Journal, January 1755: Volume 62

Journal, January 1755

Tuesday, January 7. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe.

Jamaica.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Paris, sollicitor for the inhabitants, proprietors and occupyers of lands and houses in the town of St. Iago de la Vega in Jamaica and for Mr. Fuller, Chief Justice of that Island, was attending without and had something to offer to their lordships' consideration, he was called in and moved their lordships' to appoint an early hour on Thursday, the 9th instant, for hearing the several parties concerned in the several petitions and other papers relative to the removal of the seat of government from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston.

Resolved that this Board will be ready at eleven o'clock on Thursday morning to hear what all parties may have to offer upon this affair, and then Mr. Paris withdrew.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Lane, sollicitor for the inhabitants of the county of Cornwall in Jamaica, whose petition relative to the removal of the seat of government in Jamaica from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston had been referred to this Board by the Lords of the Committee of Council, was attending without and had something to offer to their lordships' consideration upon that subject, he was called in and moved their lordships that he might not be excluded by the difficulty which he was informed had occurred with respect to the words of the reference of the aforementioned petition from being heard on Thursday by his counsel as a party in that affair.

Mr. Lane being withdrawn, their lordships took the said motion into consideration and agreed to hear what Mr. Lane might have to offer by his counsel on Thursday next upon the subject matter of the aforementioned petition of the inhabitants of the county of Cornwall relative to the removal of the seat of government from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston, and Mr. Lane having been called in and acquainted with their lordships' resolution herein he withdrew.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Sir Matthew Lamb, counsel to this Board, to desire his attendance to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock.

Ordered that the Secretary do give notice to Mr. John Sharpe, agent for the Island of Jamaica, that their lordships have appointed Thursday next to take into consideration several petitions, memorials and other papers relative to the removal of the seat of government in that Island from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston, that if he has anything to offer on behalf of his constituents upon this affair he may have an opportunity of being heard.

Jamaica.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following paper received from Mr. Nugent, one of the representatives for the city of Bristol, viz.:—
Memorial of the Master, Wardens, Assistants and Commonalty of the Society of Merchants in the city of Bristol to this Board relating to the removal of the seat of government from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston in the Island of Jamaica, dated September 2nd, 1754.

Ordered that a copy of the said memorial be delivered to Mr. Paris, sollicitor for the inhabitants, owners and occupyers of lands and houses in the town of St. Iago de la Vega.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following paper received from Mr. Paris, sollicitor for Mr. Fuller, Chief Justice of the Island of Jamaica, viz.:—
Answer of Rose Fuller, Esquire, to a complaint made against him to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations by his Excellency, Charles Knowles, Esquire, Governor of Jamaica.

Ordered that a copy of the said paper be delivered to the person appearing as agent or sollicitor in this affair for Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica.

New York.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Charles, agent for the ministers, deacons and pastors of the Dutch Church in the city of New York, was attending without and had something to offer to their lordships' consideration, he was called in and moved their lordships to take into consideration and report upon an Act passed in the province of New York in 1753, mentioned in the minutes of the 19th of December last, and the Secretary having acquainted their lordships that he had in obedience to their orders made enquiry whether Mr. Morris who had entered a caveat against confirming of this Act had authorized any person here to act as his agent in this affair, but could not find that there was any person so authorized by him, their lordships acquainted Mr. Charles that they should take the said Act into consideration to-morrow morning. And then Mr. Charles withdrew.

New Jersey.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Partridge, agent for the Assembly of New Jersey, was attending without and had something to offer to their lordships' consideration, he was called in and laid before the Board the following papers, viz.:—
Copy of a Bill prepared by the Assembly of New Jersey for making current £70,000 in bills of credit, with a petition to his Majesty thereunto annexed praying that the Governor may be permitted to assent to the said Bill.
Copy of the Council's (of New Jersey) message to the House of Representatives October 17th, 1754, upon the subject of the Bill for making current £70,000 in bills of credit.
Opinion of Mr. Belcher, counsel at law, respecting bills of credit being made a legal tender.

The said papers having been read, Mr. Partridge was acquainted that their lordships would take the same into consideration the first opportunity, and make a report to his Majesty thereupon. Mr. Partridge then withdrew.

Jamaica.

Read the following letter and papers received from Mr. Knowles, Governor of New York, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated the 10th of September, 1754, relative to the Chief Justice and several of the judges of that Island having resigned their seats upon the Bench and inclosing:—
Copy of a letter from Rose Fuller, Esquire, Chief Justice of Jamaica, to Governor Knowles, dated 9th July, 1754.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Reed, the Governor's Secretary, to Rose Fuller, Esquire, Chief Justice of Jamaica, dated 10th July, 1754.
Copy of a letter from Rose Fuller, Esquire, to Mr. Reed the Governor's Secretary, dated the 14th August, 1754.
Copy of a letter from Rose Fuller, Thomas Fearon, John Ayscough and William Wynter, Esquires, to Governor Knowles, dated the 28th August, 1754.

