America and West Indies: June 1698, 26-30

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1905.

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'America and West Indies: June 1698, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1905), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol16/pp291-301 [accessed 13 October 2024].

'America and West Indies: June 1698, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698. Edited by J W Fortescue( London, 1905), British History Online, accessed October 13, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol16/pp291-301.

"America and West Indies: June 1698, 26-30". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698. Ed. J W Fortescue(London, 1905), , British History Online. Web. 13 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol16/pp291-301.

June 1698

June 26. 605. Petition of Edward Walrond, on behalf of John Lucas, to Council of Trade and Plantations. John Lucas, having complied with all that is required by law from any person who intends to leave Antigua and having taken his passage to England, is detained in prison by Governor Codrington contrary to the liberty of an English subject. I beg that you will represent his case to the King and procure a mandate for his coming to England to prosecute matters of great consequence against Governor Codrington, which he says that he could effectually do were he not detained in prison. ¾ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 28 June, 1698. Annexed,
605. I. John Lucas to Robert, Lord Lucas, Governor of the Tower. Antigua, 25 April, 1698. Your justice, goodness and love of liberty embolden me to lay my case before you. I contracted with one Robert Edgcomb, master of the ship Dolphin of Plymouth, to bring me and my two sons to England, shipped the goods that I required for the voyage, and took out my ticket to leave the island as the law requires. The master, however, by Governor Codrington's order refuses to take me on board, and I am imprisoned upon suspicion of having written a letter of complaints to Admiral Nevill, on which jealousy and suspicion Captain Julius, of H.M.S. Colchester, assaults me in the street and treats me very evilly, to the endangering of my life. I sought all ways and means to have reparation but could obtain nothing but menacing language from Governor Codrington, who in the Council Chamber threatened to break my head, calling me villain and rascal. I am a person of good fame and honest reputation always; I was for some years Speaker of the Assembly and have suffered much by this war, and now I am detained of my liberty in view of the world, which cries out shame on such proceedings. My family is put under great distractions, my estate exhausted, my person like to be destroyed by a withering durance; unreasonable bail is demanded—£500 at a time is nothing—my friends are encumbered with high bonds, and no crimes expressed but mere notions. I desire to be heard before the King and Council, and desired Governor Codrington to let me go, and if he had anything to object I would appear before the King in Council. The Council commanded me to give £500 security for good behaviour and then I might go for England, but it was impossible for me to perform the voyage according to the time fixed for Sessions. I submitted to all this, though I am still detained and sorely oppressed. I beg you to procure me an order to come to England with my children, that I may leave this Colony where I have suffered wrongs and injuries for many years. Signed, John Lucas. P.S.—Since I wrote the above, £5,000 bail is demanded or else close imprisonment, so must be forced to make over my estate. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read 27 June, 1698.
605. II. Copies of a series of documents, sent with the foregoing letter. John Lucas to Robert Edgcomb. 25 April, 1698. I had my goods on board and my ticket out, put in security for good behaviour £500 (your case), gave security upon security and am now detained a prisoner. You know my condition. Pray procure me with speed an order to come home, or my estate and person will be destroyed and my family ruined. Take care to deliver Lord Lucas's letter.
The same to?. 26 April. I have entered into £5,000 bail and offered £5,000 security more to appear before the King and Council, but cannot prevail. They are hunting my son in the woods with negroes, mulattos and dogs. I doubt my child will be frightened to death. Great cruelty threatens me and my family unless speedy relief come. I have made over all my estate to my security. Pray be diligent to speed away an order for mine and my child's deliverance.
The same to?. 27 April. My ill usage increases; soldiers night and day alarming my house, disturbing my family, entering my house and my neighbours' to search for my son, offering money to my negroes to betray him, listening at my windows what we say. I am told that young Morris and Dewer are active sparks in this matter. Edgcomb promised the Governor not to carry me off, though I qualified myself according to law and became security for his ship. As he detained my stock and provisions I arrested him, and he in revenge swore I told him that the Governor bailed him, which is not true. But since I can prove some other mishumour of Edgcomb, I suppose his evidence would take little with a good jury. But you know their jealousy, so you can inform the Council of Trade, for if there was nothing to be discoursed they could never hinder my coming home. They never moved me in this violent manner until I was ready to go aboard. Next week I am told that I shall be kept close prisoner. Obtain a speedy order for our deliverance. I pray God deliver us from arbitrary power.
