|
May 21.
Whitehall. |
718. Council of Trade and Plantations to William Penn.
H.M. having been pleased to direct us to renew the orders which
have been formerly given to severall Governours and Proprietors
of Plantations relating to the assistance to be by them contributed
towards the charge of maintaining and erecting Forts necessary
for the security and defence of the Province of New York, in
the repartition whereof the sum required to be furnished by
H.M. Province of Pennsylvania was 350l. sterl.; we doe hereby
remind you of his late Majestie's letter of Jan. 19, 170/01, upon
that subject. And whereas there has not hitherto been any
complyance made in Pennsylvania with the directions there
given, we do further signify to you H.M. pleasure that you give
strict charge to your Deputy Governour in that Province, that
[he] use his utmost endeavours with the Councill and Assembly
there, to induce them to an effectual complyance with the said
directions, and that you cause an account of his proceedings
and success to be transmitted to us with all speed. Signed,
Rob. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen,
Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 1290. pp. 316, 317.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
719. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Governor and
Company of Connecticot. H.M. having been pleased to direct
us to renew the Orders which have been formerly given to several
Governours and Proprietors of Plantations relating to the
assistance to be by them contributed towards the charge of
maintaining and erecting Forts necessary for the security and
defence of the Province of New Yorke, in the repartition whereof
the same required to be furnished by H.M. Colony of Connecticut
was 450l. sterling; we doe hereby remind you of his late Majestie's
letter of Jan. 19, 170/01;, upon that subject. And whereas
there has not hitherto been any complyance made in Connecticut
with the directions then given, we doe farther signify to you that
H.M. expects your effectuall complyance therewith as a matter
highly important to your own safety as well as to the security
of H.M. other Plantations in those parts; and that you therefore
transmit to us an account of your proceedings therein by the
first opportunity. Signed, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm.
Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 1290.
pp. 318, 319.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
720. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord
Cornbury. H.M. having been pleased to direct us to renew
the orders which have been formerly given to several Governours
and Proprietors of Plantations relating to the assistance to be
by them contributed towards the charge of maintaining and
erecting Forts necessary for the security and defence of the
Province of New York, in the repartition whereof the sum required
to be furnished by the Provinces of East and West New Jersey
was for each of them 250l. sterling: and the same Provinces
being now united, and by H.M. Commission put under your
Government; but no advance having been hitherto made there
towards a compliance with the directions which were given by
his late Majesty to the Earl of Bellomont, Jan. 19, 170/01 we
do here inclose a copy of H.M. said letter, and further signify
to your Lordships H.M. pleasure that you use your utmost
endeavours with the Council and Assembly of New Jersey to
induce them to an effectual compliance with the foresaid
directions, in raising and remitting to New York the summe of
500l. sterling as formerly required towards the charge necessary
for the security of that Province; and your Lordship is thereupon
to give us an account of your proceedings and success in this
service. Signed, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt,
Jno. Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 994.A. pp. 132, 133.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
721. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Nicholson.
H.M. having been pleased to direct us to renew the orders which
have been formerly given to several Governours and Proprietors
of Plantations relating to the assistance to be by them contributed
towards the charge of maintaining and erecting Forts necessary
for the security and defence of the Province of New York, in
the repartition whereof the summe required to be furnished by
H.M. Colony and Dominion of Virginia was 900l. sterling; It is
requisite that we remind you of his late Majestie's letter of
Jan. 19, 170/01, and of H.M. letter of June —, 1702, upon that
subject. And whereas we have not hitherto been informed of
any complyance made in Virginia with the directions then given,
nor have received from you any account of the disposition of the
Assembly upon H.M. said gracious letter, we doe hereby signify
and repeat to you H.M. pleasure that you continue to use your
utmost endeavours with the Assembly, to induce them to an
effectual complyance with the directions formerly sent you in
that behalf; which H.M. does accordingly expect from you
and them, and that you transmit to us an account of your
proceedings and success in this service, by the first opportunity.
Signed, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John
Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 1360. pp. 368, 369.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
722. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Seymour.
H.M. having been pleased to direct us to renew the orders which
have been formerly given to several Governours and Proprietors
of Plantations, relating to the assistance to be by them contributed
towards the charge of maintaining and erecting Forts necessary
for the security and defence of the Province of New Yorke, in
the repartition whereof the summe required to be furnished by
H.M. Province of Maryland was 650l. sterling, we herewith send
you a copy of his late Majesty's letter of January 19, 170/01, to
Colonel Blakiston upon that subject. And whereas we have
not been informed of a due complyance made in Maryland with
the directions then given, we do hereby signify and repeat to
you her Majesties pleasure, that upon your arrival in that Province
you use your utmost endeavours with the Councill and Assembly
to induce them to an effectuall complyance therewith, and that
you transmit to us an account of your proceedings and success
in that service. Signed, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm.
Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 260, 261.] |
May 21.
Antigua. |
723. Mr. Larkin to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Upon a letter from the Secretary of Barbadoes intimating that
I was appointed Secretary of this and the rest of the Leeward
Islands, the Governour of Bermuda set me at liberty without
giving any manner of security or laying me under any obligation.
I arrived here on the 13th, where I found General Codrington
in a very miserable condition, having lost his eyesight, and use
of his limbs, the former begins to return to him again, and as
soon as he's in a condition, he intends to give your Lordships
an account of his expedition at Guadaloupa. Since my coming
here I have look't into the Secretary's Office, and pardon me
for telling your Lordships that it may be more properly called
a chaos of confusion than an office, for one may almost as soon.
find a needle in a bottle of hay as a Record of eight or ten years
standing. Twelve months time will not sett it to rights. It
hath heretofore indeed been a fine employment, but the fees
are reduced, and tho' the Act's expired, the same fees are continued
by Order of Council, and one hath run away with [an] arm,
another with a leg, that there's so many branches lopt from it,
that the person who now officiates hath been with me to surrender
it, as not thinking it worth his time. I can never sufficiently
acknowledge the obligations I am under to your Lordships for
having me in your thoughts during my absence, however I shall
always be thankfull and ready to court every occasion to show
my zeal for your Lordships' service. My patent is not yet come,
and I wait here for a passage with Admiral Graydon to Jamaica,
whom we have an account is arrived at Barbadoes. Signed,
Geo. Larkin. Endorsed, Recd. Read July 19, 1703. 1 p.
