America and West Indies: November 1699, 21-25

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: November 1699, 21-25', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 17, 1699 and Addenda 1621-1698, (London, 1908) pp. 536-542. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol17/pp536-542 [accessed 26 April 2024]

November 1699

Nov. 21. Letter from Col. Blakiston, Maryland, Aug. 16, and Mr. Laurence, Sec. of Maryland, Sep. 7 read. Copy of the Address enclosed taken. Letter to transmit the original to Lord Jersey ordered. Concerning the Laws sent, there occurring some difficulty in the method which has been taken for the reviving of them, whereby some are abrogated, others altered and re-enacted and all by one single Act, which makes them all to be but as one single law, consideration deferred.
Col. Handaside given copy of the Minute of the Board about himself Nov. 14, and Lord Ranelagh's letter Sep. 29.
The two first pages of Capt. Poyntz' Memorial about Tobago ordered to be underlined, and he to be desired to inform the Board what proofs he has of the particulars so underlined or where those proofs may be had. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 253–257; and 96. Nos. 184, 185.]
Nov. 21. 980. William Popple to William Thornburgh. The Council of Trade and Plantations observe the delays made in a matter which neither seems to require any nor will admit of any. Unless they receive direct answers to the letters I writ you Oct. 25 and Nov. 14 by this day sennight, they will take such silence for a denial to answer and thereupon make the report required from them to His Majesty, as they find cause without it. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 26. p. 131.]
Nov. 21. 981. William Popple to William Dockwra. To same effect as preceding abstract. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 26. pp. 131, 132.]
Nov. 21. 982. Minutes of Council and Assembly of New Hampshire. Enquiry into a riot by some seamen ordered. Elizabeth Redford, in whose house it began, forbidden to sell drink or keep a public house for the future. Bill for raising £460 for defraying the public charge was read three times and sent down to the Representatives, who came up and consented to it. Payments to the garrison ordered. Petition of Elizabeth Redford read. The Assembly was prorogued till May 1. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 565, 566.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
983. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. As to the petition of Isaac Richier, Mr. Day informs us that he took Richier's bond with security in £2,000 to abide by your Majesty's determination upon his appeal in Council. Trott has not been in the Bermuda Islands since your Order in Council, May 17, 1697, which relates only to what was to be there executed. We do not find it has been the practice to demand security here from a respondent in appeals from your Majesty's Plantations, as Trott now is. We add our humble opinion that your Majesty be pleased to appoint a day for hearing the cause in Council. Signed, Stamford, Phil. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, John Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 29. pp. 240–242.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
984. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Jersey, enclosing the Address of the Council and Assembly of Maryland for presentation to His Majesty. Signed, Stamford, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, John Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 9. pp. 435, 436.]
Nov. 22. 985. Memorandum of letter from Council of Trade and Plantations to Capt. Poyntz asking for proofs of some things contained in his memorial. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 45. p. 3.]
Nov. 22.
Boston.
986. Governor the Earl of Bellomont to the Council of Trade and Plantations. On the 8th inst. Col. Allen, late Governor of N. Hampshire, delivered me an information on oath that he was told Mr. Partridge, the Lt.-Gov., Mr. Hincks, Mr. Holland and Mr. Plaisted had shipped a great quantity of ship-timber on board the Friends' Adventure, belonging to Mr. Partridge, for Portugal. I was alarmed and vexed, not knowing whether it might not be converted to the use of the French King when it came to Lisbon, and judging it improper to furnish the King of Portugal either with ship-timber without the King's leave. I therefore immediately writ to Mr. Partridge and to the Dep. Collector and Naval Officer to stay the ship till further order. I do not find there is any law for hindering the transportation of any sort of timber from these Plantations to foreign countries, though there had been good reason of State in this case. I should certainly have detained the ship, but it appearing from the invoice of the ship's loading that the quantity of timber was not so great as was informed by Col. Allen nor the scantlings so large neither, I thought it best for this time to suffer her to proceed, after consulting Mr. Bridger and Mr. Jackson. I think it by no means proper to suffer any ship-timber to be transported from H.M. Plantations to foreign countries, and till I receive your Lordships' orders I will suffer none of any size or scantlings whatsoever to be carried out of the Provinces under my government. Mr. Partridge, I am told, sent a parcel of ship-timber from Pescattaway to Portugal last year, and other ships have been sent from this place with ship-timber, which has passed under the notion of lumber, and the Custom House officers have not stopped it, because there's no Act of Parliament that prohibits it. Mr. Partridge and Mr. Holland being Purveyors for the King in the business of Naval Stores, it ill becomes them to be concerned in the misapplication of ship-timber. Signed, Bellomont. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 19, Read Jan. 31, 1699/1700. Enclosed,
986. I. Deposition of Samuel Allen, Boston, Nov. 8, 1699, about Mr. Partridge shipping timber to Portugal. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 19, 1699/1700.
