Journal, July 1718: Journal Book T

Journal, July 1718

July 1. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

Mr. Fry summoned.

Ordered that Mr. Fry, who has lately arrived from the Leeward Islands, be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him to-morrow morning.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs about the Danes at St. John's and Crabb Island signed.

A letter directed to be prepared the 26th of the last month, to Mr. Secretary Craggs [fo. 325, 330, 345], inclosing copies of several papers received from General Hamilton, Governor of the Leeward Islands, concerning the proceedings of the Danes at the Island of St. John and of the Spaniards at Crabb Island, was agreed and signed.

Bermuda.

Letter from the Governor about pirates.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

Commissions.

Trying etc. pirates.

A letter from Col. Bennet, Lieut. Governor of Bermuda, dated the 31st of May, 1718, relating to the Pirates in those parts and to the weak state of the Bermuda Islands, was read, together with the attested copies of nine affidavits, relating to the said Pirates [fo. 267, 346]; whereupon a letter was immediately prepared and signed for inclosing to Mr. Secretary Craggs a copy of the said letter with the opinion of the Board about dispatching Commissions for the trial and pardoning of pirates &c.

Antigua.

Memorial from Mr. Nivine.

Act.

Draught of a representation.

A memorial from Mr. Nivine, relating to an Act passed in Antigua in 1716, to prohibit the importation of foreign sugars &c., was read, as likewise the extract of a letter from Mr. Dunbar, Surveyor General of the Customs in the Leeward Islands, mentioned in the minutes of the 22nd of April last upon the same subject, and Mr. West's report relating to the said Act [fo. 231, 341]; whereupon directions were given for preparing the draught of a representation to His Majesty in order to the repeal of the said Act.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Tigh for list of ships passing the Sound.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Tigh, Consul at Elsinore, to desire from him a list of such ships as have passed the Sound between Christmas, 1713 and Christmas, 1717, that is to say the number of ships, to what place they belong, whence they come and whither bound, their Burthen and Cargo.

July 2. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Antigua.

Doctor Wickham and Mr. Marsh for Col. Morris suspended the Council.

Doctor Wickham attending with Mr. Marsh, Solicitor for Col. Morris [fo. 316], whom Genl. Hamilton has suspended from the Council of Antigua, the said Doctor Wickham desired their Lordships would defer any determination concerning the said suspension till Col. Codrington's return from the Country, Col. Codrington having promised to wait on the Board on behalf of the said Col. Morris, to which their Lordships consented and desired notice from Doctor Wickham as soon as Col. Codrington should arrive.

Col. Fry, of the Council of Antigua, and lately arrived from the Leeward Islands, attending as desired, together with Mr. Nivine, they were acquainted that the Board had put off the further consideration of Col. Morris's suspension, till the arrival of Col. Codrington; and upon discourse with Col. Fry relating to the settlement attempted to be made by the Danes at St. John's [fo. 327]. He said, he was informed, the Island was a very good soil, had good ports and lay in the way of our ships, so that it would be a great prejudice to His Majesty and his subjects if the same were possessed by any foreigners, and that he heard the Danes were busy in making Fortifications there.

Mr. West attending, their Lordships proceeded in considering the several Acts of Bermuda and New Hampshire, which are under mentioned, and agreed upon each Act as expressed under its respective title, vizt.:—
Acts of Bermuda.
An Act for prolonging the Act, entituled, an Act to supply the deficiency of the several funds in these Islands for and towards the building a new house for the present and future Govrs. passed in May, 1715.
To lye by.
An additional clause to an Act, entituled, an Act for the better observation of the Lord's Day, passed the 8th May, 1717.
To lye by.
An Act for alteration and amendment of several Acts of Assembly passed the 9th May, 1717.
To lye by.
An Act for limiting the time, the names of such persons, as are bound off these Islands shall be published, passed 9th May, 1717.
To lye by.
An additional clause to the Act, entituled, an Act to supply the deficiency of the several funds in these Islands for and towards the building a new house for the present and succeeding Governors, passed 9th May, 1717.
To lye by.
New Hampshire
An Act of New Hampshire entituled,
An Act directing the proceedings against forceable entry and detainer passed in May, 1714.
To lye by.
The jury should not consist of above twelve.

