn, of wch. they have plenty there.
As this Colony may be made very advantagious as
aforesaid, by the Fishery, and by Naval Stores, we
humbly conceive it may be necessary that the fishermen
have some protection by a fort and settlement somewhere on the coast between Cape Sables and the Gutt
of Canceau; for without that the Fishery must be carry'd
on, as it now is, to great disadvantage; the New England
men that catch their fish on the coast of Nova Scotia,
being forc'd for want of protection to carry their fish to
New England to cure, by wch. means a quarter or a
third part of their lading is spoil'd before that is done.
We have also consider'd the petition of several disbanded
officers, soldiers and others, referr'd to us by your
Majesty's Order in Council, of 6th Dec. last, praying to
be settled on some uninhabited lands lying between
Sagadehoc and St. Croix, which according to their
proposal cannot be done but at a very great expence.
But before we can be able to lay before your Majty.
what we may have to offer in relation to settlements in
Nova Scotia and on these lands, and the necessary
measures for securing and peopling those places, we
think it may be necessary, that an Engineer, and a
Surveyor be sent over to make a survey of all that coast,
in order to the finding out the most advantagious
places for making such settlements, and for erecting a
fort, not only for protecting our fishery, but for the
securing those parts from the powerfull settlements
at Cape Breton; and that another person well skill'd
in Naval Stores be appointed to survey ye woods and
inland country, that your Majty. may have a perfect
account, what trees there are proper for timber, masts
and making of tar; and what land there is proper for
raising of hemp. We further humbly represent, that
ye persons to be imployed in the foremention'd surveys,
may be such as are not afterwards to be imploy'd in
building the Fort, in case your Majesty shall think it
proper to be done, or in manageing the settlements to
be made there; that they may have no views of private
advantage, by the report they shall make. [C.O. 218,
1. pp. 170–183.] |
March 18.
London. | 294. [Mr. Shirif] to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Reply to questions put him by the Board relating to Nova Scotia.
Being in these parts, att most these four years bygone, I made
itt part of my bussiness to gett acquaintance with most of the
inhabitants, etc. Itt was with abundance of reluctancy that a
great many of them, especially some of the principall amongst
them whom I have seen cry, resolved upon going etc. If it is
possible to prevaile upon them to stay, itt will certainly be of
considerable advantage to that Collny., and to those other
Plantations and Great Brittain etc., but if otherways very detrimentall, for the garrison will suffer extreamly, for (1) they
designed to transport all their cattle, etc. to Cape Breton,
so that there will not be a bitt of provisions to be gott upon
any account whatsomever. (2) The Indians of these parts,
who are most in their favr. by frequent marriages and other
accots. will be irreconcialable and if ever warr breaks out, a
perpetual plague to that Collny., as well as to that of New
England, whereas if the French be encouraged, there may be
hopes of gaining these savages in time by good wages to his
Britannick Majesties interest. Otherways no Englishman will
almost hazard himself to settle in these parts. (3) By their
going, they will very much strengthen Cape Breton, etc. (4) Itt
would be very necessary that English familys were encouraged
to go there, where the[y] may with safety settle as long as there
is a good understanding, amongst the English, French and savages,
when there would great advantages accrue to our English Nation
by their dilligent improvemt. of the fishing trade on that coast,
especially on the Eastern Shore, where if there were a computation
made of the codfish taken by the New England vessells itt would
not be found much less than 40 or £50,000 pr. annum etc. The
inhabitants could catch four to one that those from New England
do, because they have 100 leagues to carry them to dry, whereas
those yt. live upon the coast have the opportunity of several
good harbours to make and cure their fish, besides the advantage
of fishing there allmost the whole year round, wch. makes itt
much preferable to Newfoundland in that respect, etc. And in
the proper seasons of the year, there are plenty of herrings, bass,
salmon, whales etc. And as to the inland commoditys these
countrys do equally yeild them to any of the Eastren or Northly
Countrys of Europe, particularly pitch, tarr, rozin, boards, masts
and other Navall Stores, as likewise furrs, hemp, flax and grain
of all sorts, if industriously sought after, and its probable may be
brought sooner to perfection by the French remaining in the
country, who would furnish with provisions the English who
incline after ye fishing trade, etc. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read
24th March, 17 14/15 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 294. i. Testimonial by six deputies representing the inhabitants
of Nova Scotia, that the whole country has been in
profound peace since Lt. Governor Thomas Caulfeild
arrived in 1711, etc. We have never been so content
under any Government, etc. If it were not that we
naturally cannot refuse the grace and favours which
our good Most Christian King offers us, we should choose
to live and die under his government, etc. Six Signatures.
