Journal, November 1704: Journal Book I

Journal, November 1704

November 1. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt.

Trade.

Order of House of Lords for a state of trade since the last report.

An Order of the House of Lords [fo. 157] dated yesterday, requiring this Board to lay before their lordships an account of the state of the trade of this kingdom since the last session of Parliament, was read, and directions given for preparing a report in answer thereunto.

Virginia.

Letter from Mr. Bonet &c. with extract of a letter from Bern, relating to a colony in Virginia.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges thereupon.

A letter from Mr. Bonet, minister of the King of Prussia, to the Secretary of this Board, inclosing the extract of a letter from Bern, relating to a colony to be settled in the plantations, was read, and a letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges, acquainting him that the Board did not think fit to proceed thereon without her Majesty's directions, was signed and dispatched.

Massachusets.

Stores of war.

Their lordships made a further progress in the draught of a representation [fo. 148, 152] mentioned in yesterday's minutes relating to stores of war for the Massachusets Bay.

November 2. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Mr. Blathwayt, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Prior.

Virginia.

Mr. Clarke about petition of the freighters of a Virginia ship praying she may come from thence as soon as laden.

Mr. Clark attending in behalf of the petition of the freighters of the ship Expectation [fo. 149, 154], now in Virginia, refer'd to this Board by her Majesty's Order in Councill of the 26th which was presented to their lordships the 31st of the last month, the said order was read; and Mr. Clarke acquainted their lordships that the ship was laden here in December last, but lost five months time in staying for the West India convoy, which sailed not till May following, that if she be obliged to stay there till the next convoy it will not only be the loss of the ship but the whole voyage, and that there is no other ship now in Virginia under the like circumstances. And Mr. Perry and Mr. Paggen, who attended at the same time, having been asked their opinion, they said they did not think it fit that any ship should be allowed to go or come without convoy, but that the case of this ship being particular, they thought it might not be unreasonable to grant her a permission to come away so soon as she shall be laden.

Trade.

Canary merchants.

The Canary merchants attending according to the order of the 31st of the last month [fo. 149, 155], and being asked several questions, they answered as follows: That they were so far from having their proportion of tonnage in the two ships sent over to bring away their effects, that they were forced to freight a Genouese ship for that purpose, whilst so soon as she arrived in England being seized, they have not yet received any of the effects that were in her. They said they should be ready any day the next week their lordships should appoint for a hearing, and promised to bring on Thursday next, if not sooner, their several depositions to prove what effects they left in the Canaries when they came away.

Massachusets.

Memorial from Mr. Cary about stores of war wanting.

Mr. Phips and Captain Cary attending [fo. 148] presented to their lordships a memorial, in answer to the letter writ the said Cary the 31st of the last month, relating to the size of cannon for the fort on Castle Island, which being read, their lordships made a further progress in the draught of a representation [fo. 150, 153] relating to stores of war for the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire.

November 3. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen.

New England.

Representation about stores of war.

The draught of a representation [fo. 152, 154] relating to stores of war for New England, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Attorney General about quorum of Assembly.

Answer.

A letter from Mr. Attorney General [fo. 147, 262] of the 2nd instant, desiring an account how the quorum of the Assembly of Barbados comes to be 15, was read, and an answer thereunto immediatly drawn up and sent.

Jamaica.

Letter from the Governour.

A letter from Colonel Handasyd of the 17th June last, relating to the payment of the officers and seamen of two fireships fitted out at Jamaica, was read; and thereupon ordered that a copy thereof and of the papers therein inclosed be sent to Mr. Burchett to be laid before his royal highness's councill.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes for several accounts.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Lowndes [fo. 163] to desire him to move the Lord Treasurer that this Board may have a sight of the accounts of the receipts and payments of the Customes from Michaelmas, 1702, to Michaelmas last, being 8 quarterly payments; as also an account of the exports and imports for the same time, which will be returned in two or three days' time. And that his lordship wou'd be pleased to give directions that this Board may have from the Commissioners of the Customes, an account of corn exported for the two last years; as also an account of wooll imported from Christmas, 1702, to Michaelmas last.

November 7. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

New England.

Representation about stores of war.

The representation [fo. 153, 227] mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd instant, relating to stores of war for New England, was signed.

Virginia.

Memorial in the name of Mr. Baily about ship Expectation.

Representation to be prepared thereupon.

A memorial in the name of Mr. Thomas Baily [fo. 151] and other merchants of Bristol, owners and freighters of the ship Expectation, now in Virginia, setting forth the reasons of the said ship's not going thither and coming home with the last convoy, was read, and directions given for preparing a representation [fo. 156] upon their petition refer'd to the Board by her Majesty's Order in Councill mentioned in the minutes of the 2nd instant.