July 3. Present:—Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Craggs of the 30th of the last month referring to the Board, a petition from several Barbary Merchants [fo. 338], praying that Orders may be sent to all the men of war in that station to permit the merchant ships of Great Britain to go in and out of the ports &c., of the Emperor of Morocco to carry on their trade till they can bring off their factors and effects, was read, together with the said petition; whereupon ordered, that Mr. Samuel Winder be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him and any other of the petitioners at eleven of the clock on Tuesday morning next.

July 4. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney.

Plantations General.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Craggs, dated yesterday, relating to the Commissions for trying and pardoning pirates [fo. 131, 361], and desiring the Boards opinion to which of His Majesty's Governors in the West Indies it will be most proper to send the said Commissions for pardoning pirates, was read; and an answer immediately drawn up and signed.

Leeward Islands.

Another letter from Mr. Secretary Craggs [fo. 350] dated yesterday, inclosing a memorial from the Danish Envoy, relating to the Island of St. Thomas, and signifying His Majesty's pleasure, that this Board report what they conceive proper for His Majesty to do, concerning the settlement making by the Danes on the Isle of St. John, was read; whereupon directions were given for searching the several books and papers in this office relating to that matter.

Massachusets.

A memorial from Mr. Dummer, agent for the Massachusets Bay, relating to a new Surveyor being appointed for His Majesty's woods in North America, and the care to be taken of them upon such Officers not acting in person, was read.

New Jersey.

A representation ordered the 26th past to be prepared for confirming Mr. Hugg of the Council of New Jersey, was signed.

Pennsylvania.

The answer of Mr. Joshua Gee [fo. 228, 234] to two anonimous letters of complaint concerning several laws &c. of Pennsylvania, was read.

New Hampshire.

Mr. West attending the Board [fo. 317, 348] proceeded in considering the undermentioned Acts of New Hampshire which were severally read, and their Lordships agreed and ordered to be noted upon each act, as expressed under the respective titles, vizt.:—
An Act for the convenient and speedy Assignment of Dower.
To lye by.
An Act for maintenance and supply of the Ministry, within this Province.
To lye by.
An Act to prevent disorders in the night.
To lye by.
An Act relating to Executors and Administrators.
To lye by.
An Act to prevent fraud in Cord Wood exposed to sale.
To lye by.
An Act against High Treason.
To be re-considered.
An Act against Shipping of Horses without entry.
To lye by.
An Act against Hawkers, Pedlars and Petty Chapmen.
Expired.
An Act relating to Attorneys.
To lye by.
An Act concerning Marriages, Births, and Burials.
To lye by.
An Act granting unto Her Majesty, certain duties on Importation and Exportation.
Expired.
An Act for regulating Fees.
To lye by.
An Act for making and emitting a further sum of Bills of Credit.
Expired.
An Act prohibiting the Importation or bringing into this Province any Indian Servants or Slaves.
To lye by.
An Act to prevent disorders in Town Meetings by voters not qualified.
To lye by.
An Act appointing the Sheriff to have the keeping of the Common Gaol and the Prisoners.
No objection.

A letter to Col. Spotswood, Lieut Govr. of Virginia, was agreed and signed.

July 8. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Antigua.

A letter from Mr. Barrington to the Secretary [fo. 325] dated the 4th inst. relating to Mr. Yeamans, recommended by him to be a Member of His Majesty's Counsel of Antigua, was read.

Trade.

