America and West Indies: February 1699, 6-10

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 17, 1699 and Addenda 1621-1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1908.

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'America and West Indies: February 1699, 6-10', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 17, 1699 and Addenda 1621-1698, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1908), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol17/pp51-61 [accessed 6 October 2024].

'America and West Indies: February 1699, 6-10', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 17, 1699 and Addenda 1621-1698. Edited by Cecil Headlam( London, 1908), British History Online, accessed October 6, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol17/pp51-61.

"America and West Indies: February 1699, 6-10". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 17, 1699 and Addenda 1621-1698. Ed. Cecil Headlam(London, 1908), , British History Online. Web. 6 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol17/pp51-61.

February 1699

Feb. 6.
Fort William.
78. Minutes of Council of New York. His Excellency having sent for the Mayor and Aldermen of the city and they attending without, he informed the Council he had two informations of seditious words spoken by Alderman Jacobus van Cortlandt on two occasions. The Mayor and Aldermen were called in. Alderman Lewis and Captain Evert Byvang declared that they had heard Cortlandt, when it was proposed to build a Town-house for the Assembly and Courts of Justice on the upper end of the Broad Street, object, saying it was too high a part of the town, for that it would be too much under the awe of the Fort, and that an Assembly could have no freedom of debate, where they were liable to have the house beat down about their ears from the fort. His Excellency produced a deposition of Francis Wessells which imported his discouraging Wessells from voting for Mr. Graham, the Attorney General, at the next election of Assemblymen, because he would be for settling the revenue on the Crown, and that Mr. Staats, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Walters had promised the Governor to confirm the revenue and pay a contribution of four or five hundred pounds per annum towards his support in the Boston Government. His Excellency rebuked Mr. Cortlandt and challenged any man to say that he had ever bespoke the setting the revenue for ever or in any manner whatever; he declared his resolution of proposing to the Assembly when they should meet the settling a revenue for the support of the Government for such a term of years as they should judge proper, for he said, it was agreeable to the constitution of Parliaments or Assemblies that the granting a revenue or subsidies to the Crown did always arise from the representatives of the people. He pointed out that Cortlandt's excuse that he wished the province to be eased of its burthen was no argument, for the King was at great charge in protecting it, maintaining four hundred men and a man-of-war for its defence with other charges amounting to fourteen or fifteen thousand pounds per annum. After the advice of the Council had been taken, the Mayor and Aldermen were informed that Cortlandt ought to be prosecuted at law and to enter into recognizance of £500 for appearance. The petition of Paulus Turk was referred to Committee. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 185–190.]
Feb. 6. 79. Sir Charles Hedges to the Council of Trade and Plantations. My opinion, which you require, as to the claims of the English against French subjects for damages done them in St. Christopher's, contrary to the treaty of Breda, which continued undecided till the time of the late war, is, that they are set aside by the Treaty of Ryswick. Signed, C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. Read, Feb. 9, 1698/9. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. No. 4; and 45. pp. 325–327.]
Feb. 6. 80. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter from Capt. Norris, Cadiz, Nov. 13, read and found to be same as that received from Mr. Burchet, Feb. 3.
Letter from Mr. Samuel Allen, New Hampshire, Nov. 28, read.
Letter from Sir Wm. Beeston, Jamaica, Oct. 13, read and enclosed papers laid before the Board.
Letter from Mr. Burchet enclosing orders of Council and rules about passes read and directions given for an answer to be-returned with observations to the Lords of the Admiralty for their opinion with a view to proposing necessary alterations. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 382–384; and 96. No. 23.]
Feb. 6. 81. Rules about passes. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. pp. 169–185.]
Feb. 7.
New
Providence.
82. Governor Nicholas Webb to Council of Trade and Plantations. In my last I gave a relation of a brigantine that was brought in here being deserted by the master and his company, as she was chased by some of our vessels, who were in pursuit of the famous pirate, Kelly, who sailed in a vessel of the same build. Notwithstanding she was here condemned to the use of the captors or finders as a flotsam, yet since this the master and his company are come here after a miraculous deliverance from the Florida shore and is repossessed of his vessel and cargo, which I took great care to preserve undivided. I now inform you of the concluding part of this troublesome transaction, which has been compassed without one penny reward, purely to prevent any unjust reflections upon this Government, which has lain under some imputations as to piratical practices or connivances of them, which shall never be neither committed or countenanced here while I have the honour to serve His Majesty. P.S. And notwithstanding the charges of the expedition were considerable, all the merchandizes, as well as money and vessel, I have ordered to be delivered with [out ?] a penny salvage. Signed, Nic. Webb. Endorsed, Recd. June 9. Read Oct. 5, 1699. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 11; and 26. pp. 120–121.]
