America and West Indies: December 1693

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1903.

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'America and West Indies: December 1693', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696, (London, 1903) pp. 215-222. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol14/pp215-222 [accessed 25 April 2024]

November 1693

Dec. 2. 714. Deposition of Symon Tristane. In confirmation of the statements made in Stephen Duport's petition (see No. 707 I.). 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 28.]
Dec. 2. 715. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Mrs. Sloughter to account for the sums received by her husband for pay of the two independent companies. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 481.]
Dec. 5.
Whitehall.
716. Warrant for the appointment of Edward Cranfield to be Naval Officer of Barbados. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 84, 85.]
Dec. 6. 717. Extract from Minutes of House of Representatives of Massachusetts for 21 and 22 November, 1693 (see No. 688), and additional Minutes of 6 December. Resolutions upholding the right of the Representatives to ascertain to what use money is to be devoted before they vote it. The whole, 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 91.]
Dec. 6. 718. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petitions of the merchants of Barbados and the Agents for the Leeward Islands, for men and ships for their protection, read and referred to the Admiralty, in the matter of ships. Decision as to the men taken. The memorial of the Agents of Barbados against the Act for freight read. Agreed to move that the question be referred to the Treasury.
Report of the Admiralty as to the protection of Piscataqua read.
Petition of Jahleel Brenton and presentment of Commissioners of Customs against Sir William Phips read and decision thereon taken. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 231–235.]
Dec. 6. 719. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On reading the presentment of the Commissioners of Customs of 22 November, with its enclosures (see No. 689), it was agreed to recommend the appointment of Commissioners to take evidence as to the statements of Jahleel Brenton, and that the parties concerned in his complaints return their answer thereto in writing. [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 69–72.]
Dec. 6. 720. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Requesting that the Commissioners of Customs may hear the objections of the merchants of Barbados to the Act for limiting freight. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 434.]
Dec. 6. 721. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the petition of persons interested in Barbados (see No. 709), agreed to recommend that a regiment of foot be stationed at Barbados during the war; and that the request as to ships be referred to the Lords of the Admiralty. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 47, 48.]
Dec. 7. 722. Minutes of Council of New York. Orders for sundry payments. Mrs. Sloughter produced her husband's accounts for money received by him, and a Committee was appointed to report on the same. The Mayor of New York directed to hasten the work in the new battery. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 481–482.]
Dec. 7. 723. The Attorney General to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have perused the Address and Charter of Rhode Island. The Charter puts the nomination of officers of the militia in the hands of the Governor and majority of the Assistants. When the writ of Quo Warranto was issued in 1686 no final proceedings were taken, but it was mentioned that the Colony would not contend with the King, and Sir Edmund Andros was made Governor by King James until at the revolution the Corporation reassumed its rights. By Sir William Phips's Commission he is Commander-in-Chief of the militia and all forces in Rhode Island. How far this Commission may influence the Charter I submit to you; but I see no reason in law for not complying with the petition. Signed. Edw. Ward. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 11 Dec., '93. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 93; and 35. pp. 126–131.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
724. Order of the King in Council. Referring it to the Treasury to report how a regiment quartered in Barbados can be paid out of the revenue there, or what part of the revenue may be applied to that object, after the expenses of Government are provided for. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ¼ p. Endorsed, Read 5 March, '93–4. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 33; and 44. pp. 48, 49.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
725. Order of the King in Council. Referring the consideration of the question of sending ships of war to Barbados and the Leeward Islands to the Commissioners of the Admiralty for report. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 49, 50.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
726. Order of the King in Council. Referring petition of Edward Bushell to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed,
726. I. Petition of Edward Bushell, on behalf of Ralph Lane, to the King. That the Royal order of 15 December, 1692, be enforced, so that copies of all evidence in Ralph Lane's appeal case may be sent from Barbados and the appellant himself set at liberty to come to England and prosecute his appeal. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 13 Dec. Read 27 Dec. 1693. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 34, 34 I.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 386–388.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
727. Order of the King in Council. Referring a petition from merchants and planters of Barbados to Lords of the Treasury for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. Inscribed, Minute of the Commissioners of the Treasury, referring the petition to the Commissioners of Customs. 3 Jan. 1693–4. Signed. Godolphin, Ste. Fox, Edw. Seymour. 1 p. Annexed,
727. I. Petition of merchants and planters against the Act for limiting freight. Original, already abstracted in No. 692 I. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 35, 35I.; and 44. pp. 66–68.]