Trade.

Letter to Canary merchants to attend the Board.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Swan and Mr. Raworth [fo. 152, 158] to acquaint them that the Board have appointed Friday morning next at 9 of the clock to hear what they have to offer further in the matters of difference between them, and to desire that they will attend accordingly.

November 8. Present:—Lord Bishop of London, Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt.

Virginia.

Memorial from Mr. Jennings praying a consideration for his care about Bills.

Mr. Jennings, Secretary of Virginia [fo. 149] presented to their lordships a memorial relating to the allowance he desires for the charges of his voyage from thence hither, and the loss and other inconveniencies occasioned to him by his attendance here in reference to the laws of that country, which was read; and thereupon a letter ordered to be writ to my Lord Treasurer [fo. 187] that he may have 200l. allowed him out of her Majesty's revenue arising in Virginia, over and above the summe of 100l. advanced to him by the Governour for this service.

Virginia.

Draught of a representation upon Mr. Baily's petition about ship Expectation.

The draught of a representation [fo. 155, 157] upon an Order of Councill relating to the petition of Richard Baily and other merchants of Bristol, praying that the ship Expectation, now in Virginia, may have liberty to return home, without staying for convoy, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

November 9. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Ireland.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges about proposal for fortifying Crook Haven.

Merchants' petition relating thereunto.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 3rd instant [fo. 190] relating to a proposal for the fortifying of Crook Haven in the West of Ireland, was read, and the petition of several merchants therein refer'd to, and other papers relating to that matter, were at the same time presented to the Board by Mr. Pierce Arnop of Crook Haven [fo. 194], a person principally concerned therein.

Virginia.

Representation on Order of Council relating to the ship Expectation &c.

A representation [fo. 156] upon the Order of Councill relating to the petition of Richard Baily and other merchants of Bristol, that their ship the Expectation, now in Virginia, may have liberty to return home without staying for convoy, was signed.

November 10. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Report to House of Lords under consideration.

Letter to Mr. Sansom desiring his dispatch in sending some papers to this office.

The Board taking into consideration the report to be made to the House of Lords [fo. 150, 161], and not having yet received from the Custome House the papers desired by the secretary's letter to Mr. Lowndes of the 3rd instant, another letter was now writ by the Secretary to Mr. Sansom, to desire that those papers may be expedited according to my Lord Treasurer's direction, there being great occasion for them.

Letter to Mr. Newton for an account of coinage.

A letter was likewise writ by the Secretary to Mr. Newton [fo. 163] desiring an account of what money has been coined in the Tower since the last account delivered in by him, ending the 30th April last.

Canary merchants.

Hearing between them.

Mr. Raworth and Mr. Taylor attending [fo. 155] in defence of themselves against the petition of several other Canary merchants, who were also present in order to make good their allegations, the said petition and the reference thereupon signed by Mr. Secretary Harley, were read, as likewise the copy of her Majesty's grant or permission for two ships and a man of war to fetch off her subjects from the Canaries with the effects belonging to them and others, dated the 1st November, 1703; but Mr. Raworth's petition upon which the said grant was made not being amongst the papers produced by either side, he was desired to lay the same before the Board, which he said was not in his power, but promised a copy. The petitioners then produced a declaration before a notary, of John Baptista Cotto, master of a Genouese ship freighted at Lisbon for Teneriffe in December, 1703, with wheat, pease, candles, pork, beef, pilchards, poor jack &c., and setting forth that in part of his freight he received at Teneriffe a bill of exchange drawn from thence upon Mr. Robert Raworth and company. From whence the petitioners infer'd that the wines received lately by Mr. Raworth and partners in the ships called the Resolution and Mary were not such as had been recovered from the reprisalia that had been made upon them in the Canaries, as intended by her Majesty's grant, but purchased with these other effects sent thither since the war.

Eleven affidavits of the petitioners of their damages sustained by being denied tonnage &c.

The said petitioners also laid before the Board eleven particular affidavits made by them of the damages they have suffered, by having been denyed tonnage in the said ships the Resolution and Mary, Mr. Raworth and partners having reserved it for themselves, and more particularly Mr. John Mead declared that when those ships were in the Canaries he had 40 pipes of wine ready to have put aboard if he could have had tonnage. Mr. Abell Dennis declared that he had 50 pipes. Mr. William Davies declared that he had 90 pipes, of which he laded but 30. Mr. John Lorking declared that he had 60 pipes, of which he laded but 12. They all agreed that the foresaid ships were big enough to have brought off all the English effects in the island. Mr. Raworth affirmed that he had sollicited the obtaining of the foresaid grant upon account of himself and partners, without any contribution from the petitioners towards the charge thereof, or any risque of theirs in the managing of the undertaking, yet alledged that tonnage for 135 pipes had been allotted to the merchants there, and desired that they might each of them set forth what effects they had there, which were recoverable as aforesaid and then ready to be shipt, but tonnage refused. The Board desired him to give a particular list [fo. 165] of the quantities of wine that had been shipt in those vessells by other persons and which did not belong to him and partners.

