America and West Indies: January 1702, 12-15

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 20, 1702. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1912.

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'America and West Indies: January 1702, 12-15', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 20, 1702, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1912), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol20/pp16-27 [accessed 8 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: January 1702, 12-15', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 20, 1702. Edited by Cecil Headlam( London, 1912), British History Online, accessed December 8, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol20/pp16-27.

"America and West Indies: January 1702, 12-15". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 20, 1702. Ed. Cecil Headlam(London, 1912), , British History Online. Web. 8 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol20/pp16-27.

January 1702

Jan. 12.
Bermuda.
25. Governor Bennett to Mr. Popple. Pray please to lay before the Board the enclosed duplicate of Dec. 17 last, and acquaint them that since my last Mr. Jones, the Sheriff, has been indicted on one of the Articles I some time since sent over from the Assembly, it being for perjury, of which he is found guilty, and several other Bills are brought against him which will be tried this week. Signed, B. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read April 27, 1702. 1 p. Enclosed,
25. i. Governor Bennett to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to enclosures. I have done what I can in case of a war to make this place defenceable by throwing up trenches along shore, where it's possible for men to land, and have ordered the Company of Foot that's here to be practised in the Granadeer exercise, but I have but 40 granade shells. As for the Militia, I have taught them so much the use of their arms, that I doubt not but on occasion to find them very serviceable, and will make it my constant endeavour to improve them. They are in number 750. Here are also 600 slaves in these Islands, which when I find a necessity upon me, I intend to arm with lances, and may do good service when we come to stop an enemy. The works of the fortifications are repaired, so that if the supply desired of great guns were granted, this place, I hope and doubt not, but would give a good account of itself, in case we should be attackt. I desire I may not suffer in your Lordships' opinions, that I have not sent over transcripts of the Laws now in force here, the Secretary having but two clerks, and them but indifferent ones, to dispatch the whole business of these Islands, but as soon as they can be completed, I'le send them over, and what else is required of me by my instructions. Signed, Ben. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read April 27, 1702. Duplicate of letter of Dec. 17, 1701, sent by Capt. Dudley of the Guinnea Merchants. 3 pp.
25. ii. Abstract of preceding. 1¼ pp.
25. iii. Copy of letter from Governor Bennett to Governor Hasket. Bermuda, Aug. 11, 1701. Recommending Capt. Walker to him. Signed, B. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. April 17, 1702. ½ p.
25. iv. Governor Bennett to Gov. Hasket. Bermuda, Sept. 12, 1701. It is generally reported that you'v lately seized a sloop belonging to this place, called the Seaflower, and by torturing the men, obliged them to own that about three years since they raked salt at Turks Islands, on which confession the ship is since condemned. Which pyrate-like usage I know not how to believe, therefore desire to be satisfied from yourself, and whether you have any particular pretension to Turks Islands. If the above story be true, assure yourself I will make all the interest I can in England for satisfaction, and leave the resentment of your broken faith to me till a further opportunity. (For we agreed to be kind to masters of vessels belonging to each other's Governments.) Signed, B. Bennett. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. ¾ p.
25. v. Copy of remonstrance of the people of New Providence against Governor Hasket. Oct. 6, 1701. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 1 p.
25. vi. (a) Copy of address of the General Assembly of Bermuda to Governor Bennett and Council recommending the uniting the Bahamas to the Government of Bermuda. Nov. 22, 1701.
25. vi. (b) Copies of papers relating to the seizure of the Bermuda sloop Seaflower at Providence by Captain Hasket. (1) Copy of Governor Hasket's Commission to John Warren of the Mary sloop, to seize and destroy all pirates and also "to examine all foreigners or aliens as you shall meet with in this Government either making of oil, cutting of brazeletto or fustwick wood, cedar, or any other timber, travelling the Bay for ambergrease, raking or loading of salt or making any other advantages contrary to the Laws of this Government, except necessary wooding and watering, not having license and permit for the same, them to bring with their vessels to this Fort to be condemned or acquitted according to Law," etc. May 26, 1701.