The same to Samuel Proctor. 22 April, 1698. I enclose a bill of lading and invoice for goods shipped in the Dolphin. I was bound home, ready to depart, and had given every security imaginable when the master refused to take me. Tell Mr. Walrond of it and make application to the King and Council, for I am sorely oppressed. Captain Julius assaulted me with intent to murder me; Governor Codrington and Council threaten to beat me, and abuse me for demanding attestations against Julius. My usage is cruel. I dare not express it. Produce this letter before the King and Council.
The same to the same. 27 April, 1698. Edgcomb may prove mischievous, for I arrested him for destroying my voyage, therefore be careful to prevent any claims of his to my sugar which I shipped on the Dolphin, for he has too much damnified me. My cruel usage increases. Repeats details of former letters. All this is out of suspicion that I wrote home a letter of complaint by Admiral Nevill; and these violent motions did not begin until I undertook to come for England. Pray therefore obtain my deliverance. The whole, 4 pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. Nos. 86, 86 I., II.]
June 27. 606. Minutes of Council of Montserrat. The Assembly was summoned and on appearing was dissolved by the Lieutenant-Governor. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. p. 534.]
June 27. 607. Journal of General Assembly of Massachusetts. The Tax Bill and Impost Bill were passed into Acts. John Walley and Elisha Hutchinson were appointed Commissioners under the Acts. Several votes of the Representatives for payments of salaries were agreed to. After a conference between the two Houses the Ports Bill was passed into an Act. Prorogued to 15 November. [Board of Trade. New England, 48. pp. 249, 250.]
June 27. 608. Opinions of the Attorney and Solicitor-General as to the eligibility of Mr. Mein, a Scotchman, proposed to be of the Council of Barbados. The clause of the Act for regulating the Plantation Trade runs as follows: "Provided always that all places "of trust in the courts of law or what relates to the Treasury in the "said islands shall from the making of this Act be in the hands of "the native-born subjects of England, Ireland, or of the said "islands."
Quace, whether a man born in Scotland be within the meaning of this clause.
Answers of the Attorney and Solicitor-General, that Scotchmen, being in law natural-born subjects of England, are not within the meaning of this clause. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Communicated by the Earl of Bridgewater. Recd. Read 27 June, 1698. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 66.]
June 27. 609. Memorandum of the receipt of the above document. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 6. No. 51.]
June 27.
Whitehall.
610. William Popple to the Attorney and Solicitor-General. Submitting to them the question of the applicability of the Act to regulate the Plantation Trade to Commissary Blair. See 6 July, 1698. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 37. pp. 228–229.]
[June 27.] 611. Petition of Gilbert Heathcote to the King. That no advantage may be taken of Sir William Beeston for taking the oath, appointed by the Act for regulating the Plantation Trade, a few days too late. ½ p. Endorsed, Sent in Mr. Vernon's letter of 27 June. Recd. Read 29 June, 1698. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 92; and 56. p. 205.]
June 27. 612. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon. Forwarding a report as to the fitness of Jonathan Netheway for appointment to the Council of Nevis. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Abr. Hill. Here follows, Council of Trade to the King. 27 June, 1698. We find Mr. Netheway to be a person of considerable estate in England as well as in Nevis, and as he seems to be very well inclined to your Majesty's service we think that he may be appointed a Councillor of Nevis, to continue such during his residence there and no longer, for it is inconvenient that Councillors should be long absent from their Colonies. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. pp. 205–206.]
