|
Dec. 1/12.
Paris. |
469. Extract of letter from the Earl of Stair to Mr. Secretary Craggs. I pressed H.R.H. again to give me an answer
touching Sta. Lucia. I made him see what occasion that gave
the malcontents at home to blacken the Ministers and Government, as if they sacrificed all the dearest interests of Great
Britain to their connections with France, which was siezing
our Islands and Colonies, without troubling themselves about
the injustice and wrong thus done to the Nation; that the
malcontents would not fail even to say that the occupation
of this Island was made with the consent of the Court; and
to support these evil insinuations by the discourses which the
Governor sent by France had held with the masters of our
vessels from Barbados who had landed at the said Island, to
wit, that the English had ceded the said Island to France, in
exchange for the part of the Island of St. Christopher which
had been ceded to Great Britain by the Treaty of Utrecht.
I begged H.R.H. to pay regard to the effects which such speeches
delivered in one of the Houses of Parliament might have, and
to be pleased to give me an answer as soon as possible on the
head of the said Island, calculated to put an end to these evil
rumours. The Duke of Orleans replied, that he was much
displeased with the Marechal d' Estrées, who had put off from
day to day delivering to him the papers proving the right of
the Crown of France to the Island of St. Lucia. H.R.H. begged me
still to have patience for two days, which was the extreme limit
of time the Marechal had taken to remit the said papers; and
H.R.H. promised me to examine the said papers with me, and
that in case the right of France to the said Island were not
clearly proved thereby, he would immediately give orders to
dispossess M. le Marechal, and his Colony: so that I expect
that to-morrow, they will let me see the papers in question.
Copy. French. 2 pp. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 20]. |
| Dec. 2. |
470. Mr. Philips to Mr. Popple. There is a vacancy in
the Council of New York etc. The Governer desires you will
remember the minute made by their Lordships to choose
Mr. Harrison into the first vacancy. Signed, A. Philips.
Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 5th Dec., 1719. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1051.
No. 101; and 5, 1124. p. 120.] |
| Dec. 3. |
471. Extract of letter from Mr. Secretary Craggs to the
Earl of Stair. I am sorry to hear that the Abbé Dubois continues still indisposed, but hope his health will soon give him
leave to renew your conferences about the limits in the Plantations, and that in the mean time, you will be able to settle
the affair of Sta. Lucia with the Marl'. D'Estrées. Copy. ½ p.
[C.O. 253, 1. No. 19.] |
| Dec. 3. |
472. Petition of Samuel Buck to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. In driving out the pirates, fitting out sloops to
pursue them, and erecting the necessary fortifications against
them and the Spaniards, the undertakers for settling the Bahama
Islands have expended upwards of £20,000. To maintain
possession, and to perfect the necessary works, will require a
further expence and another independant company. Pray to
be reimbursed etc. Signed, Sam. Buck. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 3rd Dec., 1719. 1 p. [C.O. 23, 1. No. 16]. |
Dec. 4.
Whitehall. |
473. Same to Same. Memorial on the state of the Bahama
Islands. On the arrival of Governor Rogers there were 200
destitute inhabitants and 5 or 600 pirates who surrendered
to him, and about four score who made their escape with
Vane the great Pirate etc. v. 31st Oct., 1718. The pyrates
before ye Governor's arrival had brought into Providence
about 40 sail of merchant shipps, where they were either burnt
or sunk, and had plundered great numbers in ye Gulf of Florida,
and the windward passage bound to England etc. Pray for
reimbursement of £11,394 spent on the forts, for their ship
Delicia detained by the Governor as a guardship, (No. i.), and
what the Governor has spent in maintaining the inhabitants
and pyrates that surrendered, and fitting out vessels to take
pirates executed there and sent to England and condemned.
Also that another Independant Company may be sent thither
with provisions etc. for 12 months. Petitioners were at great
expences in transporting the soldiers wth. artillery and stores
wth. Govr. Rogers, also great numbers of artificers and famillys
of Pallatines, Switz, French and other Protestants. These
and all the inhabitants they have been obliged to support ever
since, by reason of all the cattle having died, and many of the
people from England from an infection arising from some raw
hides brought in great quantities there by pirates before the
Governor's arrival, which putrified. Owing to the war, the
Spaniards refuse to supply them with cattle. Without some
allowance from Parliament, petitioners must quit the Island,
they having made no advantage either in planting or commerce,
nor can any be made untill a peace with Spain. Pray for a
speedy representation, the estimates being laid before Parliament etc. Signed, Sam. Buck. Endorsed, Recd. Read 4th
Dec., 1719. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
473. i. Account of expenses of the Delicia (v. preceding).
£3990 10s. Signed, Wingate Gale. Same endorsement.
1 p. [C.O. 23, 1. Nos. 17, 17. i.] |
Dec. 4.
Whitehall. |
474. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Enclose preceding petition and memorial (Dec. 3rd).
Upon which having sent for some of the Gentlemen concern'd
in this undertaking, and discours'd with an officer lately come
from thence, as also consider'd the letters which we have lately
receiv'd from the Governor, we take leave to represent, that we
find the several facts set forth relating to their expences to be
true etc. We therefore Sr. considering the advantage these
Islands are to the trade in those parts must desire you will
please to lay before the King their petition etc. as preceding.
As to the usefulness and advantage of the Bahama Islands, etc.
we have been so particular in our letter of 2nd Jan. and 4th
Feb. last, that we shall only desire you will take the first opportunity to lay the matter before H.M. for his directions with our
humble opinion that another Independent Company with
provisions and stores is absolutely necessary for the security
and protection of those Islands, and that such allowance as
H.M. shall think fit be made towards the great expence of the
fortifications. At the same time if you'l please to lay before
H.M. the great advantage it would be to our trade in America,
could we in imitation of the French find means to extend our
settlements towards the Bay of Mexico, especially at St.