Ordered that copies be made of the foregoing letter and papers to be laid before his Majesty in Council and that the draught of a representation therewith be prepared.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, to the Board, dated Boston, November, 1754, containing a further account of his proceedings upon Kennebeck River and inclosing:—
Extract from Governor Shirley's speech to the Council and representatives of the province of the Massachusets Bay, October 18th, 1754.
Copy of an address from the Council and representatives of the province of the Massachusets Bay to Governor Shirley, dated October 30th, 1754.

Captain Atkins' account of Terra Labrador contained in a letter to Governor Shirley, dated November 8th, 1754.

Read a letter from Mr. Willard, Secretary of the Massachusets Bay, dated Boston 23rd October, 1754, transmitting the minutes of Council of that province from the 24th August, 1753, to the 21st of June, 1754, and minutes of Assembly from September, 1753, to April, 1754, as also the Acts passed there between September, 1753, and June, 1754.

Order that the Secretary do deliver the Acts transmitted by Mr. Willard to the clerk of his Majesty's Council in waiting to be laid before his Majesty in Council.

Plantations General.

The following copies of Orders in Council were laid before the Board by the Secretary and read, viz.:—
Nevis.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 21st June, 1754, approving a warrant prepared by this Board to authorize the Governor of the Leeward Islands to cause Letters Patent to be passed under the Seal of the said Islands for appointing Joseph Herbert, Esquire, Chief Justice of Nevis.
Nova Scotia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 21st of June, 1754, approving a warrant prepared by this Board to authorize the Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia to cause Letters Patent to be passed under the Seal of the said province, constituting Jonathan Belcher, Esquire, Chief Justice within that province.
Georgia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 21st of June, 1754, approving a warrant prepared by this Board to authorize and require his Majesty's engraver to engrave a Seal in silver for sealing all publick instruments in the colony of Georgia in America.
Barbados.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 21st of June, 1754, approving a representation of this Board to his Majesty together with a warrant prepared by them, directing the Governor of Bardados to admit Nathaniel Weekes, Esquire, to be of the Council in the said Island in the room of Mr. Gollop.
North Carolina.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 21st of June, 1754, approving a warrant prepared by this Board to require the Governor of North Carolina to cause Letters Patent to be prepared under the Seal of the said province constituting and appointing Henry McCulloch, Esquire, Secretary and Clerk of the Crown in that province.
Georgia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving a warrant prepared by this Board to authorise the Governor of Georgia to cause Letters Patent to be passed under the Seal of the said province for constituting and appointing James Habersham, Esquire, Secretary and Register in the province of Georgia in America.
New York.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving a report of the Committee of Council for plantation affairs, upon a representation of this Board on an address of the Assembly of New York relative to the 39th Article of his Majesty's instructions to the late Governor; and rejecting the said address.
Pennsylvania.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving the draught of instructions to the Proprietaries of the province of Pennsylvania relating to the Acts of Trade prepared by this Board.
Georgia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving the draught of general instructions and of those which relate to the Acts of Trade prepared by this Board for John Reynolds, Esquire, Governor of Georgia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving the draught of a Commission prepared by this Board for John Reynolds, Esquire, to be Governor of Georgia.
Nova Scotia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving a Commission prepared by this Board (pursuant to his Majesty's order) constituting and appointing Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of the province of Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving a representation of this Board to his Majesty together with a warrant prepared by them directing Peregrine Thomas Hopson, Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to swear and admit Jonathan Belcher, junior, Esquire, to be of his Majesty's Council in the said province.
Virginia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving the draught of an additional instruction to the Governor of Virginia prepared by this Board.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving the draught of an additional instruction to the Governor of Virginia prepared by this Board.

South Carolina.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following papers received from the Secretary of the province of South Carolina, viz.:—
Journal of proceedings of the Upper House of Assembly from the 21st of February, 1753, to the 9th of February, 1754.
Journal of the Council from the 8th of November, 1752, to the 14th of December, 1753.
Journal of Upper House of Assembly from the 7th of March, 1752, to the 21st of April, 1753.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following papers received with a duplicate of Mr. Lawrence's letter of the 14th of October last, viz.:—
Minutes of Council of Nova Scotia, beginning the 9th day of September and ending the 14th of October, 1754.
Papers relating to the publick money and accounts transmitted by his Majesty's sloop Wasp.
List of bills of exchange drawn upon Christopher Kilby, Esquire, by Lieutenant Governor Lawrence on account of the government of Nova Scotia.

Ordered that a copy of the list of bills of exchange be made and delivered to Mr. Kilby, agent for the settlement of Nova Scotia.