(2) Application of John Warren, Commander of the Mary, for the trial of the Seaflower, seized by him June 24, 1701, in the East Harbour of the Caccasess, whereas the said sloop, belonging to Bermudas did in 1699 or thereabouts, Israel Brownlow then master, "not having any permit from the then Governor of these Bahama Islands for the same, rake in the pond (and take on board) a large quantity of salt at an Island called Turks Island, one of the Lucaios or Bahama Islands, belonging to the true and absolute Lords and Proprietors of the aforesaid Island, in the aforesaid sloop for Bermudas, all which was and is contrary to their Lordships' instructions and an Act of Parliament made assented and holden in this Island for excluding all persons that are not inhabitants in the Leucaios Islands from the privileges and benefits hereafter named, [whereby] it is amongst other things enacted that no person inhabiting or belonging to any other place, not within the limits of the Leucaios Islands, shall have permission to cut any wood or timber, or rake any salt, make any oil, gather ambergrees, spermacitti, tortoiseshell, work on any wrecks or take up any drift or wreck goods within any the limits aforesaid on the penalty of forfeiting vessel and goods." Signed, Jno. Warren. New Providence.
(3) Deposition of John Graves, H.M. Collector of the Bahama Islands. At a Court of Admiralty begun in Nassau, July 4 and adjourned to July 7, 1701, and then ended, for the trial of the Seaflower, William Tucker, Commander, Governor Haskett appeared in Court and asked the Marshall for the list of the Jury, and with his own hand dashed out whom he pleased, and bid Capt. Cole, a Commander of a vessel from London, go out of Court and hindered him from being of the Jury, and made his brother-in-law, Capt. Benjamin Pickman, Commander of a vessel supposed to be the Governor's, foreman of the Jury, and sent for his Instructions from the Lords Proprietors and told Patrick Davidson, Tucker's Attorney, in Court that he should not see his Instructions farther, and his Instructions mentioned that he should take care of the tenths of salt raked at Turks Islands, and that part was not writ with the same inck, and looks as if interlined. After the Jury was impanelled, the Judge asked the Jury if they were agreed upon their verdict. Mr. Tucker answered that they had not been out. After the Jury went out, the Judge, Mr. John Doggit said, Let the Jury bring in what verdict they will, he would condemn the sloop, and accordingly he did condemn her, July 7, 1701.
(4) Deposition of John Shiriess. About June 30, 1701, he was at the house of Col. Read Elding at night in Providence Town, at which time was Governor Haskett examining John Caverlee (see Cal. A. and W. I., 1701). He heard Hascutt say that if John Cauverley would not declare such matters as he asked of him about the Seaflower, he would immediately either shoot him or hang him on Col. Elding's gate, and thereupon a rope was immediately brought, and much threatenings. Cauverley begged his life, and he would say somewhat of those matters was proposed to him against the Seaflower, himself and company, all which was by compulsion and through fear. Presently Governor Hascutt committed him and two more of the sloop's company to prison in the fort, and ordered that no soul whatsoever should come near them, neither gave he any mittimus for his so doing. Deponent was then Commander of the Guard in the Fort where they were committed, and was held prisoners several days. Signed, John Shiriess.
(5) Deposition of John Coverley, mariner, Oct. 28, 1701. Sworn before Governor Bennett. Describes the seizure of the Seaflower by Capt. Warren, her trial, and his intimidation by Gov. Hasket at Bermuda. Signed, John Coverly. [See Cal. A. and W.I., 1701.]
(6) Deposition of William Tucker, jr., as to the same. Signed, Wm. Tucker, jr. [See Cal. A. and W.I., 1701.]
(7) Deposition of George Tucker of the Seaflower, attesting the truth of the preceding. Signed, George Tucker.
(8) Deposition of Matthew Whitter, mariner, of the Seaflower, attesting to the truth of preceding, and the Governor's intimidation of himself as witness. Signed, Matthew Whitter.
