America and West Indies: October 1700, 21-25

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 18, 1700. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1910.

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'America and West Indies: October 1700, 21-25', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 18, 1700, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1910), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol18/pp611-621 [accessed 4 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: October 1700, 21-25', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 18, 1700. Edited by Cecil Headlam( London, 1910), British History Online, accessed December 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol18/pp611-621.

"America and West Indies: October 1700, 21-25". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 18, 1700. Ed. Cecil Headlam(London, 1910), , British History Online. Web. 4 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol18/pp611-621.

October 1700

Oct. 21.
Whitehall.
855. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King, recommending that Thomas Lawrence (see Aug. 6) be constituted a member of Council of Maryland to fill up a vacancy occasioned by Sir Thomas Lawrence, his father's leaving that country. Signed, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 4. pp. 552, 553.]
Oct. 21.
Whitehall.
856. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Representation about Mr. Lawrence signed.
Letters from Governor Nicholson, Aug. 1 and 27, read, and papers therein referred to laid before the Board. Whereupon ordered that a copy be kept of the letter to M. Jaqueau and others, and that the letter be delivered to any of them, when they call for it.
Oct. 22. Several of the above mentioned papers read.
Oct. 23. A deduction of His Majesty's title to Sta. Lucia agreed upon. Letter ordered wherein to transmit the same to Mr. Secretary Vernon. Letter from Lieut. Lilbourn to Mr. Blathwayt, Aug. 29, read, and papers transmitted by him laid before the Board. Copies of the enclosed muster-rolls of the Company at Newfoundland ordered to be made and the originals to be sent to Mr. Commissary General Crawford. Secretary ordered to write to Mr. Burchet to enquire what account has been given to the Admiralty by Capt. Fairborn of his imprisoning Lieut. Lilburn. [Board of Trade. Journal, 13. pp. 210–218; and 97. Nos. 187–189.]
Oct. 21. 857. Minutes of Council in Assembly of New York. An Act for encouraging the brewing of beer and making of malt in this Province, sent up, was read the first and second times and committed.
Oct. 22. Bill for preventing vexatious and oppressive proceedings in law in the Supreme Court, sent up, was read the first time.
Oct. 23. The above Bill read a second time and committed. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 846, 847.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
858. Order of King in Council approving appointment of Thomas Lawrence as member of Council of Maryland. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. May 31. Read June 3, 1701. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 4. No. 12; and 10. pp. 69, 70.)
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
859. Order of King in Council. Approving the Laws passed in the General Assembly of Nevis, 1698, 1699; and of Antegoa, 1697, 1698. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 6, 1700. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 7. No. 6; and 46. pp. 109–113.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
860. Order of King in Council. Repealing, in accordance with the Representation of the Council of Trade and Plantations (Sept. 19), the following Laws of Nevis made 1698, 1699:—
(1) Act concerning rates of liquors for taverns, tipling houses, etc.; and for passing of Black Dogs.
(2) Act to empower the Treasurer to sue for dues, etc.
(3) Act to confirm all estates in this Island, etc, upon the owners and possessors thereof.
(4) An Act of Indemnity for Administrators, Trustees, etc.
(5) Act to oblige Masters of Ships to give in security besides the security by Act of Parliament.
(6) An Act to revive and continue divers Acts of this Island.
(7) An Act to ascertain the value of foreign coins to pass current in this Island.
(8) Act for renewing the above Act.
Order of Council repealing two Laws of Antegoa passed, 1697, 1698:—
(1) An Act appointing the number of Assemblymen and the manner of their Election.
(2) An Act for restraining and punishing privateers and pirates.
Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 6, 1700. 1¾ pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 7. No. 7; and 46. pp. 113–115.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
861. Order of King in Council. Ratifying the Acts of Massachusetts Bay recommended by the Council of Trade, Oct. 9. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 6, 1700. 3½ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 20; and 38. pp. 290–296.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
862. Order of King in Council, repealing the five Acts of Massachusetts Bay, as advised by the Council of Trade and Plantations, Oct. 9. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 6, 1700. 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 22; and 38. pp. 297–299.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
863. The two preceding Orders of King in Council (1) confirming Acts of Massachusetts Bay, Dec. 15, 1697—March 13, 1699/1700. (2) disallowing five others. Published at Boston, May 15, 1701. 4 printed pp. [Board of Trade. Massachusetts Bay, 47. pp. 28–32.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
864. Order of King in Council. Granting permission to Lord Bellomont to receive the sum of 1,000l. intended him as a present by the Act of Massachusetts. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 6, 1700. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 21; and 38. pp. 296, 297.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
865. Order of King in Council, repealing, in accordance with the representation of the Council of Trade and Plantations, Oct. 9, the Act of New Hampshire for punishing privateers and pirates. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 6, 1700. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 23; and 38. pp. 299, 300.]
