Journal, June 1719: Journal Book V

Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 4, November 1718 - December 1722. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1925.

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'Journal, June 1719: Journal Book V', in Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 4, November 1718 - December 1722, (London, 1925) pp. 70-81. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol4/pp70-81 [accessed 24 March 2024]

Journal, June 1719

June 2. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Captain Scott.

Letter to Mr. Carkesse.

A letter from Capt. Scott, Commadore of last year's convoy to Newfoundland, dated the 16th of Nov., 1718, (mentioned in the Minutes of the 9th of April last), was again read, and an extract thereof ordered to be sent to Mr. Carkesse, for the information of the Commissioners of His Majesty's Customs.

Heads of Inquiry.

Letter to Mr. Burchett.

The Heads of Inquiry and instructions for the Commadore of the Newfoundland convoy, being laid before the Board, the draught of a letter from the Secry. for enclosing the same to Mr. Burchett to be laid before the Lords of the Admty., was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Nova Scotia.

Letter from Mr. Delafaye referring.

Monsr. Chamorel.

Monsr. Hiriberry.

A letter from Mr. Delafaye, Secry. to the Lords Justices, dated the 28th of the last month, referring to the Board copy of a letter from the Abbe du Bois, to Mr. Secry. Craggs, with the case of Mons. Joannis Heriberry, and the depredations of Canso by Capt. Smart of the Squirrel, which was read. And Monsr. Chamorel, the French Secretary, attending, with the said Monsr. Hiriberry, their Lordships had some discourse with them thereupon. And Monsr. Hiriberry particularly said that the French inhabitants of the Island of Canso went thither at first from Placentia after the cession of that place to the Crown of England.

Representation.

Sir Alexander Cairnes' petition.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a Representation upon an Order of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affaires, dated the 15th of December last, upon the petition of Sir Alexander Cairnes and others, for the grant of a tract of land upon the coast of Nova Scotia, (mentioned in the Minutes of the 21st of the last month), which was agreed, and ordered to be transcribed.

June 3. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New York.

Representation.

Act.

The draught of a Representation upon an Act passed at New York in 1717, for paying and discharging several debts due from that Colony, (mentioned in the Minutes of the 27th past), was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Delafaye.

Commission &c. for Colonel Philips.

Colonel Philips.

Presents for the Indians.

Ship of war.

Boundaries.

A letter from Mr. Delafaye, Secretary to the Lords Justices, of the 2nd instant, directing the Board to prepare drafts of a Commission and instructions for Col. Philips, Govr. of Nova Scotia, Annapolis Royal and Placentia, as also to represent whatever else may be for His Majesty's service in those parts, and the improvement of that Colony, was read. And Col. Philips attending, thereupon said, that presents for the Indians were absolutely necessary, for that would effectually attach them to our interest, and the only reason they are so much at the beck of the French, is because they are better used and treated by them. And if they had good usage, they would be as great friends to us. The Colonel likewise said that a ship of war would be necessary to attend that Province, and the more so because the fishery there increases. Col. Philips further said, that it would be very requisite Commissioners should be appointed for settling the boundaries between Nova Scotia and the French Settlements adjacent thereunto.

Massachusets Bay.

Nova Scotia.

Squirrel man of war.

Eight papers received from Mr. Dummer, Agent for the Massachusets Bay, relating to the proceedings of the Squirrel man of war on the coast of Nova Scotia, were read.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

Lisbon.

Brokers.

Ordered that Mr. Secry. Craggs be reminded of the Board's letter, dated the 21st of November last, transmitting an extract of one from Mr. Poyntz, Consul General at Lisbon, relating to an Edict passed by the King of Portugal, concerning certain brokers to be employed by all merchants at Lisbon. That Mr. Burnet, now going over thither as Consul General, may be apprized of such directions as were then proposed for Mr. Poyntz.

June 4. Present:—Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland.

Representation.

Commission &c. for Colonel Philips.