Annexed, |
|
723. i. Abstract of preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 5. Nos. 29,
29.i.; and (without abstract) 153, 8. pp. 201, 202.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
724. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Nottingham. Having received a letter from Mr. Penn relating
to the surrender of his Government of Pennsylvania, to which
we have returned an answer, and received his reply thereunto,
which we conceive to be such as that we cannot make any further
progress in that affair without H.M. directions, we send your
Lordship the copies of all the said letters here inclosed for H.M.
pleasure accordingly. Signed, Rob. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm.
Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1233.
No. 48; and 5, 1290. p. 320.] |
| May 21. |
725. Katherine, Countess of Bellomont, to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Petition referred to May 24. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 21, 1703. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 56;
and 5, 1119. pp. 483–485.] |
| May 21. |
726. Journal of House of Representatives of New York. Bill
for the better establishment of the maintenance for the Minister
of New York read a third time, and sent up. |
|
Bill declaring the illegality of the proceedings against
Col. Bayard etc. was read a third time and sent up without
amendments. |
| May 22. |
The House went into Committee to consider the estimates for
building two batteries, and upon report thereof, the House resolved
that H.E. be assisted in the erecting of them; that 1,500l. be
raised to be applied towards the erecting them, and for no other
use whatsoever; that H.E. be humbly addressed setting forth
the present state of this Colony, the poverty and incapacity of
the people to raise money for perfecting those fortifications, and
to pray H.E. to interceed with H.M. for her gracious support
at this juncture, and the assistance of the neighbouring Colonies,
who will reap the benefit of the security intended by those
batteries. [C.O. 5, 1185. pp. 55–57.] |
May 22.
Whitehall. |
727. Earl of Nottingham to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I send you herewith some papers which I received
from Collonel Nicholson, relating to the proceedings in Virginia.
I likewise send you the extracts of some letters I received from
Jamaica, as likewise an account of the proceedings of the Assembly
at Jamaica, containing the reasons of the Act for removing to
Kingstone in that Island, and this I do because in your
Representation of Aprill 27, you mention that you had not
received a sufficient account of the motives obliging the Assembly
to this change. I desire you will return to me the Proceedings
of the Assembly when you have done with it. Signed,
Nottingham. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 24, 1703. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
727. i. Extract of Letter from Col. Handasyd, St. Jago.
Feb. 2, 1702/3. ½ p. |
|
727. ii. Extract of Letter from Capt. Lilly, Jamaica, Jan. 30,
1702/3. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 5. Nos. 104, 104.i., ii.; and
138, 10. p. 470. |
May 22.
Whitehall. |
728. William Popple to William Penn. In answer to your
letter of the 18th instant, I am ordered by the Council of Trade
and Plantations to acquaint you, that not finding themselves
thereby enabled to make any further progress in the proposal
you made them relating to your surrendring the Government
of Pennsylvania to the Crown; they have sent a copy of that
letter and of your former of the 11th together with mine to you
of the 12th instant, to the Earl of Nottingham, for H.M. pleasure.
[C.O. 5, 1290. p. 321.] |
May 23.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
729. Lt.-Gov. Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I send your Lordships herewith the Minutes of
the Council by wch. your Lordships may see the difficulties that
they and I have lain under with this present Assembly. I hope
by the next to be able to send you the Minutes of their House,
but as yet cannot obtain them, by which you'll plainly perceive
how the Island is like to be managed if left to their humours,
altho' now they seem to be better humoured, and I hope time and
their own reason will convince them of their mistakes, to wch.
I shall contribute all that lies in my power. I haveing requested
nothing of them (which your Lordships will see by my first and
second Speech) but what is for the honour of H.M. Crown and
dignity and their own preservation. The chief thing they demurr
at is the quartering of the officers and soldiers that are left of the
two regiments, and without quarters it is impossible for them
to subsist, for lodgeing alone to anything below a Captain is more
then H.M. subsistence, none being to be had under 20s. per week
besides meat, drink and clothes, all which are extravagantly
dear in these parts. The Island is at present in a very healthy
condition, but we have frequent earthquakes, wch. are a great
terrour to us. As to our strength in white men, it consists of
about 3,500, the two Regiments exclusive, who are harrassed
very much with continuall duty upon Land, besides a third part
of them allways at sea on board H.M. Fleet, who are but thinly
mann'd. I am in great hopes of a happy conclusion of this
Assembly. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 16th,
Read Sept. 9, 1703. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
729. i. Abstract of preceding. 1 p. |
|
729. ii. Memorandum of Minutes of Council of Jamaica, April 13—May 15, 1703. ¼ p. [C.O. 137, 5. Nos. 106, 106.i., ii.;
and 138, 11. pp. 3, 4; and (abstract only) 137, 41. pp.
9, 10.] |
| [May 24.] |
730. Joseph Smith to John Usher. Hampton, Sept. 22,
1701. The news of your going to England puts our little men
of power in great consternation. Nothing suits their book
but what is cookt at Boston. The honist people rejoice that
your Honour will undertake that affair, for never was a Gentleman
so basely abused as Col. Allen by a company of insiped annimals
not worthy to be his servants etc. As for the old Revolution
pillars among us, they begin to shake and tremble at the news
of Col. Dudley's coming Governor, and some of our little justices
(I hear) with eyes lifted up cry Poor New England hath seen
its best days; now, Popery will be brought into this land of
uprightness, and yet we shall find these Shimeis with a doeg's
heart will be the first that congratulate his happy arrival. Pray
God send him safe to us and the sooner the better, for the poore
people groan under the burden of taxes, there having been twice
the money raised in three years of Governor Partridg, all though
it hath been peace, then was in six years of Governour Allen and
your Honour in a time of war, and fourty men kept in pay and
the Kourt new built, thay haveing gott such a number of men
for their turn, wch. they call an Assembly, which the greatest
part of them have been kept in ever since my Lord coming, and
Mr. Speaker is Treasurer, who hath a twentieth part of all the
money that he rayseth; and if they find any member not for
their turn, they purge ye house of him and sends another, which
is chose by a small number, the rest never having notice. One
in our town was chose with but six votes, where the number of
freeholders is neer 200, and have now lately passed an Act for
raysing 550l. etc., but we hear nothing of repairing the port or
making good stores, which there is need of doing, if reports be
true etc. Signed, Joseph Smith. Endorsed, Recd. from
Mr. Usher. Recd. Read May 24, 1703. Holograph. 2 pp.
[C.O. 5, 863. No. 37.] |
May 24.