(9) Deposition of Thomas Walker, sometime Chief Judge of the Admiralty for the Bahama Islands. Bermuda, Aug. 9, 1701. About Jan. 1701, some time after the sloop Elizabeth, Thomas Atwood, Master, from Bermuda, was seized in the Port of Providence by John Graves, Collector, for importing one piece of wool and cotton stuff from Bermuda, it appeared on oath before me in the Court of Admiralty then by me holden, that the then Deputy Governor, Read Elding, and John Graves had remaining in their custody sundry months before the said seizure, the new Act to prevent the exportation of wool out of England, etc., but the said Act was never before the said seizure made published in Providence. When Thomas Attwood petitioned for a hearing before me, I required Graves to produce the said Act in the Court of Admiralty, but he contemptuously refused. It was proved before me in the said Court that upon Attwood's praying Mr. Graves to prosecute his seizure in one Court or another, he vexatiously told him his vessel should lie in the Road and rot under his seizure. Signed, Thomas Walker. The whole endorsed, Recd. April 17, 1702. 20 pp.
25. vii. Minutes of Council of Bermuda, June 27, July 1, July 22, Aug. 4 and 11. Endorsed as preceding. 3½ pp. [C.O. 37, 3. Nos. 63, 63.i.–vii.; and (with enclosed letter only) 38, 5. pp. 201–207; and (duplicates of i., iii., iv., vi.) 37, 25. Nos. 68, 68.i., 69, 70, 71.]
Jan. 12.
Whitehall.
26. Earl of Manchester to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I desire you will please to direct an account to be sent me of what Ordnance Stores and Artillery have been demanded, the last year, for the defence of the Plantations, what quantities of them have been sent to the several places, and what further provisions of that sort are asked as necessary for their present occasions, that I may lay a distinct account thereof before the King as soon as conveniently may be, as I have received H.M. commands to do. Signed, Manchester. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 13th, 170½. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 3. No. 109; and 324, 8. pp. 28, 29.]
Jan. 12.
Whitehall.
27. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order of Council, Dec. 18, 1701, relating to the method of appealing from the Courts of Admiralty in the Plantations read. Directions given for preparing a circular letter to the Governors of Plantations accordingly.
Orders of Council, Dec. 21, 1701, repealing and confirming some Acts of Nevis, read. Notice ordered to be given to the Governor of the Leeward Islands.
Jan. 13. Letter to the Lords of the Treasury to mind them of the arrears due to this Office signed.
Letter from the Earl of Manchester, Jan. 12 [preceding]. Their Lordships thereupon resolved to proceed to-morrow on the Report already under consideration relating to the defence of the Plantations.
Memorial from Mr. Hutchinson, in answer to the petitions of Messrs. Mead and Shipman, laid before the Board and part thereof read. Mr. Mead attending on one side with Mr. Dodd, in reference to the said petitions, and Messrs. Hutchinson and Cary, with Sir Thomas Powis on the other, Mr. Dodd insisted that the proceedings in the case of the two Plantations in Nevis [see Cal A. and W. I., Dec., 1701] were irregular and unwarrantable, more particularly setting forth the loss Mr. Mead is like to suffer in his stocks and sugar canes, and prayed that he be restored to possession. Sir T. Powis answered that the insinuation in Shipman's petition as if Col. Codrington had favoured Herbert, who brought the writ of ejectment against Mead, and designed to have the Plantation for himself, is utterly false and malicious, and that there was no manner of proof offered for it. But on the contrary he offered the testimony of one Mr Cary, who having lived several years in that Island, and being lately come from thence, declared to the Board that he never heard any such report there. In answer to the suggestion in the petition, that this suit in Herbert's name was stirred up by Col. Codrington, he answered and shewed by several copies of the Records of the Island, that the suit was begun in 1686, that there was a judgment given in it in 1688; after which the war following, there was some stop in the proceedings, but that they were again renewed in 1695, and that this very declaration in ejectment, which is the occasion of the present complaint, was brought by Herbert before Col. Codrington's arrival there. As for Col. Codrington's sitting on the Bench (however unreasonable such a practice does seem) yet he shewed that it has been the practice of former Governors, Sir Wm. Stapleton, Mr. Russel, Sir Nathaniel Johnson, and others. As to the constituting a Guardian for the Minor, he shewed that according to the custom of that Island, it was a thing that ought not to have been demanded of the Court, but of the Governour himself, and argued that the refusal of it was no prejudice to Mr. Mead or Mr. Shipman, who are persons that understood the case, and might have offered whatever they thought fit in the Minor's behalf. As to Mr. Mead's appeal from the sentence in the Inferior Court to the Governor in Council, which Mr. Cole had writ was not heard Oct. 24 last, Sir Thomas produced copies of the Records of the Island, certified under the hand of the Secretary, proving that it was actually heard by the Governor Sept. 6 last, and the judgment of the Inferior Court affirmed; upon which Mr. Mead's Agents had again appealed from that judgment to H.M. in Council here, where the merits of the cause would in course come regularly on to be tried. Mr. Dodd desired their Lordships to consider that the turning Mr. Mead out of possession the very next day after sentence, notwithstanding his appeal, was a great hardship, and prayed that he be restored.
