America and West Indies: July 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: July 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/pp353-359 [accessed 4 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: July 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 December 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol16/pp353-359.

"America and West Indies: July 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. 4 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol16/pp353-359.

July 1698

July 26. Mr. Walrond's papers considered. Order that he be requested to make oath to the matters of fact which he offers.
Captain Warren presented a memorial (No. 694). Order for a representation to be drawn in accordance with his wishes.
July 27. The addresses from Maryland were returned to Sir Thomas Laurence for delivery to a Secretary of State.
Letter to Mr. Walrond, as ordered yesterday, approved.
Representation as to several matters in New York, dated yesterday (No. 698), signed.
July 28. Representation recommending the addition of a ship to Captain Warren's squadron signed (No. 703) and, together with that of the 26th, sent to Secretary Vernon.
July 29. The instructions for the Commodore and Commissioners of the expedition against pirates considered. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 143–153.]
July 26.
Whitehall.
698. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices of England. On the subject of the Commission of the Lieutenant-Governor of New York (see No. 685), we think it undesirable that whenever Lord Bellomont shall leave New York for some other Colony of his Government, the Lieutenant-Governor should be independent of his authority, and we offer the draft of a new Commission for the Lieutenant-Governor, drawn on the model of that prepared formerly for Colonel Nicholson. As to the Governor's power to suspend the Lieutenant-Governor and appoint another in his place, we think that he does enjoy such power under his present instructions, or at least that in case of doubt such power should be explicitly conferred on him. Finally, we are of opinion that Lord Bellomont may properly exert his power of pardoning the pirates Edward Taylor and Samuel Burgess. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Jno. Pollexfen, John Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 378–382.]
July 26. 699. William Popple to the Attorney-General. Forwarding the Acts passed in Maryland from 10 March to 4 April, 1698, for his report, as speedily as possible. Here follows a list of the Acts. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 9. pp. 196–197.]
July 26. 700. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Colonel Gardner claiming to sit as eldest Councillor, it was unanimously resolved that his suspension debars him. Letter from Deputy-Governor Yeamans read, sending a copy of part of the late Governor's instructions. A letter was written in acknowledgment; and it was resolved that the Government of the Leeward Islands devolves on this Council. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 472–473.]
July 28.
Whitehall.
701. Mr. Yard to Council of Trade and Plantations. Your representation as to Captain Warren's squadron and another relating to Lord Bellomont have been laid before the Lords Justices, who have directed the former to be sent to the Admiralty for their report. The draft commission to Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan is approved, as also the power conferred on Lord Bellomont to suspend the Lieutenant-Governor of New York upon just occasion, and to appoint another to act until intimation of the King's pleasure. You will cause a draft of such a power to be prepared, that it may be passed and sent to Lord Bellomont. The establishment of the linen manufacture and discouragement of the woollen manufacture in Ireland being of great importance, you are desired to consult with the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and prepare the heads of a bill with these objects. Signed, R. Yard. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Aug., 1698. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 88; and 52. pp. 383–384.]
July 28. 702. Memorandum of the receipt of the foregoing letter. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 122.]
July 28.
Whitehall.
703. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices of England. Having several times laid before the King our opinions as to the measures to be taken for the suppression of pirates in the East Indies, and having received from Captain Warren (see No. 694) a recommendation for speedy despatch of the squadron and for the addition of another ship thereto, we recommend that a fifth-rate frigate be added to his squadron accordingly. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 34. pp. 311–312.]
July 28.
Jamaica.
