America and West Indies: November 1690, 17-30

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

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'America and West Indies: November 1690, 17-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1901), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp347-367 [accessed 5 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: November 1690, 17-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692. Edited by J W Fortescue( London, 1901), British History Online, accessed December 5, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp347-367.

"America and West Indies: November 1690, 17-30". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692. Ed. J W Fortescue(London, 1901), , British History Online. Web. 5 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp347-367.

November 1690

[Nov. 17.] 1,186. Petition of Margaret Hill to the King. Praying for payment of a small further sum of her husband's arrears to enable her to join her husband in the Leeward Islands with her three children. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 17 Oct., 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 108.]
Nov. 17. 1,187. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending the Lords of the Treasury to grant £100 to Margaret Hill out of £732 due to her husband, he having done good work and suffered much in the King's service in St. Christophers. Draft, with corrections. 1 p. America and West Indies. 550. No. 109.]
Nov. 17.
Bermuda.
1,188. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Earl of Shrewsbury. It is eighteen months since we heard from Whitehall. I can give you still no account of the revenue, as I can get no satisfactory accounts from the collector, Samuel Trott. It is thought that he has spent it. Indeed since that tax on liquors was raised we have had no more money, so we have nothing but what he keeps. It is strange that his commission was unsealed, but such men are unfit for such duties. Repeats former complaints against Trott and Fifield (see No. 1,096). I cannot pay the poor workmen; the people say I have no power to call an Assembly. In such a condition of affairs I long to be at home. Signed. Robt. Robinson. 3 pp. Endorsed. 20 May, 1691. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 36, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp 289–291.]
Nov. 18. 1,189. Answer of Lord Howard of Effingham to the petition of Edward Davies and others (see No. 1,185). The King's orders of 22 January, 1687, bade me do my utmost to suppress pirates, and I issued my directions to all officers accordingly. The three petitioners were seized by Captain Rowe, and were examined by Colonel Cole at my direction. It was evident that the men had been pirates, and I summoned them before Council, before whom they insisted that they were not pirates and did not claim the King's pardon. They were committed to gaol and I reported the matter to Lord Sunderland. The prisoners then sent a petition to the Council at Whitehall, and the Council of Virginia thereupon took bail of them to answer the charge against them in England and sent their goods to England, where they now are. I beg that the Treasury may take over the goods and acquit me of them, and that the prisoners, who are notorious pirates, may be tried. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read in Council, 18 Nov., 1690. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 53, and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 53–55.]
Nov. 17.
Admiralty.
1,190. Lords of the Admiralty to Captain Wright. You will stay in the West Indies until further orders. You will provide convoys for the homeward bound ships, but reunite the frigates detached for defence of the Islands to your squadron. Signed. Pembroke, J. Lowther, E. Russell. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 316, 317.]
Nov. 19.
Whitehall.
1,191. Order of the King in Council. That Lord Nottingham report the recovering of St. Eustatia to the Dutch Ambassador, that the Island may be redelivered to the United Provinces. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 279.]
Nov. 19. 1,192. Receipt for the seal of the Leeward Islands received for delivery to Governor Codrington. Signed. Joseph Martyn. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 131, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 280.]
Nov. 20. 1,193. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Kendall. As to the Monmouth rebels you will inform the Council and Assembly of the King's gracious intentions on their behalf, and you will give your assent to an Act to be passed in the Assembly to repeal the original Act for their servitude, but reimposing such restrictions as are requisite to prevent them from leaving the Island without the Royal permission; but the new Act must not reduce the convicted rebels to their present condition of servitude. To encourage the Council and Assembly to pass such an Act, if the new Act be not passed you will cause the Order in Council repealing the former Act to be published. This despatch was sent also to the Leeward Islands and Jamaica. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 237–239, and Vol. C., pp. 140–142.]
Nov. 20.
Council
Chamber.
1,194. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Earl of Inchiquin. Instructing him to pass an Act to repeal the Act for regulating the servitude of transported rebels, and for setting them at liberty. If the Assembly be not willing to pass the Act then the King's disallowance of the original Act must be published. Signed. H. London, Carmarthen P., R. Hampden, Hen. Goodricke, H. Boscawen, Bolton, Pembroke, Newport. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 341–342.]
Nov. 20.
Whitehall.
1,195. Order of the King in Council. That Lord Baltimore, John Coode, and Kenelm Cheseldyn do attend the Lords of Trade and Plantations on Saturday next to make out their respective allegations against each other. Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 556. No. 4, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 178.]
Nov. 21. 1,196. Lords of the Admiralty to Captain Wright. The commanders of H.M. ships that return home must transport such goods as the officers of Customs in the Plantations require them. Signed. Pembroke, Carbery, J. Lowther, R. Onslow, W. Priestman. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 317, 318.]
Nov. 21. 1,197. The same to the same. You will stay with your squadron in the West Indies till further orders, supplying convoys for homeward bound ships. Signed. Pembroke, J. Lowther, E. Russell, W. Priestman. [Ibid. pp. 318, 319.]
Nov. 21. 1,198. List of nine ships for conveyance of 259 recruits out of the four hundred for the West Indies. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 132.]
[Nov.] 1,199. Account of the men embarked on board the said ships. 272 in all. Names of four ships that are to embark 124 more men at Portsmouth. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 133.]
Nov. 21. 1,200. William Blathwayt to Mr. Guillym. The masters of certain ships have declined to give the officer commanding receipts for the men put on board their vessels. Please let the owners give orders for their receipts to be delivered at once. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 134.]
Nov. 22. 1,201. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Baltimore, Mr. Coode and Mr. Cheseldyn attended and were ordered to be ready with their cases on 29th inst. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 360.]
Nov. 22. 1,202. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Earl of Inchiquin. We are glad to hear of your safe arrival and that you have been able in so short a time to stop the great disorders prevalent in Jamaica. We await your further report, and meanwhile have represented your request for a ship to the King, who has ordered a fourth rate frigate to be sent in place of the Swan, or a fifth and a sixth rate instead. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 343.]
