America and West Indies: May 16-31, 1677

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 10, 1677-1680. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1896.

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'America and West Indies: May 16-31, 1677', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 10, 1677-1680, ed. W Noel Sainsbury, J W Fortescue( London, 1896), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol10/pp88-99 [accessed 13 November 2024].

'America and West Indies: May 16-31, 1677', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 10, 1677-1680. Edited by W Noel Sainsbury, J W Fortescue( London, 1896), British History Online, accessed November 13, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol10/pp88-99.

"America and West Indies: May 16-31, 1677". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 10, 1677-1680. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury, J W Fortescue(London, 1896), , British History Online. Web. 13 November 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol10/pp88-99.

May 16–31, 1677

May 15–16. 249. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. List of "the returns" according to election for the several parishes. (See names presented to the Council No. 252.) Said gentlemen then met at the house of Paul Gwynn, in St. Michaels Town, to choose a Speaker, and every member present gave in a paper with the name of the person he desired to be Speaker. William Sharpe chosen, whereupon the House presented their Speaker to the Governor and Council, and then returned to their own House. Election of John Higinbotham for their Clerk, and Joseph Withers, Marshal. Being invited by the Governor to dinner the House adjourned at three o'clock.
May 16. By appointment of the Governor, John Sparke, a Member of the Council, came to the House and administered the oaths to John Higinbotham and Joseph Withers. Here follow the oaths. John Sparke also administered the oaths of allegiance and supremacy to the newly elected Members of the Assembly, Samuel Husband, Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ruddock, Captains John Meyricke and Richard Williams. Orders and Rules for governing the body of the Assembly in their votes, debates, and other proceedings for the honour of that House, read, 24 in number, and being put to the vote were passed nem. con. Adjourned to 12th June 1677. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 253–259.]
[May 16.] 250.Mem.—That the Lords of Trade and Plantations were attended on 16th May by Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Thornburgh, who presented the following paper, desiring their Lordships to report to His Majesty that pikes are wanted for six regiments of foot in Barbadoes, most of the pikes there having been destroyed by the worm and the hurricane. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 82; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., p. 155.]
May 16.
Whitehall.
251. Secretary H. Coventry to Colonel Moryson. Has particularly represented to His Majesty at the Committee for Foreign Affairs the hardness of his condition above the rest (of the Commissioners), both having other employments as LieutenantGovernor and Commander-in-Chief of the ships, and both His Majesty, His Royal Highness, and the whole Council, seemed satisfied that his case was very different from his two comrades. Is commanded to assure him that upon his return there shall be a full and ample compensation made to him, and "that you relay upon this promise without making your colleagues acquainted with it." 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., pp. 193, 194.]
May. 16. 252. Journal of the Council of Barbadoes. The Assembly men for this year elected were presented as follows:—
John Witham, Esq. St. Philips.
Richard Pocock, Esq.
Rowland Bulkley St. Georges.
Samuel Husband, Esq.
Richard Seawell, Esq. Christ Church.
Major Richard Williams
William Sharpe, Esq., Speaker St. Josephs.
Captain Edw. Bunny
Colonel William Bate St. Michaels.
Colonel Richard Guy
John Maddox, Esq. St. Lucyes.
Thomas Dowden, Esq.
Edward Littleton, Esq. St. James.
James Walwyn, Esq.
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ruddock St. Peters.
Major John Steart
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ruddock St. Thomas.
John Davies, Esq.
Thomas Leake, Esq. St. Andrews.
John Meyricke
Henry Walrond, junior, Esq. St. Johns.
Colonel Christopher Codrington
They presented Colonel William Sharpe for their Speaker. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 294, 295.]
May 17.
Whitehall.
253. The King to Lord Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica. To cause John Ball to be sworn a Member of the Council of that Island immediately on receipt of this letter. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXVIII., p. 152, and Vol. XCIII., p. 153.]
May 17.