Augustine which is to the southward of Carolina and in the
Gulph of Florida opposite to the Bahama Islands, this we should
hope might easily be compassed with a small expence especially
at present that we are at war with Spain, which would be a great
security to H.M. Plantations and an advantage to the trade of
Great Britain. [C.O. 24, 1. pp. 30–32.] |
| [Dec. 4.] |
475. Copy of the trial of 10 pirates condemned at Nassau,
New Providence by Governor, Judges and 7 Commissioners
appointed by him. 9th & 10th Dec. 1718. Two were reprieved.
With a description of their behaviour on the gallows etc. Signed,
Cha. Bywater, Registrar. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Buck
and Mr. Beauchamp, Read 4th Dec. 1719. 15 pp. [C.O.
23, 1. No. 18.] |
Dec. 5.
Whitehall. |
476. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Representation upon Lord A. Hamilton's Memorial, Sept. 4th (quoted).
We find ye allegations in the said Memorial to be true. If this
debt be not discharg'd it may have very ill consequences; for,
no man would for ye future advance any mony, even upon the
most pressing occasions for ye service of that Island in subsisting
the soldiers or otherwayes. This is a very just debt. The
mony advane'd was a very necessary service; for that ye
soldiers must have starv'd if they had not done it: the
Act for their additional subsistance being expiring, and the
Assembly not then sitting. For which reasons we are humbly
of opinion, that it is necessary the Lord Arch. and Council be
repaid the said mony with lawfull interest: But since ye
Assembly of Jamaica have absolutely refus'd to comply
therewith we must humbly submit to your Majesty what other
method shall be taken for doing the same. [C.O. 138, 16.
pp. 244–247.] |
Dec. 5.
Whitehall. |
477. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend Fra. Harrison for the Council of New York in place
of Killian Van Ranslaer decd. [C.O. 5, 1124. p. 120; and
5, 1079. No. 111.] |
Dec. 6.
Jamaica. |
478. Governor Sir N. Lawes to Chas. Delaffaye. Acknowledges letter relating to H.M. Storehouses. Continues: You
will observe by Sr. Wm. Beeston's bill of sale those store houses
were purchased for the use of H.M. ships of warr and other
occasions for H.M. publick stores but as it appears by the same
bill of sale they were built and the land paid for by Charles
Chaplin H.M. then Receiver Generall out of the publick revenue
of this Island granted by H.M. for the support of the Government and the contingent charges thereof, I conceive the direction
of them to be in me as H.M. Governor for the time being, the
Governor allways allowing the use of them to H.M. ships of warr
for their stores, but if their Excys. the Lords Justices should be
of opinion that the sole disposall and direction of them is vested
in the Lords of the Admiralty I shall very readily submitt to
their Excys. judgment. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Duplicate.
1p. [C.O. 137, 46. No. 38.] |
Dec. 6.
Jamaica. |
479. Same to Council of Trade and Plantations. Acknowledges letter etc. of July 9th, and has communicated H.M.
Orders in Council, repealing Acts, (v. 26th May) to the Council
and Assembly. Encloses Receiver Generall's last half year's
accts. and Navall Officer's quarterly lists etc. Continues:—But notwithstanding I have long since given the most strickt
orders to the proper officers (copy enclosed) to return to
me constant accounts of the number of inhabitants and of
births etc., yet it has not been possible hitherto to comply with
my promise to your Lordships, so soon as I can obtain such
accts. as may be depended upon, the same shall be transmitted
by the next opportunity. I shall communicate to the Assembly
what your Lordships write concerning the Act about trade to
Hispaniola, pass'd by Mr. Heywood. In my last, of the 30th of
July, I acquainted your Lordships, that we were going on with
great vigour in repairing our fortifycations and building a new
line at Port Royall, which is since finished, and called HanoverLine,
it is an incomparable peice of work, and will have the entire
command of the harbour, provided by your Lordships' intercession, his Majty. can be prevailed upon to give directions for
supplying us with two and thirty gunns, 36 pounders, to mount
thereon, with carriages and tackle etc. We have severall gunns
unserviceable which I intend to send to the Board of Ordnance,
by H.M. ships of warr, as opportunity offers, and I doubt not
but they will return us weight for weight of new mettall for old,
but the quantity being small, I intreat your Lordships will
interceed with H.M. in behalf of the country, to make up to
us the number of gunns, and of the size above mentioned. Our
fortifycation fund which was in bank, is already so far exhausted
by the late repairs that have been made, and by the building
of this line, that unless H.M. is graciously pleased to assit us
on this occasion. I'm apprehensive the country is so poor that
they will not be able to purchase that number of gunns in a
considerable number of years, so that we shall not reap any
benefit and advantage from this new line in case of an invasion.
The country and myself in particular, cannot but return your
Lordships our most humble thanks for your favourable representation that H.M. share of seizures may be applyed towards
the support of the Government of this his island. I beg leave
by this to explain more fully what I meant, 31st Jan., in relation
to the passing a perpetuall Revenue Bill, with clauses to enforce
here some of the Statute Laws of England, etc. The Common
Law of England, so far as concerns the life, limb or property of
the subject, the people here were ever governed by, and think
they have an undoubted right to the Statute Law, wherein the
Plantations are named, or not circumscribed to particular
bounds, but express'd at large within the Dominions of
England, or such Acts of Parliament as are declaratory of
the Common Law or confirmation thereof, we think ourselves
entituled to, and the Courts of Law have always judged and
determined accordingly. But whereas it has been disputed
whether the Acts for preventing frauds and perjurys, and the
Habeas Corpus Act, were in force here, or not, I am of opinion
the Assembly will insist to have that doubt removed. Encloses
copy of preceding. Continues: I was in hopes by this conveyance to have sent your Lordships the Minutes of the Council,
but the frequent deaths and removails that have lately happenn'd
to officers, and the hurry of business which the present person
officiateing has of late been in, prevents my sending them at
this time, but your Lordships may depend of haveing them
transmitted by the first opportunity. Refers to letter of 28th
April relating to the sureties for the sloops, since which, the writt
of error brought by Capt. Jennings before me in Council, as a
Court of Appeals, upon a judgment obtained on his bond for
£1500 in the Grand Court, come to a hearing some days ago,
and the Council have reversed the said judgment. Mr. Bonfils
has desired leave to appeal to H.M. in Council; which I have
granted him, and H.M. determination in this affair will be a
guidance with respect to the putting in suit the bonds given by
the other surties. Refers to Minutes of Council and enclosure i.