[Nov. 22.] 1,203. Petition of the Ancient Protestant inhabitants of Maryland to the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Begging consideration of their petition to the King. ¼ p. Inscribed. Read 22 Nov. '90. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 30.]
[Nov. 22.] 1,204. Petition of the same to the King. We long enjoyed peaceful rule under Lord Baltimore and his father, until lately the Government was upset by John Coode and his accomplices, who seized the records, with the titles of our property, and seized and plundered our estates, and maintain themselves in their lawlessness by force, styling all that do not go with them traitors. We beg that John Coode and Kenelm Cheseldyn, who are both in London, may be sent for to answer our complaints before you. Twelve signatures. 1 p. Inscr bed. Read 22 Nov., 1690. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 31, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 181–183.]
Nov. 22. 1,205. Petition of Charles, Lord Baltimore, to the King. In February you gave orders that my agents should collect the revenue, and I have been to great expense to send a person to Maryland for that purpose; but my agent is returned, not having been suffered to collect the revenue, most of which is in the hands of John Coode and Kenelm Cheseldyn, who are spending it at Plymouth. I beg that these men may be summoned to answer for the injuries that they have done me. 1 p. Endorsed. Read the Committee, 22 Nov., 1690. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 32, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 179, 180.]
[Nov. 22.] 1,206. Articles against the Lord Baltimore, his deputies and officers. (1) Appointing none but Irish papists and his own relations to offices. (2) Founding Romish Chapels, and apportioning the best of the land for the support of popish clergy. (3) Arresting Protestants without warrant in time of peace. (4) Not providing for support of a Protestant ministry but escheating the land appointed for them. (5) Discouraging Protestants and preferring papists for places of honour, and erecting an upper house of Assembly contrary to the fundamental constitution. (7) Violating freedom of election. (8) Preventing representatives from sitting by summoning only a selected number. (9) Making laws extending to the estates of the inhabitants without consent of the Assembly. (10) Assuming power to allow or disallow what laws he thinks fit while absent from the province. (11) Assuming power to repeal enacted laws by proclamation. (12) Assuming power to dispense with laws to which he has assented. (13) Inflicting unjust and cruel punishments. (14) Suffering unqualified persons to sit on juries in criminal matters. (15) Extorting special bail in criminal cases. (16) Omitting to provide a public magazine and county magazines as required by law. (17) Prosecuting before Council causes cognisable at Common Law. (18) Constituting a court called a Court of Delegates. (19) Extorting unreasonable fines. (20) Granting fines to judges in criminal cases before trial and before accusation. (21) Governing by cruel and tyrannical acts craftily obtained from unwary representatives. (22) Assuming the royal style, dignity and prerogative. (23) Endeavouring to obstruct justice upon persons accused for supposed murders, etc.
Articles against Lord Baltimore's deputies, ministers, and judges. (1) All the late deputies and Council were papists. (2) Suffering Lord Baltimore's Receiver-general to exact fines for their rents, &c., contrary to law, and directing the payment to be in tobacco at twopence a pound, though he already receives half of the duty of two shillings a hogshead. (3) Suffering the Attorney-general to issue precepts to the sheriffs to arrest several inhabitants, who were wholly ignorant of the charges against them. (4) Suffering the judges for probate of wills to exact excessive charges. (5) Suffering Lord Baltimore's naval officer to exact excessive fees, called Secretary's fees, from masters of ships. (6) Suffering the same to extort threepence a hogshead for all exported tobacco, contrary to law. (7) Suffering the secretary to extort excessive fees to the annual value of 200,000 lbs. of tobacco. (8) Suffering the military officers to press provisions in time of peace. (9) Imposing an oath of fidelity without reservation of allegiance on the Assembly of 1688. (10) Violently prosecuting and punishing all criminals in 1688, to pardon them in honour of the pretended Prince of Wales. (11) Endeavouring to fortify the Colony against his present Majesty. (12) Endeavouring to confederate with Indians. (13) Magnifying the French entered under King James and corresponding with French subjects. (14) Endeavouring to screen their purpose by letters to Virginia and by subscriptions craftily obtained from the people. (15) Using treasonable invectives against their Majesties. (16) Threatening protestants with extirpation. (17) Taking up arms and declaring against the proclamation of their Majesties. (18) Giving arbitrary and unjust sentences in criminal cases. (19) Murdering Christopher Rousby and John Payne.
Additional articles against Lord Baltimore. (1) Erecting new offices and appropriating excessive fees to them without Act of Assembly. (2) Granting of escheated land before escheat ascertained. (3) Fining absent men without notice of trial. (4) The judges of the Probate Courts refuse to do their work at their office, but go by way of commission into the counties, to augment their fees. (5) The said judges also refuse to observe the rules laid down for them by law. (6) The arbitrary selling of places of trust to unworthy persons, whereby (7) the records of the Courts are unduly and improperly kept. (8) All the judges of the Courts and of the upper house are the same persons, so that no redress can be expected if they are sued, and (9) the penal laws against extortion cannot be enforced. (10) Writs of error are granted and denied at the arbitrary will of the said judges. Signed. Hen. Jowles, Nea. Blakiston, Nich. Gassaway, Nicholas Greenberry, John Edmondson, Geo. Robotham, David Browne, John Courts, John Brooke, Henry Trippe, John Thomas, Tho. Staly, Edward Jones, Ninian Beale, Jno. Coode, Kenelm Cheseldyn, Robt. King. 5½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 Nov., 1690. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 33, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 189–198.]