November 13. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Report to the House of Lords under consideration.

Virginia.

Letter to Mr. Perry about pitch from Virginia and Tobacco imported.

Their lordships taking into consideration the draught of a report [fo. 157, 173] in answer to the order of the House of Lords mention'd in the minutes of the 1st instant, and finding by the naval officer of Virginia's lists that there has been exported to England this year from that colony 228 barrills of pitch [fo. 87], Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Perry to desire to know of him to whom the said pitch is consigned, and that he would inform their lordships if he can of the quality of the said pitch and if fit for service.

And further ordered that Mr. Perry be also desired to give their lordships an account of the tobacco imported to England this year from Virginia and Maryland.

Jamaica.

Letter from the Governour.

Extracts thereof sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges about Spanish trade, and the want of frigats for protecting the same.

Captain Gandy recommended to command a ship of war.

A letter from Colonel Handasyd, Governour of Jamaica, dated the 17th of September last, was read; and thereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 189] inclosing to him the copies of paragraphs C and D. in the said letter relating to copies of the King of Spain's proclamations in Spanish, which Colonel Handasyd desires may be sent him, and to the want of more frigats for securing our trade on the Spanish coast in the West Indies. And further ordered that in the same letter, Mr. Secretary be acquainted with Colonel Handasyd's recommendation of Captain Gandy to command a ship of war at Jamaica.

Extract of said letter sent to Mr. Burchet about the ships of war.

Ordered also that paragraph F of Colonel Handasyd's said letter relating to the ships of war now at Jamaica be sent to Mr. Burchet to be laid before his royal highness's Council.

Barbados.

Letter from the Governour.

Representation to be drawn thereupon.

A letter from Sir Beville Granville, Governour of Barbados, dated the 22nd of August last, was read; and thereupon ordered that a representation [fo. 167] be drawn upon paragraph C of the said letter relating to Mr. Frere's refusing to serve any longer in the Council.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Sir William Matthew.

Representation relating to privateers at St. Thomas to be prepared.

A letter from Sir William Mathew, Governor of the Leeward Islands, dated at Nevis the 31st of August last, was read; and thereupon ordered that what he writes in paragraph G [fo. 175] relating to the French privateers being harboured at St. Thomas and supplyed with provisions there, be represented to her Majesty, and that it be submitted to her Majesty whether the King of Denmark be not obliged to refuse protection to the French privateers in America as well as in Europe.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges upon that part of the said letter relating to a frigat and cartel with the French.

And further ordered that paragraphs I and K [fo. 187] relating to the want of a frigat and to a cartel with the French be sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges. And upon what he writes relating to the want of guns [fo. 206], ordered that Mr. Cary be desired to attend the Board on Thursday morning next.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Newton about coinage of money.

A letter from Mr. Newton, in answer to one writ him the 10th instant [fo. 158] signifying that there has been no gold or silver coined in the Tower since the 30th of April last, was read.

Letter from Mr. Lowndes with accounts of corn and wooll.

A letter from Mr. Lowndes of the 11th in answer to one writ him the 3rd instant [fo. 153, 164], inclosing the following accounts which were read, viz.:—

An account of corn exported from England from Christmas, 1702, to Christmas, 1703, and

An account of wooll imported from Ireland, from Christmas, 1702, to Midsummer, 1704.

November 14. Present:—Lord Bishop of London, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Pennsylvania.

Letter from Mr. Moor to Bishop of London about collector's place.

Letter to be prepared to Lord Treasurer thereupon.

The Lord Bishop of London acquainting their Lordships that the Collector of the Customes in Pennsylvania being dead, Colonel Quary had put Mr. John Moor, Advocate of the Admiralty, in his place, and desiring their lordships to recommend the said Moor to my Lord Treasurer for that imployment; ordered that a letter be prepared accordingly.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes for accounts of exports and imports &c.

Upon consideration of the papers inclosed in Mr. Lowndes's letter [fo. 163, 167] mentioned in yesterday's minutes, ordered that an answer be returned to Mr. Lowndes desiring that the Inspector General [fo. 176] may give their lordships an account of the exports and imports from Christmas, 1701, to Christmas, 1703, as also an account of the receipts and payments from Michaelmas, 1702, to Michaelmas last.

