America and West Indies: June 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: June 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/pp99-110 [accessed 10 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: June 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 December 10, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol10/pp99-110.

"America and West Indies: June 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. 10 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol10/pp99-110.

June 1677

June 1.
Whitehall.
280. Order of the King in Council. Approving report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to His Majesty concerning the Leeward Islands. That the Earl of Danby, Lord High Treasurer, give orders for payment of 500l. for the erecting a fort at Cleverley Point; that advising with Sir Thomas Chicheley Master of the Ordnance, he take care for a speedy supply of small arms and other warlike materials. That in order to a further supply of inhabitants for St. Christopher's some merchants have declared they would willingly transport thither 300 malefactors, provided they were not obliged to pay for them at the gaols in regard of the great fees demanded by the keepers; the Lords of Trade and Plantations having advised with Sir John Shorter, sheriff, found said charges might be reduced to 1l. 11s. per head, the Lord Treasurer is therefore ordered to give such directions therein as are necessary. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 219–222.]
June 1. 281. Minute of the Lord Treasurer's Report to the King about what is wanting for the Leeward Islands (see ante, Nos. 254, 264). As to the 3rd Article the money is paid. 4. The sheriffs of London are to be allowed it on their account. 5. His Lordship will give order for the 500l. 6. He must adjust this business with the Master of the Ordnance. 8. It's settled on the 4½ per cent. and will be paid. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 218.]
June 1.
Whitehall.
282.Warrant to the Commissaries General and Commissaries of the Musters. That whereas Francis Wheeler, Ensign of Captain Godfrey's Company of foot in the regiment of guards commanded by Colonel John Russell, is gone with His Majesty's leave as a Volunteer in the expedition to Virginia, they take off his respites for the Musters past, and allow and pass him in the succeeding Musters until his return or His Majesty shall signify his further pleasure. ½ p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XLIV., p. 45.]
June 1.
Whitehall.
283. Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson to Governor Atkins. Is commanded by the King to send the enclosed relating singly to His Majesty's service and the public, His Majesty being concerned that it comes speedily to his hands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIII., p. 153.]
June 2. 284. Answer of the Council of Virginia about the Heads of Inquiry sent to them by the Commissioners for Sir William Berkeley. That he has gone for England and they conceive will there give His Majesty a full account of each particular. Signed by Nathaniel Bacon, Philip Ludwell, Deputy Secretary, William Cole and Ra. Wormeley. Endorsed Recd. from Colonel Morison, 9 December 1677. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 100.]
June 6–9. 285. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Aug. Gable, [sic] Member of the Assembly, sworn. Six Bills brought from the Assembly read the first time; proceedings on other Bills.
June 12–16. Debate upon several Bills, some read first and second time and other passed.
June 19. Message that the Assembly had expelled Thomas Martin and desired the Governor would grant a new writ for the choice of a member in the parish of St. David.
June 20. Conference consented to about the Bill of slaves and the Bill for regulating the Marshal's proceedings.
June 22. The Council agree with the Assembly to amendments they did not consent to.
June 23. Proceedings on several Bills including a Bill empowering Elizabeth, widow of Jonathan Atkins, late of the parish of Vere, to make sale of seventy acres of land for payment of her husband's debts. Adjourned to 23rd (? 25th) July. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXV., pp. 588–603.]
June 6. 286. Journal of the Assembly of Jamaica. Augustine Gavell [sic] detained hitherto by sickness to be sworn by Council. The House not satisfied with his excuse for his long absence require better satisfaction. Members absent to be fined extraordinary twenty shillings.
June 7. Proceedings on several Bills. Petition of Martin read, the matter not considered clear, and he seemed to reflect upon the House insinuating he was ready with his answer, whereas he ought to have acknowledged the favour of the House. Resolved not to receive any further address until he sends his answer in writing to the articles against him which message voted to be sent to him.
June 8–9. Several Bills advanced a stage. Permission to Martin to go about his private affairs with his keeper till the House sat again.