27th Aug., 1714 (N.S.). Copy. French. 1 p. Overleaf, |
| 294. ii. Certificate that preceding is true, according to the
declaration of all the inhabitants made to us in response
to our enquiries for any complaints of the Governor,
etc. Annapolis Royall, 30th Aug. (N.S.), 1714. Signed,
(Capts.) La Ronde Denis, De Pensen. Copy. French.
½ p. [C.O. 217, 1. Nos. 96, 96 i.] |
March 18.
Portsmo. | 295. Some of the Council of New Hampshire to George
Vaughan. Were an assembly sitting you might possibly have
full powers sent you to act as agent in behalf of the Province
as you formerly had, but we are at present waiting H.M. pleasure
concerning us being of opinion the Govr. will not call an assembly
untill he receives H.M. commands, so that we ye subscribers
tho we can't impower you in behalf of the Province yet being six
of eight wch. ye Councill now consists of, desire you to represent
the state of this Province before the Lords Commissioners of Trade,
etc. Particularly we pray Lt. Governour Usher may have his
quietus wch. he said he had often writt to England for, he complains his office is a burthen to him and ye people think a burthen
to them so 'tis pity but both were eased. Since ye beginning of
this letter ye post is come in advice's us that the Governour has
received a King's Proclamation via N. York that all Govers. etc.
continue in their places till further order, so that ye Charter
Gentn. of ye Massachusets quitt ye Governmt. and H.E. the
Governour reassumes it who is to be wth. us and call an assembly
some time in April. Mr. Addington is lately dead as well as Mr.
Story, and we are this day going to the funerall of Mr. Coffin, etc.
Signed, Wm. Vaughan, Nathaniel Weare, Robert Eliot, Richd.
Waldron, John Plaisted. (Mr. Hanking was prevented by a
storm of comeing up to sign.) Endorsed, Recd. Read 19th May,
1715. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 37.] |
|---|
March 19.
Whitehall. | 296. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following for their report. Signed, James
Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. Read 22nd March, 17 14/15. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|---|
| 296. i. Petition of merchants concerned in the trade and
fishery of Newfoundland to Mr. Secretary Stanhope.
The season of the year being now come for sending
ships thither, we are of opinion that it is absolutely
necessary for the improvement of our trade and fishery
there, that the survey of those parts yeilded by the
French, already begun by Capt. Taverner, should be
perfected with the utmost diligence. It wou'd be of
great use to us to make public the map of St. Peters
which he transmitted hither in October, together with
so much of his report as informs us of the coasts, bays,
harbours and fishing grounds, so far as he has proceeded,
and with which our mariners and fishermen are at
present altogether unacquainted, etc. Recommend Capt.
Taverner to be continued and supported there. 16th
March, 17 14/15. Signed, Sam. Shepheard, Alex. Cairnes,
Robt. Heysham, John Burridge, John Lamber, Solomon
Merret, Jno. Rudge. Copy. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 194, 5.
Nos. 81, 81 i.; and 195, 6. pp. 57–59.] |
March 20.
St. James's. | 297. H.M. Warrant granting to Gregory Gougeon, a naturalised subject, and the nearest heir within H.M. dominions, a small
plantation in New York formerly belonging to Elias Cothonneau.
(Elias being an alien and dying without issue, as also his brother
William, the said land was escheated to the Crown.) Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 124, 125.] |
|---|
March 21.
St. James's. | 298. H.M. Warrant revoking the patent of John Floyer and
appointing Richard Carter Attorney General of Barbados, with a
proviso obliging him to actual residence there. Countersigned,
James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 121, 122.] |
|---|
March 21.
Whitehall. | 299. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose copy of Mr. Gossalin's letter, March 14th,
q.v. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 53.] |
|---|
March 22./April 2.
Rio Essequebe Fort Kykoverall. | 300. Commandant Vanderheyden Rezen to the Directors of
the Dutch West India Company. Signed, Pr. Vanderheyden
Rézen. Endorsed, Read 11th July, 1715. Dutch. 2¾ pp.
[C.O. 116, 21. No. 13.] |
|---|
March 23.
Whitehall. | 301. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Reply to March 19th. We have consider'd the
Memorial of the Merchants. In relation to the survey of the late
French part of Newfoundland, we are of the same opinion as in
our letter of the 10th (quoted). But as to the person to be imploy'd,
we conceive the Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty, or the Navy
Office, are more proper judges of the qualification of such a
person. We are further of opinion that it will be of service that
all mapps taken or drawn at the public charge be printed for the
benefit of navigation. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 59, 60.] |
|---|
March 24.