A Representation to the Lords Justices, in answer to a letter from Mr. Delafaye, of the 2nd instant, promising a dispatch in the Commission and instructions for Col. Philips of Nova Scotia &c., and proposing that one of His Majesty's ships be appointed for the guarding that coast, and that presents be sent for the Indians, as has been usually done by the French, was signed.

Nova Scotia.

Representation.

Sir Alexander Cairnes' petition.

A Representation to the Lords of the Committee for hearing Appeals, pursuant to their Lordships' order, dated 15th Dec. last, on the petition of Sir Alexander Cairnes and others, for the grant of a tract of land upon the coast of Nova Scotia, (mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd instant), was signed.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

Brokers at Lisbon.

A letter to Mr. Secry. Craggs, reminding him of one from this Board of the 21st of November last, relating to an Award or Edict lately passed by the King of Portugal, concerning certain brokers to be employed at Lisbon by all merchants; and desiring that Mr. Burnet, now going thither, as Consul General, may carry such instructions to His Majesty's Minister at that Court, as in the said letter was proposed, for removing some difficulties our trade laboured under there, which letter was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

New England.

Letter to Colonel Shute.

A letter to Col. Shute, Governor of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, was signed.

New York.

Representation.

Act.

A representation upon an Act passed at New York in 1717, for paying and discharging several Debts due from that Colony, (mentioned in yesterday's Minutes), was signed.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Vaughan and Mr. Capon.

Seizure.

Boundaries.

Col. Vaughan, late Lieut. Govr. of New Hampshire, and Mr. Capon, Commissary of the Stores at Annapolis Royal, attending, and being asked several questions in relation to the seizure made last year by Captain Smart, Commander of the Squirrel, of the effects of some Frenchmen fishing at Cape Canso. They said, that they had both been upon the place, and knew the scituation of it very well. Particularly Col. Vaughan said, that he was there, a fortnight before the seizure, and saw the French ships fishing on one of those islands which are called Cape Canso, lying off the Gut of Canso, the nearest of which is within a stones throw off the mainland of Nova Scotia, and all the rest about the same distance from one another. That the outermost of them is that which is properly the Cape, and lies at least 10 leagues from the island Breton. So that there cannot be any colour by the Treaty of Utrecht, to pretend that they belong to the French. Nor can the Gut of Canso, which is not above a mile over in the broadest place, and runs into the middle of the Gulph of St. Lawrence, be any ways esteemed the mouth of that Gulph, which was ever reckoned to be the entrance between Cape St. Lawrence in the island of Cape Breton, and Cape Ray in Newfoundland. They added that since the reduction of Nova Scotia in Her late Majesty's reign, the English have fished there several years before the French pretended to it. Whereupon these gentlemen were desired to consider further of this matter, and to let their Lordps. have in writing the best accounts they were able, of the true and ancient boundaries of Nova Scotia, as it was, when delivered to the French, and when reduced to the Crown of Gt. Britain, as aforesaid, as also the boundaries from Kennebeck River to Cape Rosiers to the mouth of Canada River, which they promised to do accordingly.

Letter to Mr. Ridge.

After these gentlemen retired the Board being informed that Mr. Ridge, the King's brewer at Portsmouth, has a map of Nova Scotia. Ordered that the Secry. write to the said Mr. Ridge, and desire him to lend it their Lordships; and assure him it shall be carefully returned again.

June 5. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Nova Scotia.

Representation.

Mr. Hiriberry's case.

A representation to the Lords Justices in answer to a letter from Mr. Delafaye of the 28th past, referring to this Board a letter from the Abbe du Bois to Mr. Secry. Craggs, with the case of Mr. Johannis Hiriberry, complaining of some depredations at Canso by Smart, Commander of His Majesty's ship the Squirrel, was signed.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

Brokers at Lisbon.

A letter to Mr. Secry. Craggs, reminding him of one from this Board the 21st November last, relating to an edict passed by the King of Portugal, concerning certain brokers to be employed by all merchants at Lisbon, and desiring that Mr. Burnet, now going thither as Consul General, may be apprized of those directions as were thereupon proposed for Mr. Pointz, and carry such further instructions to His Majesty's Minister at that Court, as may be necessary to redress the grievances complained of, was signed.