Trade.

Several papers brought by Raworth &c.

Mr. Raworth, Mr. Maxy, and Mr. Taylor attending [fo. 160, 175], presented to their lordships the following papers, viz.:—

A copy of their petition, upon which her Majesty's licence of November, 1703, to bring off the English and their effects from the Canaries, was grounded.

A copy of a paper signed by the said Raworth, Taylor and Maxy, dated the 21st of October, 1703, by which they ingaged not to carry any goods to the Canaries, nor to bring from thence any effects but what was truly their own at that time.

A certificate from Sebastian Belancourf, publick notary in Teneriffe, that 241 pipes of Malvasia wine were left there. As also,

A particular of the wines laden on board the Resolution and Mary at the Canaries.

Which were read.

Barbados.

Mr. Bernard with second memorial in behalf of the four suspended members.

Mr. Bernard attending [fo. 145, 166], presented to their lordships the duplicate of the memorial of the four suspended counsellors of Barbados formerly received, with a second memorial, which last was read. And Mr. Bernard acquainting their lordships that they could not prove in England the allegations in their petition to her Majesty and their memorial to this Board, and desiring that orders might be sent to Barbados for taking of affidavits there according to the minutes of the 26th of the last month, their lordships gave directions for preparing a representation [fo. 167] upon the petition of the four suspended counsellors accordingly.

November 15. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Mr. Melisha Holder with several papers about the complaints against the Governor.

Mr. Melisha Holder [fo. 165, 169] having received several papers from Barbados, which he thought might be of use for their lordships' information, presented to their lordships a copy of the deposition of Charles Irwin, a minister in Barbados, relating to the differences that have been in the Assembly there, and a copy of the Bill for the security of the bays, towns, &c., with the reasons used in Barbados for and against the said Bill, which were laid before the Board.

Trade.

Order of House of Commons about commerce with France and bills of exchange.

An order of the House of Commons [fo. 168] of the 14th instant, directing this Board to lay before that House their opinion as to the best method for restraining commerce with France and negotiating bills of exchange from thence, was read.

Barbados.

Representation upon Mr. Mills's being put into the Councill in the room of Mr. Frere.

A representation [fo. 162, 170] upon what Sir Beville Granville writes in his letter mentioned in the minutes of the 13th instant relating to Mr. Frere's refusing to give any further attendance in the Councill, and proposing that Mr. John Mills, whom the Governour had put in his place, might be confirmed therein, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Representation on petition of four suspended members.

A representation [fo. 166, 170] as directed at the last meeting, upon the petition of the four suspended counsellors of Barbados, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Lowndes with abstract of receipts and payments of customes.

A letter from Mr. Lowndes of the 15th, in answer to one writ him the 14th instant [fo. 164] inclosing the abstracts of the receipts and payments of the Customes from Michaelmas, 1702, to Michaelmas last, was read.

Leeward Islands.

Barbados.

Letter to Mr. Burchet about the fleet's sailing from those places.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Burchet to desire him to lay before his Royal Highness the Lord High Admiral's Councill what Sir William Matthew writes in paragraph F of his letter of the 31st August last [fo. 162] relating to the fleet of merchant-men ready to saile from the Leeward Islands, acquainting him further that a considerable fleet is expected at the same time from Barbados.

November 16. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Order of House of Commons under consideration.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes thereupon.

To Mr. Galdie, a French merchant.

Upon consideration of that part of the order of the House of Commons [fo. 167], mentioned in yesterday's minutes, which relates to the restraining of commerce with France, ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Lowndes, to desire him to move my Lord Treasurer that the Commissioners of the Customes be directed to return their opinion how the trade with France may be best restrained, and what they may have to propose, to render the several laws now in force in that particular more effectual. And as to that part of the said order which relates to negotiating bills of exchange, their lordships being informed that Mr. Lawrence Galdie, a French merchant, was able to give their lordships an insight into that matter, ordered that he be desired to attend the Board to-morrow morning [fo. 170].

Barbados.

Mr. Heysham and others at the Board with two affidavits against the Governor, and desiring that he may be directed to permit affidavits to be made by the complainants &c.

Representation to be drawn thereupon.

Mr. Heysham with several Barbadoes gentlemen attending [fo. 166, 172], presented to their lordships two affidavits, the one by Mr. Guy Ball, and the other by Mr. William Baily and Henry Keep, masters of ships, to prove that article in their complaints relating to the Governour's exactions upon masters of ships &c., which were read. And these gentlemen acquainting their lordships that they could make no further proof here in England, and desiring that the Governour be directed by her Majesty's royal letter to give free liberty to the complainants, and any other person concerned, to make affidavit before any judge or other magistrate of what they know in those matters, and that such judge or magistrate be injoyned to summon such persons as the complainants shall name [fo. 179], ordered that a representation be drawn up accordingly, and further ordered that Mr. Ball's foresaid affidavit be sent both to the Governour and Mr. Skene, and that they be both directed to return their particular answers thereunto.