Albemarle Street. | 302. T. Parkes to Mr. Popple. The Earl of Orkney sends
you the enclosed to be laid before the Council of Trade and
Plantations the first opportunity etc. Signed, T. Parkes. Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read 28th March, 1715. Addressed. ½ p.
Enclosed, |
|---|
| 302. i. List of Council of Jamaica with [? Governor Lord A.
Hamilton's] recommendations. v. No. iii. ¾ p. |
| 302. ii. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Earl of Orkney,
Jamaica, 10th Dec., 1714. I must confess I did not
expect much good of this Assembly, from the time I
perceived they had obtained againe a small majority,
by the ways and means I have told you before, on ye
side of a factious party, however in their first sessions
but of three days, which ended in a prorogation to the
18th Jan. next, they have exceeded all former presidents,
and sufficiently shewn themselves. Not to be tedious,
and to avoid repitition, I only trouble you here with the
enclosed copy of my speech to them, and my own and
the Councill's address to H.M. Agreed to the prorogation since the Assembly took upon them to exclude
me from joyning with them a proceeding as extravagant
as new. Mr. Rigby has the whole Minutes of Assembly
as well as the Journall of the Councill, transmitted to
him in order to lay them before you, and will make all
plain to you; By this you will see I have gon to the
bottom of the whole matter, and if they want for further
explanation by nameing of persons I have don it to you
already and will maintaine and support what I have said
whenever it is required. If I am not confirmed by a
new Patent or by some order from H.M., before this
Prorogation is expired, I intend to further prorogue
till I know authentickly what is determined in the
matter, for under the present uncertainty there is no
possibility of my doing anything with this Assembly
that can be for H.M. service; for it was given out by
the ringleaders when they were together, that I was not
only turn'd out, but that you were too out of all your
places, and tho' they did not believe this themselves,
there were fools enough under their influence that did;
which served the present turne in promoting extravagant
violence, which I thank God has not in the least discomposed the quiet, and tranquillity of my mind,
which a cleer conscience and a sence of haveing don
my duty to the best of my understanding, gives me.
Ever since the prorogation they have been in close
cabal, and a Petition, Remonstrance, or something
of that nature is prepared, and subscriptions solicited
without admitting the subscribers into the secret, except
such as they can fully confide in, more then that it is
for the good of their country, I doubt not but in few
days to plow with their heifer. If these proceedings
are not factious I know not what faction is and I am of
opinion, were there grounds for their disatisfaction, the
manner of their application can meet with no encouragement from the Governt. without wounding itself. The
Councill have two months ago left off contributing to
the subsistance of the Companys. We are now above
£1,600 out of pockett, on that service and now the whole
lyes upon me, and for how long it must continue so I
know not. I cannot see the men starve, and starve
they must, or disband, and be in all the gaoles of the
country, if I should not subsist them, when and how I
shall be reimbursed God knows, since 'tis not to be
expected till we have a better Assembly, which with
reasonable support from home I will undertake to
obtain, and set all easy and quiet otherwise it is impossible for me to serve H.M. here. Copy. 2½ pp. |
| 302. iii. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Earl of Orkney.
Jamaica, 15th Nov., 1714. The Elections are now all
over; and tho' I am unwilling to prejudge of them,
there is too much ground to suspect it will still be a
troublesom Assembly, there being a small majority
of the same kidney the last was of, which they will soon
strengthen, by determining controverted elections, by
trying the persons and not the cause. The ballance
was cast by the Port Royall Election, wch. sends three
who would have all been good men, had the inhabitants
of the place been left to themselves; but the influence,
threats, and unfair proceedings of some, whose duty
it was to have acted a far other part, carryed it other
ways. Since I have so good an opportunity, I shall
plainly, and freely explain to you, from whence all the
opposition the publick affairs has met with proceeds,
in the first place, the dissatisfyed, who call themselves
the Country party, have had no small encouragemt.