New Jersey.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Belcher to the Board, dated the 14th of August, 1754, transmitting the following publick papers, viz.:—
Minutes of Council in Assembly from the 5th to the 21st of June, 1754.
Printed votes of the Assembly from the 3rd to the 21st of June, 1754.
Three Acts passed in New Jersey between April and June, 1754.
Letter from Mr. Belcher to the Board, dated the 6th of November, 1754, relating to the present state of that province.

Ordered that the Acts be transmitted to Sir Matthew Lamb, counsel to this Board, for his opinion thereon in point of law.

Virginia.

Read the following letters from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, dated the 18th of June, 1754, acquainting the Board that he had been at Winchester to deliver his Majesty's present to the chiefs of the different Nations on the Ohio, etc.
Letter from Mr. Dinwiddie to the Board, dated the 15th of August, 1754, relative to the want of ordnance stores, etc.
Letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, dated the 23rd September, 1754, in answer to one from Mr. Pownall.
Letter from Mr. Dinwiddie to the Board, dated the 25th of October, 1754, relating to the pistole fee, etc.

Pennsylvania.

Read a letter from Mr. Partridge, agent for Pennsylvania, to Mr. Pownall, dated the 12th of December, 1754, relating to the affairs of that province.

New Hampshire.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Wentworth, Governor of New Hampshire, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Wentworth to the Board, dated the 29th of October, 1754, excusing his not having corresponded with the Board of so long a time.
Letter from Mr. Wentworth to the Board, dated the 23rd of October, 1754, in answer to several letters from the Board and relating to the state of that province, and inclosing:—
Governor Wentworth's answer to queries from the Board, dated the 2nd of September, 1754.
List of records and papers in New Hampshire relating to Mason's claim.
Copies of records and papers in New Hampshire relating to Mason's claim.
A printed journal of the proceedings at two conferences held at Falmouth in Casco Bay within the province of the Massachusets Bay between Governor Shirley and the chiefs of the Norridgwalk Indians.
Affidavits of burning and destroying Hoseck, etc., taken at Albany, the 21st September, 1754.

Wednesday, January 8. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe, Mr. Pelham.

Jamaica.

Sir Matthew Lamb attending, the Board had some discourse with him concerning the method of proceeding in hearing the cause relative to the removal of the seat of government in Jamaica; and the form of an oath to be tendred to the evidence was agreed to.

New York.

Their lordships took into consideration an Act passed in New York in 1753 in favour of the Dutch Church, mentioned in yesterday's minutes, and ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty to be prepared proposing the confirmation of it.

South Carolina.

Their lordships took into consideration several Acts passed in the province of South Carolina relative to the Courts of Justice and the methods of proceeding therein and made some progress.

Thursday, January 9. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe, Mr. Pelham.

Jamaica.

(For Kingston, Mr. Hammond, sollicitor, Mr. Hume Campbell and Mr. Henley, his counsel.)

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that the several parties interested in the memorials, petitions and other papers relative to the removal of the seat of government in the Island of Jamaica from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston, and to Governor Knowles' complaint against Mr. Fuller, Chief Justice of that Island, referred to this Board by the Lords of the Committee of Council were attending without with their counsel, to be heard upon that affair pursuant to their lordships' orders of the 5th of July, 1754, they were called in; and the Orders of the Lords of the Committee of Council of the 24th of June, 1754, referring to the consideration of the Board the several petitions, memorials and other papers relative to this affair were read as also the minutes of the Board of the 5th and 25th of July, 1754.

(For St. Iago de la Vega, Mr. Paris, sollicitor, Mr. Forrester and Mr. Evans, his counsel.)

Mr. Forrester, counsel for the inhabitants, planters and others, occupyers and owners of lands, houses and settlements in St. Iago de la Vega and the neighbourhood thereof, opened to their lordships the several steps which had been taken in consequence of their lordships' orders, and acquainted them that none of the papers or evidence necessary for the information of the Board in proceeding upon the merits of the petition relative to the removal of the seat of government had been as yet received by Mr. Paris, his sollicitor: That he humbly apprehended it would not be possible to make a perfect report upon this affair without such evidence, but that if their lordships thought it proper to proceed, he was ready with the assistance of Mr. Evans to give the best answers he was able to what should be alledged on the part of the Kingston petition.

(The inhabitants, etc. of the county of Cornwall, Mr. Evans, their counsel.)

Mr. Evans as counsel for the inhabitants, planters and others of the county of Cornwall in Jamaica, observed to their lordships the secret and private manner in which the application from the town of Kingston for the removal of the seat of government had been carried on, which had deprived of the seat of government had been giving in an answer to the petition, and therefore hoped that further time would be allowed.