Nov. 24. 1,207. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Codrington. We have laid your letters before the King, and you may expect the marks of the royal favour for your good service on all occasions. The King has ordered four hundred recruits with a competent number of serjeants and corporals to be sent to the Duke of Bolton's regiment. He has also directed stores of war, including a mortar and bombs, and also a miner and two engineers to be sent to you. You will return the matchlocks, which you report useless to you, to the Office of Ordnance here. Two months' provisions for the regiment and three months' provisions for the squadron have been despatched by the merchant ships. If Admiral Wright apply to you for provisions before his return home you will supply him, and draw bills on the Commissioners of the Navy for the cost. Captain Wright has orders to leave three frigates, one at Barbados, one at the Leeward Islands and one at Jamaica on his return. Governor Kendall at Barbados has been instructed and empowered to send for assistance without the consent of his Council. A copy of your letter as far as it relates to your regulations for the resettlement of St. Eustatia has been delivered to the Dutch Ambassador. The King has received a memorial from the merchants trading to the Leeward Islands, asking that the resettlement of St. Christopher's may be suspended till the close of the war; and has decided to leave the direction of that matter and of all others relating to the government and security of the Leeward Islands to you, to do therein as you think best for his service. Signed. Carmarthen, P., Bolton, Devonshire, Dorset, Fauconberg, H. London, Godolphin, H. Goodrich. Copy. 3 pp. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 136, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 269–272.]
Nov. 24. 1,208. William Blathwayt to ?—. You are to acquaint the masters of ships that have soldiers on board that, unless they give receipts for the soldiers embarked by them, an embargo will be laid on them till such receipt be given. Draft. ½ p. Stuck on the back. A nominal list of the recruits shipped in the "Prince of Orange." Thirty-eight names. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 135.]
Nov. 25. 1,209. Mr. Mayors, Purveyor, to the Navy Board. Giving details of the men shipped for the Duke of Bolton's regiment (see Nos. 1,161–1,163). Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 137, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 283, 284.]
Nov. 25. 1,210. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Orders for sundry payments. The Governor reminded the Assembly of the necessity for ascertaining freights and renewing the Excise Act. The Assembly having barely a quorum adjourned. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 148–150.]
Nov. 25. 1,211. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Robert Hooper chosen Speaker. Bill for employment of forfeited bonds passed. The House waited on the Governor, who submitted certain proposals to it. Bill for regulating the exorbitant rates for freight read. Letter of thanks to Edward Littleton for his books, De Juventute, and the "Growers of the Plantations." Adjourned to 16 December. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 250–253.]
Nov. 26.
Antigua.
1,212. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Soon after the date of my last letter I sailed to Nevis, thence to Montserrat and thence to Antigua. Two ships from Barbados and Bristol unexpectedly provided us with shoes and clothing for our men as well as with a sufficient store of provisions for the expedition. I also took all imaginable care to encourage our men, pointing out the impossibility of dividing the plunder of St. Christophers yet without a vast loss by slipping an opportunity, whereas the delay of sharing was but a small inconvenience to them. So I had every hope of attacking Guadeloupe with the numbers stated in my last, and at my leaving Nevis and Montserrat felt reasonably assured of respectable detachments from each. But on the arrival of the fleet here Colonel Hill, whom I had left behind to bring up the forces from leeward, reported to me that not a man would stir from Nevis unless the plunder of St. Christophers were first divided. At Montserrat there were a good many enlisted for the service, but finding none come from Nevis they drew back, and both those Islands failing, Antigua absolutely refused, though otherwise she would have furnished her proportion. The remains of the Barbados regiment, being about two hundred men, came up in the fleet under command of Major John Legard, a diligent and obedient officer, who was grossly abused at Nevis by his Lieut.-Col., Thomas, for shipping the regiment, though he had only obeyed my orders and Colonel Hill's and was not well treated by his Colonel, Sir Timothy Thornhill, on his arrival here. Nay, two of his Captains took upon them to challenge their Major for shipping their companies without their permission, in which presumption they were, I believe, countenanced by their Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel. The Lieutenant-Colonel having declared the expedition against Guadeloupe imprudent, and the Colonel also, until a division of the spoil, the men were naturally unwilling to go further, so I had only a detachment of the Duke of Bolton's regiment to depend on. I attribute the backwardness of these Islands chiefly to the irrational obstinacy of the common people fomented by some of the inferior discontented officers, some of whom by their way of address have more influence than all the arguments of prudence and reason. As to the Barbadians, the chief officers are the most in fault. I have also been ill dealt with by them in their representation of my own and these Islands behaviour towards them, whereby they have discouraged Barbados from assisting us further in the war, as may be seen by the enclosed letter from Governor Kendall. Their complaints, however, have little justice, as you will see by a letter to Governor Kendall, and its enclosures with which he says that he is well satisfied. You will observe further by their papers that Barbados has helped only with men, who have been clothed, fed and further gratified at vast expense to Antigua and Nevis, especially to Nevis; and that all their demands have been complied with to satisfy them and for the good of the King's service. Still I cannot deny that there has been some pretext for backwardness, which I foresaw and tried to prevent, and that there was a little unavoidable hardship for five or six weeks, which was much severer on our own Islands, but gave occasion for a mighty outery. Lieutenant, Colonel Thomas and others, who were hardly with the regiment or knew its hardships except by report, were the loudest in complaint. Whatever our obligations to Barbados we have little reason to boast of the obligingness or way of management of some of the officers in that regiment, but as they belong to another Government I am anxious to avoid all occasions of complaint. However before we start on another expedition I hope to have all matters pertaining to that regiment, and in particular the errors of the officers, exactly regulated between the Governor of Barbados and myself. He is a gentleman of such worth, honour and loyalty that I am sure we shall be in accord in all things.