Oct. 22.
Hampton
Court.
866. Order of King in Council, approving the Act of New Hampshire and granting permission to Lord Bellomont to receive the 500l. intended him as a present thereby, in accordance with the representation of the Council of Trade and Plantations, Oct. 10 [Oct. 9]. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 6, 1700. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 24; and 38. pp. 300, 301.]
Oct. 22. 867. Minutes of Council in Assembly of Barbados. Richd. Rycraft, returned member of the Assembly for the parish of Christ Church, took the oaths appointed and signed the Test and Association. Richd. Brewster, returned for the parish of St. Philip's, was unable to attend through indisposition.
Upon reading the petition of Edmund Bedingfield, setting forth that he had been sworn Deputy Secretary before His Excellency and this Board, but was not suffered to take possession of the office, and praying to be discharged or that no person should interfere with him in the said office, ordered that he be discharged accordingly.
The Assembly entering, Mr. Speaker presented His Excellency with three Bills, viz., an Excise Bill, a Bill to encourage the inhabitants to become owners of vessels, and the other for destroying wild monkeys and racoons. William Heysham was appointed one of the Committee of Public Accounts, in the room of the Honble. William Esq., who is gone off.
Oct. 23. The Excise Bill and Bill for destroying monkeys were read and referred to a Committee. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 548, 553.]
Oct. 22. 868. Minutes of Assembly of Barbados. James Colleton chosen Speaker.
Bill for collecting the old arrears read and committed.
Bill for a present of 2,000l. to the Governor ordered.
Excise Bill, Bill to encourage inhabitants to be owners of ships, and Bill for destroying monkeys, read and passed.
The Committee to consider of the Bill against forestallers brought in the Bill.
William Heysham moved that he may have leave to bring in a Bill appointing how differences between masters of ships and their sailors shall be heard and determined, which was granted.
And see preceding abstract under date.
Representation of the Honble. Judge Hooker was layd by to be considered in course.
Whereas His Excellency hath acquainted this House that there hath been a false and scandalous report made of him in England that he hath invaded the rights and privileges of this House, and more particularly in undertaking the decision of Elections, which is both notorious and absolutely false, caluminous (sic) and scandalous, Resolved that a Declaration be drawn to clear His Excellency of that assertion, to be signed by all the Members of this House, and sent to the Agents in England. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 66. pp. 419, 420.]
Oct. 22. 869. Minutes of Council of New York. 1l. 16s. paid to Bowdewyn de Widt for his journey from Esopus to Albany with packets for His Majesty's service.
Oct. 23. 15l. paid to John Riggs for guarding the pyrats and their treasure from Burlington to New York, the said journey having been very troublesome to him by reason of the soldiers' mutinying that were sent under his command, with an intent to seize the treasure and release the pyrats; and also for his journey to Philadelphia, to wait on the Governors of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania and conduct them to New York.
Salary of Hendrick van Dyck, Chirurgion to the Companies at Albany, paid.
Oct. 24. 3l. paid to Francis Chappell for the use of a Committee-room.
Oct. 24. Commission ordered for Samuel Clows to be a Surveyor in this Province.
Johannes Vinhagen, sent express to Albany, paid. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 371–373.]
Oct. 23.
Whitehall.
870. Wm. Popple to David Crawford, Deputy-Commissary-General of the Musters. Enclosing two muster-rolls of the Independent Company of Soldiers at Newfoundland. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 397.]
Oct. 23.
Whitehall.
871. William Popple to Mr. Burchet. The Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations having understood that Lieut. Lilbourn, Commander of His Majesty's Company of Soldiers at Newfoundland, has been imprisoned by Capt. Fairborne, late Commodore in those parts, desire you to let them know what account has been given of that matter by Capt. Fairborne to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. They desire you to inform them, if you can, who one Captain Holsworth, mentioned in that matter, is. (See No. 742. vii.) [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 396.]