Representation about four suspended counsellors.

A representation [fo. 167, 174] relating to the four suspended counsellors of Barbados, mentioned in yesterday's minutes, was signed.

Representation for putting Mr. Mills into the Councill in the room of Mr. Frere.

A representation [fo. 167, 207] relating to Mr. Frere's refusing to serve any longer in the Councill, and to Mr. Mills being put in his place, was also signed.

November 17. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Mr. Galdie at the Board about order of House of Commons relating to bills of exchange and commerce with France.

Mr. Galdie attending [fo. 169, 173], as had been desired, and being acquainted with the order of the House of Commons relating to the restraining of trade with France and negotiating of bills of exchange from thence, he said that it would be very difficult to stop effectually all trading with France, but however he thought it might in a great measure be done, and as to bills of exchange, he said that Mr. Huguetan, who is now settled at Geneva, pays the King of France's army in Italy by means of his bills of exchange, which are negotiated in England and Holland. The only method for preventing thereof would be to break the said Huguetan's credit, which was already much shaken in England, and he thought might be effectually done, either by a general prohibition of correspondence, or by some law directing all merchants and others, who shall receive bills of exchange drawn or endorsed by the said Huguetan, to protest the same. And he added that this must be done in Holland as well as England, or else it would not be effectual, and promised to bring a memorial [fo. 173] on Monday next upon these matters.

Letter to Lustring Company.

Ordered that the governour or deputy governour of the Lustring Company [fo. 174] be desired to attend the Board on Monday morning next.

Mr. Knox about trade between Ireland and France.

Mr. Knox attending, and acquainting their lordships that he had some things to offer in relation to a trade carryed on between Ireland and France, he was desired to bring the same in writing.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Attorney General about laws prohibiting trade with France.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Attorney General to desire to know what laws there are which prohibit a trade with France during the war.

Connectieut.

Rhode Island.

Agents to attend.

Ordered that Sir Henry Ashhurst, agent for Connecticut, and Mr. Wharton, agent for Rhode Island, be desired to attend the Board on Tuesday morning next.

November 18. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Sir John Stanly etc. in behalf of the Governor.

Sir John Stanley, Sir Robert Davers and Mr. Granville attending [fo. 169, 174, 178] and desiring to know what progress had been made in relation to the complaints against Sir Beville Granville, they were acquainted with the reports their lordships had already made upon that subject; whereupon they desired that directions may be given that Sir Beville Granville have copies of such affidavits as shall be taken in Barbados against him before they be transmitted into England. And in the meantime they desired to have copies of the depositions of Mr. Ball, William Bayly and Henry Keys, which were presented to their lordships the 16th instant, which their lordships directed to be given them accordingly.

Trade.

Report to House of Lords.

Their lordships entred upon the consideration of the draught of a report to the House of Lords [fo. 161, 176] and made some progress therein.

Report to House of Commons about bills of exchange from France, commerce &c.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

The draught of a report [fo. 170, 176] in answer to the order of the House of Commons of the 14th instant was agreed, and a letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges, desiring him to lay the same before her Majesty, was signed.

November 20. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Memorial from Mr. Galdie about commerce &c. with France.

Mr. Galdie presented to their lordships a memorial [fo. 171] containing what he has to offer for restraining of commerce and correspondence with the French, which was read.

Barbados.

Order of Council on petition of four suspended members &c. directing draught of letter to the Governour for Queen's signature.

An Order of Councill of the 16th instant upon a representation [fo. 170] of the same date on the petition of the four suspended counsellors of Barbados, directing this Board to prepare the draught of a letter for her Majesty's royal signature to Sir Beville Granville, as is proposed by the said representation being read, ordered that a letter be prepared accordingly [fo. 187].

Trade.

Lustring Company about preventing commerce with France.

Several members of the Lustring Company attending, as directed the 17th instant [fo. 171], and being asked several questions, they answered in substance as follows: That they had reason to believe that the smuggling trade with France was carryed on now as much as ever; that about ten days ago 56 pieces of lustrings and alamodes were seized soon after their landing on the coast of Sussex; that though there be great penalties upon those that shall be found carrying on that trade, yet great quantities of silks are landed, which escape being seized; and that the best method they can think of for preventing that trade of the carrying out of our wooll would be to have more ships for the guard of our coasts. After which they promised to discourse with Mr. Baker and then to attend the Board to-morrow sevenight, to give their lordships an account of what they should agree upon as the best method for preventing this trade with France.