June 27. 613. Mr. Secretary Vernon to Council of Trade and Plantations. I am commanded to send you a copy of remarks made by the Ministers of the Court of Brandenburg concerning the Island of Tortola, for your examination and further consideration of that matter. I am also to enclose you a petition from Mr. Gilbert Heathcote for your report. Signed, Ja. Vernon. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read 29 June, 1698. Enclosed,
613. I. Remarks on the representation of the Council of Trade on the Island of Tortola. To overthrow the just claims of Joseph Shepheard to the Island of Tortola, the Council of Trade and the Governor of the Leeward Islands rely on two principal arguments. (1) They try to dispute the ownership of Shepheard and his predecessors in that island. (2) They maintain that in any case possession of the island cannot be conceded to a foreigner, looking to the prejudice that would be caused to the King's Customs. To dispute Shepheard's right of ownership they lay down as a foundation that the islands among which Tortola is comprised were first discovered and settled by English, and that consequently the Crown of England has assumed the original right and ownership. The Council of Trade would find themselves much embarrassed if they were obliged (as indeed they are) to prove this statement, for it is agreed that the first discovery was not made by the English but by Christopher Columbus in 1492. This first reason therefore is unfounded, and the rest will be seen to be equally so. The Council says further that in the third year of King Charles I. a grant was made of all the Leeward Islands, between the 10th and 26th degrees of latitude, to the Earl of Carlisle; but they cannot prove that they were in possession of these islands, and in particular of Tortola, for it is notorious that the French and Dutch as well as the English have become possessors of several of the islands between those degrees since 1625; and it was undoubtedly the Dutch who took possession of Tortola or Tertholen. The name indeed is the same with that of the town of Tertholen in Zealand, which is an argument that it was taken by Zealanders, and a certain sign that it was reckoned for a Dutch island, since it is still called by this name even by the English. The English would not have given it such a name if they had been first possessors, and they would have changed it if they had become masters. Governor Codrington proves nothing by saying that he knows of no rights that the Dutch have to the island, and that its name is and has been inserted in the Commissions of Governors of the Leeward Islands. For these Commissions (if ever they were given) were on account of protection, not of propriety. They say also that in the deed of bargain between Mrs. Shepheard and her heirs, it is covenanted that if the island were not delivered within the time mentioned, the agreement should be void. But does this pretended nullity give any rights to the English? It is a weak cause that is grounded on such arguments. Again the Council of Trade says that there is nothing to show that Shepheard had any right to the island nor that it was put into possession of Sir William Stapleton by the widow and heirs of William Honthum; but a perusal of the papers disposes of this argument. The requests of the States-General on the subject, and the orders given to Ambassador Citters show the right of the widow and heirs; and King James actually ordered the island to be restored. It is therefore a grave wrong to a Prince, so nearly related to the King, to dispute so well-grounded a right. Lastly the Council alleges the convenience of the King's Customs as a reason for keeping the island. By such a law of convenience any man might keep another's estate. But who has told this to the Council of Trade? It cannot be Governor Codrington, for he wrote to the Director of the Brandenburgher's Company in America to say that the neighbourhood of their factory was of great commercial advantage. Moreover, in an island where there are only three or four families the customs cannot be considerable. Lastly the Council of Trade leaves it to the King, if he pleases, to give pretenders to the island compensation proportionate to its value, since the value is small. This is to treat the subject very cavalierly. Is his Electoral Highness obliged to abandon his just claims for such a price? Such a bargain might be offered to a private individual in want of cash, but it is an insult to a sovereign prince so powerful as his Electoral Highness. These are approximately the arguments which would serve to destroy those of the Council of Trade. It is hoped that finally the King will do justice to his Electoral Highness herein, for the Kings of England dispose, with sovereign rights, of all kinds of conquests, as is shown by Charles I.'s grant to the Earl of Carlisle. Copy. French. 5 pp.
613. II. English translation of the foregoing. 3¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. Nos. 87, 87 I., II.; and 45. pp. 207–215.]
June 27. 614. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Lord Bridgewater delivered three letters from Mr. John Lucas of Antigua, the law-officers' opinion in the case of Mr. Mein, and Mr. Usher's letter of 12 May last.
Representation as to Mr. Netheway signed and sent to Mr. Vernon (No. 612). Draft instructions for Governor Nicholson considered.
June 28. Mr. Walrond presented a petition in behalf of Mr. Lucas (No. 605) and gave information of his close confinement from a letter addressed to himself. He promised to bring the documents that he had at home. Order for notice to be given to Mr. Cary of this new complaint against Governor Codrington, with a request to hasten his answer to the former complaints and to attend on Thursday next.