June 12–16. Debate on various Bills. Information that Martin said he was confined for moving some things in the House for the benefit of the country, as for diminishing the freight of boats, penning of cattle, and continuing of lawyers. The depositions of Captain Fargoe and Mr. Medley desired to that effect. Warrant brought from the Governor to a Committee to take depositions in Martin's business. The above depositions brought in, debate thereon. Consideration of Martin's business; the charges against him and his answers; Martin brought to the Bar of the House and the business heard. Major Parker's business heard praying for a Bill for ferrying people, he having obtained a patent; Committee appointed to draw it up. Petition of Samuel Batch and others desiring some certain rule for levying a parish tax, thrown out. Petition of Richard Williams for a reward for services against rebellious negroes to be laid aside until the House knows what he has already received. Consideration of Martin's business. Additional article of charge against him delivered to Martin. Resolved to make a final determination of this matter and voted nem. con. that he be expelled the House, be fined 50l. sterling, and make a recantation in writing to the Governor. Said fine to go towards repairing the Assembly House. That he stand committed until he has paid the fine and other charges, and made the recantation now drawn up for the Governor's approval. Martin sent for, but answered he was indisposed in bed and could not come. To pay 20s. each to Captain Fargoe and Mr. Medley for their expenses. Martin called to the Bar, when the Speaker acquainted him with the sentence of the House to which Martin made this response, "that he could not complain of the justice of this House, but of his own misfortunes, and that he had rather the sentence of death had passed upon him than this as God was his witness" and thereupon went from the Bar.
June 19. Petition of John Charles Stapleton read; voted that he be paid for the rebellious negroes he killed at Walls House. On reading Hutchinson's petition, ordered that Mr. Scroop be sent for to answer interrogatories touching Benjamin Whitecomb's estate. The privateers petition for release from prison left to the law. Committee appointed to inquire into Collett's services against rebellious negroes on his petition. Proceedings on several Bills. Petition of Elizabeth Atkins about her late husband's estate, a Bill to be drawn.
June 20–23. Concerning Hutchinson's petition above named. Committee to inquire about the parties sent out against the rebellious negroes. Proceedings on various Bills, Warrant signed by the Speaker for the Marshal to keep Martin in his custody. The Speaker and Assembly attend the Council when the Governor signs several Bills. Adjourned to 23rd July. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII., pp. 174–180.]
June 7. 287. Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. That the Lord Privy Seal signify to His Majesty that it now remains that the King declare his pleasure concerning the other heads of their Lordships' report touching the Leeward Isles presented 23rd May last. That the English be restored to their rights and possessions in St. Christopher's, and His Majesty's extent of sovereignty be asserted by fresh applications to the Court of France. That six Ministers be sent to the Leeward Isles. That the two Companies of St. Christopher's be recruited out of the guards or otherwise. And that a frigate be ordered to attend the Governor for his transportation from one island to another and other occasions. "Read in Council 8 June 1677." Two copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., Nos. 101–102, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 222–224.]
June 7.
Whitehall.
288. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order that the Judges be hastened to make their report on the case of Mason and Gorges. Paper of Mr. Randolph referred by His Majesty's order of 31st May read and the several heads considered. Randolph attends and explains the allegations of his paper. Petitions of merchants against the irregularity of the trade in New England (formerly read 6th April 1676), and of mercers and weavers to the same effect (read 10th April 1676), and Report of the Commissioners of Customs read. Sir Thomas Lynch acquainted their Lordships that while he was Governor of Jamaica a ship belonging to New England came into the port laden with brandy directly from France, and on his refusal to permit her to trade, returned to New England of which he informed Captain Wyborne, then at New England with a frigate, who attempted to seize her but was hindered by the magistrates. Another gentleman assured their Lordships that on notice of the petition presented by the merchants, 6th April 1676, there was a ship lying at Amsterdam designed directly for New England, which was thereupon directly otherwise disposed of. Upon the whole matter their Lordships agree to report that the opinion of the Judges be taken on the matter of law. On this report it was ordered in Council on the 8th instant, that the Committee consider the paper and receive the opinion of the Judges upon it. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 52, 54.]
June 7. 289. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Have considered Randolph's representation (see ante, No 218), but find the articles of so high concern that before any further progress be made it will be necessary to consider the opinion of the Judges touching the matter of law. Propose that the paper of atticles and such other as may be given in evidence by Randolph be referred to the Judges. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol., LX., pp. 208, 209.]
June 8.
Whitehall.
290. Order of the King in Council. Referring Representation of Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations to take the opinion of such judges as they think fit on the heads relating to matter of law and that the King's Counsel attend their Lordships. 1 p. "Read 12 June 1677." [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 103; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX., p. 209.]