Mr. Samuel and Mr. William Winder, Mr. Adams, Mr. Thayer, Mr. Godin and Mr. Chetham, some of the Merchants trading to Barbary [fos. 332, 349 and 393], attending as desired, their Lordships had some discourse with them on the subject of their petition mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd inst., whereupon they said they had Factors and large Effects, which are lately imbargoed in the Dominions of the Emperor of Morocco, on account of the hostilities committed by Admiral Cornwall on that Coast, his interrupting the Trade there, and the seizure which was made some time ago at Gibraltar of some Brimstone and other Contraband Goods belonging to Jews who were concerned as Agents for persons of the greatest Interest at the Court of the Emperor of Morocco, in confirmation whereof they produced a Letter from Mr. Adams, one of the English Factors at present in Barbary, which was read. These Gentlemen proceeded to acquaint the Board upon the several questions asked them. That they desired a permission for two or three small Ships to go and return from the Ports of Morocco for six or nine months with cloth and other Manufactures of this Kingdom in which time they did not doubt of succeeding in getting off their Effects, which they must bring about in the best methods they could. That they grounded their hopes upon a Seguro which they have in writing from the Emperor for the persons of their Factors and Estates, under which protection and by making of small presents they have been always safe, notwithstanding we have at the same time been publickly at War with them. That if the Ships they desire are permitted to go into the Ports of the Emperor there will not only be an opportunity of making fresh application to him, but the Factors may give Account how the late Treaty came to break off, they suspected it was occasioned by the Jews who had the Management of it. That they believe the gentleman whom Admiral Cornwall sent to the Emperor was unacquainted with the language and customs of the Country and knowing not the Court had the misfortune not to place his presents right. That they were informed Capt. Paddon had formerly promised money to the Bashaw of Tetuan and a present of Gunpowder to the Emperor, which being now not complied with, they feared might be one occasion of our ill success in the late negotiation. Being asked what slaves there might be in Barbary, they said that at present there were about 164 English slaves, and that they feared their Factors and others would likewise be condemned to Slavery, if some composition were not soon made.

Their Lordships enquiring what trade the French and Dutch have with the Dominions of Morocco the Gentlemen above-mentioned acquainted the Board that both those Nations have great Trade there. And the said Gentleman after being sometime withdrawn presented to the Board a Representation in writing, about renewing a treaty with Morocco, and concerning their affairs in those parts, which was read.

Jamaica.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Craggs of the 3rd inst. referring to the Board a Memorial and other papers from Monsr. Chammorel the French Secretary, relating to a French ship seized by some Shallops of Jamaica, was read, and directions given for preparing a draught of an answer thereto.

Antigua.

The draught of a representation [fo. 328 and 346] for repealing an Act passed at Antigua, entituled, an Act to Prohibit the Importation of French and other foreign sugars, rum, cotton and melosses, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

July 9. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Bermuda.

Ordered that an Extract of Col. Bennet, the Lieut. Govr. of Bermuda's letter, of 31st of May last, relating to Pirates, be sent to Mr. Burchet for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

Massachusets.

A letter from Mr. Willard, Secretary of the Massachusets Bay, to the Secretary of this Board, dated at Boston, the 5th of May, 1718, was read and the papers undermentioned therein referred to were laid before the Board, vizt.:—
Four Acts of the Province of the Massachusets Bay, passed in 1717.
Four Acts of the Province of the Massachusets Bay, passed in 1717/18.
Minutes of Assembly of the Massachusets Bay, from 23rd October, 1717 to 14th February, 1717/18 inclusive.
whereupon ordered that Mr. Willard be acquainted in answer to what he writes concerning private Acts, that the Govr. of the Massachusets Bay and all other His Majesty's Governors in America are obliged to transmit authentick copies of all acts passed within their respective Governments as well private as publick.

New Hampshire.

A letter from Mr. Wentworth, Lieut. Govr. of New Hampshire, dated the 9th January, 1717, was read.

Jamaica.

A letter directed at the last meeting to be prepared to Mr. Secretary Craggs, in answer to his of the 3rd inst. upon the Memorial of Monsr. Chammorel, relating to a French Ship seized by some vessels of Jamaica, was agreed and signed.

Massachusets.

Mr. West attending [fo. 348], their Lordships proceeded in considering the Acts above mentioned, passed in the Massachusets Bay in 1717, and 1717/18 which were severally read, and their Lordships agreed upon each Act as noted under the respective titles thereof, vizt.:—
An Act for altering the time of holding a Superiour Court of Judicature, Court of Assize and General Gaol delivery within and for the County of Hampshire and for reviving all actions and process lately depending there and discontinued by reason of the Courts not meeting.
No objection.
An Act for the further regulating the Soldiers in His Majesty's service at Castle William.
No objection.
An Act for the better regulation of Fowling.
To lye by.
An Act in further addition to the Act for encouraging the killing of Wolves made in the 5th year of the reign of King William and Queen Mary.
No objection.
An Act in addition to the Act, entituled, an Act for the better preservation and increase of Deer, made and passed by the Great and General Court or Assembly at their Session held at Boston, the 15th of Novr. 1698, in the 10th year of the reign of his late Majesty King William the 3rd.
To lye by.
An Act for altering the time for holding a Superiour Court of Judicature Court of Assize and General Gaol delivery within the County of Plymouth.
No objection.
An Act in Addition to an Act, entituled, an Act providing in case of Sickness.
To lye by.
An Act for calling in of Province Bills of Credit outstanding of former Plates signed with three hands only.
To lye by.