from the intilligence they have had of my not being
supported from home, as I might have expected,
consequently gave them hopes of my being recalled. To
obtaine which, by seemingly to make it necessary, all
supplys for support of Governt. are to be opposed,
and the Island represented to be in so low and poor a
condition, as not to be able to support the expence of a
Captn. Generall, that a Lieutenant Govr. might answer
the end better, and who so proper for that, as one of
themselves. These are their maxims and views, tho'
they cannot own them. These ends cannot be obtained,
nor a Governour here made uneasy enough, by the
Assembly alone, running into violent proceedings,
without a party in the Councill, to underhand support
and foment them. Then indeed the prerogative is
in danger and Government weake. This has been
the case, this the difficulty, I have been strugling with
ever since I have been here; and tho' I have spoke my
mind freely to some of the Councill and have, in hopes
of their reforming, never made any complaint of them
at home, nor exerted the power I have of suspending,
but if I am to be confirmed in my Commission, there is
an absolute necessity of my being strengthened in the
Councill, and the proper time for that is, when the
nomination of them is made in my Instructions that
accompanys the Patent, if this can be brought about,
I would propose two men that are now in, should be
left out. These are Mr. Chaplain and Coll. Blair, the
first is Custos and Chief Magistrate at Port Royall, a
cuning subtill fellow, and is intirely under the influence
of Mr. P. Beckford, and has all along barefacedly
opposed the Governmt. and been most active in electing
men of most violent and pernishious principalls; I
need but name one Daniel Axtle now againe a member
of the Assembly. These two Councellers have been
most instrumentall in electing that man, how consistant
this is with their duties the world will judge. They are
unanimous with others of the Councill, in sensuring
that bold step of the last Assembly, in adjourning
themselves. This Axtle was violent in it, and declares
himself still of the same opinion, if this be acting as
Councellers and according to their oaths I have done.
Blair is my countryman, and a heavy fellow and little
in him and I take his oppossition worse then the others.
In short without more support from home, with an
Assembly and a party in ye Councill stricking at
Government, 'tis impossible for me to carry things here
as they ought for H.M. service. What I have said I
beleive sufficient to give a true idea how matters stand
here, and if any use can be made of it by a representation
to the proper Ministers, you may rely on your information. I think I told you before, that I find extracts
of my letters, to the board of Trade, have been obtained
and transmitted back here, even before I have had any
answer to these very letters, 'tis easy to guess from whose
interest and favour, but I hope that will faile them now.
I hope it will be considered, the stand everything will
be at, if directions should not come before ye six months
are elapsed. I make myself as easy as I can, if I am
continued, I think ye necessity of supporting me in my
endeavours to preserve the prerogative (for I know of
no other difference between us) appears so plainly,
that I cannot fail of it. A little time now will shew,
how the Assembly will act. I am resolved to keep
steady to ye same maxims I have hitherto governed
myself by, the necessity of affairs shall not drive me from
any point my duty requires me to maintaine. Copy.
3 pp. [C.O. 137, 10. Nos. 69, 69 i.–iii.; and (without
enclosure i.) 138, 14. pp. 206–214.] |
| [March 25.] | 303. Planters and others concerned in Jamaica to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. In obedience to the commands
of this Honble. Board we do humbly represent as our oppinion,
for the better planting, peopling and thereby securing that
Island against the insurrections of negroes and invasion of enemys
that it be recommended to the Governour, Council and Assembly
there to enact, that all persons men and women not above 45 or
under 10 years of age shall have their passage paid and be free
upon their arrivall there only entering into bonds to the King
every man for himself, wife and children not to depart the Island
in less than four years unless he or they repay the Publick the
money disburs'd for their passage, and then to be at liberty.
That all and every such a person be subsisted by such planters
as have not white servants in proportion to their number of
slaves untill they be otherwise employ'd or provided for by their
own consent. That all tracts of land exceeding 100 acres whereof
no part is planted or inhabited by any white person be tax'd
yearly or surrender'd to the Crown and granted in fee to such
persons as will be obliged to settle it in such quantitys as may
conduce most to the peopling the Island and encouraging strangers
to become fix'd inhabitants. To defray this expence and charge,
we hope H.M. will lay a foundation out of something due to the
Crown in that country or otherwise as H.M. shall think fit which
may encourage the Assembly to pass a law for seven or eight
years to apply to this use all the penalties for the deficiencys
of white servants in proportion to negroes and cattle which has
been ascertain'd by former laws and some now in force in that
country. And further for the defraying the said charge and
encouraging the settling of white people it is proposed, That all
Jews not being Planters and all houses in the towns tennanted
or inhabited be tax'd yearly. That the Proprietors of every
negro artificer, wherryman, cannoeman or sailor be tax'd for each
a certain sum annually and all persons prohibited breeding
up any more in any of these imployments for the future, etc.
Unless some such means be found out to fix a good number of
people in the planting interest it must sink, and the Island be lost
to the Nation. Signed, Nicholas Lawes, John Moore, Richd.
Rigby and 14 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read 25th March, 1715.