June 8.
Whitehall.
291. Order of the King in Council. Approving report of Lords of Trade and Plantations, and directing the Bishop of London to take care that six able Ministers be sent to the Leeward Isles by his license and appointment, and that they attend his Lordship concerning their transportation and maintenance at their arrival. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 224, 225.]
June 8.
Whitehall.
292. Order of the King in Council on report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. That Mr. Secretary Coventry forthwith give directions to His Majesty's Ambassador in France vigorously to insist that justice may forthwith be done to His Majesty and his subjects that are aggrieved concerning St. Christopher's. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 225, 226.]
June 11.
Swanns Point.
293. Lieutenant-Governor Herbert Jeffreys to Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson. Relation of the late solemnity in Virginia of the Indian Peace with which was celebrated His Majesty's birthday at the Camp at Middle Plantation (see The Treaty of Peace, ante No. 272). Refers to Sir William Berkeley's letter of 28th April, (see ante, No.198), which was not sent to Jeffreys until June 7 by Lady Berkeley; it has given him no great disquiet, because he is confident that he stands justified here against every contumelious paragraph of it. The minds of the Council poisoned with the opinion that Jeffreys acts only as Sir William's Deputy. Has suspended one Ballard from the Council and Collectorship, a fellow of a turbulent mutinous spirit, yet one that knows how to be as humble and penitent as insolent and rebellious, and for these virtues is called by Sir William Berkeley his Mary Magdalene, but was before Bacon's chief trumpet, parasite, subscriber and giver of his unlawful oath, and an eminent abettor of the late rebellion. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 104.]
June 12.
Whitehall.
294. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order in Council of 8th instant read. Their Lordships think fit to distinguish the matter of law from the matter of State; refer the right of the Bostoners to land or government, and their forming of themselves into a commonwealth to the Judges and King's Counsel as matters of law; their protection of the King's murderers is a matter of State; coining money, putting to death for matters of religion, are to be referred and examination made whether by charter they are enabled so to do, and the complaints about His Majesty's Commissioners, the oath of fidelity, and the violation of the Acts of Trade and Navigation, are looked upon as matters of State; the Book of Laws to be transmitted to the Judges who are to consider of their consistency with His Majesty's charter. Upon which it is agreed to report to His Majesty. See next entry. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 60, 61.]
June 12.
Whitehall.
295. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Had met to consider the representation of Edward Randolph, but being directed to receive the opinion of the Lords Chief Justices and of the King's Counsel, did not think it proper to proceed till the Judges had discharged themselves of the case between the New England Government and Mason and Gorges. Cannot forbear to lay before the King that part of the representation concerning the Acts of Trade and Navigation, the breach of which by said government has been clearly made out as well by petitions of the King's subjects as by other evidence. For the prevention of the mischief and in consideration of the customs, which are much impaired by the irregular course of trade practised by the Bostoners, their Lordships propose that the New England Government receive notice of the King's pleasure that said Acts be duly executed, and that the Lord Treasurer appoint such officers of the Customs at Boston and other parts as the Acts prescribed. Signed Anglesey, Craven, J. Bridgwater, J. Williamson, J. Ernle, Philip Lloyd. "Read in Council 15 June 1677; to be kept till the Judges report come in; ordered to be read again when the Judges give in their report concerning Mr. Mason and Bostoners." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 105; also Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LX., p. 210, and Vol. CV, pp. 61, 62.]
June 12. 296. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. The presenting of a sum of sugar to the Governor for the better support of the Government to be considered at the next sitting of the House. The Speaker desired, in behalf of the House, to move the Governor that he take care the Spaniard, being admitted to trade here, may not be to the prejudice of the country. Ordered that the Governor be desired, at the next sitting, to appoint Members of the Council to join with a Committee of the Assembly to settle the accounts of the Treasurer for the Excise and the Receivers appointed by the last Act, and to consider the renting out of the Excise and the method. Adjourned to 10th July 1677. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 259, 260.]
June 12. 297. Depositions and examinations taken upon oath by virtue of the Dedimus of His Majesty's Commissioners of 26th May last, to John Epps, James Bisse, Nicholas Wyatt, and John Stith, of Charles City County, in reference to the remonstrance and address of the same county, in order to the proving the complaints and grievances therein mentioned. 16 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 106.]