July 10. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

Their lordships took into further consideration the Memorial of the Danish Envoy [fo. 327 and 330], mentioned in the minutes of the 4th inst., together with several Papers in this office relating to Crabb Island and other the Virgin Islands, whereupon ordered that the Secretary write to Baron Bloombergh, [fo. 357] to desire he will give the Board what information he can concerning the Danish Settlement on the Island of St. Thomas.

Antigua.

A Representation directed the 1st inst. to be prepared for repealing the Act passed at Antigua in 1716 [fo. 341], entituled an Act to prohibit the Importation of French and other Foreign Sugars, rum, cotton and Melosses, was agreed and signed.

Bermuda.

Their Lordships taking again into consideration the several letters lately received from Col. Bennett [fos. 181, 267 and 328], Lieut. Govr. of Bermuda, directions were given for preparing the draught of an answer thereto.

Barbados.

Mr. West's report upon an act passed in Barbados in September, 1715 [fo. 288, 315] entituled, an Act empowering Licentiate Lawyers to practise as Barristers in this Island, was read, whereupon their Lordships agreed that the said Act should lye by, and gave directions for writing concerning it in the next letter to the Governor of that Islands.

July 11. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke. Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Montserrat.

Mr. West's report upon an Act passed at Montserrat the 27th of April in the 4th year of her late Majesty's reign [fo. 292], entituled An Act for quieting possessions and for the better securing and confirming Titles of Land in this Island, was read, as likewise the said Act; whereupon their Lordships agreed to let the Act lye by at present, and gave directions for acquainting Genl. Hamilton, Govr. of the Leeward Islands, with the objections to the said Act, that another may be passed fit for His Majesty's Royal confirmation.

Antigua.

An Act passed at Antigua in March, 1717/18 [fos. 311, 381], entituled, An Act to inable Arthur Freeman and Dorothy, his wife, to sell and convey a certain plantation within the said Island to raise portions and make provision for Henry Symms and Elizabeth Athy &c. was read, together with Mr. West's report thereupon, and their Lordships, having no objection to the said Act, gave direction for preparing the draught of a representation to His Majesty in order to its confirmation.

Massachusets.

Mr. West's report upon an Act of the Massachusets Bay, mentioned in the minutes of the 23rd of May last [fo. 343], entituled an Act in further addition to an Act, entituled an Act for making Lands and Tenements liable to the payments of debts &c. was read, whereupon ordered that a copy of Mr. West's report be sent [Bun. W Nr. 2] to Col. Shute, Govr. of that Province [V. N. Engld. I], that a new Act may be passed [fo. 279] not liable to the objections against the present Act.

New Hampshire.

Mr. West's report upon the three acts of New Hampshire, [fos. 335, 354] entituled as undermentioned, and passed in May, 1714 was read, vizt.:—
An Act for the relief of Idiots and distracted persons.
An Act providing for Posthumus Children.
An Act against High Treason.

Whereupon directions were given for preparing the draught of a representation to His Majesty relating to the said Acts.

July 15. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

Ordered that the Secretary write to Mr. Burchet [fo. 351] to desire copies of the letter writ by Admiral Benbow to the Danish Governor of the Island of St. Thomas the 21st October, 1699, and of the said Governors answer, if there be any entry of them in the Admiralty Books.

Trade.

The draught of the letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs [fo. 339, 351, 393] upon the petition of the Barbary Merchants, mentioned in the Minutes of the 8th instant, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Leeward Islands.

Barbados.

Virginia.

Their Lordships then agreed several alterations [fo. 406] to be proposed to His Majesty in his instructions for the Governments of the Leeward Islands, Barbados and Virginia, conformable to the instructions to Sir Nicholas Lawes for the Government of Jamaica.

July 16. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney. Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

A paper from Mr. Stephen Duport [fo. 334, 353] relating to the Island of St. Thomas in America possessed by the Danes, was read.