Mr. John Sharpe, as agent for the Legislature of the Island of Jamaica, acquainted their lordships that he thought it his duty in obedience to their lordships' summons to attend and to inform their lordships that he had not received any instructions from his constituents with respect to this affair, but that he expects to receive instructions by the first ship: That he had indeed in his possession a resolution of the Committee of Correspondence about eleven years since, directing him if any application should be made for the removal of the seat of government to oppose it, but that at present he did not consider himself as a party on either side of the question, and only hoped that nothing would be done in an affair of this great consequence in which he apprehended the Legislature was greatly interested, until he could receive instructions from them upon it.

Their lordships having heard what Mr. Hume Campbell and Mr. Henley, counsel for the Kingston petition, had to offer by way of reply to what had been alledged by Mr. Forrester and Mr. Evans, counsel for the St. Iago petitions, and by Mr. Sharpe, agent for the Legislature of the Island, ordered the counsel to withdraw, and after sometime spent in the consideration of what the several parties had offered, the counsel were again called in and their lordships acquainted them, that as it had been alledged by Mr. Forrester and Mr. Evans that they had not received any papers or evidence whatever to support an answer to the Kingston petition, it might have the appearance of partiality if their lordships were to proceed without such information, and therefore the Board was willing to consent that the further hearing of this matter should be put off to some other day, hoping that this was not an affected delay on the part of the petitioners for St. Iago de la Vega.

That as to what had been offered by the agent for the Island, their lordships did not consider him as a party in this affair, he having acquainted their lordships that he had no instructions from his constituents upon this subject.

Whereupon Tuesday, the eleventh of March, with the consent of the parties interested in this affair, was appointed for hearing what they might have further to offer upon it.

Mr. Forrester then moved their lordships to take into immediate consideration the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council of the 26th of November last, referring a petition of several of the inhabitants of the town of St. Iago de la Vega in the Island of Jamaica, and of several of the planters and others, Proprietors and occupiers of lands and settlements in the neighbourhood thereof, praying that his Majesty would order the Governor to restore the seat of government and the ensigns thereof, and the Courts of Chancery and Ordinary to the town of St. Iago de la Vega, and to hold the Assembly there, etc., and the said Order was read, as also their lordships' minute of the 29th of November last, and it appearing from the said minute that a doubt had arisen upon the words of the said order of reference, and that a report had been made by the Board to the Lords of the Committee of Council desiring their further directions with respect to the time and manner, in which they were to proceed in hearing this affair, and that their lordships' directions had not been as yet signified to the Board, their lordships observed to Mr. Forrester that it would be impossible for them to proceed upon it at present without the special directions of the Lords of the Committee of Council.

Mr. Forrester then moved their lordships in behalf of Mr. Fuller, Chief Justice of the Island of Jamaica, that they would take into immediate consideration that part of the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council of the 14th of June, 1754, which relates to the Governor's complaint against Mr. Fuller, and also Mr. Fuller's answer thereto; and the said order having been read, as also their lordships' minute of the 5th of July thereupon, and it appearing from the said order and from the said minute that their lordships were directed to take the whole of the matter contained in that reference into consideration together, and that they had resolved by the said minute that the whole should be taken into consideration together, they acquainted the counsel that they could not regularly enter into a consideration of Mr. Fuller's case seperate from the other part of the reference.

The counsel having nothing further to offer they were ordered to withdraw.

Friday, January 10. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty inclosing copies of Mr. Knowles' letter and of the papers received with it, relating to several of the judges having resigned their seats upon the Bench having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 7th instant, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

New York.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty proposing the confirmation of an Act passed in New York in December, 1753, relative to the Dutch Church, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 8th instant, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Virginia.

Their lordships took into consideration a letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, dated the 25th of October last, mentioned in the minutes of the 7th instant, stating some doubts which had arisen upon their lordships' letter to him concerning the pistole fee upon all grants of lands in that colony and made some progress therein.

Miscellanies.

The Secretary laid before the Board an account of the incidental charges of this office from the 10th of October, 1754, to the 5th of January, 1755, amounting to four hundred and eight pounds, two shillings and one penny, and a letter to the Lords of the Treasury desiring payment thereof, and of the salaries due to the Secretaries and under officers in the service of this Board for the same time was signed.

Tuesday, January 14. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe, Mr. Pelham.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to the Board, dated at Williamsburg, the 16th of November, 1754, transmitting some accounts of his Majesty's revenue for the years 1753 and 1754 and naval office lists for the year 1754.

Their lordships proceeded in the consideration of Mr. Dinwiddie's letter, mentioned in the preceding minute, and gave directions for preparing a draught of an answer thereto.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following orders of the Honourable House of Commons of the 13th instant, viz.:—
Ordered, that there be laid before this House an account of the money paid and charges incurred by supporting and maintaining the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia, from the 1st of January, 1754, to the 31st of December following.
Ordered, that there be laid before this House an estimate of the charges of supporting and maintaining the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia for the year 1755.