Whitehall. |
731. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Nottingham. Having received a Petition from the Countess of
Bellomont [May 21], setting forth that it is not possible the
accounts of the late Earle of Bellomont whilst he was Governour
of New Yorke, can be adjusted and notice thereof arrive at New
Yorke before the time directed by H.M. for suspending all
prosecution against the security she had given for her appearance
there (which was for six months from April 6 last) be expired,
and thereupon praying for a longer respit of all prosecution
against her said security; we acquaint your Lordship that the
ships, by which the papers relating to the said accounts were
transmitted to the Lord Cornbury, having staid some months
longer than was expected, and being but lately sailed for those
parts, we are sensible that the said accounts (upon which we
do expect a report from the Lord Cornbury) cannot well be
adjusted in the time already allow'd, for stopping the foresaid
prosecutions, and thereupon do pray your Lordship to move
H.M. that her pleasure may be signifyed to the Lord Cornbury
for prolonging the said term for six months longer after the
expiration of the six months already granted. Signed, Robt.
Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen.
[C.O. 5, 1119. pp. 485, 486.] |
May 24.
Whitehall. |
732. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter
from the Earl of Nottingham read, enclosing duplicates from
Virginia, and some letters and Minutes of Assembly from
Jamaica; which Minutes being not included in those transmitted
to this Office, ordered that a copy be taken thereof. |
|
Letter from Lt.-Gov. Handasyd, March 30, read, and papers
enclosed laid before the Board. |
|
Letter from Governor Nicholson, March 13, read, and papers
enclosed laid before the Board. The Three Addresses enclosed
were sent to Lord Nottingham, and the proceedings relating to
Capt. Moody ordered to be sent to Mr. Burchet. |
|
Letter to Lord Nottingham signed. |
|
Mr. Usher laid before the Board a letter from Mr. Joseph
Smith, New Hampshire, Sept. 22. |
| May 25. |
Ordered that the Minutes of Assembly of Jamaica referred to
above be returned to Mr. War. |
|
Mr. Thrale acquainted the Board that he has now brought
hither a box containing one suit of the clothing sent to New
York by Mr. Champante, which the Lord Cornbury has returned
as a pattern of the rest. Ordered that Mr. Champante have
notice to be here on Thursday next, that the said box may be
opened and the cloths viewed in his presence. |
|
Orders of Council, May 8 and May 17, relating to Acts of the
Leeward Islands laid before the Board. |
|
Draught of a letter to Col. Codrington agreed upon. |
|
Letter from Capt. Bennet, Dec. 24, with enclosures, laid before
the Board. |
|
Letter from H.M. to Capt. Bennet sent yesterday to
Mr. Burchet for conveyance was now received back from him,
with intimation that there will be no opportunity of sending
it thither by any vessel of H.M. in considerable time; whereupon
directions were given for preparing a letter from the Board
to Capt. Bennet, wherein to inclose it, as likewise another to
Mr. Larkin, and further a letter to the Governour of Barbadoes,
wherein to inclose them both. [C.O. 391, 16. pp. 124–134;
and 391, 97. pp. 395–403.] |
| May 24. |
733. Journal of House of Representatives of New York.
Message sent down from H.E. and Council desiring the concurrence of the House with that Board in forming and signing
an Address to her most sacred Majesty congratulating the late
glorious successe of H.M. arms both by sea and land, to which
the House agreed. |
|
The House resolved into a Committee to consider the report
of the Commissioners of Accounts. |
| May 25. |
Committee appointed to inspect the fees taken by the respective
Officers of this Government, reported that they had agreed to
a catalogue of what fees they judge reasonable to be taken by
the several offices and officers in the Government, and that no
more be taken for any service therein mentioned than what
is there allowed upon the penalty of 10l., but in case any other
service shall happen to arise or necessary to be done in any Court
or Courts within this Colony omitted to be recited in the said
catalogue, all fees so arising shall be taxed by the discretion
of the Judges and Justices in each respective Court in proportion
with the establisht fees, provided the said supplement stand
in force for two years and no longer. This was read, and recommitted to the same Committee. |
|
An Address to H.E., ordered May 22, was read and ordered
to be engrossed. |
| May 26. |
The House agreed to the report of the Committee on Officers'
fees and ordered a bill to be prepared accordingly. |
|
Joint-Committees appointed to draw up Addresses to H.M.
congratulating the successes of her arms and setting forth the
hardships of this poor Province etc. |
|
The House went into Committee to consider of ways and
means to raise 1,500l., and, upon report, it was resolved that it
be raised by a poll-tax and other ways: vizt., Every person
having the honour to be of H.M. Council 40s., every Representative
20s., every practitioner in the law 20s., every person that wears
a peruwigg 5s. 6d., every batchelor above the age of 25 2s. 3d.,
every other freeman from 16 years to 60 9d., the master or mistress
of every slave, for each slave from 16 to 60, 12d., and every gallon
of spirits distilled in this Province from anything but grain to
pay 3d. until March 25. Ordered that a Bill be brought in
accordingly. |
|
Upon report of the Committee, the bill for setling the estate of
David Briggs was read (a third time), and ordered to be engrossed. |
|
A motion was carried that a bill be brought in to oblige those
persons to pay the arrears of taxes formerly imposed for building
a Fort at Onnondage, and that the same be applied toward the
building and repairing the Fort at Albany and fortifications on
the frontiers. [C.O. 5, 1185. pp. 57–63.] |
| May 25. |
734. Mr. Thurston to Mr. Popple. I pray you will acquaint
the Lords Commissioners for trade that the quantity of malt
necessary for 92 men (the number of the company at Newfoundland) for one year, is 84 quarters, which at 18s. a quarter, the
present price of that commodity) comes to 75l. 12s., that their
Lordships may be pleased to give directions to whom that money
is to be consigned, as also the subsistance and pay of the company,
amounting to 700l. and upwards, issued in advance to Christmas
next coming. I pray their Lordships may also know that the
Lord Treasurer has ordered 50l. for contingencies, and directed
that the medecines be payed for by a deduction of half a farthing
a day out of the pay of the soldiers, but has not thought fit
to admit of annual muster rolls (tho' no other rolls have hitherto
been taken, nor can possibly be but when the Commodore for
the year is upon the place, without danger of foul practice),
whereby the company which has never yet been cleared, will
be still further postponed, as to that matter unless their
Lordships will be pleased, in compassion to them, once more to
interpose on their behalf. The enclosed is a particular of
cloathing etc. which is now by order to be sent them; and that
the same may pass custome free, I beg a line from you to
Mr. Lownds, as has been yearly done, as likewise to the Admiralty
for directions to the Captain of the Centurion, or other man-of-war
appointed for Newfoundland, to receive the money into his care.
Signed, J. Thurston. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 27, 1703.
2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
734. i. List of the cloathing and arms provided for the
Company at Newfoundland. [C.O. 194, 2. Nos. 123,
123.i.; and 195, 3. pp. 229, 230.] |
May 25.