Oct. 24.
New York.
872. Governor the Earl of Bellomont to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I did not think to trouble your Lordships by this frigat but that of the 17th, but there has happen'd an unlucky accident, which 'tis fit your Lordships should be made acquainted with. Small. York, and the rest of the men that I sent to the Dowaganhas Indians, were stopp'd by some of our Five Nations between persuation and force. The occasion is this. The Dionondades or Jenondades Nation of Indians, who live next to the Dowaganhas, have made an infall on our Oneides, Onondages, and Synek Nations all at once, and killed several of them, which has so exasperated our Five Nations that they are now sending a good body of men detach'd from all the Nations to fall upon those Indians and take revenge of them. This news was brought me yesterday by Capt. John Schuÿler. I had directed Saml. York and the rest to call on some of the Five Nations, and take some of them to the Dowaganhas country; but it seems they refused, and bade these men return to Albany, unlesse they meant to be knock'd in the head by the French or their Indians. Several of the Albany people are now here, and they conjecture that the overture made by the Dowaganhas Indians to our Five Nations of coming to live near and in friendship with ours, as in the Conference I have sent your Lordships, was only a French stratagem to amuse our Indians, that, being lulled into a security, those Nations, falling upon ours, might do the greater execution. Our Indians, when I was at Albany, said they had lost 120 men since the Peace. At my coming hither, which was just at the end of the war, the number of fighting men in the Five Nations was reckon'd but 1,400 at most. I appeal to your Lordships whether the Five Nations can at this rate last many years and be a barriere between these Plantations and the French. 'Tis the French without all doubt that instigate those remote Nations to vex and destroy ours, as they do. Our Nations firmly believe it, and so do I; because the Governor of Canada told some of our Indians so, as your Lordships have been acquainted. We shall loose the Five Nations and all our American Plantations by our frugality; there's no care taken to fortifie Albany and Schenectade, either for our own security or for incouragement of Indians; so that truly I fear their dread of the French will make 'em revolt to 'em. If 7,000l. or 8,000l. sterling is to be put in ballance with our keeping these Plantations, then we had as good to make the French a complement of 'em, before they take 'em from us against our will, as most certainly they will do, if they kill part of our Indians and inveigle away the rest. This service is too pressing to stay for Col. Fletcher's debt to the King, which will require a law-suit. 'Tis fit he should be compell'd to refund the mony he has cheated the King of, but I hope there's other mony to answer necessary services. As to mine and the Council's proceeding in the cause between the widow Wandall and Alsop, which your Lordships find fault with, I took Mr. Graham the Attorney General's opinion in it. He cry'd out against Col. Fletcher's affirmation of a verdict and judgment obtained in Queen's County, as the most enormous injustice that had been done any time in this Province, and told me what marks of horror Col. Fletcher shew'd at the time of giving judgment, by trembling and growing pale. He put me upon that method of righting the Widdow, and truly I expected he would have been of Council for her, for so he told me; but he never wants a trick upon an occasion, and appear'd not at all at the hearing. Col. Smith, too, our Chief Justice, sate then at Council, and made no objection to the proceeding. I remember he told me that Mr. Emot, one of the lawyers here, observed to him that Col. Fletcher was in a great consternation when he gave judgment against Mrs. Wandal, and that it was a foul judgment. Emot was of Council for Mrs. Wandal. Col. Smith, when I took the opinions of the Council, would not give his vote for either side, which I understood to be a tacit consent that the Widdow was in the right, but Mr. Nichols was Alsop's friend, for Nichols carries a great stroke with all that party. If I was in the wrong, 'twas more than I knew, and I wonder I have not made more slipps, considering what men are of Council for the King in this Province. I have receiv'd your Lordships' letter of Aug. 1, and will as well as I can comply with your directions. The recruits from Ireland are newly arriv'd this evening, after more than 13 weeks being on the voyage. The officer tells me they have been very unruly and mutinous, which I do not wonder at, for the owners of the vessel that brought 'em have not perform'd the Charter-party honestly; and the men have suffer'd great hardships. Signed, Bellomont. Mr. Stoughton, Lieut. Governor of Massachusets, writes to me this last post that the French are fortifying Port Royal, to the Eastward of the said Province. Endorsed, Recd. 9th Dec. Read 13 Jan., 1700. Holograph. 2½ pp. Annexed,
872. i. Abstract of preceding. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. New York, 11. Nos. 8, 8.i.; and, (without abstract), 55. pp. 97–101; and, (abstract with marginal comments), 45. pp. 117, 118.]