704. Governor Sir William Beeston to Council of Trade and Plantations. Since my last I have decided that the Assembly shall be called to meet on 27 September next. I have before mentioned to you the misfortune that it is to this country that the patentees for the offices are not obliged to execute their offices themselves, or to desire the Governor and Council to put in such as may be fit to officiate in them. I have lately discoursed Mr. Palmer, an intelligent gentleman lately come from the Windward Islands, who tells me that all the patentees there are obliged to officiate themselves, otherwise their patents are void. I hope you will move that this island shall not be under greater difficulties and hardships than they. A French ship, bound with about 160 passengers from Petit Guavos to the Isle de Vaches to settle those parts, has been driven in here from want of water and provisions. The Captain tells me that the King of France has this year sent two thousand people to Hispaniola and is daily sending more, that he gives them their passages, and that he allows to those who come as servants one year's support, after their times are out, to encourage them to settle in the place. By this means the place will be so filled with people that, should another war break out, they will be much too strong for us; and I think it my duty to report the same to you. The hot months have begun to bring back sickness again, and the bleeding fever which has afflicted all these parts of the world for the last eight years has appeared again. Several new comers are dead of it, but it does not seem to affect those who have been any time here. Our doctors find no cure for it. It would be worth the enquiry of some eminent physician to save the lives of so many people, it falling mostly on the seamen. I have already informed you of the departure of Mr. Brodrick and Colonel Lloyd for England and of their designs against me. To further it they have privately dealt with some of this country, and have obliged or sworn them to secrecy, and this only to gratify Colonel Lloyd's ambition, which is so great that he hopes through Mr. Brodrick's friends to obtain this Government. I repeat that he acts only on premeditated malice without just cause, and repeat also my request that the charges may be returned hither for examination by the Council or any other, and then if I do not justify myself I am willing to submit to your censure. But to shew you their management more plainly, I enclose the oath of a Councillor, and leave it to you to judge how these men, who were both Councillors, have behaved, and whether it was not the duty of the one as Chief Justice and of the other as Attorney-General to have advised if they had seen me offering at any thing that was not fitting for me to do (though I know not nor ever designed such a thing), instead of secretly endeavouring to ensnare and traduce me. The Attorney-General has performed his office so viciously that the whole country cries shame on him and hopes never to see him again, and his carriage to me was such that of late he never came near me but when I sent for him, and then I could not depend upon a word that he said, he being known to all the country as a man of no manner of veracity or morals, so that if all that he had done here were represented he would appear the wonder of mankind. I hope the King, who has so long entrusted me with this island, will support the authority which he was pleased to bestow, and suffer no ambitious or malicious man to disturb it. Captain Lilly, who was sent hither by the Office of Ordnance, has been recalled by them to England. He is unwilling to remove hence, where he hopes to better his fortune, and prays leave to stay till further orders come for his return. The country likewise, now that it is time of peace, seems to be willing to provide against war, and to fortify where and to such extent as they are able. They therefore request that he may be continued to assist in it. I mention this to shew you that his stay is not occasioned by me; nor had I orders to send him away, else he should not have stayed, for I know not what his instructions are—it is his own doing and inclination. Four of the Council are gone off, and the Council grows thin again. There are few fit to be recommended for that employment, so that I can at present recommend no other than Charles Sadler, who is Lieutenant-Colonel at Port Royal, and the probable officer to succeed there if Colonel Knight goes off, as he says he will. If you will recommend him he would be useful to fill a vacancy. The Acts of Navigation are so strict and the oaths to keep them so severe that I am at a mighty loss to know what to do when French, Dutch and Portuguese arrive here for wood, water and provisions to supply their necessities, and bring no money with them; nor have I credit here, so that I am forced to let the Naval Officer sell them as much as will defray their charges. Pray give me full directions herein, that I may not err by inadvertency. The Foresight, for want of necessary caution, came ashore in the night on a reef on the south side of Cuba and is wholly lost; also a vessel in her company that was carrying negroes, but the men and negroes are all saved. I regret to have to report such a misfortune. Signed, Wm. Beeston. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 12. Read 14th Nov., 1698. Enclosed,
704. I. Copy of the oath taken by a Councillor of Jamaica, Scrap. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. Nos. 95, 95 I.; and 56. pp. 233–239.]
July 28. 705. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Governor Ralph Grey produced his commission and was sworn, as were also the old members of Council, and Richard Scott, Benjamin Cryer, Richard Walter and Thomas Merrick, new members. Proclamation to continue all officers in their places. The Governor and Council signed the Association. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 359–360.]
July 29.
Montserrat.
706. Lieutenant-Governor of Montserrat to Council of Trade and Plantations. Our good Governor died on the 19th inst. By his commission the Commander-in-Chief for the time being is to succeed him pending further orders, and there is at present no Lieutenant-Governor in these Islands holding the King's direct commission except myself, Colonel Gardner being under suspension. The other commanders in the islands are therefore only presidents, who received their authority from the deceased Governor. I presume, therefore, that the Government rests with me, until further orders. My Council concurs with me herein, and I have written to the Commanders-in-Chief of the other islands, but have not yet received their opinion. If any dispute arise I shall acquaint you. Before his death arrived orders to restore the French part of St. Kitts, but I understand that the authority to do so was committed to the late Governor alone. If the French should come, we should be to seek in this matter. Signed, T. Delavall. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 17th. Read 19th Sept., 1698. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 105; and 45. pp. 278–280.]