Massachusets Bay.

Mr. West.

Then Mr. West coming to the Board, their Lordps. took into consideration the Acts undermentioned, passed at the Massachusets Bay in 1718, which were severally read, and their Lordps. directed to be noted on the said Acts, as expressed under the titles of each respective Act, viz:—
Acts.
An Act in addition to an Act passed in the first year of Queen Anne, intituled An Act more effectually providing for the support of ministers.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act in addition to the several Acts for settlement and support of schoolmasters. &c.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act in further addition to An Act for regulating Fences, Cattle, &c.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act for the better regulating the culling of fish.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act in addition to An Act for encouraging the raising of hemp within this province, made in the 2nd year of His Majesty's Reign.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act for the further regulating of ferries.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act in addition to An Act, made in the 2nd year of His present Majesty's Reign, intituled An Act for granting unto His Majesty an excise upon wines, liquor, and other strong drink sold by retail.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act in addition to An Act intituled An Act for the making and emitting the sum of 100,000l. in Bills of Credit on this Province in such manner as in the said Act is expressed.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act in addition to the Act for preventing abuses to the Indians, made in the 12th year of King William.
To be confirmed.
An Act for the regulation and limiting credit in trade, and for the preventing the double payment of debts.
To be repealed. Vide Mr. West's report infra.
An Act for the better inquiry into the rateable estate of this Province.
To lye by. No objection.
An Act for appointing and assessing a tax of 8,250l. upon polls and estates.
To lye by. No objection.

Mr. West's report.

Representation.

Mr. West's report upon the several Acts, above mentioned, was also read. Whereupon their Lordps. gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation for repealing that intituled An Act for the regulating and limiting credit in trade, and for preventing the double payment of debts, to which Mr. West has made several objections.

Representation.

Their Lordps. likewise ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared, proposing the confirmation of that above mentioned Act, entituled, An Act in addition to the Act for preventing abuses to the Indians, made in the 12th year of King William.

Virginia.

Mr. West's report about proroguing Assemblies.

Letter to Colonel Spotswood.

Mr. West's report, relating to the power of a Governor to prorogue a General Assembly, was likewise read, and directions were given for transmitting, with the next letter to Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Govr. of Virginia, a copy of Mr. West's last mentioned report.

Plantations General.

Representation.

Private Acts.

Ordered that the Secry. prepare the draught of a representation that no private Act, passed in any of His Majesty's Governments in America, may be of force, till confirmed here by His Majesty.

June 9. Present:—Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Nevis.

Mr. Coleman.

Debentures.

Mr. William Coleman attending, and his power of attorney from Eliz. Pim, one of the sufferers by the French invasion at Nevis, being examined at the Board, the Debenture numbered 128 was delivered to him.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from General Hamilton.

Pirates.

A letter from General Hamilton, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated at St. Christophers, the 19th Dec., 1718, was read. And 6 Depositions, relating to the pirates, received therewith, were laid before the Board. Whereupon ordered that the paragraphs F., G. and K. of General Hamilton's foregoing letter, relating to the Spaniards fitting out vessels to destroy the settlement at Providence—mischief done by pirates in those parts—and soldiers deserting to St. Eustatia, an island subject to the Dutch, be sent with a letter to Mr. Delafaye, to be laid before their Excellencies the Lord Justices.

Pirates.

Letter to Mr. Burchett.

Their Lordships also gave directions that paragraphs G. and H. of the above mentioned letter, relating to mischief done by pirates, and the insufficiency and unserviceableness of the man of war there, and further mischiefs apprehended &c., be transmitted to Mr. Burchet for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

Montserrat.

Representation.

New Councillors.

Ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared, recommending John Cockran, Wm. Irish and Richard Cooke, Esqrs., to supply three vacancies in the Council of Montserrat, mentioned in General Hamilton's letter of 19th December, 1718.

Antego.

Mr. Nivine's memorial.