Council Chamber
254. Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. In obedience to His Majesty's Order in Council of 9th inst. (see No. 224), have called before them the Agents for the Leeward Islands and perused Governor Stapleton's letters. Briefly remind His Majesty of what is already past, their first representation of 18th June 1675 (see previous volume, No. 597), but nothing was effected in reference to His Majesty's orders thereon. After this, on 8th January following (? 23rd December 1675, see ibid, No. 756), their Lordships reported on the state of St. Christopher's, and although His Majesty gave orders to his Ambassador in Paris (8th January 1676 see ibid, No. 774), to solicit a speedy dispatch of justice, no success attended that negotiation. They then proceeded on 18th February (? 3rd February, see ibid, No. 808) to offer what they thought expedient for the security of the Leeward Islands, which, being read in Council 18th February following, His Majesty did not think fit to give his orders thereon. Their Lordships crave leave to repeat their opinions then offered to His Majesty. Understand that the Lord Treasurer has paid all arrears due to the Companies of foot and salary due to Governor Stapleton, so offer that for the greater convenience of future payments a certain fund be settled to that end. Further represent that besides the foregoing necessities which daily grow more pressing upon said islands there is a general want of arms and ammunition, and as Colonel Stapleton has informed them, not one whole barrel of powder in St. Christopher's, in Montserrat but two barrels and no shot, and but few arms fit for service in the other islands, for which a speedy supply is the more requisite, inasmuch as the French upon St. Christopher's are more than four to one in number stronger than His Majesty's subjects, have good magazines on all their islands out of which arms and ammunition are delivered and by convenience of constantly attending frigates are able to unite the whole strength of their government upon all occasions. And besides the building a fort upon Cleverley Point, Colonel Stapleton is strongly of opinion that one strong fort should be built upon each island. And he does not now think that less than six Ministers can suffice to be sent over. Lastly, they represent Colonel Stapleton to His Majesty as a faithful Governor, prudent, able, and vigilant Commander, and a person fit to be continued in His Majesty's favour, and for his encouragement and according to his request beseech His Majesty to give orders that the pay due to him as LieutenantColonel in Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment with incident charges may be satisfied. Signed by Anglesey, Ormonde, Craven, Fauconberg, and Henry Coventry. 13 pp. Endorsed, "Rec. 18 May, Read in Council 23 May 1677." Annexed,
254. i. Order of the King in Council on the preceding report. That copy be given to the Lord Treasurer to consider of the sums of money therein mentioned, and His Majesty will on Wednesday next take the whole matter into his serious consideration when the Agents and other persons concerned are required to give their attendance. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 83, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 200–218.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
255. The King to Governor Sir J. Atkins. To remove William Sharpe, Chief Judge of the Bridge Court in Barbadoes, from his said office and supply his room by some other person qualified by his integrity and sufficiency for said employment according to his instructions in such cases. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIII., p. 153.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
256. Order of the King in Council. The Lords of Trade and Plantations having reported their opinions that the Planters in Newfoundland be continued in the possession of their houses and stages according to the usage of last years until His Majesty's further order, the Commissioners of the Admiralty are ordered to direct the Captains of the convoys now going to Newfoundland not only to make publication of His Majesty's pleasure, but to take care that nothing be attempted contrary thereto. Said Captains are also to be directed to return particular answer to several Heads of Enquiry by the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Annexed,
256. i. Twenty-seven Heads of Enquiry for Newfoundland together. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., Nos. 84, 84 I.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
257. The Secretary to the Lords of Trade and Plantations to His Majesty's Commissioners for the affairs of Virginia. Transmit Duplicates of what was delivered by their Lordships order to Sir John Berry on 12th October last to which they are desired to make as speedy answer as they conveniently can. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 85.]
[May 18.] 258. Account of the great artillery, powder, arms, and ammunition in Barbadoes, signed by William Bate, 29th May 1673, with the following note by Sir Peter Colleton. That said account was given to him by Colonel Bate, keeper of the magazine there four years since, but many of the pikes are rotted and delivered out, and the muskets spoiled in the great hurricane. With mem—That Mr. Secretary Williamson gave this account to the Committee. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 86, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 155–156.]
May 18.
Council Chamber.
259. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Have examined petition of merchants and planters at Barbadoes, and heard Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Thornburgh on their behalf, who say that for six regiments of militia in the Island there are not one hundred pikes, and that a sufficient number is of absolute necessity for defence against the assault of the enemy. Are of opinion that the Master of the Ordnance furnish fifteen hundred pikes to be transported to the island. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 87, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., p. 158.]
May 18.
Whitehall.
260. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Heads of inquiry concerning the plantation and fishery of Newfoundland and the state of the French there, recommended to the captains of the convoys, approved. Account of the islands Statia, Saba, and Tortola gathered out of the plantation books, and Colonel Stapleton's letters read. Mr. Secretary Coventry making a difficulty to sign the Report of the state of the Leeward Islands before the particulars concerning the Indians (and Colonel Philip Warner) were debated, that there may be no further delay in representing the posture of affairs in those parts, their Lordships sign said Report, the clause touching the Indians being laid aside. Mr. Pepys to dispatch duplicate of a packet to the King's Commissioners of Virginia by a ketch in the Downs. Affairs in Newfoundland between adventurers and planters to remain in the present condition till further order. Letter read from Sir Jonathan Atkins, dated 16th March last (ante, No. 92), giving a short account of the fight between the Dutch and French at Tobago, and referring their Lordships to a more particular relation transmitted to Secretary Conventry which Mr. Secretary is desired to impart to their Lordships. In the letter to be forthwith written to Governor Atkins notice to be taken that he has only asked for match and not for pikes, and that he be directed to send over a particular account of the stores in Barbadoes.
A packet sent to Mr. Pepys, directed to His Majesty's Commissioners for Virginia, duplicate of that delivered to Sir John Berry on 12th October last, which Pepys is to dispatch by a ketch in the Downs going to those parts. His Majesty having this day ordered in Council that affairs in Newfoundland between the adventurers and planters should remain in their present condition until further order, and that the convoys going thither give intimation to that effect, also that they return a particular answer to certain inquiries prepared by the Committee, said Order in Council and inquiries delivered to Mr. Pepys to the end the Lords of the Admiralty give order according. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 45–47.]
May 22. 261. Warrant from Anthony Earl of Shaftesbury, one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina and of all the Bahama Islands, appointing Captain John Wentworth his deputy in said islands during pleasure. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 122.]
May 22. 262. Lords Proprietors to [the Governor of the Bahama Islands ?]. Have given full power to Captain John Wentworth to demand and recover from Isaac Rush the estate belonging to— Banker, and strictly charge him to aid and assist said Captain Wentworth. Also recommend impartial justice in the case of Colonel Power and his partner, who complain of very great injuries done by Isaac Rush, that they may have no reason to complain of their Lordships as those that shelter ill-men. It is also their Lordships pleasure that Isaac Rush be discharged from the office of Secretary, and some other fit person appointed "it being not fit that a person against whom we ourselves and others have complaints of so high nature should be continued in that employment." [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 122.]
May 22.
Maryland.
263. Governor Thomas Notley to Charles Lord Baltimore. If reports be true Sir William Berkeley and the Commissioners have not well accorded, so that until Sir William left on the 5th instant nothing was done either to secure the people from the barbarous Indians or to settle the peace or constitution of the Courts, and the people still almost as much dissatisfied as ever and look upon His Majesty's Commissioners as spies and men of no good intentions. Believes if there were any person courageous enough in Virginia to venture his neck the Commons would immure themselves in rebellion as deep as in Bacon's time. Whatever the great men of Virginia may use at the Council Board in England, you may be sure much, if not every tittle of this, is truth. If Colonel Jeffreys build his proceedings upon the old foundation neither he nor all His Majesty's soldiers in Virginia will satisfy or rule those people who have so little hopes as yet of amendment and are generally dissatisfied. Colonel Jeffreys through Colonel Spencer has tendered his service and desired Governor Notley to hold fair correspondence with himself and the Government of Virginia as he did in Governor Berkeley's time, which he has promised to his utmost labour to be serviceable to His Majesty's interest. 1¼ pp. [Col Papers, Vol. XL., No. 88.]
May. 23.
Whitehall.