Continues: There is one thing more, which I beg leave to mention, that when H.M. is pleased to make peace with Spain,
to have an Article inserted in the Treaty, allowing us to cut
logwood in the Bay of Campeche, this would not only be a
considerable advantage to Great Britain, but to this Island in
particular, and be the best means I can think of, to bring the
pyrates to become good subjects, if we had a settlemt. there;
and it would likewise be an employment to severall of our seafareing people, who for want of encouragement here, go a
roveing about, etc. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Endorsed, Recd.
1st Feb., Read 2nd Nov. 1720. 5¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
479. i. Same to Same. Reply to queries of July 9th. (i)
Ever since my arrivall I have constantly recommended
to the magistrates of the severall precincts, from which
such accts. [of the numbers of inhabitants] must be
collected, the returning me proper accots. thereof, but
finding them dilatory. I did on 20th May last issue a
possitive order under my hand and seall directed to the
severall custos's of the Island (enclosure iii), but as yet
I have not received from them satisfactory accounts.
(ii) By what information I have been able to obtain,
the inhabitants have not much increased, tho' severall
new settlements have been made. The men listed in
the severall regiments = 2,700 or 3,000, much about
the same as in the last accounts sent home in Lord A.
Hamilton's Government. (iii) I am of opinion few
or none have or will remove from this Island (except
in case of sickness) to settle in any other of H.M.
Collonies, this being as fruitfull and plentifull a country,
and the product as advantageous to the Planter, as
any of H.M. Collonies whatever. (iv) I am sorry to
acquaint your Lordships, that our commerce to the
Spanish coast (which is the only trade that makes us
returns in gold and silver) has for late years considerably decay'd, the most conversant Spanish
merchants we have here, attributes this to the vast
quantity of European commodities which the French
carried into the South Seas on the late Treaty of Peace,
which so overstockt their marketts that the goods
are not yet consum'd and the merchts. and traders
which formerly used to come from Panama and other
parts in the South Seas to Porta Bell etc. to purchase
the commodities sent from this Island, which chiefly
used to consist of the Brittish manufactories, have of
late years been supplyed with these commodities from
the ports in the South Sea's, and the South Sea Compa.
haveing then had the Assiento, consequently debarr'd
our Free Trade with negroes; but I'm in hopes those
inconveniences which the Trade of this Island has
lately laboured under will now speedily be removed
from the necessity the Spaniards continually must
be under of being supplyed with negroes to work in
their mines, and from a demand of European manufactors which they must needs have in a short time,
the supply they lately had from France being now
allmost exhausted. (v) I know no other method [of
preventing illegal trade] then putting the Laws of
England which include the Plantations with respect
to Trade and Navigation, and the laws of the Island
which relate thereto, punctually in execution, and I
have stricktly commanded H.M. Patent Officers and
others concerned, diligently to observe their duty,
and that the laws be duely complyed with. (vi) Refers
to Naval Officer's accounts enclosed. I have required
of the Navall Officer a distinct list which shall be
transmitted etc. (vii) As to what manufactories
are settled in this Island, tho' we have severall things
that this country produces, which will make very
valuable manufactors, such as cotton, etc. yet the
artificers and labourers that comes from Europe,
that should work them, so soon grow lazy and indolent,
that at this present juncture, I do not know of any one
house for manufacturies in the Island, so that everything of apparell we wear, is of the manufactor of
Europe, and consequently they must come to us directly
from Great Brittain. (viii) For annual produce, refers
to Naval Officer's lists and the Custom House. (ix)
Trade with foreign Plantations. We have a frequent
intercourse of trade with the Plantations on the
Continent of North America, vizt. from New York,
they bring us flower, staves, pitch and starr etc., from
Virginia the product of that country, Pensilvania
flower etc., Carolina rice, pork, flower etc., New
England and Philadelphia lumber of all sorts; in
return whereof to all the above-named places we send
them most, partly rum and sugar and mony, and the
commodities we have from foreign Plantations is
cheifly gold and silver, cochineal, logwood and other
dying woods, mules, coacoa etc., which is in return to
negroes and all other European commodities, but
more particularly Brittish manufactors which we send
them. (x) As to the tenth querry, it consists of so
many particulars and severall of them altogether out
of my power to give your Lordships a distinct accot.,
I hope, you will excuse me if I am not so particular in
my answer etc. As to the methods used to encourage
our neighbouring Colonies, the French on Hispaniola
have an exceeding good method in peopling and
settleing that Island the King of France oblidges every
merchant ship that traders to that Colony to carry over
a man with his wife and family more or less according
to the burthen of the ship and when they arrive there
they have a peice of land allotted to them and credit
given them for a negro two or three out of a publick
fund to help them to cultivate and manure this ground
they entring into bond to repay the King with interest
what the negroes are valued at out of the first produce
of the said land which done the said land and negroes
becomes legally vested in them etc. This makes them
become fix'd settlers and industrious planters, and I
wish such a method could be proposed to settle this
Colony for I am intirely of opinion that this Island if
ever throughly settled must be by industrious men
with their wives and family's and not by runagadoes
and a loose sort of people who are sent over servants
for a term of years. (xi) The Naval Officer's accounts
show that we are supplyed from the Norward Plantations with flower, pork etc., but its from Ireland we are
cheifly supplyed with salt beef, butter, herrings etc.
We are supplyed from no other place but Great Brittain
with manufacturis. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Same
endorsement. 7½ pp. |
|
479. ii. Same to Same. Jamaica, Dec. 6, 1719. Since I
had last the honour of writeing, 30th July, the Council
have agreed with me in calling of an Assembly which
met on 20th Oct. last etc. Refers to enclosures iv, v.