A memorial from Mr. Nivine desiring that An Act passed at Antego in March, 1718, to enable Arthur Freeman and his wife to sell and convey a certain plantation there, &c., may be reported in order to be confirmed, was read; whereupon directions were given for acquainting Mr. Nivine, that the reason, why that Act had not been laid before His Majesty, was, because it did not appear that there were any persons here instructed by both parties concerned in the said Act, to sollicit the dispatch thereof. But when their Lordps. are satisfied in that point, they will lay the Act with their opinion before His Majesty.

Mr. Nivine's memorial.

Acts of Antego.

Montserrat and St. Christophers.

Another memorial from Mr. Nivine, Agent for Antego, Montserrat and St. Christophers, praying that he may have notice, and be heard, before their Lordps. proceed to make any report upon Acts passed in those Islands, was likewise read.

Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Philips's commission.

Letter to Mr. West.

The draught of a commission for Col. Philips, Esqr., to be His Majesty's Govr. of Placentia in Newfoundland, and Captain General and Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia or Accadie, was read, and directions given for sending the same to Mr. West for his opinion thereupon.

Massachusets Bay.

Mr. West's report.

Act.

Letter to Mr. West.

Their Lordps. taking into consideration Mr. West's report of the 9th July, 1718, upon an Act passed in the Massachusets Bay in 1716, for making lands and tenements liable to payment of debts; Ordered that Mr. West be desired to let their Lordps. have those objections of less consequence against passing the above mentioned Act, which in that report, (he says), might be mentioned.

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

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Burchet.

A letter from Mr. Burchet, Secry. to the Lords Commissrs. of the Admty., dated the 5th instant, signifying his receipt of the several papers for the Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships bound to Newfoundland &c., was read.

Antego.

Mr. Nivine.

Mr. Nivine, Agent for Antego, attending in relation to an Act passed there in March, 1718, to enable Arthur Freeman and his wife to sell and convey a certain plantation on that Island, said, that he had letters from the son of the said Freeman, who is the only person that can be prejudiced by that Act, wherein he presses him to use his endeavours that it may be confirmed. Mr. Nivine was then acquainted with what the Board had ordered upon his memorial on this subject presented yesterday.

Montserrat.

Letter to Colonel Matthew.

Ordered that the Secry. write to Col. William Matthew, Lieut. General of the Leeward Islands, to know whether Richard Cooke, Esqr., recommended by him some time ago to be of the Council of Montserrat, be still living, and fit to be constituted a member of the Council there.

Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Philips.

Instructions.

Their Lordps. then took into consideration the draught of instructions for Col. Philips, appointed Govr. of Placentia in Newfoundland and Capt. General and Govr. in Chief of Nova Scotia, or Accadie in America, and made a progress therein.

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

Newfoundland.

Commadore's Instructions.

Letter to Mr. Burchet.

Upon consideration of Mr. Burchet's letter, dated the 5th instant, signifying that if this Board have any further instructions to prepare for Capt. Ogle, which can be ready in a few days, they may be sent by him. Ordered that the Secry. acquaint Mr. Burchet that the alterations designed to be made in the heads of inquiry for the Newfoundland commadores, will take up too much time to be perfected to go by this opportunity; and therefore their Lordps. are of opinion, that the usual heads of inquiry already sent with the letter, and other papers inclosed, may be sufficient for this year.

Trade.

Letter from the Eastland and Russia Companies.

Letter to Mr. Tigh.

Duties.

A letter from the Eastland and Russia Companies, dated the 28th, in answer to one writ the 13th May, 1719, relating to clearing British ships at Elsinore, and a Consul at Norway, was read. Whereupon ordered that an extract thereof be sent to Mr. Tigh, his Brittannick Majesty's Consul at Elsinore; And that he be desired to let the Board have an account of the yearly gross amount of the customs and duties paid in the Sound for as many years past as conveniently he can.

Carolina.

Letter from the Governor and Council.

Pirates.

A letter from the Govr. and Council of South Carolina, dated the 21st of Oct., 1718, with an account of taking some pirates there, was read.

Rhode Island.

Mr. Birchfeild.