June 29. Lord Bridgewater presented a paper concerning Edward Bourke of Barbados (No. 618).
Colonel Parke offered several reasons against Dr. Blair's appointment to the Council of Virginia, and promised to put them in writing.
Mr. Secretary Vernon's letter of 27th inst. as to Tortola read (No. 613).
Mr. Heathcote's petition on behalf of Sir William Beeston also read (No. 611).
June 30. Mr. Walrond's letter of 28th inst. with enclosures read (No. 616). The Secretary was directed to ask him for the oaths taken by Captain Perrie, Mr. Quarme and Mr. Edgecombe, if he had them. Mr. Cary asked that Mr. Walrond might reduce his complaints to articles before he should be called upon to answer them. He said that he knew nothing of Mr. Lucas's imprisonment, but had seen a letter from Governor Codrington saying that he had proof that Lucas was the author of a libel, and therefore would not let him leave the island.
July 1. A number of papers as to John Lucas's case were presented. Order for a letter to the Admiralty asking that Captains Julius and Edgecombe may attend on Monday.
Mr. Heathcote's petition on behalf of Sir William Beeston read (No. 611), and copy ordered to be sent to the Attorney and Solicitor-General for their opinion.
Sir Thomas Day presented a memorial for warlike stores for Bermuda, and learning what the Board had written thereupon on 30 May to Mr. Vernon said that he would enquire what had been done therein. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 108–115.]
June 28. 615. The Solicitor-General to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have perused the Acts of Massachusetts passed at a General Assembly held on 27 February, 1694–5, seven in all (list given) and find nothing to object to in them. Signed, Jo. Hawles. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 4 July. Read 26 Oct., 1698. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 31; and 37. pp. 40–41.]
June 28.
Islington.
616. Edward Walrond to William Popple. Forwarding copies of the proceedings against John Lucas. Signed, Edward Walrond. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd Read 30 June, 1698. Enclosed,
616. I. Deposition of Walter Quarme before the Governor and Council of Antigua. 14 April, 1698. That he heard John Lucas say that the Governor had not done him justice in not signing a warrant against William Julius.
Deposition of John Perrie. John Lucas being summoned before Council to answer certain matters, withdrew without orders and afterwards sent in a request for admission, when he asked the Council for attestations that the Governor refused him a warrant of arrest against Captain Julius. Among other words reflecting on the Governor he said that the Governor had not done him justice in refusing the warrant, for he was going to England to prosecute Captain Julius for assaulting him. ½ p.
Warrant of the Deputy Governor of Antigua for the Provost Marshal to bring John Lucas and his son-in-law, John Austin, before Council. 12 April, 1697. Inscribed, I [Lucas] appeared to this warrant and had no other comfort by the Governor's passion, who, when I demanded attestations of Julius's usage, shook his cane and threatened to break my head, calling me villain and rascal; but incestuous Perrie is a very honest fellow in the Governor's esteem. ½ p.
Order of the Governor in Council for John Lucas to give, on the 16th April, security for good behaviour and appearance to answer all matters charged against him. 14 April, 1697. ¼ p.
Warrant of Governor Codrington for the arrest of John Lucas and John Austin and for the bringing of them both before Council at next sitting, they having failed to appear as ordered on 14 April. 20 April, 1697. ¾ p.
Order of the Governor in Council. That John Lucas give £5,000 security to answer any charge against him at next Sessions. 5 May, 1698. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. Nos. 88, 88 I.]
June 28.
New York.