264. Order of the King in Council. Approving Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations of 18th instant (ante, No. 259), and directing the Mastor General of the Ordnance to provide and deliver to Sir Peter Colleton or Colonel Thornburgh fifteen hundred pikes upon such terms and conditions as have been practised in cases of like nature. [Col. Entry Bk. Vol., VI., pp. 157–159.]
May 24.
Potomac River, Virginia.
265. Nicholas Spencer to Charles Lord Baltimore. Takes the opportunity by Captain Quighly of informing him of the state of this troubled country, which, though freed from open rebellion, "the putrid humours of our unruly inhabitants are not so allayed, but that they do frequently vent themselves by unsavoury bitches," and were they not awed by the overruling hand of Majesty would soon express themselves by violent acts, for it's not law, but will, and that the evilest of wills, that they would rule by. But his Lordship is fully acquainted with the nature of our rabble. Have fair hopes of peace from our Indians. part of whom have solicited a peace to which end the great men of Indian nations in open hostility are on 29th instant to meet our Lieutenant-Governor and Council to treat for a general peace of which by the necessity of the Indians they hope to have a good effect, and will be effected before the arrival of His Majesty's forces. 1½ pp. [Col., Papers, Vol. XL., No. 89.]
May 24.
Barbadoes.
266. [The Royal African Company's Factors in Barbadoes] to the Company. Arrival of an interloper belonging to Colonel William Sharpe, Chief Judge, John Worsam and Major John Hallett, two of his Assistants (as our Stephen Gascoigne was informed by Colonel John Stanfast), Philip Cheeke and Roger Cowley, a Commissioner of Customs, which gives great encouragement to other people to take this liberty, seeing those that sit in great places and live by the King's Commissions presume to act as they do. The ship brought but 98 negroes, and but few or no elephants teeth. Advice of her arrival, came a little too late for they were twelve miles distant, and the negroes were landed and carried to Colonel Richard Bailey's plantation, close to the landingplace, about an hour before the factors got there. Acquainted the Governor with it who sent for Colonel Bailey, and he told him the negroes were sent for by Judge Sharpe and the other before named. These men have been very solicitous to turn out the Company's factors from their offices for doing their duty. "Sure it would discourage the whole fraternity of interlopers if some of these be displaced for their disobedience to the King's commands."
June 16. Arrival of an interloper with 120 negroes landed on the back part of the island before the factors had notice, having been on board the Company's ship all day selling negroes. Leonard Woodfine was Commander and Richard Bate, Barnard Schenckingh, and Arthur Middleton, Owners. Impossible for the factors to prevent the landing, those employed to give notice being beaten and wounded without any cause given. 1½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 90.]
May 26. 267. Warrant of the Commissioners for Virginia. Appointing Colonel John Epps, James Biss, Captain Nicholas Wyatt, and John Stith, or any three of them, upon oath to take depositions of persons appointed by Charles City County to present their grievances by reason they live so remote from the place of residence of said Commissioners. With memorandum signed by Herbert Jeffreys, and dated 7th June 1677, appointing the 15th of June instant for bringing in the depositions abovesaid, His Majesty's Commissioners being absent. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 91.]
May. 28.
Whitehall.
268. Secretary Sir H. Coventry to Lieutenant-Colonel William Stapleton, Governor of the Lee ward Isles. His Majesty thinking it not fit for his service that Colonel Philip Warner should be any longer continued in any public employment, has commanded, according to an Order in Council, that said Colonel Warner be put out of his government of Antigua, and any other employment or trust in His Majesty's service. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CX., p. 110.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
269. William Blathwayt to William Freeman. The King has thought fit to appoint that copy of the Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations concerning the Leeward Isles, read on Wednesday last (23rd), be given to the Lord Treasurer to prepare himself to speak on the several heads contained in it on Wednesday next, when it will again be read in Council. And for the better understanding the several particulars as the necessity of a fort at Clevesley Point, &c., the maps are to be ready, and the persons acquainted with those parts to give their attendance, so that it will be requisite for Freeman, Colonel Stapleton, and Captain Gorges to attend the Council at ten in the morning. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 92.]
May 28.
Jamaica.
