America and West Indies: June 1703, 1-5

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 21, 1702-1703. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1913.

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'America and West Indies: June 1703, 1-5', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 21, 1702-1703, (London, 1913) pp. 472-488. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol21/pp472-488 [accessed 24 April 2024]

June 1703, 1-5

June 1.
Whitehall.
770. William Popple to Josiah Burchett. The Council of Trade and Plantations are about to hear the merchants concerned in the Virginia Trade, upon the subject of their Memorial, and desire to know what men of war will be remaining in Virginia, when the convoy last sent shall be come away. [C.O. 5, 1360. p. 388.]
June 1.
Admiralty Office.
771. J. Burchett to William Popple. When the ships of warr come from Virginia which last sayled thither, there will none remaine at that place, for they are all ordered to come away with the Trade. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. Read June 2, 1703. Addressed, ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1313. No. 19; and 5, 1360. p. 389.]
June 1.
Whitehall.
772. William Popple to Sir E. Northey. The Council of Trade and Plantations have considered your opinion touching a Law in New England regulating the rate of foreign coins in that Colony (afterwards confirmed by the Crown) which opinion does serve for their guidance; and they are further desirous to know from you whether H.M. may not by her Royal Prerogative settle the rates of foreign coins in her Plantations in America by Proclamation as well under Proprieties as under H.M. immediate Government so far forth as does not contradict any law confirmed by the Crown. And whereas there is an Act past in Pennsylvania Appointing the rate of money or coin within that Province and Territories, and for preventing the clipping of the same now in your hands, not yet confirmed by the Crown, which will be necessary to be repealed upon issuing such Proclamation, their Lordships desire likewise your opinion therein. [C.O. 324, 8. pp. 250, 251.]
June 1.
Whitehall.
773. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Report concerning the different rates of foreign coines in H.M. Plantations considered. Letter to the Attorney General on that subject ordered.
Mr. Usher acquainted their Lordships that he is about to embark for New England in a few days, and offering his service there in what this Board may think fit to command him, their Lordships resolved to take into consideration the Order of Council relating to his Commission in the first opportunity.
Mr. Cobb proposing that, instead of the two Acts of Mountserrat, which have been lately repealed, there may be draughts of other Acts for the like purposes sent from hence to be passed there totidem verbis, and desiring a copy of the Representation of this Board, he was told that directions have already been given to Col. Codrington about that matter. Their Lordships did not therefore think fit to give him any copy of the said Representation.
June 2. Sir Richard Levett and other merchants attending on the one side and Mr. Perry etc. on the other, the latter presented to the Board a Memorial in answer to the petition to H.R.H. for delaying the departure of the Virginia convoy, etc., which was read. The subscribers to said petition laid before the Board a list of 24 ships which cannot be ready till September, and further offered that the country is pretty well supplied with necessaries by the last Fleet; that tobacco is seldom ready till December and sometimes not til January or February; that the voyages are usually longer and more sickly in summer than in winter; and that the early departure of the Fleet will cause a needless stay of the men of war in the country, and expense to the Crown, when they might be more useful at home. Those of the contrary opinion denied that the goods already sent are any way proportionable to the wants of the country; adding that there are three times as many ready to be sent by the next fleet as were sent by the last, and that if it do not partearly, it will be impossible they can arrive time enough for the cloathing of those that want it before winter. They insisted more especially that the goods now to be sent are for the account of the inhabitants themselves, who want them, whereas those sent last are only for the account of merchants here, who desire the delay of the departure of the next convoy only for their own advantage, that their goods (already at the market) may find a better sale, whilst the country is in want. They observed also that whenever the time may be appointed for sailing, it is very probable the ships may be detained here much longer than the appointment by contrary winds or other accidents, and if that should run them too far into the winter, it would be very prejudicial to every one. After which hearing of both sides, and after reading a letter from Mr. Burchet, June 1, directions were given for preparing a Report.
Mr. Thurston attending in reference to the affairs of Newfoundland, letter to Mr. Burchet ordered.
June 3. Newfoundland enquiries and instructions ordered to be signed and sent to Mr. Burchet.
Letter to Capt. Richards signed.