Whitehall. |
735. William Popple to Josiah Burchet. The Council of
Trade and Plantations having received from Governor Nicholson
a journal of the proceedings of H.M. Council and himself relating
to Capt. Moody, transmit the same to you for the information
of H.R.H. Council. [C.O. 5, 1360. p. 380.] |
May 25.
Barbados. |
736. Copy of H.M. Letters Patent constituting Alexander
Skene Secretary of Barbados. May 8, 1702. Countersigned,
Wright. Subscribed, Allowed and approved of, May 25, 1703.
Signed, Bevil Granville. [C.O. 319, 1. pp. 83–85.] |
March 5—
May 25, 1702/3. |
737. Copy of Commodore Walker's Journal relating to the
Expedition to Guardaloupe. "Boyne's Journal, Remarkable
Observations and Accidents." March 5. Yesterday evening
the Yarmouth and Cumberland anchored at Antigoa and brought
with ym. the ships I sent for from Nevis. And this morning
haul'd home foretopsail sheets, and sent my barge for the General.
There is a report that my Lord Peterborough is arrived in the
West Indies, but the story carries no probability with it.
March 6. Yesterday at 3 afternoon made the signall to weigh,
att 5 got under sail, this morning finding myself a pretty way
to Leeward of Guardaloupe, crowded sail, and at noon having
kept plying to windward was as per cont., but could not see
the Anglesey. March 7. Continue to ply off and on here in
expectation of the Anglesey, and the rest of the ships joyning us
with their land forces. March 8. Yesterday about 2 p.m.
standing close into a Bay to the N'ward of Basseterre, thought
of anchoring there, but found the water too deep: for we had no
pilates that were acquainted anywhere along the coast, therefore
tow'd off to sea again, but being so close in the enemy fired
several shot at me from three several places in the Bay, where
they had guns; they wounded a boy and killed one man, but
I recd. no damage in the ships. Having made a general signal,
the Capts. of men-of-war and land forces came aboard, and then
I gave orders to Capt. Martin to sail in search of the Anglesey etc.,
it being concluded by the General and the rest of the Land Officers
not to attempt anything till all the Land forces were together.
This morning saw the Cumberland near us having been calm all
night. The General had news of the Maidstone by a sloop that
left him at Marygallant. March 9th. The Maidstone joined us,
and a Dutch privateer sloop came into sight of the Fleet, but
at first I thought her a French sloop because she endeavoured
to get away. I find a current setting strong to the N'ward.
March 10. Yesterday afternoon the Dutch privateer being
come into the fleet, he was sent into the shore with men and
boats to burn some houses and plantations. At 5 a clock I
anchored in Guavas Bay, the Anglesey, Cumberland and Burford
together with the rest of the briganteens and sloops plying to
windward with all the Creole Regiment commanded by Col. Byam
of Antegoa. All the ships with me anchored here, and several
houses and plantations having been burnt by the party sent
ashoar at 9 they came aboard. This morning more soldiers
were sent ashoar, who burnt several houses and plantations
along the sea-side, but blowing hard, the James and Sarah drove,
and having overlayd it, cut my stream cable, wch. forced me to
sea. And a strong northern current running, I was obliged
to anchor again to prevent my driving in amongst the ships
at anchor in the Bay. At 10 I made the signal to weigh, and
at noon got to sail. The General, notwithstanding his being
importuned by all the Land Officers as well as myself, would
not consent (tho' all the forces were now together) that a Council
of War should be held to consider of the method and manner
how the descent should be made: but deferred it till we should
anchor further to the Southward. March 11. Capt. Fairborne
in the Maidstone yesterday in the evening came into this Bay
to try what anchoring there was, and anchored off the Southward
house, from whence the enemy fired small shot at him and
wounded several of his men. This morning he fired upon the
enemy, and they quitted the watch-house. Between 9 and 10
I anchored, and the enemy supposing we designed to land there
had drawn down some soldiers, who lay behind certain breastworks, but I fired several guns to the shoar, and soon after they
dispersed and left the place, retiring farther into the country.
The Creoles that were ashoar, as we sailed from Guavas Bay
hither, marched along the sea-side burning all the houses and
settlements in their way. At noon I made a signal for a General
Consultation. March 12. Yesterday afternoon I brought a
spring to my cable, and heaving my broadside to the shoar,
fired upon the enemy and forced them to quit all their breastworks near the waterside. All the matter being settled by the
General and Land Officers yesterday afternoon, how the descent
should be made, I gave orders to Capt. Barker in the Chichester
and Capt. Denn in the Sunderland to weigh, and with their guns
ply the enemy's batteries ashoar in the Bay, where a little village
stood called the Bailiffe; at the same time while the soldiers were
landing, I gave Capt. Fairborne the command of the boats upon
that service, and ordered Capt. Meads to assist him; the Creoles
were to be put ashoar first, and then all the boats to return to
the Yarmouth, where it was that all the Queen's soldiers appointed
for the first attack should rendezvous, but the time for these
orders being issued out was so short, that whereas it was designed
that Col. Byam with the Creole Regiment and Major Johnson
with the Granadeers of Col. Whetham's Regiment should be
ashoar by 2 a.m. and the first detachment of the Queen's forces
at 5, yet it was daylight before the Creoles were landed, who
received little or no opposition. After wch. the boats all went
for the Queen's soldiers, but before the number allotted (which
was 1,200 men) were got together, the General went to the
Yarmouth and hastened their landing, not being above 500. The
place where they went was naturally strong and very well
intrenched, and they had some guns upon a point which raked
the Bay; however, by good fortune not a shot hit any of the
boats, and our men forced their landing against a hot opposition,
there continuing upon them a very warm fire for about an hour.
After they were ashoar, they soon beat the enemy from their
trenches. The attack was commanded by Col. Whetham, and
Lt.-Col. Wills, General Codrington being with them. Several
officers and men were killed and wounded. Lt.-Col. Bristow
and Col. Cary afterwards went ashoar with the rest of the army,
and Major Morgan being wounded was brought aboard my ship.
