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June 1.
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1493. Warrant for the ship William and Ann, of Bristol, of 200
tons and 20 men, to go to New England for fish, to proceed to a
market, and return to England. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II.,
Vol. XXV., p. 14.]
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June 3.
Barbadoes.
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1494. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to the King. Arrived April
23rd and has conquered Barbadoes, for the people are willing to lend
his Majesty more than he dare borrow ; yet borrow he must, for his
Majesty's revenue is already indebted more than will be paid during
his life, besides the engagement to the Earl of Carlisle's creditors,
whereof he will send the Lord Treasurer a plain account. This
island has done great things of late for preserving of Nevis,
and therefore begs his Majesty for his own sake to send 40 good
great guns, without which he cannot defend the shipping from
"pitiful pikeroons," though in harbour. For his own part, is like to
get nothing but honour, and that on hard terms, and 'tis satisfaction
enough if he can preserve his Majesty's ; so again beseeches his
Majesty to send him three or four nimble fifth-rate frigates and great
guns, with good store of great shot. If in this bold address he
appears not a good courtier will endeavour to prove an obedient and
loyal subject. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 54.]
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June 5.
Virginia.
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1495. Gov. Sir Wm. Berkeley to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Age and
misfortunes have withered his desires as well as his hopes. Though
ambition commonly leaves sober old age covetousness does not. Has
done the King and his blessed father all faithful services ; solicits
the customs of 200 hogsheads of tobacco he has now sent home.
His brother, who is the cause of his bold request, will solicit his
Lordship for the grant. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 55.]
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June 5-8.
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1496. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Present : William
Lord Willoughby, Governor, Col. Philip Bell and Henry Drax, of the
Council. Proposals of the Governor to the Assembly : 1. To consider
about settling the militia and fortifying the island. 2. About quartering
350 soldiers under Sir Tobias Bridge at or near the seaports.
3. About the condition of Surinam, and what is to be done there.
4. To appoint Commissioners to examine the public levies and draw
a short Act to compel payment where they are behind. 5. To peruse
Mr. White's papers and consider what is fit to be done. 6. To draw
a letter to the Governor of New England for sending masts and other
necessaries.
June 8.Order to every housekeeper to deliver to the churchwarden
at his parish church a list of all Christian men in his
house or plantation ; and also the number of soldiers he is bound to
maintain by law ; also that the vestry, churchwardens, and housekeepers
meet as aforesaid the Assemblymen of their parish, who shall
give them further account of the intention of their meeting. 2 pp.
[Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., pp. 169, 170.]
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June 10.
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1497. Sir Thos. Langton, Mayor of Bristol, to Williamson. Sends
the names of the three Frenchmen who came from Barbadoes with
papers relating to them ; they are very inconsiderable persons. [Dom.,
Chas. II., Vol. CCIV., No. 35, Cal., p. 169.]
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June 15.
Nevis.
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1498. Lieut.-Gen. Henry Willoughby to his father Wm. Lord
Willoughby. Refers to enclosed account of what passed to the day
of his setting sail for St. Christopher's. On 6th at midnight set forward
"our design for St. Christopher," having resolved at a council
of war that the attempt should be made by daylight, but the boats
being somewhat scattered that opprotunity was lost, and the enemy
took the alarm. Next morning a landing was attempted near Pelham's
river, betwixt Basseterre and the Old Road, and a considerable
body got ashore without the loss of four men (sic), but by mistake of
the guide the party marched up a hill where the ground broke and
slid under them ; the enemy stoutly defended the place, but by the
assistance of concealed banks, barricadoes, and bushes, the enemy
flanked ours every way, galling them very much ; our men still
fought valiantly, but at last were forced to retreat after 2 hours
dispute, about 200, mostly wounded, being forced to lay down their
arms, and 150 killed. Was all the time of the fight rowing from
ship to ship near the shore to order the better to each their business.