June 13. 298. Instructions [from Governor Andros] to Lieutenant Anthony Brockles and Ensign Cæsar Knapton, together with Mr. Matthias Nicholls, for erecting a fort at Pemaquid. Endorsed, "Received from Sir E. Andros. Printed in New York Documents, Vol. III., pp. 248, 249. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 107.]
June 14. 299. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Letter read from Sir Jonathan Atkins, dated 17th April 1677, wherein he desires an explanation of the word "journal," required by their Lordships in their letter of 21st December 1676. Agreed to reply that they do not mean impertinencies mentioned by him, but a particular relation of all things enumerated in their first letter of 11th August 1677 (sic), and a letter is accordingly ordered to be prepared. Inquiry to be made at the Admiralty whether any frigate be dispatched for the Leeward Islands. Agreed to move His Majesty in Council that orders be speedily given for recruiting the two companies at St. Christopher's. Account read of the islands of Statia, Saba, and Tortola, how they have been formerly possessed, and what advantage they may procure to the English plantations in case they do remain under His Majesty's sovereignty, in order to give Colonel Stapleton directions how to behave himself in case they be redemanded by the Dutch in pursuance of the treaty at Breda, which at present they forbear to do by reason of the strength of the French in those parts. After long debate, agreed to direct Colonel Stapleton to continue said islands in the state they are at present, and not to make surrender of them until further order. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 63, 64.]
June 15.
Whitehall.
300. Order of the King in Council. A motion made by the Lords of Trade and Plantations about recruiting the two companies at St. Christopher's. His Majesty declared he would give orders for it in due time. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI pp. 226, 227.]
June 15.
Whitehall.
301. The King to Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins. To cause John Witham to be sworn a member of the Council of Barbadoes as soon as any place of a Councillor becomes void. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 208.]
June 16.
Whitehall.
302. Secretary Coventry to Sir William Berkeley. Is commanded by His Majesty to let him know that His Majesty would speak with him because there are some ships now going to Virginia, and His Majesty would see what further instructions may be necessary to be sent by them. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCV., p. 207.]
303. The names and short characters of those that have been executed for the late rebellion in Virginia "from the Governor's own hand." Five at Accomac, viz., Johnson, Barlow, "one of Cromwell's soldiers," Carver, Wilford, and Harsford; four at York "whilst I lay there," viz., Young, Page, Harris, and Hall, a clerk of a county but more useful to the rebels than forty armed men. William Drummond a Scotchman, at the Middle Plantation, and three, viz., Colonel Crewes, Bacon's parasite, Cookson, and Darby (Digby in Col. Entry Bk.) "condemned at my house and executed when Bacon lay before James Town." 2 pp. Two copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., Nos. 108, 109; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 52–54.]
304. Petition of Sir William Berkeley, Governor of Virginia, to the King. Has been above 35 years Governor of Virginia, which Colony he recovered from almost a state of ruin. It now produces nearly 100,000l. per annum revenue to the Crown in Customs, and was in a flourishing state till Bacon's rebellion, when the petitioner not only hazarded his life, but is totally ruined in his fortunes, to the value of above 10,000l. sterling. But that which is yet more insupportable, he has been misrepresented to His Majesty, being sent home for England, so that by reason of a tedious passage and grief of mind, petitioner is reduced to extreme weakness, and being desirous to clear his innocency before he dies, prays that if there be any aspersions or calumnies against him he may clear his innocence and not be disturbed in the receipt of his salary, the only support left to himself and family. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 110.]
June 19.
Whitehall.
305. Secretary Sir H. Coventry to Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes. Has forborne a good while writing about Mr. Wyatt's business as Clerk of the Market out of a willingness to comply with his motion of accommodating the matter between the parties if it could have been done, and to that end has had patience till Fitzherbert, father of him who executes that office now, was come to London and had conference with Wyatt in order to an agreement. But Wyatt says he doth so undervalue the office in his offers that there seems no appearance of bringing them to an accord, thereupon could no longer defer acquainting His Majesty with the state of the case, who is firm in his resolution of doing Wyatt both justice and kindness. His Majesty therefore will have his Letters Patent take place, and commands that he who now executes that office surrender the same without delay unto such capable person as Wyatt shall appoint, who Governor Atkins is forthwith to admit into the actual execution and benefit of the place. Should have been glad the parties had given him occasion to write otherwise, but all he can say is that His Majesty's (commands) must be obeyed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CX., p. 111.]