The Chichester according to my order plyed the batterys ashoar,
but the Sunderland in getting up her anchor lost it and drove to
sea; however, the Maidstone fired upon the enemy's batterys
ashoar, March 13. Yesterday about 3 p.m. the Chichester
anchored in the Bay of the point called the Bayliff, and the French
being beat from their batterys, they were possest by our forces
ashoar, and they lodged themselves upon a rising hill where were
some guns of the enemy's, which they found spiked up. I gave
orders (quoted) this morning for victualling the army ashoar, and
ordered Col. Moses, who commanded the Marine Regiment, to
send off the seamen upon signals given, in case of any of the
enemy's ships of war appearing, etc. Our forces possest themselves of the Town of Basseterre and the French retired to their
Castle and Fort wch. commanded the upper part of the town,
and fire their great guns upon it. I sent my boat ashoar and
burnt some houses. March 15. I received a letter (quoted)
from General Codrington requesting me to send guns ashoar
to breach the Fort, and four days' provisions "because I intend to
march with 1,500 men to take the Dos d'Asne, in wch. if we succeed
our business is finished. Twill likewise be necessary for the
service that you renew your orders that none of the seamen go
ashoar and stragle for plunder, for the landmen grumble extreamly
at it, and it may be of very ill consequence. I likewise desire
you will order the Anglesey and Chichester to fall down to this
Bay (Basseterre) and come to an anchor just at the point where
they will ride safely," etc. I immediately gave orders accordingly.
March 16. The great inconveniency by the ships not sending
provisions ashoar to the army regularly, and the many complaints
of the soldiers that their oatmeal and peas were cold before they
come ashoar, and that they had no conveniency to boil it themselves, put me upon proposing to the General to send a purser
ashoar with a week's provisions and kettles. March 17.
General Codrington replied "I think the best method imaginable
is what you propose. . . . there will be here no danger of a Purser,
for I defy him to cheat our soldiers even of the biscuit crums. .
As to the Maidstone, since Mr. Fairborne is so uneasy, I consent
to the change as soon as you please, and if he be angry I suppose he'I
let me know it, when my Lord Peterborough arrives I shall
be only a volunteer, but we all congratulate Mr. Wavell for his
honble. achievements." I proposed a ship should cruize to windward,
to prevent succour from Martinico, but received no reply. They continued working upon the Battery. March 21. Yesterday evening the
General sent me word he hoped to be ready this morning to play
his guns upon the enemy's Fort. A sloop from Antigua brought
me orders from H.R.H. Prince George, Jan. 18, 1702/3: "Whereas
I have ordered H.M.S. Resolution and Blackwall to proceed and
joyne the squadron under your command at Barbadoes, or if
you shall be sailed from thence to the Leeward Islands, that then
the Resolution does without loss of time repair to you there with
the transport ships with soldiers, naval and ordinance stores
and provisions, and leave the Blackwall at Barbadoes to attend
on that Island. … You are then to proceed with all the ships
under your command in such manner as shall be found most
for the advantage of H.M. service at a Council of War of the
Captains of the ships and the proper land officers. … You are
then to employ the squadron under your command from time
to time in such a manner as may the most tend to the effectual
performance of such service as shall be agreed on, and continue
so to do till about May 20, and when there shall be occasion,
to spare to the commanding Officer of the land forces such men,
guns and ammunition as he shall desire or at least so many as you
shall judge may be so spared. And if Fort Royal shall be taken,
you are to leave there such provisions and ammunition as the
Governor or Commanding Land Officer shall desire, for such men
as he shall leave there for defence. When all shall be done that
may be possible against the French Plantations by the time
before limited, you are then with all the ships under your command, and the transport ships with soldiers, stores etc., and
such number of soldiers as the Command in Chief of the Land
forces shall appoint, to repair without loss of time to Port Royal
in Jamaica, and there joyne Vice-Admiral Bembow and follow
his orders, carrying the French prisoners thither." |
|
March 22. I sent powder and shot ashoar for our Battery,
it being now finished, and this day began to play against the
Fort. We have had for the most part calm weather. I sent
some bags of cotton ashoar for securing our men from small
shot. I had a letter from the General in wch. he tells me that
my Lord Peterborough does not come to the West Indies, but
that he is to command in his stead, and that he shall want a
good deal of powder, but not much ball, for his battery.
March 23. I ordered it so that every ship should send as much
powder and shot of the nature of the guns ashoar as to reserve
only 30 rounds aboard, wch. I imagined would be sufficient to
make a good breach in the enemy's Fort. Our batterys continue
to play upon the French Fort, and they also fire upon our batterys,
where we have several men wounded and killed. March 24.
Col. Moses came aboard and told me that our Battery had already
made a considerable breach in the enemy's fort and Castle.
I told him that I had ordered as much powder and shot as might
be sufficient to batter the Fort and make the breach large enough
to storm, and that if wt. I had already ordered would not do,
I could not tell how with safety to the ships they could be
further supplied, and desired him to take all the care possible
that none of the powder and shot should be imbezled or misapplied. General Codrington desired a ship might be sent to
cruise to Windward of the Island, and I therefore gave orders
to Capt. Wm. Prower, H.M.S. Yarmouth, to signal for the seamen
belonging to her now upon service ashoar, to come aboard, and
then to cruise between the Island of Mary Gallant and the Santos,
in order to intercept any correspondence or relief from Martinico
etc. March 25. I sent the copy of these orders to General
Codrington, and had no answer, only Capt. Prower told me this
morning General Codrington would not suffer his seamen to
come off, so he furled his sails again, and I concluded the General
had altered his opinion concerning any ship cruizing to Windward. In the evening, Major-General Hamilton came aboard
from the General and I had some discourse with him on that
point. March 26. This morning I ordered 100 culverin shot
ashoar from my ship for the use of the battery, and gave orders
that the Cumberland should send the proportion of powder etc.
I sent Lt. Holloway ashoar with a party who burnt two villages
and came off again. March 27. Lt. Nesbit brought word that a
skirmish yesterday was pretty hot and that we had several men
killed and wounded, the General being there with 1,500 men and
designing to try if the Dosd'asne could be taken, but the attempt
proved unsuccessful, the place being too strong, as well by the
trenches the enemy had made as the natural situation by deep
unpassable gullies and steep precipices. He said that there was
so considerable a breach made in the fort that the General had
thoughts of storming it. Two deserters from the French got
aboard the Chichester and said that 900 men were landed upon
Guardaloupe from Martinico, but the General gives little credit
to it; and supposes the sloops seen by the Maidstone were only
vessels carrying off goods and people from the Island. March 28.
Yesterday Lt.-Coll. Wills came from the General to discourse
with me. He proposed that I should send some more powder
and shot ashoar for the battery and small arms, and some more
great guns, and believed that it would be better if all the ships
were at anchor off the town. I answered that I had already
sent all the shot for whole culverine that could be spared, there
being no ships that had guns of that nature, only the Cumberland
and Boyne, which now had only 30 rounds reserved; but that
I should order more powder and shot for the battery of 12
pounders, and give directions that every ship should send what
shot they had of that nature with powder etc. proportionable,
reserving only 30 rounds. As to the ships riding off the town,
I was told that it was a very bad road, and the ships already
there wisht themselves with me again; besides wch. all our
best men being ashoar, we were not strong enough to get our
anchors up and trim sails, and so could only sail one by one.