2 pp. [C.O. 137, 10. No. 68; and 138, 14. pp. 203–206.] |
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| March 25. | 304. Warrant of Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Henroydah
English, Surveyor General of South Carolina, to set out 500 acres
of land for the Rev. Gedeon Johnston, etc. Signed, Carteret,
Palatin; Ja. Bertie for Beaufort; M. Ashley, J. Danson. [C.O.
5, 290. p. 84.] |
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March 25.
St. James's. | 305. H.M. Commission to William Mathews to be Lieut.
General of the Leeward Islands. Countersigned, James Stanhope.
Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 123, 124.] |
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March 25.
St. James's. | 306. H.M. Warrant revoking the patent of Samuel Cox and
appointing Richard Woollaston Naval Officer in Barbados, with
a clause obliging him to residence. Countersigned, James
Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 126.] |
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March 25.
Whitehall. | 307. Wm. Pulteney, Secry. at War, to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. Refers following for their examination and
report. Signed, Wm. Pulteney. Endorsed, Recd. 26th, Read
28th March, 1715. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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| 307. i. Petition of Col. Robert Reading to the King. Petitioner
was in command of the (800) Marines at the capture of
Port Royal, 1710, etc. Prays to be appointed Governor of
Annapolis Royal. French. 1 p. |
| 307. ii. English version of preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 1.
Nos. 97, 97 i., ii.] |
| March 25. | 308. Petty Expenses of the Board of Trade, Stationery,
Postage etc. Dec. 25, 1714—March 25, 1715. 4½ pp. [C.O.
388, 76. Nos. 183, 185, 187.] |
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March 26.
St. James's. | 309. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Eden. Reply
to letter of Sept. 15, 1714. Abstract: We think the number of
deputies (four) to be joined with you in determining publick
matters, too material a point to be alter'd, but we send you
blank deputations, for you to put in such persons' names as you
shall think willing to give their attendance, and will be most
ready to assist you, etc. We gladly comply with your request
in making Mr. Christopher Gale our Chief Justice, etc. We
wish you success in the Treaty of Peace with the Indian Captaine,
etc. Tho' we are convinc'd that a re-survey of the land in your
Province might tend to the advantage both of us and every
Planter, yet we think it proper to have that matter a little longer
deferr'd, least the peace and quiet of the country shou'd be
interrupted, etc. We think it proper to give all due encouragements to such persons as are willing to come to settle among you,
and therefore require you to give a liberty to any New England
men or others to catch whale, sturgeon or any other Royal Fish
upon your coast, during the term of three years, they paying only
two deer-skins yearly, etc. Signed, Carteret, Palatin; M. Ashley,
J. Danson. Printed, N.C. Col. Rec. II, 175. [C.O. 5, 291. pp.
31, 32.] |
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March 26.
St. James's. | 310. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Eden. It
having been represented to us that an Act of Assembly was pass'd
in North Carolina, Nov. 1713, that all persons who have taken up
any lands there, and have not paid the purchase money for them
to us shou'd pay the said purchase money within three months
after the date of the said Act, otherwise any other person might
lawfully purchase the said land, paying the purchase money to
our Receiver General. This law indeed seems plausible and
intended for our service (tho' at the same time we think the
Assembly need not have made any law relating to the purchase
of our lands) but we are given to understand that a very ill use
has been made of this law, and under colour thereof several
poor persons, who have lost their husbands or fathers, or have
otherwise been reduc'd by the late war, and are consequently
objects of compassion have for want of the payment of their
purchase money at three months end, been dispossess'd and other
persons (several whereof are our officers) did pay the purchase
mony for the said land with an intention to sell the same at
great advantage. If this be the truth of the case, here has been
the greatest oppression and fraud imaginable practis'd under
colour of law, for by this means the poor people who by the
calamities of the war have been render'd incapable to pay the
purchase mony within the time limitted have lost their lands,
and the rich men by payment of the first purchase money have
got possession of the same to their own advantage but to the
ruin of several poor widows and orphans. If this appears to be
the case we will highly resent it and censure such of our officers
who have been concern'd in these ill practices, and we require
you strictly to examine this matter and make your report of the
truth thereof by the first opportunity. We in the mean time are
of opinion that the persons who are turn'd out of their lands by
the unjust advantage that has been taken of this law shou'd
have their lands restor'd again upon paying back the purchase
money with the interest thereof within a year after your receipt
of this to those persons who advanc'd the same under colour of
that law, and that such persons who by the war have been utterly
disabled from paying the purchase money shall be assisted by our
publick money, they giving security for paying principal and
interest to our Receiver Genl. within three years. And if any
difficulties shall happen to arise upon lands having been transferr'd
from one to another, so that some parcels of those lands may now
be in the possession of persons who have purchas'd bona fide at
considerable rates beyond what was the original price of those
persons who procur'd this law for obtaining this very advantage,
we commend this and all other intricacies that may arise to the
Assembly, and we hope they will provide for the same, it being
our intention that the poor original purchasers shou'd not be
defrauded. Signed, Carteret, Palatin, M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J.