Dec. 7.
Whitehall.
728. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Captain Richard Short, R.N., to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed,
728. I. Petition of Captain Richard Short to the King. Setting forth how Sir William Phips took from him a French prize which he had captured, and sold her without judgment neither for the King's use nor for the officers and ship's company; and summing up Sir William Phips's harsh treatment of him, which compelled him ultimately to come to New York and take passage home in Sir Francis Wheler's fleet. Prays for the share of the prize, and for reparation for his ill-treatment. Copy. 1¼ pp. The whole endorsed, Recd. 11 Dec. '93. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 92, 92I.; and 35. pp. 75–78.]
Dec. 8.
Whitehall.
729. Order of the King in Council. That the stores of war desired by Governor Fletcher be sent to New York, the brass guns excepted. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. p. 74.]
Dec. 10.
New York.
730. Governor Fletcher to the Earl of Nottingham. Sir William Phips never entered upon the militia of Connecticut, and those people having received a letter from Their Majesties to assist New York with men or money for the defence of the frontier were buoyed up to an absolute refusal of compliance with my Commission. At my parting many of them seemed very penitent, but if Mr. Winthrop, their agent, find countenance at the Court, and their Commonwealth Charter be confirmed, it will be of very ill consequence by the example that it will give to others. Nothing is so great a weakening to Their Majesties' service and interest in this part of their Empire as those Governments which act by separate interest from the Crown, make their own laws and exercise sovereign powers without appeal. These people in Connecticut are in a great fright. The noise of a Quo Warranto or a sharp letter from Their Majesties will reduce them. The wisest and richest of them desire to be under the King's immediate government. Signed. Ben Fletcher. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed, R. March 29, 1694. [America and West Indies. 579. No. 38.]
Dec. 11. 731. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Further consideration of the convoys for the outward trade.
The same on the 20th December. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 235–239.]
Dec. 11. 732. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Ralph Lane was brought up, when the Governor admonished him as a turbulent person, and pointed out that he could not order his release, since he was in prison for debt. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 437–439.]
Dec. 11. 733. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor reported that Count Frontenac had made fresh overtures. The Council advised that Major Peter Schuyler be sent to the Five Nations to persuade them to hold their consultation as to their answer at Albany, but did not consider it necessary for the Governor to go thither. Committee appointed to draw up Peter Schuyler's instructions. Order for a special Commission for trying certain grenadiers of the garrison for felony. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 482, 483.]
Dec. 13. 734. Lords of the Treasury to the King. On the report of the Attorney General as to Sir Matthew Dudley's Company, we think that, in deference to the request of the New England Agents, the charter should be referred first to the New England Governments, before it be passed. Signed. Godolphin, Ste. Fox, Cha. Montague. ½ p. Endorsed, Read 18 January, 1693. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 94; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 40.]
Dec. 14. 735. Draught of a grant of the Islands of Ascension, Trinidad, etc., to Sir John Hoskyns, as approved by the Attorney General and Lords of Trade. Note. The Great Seal bears date 14 December, 1693. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 316–323.]
Dec. 14. 736. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. William Broadrick received permission to go to England, and was desired to represent the state of the Island to the King. Order for purchase of provisions for the King's ships. Orders for payments. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 262, 263.]
Dec. 14. 737. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for the Aldermen and Common Council to attend to-morrow, on the business of the new battery. The Committee presented their report on Mrs. Sloughter's accounts. Orders for sundry payments.
Dec. 15. The Mayor and Common Council attended and reported that owing to snow and other reasons, they could not raise a quorum. The business was adjourned to the 18th. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 483, 484.]
Dec. 16. 738. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Warrant for appointing Henry Low to the Council read, and himself sworn in. Orders for payments. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 263, 264.]
Dec. 18. 739. Minutes of Council of New York. The Common Council and Aldermen attending, the Governor made them a speech, shewing that it was not true that his instructions bade him draw bills in England for the expense of the new battery. The Council objected that they doubted if they had any power whatever to raise money on the inhabitants of the city, and that they were required to do the work as a county charge, which it was not. The Governor referred them to the legal Members of Council for their answer, which was given by Mr. Pinhorne, who asked if the Corporation had not to common knowledge raised many large sums already on the inhabitants. The Corporation answered that though not satisfied of its powers, it could supply the money of its own free will. The Governor rejoined, that for the future they must take care, in that case, to levy no more money on the people of the city; and then rebuked them severely for alleging such foolish things, since they had frequently levied money before for repair of the fortifications. Now, their bad example had discouraged the County people from working at the stockades. The Council persisting in their opinion, the Governor disclaimed all responsibility for the consequences. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 484–490.]