A letter from Mr. Burchet [fo. 349] dated yesterday, in answer to the letter writ him the same morning concerning what passed between Admiral Benbow and the Danish Govr. of the Island of St. Thomas in the year 1699, was read.

Barbadoes.

A Memorial from Mr. Walker, [fo. 346] with observations upon the Act passed at Barbadoes in Sept. 1715, entituled, an Act impowering licentiate lawyers to practise as barristers in this Island, was read.

New York.

New Jersey.

Massachusets.

New Hampshire.

Bermuda.

Their Lordships agreed with several alterations to be proposed to His Majesty in his instructions for the Governments of New York, New Jersey, Massachusets Bay, New Hampshire and Bermuda.

Trade.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs [fo. 249, 393] upon the Petition of several Barbary Merchants concerning their Factors and Effects in the Dominions of Morocco, agreed at the last meeting, was signed.

Virginia.

Mr. West attending [fo. 359] their Lordships proceeded in considering the Acts undermentioned, passed in Virginia in Novr., 1714, which were severally read, as likewise the Acts therein referred to, and their Lordships agreed upon them as noted under each respective Titles vizt.:—
An Act for continuing an Act, entituled, an Act, for prevention of Abuses in Tobacco shipped on Freight.
To be approved.
An Act to supply the defects in an Act, entituled An Act for laying a duty on Liquors and Slaves.
No objection.
An Act for the further continuing an Act for laying a duty on Liquors and Slaves and two other Acts relating to that Act.
No objection.
An Act for erecting a Magazine.
To lye by.

July 17. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

The draught of a representation to His Majesty [fo. 334, 350, 355] upon the Memorial of the Danish Envoy inclosed in Mr. Secretary Cragg's letter mentioned in the minutes of the 4th inst., relating to the Islands of St. Thomas, St. John and other Virgin Islands, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Trade.

A letter from Mr. Lowndes [fo. 356], dated yesterday, signifying the Lords of the Treasury's desire of this board's opinion concerning the present duties on Salt, and the allowances made on the exportation of Fish, was read; whereupon ordered that Mr. Carkesse be desired to move the Commissioners of His Majesty's Customs for an Account of Fish exported from Christmas, 1714, to Christmas last.

Capt. Taverner attending, their Lordships had some discourse with him concerning the said duties on Salt and drawback upon Fish. Wherein he said the Act of Parliament allowed a drawback of Duty for a greater quantity of Salt than was necessary or is actually used in curing several sorts of Fish; and tho' our Fish is in as good esteem abroad as ever, that there are frauds used in counting of the Fish for drawback of the said Duty and sometimes they make seventy pass for one hundred; whereupon their Lordships desired him to bring to the Board in writing, an account of what he knew, or had to offer concerning the Fishery, which he promised accordingly.

New Hampshire.

The draught of a representation [fo. 348, 355] upon 3 Acts of New Hampshire, mentioned in the minutes of the 11th inst., was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Trade.

Ordered that the Secretary write to the Commissioners for the Duty on Salt to desire from them a State of the Duties upon Salt both Foreign and Domestick, and an Account of the Drawback allowed upon Fish from Lady Day, 1715, to Lady Day last.

July 18. Present:—Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New Hampshire.

A Representation to His Majesty [fo. 355], as agreed at the last meeting, upon three Acts passed in New Hampshire in 1715 was signed.

Leeward Islands.

A Representation to His Majesty [fo. 353] upon the Memorial of the Danish Envoy, transmitted to the Board in Mr. Secretary Craggs's letter of the 3rd inst., and concerning the Island of St. John &c. being settled by the Danes, was agreed and signed, as likewise a letter for inclosing the said Representation to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

July 22. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Ordered that letters be writ to Christian Cole Esqr. late Minister at Venice, Christopher Crow Esqr. late Consul at Leghorn, Mr. Claude Jamineau and Mr. John Peers, Merchants [fos. 353, 357, 381] to desire them to inform the Board what reputation our Fish, particularly Herrings and Pilchards, are in at present at Venice, Leghorn and Naples or any other parts of Italy.