Nova Scotia.

The estimate for the service of Nova Scotia for the year 1755, mentioned in the minutes of the 31st of October, having been laid before the Board, Mr. Pitt was desired to present it to the House of Commons and at the same time to inform the House that it is not possible to comply with that part of the order which directs that there be laid before the House an account of the money paid and charges incurred by supporting and maintaining the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia from the 1st of January, 1754, to the 31st of December following, the proper officers in the colony not having transmitted any accounts of the expenditure or any vouchers for the payment of money for the year 1754 lower down than the 30th of June last, but that as soon as the accounts and vouchers are received which are daily expected the account will be made up with all possible dispatch and laid before the House.

Leeward Islands.

Virgin Islands.

Ordered, that the Secretary do write to the agents for the several Leeward Islands and to the principal merchants trading there to desire their attendance at the Board on Thursday next, in order to hear what they may have to offer upon Mr. Purcell's proposals for settling a civil government in the Virgin Islands.

Wednesday, January 15. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald.

Virginia.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Dinwiddie having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit a copy of the said letter to the Secretary of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury to be laid before that Board, that if they have any alterations or additions to propose they may be considered before the letter is signed.

Georgia.

Read a memorial of Mr. Martyn, agent for Georgia, desiring the Board's directions with respect to certain bills of exchange drawn upon him for the service of that colony.

Ordered, that Mr. Martyn do pay the said bills out of any moneys now in his hands or which he shall receive from his Majesty's Exchequer for the service of the colony of Georgia.

Maryland.

Read a letter from Mr. Plater, naval officer in Maryland, dated the 10th of October, 1754, transmitting:—
A list of ships and vessels entered and cleared in Maryland, from Midsummer to Michaelmas, 1754.

Trade.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following accounts received from the Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs, viz.:—
An account of the quantity of raw and thrown silk imported into England and re-exported between Christmas, 1751, and Christmas, 1753, distinguishing the place from whence imported and to which re-exported.
An account of the quantity of linnen yarn imported from Christmas, 1751, to Christmas, 1753.
An account of the quantity of flax imported from Christmas, 1751, to Christmas, 1753.
An account of the quantity of whalefins imported from foreign parts and exported from Christmas, 1751, to Christmas, 1753.
An account of the quantity of whalefins, oil and blubber imported from Greenland from Christmas, 1751, to Christmas, 1753.
An account of the quantity of linnen yarn imported from Christmas, 1751, to Christmas, 1753.

Thursday, January 16. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe, Mr. Pelham.

Leeward Islands.

Virgin Islands.

Their lordships pursuant to the minutes of the 18th of December last, took into consideration the state of the Virgin Islands and Mr. Purcell's letters relative thereto and to the expediency of establishing some form of Civil Government therein, and the Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Purcell and several of the principal merchants trading to the Leeward Islands, and also the agents for the said Leeward Islands were attending without pursuant to their lordships' orders of the 18th of December and of the 14th instant, they were called in, and Mr. Purcell's letter of the 11th of July, 1751, having been read, their lordships acquainted the merchants and agents that having in consequence of Mr. Purcell's letter obtained from him his sentiments more particularly with regard to the several points therein contained, they thought it their duty to desire their attendance in order that they might also have their sentiments upon a matter of so great importance to the trade and welfare of the Leeward Islands in general, to the end that, having the whole before them, they might be the better enabled to judge what would be proper to be further done in it.

Whereupon several of the merchants present delivered their sentiments upon this affair, and all of them concurred in opinion that the establishing some form of government in those Islands would be of great publick utility and advantage provided they were not erected into a government independent of the other Leeward Islands.

Mr. John Sharpe, agent for three of the Leeward Islands, then proposed that there should be a meeting of the merchants and others concerned in the trade to the Leeward Islands, in order more fully to consider of this matter and lay their thoughts upon it before the Board; whereupon their lordships acquainted them that they would postpone the consideration of this affair to a further day, that the merchants and others might if they thought proper have a meeting in the meantime further to consider of it and to lay their thoughts upon it more fully before them.

Tuesday, January 21. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe.

Georgia.

Read a letter from Mr. West, Secretary to the Lords of the Treasury, to Mr. Pownall, desiring he will acquaint the Board that the King has signified his commands to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that their lordships do prepare and lay before the House of Commons an estimate of expences for Georgia from Midsummer, 1754, to Midsummer, 1755.

The estimate of the charges of the civil establishment of his Majesty's colony of Georgia from Midsummer, 1754, to Midsummer, 1755, agreed to on the 26th of November last, was laid before the Board, and Mr. Pitt was desired to present it to the House of Commons.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board a memorial prepared by Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury praying that £2859 13s. 6d. may be issued to him to discharge certain warrants directed to him for payment of so much to the contractors for supplying the troops in Nova Scotia with provisions, and the said memorial having been approved of, Mr. Kilby was ordered to present it to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury for their Lordships' directions upon it.