Trade.

Canary merchants' memorial.

Affidavits.

Several of the Canary merchants attending [fo. 165, 191] presented to their lordships a further memorial containing several instances of Mr. Raworth's having sent effects to the Canaries since the declaration of war; as also eleven affidavits to show what wines they have ready to ship off from the Canaries, had Mr. Raworth allowed them tonnage.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges about St. Thomas's furnishing the French with provisions.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 18th instant, directing the Board to consider how the furnishing of provisions to the French plantations from St. Thomas may be prevented, was read, and an answer thereunto drawn up and signed.

Answer.

Draught of representation about French privateers being harbour'd at St. Thomas.

The draught of a representation, as directed the 13th instant, [fo. 162, 179] upon paragraph G of Sir William Matthew's letter of 31st August last, relating to French privateers being harboured at St. Thomas, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

November 21. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Report to the House of Commons.

A report in answer to an order of the House of Commons of the 14th instant [fo. 173] requiring this Board to lay before that House their opinion as to the best method for restraining commerce with France and negotiating bills of exchange from thence, was agreed and signed, and Mr. Blathwayt was desired to lay the same before the House.

Report to House of Lords.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

Their lordships made a further progress in the draught of the report to the House of Lords [fo. 173, 177], and a letter was writ to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 183] praying her Majesty's leave for laying the same before that House.

Letter to Dr. D'Avenant about imports and exports.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Davenant [fo. 164, 180], Inspector General of the Customes, desiring him to dispatch the accounts of imports and exports from Christmas, 1701, to Christmas, 1703, as directed by the Lord Treasurer.

November 22. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Treaty with Denmark.

A letter was writ to Mr. Tucker desiring him to communicate to this Board the treaties relating to trade which are now in force between England and Denmark. Whereupon Mr. Tucker sent to their lordships the treaty concluded in December, 1691, with intimation that there were no others in Mr. Secretary Hedges's office. Ordered that a copy of the said treaty be made.

Report to the Lords.

Their lordships made a further progress in the draught of a report to the House of Lords [fo. 176, 183].

Post meridiem.

Present:—Mr. Cecill, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

Proprieties.

Order about Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Agents of those colonies to be heard.

An Order of Councill of the 16th instant upon a report from Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor General [fo. 97] on that part of a representation of this Board of the 10th of July last, relating to Connecticut and Rhode Island, directing that the agents of those colonies be acquainted with her Majesty's pleasure that they be heard before her Majesty in Councill the 30th instant, in point of law, against her Majesty's appointing Governours over those colonies during the war, was read, and Mr. Wharton, agent for Rhode Island attending, the said order was communicated to him, and he desiring to have copies [fo. 180] of that part of those letters from the Lord Cornbury and Colonel Dudley mentioned in the foresaid representation, ordered that they be given him accordingly.

Barbados.

Complaints.

Mr. Heysham with other Barbados gentlemen attending [fo. 172, 187], a copy of Mr. Irwin's deposition relating to Mr. Downes of Barbados, which was presented to their lordships the 15th instant, was delivered to them; and these gentlemen desiring that the two depositions presented by them to the Board the 16th instant, might be annexed to their lordships representation upon the petition of seven of the Assembly of Barbados, they were acquainted that the said depositions should be mentioned in their said report.

Sir John Stanly &c. to attend.

Ordered that Sir John Stanley, Sir Robert Davers and Mr. Granville be acquainted that their lordships desire to speak with them to-morrow morning.

Barbados.

Representation upon petition of seven of the Assembly.

The draught of a representation [fo. 170, 180] upon the petition from seven of the Assembly of Barbados, was read, and a progress made therein.

Leeward Islands.

Representation about St. Thomas.

The draught of a representation upon what Sir William Matthew writes in paragraph G of his letter of the 31st of August last [fo. 175, 183] relating to the French being supplyed with provisions from the island of St. Thomas, was read and a progress made therein.

Newfoundland.

Letter to Mr. Burchet.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Burchet [fo. 184] desiring to be informed what answer the commodore of the Newfoundland convoy has returned to the heads of inquiry sent him the 24th of August last.

November 23. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Letter from Inspector of the Customes.

A letter from Mr. Davenant [fo. 176], Inspector General of the Customes, inclosing accounts of the exports and imports for three years, viz.: from Christmas, 1699, to Christmas, 1702, was read.

Barbados.

Representation on petition of seven of the Assembly.

The draught of a representation [fo. 179, 183] upon a petition of seven of the Assembly of Barbados, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Papers relating to irregularities.