986. II. Copy of Lord Bellomont's letter to Mr. Partridge, Boston, Nov. 9, 1699. ½ p. Same endorsement.
986. III. Copy of Lord Bellomont's letter to the Dep. Collector and Naval Officer, stopping the Friends' Adventure, Boston, Nov. 9, 1699. ¾ p. Same endorsement.
986. IV. Wm. Partridge to Lord Bellomont. Portsmouth, Nov. 11, 1699. I will observe your commands and am coming to wait upon you at Boston. Copy. ½ p. Same endorsement.
986. V. Lord Bellomont's Order to Mr. Sheaf to restrain the Friends' Adventure, Boston, Nov. 14, 1699. Copy. ½ p. Same endorsement.
986. VI. Sampson Sheafe to Lord Bellomont. Newcastle, Nov. 12, 1699. Copy. ¾ p. Same endorsement.
986. VII. Wm. Partridge to Lord Bellomont. I enclose an attested invoice of the ship's loading. I am well satisfied I have done nothing prejudicial to the King's service. Portsmouth, Nov. 17, 1699. Copy. ¾ p. Same endorsement.
986. VIII. Invoice of the timber on board the Friends' Adventure, John Wentworth, Commander. Attested by Henry Sherborn, mate, and Wm. Follet, boatswain. Portsmouth, Nov. 17, 1699. 1 p. Copy. Same endorsement.
986. IX. Certificate of J. Bridger and Benjamin Jackson that the timber on board the Friends' Adventure is not fit for H.M. service to build great ships. Boston, Nov. 15, 1699. Copy. ½ p. Same endorsement.
986. X. Lord Bellomont to Mr. Partridge. I send you an order to Mr. Sheafe and Mr. Eastwick to clear your ship. I would advise you not to ship hereafter any manner of ship-timber to any foreign country till I know the King's pleasure. Boston, Nov. 21, 1699. Copy. ¼ p. Same endorsement.
986. XI. Copy of Order referred to in preceding. 1 p. Same date and endorsement. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. Nos. 2, 2 I.–XI.; and (without enclosures), 37. pp. 263–267.]
Nov. 22. 987. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts Bay. Assembly further prorogued till Feb. 7. Capt. Cyprian Southack's account for the Province galley ordered to be paid. Various accounts adjusted and paid. Tonnage powder ordered to be lodged part at the Castle and part at the Sconce or Fort in Boston. Capt. Silvanus Davis' report of the Indians about Cascobay being uneasy and imperious referred by H.E. to the consideration of the Board. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 257, 258.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
988. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. It being observed that Col. Ludwell of Virginia did on Nov. 3 present to H.M. an address from the General Assembly, whereof no copy has been communicated to this Board, ordered that the Governors of all the Plantations be advised to send the copies of any such addresses as well as of all other public proceedings in their governments, pursuant to their instructions.
Letter to Lord Jersey enclosing address of Council and Assembly of Maryland to H.M. signed.
Representation about Messrs. Richier and Trott signed.
Further Representation about pirates in the West Indies ordered.
Nov. 23. Representation about the state of the Maryland laws ordered.
Petition of Jacob Mears read. Resolved when a new Governor is sent to the Bermuda Islands to prepare fitting instructions for his relief.
Memorial from Capt. Norris read. Ordered to be informed that the Board are disposed to write a favourable letter to Lord Jersey in his behalf.
Messrs. Perry, Haistwell and Goodwin presented a memorial about pirates on the coasts of America.
Mr. Yard sent the King's letter about Pirates to the various Governors or Proprietors.
Nov. 24. Draught of a Commission for Sir W. Beeston agreed upon. Representation signed.
Reply of the African Company to letter, Nov. 15, read. Reply to Lord Jersey's letter, Nov. 14, ordered. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 257–262; and 96. Nos. 186–188.]