Danson. [C.O. 5, 291. pp. 33, 34.] |
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March 28.
New York. | 311. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Not having received any directions from your Lordps.
or the present Ministry since H.M. happy accession to the Crown
except what was picked up from the wreck of ye Hazard sloop,
I am at a loss what to write, only in generall I must inform your
Lordps. that by the choice made of Representatives for both
Assemblys here I have too much reason to expect little besides
confusion in both Provinces. The Jerseys are soe divided about
their claimes and titles to lands, that whatever party prevailes in
the Assembly will expect to be gratifyed by some Acts in favour
of their claimes before they consent to doe anything for the
Government. Mr. Cox, who is the sower of sedition, has gott
himselfe chosen by these who are linked to him by land purchases
on purpose to make confusion, he is indeed capable of nothing
else, he has done what in him lay to raise tumults and has
hitherto escaped prosecution and punishment by the means of
the two infamous officers of the Government, the Attorney
General and Secretary. The first of whom I was laid under a
necessity of suspending, as your Lordps. will perceive by the
inclosed Minutes of Councill, and must immediatly take the same
measures with the other or suffer that Government to be trampled
upon and stuck. I think my Lords, I may now without a crime
speake out, those two with their abetters have acted noe other
ways then as they were prompted all along from the other side
by a late (fn. 1) Governour of these Provinces, and his Agents on this
side, and that very avowedly the people being incessantly
threatned, and frightned with his restoration. That fright how
groundless soever even at that time had some effect but I thank
God it is now over, how far Cox may work upon the insuing
Assembly by the means I have already mentioned time will shew.
I shall whilst I live retaine a just sence of your Lordps.' justice
to me and your endeavours for my reliefe, though for reasons
that I cannot dive into they have hitherto proved ineffectual, but
as matters stand at present I must conclude it impossible that
ye wretched condition of this Government should be any longer
overlook'd or neglected at home. For I must with confidence
affirm that some men in my station would have made concessions
of any kind how prejudicial soever to the intrest of the Crown
rather than be reduc'd to that misery that I have groaned under
these five years past. If it may be of any service to H.M. or the
Publick that I should continue to beg my daily bread of those
who take pleasure in my sufferings I submitt with pleasure. I
know your Lordps. are of another opinion which encourages me
humbly but earnestly to obtest your Lordps. againe to use your
endeavours for a settlement here by Act of Parliament as her late
Majesty was pleased to direct for I can stake my life and fortunes
upon't that never any can be obtain'd on this side but from yeare
to yeare and that not halfe sufficient to answer the ordinary and
necessary expence of Government, the funds for this last yeare not
compleating one halfe of their own scanty allowance. And if
ever such a precarious provision is made it must be upon such
conditions that a man who has in the least measure the interest
of the Crown at heart can never assent to. I shall not further
trouble your Lordps. at this time, but as you have been hitherto
my most worthy Patrons and Protectors haveing to my knowledge
not soe much as in a thought rendred myself unworthy of it, I
must most humbly intreat that you'l continue to be soe, etc. P.S.
Mr. Mompesson our Cheife Justice is dead. I have commissionated Lewis Morris in his room for these reasons amongst others
that he is a sencible honest man, and able to live without a sellary,
which they will most certainly never grant to any in that station,
at least sufficient to maintain his Clerk. I have in the room of
Mr. Griffith granted a Commission to Thomas Gordon Esq.
heretofore Chief Justice. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd.
13th May, Read 21st June, 1715. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. No.
88; and 5, 1123. pp. 295–298.] |
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March 28.