1698.
Dec. 19.
82. I. Letter referred to above. In my last (May 2, 1698) I informed you of the seizing of Berry's vessel (ride Cal. 1698, No. 445) and how by the insinuations of Col. Trott, the late Governor, and his friend Thomas Walker to the Jury they brought her off, but failed to prevent another brigantine, John Flavell commander, from being condemned. I desire instructions whether or no juries are allowed in such cases, and what methods you shall think convenient for the better managing trials, in the Court of Admiralty. Another vessel with 20 tons of logwood has been condemned here, being navigated contrary to law, having three Frenchmen on board and but four English. The King's moiety lies in the Collector's hands. I enclose the whole proceedings against another brigantine, the Bahama Merchant, John Edwards, master (in which I have acted with all the prudence and caution imaginable), in order that you may see the transactions relating to the bringing in and condemning her and her lading as a flotsam. The reasons why this expedition was put in practice will appear from the two affidavits by the two carpenters of the ships so long haunted and at last forced on shore by the notorious pirate Kelly in the Gulph of Florida, which is about 40 leagues distance from us, so that it was thought fit to give these gentlemen commissions to pursue all brigantines and to use their utmost endeavour to bring this Kelly in or any ways to destroy him. Now it so happened they deserted the brigantine above mentioned, and gave her chace under the King's colours, firing several guns to leeward as a signal of friendship in order to speak with this Edwards, who made away and being possessed with a great temerity was resolved to trust the savage cannabals on shore rather than be taken by Kelly. About ten at night a sloop was sent to board him and found not one living soul on board. When day came they sent a small sloop on shore under English colours, but could not find anyone belonging to the ship and were obliged to bring her into their commission port. This was very unfortunate to these commanders' designs, who were extraordinary well fitted for the pursuit of Kelly. These gentlemen are not common seafaring men but merchants of good account, and would by no means expose their estates, themselves and families for so small a trifle as their proportions, when divided, would be, neither will the whole defray half the charge of the expedition, which was unfortunately put by, through the baseness of this Edwards quitting his vessel, who is since all this come to rights and is here a living shame to himself and his owners, two of which are resident here. You will perceive by the judgment she is condemned, and though so long since yet I have caused all the goods to be locked up in a storehouse and the vessel remains safe at anchor here till your Lordships shall send instructions. This Edwards has been in Jamaica, and to take off the scandal and villainy he has committed by quitting his vessel, he and four of his company made an affidavit and gave the freighters such false informations about this matter that Sir Wm. Beeston writ me a letter in his favor. I called a Council to hear what he could say. His affidavits were plainly shown to be false. And though I told him I would never countenance anything that looked like piracy and that if he could accuse Col. Elding, then sitting in Council, and Capt. Groombridge, the two commanders who chiefly chased him, with piracy, they should both be immediately put into custody and undergo a severe trial, he said he could not do it. After this vessel was brought in, I sent a small sloop, belonging to Col. Elding, to Carolina, whence these persons might get to in their boat, which shows the great endeavours I used. At the same time that Kelly was haunting the Gulf, there was a new gang from the Isle of Ash in Jamaica plundering the easternmost of our islands, taking all vessels they could overcome and landed in several places, carried away slaves and burned houses within 14 leagues of this harbor, which from Jamaica might have been easily prevented, having those men-of-war there, whereas this expedition was at the charge of the commanders, whose hopes was, if they missed Kelly, they should make up their losses at the Jamaica wrecks the two carpenters belonged to, all which was laid aside upon meeting with the unaccountable fellow Edwards. Signed, Nich. Webb. Endorsed, Recd. June 29. Read Oct. 5, 1699. 2 pp. Enclosed,
82. II. Copy of depositions of John Jinkins and John Marsh, carpenters of two ships taken by Kelly the pirate.
Copy of commission and instructions to Capt. Read Elding, commander of the sloop Sweepstakes, and to Capt. James Risbee, Capt. Humble and Capt. Groombridge for the expedition for the suppression of pirates.
Copies of depositions relating to the bringing in of the Bahama Merchant. 8 pp.