Continues: The first thing they went upon was
appropriateing £4000 of the mony lying in Mr. Wyllis's
hands Commissr. of the Deficiency Law past by
Mr. Heywood towards the supressing rebellious and
runaway negroes who have lately committed severall
outrages and have appeared in great numbers in
and about the remote settlements, the Assembly have
orderr'd this mony to be put into the hands of H.M.
Receiver Generall and the Council makeing no objections to any part of the Bill, I readily gave my consent
to it. They have appointed Committees to bring in
severall bills, but many of them deserving mature
deliberation and the Grand Court and Christmass
Hollidays being so near at hand I did with the
advice of the Council and at their own desire adjourn
the Assembly untill the 12th Jan. next at which time
I'm in hopes they will meet and go through the publick
business with vigour and dispatch, their disposition
to it appearing hitherto with a better aspect then in
the last Assembly. I shall endeavour all I can to
perswade them seriously to consider on the accomplishing those good ends which H.M. has been pleased so
graciously and tenderly to recommend to them for
their own good and the future prosperity of this Island.
The Council and Assembly have join'd with me in an
Humble Address of thanks to H.M. for his tender care
of them, and haveing desired me to transmitt the same
in the most acceptable manner, it goes by this conveyance to Mr. Secretary Craggs, and I humbly beg
your Lordships countenance to it, that it may meet
with a favourable reception from H.M. Your Lordships will please to observe by my Speech, that I have
again recommended to them H.M. commands with
respect to the payment of my Lord Archibald Hamilton
they are not yet come to any resolution on that
paragraph nothing shall be wanting in me to perswade
them to comply with an Act of so much justice. I
shall not omitt in obedience to your Lordships commands of transmitting my reasons for passing such
Acts as shall be thought for the publick service etc.
Signed and endorsed as preceding. 2½ pp. |
|
479. iii. Copy of order by Governor Sir N. Lawes to Custodes
Rotulorum to return lists of the inhabitants of the
respective parishes. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
479. iv. Copy of Governor Sir N. Lawes's Speech to the
Assembly, 20th Oct. 1719. Same endorsement. Printed
by R. Baldwin. 4 pp. |
|
479. v. (a) Address of the Assembly of Jamaica to Governor
Sir N. Lawes, Oct. 29, 1719. Printed (by R. Baldwin.
Price one ryal). 1 p. Overleaf, |
|
479. v. (b) Reply to preceding. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. ½ p. |
|
479. vi. Address of the Governor. Council and Assembly
of Jamaica to the King. We do most chearfully
embrace this first opportunity to congratulate your
Majesty as well upon the success of your arms against
your rebellious subjects in North Britain as upon the
disapointment of the invasion designed by the
Spaniards in favour of the Pretender. And we do
crave leave to represent to your Majty. how highly
sensible we are of your Majtys. great care and goodness
towards this Island express'd in so many instancies
and more especially in sending us ships of warr for
the defence of our coast and the protection of our trade.
It shall be on all occasions our perpetuall care and
study to make your Majty. all suitable returns etc.
Same endorsement. 1½ pp. |
|
479. vii. Copy of No. 478. |
|
479. viii. Account of H.M. fortifications at Jamaica, 29th
Sept., 1719. Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
|
479. ix. Account of H.M. Revenue in Jamaica, 29th Sept.,
1719. Total, £10,839 19s. 0½d. Balance, £7,616 11s.
3¼d. Same endorsement. 4 pp. [C.O. 137, 13. Nos.
39, 39.i.–ix.: and (without enclosures) 138, 16. pp.
256–265.] |
Dec. 7.
Boston, New England. |
480. Governor Shute to the Council of Trade and Plantations. This acknowledges the honour of your Lordsps. letter
of the 4th of June, which came not to my hands untill the 5th
of October following. Refers to letters of 26th June and 29th
Sept. I shall take care for the future to send the affairs relating
to each Province in seperate letters. The accompts of the
Revenue have been constantly sent ever since they were required etc. Refers to letter of 9th Sept. I sent to the Secretary
of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, who tells me he has
constantly every half year sent the Minutes of Council and
Acts of Assembly to Mr. Secretary Popple and that he has
acknowledged the receipt of them. I also sent to the Clerk
of the Council of New Hampshire, to acquaint him that the
Minutes of Council from the latter end of 1716 were wanting,
who assures me that they were all sent. However I have
ordered them to be transcribed again, and shall send them by
the next ship. I have constantly taken care to remitt all papers,
that any of my predecessors ever did and all the accompts that
your Lordsps. have required, and shall for the future carefully
continue so to do, but if there are any other matters relating
to my Governments which the Honble. Board require, I shall
be ready to send them upon the first notification if its practicable for Charter Governments are in many circumstances very
different from those that are more immediately under H.M.
directions. I shall take care that Mr. Bridger shall have all the
assistance and countenance that possible I can give him towards
the securing of H.M. woods, and have given instructions to the
Officers of H.M. Customs to search every ship that sailes from
this port, that so no timber may be shipped to Spain. Your
Lordsps. are pleased to observe that you find many things
relating to my governments printed in the publick news papers
of which I had given the Honble. Board no manner of accompt;
in answer to which, I assure you, that it is without my knowledge or direction, so that I cannot be accountable for them.
Your Lordsps. mention you are surprized that I did not acknowledge the receipt of H.M. Additional Instructions (v. June 4) etc.