270. Governor Lord Vaughan to Secretary Coventry. Cannot find he has omitted anything that has passed relating to His Majesty's service. Has had no easy part to act, nor is it easy for those to discern the fittest measures to be taken in so remote an employment. Refers to his endeavours to suppress privateers and enforce the Acts of Navigation. It was great joy to hear His Majesty was well satisfied with his method of proceeding. His Commission and instructions need revising to do the King service. Has preserved all things hitherto in a very quiet posture. Gives account of the late transactions of the Council and Assembly who met on 9th April, and lays before him for consideration his private Judgment in matters of near concern to His Majesty's interest, and necessary for his service. Refers to the laws he transmitted in 1675, mostly the same as were made by Sir Thomas Lynch. Had reason to surmise trouble in the next Assembly, and describes how he discovered and prevented what was in agitation—obstruction of the Council to the Act of the Militia. Complains of his having no positive power without them, and not being able to "suspend any on misbehaviour or unfaithfulness without their consents." Seven of the eleven Councillors "voted it quite out," and openly asserted His Majesty's Commission was no law to them, whose names are given. They moved against having His Majesty's last instruction proclaimed in favour of the Royal African Company. Foresees he shall be forced to refuse several Bills this session. Explains that all the reward he is likely to have for his service is his salary in England. His Majesty's interest cannot be secured here but by a Governor whose dependence is only from England, and who has no private interests in Jamaica. And since the Council are so wholly interested here, and have no dependence in England, it should be in the Governor's power to suspend them. Observations on what more might be done under several heads. The Council, most of them, "old standers and officers of Cromwell's army." No forces in pay, and inexperienced in discipline. The privateers very numerous, and perpetually supplied with runaway servants and others from the island. Let him send what orders he will about privateering, there are almost none to execute them but who are one or the other interested. These practices so long settled it is no easy matter to suppress them. Both Council and Assembly alike interested, so nothing left but the Governor's negative voice to deny what they demand, and so little power in the Governor, and so much given to the people that when they will they may do what they please. Presumes to mention some considerations towards effecting the necessity of the firm settling His Majesty's authority upon a lasting foundation. Doubts not if he had leave of absence for seven or eight months he could well satisfy His Majesty in all the interests and advantages of this island. Is satisfied as long as he serves His Majesty well he shall not lose the government. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 93.]
May 28 to July 14. 271. Observations of Wentworth Greenhalgh in a journey from Albany to the Indians westward begun 28th May and ended 14th July 1677. The Maques have four towns: Cahaniaga, Canagora, Canajorha, Tionondogue, and one small village, about 110 miles from Albany. Cahaniaga is double stockadoed, and has four ports about four foot wide apiece, contains about 24 houses, and is situate upon the edge of a hill, about a bowshot from the river side. Canagora is only singly stockadoed, with four ports and 16 houses on a flat, a stone's throw from the water side. Canajorha is singly stockadoed, and the like manner of ports and houses, as Canagora, about two miles from the water. Tionondogue is double stockadoed, with four ports, 30 houses, on a hill a bowshot from the river. The small village is without fence, with about 10 houses, close by the river on the north side as all the former. The Maques pass in all for about 300 fighting men; their corn grows close by the river side. The Onyades have but one town, 130 miles west of the Maques, 20 miles from a small river which comes out of the hills to the southward and runs into the lake Teshiroqué, and 30 miles from the Maques river, which lies to the north; the town is newly settled, doubly stockadoed, but little cleared ground, so that they are forced to send to the Onondagos to buy corn, with 100 houses; they are said to have about 200 fighting men, and their corn grows round about the town. The Onondagos have but one town, very large, with about 140 houses, not fenced, on a large hill, the bank on each side extending at least two miles, all cleared land, whereon the corn is planted; they have likewise a small village two miles beyond with 24 houses; they lie to the southward of the west about 36 miles from the Onyades, and plant abundance of corn which they sell to the Onyades; they are in number about 350 fighting men, and lie about 15 miles from Teshiroque. The