Mr. Birchfeild, Surveyor General of the Customs in South Carolina, attending, desired a copy of a letter or instruction, (if any such were sent), to the government of Rhode Island, obliging them to send over their Acts hither, some having been passed there, (as a letter from Mr. Nathaniel Kay, collector of the Customs, informed him), that were prejudicial to the trade and navigation of this Kingdom. The said Mr. Birchfeild was acquainted that no such orders and instructions had been sent to the Propriety and Charter Government for that purpose, they being under no obligation by their charters to transmit their Acts hither. Thereupon

Letter from Mr. Kay.

Acts.

A letter from Mr. Nathaniel Kay, collector of the Customs at Rhode Island, to the Secry. on the same subject, dated there the 24th of November last, complaining of several Acts lately passed in that province repugnant to the laws of trade, and that prove a great discouragement to it, was read.

Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Philips. Instructions.

Their Lordps. took again into consideration the draught of instructions for Col. Philips, Govr, of Placentia in Newfoundland and Captain General and Governor in Chief of Nova Scotia or Accadie in America, and made some progress therein.

Plantations General.

Representation.

Private acts.

A representation to the Lords Justices, proposing that an instruction be sent to all His Majesty's Govrs. in America, forbidding them to give their assent to any private Act in their respective governments, without a clause expressly declaring the same to be of no force, till confirmed here by His Majesty, was laid before the Board.

June 16. Present:—Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Nevis.

Mr. Trueman.

Debenture.

Mr. Thomas Trueman attending, and his power of attorney from Robert Caine, one of the sufferers by the French invasion at Nevis, being examined at the Board, the Debenture numbered 529 was delivered to him.

Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Philips.

Instructions.

Their Lordps. took into further consideration the draught of instructions for Col. Philips. Governor of Placentia in Newfoundland and Capt General and Governor in Chief of Nova Scotia or Accadie in America, and made some progress therein.

June 17. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Colonel Kane.

Salt at Minorca.

Col. Kane attending, acquainted the Board that nothing had been done upon their representation of the 11th June, 1718, relating to a patent for making of salt in the Island of Minorca. He added that he foresaw the undertaking would be very expensive, and had great doubts whether it would turn to account. However, as he was soon returning to Minorca, he should be glad to know His Majesty's pleasure, before he leaves England, upon it. Upon which he was desired, if he had anything to offer, he would put it into writing.

Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland.

Colonel Philips.

Col. Philips attending, and being asked what he knew of the condition of the fort at St. Johns in Newfoundland, and whether, when the garrison at Placentia should be removed to Nova Scotia; it would be fit to abandon and demolish the said fort at St. Johns as well as that at Placentia? He said that there was now no garrison at St. Johns, but he did not know in what condition the fort was; however, he would make enquiry, upon the several questions asked him, and let their Lordps. have an answer thereunto.

Colonel Philips.

Instructions.

Representation.

Their Lordps. took again into consideration the draught of instructions for Col. Philips, Govr. of Placentia in Newfoundland and Capt. Genl. and Govr. in Chief of Nova Scotia or Accadie, in America, which was agreed, and ordered to be transcribed. And at the same time gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

June 18. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Colonel Matthew.

Councillor.

A letter from Col. Matthew, Lieut. General of the Leeward Islands, dated the 12th instant, relating to Richard Cooke, Esqr., recommended to be of the Council of Montserrat, and signifying that he regularly sent over the Minutes and other public papers of those islands to the respective agents here, was read, and the secry. ordered to acknowledge the receipt of it.

Montserrat.

Representation.

3 Councillors.

A representation recommending John Cochran, William Irish and Richard Cooke, Esqr., to supply three vacancies in the Council of Montserrat, mentioned in the Minutes of the 9th inst., was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Mr. Burchet.

Man of war.

A letter from Mr. Burchet, Secry. to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, dated the 11th, in answer to that writ him the 10th instant, with an extract of one from General Hamilton, Govr. of the Leeward Islands, relating to the man of war there, was read.

Antegoa.

Order of Council. Councillor.