Jan. 14. Mr. Thurston was granted copies of the complaints recently transmitted from Newfoundland.
Mr. Brian Mortar laid before their Lordships a new Commission for this Board under the Great Seal, Jan. 8, wherein the name of Mr. Hill is left out, and the name of Mr. Cecil inserted.
Directions given for preparing a letter to the Earl of Manchester in answer to his of Jan. 12. [C.O. 391, 14. pp. 279–288; and 391, 96. Nos. 6–8.]
Jan. 13. 28. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order from the Lords Justices [Sept. 16, 1701] read that Thos. Symock [Simcocks ?] be admitted to his Appeal from a sentence of condemnation given against the Rebeccah of Galloway and her cargo in the Court of Admiralty in Barbados, and that authentick copies of all proceedings thereon be transmitted. Ordered accordingly. [See Acts of the Privy Council, Colonial Series, Vol. II, pp. 376, 377.]
237l. 11s. 11d. paid to Latimer Richards for work done and disbursements on St. James Fort.
18l. 18s. 1½ d. paid for work done at the Magazine.
Ordered that all masters of vessels arriving at this Island do forthwith attend the President and pay their duties to him, wherever he is, before they be admitted to enter, all former orders on the subject being rescinded. The President was desired to receive all letters for H.M. service and to open them, in order to summon a Council, if he see occasion.
Ordered that the Members of Council who are officers in the Militia, in case of alarms, repair to their several posts, and that those who are not, forthwith repair to the Council Chamber in James Fort to attend the President or his order. The President was desired and empowered to sign and seal all the Commissions and have the care and directing of the Militia as the Commander-in-Chief till further order.
Ordered that on alarms or other sudden occasions, the Council be summoned by the President with all speed to some convenient place, and that till they can be assembled, the President is empowered to issue such orders to the several Colonels and other officers as shall seem most safe to him for the good of the place.
All persons in the Commission of Peace ordered by Feb. 20 at farthest to attend the President and Council, or President alone, to take the oaths, and those who do not so attend shall have no privilege as Justice of the Peace.
Petition of Mary Lyte, wife of Edward Lyte, fisherman, read, praying that she might have some consideration for discovering the late negro plot. It's the opinion of the President and Council that she well deserves a reward of 20l. at least for her service, and they desire the concurrence of the Assembly herein.
Ordered that 500 barrils of powder be moved out of the Magazine and placed in the several Forts, and that the Commissioners of Fortifications prepare fit places for it therein.
There being six guns upon carriages belonging to the country at the Plantation where H.E. lived, ordered that they be removed thence, and placed in some convenient place, in order to set forth an alarm, one at Col. Leslie's Hill, one at Col. Ramsay's and one at Brigg's Hill; the other three to be placed at some convenient place to leeward as the President shall think fit. Ordered that no person presume to fire any guns bigger then musquetts or fuzees within the land, except in case of alarm, under the penalty provided by an Act.
Richd. Elliott received his Commission continuing him to be Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the precinct of Christ Church, and took the oaths appointed.
The Commission of James Colleton for the Court of Common Pleas for the precinct of St. Michael's signed, and the President was desired to administer the oaths to him, he being absent and the time for holding the Court nigh at hand.