July 29. 707. William Thornburgh to William Popple. Since my last I have opened letters from the Bahamas to the Lords Proprietors. Captain Webb reports that he has investigated the matter of Avery's piracy committed on Sir James Houblon's ship, the Charles, and has sent Sir James a sworn statement by Mr. Trott, who is now come home. He has also acknowledged to the Duke of Shrewsbury his letter respecting the suppression of pirates, with assurance that he will fulfil the orders therein with all strictness. Signed, Wm. Thornburgh. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Aug., 1698. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 2. No. 25.]
July 29.
Office of
Ordnance.
708. William Phelps to William Popple. The Board of Ordnance has received Mr. Vernon's letter with the King's order to send ten barrels of powder, cartridge paper and flags to Bermuda. These will be despatched as soon as there is notice of any ship going thither. Signed, Will. Phelps. Inscribed, Communicated to John Williams, Mr. Day's agent, 24 Aug., 1698. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Aug., 1698. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. No. 29; and 29. p. 124.]
July 30.
Whitehall.
709. Mr. Stanley to William Popple. I was to wait on you to-day to ask that the enlarged powers to Lord Bellomont, relating to his Lieutenant-Governor in New York, may to save time and charges be conferred by way of an additional instruction. Lord Bellomont also asks for a commission appointing him Vice-Admiral of New York, Connecticut, East and West Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, with power to appoint officers to the Admiralty Courts in the said provinces, as is usual in such cases. He desires also that the Council of Trade will procure the order for abolishing the deduction of 30 per cent. from the pay of officers and soldiers in New York, provisions being so dear that they are like to starve. Signed, J. Stanley. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Aug., 1698. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 89; and 52. pp. 385–386.]
July 30.
Islington.
710. Edward Walrond to William Popple. Pray lay the enclosed papers before the Council of Trade. I have given their directions to Captain Bugdon. Signed, Edward Walrond. P.S.—Captain Bugdon has been with me since I wrote the above, and has attested his deposition. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1698. Enclosed,
710. I. Affidavit of Edward Walrond attesting the truth of such of the following documents as are not otherwise attested. 30 July, 1698. ½ p.
710. II. Copy of a letter from Colonel Holt to Governor Codrington. 20 Feb., 1697–8. (See No. 670 I.)
710. III. Substance of a letter of Edward Walrond to the Council of Trade of 2 August, 1697. Setting forth his complaints against Governor Codrington in respect of Captain Robert Arthur's trial. 2½ pp. (See No. 31 I.)
710. IV. Copy of Edward Walrond's remonstrance to the Court of Grand Sessions. 18 May, 1697. (See No. 31 III.)
710. V. Copy of Governor Codrington's cruising orders to Captain Bugdon. 8 May, 1697. ½ p.
710. VI. Deposition of Henry Walrond. 26 July, 1697. (See No. 31 V.)
710. VII. Deposition of Thomas Duncombe. 11 March, 1697–8. (See No. 670 II.)
710. VIII. Copy of John Yeaman's letter to Edward Walrond of 10 March, 1697–8. (See No. 670 III.)
710. IX. Copy of a letter from Edward Walrond to Council of Trade and Plantations. 14 December, 1697. This is practically a duplicate of his letter of 11 September, 1697. (See preceding volume, No. 1,317.)
710. X. Copy of a deposition of Laurence Crabb. 27 July, 1697. (See preceding volume, No. 1,317 I.)
710. XI. Summons for Edward Walrond to appear before the Council of Antigua. 27 July, 1697. (Ibid. No. 1,317 II.)
710. XII. Copies of Nos. 1,317 V., VI., preceding volume.
710. XIII. Edward Walrond's apology. (See ibid. No. 1,317 III.)
710. XIV. Order for the apprehension of Henry Walrond. 1 Sept., 1697. (See ibid. No. 1,317 IV.)
710. XV. Deposition of Captain Edmund Bugdon. 1½ pp. (See No. 658.)
710. XVI. Copies of the correspondence between Governor Codrington and Captain Bugdon. (See No. 658 I.) [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. Nos. 106, 106 I.–XVI.]
July 30.
Jamaica.
711. An anonymous letter from Jamaica. Recounting the loss of H.M. Ship Foresight, the loss to the merchants by the wrecking of the negro-ship in her company, and the desperate state of Jamaica owing to its depopulation and evil repute for sickliness, and to the growing strength of the French at Hispaniola. 1 p. Endorsed, Communicated by the E. of Bridgewater and read 25 Nov., 1698. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 96.]