Copy of an order of council dated the 4th April, upon a representation of this Board of 19th March last, for restoring Col. Thomas Morris to his place in the Council of Antego, approving the same, was read.

Virginia.

Letter from Mr. Lloyd. Postage.

A letter from Mr. Lloyd, Secry. to the Post Master General, dated the 8th of May last, upon the extract of one from the Lieut. Governor of Virginia, relating to the postage of letters there, was read.

Plantations General.

Letter from Mr. Carkesse.

Oaths to Governors.

A letter from Mr. Carkesse, Secry. to the Commissrs. of His Majesty's Customs, dated the 10th instant, with the copy of a commission for appointing commissioners to administer the oath to be taken by Govrs. in the plantations, also the form of that oath, which was read, and directions given that a transcript of the said oath be annexed to Col. Philips's instructions for trade.

Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia.

Representation with Colonel Philips' Commission and Instructions.

The draught of a representation to accompany the draught of a commission and instructions for Col. Philips, Govr. of Placentia in Newfoundland and Capt. Genl. and Govr. in Chief of Nova Scotia or Accadie in America, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Trade.

Letter from Colonel Kane.

Salt in Minorca.

A letter from Col. Kane, Lieut. Govr. of Minorca, dated yesterday, relating to the project of Monsr. Desoulies for making salt in that island, was read.

New York.

Representation.

Act.

The draught of a representation upon an Act passed at New York in 1718, entituled An Act for reviving an Act of general assembly, entituled An Act for the easier partition of lands in joint tenancy or in common, and making the same more usefull and effectual for the purposes therein mentioned, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

June 19. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia.

Mr. West's report, Colonel Philips's Commission etc.

Representation.

Mr. West's report, dated 18th June, 1719, upon the draught of a Commission for Col. Philips to be Governor of Placentia in Newfoundland and Capt. Genl. and Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia or Accadie in America, was read. And a representation for inclosing the draught of his commission and instructions to the Lords Justices was signed.

Nova Scotia.

Letter to General Nicholson.

Cession of Nova Scotia.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Genl. Nicholson, to desire of him a copy of the instrument, whereby the King of France ceded Nova Scotia to the Crown of Great Britain.

New York.

Representation. Act.

A representation for repealing an Act passed at New York in 1718, entituled An Act for reviving an Act of general assembly, entituled An Act for the easier partition of lands in joint tenancies or in common, and making the same more usefull and effectual for the purposes therein mentioned, was signed.

Newfoundland.

Colonel Moody.

Purchases.

Col. Moody attending, and being asked several questions relating to Newfoundland, and in particular to what purchases he had made from the French at Placentia, he laid before their Lordps. the copy of a memorial, which he had lately presented to the Lords Justices, with a list of the houses and lands he had purchased there, with an account of what he had paid for them. Then being asked whether his land and houses lay near the fort, and whether any of his lands did not formerly belong to the fort, he said, that the nearest of his houses to the fort was at least musket shot from it, and that none of his lands ever belonged to the fort, as will appear by the several grants of the King of France to the persons from whom he purchased. That besides what he claims, there are beaches, rooms and other conveniences marked out, for at least 100 ships, and that he conceived, the reason why so few British ships, (not above 5 or 6 in a year), came to Placentia, was the want of planters, there being not above 15 or 16 families, which were not sufficient to load a greater number of ships. He said further in discourse, that he believed there might be 4000 inhabitants, men, women and children in Newfoundland, besides the garrison at Placentia, which consisted of 4 independant companies that he carried there from Ireland: That the French live by fishing and selling their fish to the French or Spaniards, that come privately upon the coast. That he had often forbid them to do it, but that not availing, he had seized some of them in order to frighten the others: That the New England men come to fish at Newfoundland, because the fish caught there was far better than what they cure at Marblehead, that fish being caught upon the coast of Nova Scotia and on the Banks. The fishing ships are sometimes 3 weeks or a month before they can come to Marble Head to cure it, and by that means the fish is not so firm as that caught and cured at Placentia, and in other places in Newfoundland, particularly at Placentia, where the fish may be brought in and laid in piles in 2 or 3 hours after it is caught, and so receives the salt before it is heated. That the Spaniards, (who pretend a right by the treaty at Utrecht), fish there, but in byplaces, but that he had often drove them away, when they lay within his reach. Their Lordps. asked him in what condition Fort St. John was. He said, that it was ruined and entirely neglected ever since the year 1708, and being asked whether he had the King of France's order for delivering up Placentia and the French part of Newfoundland to Her late Majesty, he said, he believed he had, and would bring a copy of it. Their Lordps. further enquired of him, what number of inhabitants he believed there might be in Nova Scotia, he said he was not acquainted with that country.