June 20.
Whitehall.
306. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Their Lordships taking notice that the laws of Jamaica referred to Mr. Attorney General have remained long with him without dispatch, order a letter to be written to him to hasten his report. Mem.—On 15th following my Lord Privy Seal did in the Council Chamber express their Lordships' intentions that this letter should be suspended until after the term. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., p. 67.]
June 20. 307. "Reflections on the state of the Spaniards and the island of Jamaica," [by Sir Thomas Lynch]. It is to the English interest that the Spaniards be preserved in the possession of what they have in the West Indies, for their colonies are large and thin of people, so they cannot take from the English anything they hold. The Spaniards have great wealth and no industry, so the English that trade to Spain and in the West Indies may get sufficiently by them which they cannot by any other nation. It is as much against the interest of England to have any more colonies in America as it is for it to have those they now possess peopled and fortified, especially Jamaica, which would then do more against the Spaniards than all the power of England. Reasons why war and privateering obstructs the planting and peopling of Jamaica. To check the Spaniards and show the King's resentment of any affronts done His Majesty, suggests that the King give the new Governor of Jamaica the title of Viceroy of Jamaica, New England, or America, and that if the King assumes the power of placing Governors in New England they may have an appearance of depending upon Jamaica, and have the powers and advantages which are set forth. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 111.]
1675.
June 21.
Westminster.
308. Grant of the Office of Lieutenant and Governor-General of Virginia to Thomas Lord Culpepper, during life, in reversion after the death or other determination of Sir William Berkeley. This Grant is dated 1675 and abstracted in the previous Volume of this Calendar, p. 247, No. 599, and the Patent is dated 8 July 1675. By an Order of the King in Council of 20 July 1677, Lord Culpepper attended and took the oaths as Governor, see No. 360. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 299–303, and Vol.XCV., p. 158.]
1677.
June 21.
Whitehall.
309. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins. Have perused his letter of 17th April (see ante, No. 187). Cannot but take notice of the great difficulty he finds to comprehend their meaning of the word "journal." Desire him to reflect upon their letter of 11th August 1675, wherein they expected from him a journal of all things upon the distinct heads there at large enumerated. Are sorry he should think they wanted an account of trivial matters or impertinences, and hope a Government of such importance may present him with material occurrences for their advertisement, so that they may the better be enabled to provide for the security of that Government and the encouragement of His Majesty's subjects there. Hope His Majesty's frigate the Constant Warwick, Captain de la Ware, has arrived at Barbadoes. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 173–174.]
June 22.
[Maryland.]
310. Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Notley to [Governor of Virginia]. Has sent an agent to New York, by means of Colonel Andros, to come to a treaty with the heads of all the nations who were in a possibility of annoying us who wishes to know what the Governor of Virginia's designs may be as to the Indians that live to the northward that he may not thwart them. Desires he will signify his resolutions with speed, because the Congress at Fort Albany is appointed for 15th July. It is the custom of the Indians to make presents with every Article of peace, and they expect the same from us, so desires to know what he will insist upon, and the presents he will think for us to give in his behalf. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 112.]
June 22.
[Virginia.]
311. Nicholas Spencer to Philip Calvert, Chancellor of Maryland. Is sorry Pinckney's deceits are so prevalent. The 29th May produced a peace, but cannot say the terms. The Nanzatico Indians came not in, but some have since come who declare their willingness to peace, and to manifest it run the hazard of their lives privately to get into English houses as a sanctuary where they had formerly lived, and had been destroyed by our wildheaded rabble if Spencer had not restrained them. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 113.]
June 26.
Whitehall.
312. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Being informed that a ship is going within a month to the Leeward Islands their Lordships agree to move His Majesty in Council that order be speedily given for the recruits intended for St. Christopher's.