I have scarce been able to perform any part of my duty without censure and malicious expressions of virulent tongues, of which in selfdefence I shall beg your consideration. Pray peruse my letters to Nevis of 18 and 29 August, the letters from the Lieutenant-Governor of that Island of 7th and 28th September, and my answers of 14th September and 3rd of October. By these papers you will see that the pressing of ships to transport prisoners for security of our new conquests, and pressing provisions for the support of the army are denounced as great hardships. Not a word is said of falling into still greater mischiefs by avoiding these. The Council and Assembly of Nevis are backward in business, the Lieutenant-Governor sick and weary of his work, and all are in fret and out of humour because the Government cannot do impossibilities, viz., in the very heat of war support them in the enjoyment of undisturbed and easy peace. You will observe the arguments against further prosecution of the war, and find, when these are disposed of, except one only, that one is held sufficient excuse for delay. You will observe also how unjustly I have been dealt with in many matters, and my care to prevent any inconvenience from the same to the public, by publishing an account of my proceedings in answer to their aspersions. When the fleet arrived and the forces from leeward did not, I at once called a Council of War, wherein it was agreed that I had no power legally to inflict military discipline on militia not under pay except in actual service; that I could not force them to leave their Islands to attack an enemy, and therefore it was best to take measures to attract volunteers, viz.— to distribute the plunder of St. Christophers. The delay was very inconvenient, but I had no alternative. The distribution therefore is now in progress, which will be as great a perplexity to me as any since I received my commission. I have acquainted Governor Kendall with my disappointment and that the assistance which he had prepared for us at Martinique will, as things fall out, come in time to share in the conquest of Guadeloupe; I have told him also that our people grumble much that the whole burden of the war in men and money should fall upon them, when Barbados, which is equally obliged in honour to the contest, contributes so much less than her proportion. I am much afraid that when the dividing of the spoil is over and the present objections removed, this grievance will be made an excuse for making our motions depend on Barbados; for now that the danger is a little past our people think themselves as secure as if it had never existed. Meanwhile we have sent out three frigates to cruise to windward of Guadeloupe, in order to intercept vessels passing to and from France and to harass the island. I have also sent sloops to capture prisoners for intelligence and to secure from the Indians some periagos, which are an extremely convenient kind of boat for a landing.
Since my last I have sent two ships to St. Domingo with French prisoners, and shall shortly send another, which will leave only about seven hundred women and children untransported. I enclose a petition of the former English proprietors of St. Christophers, and copy of the order made thereupon. I shall endeavour to do these poor people all the kindness I can as to their former chattels, at the next meeting of Council, so as not to disgust the army, from which we are to expect further service. Some of the proprietors deserve no favour, not having helped to reconquer the island; others have not only discouraged further prosecution of the war, but have defrauded the army by stealing the pillage, whereby they have forfeited all claim to charity or consideration from the officers. As to those who have behaved well, I hope the officers will be unanimous to help them. As to their lands they have present possession and I daresay a good claim to confirmation by patent, but many owned vast tracts of land, of which they were not able to settle one fourth, which was of no advantage to them and of particular prejudice to the public. The island would otherwise have been more secure and the value of each parcel of land increased. Care will be needed to avoid this mischief, in distributing the conquered land as well as in confirming possession of the old territory, by obliging proprietors to reasonable conditions of settlement. No better moment could be found at the same time to found a fund for the maintenance of Governors, for defraying other public expenses, and for the maintenance of Ministers and a free school, all of which can now be easily contrived, without a pretence of wrong to any, and will in great measure free the inhabitants from the taxes which they find so burdensome. This will be no small encouragement to settlers. It will indeed be very reasonable to make a distinction between new settlers in the French ground and the old English proprietors in the charge of raising this fund, and a further encouragement to St. Christophers to pass an act exempting the people from suit for debts, as I have recommended before. There are many other considerations well worthy of discussion which I postpone for the present. I enclose copy of a petition from Messrs. Bonnemere and Renoult, two French protestants, and the substance of my order thereon. They are well spoken of and have taken the oaths, so I granted each of them the hundred and sixty acres of their former plantations and hope our officers will agree to a charitable grant of their slaves. Madame Salinave, another French protestant, is in the same circumstances; both she and her deceased husband suffered much from their own countrymen for their kindness to our nation. I recommend these three families to your favour to procure them naturalisation or denizenation. The French took not the value of sixpence from any English or Irish papist when St. Christophers fell into their hands, and offered the same favour to all who live among them and become of their religion; and this induces me the more to recommend these families, for it would be a reflection on us to show less generosity to those of our religion than papists.
In former letters I have represented to you the advantage of annexing these Colonies to the Kingdom of England and giving them representation in Parliament; and in particular the advantage to Governors in deliverance from such turbulent practices as I then reported. I have struggled with these so far, but have found it a vast trouble, which would be greatly eased by the foregoing proposal. And as the change would be beneficial during peace, so experience tells me that another matter which is absolutely necessary in time of war, namely, that by Act of Parliament in England, the militia of these Islands should be subjected in time of war to the same discipline as if they were soldiers and in the King's pay. They should be obliged also to fight for the defence, not only of their own Islands, but to march and embark wherever they are ordered by the General to attack the enemy, under pain of death. Further, in any war the General alone, or with the consent of a council of his field-officers, should have power to frame such articles of war as should from time to time be necessary. Thus all our motions would be quick and expeditious; and all mutinous practices would be totally suppressed. This absolute authority I think as necessary for our security in time of war as the happy constitution of the English laws in time of peace. We have as much the better of the French in the latter respect as they have of us in the former. The trouble of governing a voluntary army is inexpressible, and the raising of it also extremely difficult; and indeed without such an Act as I suggest a general here has little more power than a captain of privateers. All his authority is precarious and his motives dependent on a multitude of uncertain humours which it is next to impossible to reconcile. It is true that we were successful at St. Christophers, but there was such an concurrence of circumstances for promoting that expedition as we are not likely to meet with again. I may say without vanity that a stranger could not have effected it; and indeed the amassing of that force met with opposition and strained all my efforts. Interest and esteem among the people is undoubtedly a great advantage to the Governor, but nothing is likely to preserve them so long as sufficient authority to act on all occasions. It is difficult to give general satisfaction in a private station; in a public station it is impossible. I have not had a sixpence, nay hardly a dinner, presented to me at the expense of any of these Islands since I assumed the Government. I have publicly said that I neither expected nor desired anything of the kind. My disputes with them have been in relation not to my private matters, but general affairs. I have spared neither pains nor expense from my own pocket for the public service, to say nothing of the loss I have sustained through neglect of my private concerns; but because I cannot reward everyone according to their estimate of their own deserts, nor settle matters according to their