Barbadoes.

Ecclesiastical Court.

Their Lordps. agreed an answer to the Lord Bishop of London's reasons against their letter to Mr. Secry. Addison of 17th Oct., 1717, upon the petition of the agents of Barbadoes, relating to an Ecclesiastical Court attempted to be set up in that island.

June 23. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Nova Scotia.

Letter from General Nicholson.

Cession of Nova Scotia.

A letter from General Nicholson, dated the 20th instant, signifying his not having the King of France's order for the cession of Nova Scotia to the Crown of Great Britain, was read.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from General Hamilton.

A letter from General Hamilton, Govr. of the Leeward Islands, dated the 21st March, 1718/9, was read, and the papers therein referred to laid before the Board.
Papers.
List of four Acts passed at Antegoa in December, 1718, and Feb. and March, 1718/9.
General Hamilton's observations on four Acts passed at Antegoa in 1718 and 1718/9.
List of Minutes of the several Councils and Assemblys of the Leeward Islands.
Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antegoa from the 27th July, 1713, to the 18th February, following.
Minutes of ditto from the 25th Feb., 171¾, to the 17th of December, following.
Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antegoa, from the 15th of Feb., 1714/5, to the 8th July, following.
Minutes of ditto from the 2nd Jan., 1715/6, to the 4th of Feb., following.
Minutes of ditto from the 16th April, 1718, to the 16th of December, following.
Minutes of Assembly of Antegoa from the 7th of April, 1718, to the 16th Dec., following.
Minutes of Council of Nevis from 19th of Sept., 1715, to the 18th December, 1718.
Minutes of the Council and Assembly of Antegoa, relating to the Tax Act, and the disposal of publick money.
Minutes of Council of St. Christophers from 26th March, 1713, to 23rd Dec., 1718.
Book of St. Christophers Acts passed from 1711, to 1717.

Letter to Mr. West.

Antegoa Acts.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. West, for his opinion upon the four Acts passed at Antegoa, transmitted with General Hamilton's forementioned letter.

Plantations General.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

Governor's Instructions.

Ordered that a letter be prepared to Mr. Secry. Craggs, to remind him of the letter to him of 25th August, 1718, about the alterations to be made in the Governor's instructions.

Virginia.

Letter from Colonel Spotswood.

A letter from Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Governor of Virginia, dated 25th March, 1719, was read. And the papers, therein referred to, laid before the Board, viz:—
Papers.
Copy of addresses from the several counties of Virginia to Col. Spotswood, protesting against the proceedings of the burgesses.
Remarks on the articles exhibited against the Governor of Virginia and rejected by the burgesses.
Copy of Col. Spotswood's answer to the four articles exhibited by the burgesses of Virginia in maintenance of their complaint against him, contained in their late address to His Majesty, Anno 1718.

Letter to Colonel Spotswood.

Whereupon the draught of a letter to Col. Spotswood in answer to several from him, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

June 25. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Jamaica.

Letter from Mr. Burchett.

Store-houses.

Letter to Mr. Burchett.

A letter from Mr. Burchett, dated the 23rd instant, signifying the desire of the Lords of the Admiralty to know what answer this Board have received from Sir Nic. Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, to the letter writ him relating to some store-houses in that island being delivered to Mr. Nic. Coleman, for the use of His Majesty's ships there, was read. Whereupon ordered that the Secry. write an answer to Mr. Burchett's said letter.

Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland.

Hudsons Bay.

Letter from Monsieur Pontchartrain.

Cession of Nova Scotia.

A letter from Monsr. Pontchartrain to the Marquiss de Vaudreuil, Governor of New France, dated the 6th of May, 1713, relating to the cession of Accadie, Newfoundland and Hudsons Bay to the Crown of Great Britain, by the Treaty concluded with France at Utrecht in April, 1713, being communicated to the Board by Col. Moody, a copy was taken thereof, which was read.

Jamaica.

Sir Nicholas Lawes's letters.

Their Lordps. then took into consideration several letters from Sir Nic. Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, and those to the Board, dated the 3rd of May, 21st of June, 1st of Sept., and 10th of Oct., 1718, as likewise one to the Secry. of the 1st of Sept., 1718, were again read. The two undermentioned letters from Sir Nic. Lawes were likewise read, and the papers referred to in the first of them, were laid before the Board, viz:—
Papers.
A letter from him, dated the 31st of January, 1718/9.
Copy of a letter from Sir Nic. Lawes, knt., &c., to the Govr. of Havana, dated the 20th Dec., 1718.
Two Acts passed, Nov. the 1st, 1718, the one, to oblige the several inhabitants of this island to provide themselves with a sufficient number of white people &c.; The other, for the encouragement of voluntary parties to suppress rebellious and run-away negroes.
Minutes of Council from the 26th of April, 1718, to the 21st of November, following.
Minutes of the Council in Assembly, from the 1st of Aug., 1718, to the 21st of Nov., following.
Minutes of Assembly from 1st Aug., 1718, to the 21st of Nov., following.

Letter from Sir Nicholas Lawes.

A letter from Sir Nic. Lawes, dated the 24th of March, 1718—19, was read; and resolved that the other letter and papers be read the next morning.

Letter to Mr. West.

Ordered that the two Acts abovementioned, referred to in Sir Nic. Lawes's letter of 31st Jan., 1718/9, be sent to Mr. West, for his opinion thereupon in point of law as soon as may be.

June 26. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Jamaica.

Letter from Sir Nicholas Lawes.

A letter from Sir Nic. Lawes, Govr. of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 28th of April, 1719, was read. And the papers therein referred to laid before the Board, viz:—
Papers.
Copy of a paragraph of a letter to Mr. Secry. Craggs, dated the 28th April, 1719, in relation to Mr. Bonfils, owner of the ship L'Aimable Marie.
Sir Nic. Lawes's speech to the Council of War.

Victualling the Navy &c. Letter to Mr. Burchett.

Whereupon ordered that the paragraph A. in Sir Nic. Lawes's said letter relating to a sum of money due to the Commissrs. for the victualling His Majesty's Navy from the executors of Mr. Silvester Stukely, late their agent at Jamaica, be sent to Mr. Burchett for the information of the Lords of the Admiralty.

Prepare state of the matter.

Their Lordps. taking further into consideration paragraph P. of Sir Nic. Lawes's letter, dated the 31st of Jan., 1718/9, (mentioned in yesterday's Minutes), relating to the money in the hands of the several receivers in Jamaica, gave directions to prepare a state of that matter, with abstracts of the several Acts relating thereto. And

Jamaica.

Fortifications.

Letter to Mr. Delafaye.

Ordered that extracts of Sir Nic. Lawes's letters of 31st Jan. and 24th March, 1718/9, (mentioned in yesterday's Minutes), relating to the defenceless condition of Jamaica, and to the fortifications, be sent to Mr. Delafaye, to be laid before the Lords Justices.

Virginia.

Letter to Colonel Spotswood.

A letter to Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Govr. of Virginia, in answer to several letters from him, was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Mr. Burchett.

Man of war.

Letter to General Hamilton.

A letter from Mr. Burchett, Secry, to the Lords of the Admty., dated the 25th instant, in answer to one writ him the 10th relating to the man of war stationed at the Leeward Islands, was read; And directions given for sending a copy of Mr. Burchett's said letter to General Hamilton, for his information.