The Lord Privy Seal having acquainted their Lordships that several considerable sums of money raised in Virginia in 1674 and 1675 as a public stock to he made use of for rewards and other expenses for defraying the charges of agents sent to procure a charter for that Colony and other public necessities, had been lately (by a new assembly called by Sir William Berkeley, while affairs were yet in distraction, and the regular manner of elections unsettled) disposed of and distributed by bills of exchange drawn upon the Treasurer now remaining in England, to uses which are neither like to be agreeable to the intentions of the new Assembly (called by the present Governor) nor conducing to the resettlement of that country which is in a very miserable and necessitous condition, their Lordships agree to propose in Council that His Majesty call before him the Treasurers and other persons concerned in Virginia, and to examine the true state of this matter in order to give such directions as may be for His Majesty's service and the good of the Colony. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 114; also Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LXXX., pp. 138, 139, and Vol. CV., pp. 71–73.]
June 26.
Jamaica.
313. Governor Lord Vaughan to Secretary. Coventry. The Assembly have not yet finished their business. Has transmitted some Bills passed. Remarks on an Act declaring it felony for any of His Majesty's subjects belonging to this island to serve under a foreign prince. Advice from Petit Guavos that the Dutch had burnt all French vessels on the coast of Hispaniola, and had taken Curacao with 500 negroes and 28 lbs. of gold, and gone to Caymanos. Thinks D'Estrées is still at Martinique. It grieves him to be forced to send home the frigate when there is so much need of her, begs that another be speedily sent to preserve their trade. Annexed,
313. i. List of all the laws made in Jamaica. It includes the titles of those made by Sir Thomas Lynch in 1672 and by Lord Vanghan in 1675, abstracted in previous volumes of this Calender; also titles of the Acts made at Jamaica, 9th April 1677, now transmitted by Governor Vaughan.
313. ii., iii. Titles of the Acts made at Jamaica, 9th April 1677, and referred to in Governor Vaughan's above letter, with abstracts of the ten Acts passed. Two copies.
313. iv. An Act declaring the laws of England in force within this island and the territories thereto depending, being No. 7 in above list of Acts. 1677, April 9th. [Col. XL., Nos. Papers, Vol. 115, 115 I.—IV.; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 139–142.]
June 26.
New Plymouth.
314. Governor Josiah Winslow to the King. "Your unworthy servant and subject humbly craves your royal pardon for this bold intrusion to kiss your hands by these rude lines, and hope I shall obtain it, because they flow from no other fountain but the loyalty of my heart and affection to your Majesty's person and interest. I have been greatly ambitious ever since your happy return to your kingdoms to have waited on your Majesty that I might have obtained the happiness to see the Prince in whom the nations that are your subjects are so happy, but being prevented by some public employments upon me (though unworthy) in this your Colony of New Plymouth, and especially in two or three years last past of our troubles occasioned by the rebellion of our neighbouring Sachems or Indian Princes and their people and allies, I despair (at least for the present) to enjoy such a favour, and therefore adventure these few lines." Will not trouble His Majesty with the calamities they have suffered from so barbarous an enemy (because that will be presented to His Majesty by some that have lately put forth the narrative), but assures the King that the rebellion was not provoked, and that they had not failed to the uttermost of their power to maintain the King's interest and their own against their violent intrusions. Craves His Majesty's favourable acceptance of a few Indian rarities, the best of their spoils of the ornaments and treasure of Sachem Philip, the grand rebel, most of them taken by Captain Benjamin Church (a person of great loyalty and the most successful of their Commanders) when slain by him, being his crown, gorge, and two belts of their own making of their gold and silver. Prays that God will bless the King with a numerous and virtuous progeny. Endorsed, "From the Govr of Plimouth with the Indian spoiles." 1 p. With seal. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 116; also copy of the above, dated June 12, Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 28.]
[June 30.]
Whitehall.
315. The King to Lord Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica. Has received from him several letters and depositions of the cruel treatment of His Majesty's subjects by the Spaniards and referred same to Committee of Trade, upon whose report His Majesty will give directions agreeable to justice. In the meantime the case of William Winford, fourth son of Sir John Winford, hath been already examined, who find that about two years since, being master and owner of the Adventure, he was shipwrecked in the Bay of Campeachy, then took shipping under command of Captain White, whose ship in August last was taken by Spaniards, and said Winford and all on board carried prisoners to the Havanna and used in a most barbarous manner. Requires him to represent to the Governor of the Havanna this affront to His Majesty and severe treatment of his subjects, and that they be released from confinement. Mutilated. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CX., p. 112.]