New York. | 312. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. This comes by a
very poor conveyance; a small sloop to Bristol, so that 'tis
doubtfull whether it may reach you. I have been in much
perplexity haveing no orders since H.M. arriveal. I hope
duplicates may arrive speedily, for the originals must have
miscary'd. Mr. Nicholson, who was sent hither with two strange
Commissions, is now gone home without executing either for he
never came nearer to us than Boston where he remain'd upon
assurances of a Commn. for this Government. I am pretty easy
as to him for the present folks have no maner of occasion for
madmen. It is impossible that the oppressions I have groan'd
under here should make no impression on the minds of the
present Ministry, especially those who sent me hither; I know
their justice and generosity too well to doubt it, so I shall patiently
and confidently expect a remedy. I had plants for you from the
West Indies, some dy'd in ye boxes by the unexpected cold
weather, etc. Sir, I must now earnestly recommend my poor
affairs to your assistance, I hope, the time is come when I may
have it in my power to repay the obligations I have ever had to
you, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 16th May,
Read 21st June, 1715. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. No.
89; and 5, 1123. pp. 299, 300.] |
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March 28./April 8.
Rio Essequebe Fort Kykoverall. | 313. Commandant Vanderheyden Rézen to the Directors
of the Dutch West India Company. Signed, Pr. Vanderheyden
Rézen. Endorsed, Read 11th July, 1715. Dutch. 3 pp.
[C.O. 116, 21. No. 14.] |
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| March 28. | 314. Copy of Minutes of Council of New Jersey. Enclosed
in Col. Hunter's letter of March 28, 1715. Endorsed, Recd. 13th
May, Read 21st June, 1715. 5½ pp. [C.O. 5, 970. No. 171.] |
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March 28.
Whitehall. | 315. Mr. Pringle to Mr. Popple. Encloses following to be
laid before the Board. Signed, Ro. Pringle. Endorsed, Recd.
29th, Read 30th March, 1715. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|---|
| 315. i. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Admiralty Office, 26th March, 1715. In
answer to your letter of the 19th instant, with one from
the Council of Trade and Plantations (v. March 14),
we do acquent you that as many inconveniencies have
happened by putting the ships of warr intirely under the
disposall of the Governours, soe we do not doubt but those
inconveniencies occasioned the leaving out that clause
in the Governours' commission, etc. (v. March 14).
As the ships from time to time sent to the Plantations,
are particularly appointed to the imediate service of
them we do by our Instructions to their Commanders
direct them to employ the said ships in such manner as
may be most for the service of the Islands, or Government, and therein to advise with the Governours, and
follow their directions which is in our opinion, the
proper method to keep them to a strict performance
of that necessary duty, which is expected from them,
and so prevent their being otherwise employed at the
will of the Governours. Signed, Orford, G. Byng, Geo.
Dotington. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 137, 10. Nos. 70,
70 i.; and 138, 14. pp. 214–216.] |
March 28.
Whitehal. | 316. Mr. Popple to Mr. Lowndes. Reply to March 16. The
Council of Trade and Plantations know not of any rule relating
to the half salary [of absent Governors], but what is contain'd in
the inclos'd copy of an Instruction, wch. is the same to all
Governors. As to the allowances made to Governors for their
transportation, they presume that the minute by Lord Godolphin
may be found in the Treasury Books, if any such there were, and
that it may be found in the Admiralty Books whether any of the
said Governors had allowances of tunnage, or no. [C.O. 29, 13.
pp. 298, 299.] |
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| March 28. | 317. Marquis of Wharton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Desires dispatch in report on case of Humphrey
Sheppard of St. Kitts (v. 23rd Feb.) etc. Signed, Wharton.
Endorsed, Recd. 29th, Read 31st March, 1715. Addressed. 1 p.
[C.O. 152, 10. No. 44.] |
|---|
| March 28. | 318. Earl of Orford to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Similar request. Signed, Orford. ¾ p. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 44,
i.] |
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March 28.
St. James's. | 319. H.M. Warrant renewing the appointment of William
Cock as Secretary of Virginia. Countersigned, James Stanhope.
Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 127.] |
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March 28.