Henry Applewaite and John Summers were sworn in the Commission of Peace. [C.O. 31, 6. pp. 115–121.]
Jan. 13. 29. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Richard Rycroft, Representative for the parish of Christ Church, being dead, Thomas Maxwell was elected in his stead and was received as a Member.
Bill for appointing watches in the respective towns was brought in and read.
Petition of Samuel Cox read and referred to a Committee to enquire into the allegations therein contained.
Petition of Nicholas Baker, merchant, read and referred to a Committee to enquire into the allegations therein contained.
Petition of Paul Carrington read and ordered to be considered at the next Session.
Petition of Michael Wyner, Henry Vangent, and John Henry Noiring for leave to bring in a Bill for their naturalisation, granted.
Jan. 14. Bill for appointing watches read a second time.
It was moved by a Member of the House that a vessel be fitted out for the service of this Island. Committee appointed to contract for one accordingly.
Resolved, that Mr. Speaker do move the President and Council, (1) that the meetings of the several Companies be every week for exercise for four times, commencing from next exercising day; (2) that the several Colonels be desired to take a review of the stores and arms; (3) that powder and shot may be forthwith ordered to the respective Colonels for the use of the poor people; (4) that a sufficient number of small arms be delivered out of the magazeen to the Colonels to be distributed among the poor people that want them by the Captains, in case of alarms, who are to be accountable for them; (5) that the great guns appointed in case of alarms may be put upon hills, as the Act directs.
Whereas complaint has been made by a Member of this House that the Records of this Island in the Secretary's office are not kept in such safe manner as is necessary, Resolved, that the Secretary be required to give good security for the safe-keeping the said Records, and that he provide a more secure and convenient place for the keeping the said Records.
Resolved that due enquiry and consideration be had in this House of the Secretary's requiring and demanding ninepence or twelvepence per head for every new negro shipt off this Island, before he will grant a ticket for more than one negro.
An Act to raise and provide a further strength of labourers to clear the trenches and repair the breast works and fortifications, read the first time.
Petition of Mary Lyte read, and the opinion of the President and Council was that the Petitioner well deserves a reward of 20l. sterl. for discovering a late conspiracy of the negroes against the Inhabitants. Ordered accordingly. [C.O. 31, 6. pp. 444–446.]
Jan. 14. 30. Mr. Hutcheson to Mr. Popple. Encloses copies of proceedings at Nevis and Antegoa. Summarises reply to complaints against Col. Codrington; (1) the Petitioners alledge a quiet possession in Mr. Mead and the Harveys for many years past, and mention the title of Mr. Herbert as if he had never stirred in it till encouraged after Col. Codrington's arrival in the manner scandalously suggested by Mr. Shipman without offering the least proof to colour so great an imputation. It appears by the proceedings that Herbert has been suing for the Plantation since 1686, and (2) that defendants have constantly avoided coming to a fair trial of their title. The father of the Minor Harvey rather then run the hazard of a jury, chose to let judgement pass against himself, and the Minor escaped a jury by an illegal admittance of his especial plea, and that too a very false plea, so that by trick and management, to say no worse, Herbert is neither allowed a fair trial nor the benefit of a judgment regularly obtained, but in the course of several years opprest by the interest of his potent adversaries. If this be not, there never can be a case, wherein a good Governor ought to interpose his authority and take effectual care that the course of Law and Justice be not stopt on frivolous pretences. (3) From the said proceedings it appears that Sir Nathaniel Johnson, a former Governor, did sit himself as Chief Judge of the Court of Nisi prius, and Mr. Martin, who appeared yesterday as a witness for Mr. Mead, did acknowledge that Sir William Stapleton had done the like, and Mr. Cary did attest that Sir Charles Wheeler and Governour Russell had likewise done so, and there is no fact relating to that part of the world more notoriously known then that the Chief Governours have at their pleasure appointed Judges, or sat themselves as Judges, of this Court, although there was an Appeal from that Court to them in Council; that how improper soever, the usage has been so, and I presume it cannot be pretended that Col. Codrington's sitting in this Court when he had appointed another Judge was more prejudicial to Mr. Mead than if he himself had sat as Judge, which according to the practice of his predecessors it is not denied he might