individual opinions, I am repaid only by murmuring and discontent. You will see from the enclosed accounts that the Council of War unanimously justifies me, but though they cannot but approve my proceedings for the public service, they do not approve of my having any share in the pillage to defray my expenses. I know that you are no strangers to the impossibility of contenting everyone and of the consequent need for arming a Governor with sufficient authority. Such an Act as I have proposed would undoubtedly be a just encroachment on the liberty of the subject, but there is a wide difference between England and these Colonies, which should rather be treated as garrisons. Self interest is not sufficient to determine the inhabitants in favour of that which is for their good; they have little regard for the public benefit and are open to no arguments but those of authority and power; but, to make the Act fair, a claim should be inserted to provide that in any expedition the troops should be given the King's full allowance of pay and victuals if the plunder fall short of answering that sum. The suggestion altogether may seem improper for one in my station; but I cannot be thought selfish, for all my interest and those of my relations are in these Islands, so that I shall be subject to the regulations that I propose. As to my former estimate of the strength of the French in their Islands and the chance of conquering them, I must admit that we have been much weakened by sickness, but so also have they, irrespective of the prisoners; and I am sure that if the force were made up to the strength that I named by help from home and from Barbados, we should not leave a Frenchman nearer than St. Domingo. If Barbados increase her regiment to six or seven hundred men, we shall do well enough with Guadeloupe and the little islands, but we cannot conquer Martinique without help from England. I hear that we are still successful against the French in Canada and that we have taken Quebec, but this last is only a rumour from New York. By letters lately captured by a privateer we learn that the French Islands are destitute of European commanders, that provisions are scarce, and that they have no hope of a fleet from France, so our next attempt should be successful. I have received no answer to my letters yet from Lord Inchiquin. The Council and Assembly beg me to remind you of five Acts sent home by Sir Nathaniel Johnson. I have lately summoned the Council and Assembly and I enclose the Acts passed, for confirmation. The preambles explain them (see No. 1,172); and indeed we dreaded nothing so much as the departure of the fleet. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 13 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Feb. [Jan.] 1690–91. Annexed,
1,212. I. Governor Kendall to Governor Codrington. Barbados, Sept., 1690. In my former letter I reported my failure to prevail with the Council to assist you, and I can now give my reasons. On receipt of your first letter I informed the Council of your desires, urged all your arguments and added many more of my own. They urged in reply first, that they had already sent seven hundred men under Sir Timothy Thornhill which the Leeward Islands confessed to have saved them, and that until the arrival of the fleet the men were well treated; but that since that time all their good service had been forgotten, that they had been not only slighted but horribly neglected, and that it was small encouragement to send men down to be so treated. Secondly, they said that the regiment had lost many men of a contagious distemper, and that our Militia was so weak that we could not defend ourselves against a like attack, so that if I sent more men it would endanger the safety of Barbados, while even if the men could be spared there were no provisions for them; and this is true, for until the arrival of a ship from New York, lately you could not have bought a barrel of beef for twenty pounds. I enclose a petition which I have received from Sir Timothy Thornhill and am extremely concerned to hear that the men are in such a miserable condition. I have given Sir Timothy leave to gather what recruits he can privately, but they are hard to get now that it is known how those who have done good service have been slighted. I beg therefore that the terms of the agreement may be strictly kept, for although they may have been so much neglected a little care and kindness from you will restore them to cheerfulness and good heart. I must ask for them the privilege of trying officers and men of their regiment by their own courtmartial. Justice to them will help me to prevail with more men to join you, and I am satisfied that one so good, generous and just as yourself will see that the terms of their agreement are faithfully observed. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Jan., 1690–1.
1,212. II. Governor Codrington to Governor Kendall. Nevis, Oct. 18, 1690. I have received yours. Want of provisions is certainly a sufficient reason for not sending us help, but I hope that a supply may have removed it. The Barbados regiment I believe may well have been diminished as much as our own regiments, which have lost two thirds of their strength, but I believe that if we work heartily together we may still master the French Islands. Your Council's first reason against sending more men I find to have been based on a misinformation very unjust to myself, for I know not how I can be said to have horribly slighted and neglected the Barbados regiment. The informers acknowledge that they were well used until the fleet came in, and I must now meet their complaints. On the departure of the fleet, the cattle on the island being almost destroyed, I sent our own regiments away, except some small detachments, that they might more easily subsist. Sir Timothy just before he left asked on behalf of his regiment that they might be supplied with provisions or permitted to return to Barbados. I consented to the latter proposal, having no provisions to give them, and said that if he could not make shift to procure provisions he might take his men back with him. However he thought not fit to do so, and if they have fared ill it is no fault of mine, unless it be a fault that I cannot create provisions, clothes and stores. I gave him sugar to convert into money for the feeding and clothing of his regiment, and would have furnished food and clothing here if I could. As soon as provisions were obtainable I supplied his regiment, which was more than I did for our own detachments, who made shift as they could with but three barrels of beef between them. Bare feet and bare backs have been the general calamity of all these Islands. Your officers often represented to me the straits they were in, but could not show me how to find more remedies than I have mentioned. They cannot say that Sir Timothy had not funds to supply them from Barbados, or that any of them could tell me where provisions were to be procured in these Islands and I unwilling to buy them; nor do I know of any other matter wherein they have not been treated as well as other regiments. You speak of agreements; but I do not remember ever to have heard of them until I read the petition enclosed by you. I am glad to see that the terms were complied with till the arrival of the fleet, and I hope I have satisfied you that any failure since has been through no fault of mine. Last March Sir Timothy Thornhill, in apprehension of a French attack on these Islands, made some agreements under which he was contented to stay with them but without which he proposed to leave them immediately; and these being performed it is a little strange that they should talk of agreements made by Major Crispe and Captain Thorne, when new terms were afterwards agreed on, nowise to the disadvantage of your regiment. To remove all ground of complaint I appointed Commissioners to meet Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas and Captain Thorne, and to ascertain what was expected of me. The enclosed papers as to the proposals and answers then made will I think satisfy you as to my conduct towards the regiment. The arms borrowed from the magazine at Barbados shall certainly be returned or their value paid. Truly I believe that never man had harder task than I, considering that I am ill supplied with materials of war, that the fleet arrived so shortly before the hurricane season, that its provisions are getting short and that there is but slender hope of fresh supplies. If the fleet go we are worse off than ever, and it is difficult to keep together an army of volunteers of various interests and contradictory humours. I have allowed the former owners of St. Christophers to resume possession of their lands and the remains of their chattels, subject to the approval of a council of war. This has opened the mouths of many against me, who are displeased even at the appearance of charity towards these unfortunate people; while they on the other hand rail as heartily against me because I repair not all that they pretend to have lost, out of the public pillage. Copy. 2¼ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Jan., 1690/1.