Georgia.

The Secretary laid before the Board his Majesty's warrant directing the payment of £1500 to Mr. Martyn, agent for the colony of Georgia, to be applyed under the direction of this Board to the purchasing presents for the Indians adjoining to that colony.

Ordered, that the said warrant be entered in the books of this office pursuant to his Majesty's directions, and that the agent do lay before their lordships in writing an account of what part of the said £1500 shall upon enquiry be found necessary to be applyed to the discharge of the expence of freight and insurance of the said presents, the charge of delivering them to the Indians and other contingent expences.

The Secretary laid before the Board a memorial of Mr. Bosomworth (with an account thereunto annexed) desiring payment of moneys advanced by his wife, Mrs. Bosomworth, for the service of the colony of Georgia; and Mr. Bosomworth attending without was called in and informed that this not being an office of account their lordships could not enter into a consideration of the particulars of the said memorial or the expenditure of the money thereby alledged to have been advanced for the publick service, and the said memorial and account was accordingly delivered up to Mr. Bosomworth.

Mr. Bosomworth then moved their lordships that the time allowed by their order of the 12th of December last to himself and Mrs. Bosomworth for the examination of evidence before the Governor of Georgia, to support the facts alledged in their memorials mentioned in the said order, and for the delivery thereof to the President and Court of Assistants, and also the time allowed for the exchange of the replys to such evidence as should be produced by both partys might be enlarged.

Ordered, that the Governor be instructed to take care that the memorialists or their agents do deliver to the President and Court of Assistants copys of such depositions or affidavits as should be made or taken in this matter on their part, as also that the said late President and Court of Assistants or other partys concerned should deliver unto the said memorialists or their agents copies of their answers, and of such affidavits or depositions as should have been made on their part, within the space of six months from the Governor's receipt of the order, as also that each and every party do within three months after receiving each other's proofs, exchange the replys that shall be made by affidavits or depositions, and that the Governor do transmit the whole matter under the Seal of the province within twelve months after receiving this order with his report and opinion upon the whole.

Mr. Bosomworth then moved their lordships that the Governor might be instructed to appoint a time for the meeting of the Indians in order that they might give evidence before him or the proper magistrates to support the allegations of the memorial, whereupon Mr. Bosomworth was ordered to withdraw, and after some time spent in the consideration of this matter, the Secretary was directed to acquaint Mr. Bosomworth that their lordships did not think it adviseable to comply therewith, but that the Governor was enjoined by the order to examine or cause to be examined upon oath all such persons as he and Mrs. Bosomworth should think proper to produce in support of the allegations of the memorial.

Ordered that a copy of this minute be delivered to Mr. Bosomworth.

Barbados.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Grenville, Governor of Barbados, was attending without, and had something to offer to the consideration of the Board, he was called in and presented to their lordships the following memorial, viz.:—
Memorial of Governor Grenville to the Board, dated the 21st of January, 1755, praying for a supply of cannon and ordnance stores for a new fort now building in the Island of Barbados.

Ordered that a copy of the said memorial be made to be laid before his Majesty and the draught of a representation thereupon be prepared. And then Mr. Grenville withdrew.

Wednesday, January 22. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe.

Jamaica.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated the 7th October, 1754, in answer to one from Mr. Pownall of the 26th July with an extract of the minutes of this Board, the 5th of July.
Letter from Mr. Knowles to Commodore Cotes, dated the 30th of January, 1754.
Copy of Doctor Fuller's letter to Mr. Beckford, dated 1st February, 1754.
Extract of a minute of Council in Jamaica, the 27th April, 1754.
Copy of an Association, etc.
Original affidavits with regard to Mr. Fuller's behaviour transmitted under the Great Seal of Jamaica, dated in October, 1754.
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated the 23rd of October, 1754, transmitting the following paper, viz.:—
Copy of Mr. Knowles's speech at the opening of the present session of Assembly with copies of the Council's and Assembly's addresses and the Governor's answers.

Ordered, that copies of the affidavits transmitted with Mr. Knowles's letter of the 7th of October, 1754, in support of the charge against Mr. Fuller be delivered to Mr. Paris, sollicitor for Mr. Fuller.