Representation relating to Mr. Usher's Commission agreed upon. [C.O. 391, 16. pp. 142–148; and 391, 97. pp. 417–425.]
June 1. 774. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. Capt. Thomas Freeman was fined 50l., which he refused to pay, and was ordered to remain in custody till he pays.
A Committee was appointed for providing for the soldiers.
Andrew Orgile attending in custody, and offering excuses, was fined 6l. and discharged.
June 2. Capt. Freeman, having satisfied his fees, was discharged.
Bill for providing for the officers and soldiers was debated.
June 3. Bill for the better collecting and paying H.M. quit-rents ordered to be brought in to-morrow.
Bill for deviding the parish of St. Elizabeth read the third time.
Message sent to the Governor to enquire when there would be a Council. Answer returned, that there would be one, if possible, at 3 a clock afternoon.
Act to prevent the incursions of an enemy on the sea-coasts was read the third time.
Committees appointed to bring in several Bills.
Leave granted to bring in the Bill for providing for the soldiers to-morrow.
The engrossed Acts were sent up, with a message to enquire what is become of the Bill to impower Commissioners to enquire after the Port Royal money. [C.O. 140, 7. pp. 33, 34.]
June 1. 775. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay. A Bill for continuing of several Acts near expiring was read the first time.
H.E. not coming to town, sent an order to adjourne until to-morrow.
June 2. Samuel Appleton was sworn a Member of Council.
Bill for continuing Acts read a second and third time and sent down.
Vote of the Representatives, that the hearing of Samuel Gibson be deferred till next session, agreed to.
Committee appointed to examine the Indian papers reported, that they found "that what the Indians desired was a confirmation of their lands to them according to the wills and grants of their decd. Sachems, but said wills not having been proved in due form of law, nor drawn up in form as is usual among the English, it lyeth only in the power of this Court to releive them, and to allow or give orders for the allowing of the same, and in order to a just proceeding therein, we humbly offer to the consideration of the Assembly that all townships or particular persons concerned, that would contest said wills or claim any of said lands, be notified to appear with the Indians at this Court at an appointed time, and that in the meantime all concerned forbear all proceedings in law." List of claims annexed. Ordered accordingly, the parties with their witnesses and documents to appear next session. The Representatives agreed.
10l., and 2l. per annum for life was granted to Samuel Wright of Northampton, lame of a wound received in the first Indian war, upon the recommendation of the Representatives.
Ordered, that the Act for giving succours and assistance to the neighbouring Provinces and Colonys, be continued to the end of the session of the General Assembly to be convened May, 1704. This order was sent down to the Representatives, for their concurrance.
Resolve of the Representatives, for granting a hearing before this Court at their next session unto Joseph Ballard of Medfield, was negatived.
Petition of several of the inhabitants of Lancaster granted, upon a resolution of the Representatives that, inasmuch as they were driven out by the enemy and the place wholly deserted. their former agreement for the maintenance of their Minister is now null and void, and they ought to levy their Minister's rate upon their inhabitants in equal proportion as the Law directs.
Petition of John Campbell, Master of the Post Office in Boston, for provision to be made for the upholding and encouragement of the same, was read and committed.
June 3. An address of sundry Ministers for further provision to be made by law for the upholding and encouragement of Schools, read. Joint Committee appointed to prepare a Bill for that purpose for next session.
Upon a petition of several inhabitants of Lancaster, ordered that yesterday's vote be suspended, and all persons concerned be heard thereupon at the next session. The Representatives agreed.
Upon the petition of John Saffin concerning a negro withheld from him, the matter was appointed to be heard before the next Court of General Sessions of the Peace for Suffolk. The Representatives agreed.
Upon the report of the Committee upon the petition of John Campbell, ordered that 20l. be allowed the Post Master for his charge in time past, and forty pounds for the year ensuing; that all masters of ships arriving here under penalty of 5l. deliver their letters to the Post Master or his Deputy sealed up in a bag with an alphabetical list fairly drawn up, for each letter to receive of said Postmaster one halfe penny: that the now accustomed rates be paid for letters; that the Postmaster be freed from impresses, trainings and watchings. This vote was sent down for concurrence. [C.O. 5, 789. pp. 824–828.]