That Order tho' it bore date the 27th of Sept. 1717 came not
to my hand untill the latter end of May, 1718. Upon the
receipt of it, I wrote to Mr. Agent Dummer to acquaint the
Honble. Board that I had received the order, and to desire to
know whether this new order did affect the small impost and
powder money which had been allowed here for thirty years
past without the least forbidance; who wrote in answer, that
your Lordsps. would not allow it; whereupon at the next
meeting of the Assembly I did with great difficulty put a stop
to it. As to the papers relating to Canso Mr. Dummer owned
the receipt of them and assured me that he laid them before
your Lordsps. and the reason why I sent them to him was that
they might the more securely be delivered. The same ship
that brought me H.M. Sollicitor General opinion about the tryal
of the pirates, brought me an Act of Parliament against
clandestine running of uncustomed goods which I have given
to the Collector of the Customs in which Act I find great complaints made by the Commissioners or Principal Officers of
H.M. Navy, that pitch and tarr brought from the Plantations
is frequently mixed with dross or water etc., whereupon I have
given the necessary directions to prevent the same for the
future. I have also received directions for the raising of hemp
and making of turpintine which I have ordered to be printed
and dispersed in the country; as also an Act passed in relation
to making lands and tenements liable to pay debts, in which
the clause objected against will be altered and sent for H.M.
approbation. I shall take care that all the private Acts made,
shall be sent to the Honble. Board, and have given orders to
the Secretary of the Province, that when any Act shall be passed
relating to any private person or persons that he acquaint such
person or persons that if he or they do not appoint some Agent
in England to sollicit the dispatch of it, it will lye unconfirmed,
etc. I am sorry I must acquaint you the paper bills still
continue to sink in their value, for since my first arrival they
were but at £60 p.c. discount and now they are in three years
risen to £120. And though my head has been turn'd to find
out some proper remedy, yet at present I am not capable of
assigning any proper measures for redressing it, for want of
some other medium of trade, but hope in a short time I may be
able to propose somthing to the Honble. Board for their
consideration. I have received Capt. Scott's bond and have
delivered it to the Attorney Genl., who will put it in suit, whenever the parties that are bound shall be found, and shall do my
utmost indeavours that the great number of British seamen
and servants that used to be carried from Newfoundland to
New England by New England ships, be discouraged and
prevented. The Assembly of this Province has been sitting ever
since I received your Lordsps. letter, which has kept me constantly imployed, so that I have not had leasure to take under
my consideration the querys, (v. June 4) which will require
time and deliberation, but shall endeavour to transmit answers
so soon as I have received just informations and well weighed
them etc. Our neighbouring Indians still continue to be at
peace with us, but the Jesuits that are sent among them from
the French Governments are constantly indeavouring to instill
evil principles in them and to induce them, to break the peace
that I have since my arrival concluded with them; which if
it should happen would prove to be fatal to our new settlements
at the eastward etc. M. Vaudrevill, to whom I have often
sent and writ, has refused to restore our captives etc. (v. 9th
Sept.). Signed, Samll. Shute. Endorsed, Recd. 11th Jan.,
Read 3 Augt. 1720. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 867. No. 65.] |
| Dec. 8. |
481. Caveat by Daniel Coxne, against an Act of New Jersey
for running the line of partition between the Eastern and Western
divisions etc. Prays to be heard against it, when it is considered
etc. Signed, Dan. Coxe. Endorsed, Recd. 8th Dec., 1719.
Read 28th Nov. 1728. 1 p. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V., 534.
[C.O. 5, 972. ff. 172, 175 v.] |
Dec. 9.
Whitehall. |
482. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Report
upon Act of Pennsylvania investing the estate of Wm. Clarke in
Trustees etc. Quote objections offered Oct. 6 and Nov. 18.
Recommend that, for the injustice in the said Act, it be
disallowed etc. [C.O. 5, 1293. pp. 226–228.] |
| Dec. 10. |
483. Extract of letter from the General Court of the
Massachusetts Bay to their Agent. You are doubtless inform'd
that the duty of one per cent on British goods and tunnage in
their shipping was not laid this year, so that they are now free,
which you will carefully represent to our advantage. The
great precaution which you observ'd in declining to lay that
matter before the Board of Trade, when you had discover'd
that it would be disagreeable, we highly approve. Signed,
Jer. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Dummer) 15th,
Read 16th March, 1720/1. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 39, 40v.] |
| Dec. 14. |
484. Petition of Capt. John Evans, R.N. to the King.
Prays to be restored to his grant of land, vacated by the Act
of New York for vacating grants etc. Subscribed, |
|
484. i. Mr. Secretary Craggs to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. St. James's. 14th Dec. 1719. Refers
preceding for their report. Signed, J. Craggs.
Endorsed, Recd. 21st Jan., Read 16th Feb., 1719/20.
1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1052. ff. 3, 3v., 4v.; and 5, 1124.
pp. 125–127.] |
Dec. 15.
London. |
485. Mr. Cumings to Mr. Popple. The Council of Trade
and Plantations having desired an account of the fishery of
New England the last year, I beleive it might amount to 150,000
qtls. including haddock, hake and pollock which wee call refuse
which with the refuse codd is exported for the West Indies the
marchantable being shiped for European markets the price
of marchantable codd was 26s. pr. qtll. that money and refuse
codd 15s. If the fishery att Canso was promoted and protected
might be largely improved. Signed, Archd. Cumings. Endorsed, Recd. 21st., Read 22nd Dec., 1719. Addressed. ¾ p.
[C.O. 5, 867. No. 58.] |
Dec. 16.
Boston. |
486. Mr. Willard to Mr. Popple. Illness of a tertian ague
and the session of the General Assembly has delayed dispatch
of sessional papers etc. Signed, Josiah Willard. Endorsed,
Recd. 28th Jan. 1719/20. Read 8th June, 1721. Addressed. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 868. ff. 55, 56 v.] |
Dec. 22.
Whitehall. |
487. Mr. Popple to Mr. Nivine. The Council of Trade and
Plantations have appointed 8th Jan. to hear what you have
to offer on the Act of Antegoa to indemnify Anthony Brown and
John Elliot etc. Similar letter to Mr. Marsh, the Solicitor on
the other side. [C.O. 153, 13. p. 450.] |
Dec. 22.
London. |
488. Memorial from Governor Hunter to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. By late advices he apprehends that
the present President has an intention to breake into the
measures that the Governor had with much labour setled for
the peace of that countrey and H.M. true interests, contrary
to a letter of advice deliver'd over to him in and approved
by the Council. Particularly he has begun with the change of
some of the principal in the magistracy which they believe will
be followed by that of all the rest, in order to a dissolution of
this present Assembly, the most dutifull to their Sovereign
and the most attentive to the true interests of the Colony that
the Province could ever boast of. Submits that H.M. be advis'd
to signify his pleasure to the President in Council that no alterations be made but what shall appear by advice of the Council
there to be of absolute necessity, and that he by no means
dissolve or suffer to dissolve for want of due prorogations this
present Assembly etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 22nd Dec. 1719. Holograph. 1½ pp. Set out, N.Y. Col.