Powder and ball for the small arms should be supplied. But as
to sending more arms ashoar I could not venture upon that without
the opinion of a Council of War. I expected the arrival of the
Resolution every day, and till that did not think it safe to venture
at disabling the ships, for which I was responsible. If the General
pleased, a Council of War should be held aboard the Yarmouth.
Capt. Keck, who commanded the Marine Granadeers ashoar,
came afterwards and told me that affairs ashoar did not answer
expectation, for as to taking the Dos d'ane it was impracticable,
and that all the people of the Island were retired thither, which
left them without hopes of taking any prisoners, but that the
Fort was designed to be stormed, the breach being judged large
enough. There were men certainly come from Martinico, tho'
the General would not allow any to speak of it. The General
desired I would send a boat to bring off four of the enemy's guns
from the Bay called Bayliff, that they might be got ashoar at
the Town for the use of the battery. I gave orders accordingly,
and for the powder and ball for the small arms to be delivered.
March 29. This morning we heard pretty much firing ashoar,
both great guns and small arms: the great guns were ours against
the Fort, but the small arms was a skirmish with a party of
negroes that came down near our quarters. March 30. I began
to perceive that all things not answering at Guardaloupe either
according to the General's expectation, or to what he had
represented at home, he seemed to seek out some occasion to
make a difference, that I might be blamed: for I being told that
the breach in the Fort was considerable enough to be storm'd,
and that yet more powder and shot for eighteen pounders were
demanded, the Resolution not arrived, and that I therefore could
not be justified should I not reserve ammunition sufficient for
H.M. ships, I thought it necessary that a Council of War should
be called, and therefore yesterday evening wrote accordingly
to General Codrington and Col. Wills. This morning I made a
signal for a Council of War and sent boats, ashoar, but I had
no answer, only the boats returned without anybody. By a
letter I received I found General Codrington had detained all
the officers ashoar at a Council of War he had called there. The
letter, written by that Order, acquainted me that it was the
unanimous desire of the Council of War that I should send at
least 300 cartridges with shot and wads for 18 pounders and
the like proportion for the 12 pounders, without which it would
be impossible to make the breaches wide enough for an attack.
"The Council of War does likewise unanimously desire you will
send all the boats of the Fleet for making a false attack on the
other side of the River Gallions, which will be a very useful
diversion and save the lives of a great many men. They hope
if they have the necessary assistance you ought to give them,
the attack may be made in three days at farthest." By this
letter I perceived that the General would not suffer any Council
of War to be called as appointed by H.R.H., but I thought myself
obliged to obey the Prince's orders, and what Council of War
was held ashoar by land officers only, could be no justification
to me, and therefore I desired a General Council of War might be
held, since the affair was now very nice, by disposing of so great
a quantity of ammunition from the men-of-war. Letter quoted to
this effect. March 31. Between 12 and 1 I received a letter
which I thought very odd, and to which I sent no answer: Upon
receipt of your letter the General immediately thought fit to
call a Council of War. They are not surprised at your conduct,
it is very agreable with all the measures you have hitherto taken.
They think that you interpret H.R.H. Orders not only very
ridiculously, but very maliciously, and are well assured that the
advantage you pretend to draw from them will be so far from
justifying you that it will extreamly aggravate your present as
well as former scandalous and dishonourable proceedings. They
think themselves obliged to be, and are equally concerned for
the safety of H.M. ships, with yourself, they might add much
more, since the station you keep is as little conducing to the
safety of the Fleet as the service of the Army, for which it was
principally sent. As to your two letters concerning a Council of
War to be held aboard the Boyne, they have made and entered
such a vote upon it, as they believed such a proposal deserved.
The General does again demand, and the Council of War sitting
with him does unanimously request for H.M. service, and the
honour of the English arms that you do immediately furnish
the quantity of powder and ball they desired of you, and that
you have your own and the other boats ready (if they can be
possibly spared from plundering) to make a false attack about
two or three days hence at farthest, without your immediate
compliance in both which points the enterprize cannot possibly
go forward, and they leave you to judge of the consequence. |
|
Having read this letter, I dismist the messenger without any
answer, and was now fully convinced that the General designed
to foment a difference between the land and sea, and thereby
hoped to throw all miscarriages (if things happened not as he had
represented home) upon me, and tho' I had already ordered as
much powder and shot for the great guns as would have, by
the judgment of very good engineers, been more than sufficient
for the service designed, I resolved to consult all the sea-captains.
April 1st. At the Council summoned by me on board the
Chichester I read above orders and letters, and showed how
much ammunition had been landed, and that there was a good
quantity ashoar as yet unexpended. It was agreed that 20
rounds would be enough to reserve aboard the men-of-war. I
thereupon gave orders accordingly, and told Col. Wills that
boats should be ready for a false attack, and that the Yarmouth
and Sunderland should be ordered to batter the Castle, they
not having put ashoar any guns or powder for the battery, not
having any of that nature. After all this, that I might give no
umbrage for the least thoughts of a misunderstanding, I went
ashoar to see the General. I staid with the General till evening,
and then coming to my boat, he would see me thither, where
I took leave and came to my ship. Having ordered men aboard
my own ship and the Cumberland, this morning we weighed from
Petits Habitants and sailed to the Bay of Basseterre. I gave
orders to the Yarmouth and Sunderland to stand in to batter the
Castle and scower the line of communication and enemy's trenches,
according as the General should think most to the purpose.