1,212. III. Particulars of an agreement made between Sir Timothy Thornhill and the Leeward Islands in March, 1690. 1. The Island of Nevis shall cloth the Barbados regiment. This cost 140,600lbs. of sugar. 2. That all ranks shall be billeted, lodged and victualled, and that officers shall have a horse and a boy to attend them. This was faithfully performed. 3. That a house should be taken for Sir Timothy and 100,000lbs. of sugar presented to him. This was done. 4. That the soldiers should receive pay over and above clothing, victuals and lodging. They were paid at the rate of 134,000lbs. of sugar per month. 5. That a sloop be hired for Sir Timothy's service. This cost 9,600lbs. a month. This agreement lasted for three months. It appears that the cost of the Barbados regiment from its arrival till the expedition to St. Christophers has been greater than if the King's full pay had been paid to all ranks; and it is a little hard that all the endeavours of the Leeward Islands have failed to give satisfaction. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. IV. Proposals for the redress and future maintenance of the Barbados regiment. 18 Oct., 1690. 1. Officers and men of the regiment shall be tried by their own Courts Martial. 2. Their clothing and victuals shall be paid for by the public. 3. They shall receive a consideration for their service since the dismission of all the other regiments. 4. A consideration shall be appointed for such time as they serve voluntarily after the division of the plunder. 5. That every field-officer and captain or his representatives shall receive his share, who was actually at St. Christopher. 6. That Sir Timothy Thornhill's disbursements for his own forces and others shall be allowed. 7. That all the vessels that came from Barbados with the regiment shall be paid by the public for the time that they attended the regiment, and discharged. 8. That the plunder due to men and officers who shal return to Barbados shall be sent thither at the public expense, that care be taken of men unfit for service and that some consideration be granted them for their sufferings. 9. That a hundred negroes be appraised to provide necessaries for the men who go on further service. Signed. Jno. Thomas. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. V. Answer of Governor Codrington to the foregoing proposals. Nevis, Oct. 18, 1690. 1. Agreed to, provided that the Governor be at liberty to reserve special cases for trial by a Council of War, to which even the English regiment is subject. 2 and 3. Agreed to. I will use my best endeavours with the Council of War. 4. The regiment shall have its share of the plunder of Guadeloupe, and provisions for a month after the expedition is ended. If the division of the plunder be postponed for longer, allowance shall be made for it. 5. Agreed to, but the point must be settled by the Council of War. 6. Agreed to. Commissioners will be appointed to examine Sir Timothy's accounts. 7. The hire of the vessels that brought the Barbados regiment shall be paid by the Leeward Islands, but the expense of their attendance shall not be paid, since they have waited without any authority or consent and contrary to the desire of the government. But I am ready to submit that point for the decision of the Governor of Barbados. 8. Agreed to. 9. Agreed that negroes enough to raise £500 be appraised. The foregoing are all the answers that I can make. I have not hitherto neglected you in anything which lay within my power. My intentions towards you have always been good, and I hope that you will convince the common soldiers of this. Signed. Chr. Codrington. Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. VI. Governor Kendall to Governor Codrington. Barbados, 4 Nov., 1690. I have received yours with the proposals of the Barbados regiment and your answers, which seem fair and reasonable, and I hope have contented them. I accept the duty of arbitrating on the seventh article. I beg you to give to the Barbados regiment the same commission as to Courts Martial, that you gave to the blue regiment. I hope that Sir Timothy Thornhill will keep them strictly obedient to your orders and that you will have no reason to complain of them. If you find them otherwise I know of no remedy but severe discipline. I hope you will remember that the blue and Barbados regiments ought to be considerably distinguished in the partition of the plunder as they have had all the fatigue and done all the duty of the Island since the recapture; and if you will take my advice you will grant Colonel Thomas's request to give the regiment King's pay since the arrival of the fleet, for their share of the plunder will probably amount to much more. I think you have behaved yourself with gallantry, prudence and discretion. You have had great difficulties in your hands, but you have abilities to carry you honourably through them. Signed. J. Kendall. 1¼ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. VII. Governor Codrington to the Council and Assembly of Nevis. St. Christophers, August 18, 1690. I am surprised to hear of the liberty that is taken among you basely and unjustly to calumniate me. I have reason to believe that such mutinous practices are rather encouraged than checked by you, who being in authority tend thus to subvert all Government; for only confusion can result from leaving these scurrilous tongues unpunished. If your Governors are to be thus used, none but men of desperate fortunes will covet the employment; and such behaviour comes ill from you who importuned me to accept the trust from you. The other Islands have helped and obeyed me. A Governor cannot discharge his duty faithfully unless he be faithfully served by those in authority under him. If you would inform me of my mistakes and omissions it would be more advantageous than to slander me and misrepresent me. I am resolved to check such proceedings, and I therefore demand of you the name of those who have aspersed me. I am told, 1. That I am extremely railed against for my kindness to the French. 2. That I am sending away underhand slaves and sugar to defraud the army for my own profit. 3. That my terms to the French and Irish were too lenient. 4. That I have restored their estates to the former proprietors of St. Christophers, which belong of right to the army, as plunder. 5. That I have shown favour and partiality to Antigua above Nevis. 6. That I delay the division of the plunder, with a view to defraud the army, and that the army will go on no further service in consequence. In reply to these charges. 1. I gave the French as generous terms as Count de Blenac gave the English, and I do not understand the souls of men who would begrudge this. Most of the persons particularly favoured were recommended to me by the officers of the army. My commission from the King raises me above the scale of a privateer-captain. I forbade the soldiers to pillage for sound military reasons, and I offered good terms because the numbers of the enemy after our first success were too formidable to allow us to drive them to desperation. The surrender of the Island was hastened by my orders. No man can be such a brute as to think a little pillage worth a great risk. I believe that no men have less reason to complain of my prohibition of pillage than the murmurers and mutineers of the Nevis regiments. My fault has been lenity to them rather than to the enemy. 2. This is a base and unworthy calumny, as I can prove. 3. The terms granted to the French garrison were the same as the French gave to Colonel Hill. The Irish were not excepted from those terms, lest in case of a French success they should make similar exception against the French Protestants among us. 4. I have done no more for the inhabitants of St. Christophers than allow them to return to their estates to enable them to subsist, promising confirmation of their titles on conditions to be approved by the King. They keep their chattels in security, pending the decision of a Council of War. Only mutineers and persons without charity could grumble at this. 5. This is the usual complaint of Nevis, and as usual groundless. 6. This is simple malice, for the plunder cannot be divided until it is collected. As to the mutinous resolutions which some have made, I have only to say that I mean to do my duty. Lately all of you were in distress for want of a fleet; but now that it is come you will not join with it. If we do but little with it while it is here we shall deserve to suffer when it is gone. Whoever discourages the King's service and appears backward in the next expedition shall have no share in the pillage of St. Christophers, shall be esteemed a disaffected person, and may expect punishment rather than countenance from authority. On the other hand I promise that all wounded soldiers shall honestly have their shares, for I wish all to join me cheerfully against the King's enemies. Signed. Chr. Codrington.