Col. Kane, Lieut. Governor of Minorca [fo. 359], attending, presented to the Board a letter from Mr. Secretary Craggs of the 21st of the last month referring to their Lordships consideration some proposals relating to the freedom of the Ports, Commerce and Quarantine, at the said Island of Minorca, which letter was read, together with the said proposals and a progress made in considering the same.

A letter from Mr. Carkesse, dated yesterday, with an Account of the Drawbacks allowed upon the exportation of Fish [fo. 381] was read.

A letter from Mr. Holdip, Secretary to the Commissioners for the duty on Salt, dated the 19th inst. with an Account of that duty and of the Drawbacks thereon for three years, was read.

New York.

A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Govr. of New York, to the Secretary of this Board, dated the 3rd of June, 1718, was read.

Massachusets.

A letter from Mr. Willard, Secry. of the Massachusets Bay, to the Secry. of this Board, dated the 23rd of May last, was read.

Jamaica.

A letter from Sir Nicholas Laws, Govr. of Jamaica, dated the 3rd May last, was read.

Leeward Islands.

The Secretary acquainted the Board, that Mr. Hooke had been at the Office, and desired him to signify to their Lordships from Baron Bloomberg [fo. 345], in answer to the letter writ him the 10th inst. that the said Baron was never concerned in the King of Denmark's affairs and could give no account of the Danish Settlement on the Island of St. Thomas.

July 23. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New York.

A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Govr. of New York, to the Board, dated the 3rd of June last, was read, and the Naval Officers Lists of Ships, trading inwards and outwards from Michaelmas, 1717, to Lady Day, 1718 therein referred to, was laid before the Board.

The Draughts of two letters from the Secretary to Brigadier Hunter, relating to the affairs of New York and New Jersey, were agreed and ordered to be sent.

Trade.

A second Memorial from Mr. Ingram [fo. 303, 368] about what was formerly done by the persons imployed to prevent the Exportation of Wool and the necessity of some further directions in that Affair, was read; whereupon ordered that Mr. Ingram be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him on Wednesday morning next.

Ordered that Col. Kane [fo. 356, 374] be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him tomorrow sev'night at eleven of the clock in the morning on the subject of the papers mentioned in yesterday's minutes relating to Minorca.

Virginia.

Mr. West attending, [fo. 351, 372] their Lordships proceeded in considering the undermentioned Acts passed in Virginia in Nov., 1714, and agreed and ordered to be noted upon each Act as expressed under its respective Title, vizt.:—
An Act for regulating and settling the Current Rates of Gold Coin and of British Silver Coin in the Dominion.
To lye by.
An Act to oblige owners and occupiers of Mills to which Publick Roads shall lead, to make the Dams of such Mills ten foot wide at the top.
To lye by.
An Act to repeal part of An Act, entituled, an Act giving a Reward for killing of Wolves and for lessening such reward.
To lye by.
An Act for altering the Day for Princess Anne County Court and the Day for Essex County Court.
No objection.
To lye by.
An Act for raising a Publick Levy.
Has had its effect.

Trade.

Ordered that the Secretary write to Mr. Attorney General to desire his opinion, whether by the several Acts of Trade and Navigation, any Goods not of the Growth, Product and Manufacture of Europe may be imported into His Majesty's Plantations in English Built Shipping from Ireland or from any Foreign Plantation or from any other place whatsoever, except Great Britain only, and in case it may be done, from what place or places and in respect of what goods it is allowable.

July 24. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

The copies of Five Orders of Council as undermentioned, all dated the 1st inst. were severally read, vizt.:—

Plantations General.

Copy of an Order of Council [fo. 333, 364] upon a Representation of this Board, dated the 20th instant, relating to Commissions for Pardoning Pirates in America.

Antigua.

Copy of an Order of Council [fo. 313] upon a Representation of this Board, dated the 25th June, 1718 for appointing John Gamble Esqr. a Member of His Majesty's Council in the Island of Antigua.

Antigua.

Copy of an Order of Council [fo. 224], upon a Representation of this Board, dated the 2nd May, 1718, for repealing an Act of Antigua, entituled an Act to prevent the increase of Papists and Non-jurors in this Island, and for better governing those who are already settled there.

Nevis.

Copy of an Order of Council [fo. 273] upon a Representation of this Board, dated the 20th May, 1718 for confirming an Act passed at Nevis, entituled, an Act for the good Government of Negroes and other Slaves in this Island.