617. Governor the Earl of Bellomont, to Council of Trade and Plantations. Pursuant to my instructions to examine and report on the case of Robert Livingston, I summoned Colonel Fletcher or some on his behalf to appear before me on 16 May, with the complaint against Livingston and witnesses and evidence to justify the same; but none have appeared on Colonel Fletcher's behalf on that nor on any other day, the attorneys declaring that they had no orders to appear against Livingston. On the 16th inst. I ordered a hearing of the whole matter before myself and Council, when the Council declared that they thought they could not properly be judges of what they had themselves objected against Livingston, that they had nothing more than formerly to urge against him, and that they knew nothing to the prejudice of his reputation, adding that he was the fittest man in the province for the places which he holds, and particularly for that of victualler of the forces. They then referred the whole consideration and examination of the matter to me, desiring me to represent it to the King, as it should appear to me. Thereupon having heard Livingston and seen his proofs and the orders which he obtained in England upon a strict scrutiny of his demands there, it appears to me that the several sums of money which he claims, both principal and interest, are justly due to him and ought to be discharged here according to the said orders, the execution of which was suspended by the late Government for no reasons that appear to me just. As to his Commission of 27 January, 1696, I find him fit and capable to execute the offices named therein, and that nothing has been offered against him to render him undeserving of the King's favour. Signed, Bellomont. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 76; and 53. pp. 52–54.]
June 29. 618. Memorandum as to the appointment of Captain Edward Bourke to the Council of Barbados. The said Bourke is an Irishman and a Roman Catholic, entertained the Jesuit at Barbados and had mass said publicly there. He was very great with Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Mr. Chamberlayne, and was concerned with them in fetching and entertaining the Jesuit. It is Sir Thomas Montgomerie who chiefly strives to get him made one of the Council. Bourke was but the bought servant of Tobias Frere, after whose death he lived with his son, Tobias Frere, whom he wheedled to get from him a lease of the plantation and the guardianship of his son, who was an infant of six months old when his father died. By virtue of that he has lived on the plantation for about thirteen years and paid no rent, though he brought up the infant until he was about eleven years old, when the infant died also. Bourke still lives on the plantation and will come to no account nor yield possession to Tobias Frere, the nephew and rightful heir by an entail of his uncle, old Tobias Frere, who brought him up. Bourke now seeks to be of the Council only to keep Tobias Frere the nephew from having the benefit of the law against him, and to keep him out of his just right. Bourke is a very loose scandalous liver. Unsigned. 1 p. Endorsed, Communicated by the Earl of Bridgewater. Recd. Read 29 June, 1698. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 67.]
June 29. 619. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Depositions were given by several persons as to evil actions and speeches of John Coode, Gerard Slye, Robert Mason and Philip Clarke, and handed to the law-officers.
June 30. The papers concerning certain public money due from Governor Copley's estate were made over to the law-officers. George Plater was ordered to report as to the disposition of the public arms. On the letter of the Council of Trade of 2 September, 1697, a committee was appointed to take care for the transcription of the laws. The Council of Trade's complaints as to the imperfection of several returns was explained by the Councillors as due to the incapacity of the officers. Order for strict enforcement of the proclamation against pirates. Further deposition as to the misconduct of Coode and Slye. Several petitions read. The Governor asked for the Council's advice on an Act lately passed in Pennsylvania for prosecution of frauds. Orders as to transmission of accounts. Edward Batson sworn Naval Officer of Annapolis. Proclamations ordered for proroguing the Assembly to 20 October and for securing runaway seamen. An account was produced showing that Thomas Smithson, Speaker of the House of Delegates, was indebted in large sums to Lord Baltimore. Resolved to write to Sir Edmund Andros asking for the apprehension of Slye and Coode, who appear to be countenanced in Virginia.
July 1. Further depositions as to seditious behaviour and language of John Coode, Gerard Slye, Robert Mason and Philip Clarke, and warrants issued for their arrest. Order for prosecution of an Attorney for slandering the Government. Order for muster of the militia and a report as to the arms. Orders as to the proclamations against taking service with foreign princes and against immorality; and agreed to ask the Council of Trade to send several copies of any proclamations in future. Information was given as to the numbers of the Indians at the head of the bay. Agreed to write to the Governor of New York as to the overtures made by the Susquehannah Indians, stating that Maryland is unwilling to entertain them without New York's consent. Agreed to write to Sir Edmund Andros requesting him to see that Coode, Slye, Mason and Clarke do not escape to England, but to arrest them and send them here. Order for sale of certain public tobacco. Alexander Lumley, or a gentleman so calling himself, presented a petition, but he being in drink and asking His Excellency if he was his godfather, he was committed to custody till he should find sureties for good behaviour. Further orders as to George Plater's account of the arms-fund. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 13. pp. 519–536.]