Read the following copies of Orders in Council, viz.:—
Plantations General. Bermuda.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 6th of August, 1754, approving a representation of this Board to his Majesty, and a warrant prepared by them requiring the Governor of the Bermuda Islands to swear and admit Samuel Trott, Esquire, to be of his Majesty's Council in the said Islands.
Barbados.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 9th of January, 1755, approving a representation of this Board together with a warrant prepared by them for his Majesty's signature requiring the Governor of Barbados to swear and admit Henry Thornhill, Esquire, to be of his Majesty's Council in that Island.
Georgia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 9th of January, 1755, approving a representation of this Board together with a warrant prepared by them for his Majesty's signature, requiring the Governor of Georgia to admit Clement Martin, Esquire, to be of his Majesty's Council in that province.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from Sir Thomas Robinson, Secretary of State, to the Board, dated the 13th January, 1755, inclosing for their information:—
Seconde memoire des Commissaries du Roi, sur I'Isle de Sainte Lucie du 4 Octobre, 1754.
En response au memoire des Commissaires de sa Majeste Britannique du 15th Novembre, 1751.

North Carolina.

Read the following letter and papers received from Mr. Rowan, President and Commander in Chief of North Carolina, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Rowan to the Board, dated the 22nd of October, 1754, giving an account of the present state of that province and inclosing:—
Copy of a letter from Col. John Clark of Anson County, dated at Pacolet, the 25th of September, 1754, to President Rowan, informing him of the murder of sixteen white persons and ten carried away.
Journal of the House of Burgesses from the 28th of March to the 12th of April, 1753.

Barbados.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with a copy of Governor Grenville's memorial desiring ordnance stores for a fort building in the Island of Barbados having been prepared pursuant to yesterday's minute, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

New Jersey.

Their lordships took into consideration the address of the Assembly of New Jersey, transmitting the draught of a Bill for emitting £70,000 in bills of credit, and made some progress in it.

Thursday, January 23. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Edgcumbe, Mr. Pelham.

South Carolina.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty proposing William Henry Littelton, Esquire, to be Governor of South Carolina in the room of James Glen, Esquire, having been prepared, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

New Jersey.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Belcher to the Board, dated at Elizabeth Town, the 23rd of November, 1754, transmitting:—
Copies of letters from Mr. Belcher to the Lieutenant Governor of New York, dated in November, 1754.
Minutes of Council of the 22nd and 23rd of November, 1754.
The memorial of the Council of Proprietors of the Eastern Division of New Jersey to Governor Belcher.
Letter from Mr. Belcher to the Board, dated the 26th of November, 1754, transmitting:—
A Naturalization Act passed the 21st of October, 1754.
Minutes of his Majesty's Council of New Jersey at a session of General Assembly in October, 1754.
Printed proceedings of the Assembly of New Jersey in October, 1754.
A copy of a Bill entitled An Act for making current £70,000 in bills of credit, etc., October, 1754.

Ordered that the abovementioned Act be sent to Sir Mathew Lamb for his opinion thereon in point of law.

Barbados.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with Mr. Grenville's memorial relating to the want of ordnance stores for a fort building in Barbados, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was signed.

Jamaica.

Read an Order of Council, dated the 9th of January, 1755, remitting a fine lately imposed on Mr. Fornichon in the Island of Jamaica.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit the said Order to Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 29th October, 1754, transmitting:—
Lists of shipping that have entered and cleared in the port of Kingston between the 25th June and 29th of September, 1754.

Friday, January 24. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Oswald.

Nova Scotia.

Read a memorial of Mr. John Grant, surgeon at Halifax, complaining of the improper establishment of the hospital there, containing proposals for better regulating it, and inclosing the following papers, viz.:—
Copy of a memorial to the Governor and Council of Nova Scotia.
John Grant's affidavit of his being refused an answer to his memorial. Dated the 7th of October, 1754.
Affidavit of the time one person with her child was nursed in the hospital a great part of the time in good health. Dated the 9th of October, 1754.
Observations upon the expence of the hospital of Halifax.Dated the 21st of October, 1754.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit copies of the said memorial and papers to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and desire he would examine into the several particulars therein set forth and report his opinion thereupon.

Tuesday, January 28. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe.

South Carolina.

Read an Order in Council, dated the 23rd of January, 1755, approving a representation of this Board to his Majesty recommending William Henry Littelton, Esquire, to be appointed Governor of South Carolina in the room of James Glen, Esquire, and directing this Board to prepare the draught of a Commission and instructions for the said William Henry Littelton for his Majesty's approbation.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit a copy of the said Order to Mr. Glen, Governor of South Carolina.

The draught of a Commission constituting and appointing William Henry Littelton, Esquire, to be Captain General and Governor in Chief of his Majesty's province of South Carolina having been laid before the Board was agreed to, and the draught of a representation to his Majesty inclosing the same having been prepared was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Georgia.

Read a memorial of Mr. Martyn, agent for Georgia, desiring the Board's directions in what manner the money granted by his Majesty for presents to the Indians should be disposed of.

Ordered, that the agent do purchase goods for presents to the Indians to the amount of one thousand pounds, and that the remaining £500 be reserved to defray the expence of contingent charges of package, shipping freight and insurance of the said presents and of delivering them to the Indians.