South Carolina.

Copy of an Order of Council [fo. 197] upon a Representation of this Board, dated 9th April, 1718, relating to the proposal of Sir Robert Montgomery for making a settlement and distinct Government in the Southern part of Carolina.

Trade.

Their Lordships then proceeded to consider several papers in the Office [fo. 565], received from the British Consuls by His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State and otherwise, relating to the trade of this Kingdom, in Foreign parts, which letters and papers were read, vizt.:—

Letter from the Lord Viscount Townshend of the 7th May, 1715, with the extracts of letters from Mr. Wich, Resident at Hamburgh and Mr. Tigh, Consul at Elsinore, relating to the State of Trade in those parts.

Letter from the Lord Viscount Townshend of the 29th February, 1715/16, with a state of the British Trade in Dantzig, received from Sir Richard Vernon, His Majesty's Envoy to the King of Poland.

Letter from Mr. Tigh, Consul at Elsinore, dated 7th December, 1715, with accounts of the British Trade into Denmark and Norway.

Abstract of Abuses to the British Trade into Denmark and passing the Sound.

Mr. Bowman's Account of the State of the British Trade in Norway, dated the 20th October, 1715.

Letter from Mr. Crow, Consul at Leghorn, dated the 26th July, 1715, N.S. with an Account of British Trade there.

Letter from the British Consul and Factory at Messina, relating to their Trade in Sicily, dated the 17th June, 1715, N.S.

Letter from Mr. Fleetwood, Consul at Naples, of the 4th December, 1716, with an inclosed Account of the British Trade there, addressed to Mr. Secretary Stanhope and dated the 6th of August, 1716.

Memorial from the Merchants trading to Naples, relating to the present State of Trade, as also to what will be necessary for advantage thereof.

Plantations General.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Craggs [fos. 361, 366, 404] dated this day, signifying his Majesty's pleasure, that this Board do cause the Commissions to His Majesty's Governor's in America for pardoning pirates to be transmitted to the said Governors, when passed, was read.

July 25. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Their Lordships proceeded in considering several other letters and papers [fos. 363, 367] received from the Secretary's Office and from the Consuls &c. abroad, relating to the British Trade in Foreign parts, as undermentioned, which said letters and papers were severally read, vizt.:—

A letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope of the 9th July, 1715, with a Memorial from the Factory at Lisbon, and two Representations from that at Oporto to Mr. Worseley, his Majesty's Envoy in Portugal.

A letter from Mr. Poyntz, Consul General at Lisbon, dated the 2nd August, 1715, N.S. with a Representation of the State of the British Trade in Portugal.

A letter from Mr. Paul, Consul at Zant, dated the 18/29 July, 1715, relating to the State of the British Trade there.

Jamaica.

The Copy of His Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal [fo. 354, 404], dated the 23rd instant July, impowering Sir Nicholas Lawes, Govr. of Jamaica, to pardon such pirates as have or shall surrender there, conformable of His Majesty's late proclamation, and the said Commission, being received from Mr. Secretary Craggs's Office, a letter wherewith to transmit the said Commission to Sir Nicholas Lawes, was agreed and signed, as likewise a letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs, relating to another proclamation to be issued by His Majesty on the same subject.

July 29. Present:—Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

A letter from Mr. Cole, in answer to one writ him the 22nd inst., relating to the British Fish Trade at Venice [fo. 365, 368], was read; whereupon ordered that the Secretary write Circular letters to the several British Consuls in Spain, Portugal, Italy and at Hamburgh to the same purpose as the letter above mentioned to Mr. Cole &c. relating to the British Fish Trade in those respective parts.

Then their Lordships took again into consideration the Memorial mentioned in the last Minutes, from the Factory at Lisbon, relating to the British Trade there.

July 30. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

A letter from Mr. Jamineau, [fo. 367, 375] dated the 29th inst., relating to the British Fish Trade at Venice, and the ill curing of Herrings and Pilchards, was read.