Docs. V. 534. [C.O. 5, 1051. No. 103; and 5, 1124.
pp. 121, 122]. |
Dec. 23.
Whitehall. |
489. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Enclose preceding and recommend that instructions
be sent as therein proposed. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 535.
[C.O. 5, 1124. pp. 122, 123; and (corrected draft) 5, 1079.
No. 112.] |
| [Dec. 23.] |
490. Governor Johnson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Before I had honour of your letter or had heard of
any complaints made from England of the badness of pitch and
tarr exported from this Province, we were sensible of the great
abuses amongst ourselves and to remedy soe growing an evill,
an Act was past to appoint a certain number of packers upon
oath to gage what barrells of pitch and tarr should be shipped
of, and to se that the same was good merchantable commoditys
under certain penaltys as the said Act directs. Since I have
received your Lordships' letter I have issued out a Proclamation
to enforce the said Law etc. Hopes that no more complaints
will be made etc. "but that those goods (the staple of our
country) will bear an equall if not a larger price than from any
other part of America." Signed, Robt. Johnson. Endorsed,
Recd. 23rd Dec., 1719. Read 29th Jan., 1719/20. 1 p. [C.O.
5, 1265. No. 139.] |
Dec. 24.
Bermuda |
491. Lt. Governor Bennett to Mr. Popple. Encloses papers
to be laid before the Board. Continues:—I understand my
invective enemys continue their base contrivances to hurt me, for
they now report I have amast a great summe of money and that
I desire to be recalled, which occasioned (as I hear) several to
apply for this Govermt., but finding that would not doe, then
I was said to be dead; As for the first I desire yor. consideration
whether its possible for me to have gotten £30,000: (the summe
they talk of) when my salary is but £340 p. ann. from the
Treasury and as for my perquisites I solemnly declare they doe
not mentain me, but supposeing I were worth soe much I should
not in honour dureing the warr desire to quit etc. Acknowledges with gratitude his generous friendship etc. Signed, Ben.
Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. 29th Feb., Read 7th July, 1720.
Holograph. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 37, 10. No. 14.] |
Dec. 24.
Bermuda. |
492. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers
to letter of 8th June. Continues: On 20th of same month I
received the duplicate of yor. Lordps' date 14th Oct., 1718,
but the original has not come to hand. Acknowledges Commissions for pardoning and trying pirates etc. Encloses Naval
Officer's lists Oct. 1715–1718. For what were wanting before,
they are (as far as I am capable) a transcribeing, but there being
soe few clarks here, makes business goe on slow, therefore hope
nothing will be imputed as a neglect in me; nor can Capt.
Tucker the Secretary for the same reason provide me with
such transcripts for transmission as I require of him pursuant
to my Instructions, but says all the expedition possible is
makeing to qualifie him to perform his duty; and as for the
Journals of the Assembly wanting, the Speaker assures their
Clark is employ'd in copying them: soe that I pray yor. Lordps.
to believe I doe all I can to behave myself blameless: And as
to what mistakes have been made in passing of Acts care shall
be taken for the future. A New York privateer and two others
from this country have brought in here four prizes, particulars
whereof with their tryals I shall trouble your Lordps. with
by the first opportunity after haveing copys. There has been
lately an intention of blowing up the Magazine in the town of
St. Georg's, but was happily prevented by the matches being
discovered that were laid in order to compleat that horrid
villainy, but who were concern'd in the design is not yet known,
but believed to be the privateers, their richest prize (a Dutch
trader) being cleared haveing noe contraband goods on board,
which soe incensed them that several have been heard to rail
on the Judges of the Admiralty and threaten revenge. Refers
to enclosure ii. Capt. Martindale is a sensible man and doe
verily believe what he reports is true. Encloses Journals of
Assembly 1st March, 1708–12th April, 1714. What remains
untranscrib'd shall be sent in my next etc. Signed, Ben. Bennett.
Endorsed, Recd. 25th Feb., Read 7th July, 1720. Holograph.
2½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
492. i. Address of the Governor, Council, Assembly, Clergy,
officers and other principal inhabitants of Bermuda to
the King. We adore the Divine Providence which so
seasonably interposed, and disappointed the attempts
of yor. Majesty's enemies both at home and abroad,
and gratefully do acknowledge that great care your
Majesty has taken to secure to us our rights and
priviledges etc. Your Majesty has justly entred into a
war with the King of Spain, who assumes to support
a vain Pretender to your Crown etc. With hearts full
of duty we will use our best endeavours to discourage
all designs to weaken your authority etc. Return
thanks for appointment of Benjamin Bennett etc. He
leaves nothing undone to distinguish himself as
becomes a vigillant and prudent Governour, and
wholly devoted to yor. Majesty's interest etc. Same
endorsement. 1 p. |
|
492. ii. Journal of William Martindale, Commander of the
sloop Beersheeba, recently arrived in Bermuda from
Providence. Dec. 3, 1719, I came to anchor in Harbour
Island, about 16 leagues from Providence; the same
day came in Richard Clarke in a privateer sloop commissioned from Rhoad Island having 38 men and also
Paul Miller in another privateer sloop with 42 men
commissioned from New York. Dec. 5th. About 50
hands from the said privateers did endeavour to set
fire to the houses in Harbour Island but some of the
inhabitants prevented their design; however they did
cut and wound many of them; who retreated to the
Garrisson from whence they fired severall small arms
which killed one of them and wounded another
through the arm. Dec. 8th. Governour Rogers having
an account of the aforesd. mutiny sent Capts. Porter
and White two privateers of Providence to bring the
Commanders of both the others to Providence. 16th.