The same to the same. 29 Aug., 1690. In spite of my former letter I find that I have still good ground of complaint against you. I am now busy in preparing for another expedition, and for division of the pillage, and for transporting of the French prisoners. I have done my best for the public service, and I call upon you to observe the protests in my former letter. Copies. The whole, four large and very closely written pages. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. VIII. Substance of a letter of Deputy-Governor Netheway to Governor Codrington. Sept. 7, 1690. The master of one of the ships, Morning Star, taken for transport of French prisoners, is very backward, and Netheway is afraid to press him for fear of complaints of merchants at home. Netheway is of opinion that the fleet should have transported the prisoners. He cries out for power to press provisions at Nevis, as the planters are so ill-supplied; he desires appointment of more Councillors, as for want of them and from the backwardness of the Assembly no business can be done, and the Governor's letter of 29 August cannot be answered; and he announces that he is ill, that the Government has put him to great trouble and expenses and that he desires to resign.
Governor Codrington to Deputy-Governor Netheway. Four hundred Frenchmen remain to be transported before I can leave St. Christophers. Order the master of the Morning Star to sail on Friday at latest; if he refuse I order you to press him and his ship. I will issue fresh orders to him here and take responsibility for any damage to the merchants. The public, if it be ready to take the risk, must be preferred to private persons. I shall use the power committed to me respecting the fleet as I think best. As to pressing provisions I must repeat to you my former orders. I must have a share of all that come into these Islands for our next expedition; for it is wrong that the men engaged therein should starve as the men at home. I know that the pressing of ships and provisions is a hardship, but I know not how it can be avoided without greater mischief. I have increased the Council as far as my instructions permit. If Members of the Assembly refuse to work, others must be elected in their place. As to reading my letter, you can do so by summoning the gentlemen and the officers civil and military and communicating it to them. Though my letter be long it will require but a shortanswer. 1. To point out any mistakes of fact or flaws in my vindications. 2. To give me the names of the authors of these calumnies. 3. To give me your own opinion as to our next expedition. I will readily give you furlough to New England or, if you desire to resign, will acquaint the King. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. IX. The substance of a letter from Deputy-Governor Netheway to Governor Codrington. 28 Sept., 1620. Report of the backwardness in Nevis for the expedition to Guadeloupe owing to recent heavy mortality, want of shoes and clothing, and scarcity of provisions; and because the pillage of St. Christophers has not been divided.
Governor Codrington to Deputy-Governor Netheway. I am sorry to hear that the Island is so thin of men, but I must do the best that I can and shall take no more from Nevis than her just proportion. As to division of plunder, all thinking men know that it cannot be made before a meeting of the Council of War to settle the shares and other details. I shall be with you in a few days and shall do my best to encourage the common soldiers; but if men desire impossibilities I shall not trouble myself to answer them. You will see that a division of the plunder cannot be effected in less than two or three months, for it will be three weeks or a month before a Council of War; and I cannot delay the King's service for two months and keep the fleet idly consuming its stores to satisfy the humours of a few discontented people. A French fleet will be here in three months, and then our opportunity will be lost; the English fleet's provisions are running low, so we must make the most of it while it is with us. It is a strange perversity in men that they would prefer any inconvenience to the public rather than to wait two or three months for their shares of spoil. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. X. Petition of the late freeholders of St. Christophers to Governor Codrington. Asking for restitution of the remains of their property, which will be but a small diminution of the pillage of their fellow-soldiers and is not likely to be grudged, and restoration and confirmation of their estates, as they are in extreme poverty and want. Twenty-one signatures. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. XI. Proclamation of Governor Codrington. Empowering the former proprietors of St. Christophers to resume provisional possession of their former estates and property, and engaging himself to do his best for them at the Council of War. 29 August, 1690. Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. XII. Petition of Jean Baptiste Renoult and James Bonnemere to Governor Codrington. For liberty to settle in St. Christophers, being French Protestants. 1 p.
Order of Governor Codrington granting them one hundred and sixty acres each, pending division of the pillage of St. Christophers. ½ p. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. XIII. The gentlemen of Antigua to Governor Codrington. Disclaiming any sympathy with the mutinous and slanderous party at Nevis, and expressing regret that the Governor should have endured such treatment at its hands. Recommend speedy division of the pillage of St. Christophers. Forty-two signatures. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding.