Nov. 23. 989. Micajah Perry, Edward Haistwell and John Goodwin to the Council of Trade and Plantations. On behalf of those trading to Virginia and Maryland. Since our last account of ships plundered on the coasts of Virginia and Maryland, we hear of the Roanoake (Carolina to Maryland); confirmation of the taking of the Charles; the Flowerpot taken 50 leagues from Barbados; Capt. Baker from New York taken near Cape Sables by one Welsh. By some advices we are told that in 3 months there had been above 30 vessels and coasters taken and plundered on the American coast. Also the Charles, Capt. Hadley, from London to Maryland, had a conspiracy on board, and a vessel belonging to Col. Webb with considerable treasure was run away with out of the port of Philadelphia by the seamen. We humbly offer our opinion that 3 or 4 ships of a convenient force might be sent to cruize off the coast from the Bahama Islands to New England, where the pirates do the greatest mischief and is to be feared find encouragement; and that the Governors be enjoined to dispatch them on this service, to suffer no ships to come into their ports but such as could produce certificates of being fair traders, and to seize all others and to punish all that aid or trade with them. Signed, Micajah Perry, Ed. Haistwell, Jno. Goodwin. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 23, 1699. 2 large pp. Enclosed,
989. I. Affidavit of Nicholas Thomas Jones, Master of the Ranoke, belonging to Col. Robert Quarry. My ship was seized within Linhaven Bay by a pirate, who said he was a Welshman of Glamorganshire, his name John James and his ship called the Alexander, which he had taken from one Capt. Writt of South Carolina. Signed, Tho. Jones, Robt. Mellen, Saml. Jones, Wm. Parker. Aug. 4, 1699. Copy. 2 large pp.
989. II. Deposition of Francis Tippett, boatswain of the pink Flowerpot, Anthony Tailor, Master. The ship was seized near Barbados by a pirate, the Prophet Daniel, commanded by Thomas Bourck, an Irishman. Burke presently died and the Irishmen of the crew, which was of several nations, after a bloody fight overpowered the rest. But 14 of the Irish were left alive and about 16 French, which were wounded and turned on shore at Tobago, with deponent and 25 other prisoners taken by the pirates out of several ships in Newfoundland. Signed, Francis Tippett. Nov. 17, 1699. Copy. 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. Nos. 35, 35 I.–II.; and (without enclosures) 35. pp. 125–130.]
Nov. 23.
Kensington.
990. Order of King in Council. On the representation of the Council of Trade and Plantations, Nov. 16, instructions are to be given from time to time to the commanders of H.M. ships of war as proposed. The Admiralty to give the necessary directions. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 30, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. No. 36; and 35, p. 135; and Barbados, 8. No. 28; and 45. p. 4.]
Nov. 23. 991. Petition of Jacob Mears that Governor Day be not allowed to quit Bermudas without giving security for the damages he has inflicted on the owners of the Dolphin. Signed, Jacob Mears. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 23, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. No. 56.]
Nov. 23.
Kensington.
992. Order of King in Council. Appeal of Isaac Richier appointed to be heard Nov. 30. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 30, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. No. 57; and 29. pp. 243, 244.]
Nov. 23. 993. Capt. Norris to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Upon going Commander-in-Chief to Newfoundland, 1698, I had H.M. Commission, at your instance, to be Governor and Commander of the forts and forces, and performed services according to instructions. I desire I may have my accounts passed in Lord Ranelagh's office, and be rewarded according to your assurance. Signed, Jno. Norris. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 23, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 155; and 25. pp. 335, 336.]
Nov. 23.
African
House.
994. Royal African Company to Council of Trade and Plantations. In answer to your enquiry of Nov. 15, the Company always hold themselves to be sole masters of the rivers Gambia, Sereleon and Sherbrow and of the dominions and territories where the following forts and castles are situated (enumerated). Signed, John Perry, Secretary. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. pp. 367–369.]
Nov. 23. 995. Minutes of Council in Assembly of Barbados. His Excellency moved the Council that they were summoned this day to comply with the statute for issuing precepts for the holding a Grand Sessions to be read in the churches of each parish three several Sundays immediately before the holding of the same which is to commence on Dec. 12. The Hon. Thomas Sadleir was appointed Judge for holding the Grand Sessions. Precepts signed and issued. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. p. 473.]
Nov. 23.
St. John's.
996. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. The Assembly represented the complaint of the inhabitants that the Naval Officer exacted bonds from all masters of vessels contrary to law. The Council agreed that bonds should not be taken where no goods are loaden upon a ship.