Some were shot in the boats as well as on board, but though there
wanted not for deliberate counsel and valour in the soldiers, it pleased
God to give them a repulse. Returned to Basseterre Road and
received intelligence of further cruelties by instigation of the French
committed at Antigua by the Indians ; whereupon, as also in favour
of his wounded on shore, he made demands of the enemy, as the
enclosed will show. After receipt of their answer, finding the soldiers
somewhat dismayed at their repulse, it was not judged wisdom
at this time to put them on a new onset, but rather to flesh "them
with some hoped for success at Guadaloupe, Marigalante, and Martinico ;"
but his Lordship's letter of the 7th put more spirit into the
soldiers. Intends on 17th to set forward on that design, hoping that
his Lordship's recruits and these forces may meet to better purpose
against the enemy than hitherto ; but it may not be unseasonable for
his Lordship to afford all possible additional supplies of men. Morrice
and Godolphin arrived with the fleet at Basseterre, and with two
frigates battered at another place to divert the enemy while they
made the onset. It is judged that they slew 300 or 400 of the enemy,
and a man who was taken and afterwards escaped in one place saw
100 of them dead. Sir John Harman's fleet has arrived ; he is not
without hopes, after his return from Martinico, whither he is gone to
surprise a fleet, to be in a condition further to attempt some, if not all
the French islands, although no more forces be sent from Barbadoes.
3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 56.]
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June 15.
Boston.
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1499. Edward Rawson, Secretary to the Court of the Massachusetts,
to Col. Nicolls. His of the 9th May received from Sam.
Maverick, and communicated to the Governor and Council, who gave
Mavericke an opportunity to present the copy of his Majesty's
letter, and Nicolls' also with the instructions from the Commissioners
for the prize office. His Majesty's Commissioners were to
meet those of the States of Holland at Breda on 10 April for consummating
a happy peace. Incloses,
Same by order of the General Court to Same. His letter
with copy of the King's order received, whereby they understand
his Majesty's provision for the safe return of vessels to
England, which may suitably accommodate the affairs of his
Majesty's other Plantations, but prove full of inconvenience to
this colony. The season of returning their ships for England
has for many years been the beginning of winter, at which time
they will endeavour to attend his Majesty's order, but at other
times there are but few and of small burden that adventure to
Ireland, to hinder which till the stated days would prove of
more damage to his Majesty and themselves than advantage.
Are not also out of hope that before there be any need of
putting this order in execution the cause may be removed.
Have formerly been moved by himself, and since by what he
wrote to Major-General Leverett for their resolution for owning
his commission from the Lords Commissioners of the Prize
Office during the war with the Dutch. Have not till now had
any sight of their Lordships' instructions for his receiving his
Majesty's dues by prizes condemned in any of the Courts here,
but will duly promote in any orderly proceedings the advancements
of his Majesty's rights in that matter with safety to
their own rights and privileges according to patent. Boston,
1667, June 15. Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI.,
Nos. 57, 58.]
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June 19.
Barbadoes.
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1500. Sir James Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. It is now
full eight weeks and a day since his arrival here ; was going hence
in a vessel of 40 tons but Lord Willoughby contradicted it. Is
now once more on his voyage, having hired the Marygold of 20
guns for 200l., to carry him and his people down to Jamaica. Upon
Sir Jno. Harman's coming in with nine men-of-war on the 8th
wrote to Lord Willoughby to spare him one of his Majesty's ketches,
but was denied it. Sends copies of letter and reply. p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 59.]
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June 19.
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1501. Minute of the Council of Barbadoes. Christopher Codrington
was this day sworn of the Council. p. [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. XI., p. 170.]
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June 19.
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1502. Statement by Derrick Dieters, skipper of the Fortune
galliot of Hamburg, of the particulars of his voyage to Martinico
and traffic there. The French told him that since they took St.
Christopher's and Antigua they had taken Montserrat about 18 or
20 weeks since ; that young Willoughby was before St. Christopher's
with four frigates and 10 great merchantmen about 10 weeks since,
and that the English had burnt one Dutch and one French ship at
St. Christopher's. Did not hear of any of the French King's ships in
those parts, but saw 11 great French merchant ships, which came
from St. Christopher's upon advice or expectation of the English
fleet arriving there, and anchored at Martinico, first under the fort
and then in a close harbour, for more security against the English.
[Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCVI., No. 76, Cal. p. 211.]
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June 21.
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1503. John Sparke to Thos. Knight. Has news that 14 or 16
ships arrived yesterday at Plymouth, and that Montserrat, St.
Christopher's, and Antigua are possessed by the English. [Dom.,
Chas. II., Vol. CCVI., No. 117, Cal., p. 218.]
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1667?
[June 22.]
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1504. News letter addressed to Williamson. About the Allen of
Poole taken up by [Fras.] Lord Willoughby for the expedition to
the Leeward Isles which was taken and carried to Guadaloupe.
Arrival of two French vessels at Rochelle which escaped from
the English at the Leeward Isles ; also of George Sparkes at Plymouth,
by whom Lieut.-Gen. [Henry] Willoughby sent a packet
which was taken by the French ; as also the Jane of Dartmouth
and a ship from Guinea with 60 negroes. Indorsed, "Barbadoes,
Rec. June 22." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 60.]
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June?
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1505. Representation of the Governor and Council of Virginia
to the King. Being a full and particular relation of the depredations
of a Dutch fleet of four men-of-war in James river ; also of their
inability to build the fort commanded by his Majesty, and where
other forts are of more advantage to the colony, and of the ill
effects of Lord Baltimore's making void the cessation from planting
tobacco. Signed by Sir W. Berkeley, Tho. Ludwell, Ric. Bennett,
Robt. Smith, Ab. Wroth, Tho. Swann, Nathaniel Bacon, Thomas
Stegge, John Carter, Edward Carter, Geo. Reade, Theod. Blande, and
Augustine Warner. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 61.]
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1667.
June 24.
Virginia.
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1506. Thos. Ludwell, Sec., to (Sec. Lord Arlington). A very
particular relation of four Dutch ships coming into James river,
burning the Elizabeth frigate, and taking some merchantmen, which
misfortune the Governor would have repaired by fitting out ships
and fighting them, but the enemy was gone before he could get
them ready. But 14 old guns in the island besides the 10 taken
out of the Elizabeth. Hopes the impost of two shillings per
hogshead will not be taken from them. Four closely written pages.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 62.]
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1667?
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1507. Affidavit of the merchant of the Handmaid, lately
arrived from Virginia. That Captain Lightfoot of his Majesty's
ship Elizabeth had a day's notice of the four Dutch ships coming
into James river. Had he gone to the assistance of Captain Conway,
who fought them six hours, the enemy's ships might have been
taken, but he went to a wedding with a wench he took over from
England ; the Elizabeth, which was burnt by the enemy, fired but
one gun. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 63.]
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June 24.
Virginia.
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1508. Thomas Ludwell, Sec., to John Lord Berkeley of
Stratton. How the Dutch with five men-of-war burnt the King's
frigate and about 20 sail of merchant ships, of which they carried
away about 18. Refers him to a declaration for the particulars of
their misfortune ; the Governor's condition is the saddest he ever
saw. Only two complaints can the merchants and seamen make
against them, the not building a fort at Point Comfort, and the loss
of the King's ship. Remarks thereon : as to building said fort neither
their means nor abilities could comply with. Describes the extreme
poverty of the country as unable to supply their own necessities
and to pay the taxes equal to such fortifications. Arguments
against building such fort, "nor is it of any certain defence for
James river." Dreads the King inclining his ear to those who would
obtain of his Majesty a proprietary over them, or reduce them
under a company, a condition very contrary to the wishes and
affections of this country. The Governor, against all their entreaties,
resolved to solicit his recall. Sends letter signed by all the Council
beseeching the King to continue the Governor amongst them.
Begs his Lordship's protection, since it was his goodness that placed
him there as Sec. of Virginia. In reference to a shallop taken by the
Dutch, and some papers he sends about the cessation of planting
tobacco. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 64.]