82. III. Proceedings of the Court of Admiralty, New Providence, Aug. 16, 1698, relating to the condemnation of the brigantine Bahama Merchant. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. Nos. 10, 10 I., 10II.; and (without enclosures), 26. pp. 111–119.]
Feb. 7.
Boston in
New England.
83. Isaac Addison (Secretary of Massachusetts Bay) to William Popple. This conveyance offering of a ship bound for London, I am bold to inform your honour of the present quiet of this province. Some gentlemen commissionated by the Government here have lately been in the Eastern parts thereof to demand the English captives out of the hands of the Indians, who had broken out in rebellion. They have obtained so many of the captives as were near at hand, some others still remain that were far up in the country, the difficulty of the winter season not allowing of their travelling down to the seaside, and the rivers being shut up with ice, they could not be transported by water, but the Indians have engaged to bring them in so soon as the spring comes on. They have also renewed their submission and recognized their obedience unto the Crown of England, promising all good fidelity and to live in peace with the English, which it's hoped they will observe so long as the peace continues between the two Crowns of England and France. The French keeping their missionaries and Jesuits among them, they will be instigating of the Indians to further hostilities upon any fresh eruption with France. It seems necessary for the quiet of His Majesty's subjects that those French missionaries be forbidden to reside within any part of His Majesty's territory in that country. The French insist upon their claim of bounds to the river of Kennebeck. A vigorous asserting of His Majesty's rights in that regard and speedy settlement of that matter will very much conduce to the peace and quiet of his subjects. The Earl Frontenac, Governor of Canada, died in Nov. last past. Signed, Isaac Addington. Endorsed, Recd. Read, March 20, 1698–9. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 56; and 37. pp. 135,136.]
Feb. 8.
Jamaica.
84. Mr. Heathcote to Council of Trade and Plantations, enclosing abstract of recent advices from Jamaica. There are many pirates about our seas and the French make us no restitution nor the Spaniards spare anything they can master, so that we are in an ill case with our hands bound and must stand still to be buffetted. We only of all the nations in these parts are the passive people, and our losses without remedy make the people much to complain. March 4. You will hear what fine voyages the ships made with their negroes at Cartagena and how they were used by the Government and factor of the Assiento, and the two ships that lately stopped there and are gone to Vera Crux will meet with the same civilities. The Spaniards are, in all things where they have the advantage and power, very rude to us, and use the French and Dutch with much more liberty and respect, so that it's pity we have not liberty to make them sensible of their indignities. Rear-Admiral Benbow is now going over and several merchants, etc. with him, he intends to huff them out of some of our vessels they have taken from us without any reason, and use the men worse than prisoners if we had war. I hope some orders will be given that we may not so tamely be obliged to suffer their insults. When you hear that they put 11 negroes for one peice de India for which they paid the master but £22 or £23, and sold each negro before their faces for 200 pieces of eight and by this means made the cargo to come out at 400 and odd pounds, you will admire at their impudence, but you must know that this is the roguery of the oficialis realis, who do this to cheat the King of so much of his due, and share it amongst them, which it's pretty but should be laid before their Ambassador. Notwithstanding the express commands of the King that none shall impress men here without the Governor's warrant and confirmed by the Lords of the Admiralty, yet the Rear-Admiral orders his men to impress the inhabitants, which is not only interfering with all authority, but will frighten away all our seamen and ordinary people to the Scotch or any place else where they think they can be easy, so that it seems to me this island can never be well settled, having so many disadvantageous pullbacks. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 30, 1699. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 107.]
Feb. 8.
Jamaica.