1,212. XIV. Governor Codrington to the Council of War. Antigua, Nov. 20, 1690. Some time ago a number of calumnies were spread abroad against me at Nevis, which I answered; but I have now some few matters more to add to prevent further cavils. As to their charges. 1. I adhere to the number of slaves restored to the French as correct, and refer to the testimony of the Commissary General. 2. The slaves sent to my own plantations are as accountable to the public there as anywhere else. 3. The French themselves thought my terms of capitulation just. 4 and 5. I have nothing to add. 6. I am told that, having delayed the division of the pillage, I have engrossed the whole of it for myself. You are aware, I suppose, that the captured slaves here have been distributed in the various Islands to be preserved until the time for division. I am ready to account for those sent to my own plantation and I shall do so forthwith. I must claim a proportion for the King's share, to which I am sure that you will readily agree, and for which I shall be accountable. I have been at great expense for the King's service during the war, and if I neglect now to raise a fund to answer it when I lawfully may, my loss might be imputed to folly, since the drain on the English exchequer is not likely to cease. As to my own share as Captain-General I hoped to have thrown it into the common stock for the encouragement of the next expedition, but since neither promises nor persuasions can prevail to the immediate execution of that project, I esteem myself no way obliged to these discontented murmurers who have obstructed my design, so at the next Council of War I shall insist upon a share and leave it in the hands of the commissioners for the encouragement of the next expedition, that the meritorious and the ungrateful may not equally share it. Another complaint is that I have delayed the division; but the minutes of the Council of War will show that this was no fault of mine. The negroes were ordered to be sent to different Islands on 9th July, but not a word was said as to division because it was not yet collected. Since division was proposed I have not obstructed it, but done my best to hasten it. I confess that I had rather have deferred it until the end of the expedition to Guadeloupe, for if there had not been refusal to embark on it we should have been masters of the Island by this time; and I think you will agree with me that it would have been better to have postponed the division to the expedition than the expedition to the division. I believe that in future expeditions the division of the plunder may be so regulated beforehand as to be easy and expeditious, but this did not occur to me in time for the present matter. Again I am represented as chief hindrance to an attack on Guadeloupe, but I have always been zealous for it and proposed it in the Council of War of 11 July. At the same time the attack on St. Eustatia was resolved on, and Sir Timothy Thornhill's regiment was ordered for the service; but on its return it needed rest owing to the sickness among the men and the want of shoes and clothing. So the attack on Guadeloupe was delayed, and the transportation of the prisoners undertaken. On the 1st of August this resolution was confirmed and the fleet took its departure owing to the hurricane season. Was I to blame for this? I then made every effort to have all ready for an attack as soon as the fleet should return, and did my best to persuade the Islands to the enterprise. I even consulted as to whether I could not force the regiments by military discipline, but found that legally I could not. I therefore call upon you to vindicate me from these aspersions.
Minutes of a Council of War. St. John's, Nov. 20, 1690. Resolved that the Governor in his letters of 18 and 29 August and 20 November has made a full reply to all objections against him and that he has in all particulars proceeded according to our resolutions and advice except in the matter of the King's share of the plunder, which we do not consent to nor allow of. Signed. T. Weaver, Secretary of War. The whole, 4½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding. [America and West Indies. 550. Nos. 138, 138 I–XIV., and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 286–306.]
Nov. 27. 1,213. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To recommend the King to grant leave to Archibald Carmichael if Governor Kendall see no objection. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 239.]
[Nov. 27.] 1,214. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. Asking what ships of strength have been ordered to remain at Jamaica for the security of the place. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 78.]
Nov. 28.
Admiralty.
1,215. Mr. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. In reply to your letter of yesterday, by Order in Council of 18 September the Admiral in the West Indies was instructed to send either a fourth rate, or a fifth and a sixth rate to Jamaica in place of H.M.S. Swan. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 79.]
Nov. 28.
Isle of Wight.
1,216. Joseph Dudley to William Blathwayt. Since I left London I have been begged by Dr. Cox and others to take up the management of the Jerseys and put them into better order, which I am unwilling to do without your knowledge and advice. I understand that they are trying to obtain the royal assent, so far as a letter can do so. It would serve to raise me out of the contempt of those who least love the King's interest in those parts and may bear its own charge. They will wait on your favour therein; and I shall gladly resign that or any other province if I am thought worthy of a post in my own country. After many disasters we are still wind-bound, and have a miserable winter voyage before us. Signed, J. Dudley. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from Dr. Cox, 11 Dec., 90. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 186.]
Nov. 29. 1,217. Extract from a letter of Mr. Samuel Myles, a minister at Boston. Pray stir for our relief. Many are going off the land, it being impossible for us to live. Our church is perpetually abused, the windows broken as soon as mended, and we are much threatened with what shall be done when the Charter comes. Young Mr. Mather has received a letter from his father saying that the King has promised the Charter, which has raised fury and rage in the people against those whom they call the enemies of their Country. Copy. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 124.]
Nov. 30. 1,218. Order of the King in Council. On the petition of Lord Baltimore, that John Coode and Kenelm Cheseldyn attend the Lords of Trade and Plantations. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 180.]
[Nov.] 1,219. Memorandum from the Lord President. To represent to the King the danger from the French, the necessity for ships in Jamaica, the unfitness of Sir Francis Watson and Thomas Ballard for the Council, the new councillors recommended, and the evils of patents as set out in Lord Inchiquin's letter of 31 August. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 6–8.]
Nov. 30. 1,220. The King to the Earl of Inchiquin. Warrants for the appointment of Samuel Bernard, John Towers, Andrew Orgill, Francis Blackmore, Nicholas Laws, Charles Penhallow, and Charles Knight to the Council of Jamaica. Countersigned. Nottingham. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 8.]
Nov. 30. 1,221. The King to the Earl of Inchiquin. Warrant for the removal of Sir Francis Watson and Thomas Ballard from the Council of Jamaica. Countersigned. Nottingham. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 9.]