have done. (4) As to the Court's refusing to appoint a guardian to the Minor Harvey, it is a groundless complaint, there not being one single instance where ever any Court in the Leeward Islands appointed a guardian for a particular purpose. Guardians have never been appointed save by the Governor. (5) As to the refusing an appeal in the Minor's name, there is no instance of any writ of error allowed in England in the like case, and no instance where an appeal was allowed in the Leeward Islands in a judgment granted against the Casual Ejector, except the appeal now allowed to Mr. Mead. (6) As to the granting a writ of possession the next day after judgment, there is no proof produced with regard to what is alleged against Col. Codrington's conduct. (7) As to Col. Codrington's conduct in Court, I presume the opinions of Mariner Moulton and Solicitor Cole will be esteemed no evidence, and as to the expressions which they particularly swear to, they are such as well became a good Governour to use, who was not willing to suffer a poor man to be any longer oppress'd by the unreasonable delays of a wealthy and potent adversary. (8) As to the designed delays complained of against Col. Codrington in hearing Mr. Mead's appeal, I offer as satisfactory answer the copy of proceedings attested under the hand of the Secretary of Antigua, by which it appears that no delay was given by Col. Codrington and that the appeal was actually heard Sept. 6. As to Mr. Freeman's complaint (1) as to one moiety of the Plantation there is no foundation for it, his Agent not pretending to have been in possession thereof or turned out therefrom. (2) As to the other moiety, Mr. Freeman has produced no proof on oath of what he alledges of the proceedings of the Justices or the conduct of Col. Codrington on the application of his Agents. (3) Even allowing Mr. Pogson's letters to be evidence, yet it nowise appears that Col. Codrington had taken possession as is alledged, but the contrary, for Mr. Pogson, in all his letters, says that he was still in possession.
As to Col. Norton's petition I need say little, being now dropt by those who preferr'd it; and 'tis pritty evident that it was never intended to serve any other end but that of a seasonable clamour, as perhaps it was thought, against Col. Codrington. Signed, Arch. Hutcheson. 4 closely written pp. Enclosed,
30. i. Minute of Council of Antegoa. St. John's. Sept. 6, 1701. Upon hearing the errors assigned by Mr. Mead against the judgment of an Inferior Court in the cause between him and Thomas Herbert, the judgment was affirmed. Mr. Jeffery Keck, Attorney for the Terr-tenant prayed an Appeal, which was granted. Copy. 3 pp. [C.O. 152, 4. Nos. 79, 79.i.; and (without enclosure) 153, 7. pp. 367–377.]
[Jan. 14.] 31. William Penn to William Popple. Esteemed Friend, I am informed by the Attorney General of the Laws lying before him that concern our Province, and that two or three queries came with them, wch. I have also perused. I beg that the Lords Commissioners may know, first, that the Laws sent were the same that the Solicitor General had reported in favour of before my goeing for America, and next, that these sent are re-enacted with an addition of 30 or 40 Laws more past at Philadelphia just before my embarkment, which in my opinion will render this present inquiry not so necessary, to be sure the hast of it, which I thought became me to intimate to thee, and had myself to the Lords, if a sore leg had suffered me to have waited on them. I am with due regards, thy assured and affecate. friend. Signed Wm. Penn. P.S.—I would be glad to know if the Lords [? will suspendEd.] their inquiry till the Laws come, which were to follow with the first. Endorsed, Recd. 14, Read Jan. 15, 170½. Holograph. 3 small pp. [C.O. 5, 1261. No. 41; and 5, 1289. pp. 330, 331.]
Jan. 15.
Whitehall.
32. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Manchester. We send an account of stores and provisions of war sent to the Plantations since Dec. 12, 1700, etc (see Jan. 12). The demands herein made we conceive to have been made only in view of a present defence against a surprize. But in case of war, we are of opinion that a greater quantity of stores and materials will be wanting in every one of H.M. Plantations, and that in the chief and most considerable of them it will be necessary that there be magazines of stores, as well for the defence of each respective place and of their neighbouring Colonies, as for annoying the enemy, who will be very watchful and active to take advantage against any of H.M. Plantations, which in this conjuncture are of so great importance to the welfare of England. Signed, Stamford, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. Annexed,
32. i. List of Stores, etc, demanded as necessary for the present defence of the Plantations. (1) Newfoundland: Materials are wanting for building the Forts there, whereof Col. Richards has sent an account to the Office of Ordnance.