85. Governor Sir William Beeston to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I transmit duplicate of mine of Jan. 20, because that went by a small ship of Bristol that went alone. The Assembly met, found the town not very healthy, and being newly going to get in their crops of sugar, I allowed them to adjourn till March 7. I send to Mr. Popple the Acts that are passed. The Spaniards continue to secure all they can meet with from the English on account of the Scotch settling in Darien, and that your Lordships may see some of their usage to his Majesty's subjects, I herewith send a letter of one Flavell whom I formerly writ your Lordships was taken by the Barlaviento without any manner of reason, he having come from Carolina directly for this place and was going thither again without touching on any of their dominions. They secure all our negroes that run from us to Cuba, and set them free; some time since about 20 ran away and landed at Trinidados on Cuba; the owners having notice sent thither to enquire after them, who were answered that being fled thither for protection they could not in justice return them but that their value to a considerable price was in the Countador's hands, and if [I] would send order to whom it should be paid it should be done accordingly. On this the owners sent a vessel and I sent an order, but they sent her back again with this answer, that in the year 1680 or 82, the King of Spain, like a great and merciful Prince, sent a schedule by which he ordered that all persons that fled to him or his territories for protection should have it and be wholly emancipated from any pretenders, so that by this rule they may rob us of all our slaves, for Cuba is to be seen from the north side of this island in fair weather, and therefore there needs not much navigation for them to run thither, but indeed in this manner they fopp us off in all things, which is a great disturbance as well as loss to His Majesty's subjects. I have received yours of Oct. 27, and greatly acknowledge your goodness to me in your kind and just representation, which will I hope sufficiently screen me from the malice of those gentlemen who first betrayed me contrary to their oaths as Councillors, and then went to England on purpose to traduce me, to carry on their ambitious designs. The people of the country are healthy, and the whole island within is in great peace and quiet without any disturbance or disputes as ever it was known to be since the English have possessed it. But we want people to fill it, and the newcomers are still afflicted with the distemper that has for long reigned in these parts of the world with a mighty loss to the place. The money for the subsistence of the soldiers will not hold out for two full musters more. What then to do with them I know not, but will direct them to continue as they are till further orders come about them. I have formerly acquainted you that there is a considerable sum in the muster-master's hands made of many perishing things, which, to save their loss, have been sold. If I had order for that money, (it) would continue their subsistence near six months after this money is out. Signed, Wm. Beeston. The Council have now agreed with me that we build two storehouses for His Majesty at Kingston, each 90 foot long and 30 broad, and the same space betwixt them for a yard, which I am now going about to build with brick very substantially. Endorsed, Recd. 17. Read 19 May, 1699. 2 pp. Enclosed,
1698.
Dec. 24.
85. I. John Flavell to Governor Beeston. On June 6 I sailed out of Port Royal bound for Carolina, but July 15 in Lat. 24.20 fell in with the Armatha Barlaventa, who out-sailed by reason of small winds and took me, and made a prize of all and imprisoned me because I had near 900 pounds in cash on board. I had nothing else contraband, but your Excellency knows there is no other money passes in Jamaica but the Spanish coin. They account it a great crime to be found with their King's quoine, and use me as a criminal, for a-nights I am put between decks, where they keep hogs and goats and other cattle, with a sentinel with a weapon over me. Fourteen days after they took me, they took a Dutch ship bound for Holland. They sent two boats to St. Thomas's and on the way at Crab Island found two English sloops belonging to Nevis fishing for turtle with about four men and a buoy (sic) each. When they came up with them the men being afeard jumped into the sea to swim ashore. They shot them in the waughter; the master of one of the sloops they took up, but his jawbone shot to pieces as he was swimming. They took two men more and a buoy; they are all here in the Armatha; the two sloops they burned. They keep me here in spite of our sworn statements of the truth. By what I find they had a mind to my brigantine, for she is a brave vessel. They tell me I must go to their King for satisfaction, which would cost more than all is worth, but I believe they intend to keep me till time has worn things out of mind. There is none that can help me without it be your Excellency. Signed, Jno. Flavell. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. Nos. 108, 108 I.; and (without enclosure), 56. pp. 317–320.]
Feb. 8.
Mark Lane,
London.
86. Francis Eyles to William Popple, at the Cockpit at Whitehall. Your letter and duplicate of the 17th of January last directed to Mr. Bridges, Mr. Littleton and myself, as agents for the Island of Barbados, came to my hand in due time, and having soon after the receipt of the first seen the Hon. Mr. Pollexfin, I presumed to acquaint him that the agency for Barbados was let fall by the discontinuing of the Act, which was for two years ending in May last; that I had made some enquiry into the particulars which the Lords of the Council of Trade had recommended to the said agents, relating to the settlement of Tobago, but could not learn anything worth imparting to their Lordships; and he was pleased to say he would impart to the Board what I told him, and that there would be no need of my attendance. Signed, Fran. Eyles, Mark Lane, Feb. 8, 1698. Endorsed, Recd. Read, Feb, 9, 1698/9. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 76; and 44. p. 241.]
Feb. 8. 87. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter to Mr. Burchet about passes ordered to be sent.
Letter from Mr. Secretary Vernon enclosing extract of a letter from Sir Lambert Blackwell, Florence, Jan. 13, with reasons for allowing the Jews to trade to Alexandria under English protection, together with papers from Sir Joseph Williamson relating to the tariff between Holland and France, read. Copy of the reasons ordered to be sent to Sir Gabriel Roberts with desire to know the views of the Levant Company or other merchants trading thither.