Caiongos have three towns about a mile from each other, not stockadoed, with 100 houses, 60 miles south of the Onondagos; they intend next spring to build all their houses together and stockade them, have abundance of corn, lie within two or three miles of Lake Tishero, pass for about 300 fighting men. The Senecques have four towns, Canagaroh, Tiotehatton, Canoenada, Keint-he; Canagaroh and Tiotehatton lie within 30 miles of Lake Frontenacque and the others four or five miles to the south of these, have abundance of corn, none of their towns are stockadoed. Canagorah lies on the top of a great hill much like Onondago, with 150 houses, 72 miles north-west of Caiongo. Here the Indians were very desirous to see us ride our horses, which we did; the Indians made feasts and dancing, and invited us, that when all the maids were together, both we and our Indians might choose such as liked us to lie with. Tiotehatton lies on the brink of a hill, has not much cleared ground, is near the river Tiotehatton (which signifies bending), lies west of Canagaroh 30 miles, with 120 houses, the largest they saw, the ordinary being 50 or 60 feet and some 130 or 140 long, with 13 or 14 fires in one house; they have good store of corn growing about a mile west of the town. Being at this place 17th June, there came 50 prisoners from the south, of two nations, some whereof have few guns, the other none at all; one nation is about 10 day's journey from any Christians and trade only with one great house not far from the sea, the other trade only, as they say, with a black people; two women and a man were burnt on that day and a child killed with a stone; at night there was a great noise as if the houses had fallen, but it was only the inhabitants driving away the ghosts of the murdered. On the 18th, going to Canagaroh, overtook the prisoners; when the soldiers saw us they stopped each his prisoner and made him sing, and cut off their fingers and slashed their bodies with a knife, and when they had sung each man confessed how many in his time he had killed; that day at Canagaroh there were most cruelly burnt four men, four women, and one boy, the cruelty lasted about seven hours, when they were almost dead letting them loose to the mercy of the boys, and taking the hearts of such as were dead to feast on. Canoenada lies about four miles south of Canagorah, with about 30 houses, well furnished with corn. Keint-he about four or five miles south of Tiotehatton, with 24 houses, well furnished with corn. The Senecques are counted in all to be about 1,000 fighting men. The French names of the Indian tribes. The towns are called Chappells. 3 pp. Printed in New York Documents, Vol. III., pp. 250–252. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 94.]
May 29.
[Va]
272. Articles of Peace between King Charles the Second and the several Indian Kings and Queens, assentors and subscribers hereunto, made and concluded at the Camp at Middle Plantation, 29th May 1677. Signed by the Queen of Waonoke, the Queen of Pamunckey, Captain John West, her son, the King of the Nottoways, and the King of the Nancymond Indians. Certified copy by Thomas Ludwell, Secretary. Also Memorandum signed by Sir John Berry and Colonel Moryson. That said Articles of Peace were read and expounded to the several Indian Kings and Queens by sworn interpreters, and that the King of the Appomatucks, who earnestly desired to be admitted to sign this Peace, was not allowed to partake of the benefit of the same until he should clear himself of the suspicion of some murders on His Majesty's subjects. Annexed,
272. i. Reference, signed by Secretary Coventry, of the above by His Majesty's orders to the Lords of Trade and Plantations, to report their opinion, in order to the printing of the same and sending copies to Virginia. Whitehall, 23 Sept. 1677. 6pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 95.]
May 29. 273. Printed copy of the preceding. Twenty-one Articles of Peace with several Indian Kings and Queens. London: Printed by John Bill, Christopher Barker, Thomas Newcomb, and Henry Hills, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty, 1677. 18 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 96.]
274. Most humble Proposals on behalf of the Indian Kings and Queens now tributary to your most sacred Majesty within your Colony of Viriginia. That seeing the late peace with the neighbour Indians, and that they all own to hold their crowns immediately of His Majesty, that His Majesty bestow small crowns or coronets on the same tributary Kings and Queens to be made of thin silver plate, gilt, and adorned with false stones of various colours, &c., and that they may also each have a purple robe of strong cloth. With list of the names of each King or Queen, their characters, and the presents to be given; the whole charge will not exceed 120l. Signed by. Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis Moryson. 8. pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXXI., pp. 264–271.]
May 29.