The Act for the further encouragement of the settling of the Island was engrossed and signed.
The Treasurer was ordered to bring in an account of the country's debts.
Land in St. John's granted to William Franklynne.
Land in Parham granted to John Corbett and William Cullam. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 329–333.]
Nov. 24.
Chief Office,
Penny Post.
997. Wm. Dockwra to Wm. Popple. The administration of the Government of East New Jersey is vested in the Proprietors by virtue of their grant and confirmation. They with patience expect an answer to their memorial. They have from time to time given orders to their Dep. Governor strictly to observe all the laws made to prevent frauds and abuses in trade etc., and have not received the least complaints of the infringement of any of them. Signed, Wm. Dockwra. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25. Read Nov. 27, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 27; and 26. p. 132.]
Nov. 24.
London.
998. Benjamin Durzy to William Popple. The next day after Mr. Thornburgh sent you his answer he was taken sick of a violent malignant fever and so continued till within these two days. The Lords Proprietors of Carolina and the Bahama Islands now reply that upon Aug. 31, 1694, they granted a commission to John Archdale, Esq., to be Governor of Carolina with a power in his Commission, upon his departure for England, to appoint Deputy Governors in South and North Carolina. He deputed Joseph Blake, Deputy Governor of South Carolina, he being a Proprietor upon the place, and Thomas Harvey, Deputy Governor of North Carolina. They having had no complaints, there has been no removal. Nicholas Webb, Governor of the Bahama Islands, had his commission since the Act of Parliament, and was approved by His Majesty. Signed, Benjn. Durzy. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25. Read Nov. 27, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 28; and 26. pp. 132, 133.]
Nov. 24. 999. Petition of Robert Clowes, Clerk of the supreme Court of St. Jago de la Vega in Jamaica, against the Act lately past there about Patent Places. Signed, Robt. Clowes. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 24. Read Nov. 27, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 139.]
Nov. 24.
Whitehall.
1,000. Earl of Jersey to Council of Trade and Plantations. The King being moved upon the petition of Captain Roger Elrington is pleased to direct that it be sent to your Lordships that you may consider thereof and report your opinion thereupon. I have laid before His Majesty the address from the General Assembly of Maryland. Signed, Jersey. Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 4. Read Dec. 5. 1699. Enclosed,
1,000. I. Captain Roger Elrington to the King. Petitioner commanded a company of foot in the fort at St. Christopher's when it was taken in 1689 by the French. He was sent a prisoner to France, escaped after nine months, and was despatched back to France by your Majesty on secret service. The person he was sent with was seized on the frontiers and to save himself betrayed the petitioner, who was imprisoned in the Bastille for six years and four months. The war and long absence have ruined his interest in St. Christopher's and he has had nothing left to subsist upon. Since his return to England, two years ago, he has only received fifty pounds from Mr. Secretary Vernon. The deputy Government of Nevis is vacant, and petitioner humbly hopes he is well qualified to fill that office. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. Nos. 44, 44 I.; and 46. pp. 18–20.]
Saturday
night,
Nov. 25.
1,001. Edward Southwell to Mr. Popple. The enclosed is what I learn from Bristol upon those heads of enquiry you sent me. Signed, Edward Southwell. Enclosed,
1,001. I. Richard Burges to Capt. Charles Sims. Bristol, Nov. 20, '99. Between Sept. 5 and 14 there arrived a person from Pennsylvania who declared to Col. Wilson, who liveth in the entrance into James River, now Naval Officer, that Capt. Kidd was in prison in New England, and that he surrendered himself to the Government and several of his company, all which arrived on that coast in a sloop, which Kidd had bought in Curaçao, and had left the ship he sailed in from England in the East Indies, and arrived in the West Indies in a junk, which he left on some island in the West Indies and procured passage to Curaçao, where he bought the sloop, and arrived with considerable treasure. The master of a sloop from Providence declared before Col. Wilson that the pirate by whom I was so damnified appears to be the Providence galley, formerly belonging to the Governor of Providence, and was commanded by Capt. Right, but now by John James, and had been lately in that island. The pirate detained some of the inhabitants who went aboard her as security whilst he watered and careened his vessel. Description of crew and voyage of the Providence galley. Signed, Richd. Burges. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 27th, 1699. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. Nos. 37, 37 I.; and (without covering letter) 35. pp. 130–134.]