The Flambrough man of warr sailed on a cruce bound
for the coast of Florida and Cuba. Advice from Jamaica
say that Capt. Bonivea commissioned from thence
with 60 hands or thereabouts; took one Capt. Tunjoe
Commander of a Spanish privateer from Cuba she
having 160 men on board; the English Commander
carried the said Spanish privateer into Jamaica, they
ingaged several hours and many men were killed and
wounded on both sides. Further advice from Jamaica
say that Capt. Merrychap of Jamaica in a privateer with
68 men; ingaged with a Spanish privateer with 140 men
from Leverdecruce; she had 160,000 peices of eight
on board; they were lashed board and board for four
hours; both Commanders were killed and many of
the Spaniards; the English quitted her for want of
ammunition. By a further account from Jamaica
the Dutch Dogger brought in by Capt. Hichford
Commander of a privateer from York; was cleared
by the Admiralty Court in Jamaica; one of H.M.
ships of warr from England arrived there soon after,
the Commander whereof seized her and unladed her
and put the cargo in warehouses, till he receives
advice from home by reason of her being taken on
the Spanish coast and having on board Spanish commodities (vizt.) cucao and hydes. (19th). I sailed
from Providence at which time the two privateers
sent to Harbour Island were not returned nor no
account of their proceedings. Same endorsement.
Copy. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 37, 10. Nos. 15, 15. i., ii.; and
(abstract of preceding covering letter), 37, 24. pp. 6, 7.] |
Dec. 24.
S. Carolina. |
493. The "new pretended" Council and Assembly of S.
Carolina to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The great
extremitys H.M. subjects of South Carolina were reduced to
by the confused negligent and helpless Government of the Lords
Proprietors over them, endangering the utter loss of this part
of H.M. Dominions in America forced us as the only means
for our preservation to renounce all obedience to the Lords and
to throw ourselves at the foot of the Throne of his most Sacred
Majesty King George; humbly imploring him that he will be
pleased to take us into his imediate protection and Government; and as the pressing necessitys the said inhabitants lay
under admitted of no delays, they made choice of their Representatives to meet in convention, to proceed in this affair with
all possible decorum which so speedy a remedy could admit of.
The danger which we expect this Settlement may suddenly fall
under pressing us to be very expeditious in our resolves and
being very desierous that your Lordships should be made
acquainted with the steps we have taken for our preservation
and that our ardent zeal and good inclinations to H.M., and that
the perilous condition of this Settlement may be laid before
H.M., we would not omit giving your Lordships some short
account of our grievances and proceedings by a ship which is
ready to sail for Great Britain; and do intend by the very next
oppertunity to inform your Lordships of all the miserys and
misfortunes which have attended us under the Proprietors
Government. The continual incursions and depredations on
our frontiers made by the Spaniards, and Indians (which seldom
give any quarters) incited and incouraged thereto by the Spanish
garrison at St. Augustine, and the repeated advices we have
received of the warlike preparations making at the Havana
and several other Spanish Ports in order to subdue and make a
compleat conquest of this Province now in a feeble condition
to make resistance, being exhausted by the late terrible Indian
war, the vast expence we have been at in subduing the pyrates
for the defence of trade and the wretched condition our fortifications are in being demolished by hurricanes, and the small
means we have left of putting ourselves in a posture of defence
being defeated and deprived of the means thereof by the confused constitution of the Lords Proprietors Government over
us, are but branches and parts of our misfortunes. The powerful settlement the French are now making within the limits of
the Lords Proprietors Charter, and their building forts within
the territories of this Province notwithstanding the many
applications made to the Lords Proprietors to prevent it, and
to send us succour for our defence, has already had this very
ill effect that almost all the Nations of Indians to the S.W. of
this Settlement have withdrawn their obedience from the
British Government and depend wholy on the Crown of France.
Whereby under God nothing can save this Settlement from
falling into the hands of France upon the first warr with that
Crown, and even Virginia and other H.M. Dominions in North
America will thereby be in very great danger. As for the many
other insupportable grievances, we lye under with respect to
the Lords Proprietors Government care shall be taken to
transmit them to your Lordships by the first oppertunity.
The Representatives of H.M. subjects in South Carolina meeting
in convention, having taken these things into their serious
consideration have unanimously renounced all obedience to
the Lords Proprietors and their power, and thrown themselves
under H.M. imediate Government, and they having first offered
the administration thereof exclusive of the Lords Proprietors
to the Honble. Robert Johnson Esqr. their then Governour,
and he refusing the same, have prevailed upon the Honble.
Colo. James Moore Esq. a person zealous for and well affected
to H.M. person to accept of the Government of this settlement
on H.M. behalf untill H.M. pleasure be further declared therein.
These with great submission we esteem to be the onely proceedings we could make towards preserving this H.M. Colony
and untill we can send them to your Lordships at large, we
hope that no false glosses or misrepresentations that may be
put upon and made of our actions, will induce your Lordships
to believe that we had any other views in this affair, but the
honr. of His most sacred Majesty King George, as a truely
loyal people and the safety and preservation of this settlement.
Signed, by order of the Commons House of Assembly, T. Hepworth, Speaker; Hovenden Walker, Richd. Allen, Sam.
Eveleigh, George Chicken, Thos. Smith, Alexandr. Parris,
Richd. Beresford, Council. Endorsed, Recd., Read 18th Feb.,
1719/20. Addressed. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 142.] |
Dec. 24.
Boston, N. England. |
494. Governor Shute to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of 7th Dec., and encloses Minutes of
Council and Assembly of New Hampshire since his arrival.
Continues: I observe in your Lordsps.' letters that I should
have specifyed the vacancies in the Council of New Hampshire,
etc. One I have been obliged according to my Instructions to
supply because there was not the number of seven, his name is
Thomas Paker Esq., he was Speaker of the House of Representatives and has a good estate and succeeds John Smith
Esq. who would not accept it. Thomas Atkinson and Richard
Gerrish Esqs. are dead and Thomas Phipps Esq. that was
appointed a Counciller will not accept of it, to supply which
vacancys I humbly propose Archibald Mackphædris, Nicholas
Gilman and Peter Ware etc. P.S.—The boundaries of New
Hampshire with a map shall be transmitted in the spring etc.;
as also an answer to the Queries relating to that Province
where at present everything is quiet. Signed, Samll. Shute.