Feb. 9. Mr. Blathwayt announced that he had presented to the Committee of the House the clause agreed upon Jan. 19, and that it had been well received.
Mr. Henry Adderley and others presented a memorial about the present state of the Province of New York. Their Lordships told them they had already written to Lord Bellomont to prevent the inconveniences they seemed to fear.
Letter from Mr. Eyles saying he could not learn anything of the settlement of the Island of Tobago read.
Letter from Lord Bellomont, New York, June 28, relating wholly to Mr. Livingstone's case received from Mr. Overton and read.
Duplicates of letters to Lord Bellomont, Feb, 2 and Feb. 3, signed and despatched. Letter from Mr. Day, Bermuda Islands, Oct. 15, read. Enquiry ordered to be made of his agent, Mr. John Williams, as to what he had done with the powder and colours which were ready to be sent thither several months ago.
Ordered that Mr. Brenton be reminded of his promised memorial.
Letter from Sir Charles Hedges re St. Christopher's read.
A representation upon the memorial of the Jamaica Agents signed and sent to the Council Board. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 385–388; and 96. Nos,. 24 and 25; and Trade Papers, 14. pp. 185–191.]
Feb. 9. 88. Minutes of Council of New York. Petition of John Bond, master of the Endeavour, referred to the Mayor, John Depeyster. Other petitions read and payment ordered to the Messenger of the Council. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 190, 191.]
Feb. 9. 89. Thomas Lane to Mr. Popple. I entreat you to put their Lordships in mind of the reference to them of the appointment of Col. Andrew Hamilton for Governor of East New Jersey. The ships that are going for America being very speedily to depart, and, as he informs me, it will be a prejudice to that excellent and useful project of the Post Office which he has established in America, if he sustains a much longer delay, pray, Sir, pardon this freedom I use with you and believe that wherein I can serve you in the City I am your most humble servant, Tho. Lane. Endorsed, Recd. Read, Feb. 10, 1698/9. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 2. No. 46.]
Feb. 9. 90. Some London merchants trading to New York, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Trade is in danger of being ruined through the disturbances caused in that late flourishing Province by the followers of Jacob Leiseler, who was executed for high treason. The insolence of this party is occasioned by the encouragement given them by the Governor. We are ready to produce some merchants and others lately come from New York to give your Lordships further information. Signed, Tho. Byfold, Micajah Perrye, Tho. Starkey, Joseph King, William Sheppard, Nicholas Russell, Walter Benthall, Thomas Hart, Nath. Rous, J. Barrobie, J. Loffting, Samuel Waldenfield, Hen. Adderley, Simon Lodwin, B. Hackshaw, Wm. H. Cornelisen, Gerard van Heythuysen, Jno. Blackall. Endorsed. Recd. Read, Feb. 9, 1698/9. [Board of Trade. New York, 8 A. No. 9; and 53. p. 256.]
Feb. 9.
Whitehall.
91. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Upon the memorial of the Agents of Jamaica (Feb. 2), we represent (1) that the inconveniencies arising from the execution of patent offices by deputies, either unqualified or too much inclined by the high rents they pay unto the Patentees to make indirect advantages of their respective places, are so great, not only in Jamaica, but in other your Majesty's Plantations in America, that Patentees should be obliged by their patents or otherwise to actual residence upon the place and to execute their respective offices in their own persons, unless in case of sickness or other incapacity. (2) The sending over of 200 soldiers, as proposed, if it be not judged too chargeable, would at this time very much tend to the strength of that important island. (3) As to the men-of-war required we must refer to the order of their Excellencies the Lords Justices in Council, Nov. 8, 1697. (4) It is very fit the laws of the Plantations should be observed in the matter of carrying off indebted inhabitants and strict orders should be given to the Commanders of your Majesty's ships accordingly. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Phil. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jon. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 56. pp. 270–273.]
Feb. 9.
Kensington.
92. Order of King in Council. The proposals of Sir Bartholomew Gracedieu and Mr. Gilbert Heathcote (No. 69) referred to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Signed, John Nicholas. Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 22. Read Feb. 23, 1698/9. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 109; and 56. pp. 276, 277.]
Feb. 9.
Boston.
93. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. John Phillips presented a report of his negotiation with the Eastern Indians and their submission signed. The account of Duncan Campbell, Postmaster of Boston, ordered to be paid. Proclamation ordered forbidding building or settlement eastward of the town of Wells or trade with the Eastern Indians, without the approbation and direction of the Government first obtained. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. p. 191.]