Oct. 24.
Whitehall.
873. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon. In pursuance of their Excellencies, the late Lords Justices' commands, Oct. 15, upon occasion of a letter from the French Ambassador to Mr. Blathwayt, relating to the Island of Sta. Lucia, we have prepared the inclosed deduction of His Majesty's title to the said Island, which we desire you to lay before His Majesty, as what we conceive will furnish matter for a full answer to the French Ambassador. We also further offer to your observation the inconsistency between the said Ambassador's pretence in this letter, that the French have been many years in possession of the said Island, and his asserting in a former memorial, communicated to us by the Rt. Honble. the Earl of Jersey in January last, that the said Island having by antient treatys between England and France been destin'd for the habitation of the Indians, it had accordingly been agreed that no other settlement should be made upon it. As for Mr. Grey, the difference of his conduct in this matter from what was done formerly seems to us to be chiefly in that he has applied himself in the first place to the Governor of the French Islands, which gives occasion to the present dispute; whereas other Governors of Barbados, without any such previous application, caused all foreigners, French and others, to be removed from off Sta. Lucia. Signed, Stamford, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney, Mt. Pryor. Annexed,
873. i. A deduction of His Majesty's title to the Island of Sta. Lucia in answer to the French Ambassador's letter of Oct. 16, 1700. A general discovery was made of all the Caribbee Islands by Sir Thomas Warner, 1626, who took possession of Sta. Lucia in particular, and left there one Major Judge as Governor. King Charles I. made a grant of all the said Islands to the Earle of Carlisle, 1627, who settled Sta. Lucia in 1635 and 1637, by English Colonies from Bermudas; in 1638 by a Colony from St. Christopher's, and in 1640, 1644 and 1645 by Colonies from Barbados. In 1663 the English from Barbados contracted with the Indians for the full and absolute purchase of Sta. Lucia, on valuable considerations, as appears by a deed of conveyance signed by Annawatta, the Babba, or Chief Governor, Thomas Warner, an Indian, and two others of that Nation by the consent and in the behalf of all their people. By virtue of this deed Francis, Lord Willoughby, Capt. General over all the Caribbee Islands, sent a regiment of foot from Barbados to Sta. Lucia, in 1664, under the command of Col. Carew, to whom the four Indian Princes or Captains above-mentioned gave and delivered by a solemn manner of turf and twigg, in behalf of themselves and the rest of of the Indian Proprietors all their right, title and interest to the said Island, and accordingly Col. Carew remained there as Deputy Governor. From that time Sta. Lucia has been reputed a dependance on the Government of Barbados, and as such has been constantly inserted in all Commissions and Instructions given to His Majesty's respective Governors; particularly the Lord William Willoughby was, 1666, directed to streighten, distress and dispossess any of His most Christian Majestie's subjects or others, who might offer to possess themselves of the said Island. The first pretension formed by the French to Sta. Lucia was in 1685, when, under colour of hunting, fishing and cutting wood for the use of Martinico, they built houses and made some small settlements there. Upon notice whereof, instructions were sent by the late King James to Col. Stede, then Lieut. Governor of Barbadoes, to cause all foreigners, unless they submitted themselves and acknowledged the King of England's sovereignty over that Island, to remove from thence, and on this and all occasions to renew His Majesty's claim and possession. In pursuance of these orders, Col. Stede in July, 1686, sent Capt. Temple, Commander of one of His Majesty's frigats, to Sta. Lucia, where he immediately summoned such of the French as could be found upon the Island, and in their presence published His Majesty's title to the Island by a solemn Proclamation; and erected in the chief ports the arms of England as an ensign of His Majesty's sovereignty over yt Island; caused all the French inhabitants to be transported to Martinico, and writt a letter to the French Governor there, Count de Blennac, giving him notice of what he had done; requiring him withall not to suffer any within his Government to cutt wood, plant, fish or hunt in or about the Island of Sta. Lucia, without leave first obtained from His Majesty's Governor of Barbados. Count Blennac complained of these proceedings, but the effect of the memoires presented by the French Ambassador here upon that subject was, that the late King thought fit again to assert his title, and Capt. Temple was commissionated a second time to drive off from Sta. Lucia such forreigners as he should find there, to demolish their houses, and to destroy their settlements, which he accordingly executed, and was actually in possession of the said