The extracts of several letters [fo. 178, 182] from the Lord Cornbury and Colonel Dudley, and of the representations of this Board thereupon, which were directed at the last meeting to be delivered to the agents of Connecticut and Rhode Island, were laid before their lordships, the list whereof is as follows, viz.:—

Connecticut.

Paragraph H. of the Lord Cornbury's letter of the 30th of June, 1703, to the words on all occasions. New Yorke, W. No. 27.

Part of paragraph B of another letter from him of the same date, beginning The Province of Connecticut, and paragraph D of the same letter. New York, W. No. 28.

Paragraph F of the Lord Cornbury's letter of the 9th of September, 1703. Ibid. 30.

Extract of a representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, dated the 16th of February, 170¾.

Extract of a representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, dated the 10th July, 1704.

Rhode Island.

Extract of a letter from Colonel Dudley, dated the 17th September, 1702, beginning About 20 days and ending noise of their charter. New England. D. fol. 285.

Paragraph H. of Lord Cornbury's letter of 30th June, 1703, beginning Several men. New Yorke. W. No. 27.

Part of paragraph B of another letter from him of the same date, beginning The Governour of Rhode Island, and paragraph D. Ibid. 28.

Paragraphs E and F of Colonel Dudley's letter of the 15th September, 1703. New England. N. No. 22.

Paragraph Q of his letter of 19th December, 1703. Ibid. 38.

Paragraph F of his letter of 20th April, 1704. Ibid. O. 30.

Extract of a representation of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, dated 24th November, 1702.

Ditto. 16th July, 1703.

Ditto. 16th February, 170¾.

Ditto. 10th July, 1704.

November 24. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Connecticut.

Rhode Island.

Letter to Mr. Borret &c.

Ordered that Mr. Borret be desired to call here to-morrow morning and that copies of the same papers mentioned in yesterday's minutes [fo. 180], to be delivered to the agents of Connecticut and Rhode Island, be delivered to him, and that he be directed to attend Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor General therewith in order to the hearing appointed [fo. 184] by her Majesty in Councill on Thursday next.

Trade.

Letter from Secretary Hedges about laying report before House of Lords.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges, in answer to one writ him the 21st instant [fo. 176], signifying her Majesty's pleasure that the Board do lay before the House of Lords the account they desire of the state of the trade of his kingdom since the last session of Parliament, was read.

Barbados.

Representation on petition of seven of the Assembly.

A representation [fo. 180, 190, 194] upon the petition of seven of the Assembly of Barbados, was signed.

Trade.

Report to House of Lords.

Their lordships made a further progress in their report to the House of Lords [fo. 177, 184].

November 25, Present:—Mr. Cecill, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

Leeward Islands.

St. Thomas.

Representation.

A representation [fo. 179] relating to the French being furnished with provision from St. Thomas, as also a letter for inclosing the same to Mr. Secretary Hedges, were signed.

Trade.

Report to House of Lords.

The draught of a report [fo. 183 et infra] to the House of Lords was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

November 27. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Burchet. Heads of inquiry.

A letter from Mr. Burchet of the 23rd instant, in answer to one writ him the same day [fo. 179, 198] promising to send hither the commodore of the Newfoundland convoy's answer to the heads of inquiry so soon as he shall receive the same, was read.

Connecticut.

Rhode Island.

Hearing relating thereto deferred.

Sir Henry Ashhurst attending, and desiring that the hearing [fo. 183] before her Majesty, appointed for Thursday next, relating to Connecticut and Rhode Island may be put off for some time longer, he was acquainted that it was put off till further order [fo. 191].

Trade.

Answer to House of Lords.

A report [v. supra], in answer to the order of the House of Lords of the 31st of the last month, requiring this Board to lay before that House an account of the state of the trade of this kingdom since the last session of Parliament, was signed.

November 28. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Ireland.

Scheme for guarding the sea coasts.

Mr. Baker's report thereon.

A paper intituled, A general scheme for the land guard of the southern coasts of Ireland, for preventing of correspondence with France, as also Mr. Henry Baker's report thereupon, received some days agoe from Mr. Knox, was laid before the Board.

Trade.

Lustring Company's memorial about hardships they lye under.

The deputy governour and several members of the Lustring Company presented to their lordships a memorial, setting forth the hardships they labour under in the carrying on of that manufacture, which was read; and they were acquainted that their lordships would consider it further at a convenient opportunity.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Captain Lloyd lately arrived from thence.

A letter from Captain Lloyd, commander of the forces at Newfoundland, signifying his arrival here, and that he is ready to give an account of the state of the soldiers there, was read.

Letter from Lieutenant Moody.