Feb. 9.
East India
House.
94. Robert Blackborne to Council of Trade and Plantations. The Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies send the copy of an affidavit lately received touching Mr. Nicholas Trott, late Governor of Providence, his harbouring and assisting the pirate Every and his crew. Being informed that he is now making applications to return to his late Government of the Bahama Islands, we humbly lay before your Lordships' great wisdom, whether such his return may not be an encouragement to pirates and have other ill consequences. We remind you of several papers some time since presented to you, relating to the said pirates being harboured in New York. Signed, Ro. Blackborne, Secretary. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 13, 1698/9. Enclosed,
94. I. Affidavit of Philip Middleton, of London, mariner. He served on board the Charles, alias Fancy, under the command of Henry Every, alias Bridgeman, in April last, when she arrived at an island near Providence, whence a letter was writ to Mr. Nicholas Trott, Governor of Providence, promising, provided he would give them liberty to come on shore and depart when they pleased, to give him 20 pieces of eight and two pieces gold a man and the ship and all that was in her. There were no threats. Governor Trott replied in very civil terms and his assurances of welcome were made good on their arrival. A collection was made afore the mast of every sailor, 100 men besides boys, of the above sum for Governor Trott and sent to him by Robert Chinton, Henry Adams and two more. They sailed to Providence and delivered up the ship with what was in her to Major Trott who took possession of her in the Governor's name, and afterwards left her in the custody of the Governor's boatswain and a few negroes, with the result that she came ashore about two days later, though she had two anchors at her bow and one in the hold. As soon as Mr. Trott was in possession he landed the ship's cargo and stores. She had 50 tons of elephants' teeth, 46 guns, 100 barrels of gunpowder, several chests of buccaneer guns, besides small arms for the ship's use. She was firm and tight and making no water. She came ashore about noon in the Governor's sight and tho' James Browne and several others of Providence and several that had been of the ship's crew offered to weigh her with casks, no means were used to get her off. It was generally reported she was run on shore designedly. She was not bilged. She belonged to Sir James Houblon and Co. of London, and deponent verily believes Governor Trott knew as much. Jan. 30, 1697. Copy. 4 pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 2.Nos. 47, 47 I.; and 25. pp. 309–312.]
Feb. 10.
Deal.
95. Bevis Hill to William Popple. Enclosing
95. I. Receipt of John Neads, master of the Europe, bound for Nevis, for letter to the Governor of St. Kitt's.
95. II. Receipt of Tho. Lisle, jun., master of the Catherine, bound for Jamaica, for letter to Sir Wm. Beeston. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. Nos.5, 5 I.–II.]
Feb. 10. 96. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Andrew Hamilton was informed that the delay in the report of the Board about his being appointed Governor for East New Jersey was for want of an answer from the Commissioners of the Customs.
Copy of the report of the Commissioners of the Admiralty upon the representation of Jan. 10 relating to ships of war for the Plantations ordered to be taken.
Mr. Lucas stated that he had met with no success in the steps he had taken for an accommodation with Col. Codrington, and desired their Lordships' interposition in laying his case before the King. He was directed to draw up a state of his case.
Col. Dungan, called Lord Limerick, stated that he had been arrested for money due for provisions for public service during his Government in New York. Their Lordships advised him to lay his case by way of petition before His Majesty. This he promised to do and to deliver several papers that he has relating to the boundaries and other affairs of that Province.
Memorial from Mr. Crown setting forth his title to Penobscot, etc. presented.
Directions given for copying several papers relating to the boundaries of the English territories in North America. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 389–390; and 96. No. 26.]
Feb. 10. 97. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The charge for his Excellency's servants, etc., at Buckworth's, £52 4s. 5d., was allowed. Mr. Middleton's private bill was passed. Mr. Popple's proposals were approved of, all but one. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. p. 388.]
Feb. 10. 98. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Bill for the provision of white servants was read. It was resolved that land should be inserted in the Bill and acres be given upon oath. The Hebrew Nation is to support thirty white servants in addition to those they are already liable for. A Supplemental Bill to the Act for an imposition on wines, etc., was passed. Addresses for the salaries of the Clerk and Marshal were voted. A Bill for the confirmation of grants of land to John Beeke, gent., was laid before the House and ordered to be reserved for the consideration of the next Assembly. The Records of the expiring Assembly ordered to be left with the Speaker. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 337–339.]