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[1667.]
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1509. Answer of the Governor and Council of Virginia on
behalf of themselves and the said Colony addressed to the King
and the Privy Council. Being a complaint against Lord Baltimore,
Governor of Maryland, for disallowing the cessation from planting
tobacco for a year as stipulated by his own Commissioners. Signed
by Sir Wm. Berkeley, Thos. Ludwell, Sec., Robt. Smith, Rich.
Bennett, Theodoric Blande, Thos. Stegge, Nath. Bacon, Hen. Corbin,
Miles Cary, Fras. Willis, Thos. Swann, Geo. Reade, and Edward
Carter, and by Robt. Wynne, Speaker. Certified copy by Thos.
Ludwell, Sec. This paper was presented to the King in Council on
16th October 1667. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 65.]
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June 25.
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1510. Thos. Cupper to Warwick Yard. Report by Geo. Sparke
who left Barbadoes on the 4th April. Two days before a ketch from
Guinea reported that our fleet which they left on the coast did not
intend to follow them till two months after. Ten ships of war
were gone to reduce St. Christopher's, Antigua, and Montserrat,
among them the four frigates sent hence, which in their way met a
French ship laden with arms and ammunition for St. Christopher's,
and discharged her at Barbadoes. Left 50 sail of merchant ships
there, which were not to depart till the return of the St. Christopher's
fleet ; 'twill be the latter end of August ere they may be expected
home. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCVII., No. 3, Cal., p. 229.]
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June 25.
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1511. News from Barbadoes. Arrival of a vessel at Plymouth
with letters of 25th June, by which appears, that Sir. John Harman
arrived there the 8th, and was despatched by Governor Lord Wm.
Willoughby the 11th to the Leeward Isles, where all was well.
From Guinea were arrived four ships, two of the Company's and
two private ; in which had happened a great mortality of negroes
and of the ships' companies. A ship of the Guinea Company, Capt.
Yard, laden with negroes, taken by a Dutch ship out of Surinam ;
which by its situation is like much to gall the Guinea trade. In
the handwriting of Williamson. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI.,
No. 66.]
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[1667.]
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1512. Report of Cullen, master of the ship Prosperous. That
he was taken (by the French?) near Scilly, 17th June last, laden
with sugar from Barbadoes. Lord Willoughby arrived end of April,
and put the people in such heart that they fear not any enemy.
The English had burnt several French ships, and retaken Montserrat
and Antigua, which they quitted after having destroyed the fortifications
and plantations. The Colchester had retaken the Coventry
with several French gentlemen. The Barbadoes merchant had
arrived with above 300 negroes. Forty stout ships full of soldiers
were at Brest ready to sail ; as also 11 Flushingers and five French
privateers, in readiness for the Barbadoes fleet. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXI., No. 67.]
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June 26.
Whitehall.
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1513. Warrant to the Attorney-General. To prepare a surrender
of the Letters Patent under the Great Seal in the first year of his
Majesty's reign to Ralph Lord Hopton, Henry Earl of St. Alban's,
John Lord Culpeper, John Lord Berkeley, Sir William Morton, Sir
Dudley Wyatt, and Thomas Culpeper, their heirs and assigns, of a
parcel of land bounded by and within the head of the rivers of Tappahanocke
alias Rapahannock and Quiriough or Patawomeck and
Chesapeake Bay, together with said rivers themselves, and Lord
Hopton, Lord Culpeper, Sir Dudley Wyatt, and Thos. Culpeper being
since dead, and Lord Hopton having conveyed his interest to John
Trethewy and his heirs, also to prepare a new bill to pass under the
Great Seal to the said Earl of St. Alban's, Lord Berkeley, Sir William
Morton, and John Trethewy, their heirs and assigns, of the said territory
or parcel of ground, but with the provisoes that no contract or
grant made by the Governor and Council of Virginia of any part of
the premises before 29 Sept., 13 Car. II. (1661) to any now in actual
possession be subject to suit and service without their consent, and
to have power of appeal, such lands as are not possessed or planted
within 21 years to remain in the King's disposal, with other reservations.