(2) Massachusetts Bay: desire in general that H.M. would be pleased to send them cannon, small arms and other stores of war for H.M. fortifications, and some ships of greater force for the preservation of their coast. Mr. Romer, the Engineer there, asks in a more particular manner for the new fortification on Castle Island, 150 men, with a good Commander and other subordinate Officers, 50 cannon of 24 to 18lb. ball, 2 mortars, granadoes and bullets in proportion, 4,000 hand granadoes with their fuzees, 600 firelocks, 400 heads for half pikes, two Master Gunners and one Bombardeer.
New York: We have no new demand from thence, since the stores mentioned in the enclosed list were sent.
Bermuda: Stores have been sent thither according to the enclosed list as demanded by the Governor.
Bahama Islands: The Governor has desired 30 men for the defence of the Fort, which we conceive the Proprietors ought to take care of.
Jamaica: The stores mentioned in the enclosed list were sent with Brigadier Selwyn.
Leeward Islands: Antegoa desires 12 guns for a small fort, 20 long sakers, 5 or 6 guns for a small platform. Nevis have lately sent hither 600 matchlocks, which have been changed for the same number of firelocks. They further desire 4 long sakers, six guns 12 pounders, six 18 pounders, a sufficient quantity of shot fit for them, 500 saker shot, for the guns already there, 20 barrels of cannon powder. They represent in general that the battlements and platforms want repairing, and that the carriages are greatly out of order.
Barbados: Upon the Governor's coming to town, who we hear is arrived on the coast, we shall be able to see what they want, as we have by letter demanded of him. [C.O. 324, 8. pp. 29–34.]
Jan. 15.
Whitehall.
33. Mr. Secretary Vernon to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The King has been pleased to appoint Mitford Crowe to be Governor of the Barbados, which I acquaint you with by H.M. command, that you may give the necessary directions for preparing his Commission and Instructions accordingly. Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 16, 170½. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 6. No. 29; and 29, 7. p. 453.]
Jan. 15.
Whitehall.
34. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter to the Earl of Manchester signed.
Letter from Col. Quary, Philadelphia, Oct. last, desiring that any resolutions relating to the affairs of Pennsylvania may be suspended till his arrival here, read. Their Lordships resolved accordingly to wait some while.
Letter from Mr. Penn to the Secretary of this Board to acquaint their Lordships that the Acts of Pennsylvania passed at Newcastle, which are now in the Attorney General's hands, have been re-enacted at Philadelphia with an addition of 30 or 40 new ones; and that they are in that manner to be speedily sent over hither; whereupon, he also offering that the consideration of those already here may be suspended till the arrival of these last, their Lordships agreed that he be acquainted that they will suspend their resolutions for some reasonable time, and ordered withal that he be directed to give effectual orders, if not already done, that the said last Acts be transmitted hither without delay.
Letter from Gov. Blakiston, Aug. 2, read, and the account of arms, etc., therein referred to, laid before the Board.
Mr. Merit waiting upon the Board in reference to the affairs of Newfoundland, their Lordships communicated to him the agreement made there by Capt. Richards with certain masters of ships for transporting thither materials for the works, etc. Whereupon he declared that he had himself two ships designed thither, in wh. he offered to transport about 150 tons. Letter to the Board of Ordnance ordered to be prepared that they may treat with him, and their Lordships thought not fit to write to other merchants as had been ordered Jan. 6.
Letter from Lt.-Gov. Nanfan Oct. 20 read, and the papers therewith transmitted laid before the Board.
The Secretary wrote to the Dep. Governor of the Hudson's Bay Co. to press for an answer to a former letter of Jan. 12.
Their Lordships made some progress with the draught of a Representation upon the State of Defence of the Plantations.