April 2. Yesterday afternoon I anchored in the road of
Basseterre, with the Cumberland, a very ill road, and the ships
not so well as at Petits Habitants Bay, where I ordered
Capt. Wavell to stay till all the transport were got hither, and
to assist them, and then come himself with the Edgar. I sent
men to help the Burford to this Road. April 3. Yesterday
afternoon the Yarmouth and Sunderland weighed and stood in
to batter the Castle and rake the enemy's line of communication
between the Castle and Fort, it being designed on this day to
make the attack. I went ashore to the General, with whom
went to see our battery, and from thence going with him to see
the Church and how he designed the attack, it being down hill,
where no path was and very stony, he walking to fast for me,
and I endeavouring to follow him, fell down, and being open
to the enemy's line of communication, they fired very thick at
me, and being much hurt by the fall, I was not able suddenly
to rise again, Lt. Davenport only with me, who helpt me to
get up. Having seen the Church, which was very well furnished,
we returned again to our batterys, and then to the General's
lodgings, who that night gave my name for the Word; and
tho' I desired him not, yet he would see me to my boat, being a
pretty distance from his lodgings. The Yarmouth and Sunderland
had fired all the afternoon upon the Castle and the line of communication and trenches, and this morning ply'd them again:
but about half after 6 o'clock, the French blowed up the Castle
and quitted it, retiring to the trenches they had on the other
side the Galley, or River Gallions as they called it; but the
ships firing upon them there, were forced from them also, and
our forces were possest of the Castle and Fort without any other
attack then quietly marching into them, which saved a great
many men's lives. I designing (if possible conveniencys could
be had for it) to order a transport for an Hospitall ship, gave
directions to some surgeons to survey the chests of medicines
which were ordered to Jamaica. The Burford anchored here.
April 4. This morning all the boats that had been ordered
ashoar for the false attack came again to their ships, there being
no occasion for them. I went ashoar to see the Castle and Fort;
the first proved stronger and the letter weaker than was expected;
they were both built upon the very brink of a steep precipice,
only just from the Castle by the waterside was a kind of little
path which led over the Galley to the other side; there was a
large ditch all round the other part on the N. side of the fort,
castle and line of communication, and the Castle had a deep
moat round it, and a drawbridge which none of the General's
people knew, so that if they would have staied the storming,
the English must have lost a great many men, and there can
be no other reason given for the enemy's not staying, unless
that of their being so much exposed to the guns from the ships,
and were not therefore able either to have made a retreat or
stand to defend the breaches. April 5. I received a letter from
the General desiring me to order Capt. Prower to cruize
immediately to the windward of the Point Etien, and suggesting
that another ship should take his place. I gave orders accordingly.
The General with the Yarmouth and Maidstone and 6 sloops
sailed to the other side of the Island. April 7. The General
returned. He found the shoar on the other side lined with
men, and several breastworks there. April 8. At the General's
request I landed 500 men, who, meeting but little opposition,
burnt some houses and small plantations, but could get no
prisoners. April 9. Three or four great ships were reported to the
Eastward of Guardaloupe, but no great credit could be given to the
report. The Lark brigantine of Barbadoes came in here from
thence having 20 barrels of powder and 4,000 weight of musquet
shot for the army. April 10. I ordered all transports at Petits
Habitants to come hither, and sent men to help the Edgar also
from thence, and wrote to the General: "I find a flying rumour
concerning some French men-of-war being hereabouts, tis said
by some, ten. I acquaint your Excellency, that if you thought
fit to dispose matters, so that the seamen ashoar and some
soldiers might be ready upon a signal made from the men-of-war
to come aboard in order to enable them to engage those men-ofwar, I should order matters accordingly here afloat. I am sorry
your Excellency is so very ill," etc. Major General Hamilton
replied that H.E. continued ill, but said all the marines should
be ready at a minute's warning, and as many soldiers as I should
judge necessary. Two deserters had given an account that
their General was arrived at Martinico with four men-of-war,
one of 60, one of 50, and 2 of 30 guns; and that several ships
had been seen off to the Windward of Mary-gallant, believed to
be English ships. April 11. I sent Capt. Prower to cruize,
and was told by two deserters that there are 2,000 men upon
this Island in scattered parties, and that 1,000 men had arrived
from Martinico. In a skirmish ashoar we lost about 30 men
killed and wounded, the Captain who commanded our party
having advanced too far into the enemy's quarters. April 13.
A Council of War having been held ashoar, I received a letter
with the orders for distribution of plunder, quoted. I gave
orders accordingly. April 14. The Maidstone returned from
her cruize, having seen five sail of sloops and a brigantine in
Colesack Harbour. The Lark sailed for Barbadoes, having
left the powder and ball with General Codrington, which, as I
was told, was never distributed to the army. April 15. I
ordered boats to carry 600 men as requested. I was at this time
very ill. April 17. The expedition returned, having taken a
few cattle and burnt some houses and plantations. April 18.
Word was brought me of a Council of War held yesterday, which
resolved unanimously not to attack the Dodan; that a party
of 600 men go to plunder Grand-terre, and that the Commodore
be desired to send 3 men-of-war with them; which I did. April
20. They sailed in squally weather. April 21. The Maidstone sailed upon the same expedition. April 22. All the
men-of-war that sailed are forced a great way to Leeward by the
badness of the weather. April 23. The Sunderland was driven
to sea from where she rode. April 24. The ships having been
unable to ply to windward made a shift to get into this road
again, and the soldiers were all put ashoar again, upon the
General's orders in a letter from Major-General Hamilton; the
French having had news of their design. And now provisions
growing short, especially bread, and perceiving that nothing
of any consequence could be done more against the enemy,
I thought time to consider of putting all the ships in a posture
to receive the soldiers aboard again, and gave orders to the
Captains that the seamen now aboard, who had been landed
with the soldiers, should not put ashoar again. April 25. I held
a consultation of the sea-officers, and it was agreed that, the
shortness and badness of provisions, especially that of bread,
the great sickness amongst the squadron, and great want of all
manner of stores being taken into consideration, fifteen days is
the least possibly can be taken for going to some of the Leeward
Islands to fit the ships and refresh our men, in order to proceed
to Jamaica; and that, in regard there is not now any considerable
service to be expected from the Marines ashoar, and the ships
now being so very weak thro' sickness and mortality of the
men, the squadron cannot be safe without their being aboard
their respective ships as well as for putting them in a posture
of going to sea, getting off the great guns from the shore, etc. |
|
The General was acquainted with this resolution. The bread
being so short as scarcely to hold out to Jamaica, all the ships
were put to half allowance of bread. April 26–29. Shipping of
guns and shot proceeded with, etc. April 30. The General
having been for some time very ill and uncapable of all manner
of business, embark'd aboard the Maidstone in order to go to
Nevis for the recovery of his health, leaving the command to
Col. Whetham, who also was very much indisposed. May 1st.
I having ordered some guns to be put aboard the Burford, and
designing she should carry them to Antegua for the use of that
island, Col. Whetham desired he together with three Companies
of his regiment might have a passage in her thither. I gave
orders accordingly. May 3. A General Council of War was
held, and it was arranged to re-embark the 2,277 men and officers,
not including sick and wounded, who were still ashoar. This
has been the only Council of War held by sea and land officers
together during the whole expedition, and the result of this was
the only secret that had been kept till it came to be put in
execution. May 6. The men were got off without loss, having
set fire to the rest of the town of Basse-Terre. May 7. At
5 a.m. I made the signal to unmoor. I ordered the Cumberland
to Antegua with orders. for the Burford to join me at Nevis,
whither I designed expecting to find General Codrington there.