Virginia. | 320. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. By the Solebay man of war, I had the honour to
recieve from your Lordships' Board a letter of 19th Aug. relating
to the French trade, and have a particular satisfaction in finding
my proceedings here so agreeable to the sentiments and commands
of their Excellencys and the Lords Justices; for since the conclusion of the Peace, I have caused to be siezed and condemned two
vessells for trading with the French Islands and importing from
thence wines of the growth of Europe; And an officer of the
Customs having contrary to my express orders given leave to the
master of a French ship putt in here by stress of weather to land
his whole loading, and to dispose of a considerable part of his
cargo, consisting of cotton and indico, I so soon as I heard thereof,
put a stop to the delivery of the goods, and not only obliged the
French supercargo to transport hence all his merchandize in
British ships bound for London (his own being intirely disabled
from going to sea again) but I so represented the ill consequence
of such a practice in the Customhouse officers, that the Surveyor
Generall here thought fitt to suspend the person who granted that
illegal permitt. The scheme I communicated to your Lordships
in my last letter for improving H.M. Quitt Rents is likely to answer
fully my expectation; and 'tis with much pleasure that I can
acquaint your Lordships that this country now feels the good
effect of the new regulation of their tobacco trade; the publick
credit which was one main end thereof being now raised above
200 per cent. My new method likewise for guarding our frontiers,
and bringing the Indians under a regulation for the better security
thereof, succeeds hitherto so well, that we have not had the least
mischief done this year and half, to our outward inhabitants;
but it is of such a nature, and the people of this country are
generally such supine favourers of all new attempts, that I must
bestir myself till I perfect the design; and for that purpose I am
going out upon another expedition into the woods, where before
my return I expect to meet the Deputys of three or four Nations
of remote Indians, and hope to be able in my next to give a
particular account of their peaceable disposition towards H.M.
subjects, etc. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. 27th
June, 1715, Read 16th May, 1716. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No.
28; and 5, 1364. pp. 338–341.] |
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March 29.
St. James's. | 321. Order of King in Council, approving Instructions of
Governor Lord Orkney. (March 16). Signed, William Blathwayt. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1342. No. 1.] |
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March 29.
St. James's. | 322. Order of King in Council. Approving John Hart as
Governor of Maryland. The Council of Trade and Plantations
are to take care that security be given, as March 4. Signed,
William Blathwayt. Endorsed, Recd. 4th April, Read 5th May,
1715. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 65; and 5, 727. pp. 446, 447.] |
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| March 31. | 323. Petition of Merchants of Bideford trading to Newfoundland, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. All Newfoundland
doth undoubtedly belong to the Brittish Crown by antient right,
etc. The first settlement of the French was about 50 years since,
but they never had any right thereto. The Act 10 and 11 W.
III. gives to fishing ships the preferance in the choice of all
stages, except only where English subjects inhabiting, or fishing
there, could claim a prior right. The French having never had
any right to any settlements, or stages, there, and being oblidged
to quitt, the benefitt of these settlements, or at least the stages,
must accrew entirely to the fishing ships, if they please to choose
them. But the present Governor of Placentia, and his friends,
and the French, have confederated together, to deprive Great
Brittain of the said settlements and stages, and imposed on the
fishery ships the last season, a tribute for useing the stages in
Placentia Bay, and pretended that such stages belonged to the
Governor, or his friends, by purchase from the French, and the
best bidder whether English or French, hath hitherto been
admitted to such stages; and those persons threaten, if the
French shall not use such stages, that they will gett inhabitants
to repurchase the same, and so either way will deprive Brittish
ships of any use of them. But we hope such invasions of the
rights of the Brittish Nation and ships, will find no encouragemt;
If what was possessed by the French, be vested in inhabitants,
Great Brittain can reap no benefitt therefrom; the inhabitants
are supplyed with provisions, tobacco, rum, sugar, rice, etc. from
New England and the Colonys of America, and what proffitt
they make by catching and cureing fish, is spent in Newfoundland;
besides inhabitants, on the least encouragemt., will so encrease
in number, as soon to be sufficient to carry on the whole fishery
by themselves; and the whole employ of this Island being fishing
there can be no Freshmen among them, to be bred up sailors, or
if there were, Great Brittain would gain nothing by having sailors
bred for its plantations abroad. The breed of sailors in this
trade for the service of Great Brittain, can only be in the fishing
ships; and by them only can any proffitt, by catching and cureing
fish at Newfoundland, center in Great Brittain. Pray that Lt.
Governor Moody may be restrained from putting in execution
the designs aforesaid, etc. Some persons out of private views
have proposed the building of more forts on the Island. This
would do more mischief, then good to Great Brittain. The more
Governrs. the more our fishermen would be molested, and oppressed by them; and the more forts, the greater prottection would
be for the inhabitants, who increase too fast already, to the
prejudice of Great Brittain. The fishing ships are dispersed in
so many different harbours, that men of warr only can prottect
them. These Floating Castles are the only security for such a
fishery, and the less expended in forts and garrisons, the greater
number of men of war may be allowed. Pray that an ample and
early prottection may be granted every year to this glorious trade,
by a sufficient number of men of warr, etc. Signed, Cha. Davie,
Mayor, and 32 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read 31st March, 1715.
1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 83.] |
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[? March.]
St. James's. | 324. Copy of H.M. Instructions to Governor Lowther.
Signed, G. R. Undated. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 101–117.] |
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