Dec. 19. 740. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order as to sharing of prizes and plunder. Martial law to cease on 1st January. Order for sundry payments. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 265.]
Dec. 19. 741. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Montserrat. Order for all persons on whom the three companies of the English Regiment are quartered to weigh out to their provisions for a fortnight, they being ordered to encamp at White River and German's Bay on the 24th inst. The impost on liquors farmed for a year by Edward parson for 18,000 lbs. of sugar, also the licenses to sell liquor for 20,000 lbs. A negro convicted of having beaten his overseer almost to death, was condemned to be hanged in chains and to be given no sustenance till he should die. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 325.]
Dec. 21. 742. Report of the Attorney General on the petition of John Kirton (see No. 400). Gives a history of the case as it stands between Kirton and Brookhaven, and reports that he sees no objection to confirmation of the Act, excepting the omission of a clause to save the Royal rights and to give the co-heirs time to make out their title. Signed. Edw. Ward. 2 pp. Endorsed, Read 2 Feb. 1693–4. Annexed,
742. I. Petition of Sarah Brookhaven and the co-heirs of Brookhaven to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Praying for time to collect evidence of title before the Act be confirmed. At the foot, Draft of the clause proposed by the Attorney General to be added to the Act. The whole, 1 p.
742. II. Certificate of Robert Thomson and three others that John Brookhaven was incapable of transacting business for over thirty years before his death. Dated 29 Nov. 1693. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 36, 36I., II.; and (without enclosures) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 439–443.]
Dec. 23. 743. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for purchase of a ship for a fire-ship. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 266.]
Dec. 26. 744. Minutes of Council of Nevis. The Assembly agreed to leave to the Lieutenant-Governor the arrangements for compelling widows of considerable estates to contribute horses and accoutrements for the troops. The Assembly proposed to diminish expense by removing the overseer in charge of the negroes at work on Mount Mary, their number being small. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 283.]
Dec. 27. 745. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Nicholson to be recommended to succeed Governor Copley in Maryland.
Colonel Russell attending, his instructions were considered, and the question of his accepting a present from the Assembly was decided.
Governor Fletcher's letter of 9 October read.
Reports of the Admiralty on the proposal to incorporate certain persons to trade to Pennsylvania and to New Jersey read. A proposal to insert a clause empowering the King to revoke the charter by Order in Council, if the Company do not within five years provide naval stores annually, was accepted by the Pennsylvania and rejected by the New Jersey Company.
Petition on behalf of Ralph Lane read; it was agreed to insert a clause in Governor Russell's instructions as to the same. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 240–246.]
Dec. 27. 746. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That a clause be inserted in Governor Russell's instructions directing him to examine as to the truth of the petition of Edward Bushell, on behalf of Ralph Lane, and to report thereon (see No. 726). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 388.]
Dec. 27. 747. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To recommend that, in consideration of the expense of his preparations for a voyage to Barbados, Governor Francis Russell be allowed to accept the first present offered to him by the Assembly after his arrival; that 200 tons of shipping be allowed to him for his passage; and that Colonel Kendall be appointed one of the Council of Barbados after Mr. Russell's arrival there. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 384.]
Dec. 27. 748. Memorial of Governor Francis Russell. For allowance of 200 tons of shipping to transport him to Barbados. ¼ p. Endorsed, 27 Dec. '93. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 37; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 385.]
Dec. 28.
Whitehall.
749. Orders of the King in Council. Referring Governor Russell's request for 200 tons of shipping to the Commissioners of the Admiralty; and appointing Colonel Kendall senior member of the Council of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 385.]
Dec. 28.
Whitehall.
750. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Charles Mein to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed,
750. I. Petition of Charles Mein, in behalf of Patrick Mein, to the King. For the confirmation of Patrick Mein in the post of Clerk of the Naval office of Barbados. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 2 Jan. Read 8 Jan. 1693/4. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 38, 38I.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 435–437.]