June 30.
Edinburgh.
620. Anonymous letter to Council of Trade and Plantations. There is a matter which may prove of detriment to trade if not prevented in time. Here are great preparations in hand and much tampering with some in London, especially one Mr. Waffer. I am sure overtures have been made to him. though I find no encouragement he has given them yet, but whether this be from respect to his country or from expectation of a gratuity from you upon the publication of his book I know not. I am certain that money has been offered to him and things discoursed to him, so I desire that he be examined forthwith, for the Scotch ships will sail in less than a month's time. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12 July, 1698. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 118.]
June 30.
New York.
621. The Attorney-General of New York to Governor the Earl of Bellomont. In 1664 King Charles granted to the Duke of York all the lands between Connecticut and Delaware River; and in the same year the Duke granted all between the Hudson and Delaware River to Sir George Carteret and George Lord Berkeley. In 1665 Sir G. Carteret appointed a Governor to East New Jersey, part of the grant. In 1672 the Dutch took this province and the Jerseys. In 1674 Sir Edmund Andros received New York back from the Dutch for the Duke of York. The King then granted it anew to the Duke, who gave a new grant likewise for East Jersey. Sir Edmund Andros confirmed everything done by the Dutch. New York was made a port. The Dutch duties on trade were confirmed. In 1675 the excise duty was taken off, but the other duties were exacted in 1676. Colonel Carteret was obstructed by Sir Edmund Andros in a pretension to clear a ship at Carolina. In 1678 a duty of £1 a hogshead was imposed on rum. In 1679 Governor Carteret declared East Jersey free to all vessels for trade. On that proclamation a ketch was ordered thither from Barbados, but was brought up to New York and ordered to enter and pay duty here before she took her rum to New Jersey. In the same year Sir Edmund Andros seized the Governor and Government, and called an Assembly there, but came to no conclusion. In 1681 Sir George Carteret's executors sold East Jersey. The purchasers sent Thomas Rudyerd and Samuel Groome to be Governors, who erected a town at Perth-Amboy, pretended to great privileges, made some settlements there, but brought no shipping further than Staten Island, where they were allowed to convey their household goods. In Colonel Dongan's time a ship went to Amboy without reporting at New York, and was afterwards brought hither and permitted to load from this port. Complaint was made in England thereupon, and the King gave order that there might be a port at Amboy, on condition that all ships that loaded or unloaded there should pay the duties arising to the King in New York. On these conditions they accepted a Collector, and so matters continued until the Revolution, since which there have been no pretensions to a free port until now.
I offer the following reasons why Amboy should not be a free port. The revenue for support of New York cannot be duly paid if Amboy be made free; for ships will never go twenty-four miles to pay duty when they need go only twelve miles and be free. If the port be free, albeit there are custom-house officers there, yet abuses against the Acts of Trade will be inevitable, for the people will always prefer private gain to the general good of the English nation, and as there will be no force to suppress those abuses, the port will simply become a nursery of illegal trade. At New York, though there is a garrison and men-of-war, it is only with great difficulty that illegal trade is suppressed, and, but for diligence, there would be great disorder. It is also against the policy of England for Amboy to be a free port, for the River Hudson is the same as the River Thames. The Hudson is not so wide as the mouth of the Thames, yet the City of London is the only port appointed on the river. Again the greatest distance between New York and Amboy does not exceed thirty miles, but New Jersey cannot have above 12,000 [? 200] families of inhabitants while New York province has at least 5,000 who burden themselves for the support of the King's Government; and it is therefore reasonable that New York, like London, should be the port. The opening of Amboy would not only destroy the revenue of New York, but would force the inhabitants to leave it and so weaken it. There is no more violence done by making New York the port of the Hudson that London the port of the Thames; there are other places besides London in the Thames, but they are closed lest they should be a prejudice to London. So here too the less should yield to the greater, it being more for the King's interest that 200 should yield to 5,000, and that four or five vessels should come to New York and pay duty than that 100 sail should leave New York for Amboy. Signed, Ja. Graham. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd., Read 18 Sept., 1698. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 77; and 53. pp. 97–101.]