Trade.

Africa.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following paper which he had received from Mr. Poirier, Secretary to the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa, viz.:—
Copy of a letter from the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa to the Governor and Council at James Fort in the river Gambia. Dated 16th January, 1755.

New Jersey.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that Mr. Partridge, agent for New Jersey, had desired him to move their lordships that he might be heard on the draught of the Bill prepared by the Assembly of New Jersey for emitting £70,000, before any report was made upon it.

Ordered that he be desired to attend on Tuesday the eighteenth of February.

Wednesday, January 29. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Edgcumbe.

Plantations General.

Read the following reports of Sir Mathew Lamb, baronet, counsel to this Board, viz.:—
Barbados.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon five Acts passed at Barbados between December, 1752, and April, 1753. Dated 13th January, 1755.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon two Acts passed at Barbados in June and October, 1753. Dated January 13th, 1755.
Virginia.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon two private Acts passed at Virginia in April, 1752, and December, 1753. Dated 14th January, 1755.
Montserrat.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon four Acts passed at Montserrat between April, 1750, and December, 1753. Dated 21st January, 1755.
Nevis.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon an Act passed at Nevis in November, 1753. Dated the 13th of January, 1755.
Massachusets.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon eighteen Acts passed in the province of the Massachusets Bay between October, 1750, and April, 1751. Dated January 12th, 1755.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon ten Acts passed in the province of the Massachusets Bay in June and July, 1751. Dated the 12th January, 1755.
St. Christopher's.
Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon two Acts passed at St. Christopher's in December, 1752, and November, 1753. Dated the 13th January, 1755.

Their lordships having taken the said reports and the laws mentioned therein into consideration and no objection appearing to any of them, they ordered draughts of representations to his Majesty to be prepared proposing the confirmation of such of them as have not expired by their own limitation or have not had their full effect.

Friday, January 31. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham.

Plantations General.

The following draughts of representations to his Majesty upon several Acts passed in Montserrat, St. Christopher's, Nevis, Virginia and Barbados having been prepared, pursuant to the minutes of Wednesday last, were agreed to and ordered to be transcribed, viz.:—
Montserrat.
Representation to his Majesty upon two Acts passed in Montserrat in the years 1752 and 1753.
Nevis.
Representation to his Majesty upon an Act passed in the Island of Nevis in November, 1753.
St. Christopher's.
Representation to his Majesty upon two Acts passed in the Island of St. Christopher's in December, 1752, and November, 1753.
Virginia.
Representation upon two Acts passed in the colony of Virginia in April, 1752, and December, 1753.
Barbados.
Representation to his Majesty upon five Acts passed in the Island of Barbados between March and October, 1753.

New York.

Read an Order of his Majesty in Council, dated the 29th January, 1755, approving a representation of this Board proposing Charles Hardy, Esquire, to be appointed Governor of New York, and directing a Commission and instructions to be prepared.

Ordered that the draught of a Commission and instructions be prepared with all possible dispatch.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit a copy of the said Order in Council to Mr. Delancy, Lieutenant Governor of New York.

Read the following memorials received from Mr. Hammond, sollicitor in behalf of the petition of the inhabitants of Kingston etc. in the Island of Jamaica, relative to the removal of the seat of Government, viz.:—
Proprieties.
New York.
Jamaica.
Two memorials of the merchants of Philadelphia and New York trading to Jamaica desiring to join and concur with the inhabitants of Kingston in the application for the removal of the seat of government.
Ordered, that copys of the said memorials be made and delivered to Mr. Paris, sollicitor for the inhabitants, etc., of St. Iago de la Vega.

Nova Scotia.

Read a memorial of Mr. Thomas Stephens, dated 28th January, 1755, relating to materials sent from Boston to Halifax in Nova Scotia, for erecting a work for making of pot ash, and his expences occasioned thereby, praying their lordships would order payment for the same.

Ordered that the Secretary do give notice to Mr. Kilby to attend the Board on Wednesday next.

Read a letter from Mr. Mascarene, late Lieutenant Governor of Annapolis Royal in Nova Scotia, dated at Boston, the 3rd of December, 1754, in answer to a letter from Mr. Pownall, dated in April last.

Leeward Islands.

Read a letter from Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, dated the 30th of October, 1754, in answer to one from Mr. Pownall relating to publick papers transmitted by him since his arrival in that government.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit to Mr. Thomas the usual heads of enquiry for his answer thereto.

Virginia.

Read a memorial of William Beverley, Esquire, one of the Council of Virginia, desiring their lordships' directions with respect to a dispute between him and Mr. Ludwell, another of the said Council, concerning precedence.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared proposing that Mr. Beverley may have rank according to the date of his mandamus.