Island in the beginning of Nov., 1686, and at the very time when there was concluded at Whitehall, the Treaty of Peace and Neutrality, by the 4th Article whereof 'twas agreed that both Kings should have and retain all they then possessed in America. Capt. Temple staid on Sta. Lucia with a fleet of merchant-men, who were cutting wood, till the middle of Jan. following, and no French vessells were suffered to arrive there. In March 1686/7, Col. Stede published the said Articles of Neutrality in Sta. Lucia, as a dependance on his Government, and caused his said Majesties Arms to be affixed in the most eminent places there, as a fresh assertion of His sovereignty. In March, 1687/8, some French being crept once more into the Island, Capt. Wren disturbed their settlements, and again asserted the ancient right of the Crown of England. In June, 1699, Col. Grey, His Majesty's Governor of Barbadoes, had notice that some French were observ'd to inhabit the said Island, and had employed negroes in order to a settlement, whereupon His Majesty was pleased to renew the Order formerly sent to Col. Stede, directing the present Governor to pursue the same, by giving notice to the French or any other foreigners, who are settled, or may hereafter pretend to settle there, that, unless they remove from off that Island, and discontinue their settlement, he should dispossess them by force, and send 'em off the said Island.
From all which it is evident that His Majesty has an entire right of sovereignty over the Island of Sta. Lucia, by all the grounds and titles whereby property can either be acquired or preserved; vizt. by first discovery in 1626, by so frequent settlements as amount to constant possession; by purchase from the natives; by having preserved the English title to this Island, expressly and by name, without interruption in all Patents and Commissions; by having at several times vindicated and asserted that title by force of armes, driving away all foreigners, as often as they pretended to make settlements there without leave; by solemn proclamation and ensigns of soveraignty, and by actual possession, confirmed to the English by the Treaty of 1686, from which there has been no change or derogation made by any subsequent Treaty. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 45. pp. 115–123.]
Oct. 24. 874. Minutes of Council in Assembly of New York. Bills, for punishing officers and souldiers, who shall mutiny or desert His Majesty's service, and to prevent their being harboured and concealed; and to encourage the seizing and securing of deserters, and for appointing Commissioners to examine and state the Publick Accounts, sent up, were read the first and second times and committed. A Bill to prevent oppression, sent up, was read the first and second times, and committed.
Col. Stephen Cortlandt, Chairman of the Committee to whom several Bills were referred, reported that they were of opinion that the Bill for preventing vexations and oppressions through chargeable and oppressive proceedings in the Supreme Court should be deferred until the arrival of the Chief Justice and Attorney General daily expected from England; that the Act for the better payment of the Representatives is of no more force or validity than the Act formerly passed for the same purpose, and that the Representatives would not, by the passing the said Act, be secured of their salary more than by the former, but they are of opinion that a Bill ought to be brought in for the effectual securing a dayly salary of 6s. to each Representative. They proposed an amendment in the Act for encouraging brewing. As to the Bill for declaring Eastchester a distinct parish from Westchester, they desired His Excellency to inspect his Commission and Instructions to see if nothing therein mentioned is an infringement of the prerogative royal. This report was approved.
Oct. 25. Bill for punishing mutineers, etc., with amendments proposed by the Committee, was read the third time, passed and sent down. Bills for encouraging seamen, and for vacating all patents, lately granted and fraudulently obtained from the late Governor, of land on a place called Cowneck, sent up.
Bill for punishing mutineers, etc., sent up passed with amendments, was read and passed and received His Excellency's consent. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 847–851.]
Oct. 24. 875. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter from Lord Bellomont, July 26 and 31, read, together with all the enclosures. Upon what his Lordship writes about the want of ministers to instruct our Indians, etc., letters ordered to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of London. The Earl of Stamford was also pleased to offer his own endeavours to get a meeting of the Corporation for Evangelizing of Indians, in order to the procuring from them some assistance for the better promoting of that work amongst our Five Nations on the frontiers of New York. And upon what his Lordship writes about the practices of the French amongst our Indians, a letter to Mr. Secretary Vernon was ordered.