I sent the Yarmouth to cruize off Martinico, and with her orders
to Capt. Lyell of the Resolution in case she should meet her. We
exchanged shots with the enemy, and thus we left Guardaloupe,
whereof we had got possession at the expense of many men's
lives; and might have kept it, had there been orders for so
doing, tho' the most of the Creols would oppose it because they
might suffer thereby in their own interests, the Island Guardaloupe
being much better than any of those which the English possess;
it is very well watered, having an abundance of rivulets perpetually
running; it produces better sugar, is much more healthy, a great
deal stronger by Nature, being fortified with a vast number of
steep gullys and thick woods, which render it more easily tenable.
It never before suffered so much by any attempt from the English
as at this time; all their guns being either carried off, sunk or
burst, their fortifications utterly demolished, a great part of
their Plantations destroyed, and though the inhabitants had for
some time found a refuge in inaccessible mountains and
impenetrable woods, yet had we had four or five fourth and fifthrate frigates to have cruised about the island, to have prevented
any intercourse between that and Martinico, together with only
1,000 English soldiers ashoar, the inhabitants must in a few
months been obliged to have surrendered themselves and beg'd
a transportation to Martinico, which, after Guardaloupe had
been wholly in the hands of the English, would have been rendered
extreamly uneasy, for while cruisers could be afforded to
command the seas, Martinico could not subsist. |
|
A little before we left the Island my surgeon brought off a
copper plate on which was engraven in Capital letters an epitaph
set up at the place where the Governor who commanded the
Island last was buried, and since it has something in it relating
to the attempt the English made upon Guardaloupe at that time,
I believe it may not be improper to insert here. The plate, in
memory of M. Pierre Hinselen, Governor, Guardaloupe, is reproduced,
and refers to his gallant conduct of the 28 days' siege by the English
in 1691. (See Col. A. & W. I. 1691. Nos. 1546, 1557, etc.)
I cannot give an account what men the French lost, but our loss
was considerable, there having been of seamen and soldiers
during that expedition kill'd, wounded, most of which died of their
wounds, dead of sickness and deserters, 1,230 at least. I made
sail at 7 p.m. May 8. At 10 a.m. being got into Plymouth Road
of Mountserrat. I lay by there till some of the soldiers designed
for that Island were put ashoar, and made sail for Nevis, and
arrived 6.30 p.m. We expected General Codrington had been
here, but understood he was at Antegua. May 9. The Maidstone
came in with Major-General Hamilton aboard. I ordered the
Anglescy to carry three Companies of Col. Whetham's regiment
to St. Christopher's, and, having disembark'd them there, to
return hither. May 10. The Sunderland came in, she not being
able to get up her anchors when we all sailed from Guardeloupe,
riding in a very bad road. Col. Wills came aboard and told that
Major-General Hamilton had brought proposals from the General
at Antegua, which he afterwards brought to me. The thing
which General Codrington inculcated was that my orders from
H.R.H. were not absolute, and he desired therefore that I would
send some of the men-of-war to Barbadoes with three Regiments
and disembark one at the Leeward Islands, and that I would
not proceed to Jamaica but remaine at the Charribbee Islands
till next winter. I told the Major-General that I could be no
means concur with the General's proposals, being not only
contrary to my positive orders from the Prince, but also
unreasonable, considering the evil condition all the men-of-war
now are in, however, I desired I might have a copy of those
Instructions that General Codrington had given him, which he
having promised went away, and soon after Major Bowles came
and told me that Col. Bristow, who commanded the Land forces,
positively declared himself against what had been proposed by
General Codrington with relation to their affaires. May 11.
The Maidstone sailed for St. Christopher's, and the Burford and
Cumberland arrived from Antegua, and brought word that
Admiral Graydon was coming to the West Indies in the Resolution.
May 12. The President of Nevis having acquainted me that
they wanted guns for the defence of the Island, I gave orders for
the Captains of the men-of-war who had any of the guns taken
at Guardeloupe to deliver them to the President ashoar or some
other proper officer. May 17. The Yarmouth came in from her
cruize with a prize, a small sloop that he took off Martinico.
May 18. The Tryal sloop arrived with a letter from Admiral
Graydon, wherein he wrote to me not to sail till he arrived to
Nevis, he being then at Barbadoes, and making all despatch
imaginable to joyne me. May 22. Being informed that a French
privateer lay between the Islands of Estatia and Saba, I ordered
the Yarmouth to sail in search of her. May 23. At 7 a.m.
Admiral Graydon in the Resolution with the Blackwall and seven
sail of transports and store ships came to an anchor here. The
Castle saluted him, so did all the men-of-war and transports
in the Road, and I struck the Broad Pendant, my command of
of the squadron ceasing upon his arrival, etc. Endorsed,
Communicated to the Board by Mr. Blathwayt. Recd. Read
May 16, 1704. 72 pp. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 30.] |
| May 25. |
738. Minutes of Council of Barbadoes. H.E. was desired
by this Board to send away as many of the French prisoners
as he pleases, and to continue the chartell as it is agreed on, or
otherwise, as he thinks fit, and to write to the Governor of
Martinico what he thinks most convenient upon that occasion. |
|
Ordered that the Keeper of the Stores in the Magazine present
H.E. with a complete list thereof. |
|
Whereas the President and Council, Jan. 13, 1701, ordered
powder to be removed out of the magazine and placed in the
several forts, which was not done, H.E. is desired to order the
Keeper of the Magazine to deliver out 1,000 barrels of powder to
be placed in the several forts. |
|
Committee appointed to inspect the buildings in the magazine
and report their condition in writing forthwith to H.E. |
|
Ordered that none but housekeepers be suffered to be on guard
to take care of the magazine, and that they have the same pay
as usual, and be excused from watching and exercising during the
time they are employed in that service. |
|
H.E. proposed that a Proclamation issue for a General Fast
to be held on June 11, to implore God's blessing on H.M., the
preservation of her person, the prosperity of her arms, and that
she may continue a long and happy reign over us. Ordered
accordingly. |
|
H.E. took the oaths appointed by an Act of this Island for all
those that are impowered to hear and determine writs of error,
petitions of grievances, and all other matters of equity. The
members of Council present took the same oath. |
|
Robert Stewart, Clerk of the Crown and Peace, was sworn.
[C.O. 31, 8.pp. 39–41.] |