Mr. Ingram attending [fo. 359, 374] according to appointment, his 2nd Memorial about preventing the exportation of Wool from the Kingdom, mentioned in the Minutes of the 23rd inst., was again read, and their Lordships had some discourse with Mr. Ingram on that subject; whereupon he said, he had some years ago been appointed Surveyor with sixty Officers under him to prevent the exportation of Wool from the Counties of York, Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland.— That he had been promised a Salary of five hundred pounds for himself, vizt.: one hundred pounds for each county, and seventy pounds for each Officer under him, and the same not being complied with, and he having run out his fortune in prosecutions and supporting the said Officers, the business did not continue longer than two years.— And in relation to several Articles of his Memorial above-mentioned, he referred himself for confirmation of them to Mr. Thomas Ashurst, who, attending likewise, was called in, and, upon several questions being asked him, he acquainted their Lordships that he had served many years under the late Capt. Henry Baker, Surveyor of the Coasts of Kent and Sussex. That he had been at Canterbury, Deal &c. about a month ago, and was there told, that a great many of our Woollen Manufacturers, who had been settled there, were now gone to France for Imployment, and that our Woollen trade at Canterbury was almost lost. That he had been credibly informed, and all the Gentleman in those parts believe, that not less than a Thousand pounds per week is sent over in specie from Deal and the towns adjacent for purchasing Wines and Brandy in France, which are run in such great quantities, that both sorts are sold on the Kentish Coast and near it for 3s. 6d. per gallon. That the smugglers who carry on this trade, do not now run out Wool, as they used formerly to do, by small quantities at a time, but that our Wool, on pretence of carrying it by water for London and from London to Norwich and other places, is carried off to France in great quantities. That the method of prosecution of offenders in this way, is altered from what it was, when Capt. Baker had the Survey of those coasts, the Officers being obliged to do it now at their own expence and risque. That one William Chamberlain and (fn. 1) Hern Bay and Capt. Ducingham at Boulougn are the chief persons concerned in carrying on this Smuggling Trade.

Mr. Ingram added that Vessels go openly out of the ports of Scotland loaden only with Wool for France and Sweden.

Their Lordships then desired Mr. Ingram to let them have his answers in writing to the following Queries, which were delivered to him, and he promised to do the same vizt.:—
1st. What was the produce of the Seizures, made in the Five Northern Counties by Mr. Ingram or his under Officers, during the two years he was imployed, did amount to?
2nd. How much of that amount was really and bona fide paid into the Exchequer?
3rd. What condemnations were made, and to what value ? Where the persons convicted run away and carried off their Effects?
4th. What Salaries were promised to Mr. Ingram and his under Officers and by whom?
5th. What Salaries they did actually receive ?
6th. What Money Mr. Ingram disbursed for the Publick in the execution of his Trust?
7th. What proofs he hath of such money by him disbursed ?
Memorandum to produce, if he can, the woman that was married to a Woollen Manufacturer in Sweden for the Information of the Board.
8th. What proof Mr. Ingram hath of the great sums weekly sent to Calais for purchase of Wines and other commodities in France?

Virginia.

Mr. West attending, [fo. 359] their Lordships. proceeded in considering the Acts of Virginia undermentioned and agreed and ordered to be noted upon each Act as expressed under its respective Title vizt.:—
An Act to prevent Hogs rooting within the City of Williamsburgh and certain adjacent places, passed in 1714.
To lie by.
An Act to prevent Hogs rooting in the limits of York Town, passed in 1714.
To lie by.
An Act to prevent Hogs going at large in the County of Middlesex, passed in 1714.
Expired.
An Act for the Encouragement of such persons as have gone and shall go voluntarily into the Service of Carolina, passed in 1715.
Has had its effect.
An Act for raising a Publick Levy, passed in 1715.
Has had its effect.
An Act requiring the Vestry of the Parish of Henrico to build a Chappel, passed in 1715.
Supposed to have had its effect.

July 31. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Ordered that Mr. Thomas Ashurst [fo. 368, 443] be desired to reduce into writing, what he acquainted this Board with at their last meeting, relating to the decay of the Woollen Manufacture about Canterbury, the Exportation of our Wool and the money sent from several places on the Coast of Kent &c., for France to purchase Wines and Brandy; as likewise that he add what further information he can get in those subjects.

Col. Kane, attending [fo. 359, 406], according to appointment, his observations and proposals, relating to Minorca, mentioned in the minutes of the 22nd inst., were again read; and Col. Kane inlarging his Discourse upon each Article their Lordships agreed to take the same into further consideration at another opportunity.