A letter from Lieutenant Moody [fo. 192], who now commands the soldiers at Newfoundland, to the Board, dated the 10th of the last month, was read.

Letter from Mr. Thurston with one from the said Moody.

A letter from Mr. Thurston inclosing one from the foresaid Moody to himself, dated the 11th of October last, relating to the soldiers at Newfoundland, was read.

Petition of John Adams about hard usage from Captain Lloyd.

A petition from John Adams, setting forth the hard usage he received from Captain Lloyd, with certificates relating thereunto, was read; and thereupon ordered [fo. 199] that copies of the said papers be delivered to Captain Lloyd for his answer.

Captain Lloyd at the Board.

And Captain Lloyd attending, and being asked several questions, he answered that there were seventy English ships at Newfoundland this season, 63 whereof came to England and Portugal, but he did not know the quantity of fish taken, that the English took on the banks of Newfoundland 17 French ships, that the boom in St. John's harbour is near finished. He then presented to the [Board] the muster roll of the company at Newfoundland, dated 12th of September, 1704, by which it appears that the said company is complete, as also the examinations of several spies sent to Placentia, and also of deserters from thence, whereupon ordered that a copy of the said muster roll be taken, and the original delivered to the agent.

Newfoundland.

Letter to Commodore to attend.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Commodore Bridge to desire him to attend the Board as soon as he can.

Barbados.

Mr. Lillington &c. desiring dispatch of the letter to the Governour from the Queen.

Mr. Lillington and Mr. Bernard attending [fo. 174, 178], and desiring their lordships to dispatch the draught of a letter for her Majesty's signature to Sir Beville Granville, relating to the complaints of the four suspended counsellors, they were acquainted that it should be laid before her Majesty on Thursday next [fo. 189]. The draught of such a letter was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Virginia.

Letter to Lord Treasurer about recompence for Jennings.

A letter to the Lord High Treasurer [fo. 156], inclosing of the memorial received from Mr. Jennings the 8th instant, relating to a recompence for his attendance here, was signed [fo. 256].

Leeward Islands.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges with extracts of letter from Sir William Matthew.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 163, 216] inclosing the paragraphs I and K of Sir William Matthews's letter of the 31st of August last, relating to a greater naval strength for the Leeward Islands, and to the exchanging of prisoners with the French, was signed.

Barbados.

Letter from her Majesty to the Governor that Mr. Mein may stay longer in England.

A letter from her Majesty to Sir Beville Granville, Governour of Barbados, signifying that she has been pleased to grant Mr. Patrick Meine liberty for a further stay in England, was communicated to the Board by the said Patrick Meine, and a copy thereof ordered to be taken.

November 29. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Davenant. Exports and imports.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Davenant, Inspector General of the Customes, to desire him to send to this Board an account of the exports and imports from Christmas, 1702, to Christmas, 1703, so soon as they can be perfected.

Leeward Islands.

Draught of letter to the Governour.

The draught of a letter to Sir William Matthew, Governour of the Leeward Islands [fo. 190], was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Barbados.

Draught of letter to the Governour.

The draught of a letter to Sir Beville Granville, Governour of Barbados [fo. 190], was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Draught of letter from her Majesty to the Governour.

The draught of a letter from her Majesty to Sir Beville Granville [fo. 187] upon the petition of the four suspended counsellors being transcribed, as directed in yesterday's minutes, was sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges for her Majesty's signature.

Jamaica.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges with extracts of the Governour's letter.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges, upon what Colonel Handasyd writes in his letter of the 17th of September last [fo. 161] relating to the King of Spain's proclamations in Spanish to the want of greater naval strength, and to Captain Gandy, was signed.

Bermuda.

Letter to the Governour.

Ordered that the secretary write to Captain Bennet acquainting him that they have received no letters from him since theirs of the 24th August last; and that they expect particular accounts from him of all transactions in his government by every opportunity.

November 30. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Jamaica.

Leeward Islands.

Barbados.

Letters to the Governours.

Letters to Colonel Handasyd, Governor of Jamaica, Sir William Matthew, Governor of the Leeward Islands, and Sir Beville Granville, Governour of Barbados, were signed,

Ireland.

Petition of several merchants about Crook Haven.

Who are summoned to attend.

The petition of several merchants [fo. 156] relating to the fortifying of Crook Haven with the reference and the several papers relating thereunto, were read; and thereupon ordered that the merchants have notice to attend their lordships on Tuesday next in the morning [fo. 194].

Barbados.

Complainants.

Mr. Heysham with several Barbados gentlemen attending, and desiring their lordships to dispatch their representation [fo. 183, 194] upon the petition of seven members of the Assembly of Barbados, they were acquainted that it was already sent to the Councill Board.