Endorsed, Recd. 27th Jan., Read 4th Aug., 1720. 2 pp.
[C.O. 5, 867. No. 71]. |
| Dec. 25. |
495. Office expences of the Board of Trade, Sept. 29—Dec. 25, 1719. v. Journal of Council. [C.O. 388, 77. Nos.
66, 68, 70]. |
Dec. 26.
Whitehall. |
496. Mr. Secretary Craggs to Peter Schuler, President of
the Council in New York. The King having received information, that, since the administration of the Government of
New York has devolved upon you by the absence of Brigadier
Hunter you have begun to make such alterations in the magistracy, as may be prejudicial to H.M. service, if your further
proceeding therein be not prevented. I am hereby to signify
H.M. express commands to you, that you do not make any
other alterations than such as shall be thought by the Council
to be absolutely necessary, and particularly, that you do not
presume to dissolve the present Assembly, or suffer the
same to be dissolved for want of due prorogations, till H.M.
further pleasure be known. Signed, J. Craggs. Mem. Delivered
to Col. Hunter, to be forwarded by him etc. [C.O. 324, 33.
p. 258]. |
Dec. 27.
Charles Towne, S. Carolina. |
497. Governor Johnson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I think it my duty to acquaint your Lordps. of the
extraordinary event that has hapned in this Province; The
people labouring under very great taxes and debts occasioned
by the Indian war, the intelligence we have of the designes
of the Spanniards attacking the place, and the unhappy
situation they are in as a frontier to the Spanniards, and at
present the great settlemts. the French are also makeing which
some time or other may prove fatall to them, and the continuall
danger of another Indian warr; and some differences lately
arisen betwixt the Lords Protrs. and the people about their
previllages, has stirred up the minds of severall of the richest
inhabitants who have put it in the heads of the Commonallity,
that neither they nor their posterity can be secure in their
persons or estates, and that the Province cannot long subsist,
without the imediate protection and assistance of the Crown.
have one step after another at last with one accord, disclaimed
any obedience to the Lords Proprietrs. and because my honr.
as being intrusted by their Lordps. would not permit me to
accept the Governmt. in any other manner, than as I was
commissioned, and because I had no power from H.M. so to do,
and did apprehend that wt. they were doing was ireguler they
have elected another, who has taken upon him to hold the
Governmt. in the King's name alone, till H.M. pleasure be
further known; I beleive they must do me the justice, that I
have always behaved myself with the greatest loyalty and
obedience to the King etc., and am unfortunate only, and have
lost my bread, for no other reason but because I had not the
honour to bere H.M. imediate Comission; I have apprized
the Lords Protrs. of the perticulers of this defection; I know
not how well pleasing the manner of doing this may be to the
King; but as by the Address of the People to me (the copy of
which I inclose) it appears I have not misbehaved myself,
nor that my maleadministration has occationed this; I presume
to hope for your Lordps. favours and recommendation of me
for Governour, in case H.M. takes it into his own hands. If not,
that I may be restored by his especiall order and command,
till such time as his pleasure be further known etc. The poor
proffits of the Govermt. at the best, the extraordinary expence
I was at, in suppressing severall pyrats, and the short time of
my being here (the extraordinary expence of my comming
over included) I am £1000 sterling worse by having ever had
it. Signed, Robt. Johnson. Endorsed, Recd. Read 24th
Feb. 1719/20. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
497. i. Address of the Representatives of South Carolina to
Governor Johnson, Charles Towne. It is no small
concern that we finde ourselves obliged to address yr.
Honr. in a matter for which nothing but the absolute
necessity of self preservation could have at this
juncture prevaled on us to do. The reasons are
already by us made known to yor. Honr. and ye
World. Therefore forbear to rehearse them but proceed and take leave to assure you that it is the greatest
satisfaction immaginable to us to finde throughout
all ye country what universall affection difference
and respect the inhabitants bear to yor. Honrs. person
and with what passionate desire they wish for a continuance of yor. gentle and good administracon, and
since wee who are intrusted with and are the assertors
of their rights and liberties are unanimously of oppinion
that no person is fitter to govern so loyall and obedient
a people to His most Sacred Majesty King George
so we most earnestly desire and intreat yor. Honr.
to take upon you the Government of this Province
in H.M. name till his pleasure shall be known, by which
means we are convinced that this (at present) unfortunate Collony may florish as well as those who feal
the happy influence of H.M. imediate care. As the
well-being and preservation of this Province depends
greatly on yor. Honors. complying with our requests
so we flatter ourselves that you who have exprest so
tender a regard for it on all occasions and perticularly
in hazarding yor. own person in an expedicon against
the pyrats for its defence an example seldome found
in Governours, so we hope Sir. that you will exart
yourself at this juncture for its support as we promise
yor. Honour on our parts the most faithfull assistance
of persons duly senceable of yor. Honrs. great goodness, and big with ye hopes and expectations of H.M.
protection and continuance, and wee will in the most
dutifull manner address his most sacred Majesty for
the continuance of yor. Government over us under
whome we doubt not to be a happy people. Signed,
Saml. Jones, Paul Hambilton, Hugh Hext, Richd.
Harris, Jno. Raven, Wm. Elliot, Thos. Lynch, Jonathn.
Drake, Tho. Hepworth, Andr. Allen, Jos. Morton,
Jno. Godfrey, Jno. Gendron, Jno. Williams, Danl.
Huzer, Richd. Smith, Wm. Wilkins, Ar. Middleton,
Geo. Logan, Alexr. Skene, Xep. Wilkinson, Richd.
Beresford, Jono. Fenwick, Benja. Schenekingh, Geo.
Chicken, Wm. Dry, Walter Izard. Copy. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 1265. Nos. 143, 143. i.] |
Dec. 31.
Westminster. |
498. Copy of Privy Seal directing salaries to be paid to the
Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. As July 16,
1718, but substituting Earl of Westmorland for Earl of Holdernesse. (v. 11th May). Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 21st,
1719/20. 4 pp. [C.O. 388, 77. No. 71.] |