Dec. 28.
Whitehall.
751. Order of the King in Council. For the preparation of a charter to Richard Haynes and others to trade with a joint stock to Pennsylvania according to their proposals. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. 1½ pp. Annexed,
751. I. Proposals made by the applicants for the above Charter. (1) That on receiving their charter they shall at once fall to bringing the manufacture of pitch, tar, etc., to perfection. (2) That they will immediately fall also to whale-fishing and (3) to planting of hemp and flax. (4) That they will apply themselves also to building of ships, and (5) will begin this year with the export of £18,000 or £20,000 worth of goods. Additional proposal. They will undertake in the first year to provide 20 tons and in the second 40 tons of pitch and tar, and as much ship's timber as is desired. Copy. 2½ pp.
751. II. Draft of the Charter to be granted to Richard Haynes and others. 35 pp. [America and West Indies. 599. Nos. 8, 8 I., II.]
[Dec.] 752. Draft of a bond in £500 to be given by Richard Haynes and others to fulfil their proposal. 9 pp. [America and West Indies. 599. No. 9.]
Dec. 28.
Whitehall.
753. Order of the King in Council. That Colonel Francis Nicholson be Governor of Maryland, and that his despatches be prepared forthwith. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. pp. 130, 131.]
Dec. 28.
Whitehall.
754. Order of the King in Council. That two companies of foot each of 100 men, and sufficient recruits to make the two independent companies at New York up to 100 apiece, be forthwith raised and sent for the defence of the province against the French. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 37; and 48. p. 71.]
Dec. 28. 755. Minutes of Council of New York. Several of the Council sworn justices of the whole province. The petition of Peter King against the Sheriff of New York was dismissed and petitioner left to his legal remedy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 490.]
Dec. 30. 756. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. It was reported that the men-of-war sloops refused to go out any longer on the old terms. Consideration deferred. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 266.]
Dec. 30. 757. Clerk of the Burgesses of Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding the Journals of the Burgesses and of the General Assembly begun on 10 October, 1693. Signed. Peter Beverley. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 13 Aug. '94. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 39.]
[Dec. 31.] 758. Abstract of several papers transmitted by Governor Fletcher respecting the Indians. These papers will be found chiefly among the enclosures to the despatches of 9 and 10 October (Nos. 610–612). 4 pp. Dated, 31 July, 1693, which is probably a mistake for December. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 38; and (in part) 48. p. 55.]
Dec. 759. Memorial of [the Agents for Barbados]. The Island of Barbados has petitioned the King for a regiment of soldiers; and the King is inclined to grant it. It is therefore humbly offered (1) that the sending of these men is of great importance to the nation, since otherwise the Island must be lost; (2) that the Island is too much reduced to bear the cost of the regiment; (3) that the regiment will be a gracious supply, owing to depopulation caused by loss of men on service, heavy taxes and mortality by sickness; (4) that while under terror of a rising of negroes an act was passed to give free quarters to soldiers, but now the Island cannot bear the burden of free quarter owing to the expense of the expedition to Martinique, which was £30,000; (5) that the people have no idea of the extraordinary cost of transporting a regiment, so have left no instructions with their Agents, but they will do anything that the King directs; (6) that the 4½ per cent. duty might be applied to this purpose; (7) that the people of Barbados would be better able to serve the King, if more shipping were allowed to trade thither, the present number being so small that it cannot bring half the commodities required from England nor carry away a third of their produce. As they have no trade except to England, the stopping of that trade is plainly ruinous. Unsigned. 2 pp. Endorsed, Dec. 1693. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 39.]
[Dec.] 760. Copy of the Act of Barbados for granting free quarter for a regiment, if the King will send one. 29 October, 1692. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 40.]
761. Petition of Sir William Phips to the King. The fur trade with the Eastern Indians, being unrestricted has passed into the hands of unscrupulous men, whose dishonesty brought on the recent war. I know many of the Sagamores personally, my property has suffered from the war, and the trade can only be carried on in peace if managed by some person who will put it under good reputation. I beg for a patent for the fur-trade with the Indians from Saco eastward to the utmost bounds of the province. Signed. William Phips. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 95.]
762. Extract of the accounts of the two shillings per hogshead duty in Virginia 1692 and 1693. Total payments, £300. 1 p.
A rough copy of the above. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. Nos. 40, 41.]