Letter to Mr. Secretary Vernon, to accompany the deduction of His Majesty's title to Sta. Lucia, signed.
Oct. 25. Letter from Mr. Homrigh, Sept. 30, read. Copy ordered to be sent to Lord Bellomont.
Letters, ordered yesterday, signed.
Lord Bellomont's letters, July 15, 26 and 31 considered, and directions given for preparing an answer. [Board of Trade. Journal, 13. pp. 218–223; and 97. Nos. 190, 191.]
Oct. 24.
College of
William and
Mary.
876. Minutes of Council of Virginia. His Excellency laid before the Council the Lord Vernon's letter, which was read. His Excellency being much indisposed, and being late at night, the Council adjourned.
Oct. 25.
At Mr.
Commissary
Blaire's.
The Burgesses, summoned to attend His Excellency in the General Court House, addressed His Excellency through Lt. Col. William Leigh. "Yesterday there were but 19, and to-day but 23 who were members of the late prorogued Assembly that appeared."
A Proclamation was ordered dissolving the Assembly and writts were ordered to call a General Assembly to meet at the Royal College of William and Mary, Dec. 5th.
His Excellency laid before the Council a letter from the Admiralty, June 21, about passes, etc.
Geo. Luke, appointed Collector of the Lower District of James River, ordered to take the oaths, etc., before His Excellency.
Whereas several French Refugees have lately (Oct. 20) arrived at James City, with design to go up to Mannikin Town, whither several French are already gone, His Excellency and the Hon. Council, considering their poverty and disability and ignorance in the customs and affairs of this Colony, and that they are destitute of all means of support, and being unanimously of opinion that it will be most for their advantage to disperse themselves, granted them licence so to disperse throughout the country till next fall, at which time further care may be taken therein.
Proclamation dissolving the Assembly and writs for new Elections signed. There being no ships now in the country upon departure for England, all other matters were referred till Dec. 3, at which time an audit was appointed.
Oct. 26. Order for Rangers to be continued in Stafford county.
Lt. Col. William Wilson ordered to examine the papers of Peter Heyman, late Collector, and to deliver them to Geo. Luke. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 55. pp. 31–38.]
Oct. 25.
Whitehall.
877. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon. Having lately received a letter from the Earle of Bellomont, of the 26th and 31st July, wherein he continues to give some further account, than what we have yet represented to His Majesty or the late Lords Justices, of the unfair practices of the French of Canada in seducing our Five Nations of Indians on the frontiers of New York, and in destroying such of them as would not be perverted, we send you the inclosed extracts of his Lordship's letter and of two papers therewith transmitted. Whereupon we humbly offer our opinion to His Majesty that orders be procured from the French Court to the Governor of Canada, that a stop be put to such undue practices, directly contrary to the late agreement with that Court. Signed, Stamford, Wm. Blathwayt, Jon. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney, Mat. Prior. P.S.—We judge it convenient that in any application to be made to the French, there be no mention made of the particular Indian or Nation of Indians, from whence this information comes, lest it should draw upon them the resentment of the French. [Board of Trade. New York, 55. p. 1; and, (rough draft), 44a. No. 53.]
Oct. 25.
Whitehall.
878. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Earle of Bellomont having several times represented to us the great want of some Ministers of the Church of England to instruct our Five Nations of Indians on the frontiers of New York, and prevent them being practised upon by French Priests and Jesuits, who are conversant amongst them, and very industrious in perswading them by pretences of Religion to espouse the French interest; we have thereupon represented to their Excellencies the Lords Justices our humble opinion that, if a fund can be found for the maintenance of such Ministers, they may be of very great use and service, as well for the propagation of the Reformed Religion, as for improving the interest of England. We have also lately received from his Lordship some further advice upon the same subject, of which we send your Grace the inclosed extract, desiring your Grace would be pleased to consider of the most speedy and effectual means for the promoting of so good a work. Signed, Stamford, W. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney, Mat. Prior. P.S.—We have recommended the same thing to ye Lord Bishop of London. [Board of Trade. New York, 55. pp. 2, 3; and, (rough draft), 44a. No. 54.]
Oct. 25. 879. Minutes of Council of New York. His Excellency communicated to the Board His Majesty's Additional Instruction, May 31, 1700 (q.v.)
Payment of carpenters for fitting up the barracks in Fort William Henry ordered.
Samuel Clows was sworn a Surveyor.