Falmouth. (Autigua).
275. Orders of the Governor and Council of Antigua. In reference to bonds and securities for shipping the productions of this Island in accordance with instructions from His Majesty's Commissioners of Customs in London. That in regard several members of the Assembly are deceased since the last adjournment, ordered that there issue forth from the Governor writs for electing others in their room, to meet on Thursday, 7th June, at Falmouth. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXV., No. 55*.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
276. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Atkins. Have received his letters of the 6th December and 8th February, and his last of 6th March. The Virginia fleet being happily arrived, express to him their satisfaction for the prudent diligence he has used for His Majesty's service in that particular. Desire to be informed of the resolutions of the Dutch to maintain, plant, and defend Tobago against the French, which by its neighbourhood seems very much to affect his government. The Master of the Ordnance has been directed to deliver the match requested "to the person you employ." Very much wonder to find that after his inquiry into the stores of his Government without complaint of any further want that the Merchants and Planters of Barbadoes have set forth to the King in Council the unprovided condition of the island, especially in small arms and desired a supply of 1,500 pikes as absolutely necessary for defence, and although such representations should come from the Governor alone, still in consideration of the present posture of affairs their Lordships have offered their opinions to His Majesty, that said number of pikes be furnished from the Tower to Sir Peter Colleton or Colonel Thornburgh, and His Majesty has given the necessary orders. To prevent any future address of this kind, he is requested to send an exact account of artillery, arms, and all other stores. Also to send list of the Council and Assembly, and all officers, civil and military. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 97; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 171–173, and Vol. CV., pp. 48–49.]
[May.]
Received.
277. "Extracts of letters from Barbadoes" [in Sir Peter Colleton's handwriting]. An error in a judgment given by Judge Sharpe in the Bridge Court, which would have overthrown all the judgments given in that Court since Judge Sharpe's sitting there. Sharpe voted by the Assembly an unfit man to be a Judge, the reasons given that he said he had as good blood in his veins as any Charles Stuart, and other objections (of a most blasphemous nature). 1676, December 9, and 1677, January 23. Annexed,
277. i. Account of Judge Sharpe's fraudulent proceedings, in reference to a deed he was employed to draw by Conset withdrawing the trust of his estate, one of the best in the island, from one Turner, and to place it in Christopher Codrington, then Deputy Governor of the island.
277. ii. A shorter account of the preceding, but with additions. That Conset's wife dying left her estate to LieutenantGeneral Henry Willoughby, who, arriving at Barbadoes, was invited to supper by Codrington, who had taken possession of the estate, and went from Codrington's house well at night, but after he got to his lodging fell into a violent burning of the stomach, and died the next morning at seven o'clock. In 1674 Sharpe persuaded the Assembly, which he said equalled the House of Commons, to deny the Council any power over bills for money, which occasioned great disputes. In 1675 he appeared with and abetted rioters against the Royal Company's factors, who were seizing negroes landed by an interloper. In 1676 to remedy the confusion caused by the reversal of so many of Judge Sharpe's judgments the Governor was forced to have an Act of Assembly, which was not completed in December last. Togetherpp. Endorsed, "A relation of some actions of Judge Sharpe. Rec. May 1677." [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., Nos. 98, 98 I., II.]
May 31.
Whitehall.
278. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. It being proposed to appoint some time to consider the present state of the affairs of New England, Secretary Williamson acquaints their Lordships that the two papers, delivered to the Committee by Mr. Bridgman on the 21st, containing several articles drawn up by Mr. Randolph, were referred by His Majesty in the Council of Foreign Affairs to their Lordships, as papers relating to His Majesty's Plantations. Their Lordships order that the Lords, Chief Justices be desired to hasten their report on the pretensions of Mason and Gorges, and that they be informed that their delay puts a stop to a considerable part of His Majesty's affairs relating to New England. The merchants who petitioned concerning the irregularity of trade in New England ordered to attend the next meeting. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 50–52.]
May. 279. Estimate of the charge of three months' provision to be sent to Virginia for 1,000 men. Endorsed, "Estimate of the charge of the victuals to be sent to Virginia." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 99.]