See No. 1656. 3 pp. [Dom. Entry Bk., Vol. XXV., p. 18.]
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June 28.
Virginia.
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1514. Nicholas Perrey to King Charles II. Hearing of the dreadful
firing of that fatal city of London, we further heard of your
Majesty's disconsolation thereat ; however, since it was God his
pleasure to suffer it, hopes and doubts not his Majesty is content
with God's judgment. Your Governor appointed here in Virginia
with his Assembly say I am mad, and, continues the writer, a prisoner
here in Virginia. Humbly craves the King's letters of command for
him to go to England. Has requested Sir William Thomson to
present this. Annexed,
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1514. I. Perrey to the King. Begging 5l. or 6l. to defray his expenses
from Plymouth, 3 Sept. 1667.
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1514. II. Demand of Perrey addressed to the Governor and Council
of Virginia. For a suspension of all suits depending until his
return out of England. Virginia, 27 March 1661. Together
4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., Nos. 68, 68 I., II.]
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June 29.
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1515. J. Haysham, junr., to James Hickes. A. Hamburger, from
Madeira, has brought a packet of letters from Sir John Harman,
Commander of a squadron of seven frigates and two fire-ships which
had set sail for the Western islands. The French have plundered
Antigua and the other small islands, but left no men there. [Dom.,
Chas. II., Vol. CCVII., No. 104, Cal., p. 244.]
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June 29.
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1516. Sir John Harman to (De La Barre, Gov. of Martinico).
Seized a sloop of Martinico about 14 days since, by whose men was
informed he has a considerable number of English prisoners whom he
uses worse than his Indian slaves. Writes to put him in mind of the
mutability of fortune, and that though he may yet judge himself to be
the uppermost spoke in the wheel, how soon he may change fortune
with his captives, whom he sends to demand. 'Tis easy for Harman
to destroy their towns and storehouses, if not their whole island, but
if they will send said prisoners, will do them no further prejudice, save
to the shipping, which cannot escape him. Expects a speedy answer
by the bearer, Capt. Barrett. Indorsed, To the French at Martinico.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 69.]
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June 30.
On board the
Lyon
[Martinico].
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1517. Sir John Harman to [Wm. Lord Willoughby]. Departing
from his Lordship on 10th inst. he arrived at Nevis on the 13th.
Supposes he has had account from the Lieutenant-General of the unfortunate
attempt at St. Christopher's. At a council held next day on
shore at Nevis it was resolved not to fall upon St. Christopher's again,
but on some weaker island ; but the ketch, Portsmouth, having
taken a war sloop of Martinico, brought information that the
French fleet were in Martinico Road ; whereupon set sail that night
with the ships he brought out of England and the Jersey and Norwich,
leaving Capt. Berry to command the rest, and on the 19th
came within sight of the French fleet of 23 or 24 men-of-war and
merchant ships, with three fire-ships, lying close by the shore
under the protection of three forts. After six or seven attempts,
prevented by contrary winds or absolute calms, on 25th fired the
Admiral and six or seven of their best ships, since when all are sunk
save two or three, which Harman would not have left but for the
necessity of watering at Montserrat. Sends copy of his letter to
M. De La Barre, Governor of Martinico and Viceroy in the Caribbees,
with answer, and list of prisoners on both sides. Had great hopes
to have got off our prisoners, but had none to exchange, and the
destruction of their fleet has not yet brought them low enough to
surrender them. Will consider his Lordship's intimations concerning
Surinam and sending a ship to New England. Refers to Capt.
Worthen, the bearer, for further information. Not more than 80 men
besides wounded have been lost, but there has been much damage to
hulls, rigging, &c., with very great expense of powder and shot.
Prays his Lordship to send transcript of this to England. If it be
thought fit to attempt any of the enemy's islands could wish Sir
Tobias Bridge with him. Indorsed by Williamson, R. 9 Sept. 2 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 70.]
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