June 1. 776. Journal of House of Representatives of New York. Bill, to supply the defects of the Act appointing Commissioners to examine the accounts of the Revenue, read the third time and sent up.
Bill, for raising 1,500l. toward erecting two batteries at the Narrows, read the third time and sent up.
Bill for the better regulating fees was read the first time.
June 2. Last mentioned Bill read the second time and committed.
The Militia Bill was sent down and agreed to without amendments. The House agreed to the amendments proposed by the Council to the Bill for emending the Act for defraying the public charges, and returned the Bill so emended.
Bill for regulating fees read a third time.
Petition of several inhabitants of the City of New York, complaining of great frauds dayly committed in tanning of leather, ordered to lie upon the table.
June 3. Bill for regulating fees was passed and sent up.
The House agreed to the Address of Congratulation to H.M. upon the success of her Arms by land and sea, prepared by the Joint-Committee. [C.O. 5, 1185. pp. 70–74.]
June 2. 777. Merchants and planters trading to Virginia and Maryland to the Council of Trade and Plantations, on behalf of themselves and many thousands of the inhabitants, whose effects we have now ready to send for their cloathing, of which all our advices direct a speedy supply. Reply to the Memorial presented to H.R.H. (1) For more then thirty years experience, July has been thought a proper time for great quantities of goods to be exported to those Provinces in time of peace. (2) At this time it is absolutely necessary that it should be so, because that most of the families are destitute of necessaries to cloath themselves and servants, which lyes ready bought and packt, they having had two winters expence for one supply. As to the tobaccos not being ready till February, we know by experience that a great part of the crop is in cask in Oct.—Dec., and they are accounted very ill husbands that have not compleated by that time their crops. (3) As to the ships, a great many are now ready, and all can be by that time. (4) As for men, they can be found, and there will be no greater plenty later on, etc. Pray that the convoy. may remain fixed for July according to the Order in Council. Signed, Micajah Perry and nineteen other signatories. Endorsed, Recd. Read June 2, 1703. 1 large p. [C.O. 5, 1313. No. 20; and 5, 1360. pp. 390–392.]
June 2. 778. List of ships intended for Virginia and Maryland, but cannot possibly be ready before September. 24 ships of 16,700 hhds. burden, besides several others lately arrived from Virginia. [C.O. 5, 1313. No. 21.]
June 2.
Boston.
779. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay. Petition of Nicholas Roberts, of Boston, merchant, read, complaining of Jeremiah Dummer, one of the Justices of the Inferior Court for the County of Suffolk, for his private insinuation to Thomas Foster, one of the jurors in a cause then upon trial between Dame Eliza Shrimpton and Roberts. Mr. Foster and Mr. Dummer were heard.
June 3. Wages paid to Captain Cyprian Southack and crew, for service in H.M. hired sloop, the Seaflower, Feb. 1, 1702—April 13, 1703.
Samuel Checkley, Chyrurgion, paid 25l. for medicines and administration to soldiers of the garrison at H.M. Castle, sick of the small-pox and other distempers.
291l. 19s. paid for wages of the garrison of H.M. Fort Mary at Saco.
58s. paid to Henry Sharpe and John Chapman of Salem on account of expresses for H.M. especial service.
30l. paid to William West, gunner of H.M. Fort William at Winter Island in Salem for pay and subsistence, March 27, 1702—May 3, 1703.
9l. 16s. paid to Nathaniel Warren of Plymouth, for billeting soldiers detached for H.M. service.
11l. paid to Eliza Monck for a publick dinner on May 26, being the anniversary day of Election of Councellours.
72l. 15s. 5d. paid to Daniel Peirce, for a supply of corn and provisions for the Indian trade sent to the Eastward last winter. [C.O. 5, 789. pp. 510–512.]
June 3.
Admiralty Office.
780. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. The Commissioners for Victualling are ordered to pay unto Mr. Thurston such money as may be necessary to purchase drink for the Company of Soldiers at Newfoundland, and the Capt. of the Centurion, who is now ordered to the Buoy of the Nore, is directed to receive that and the other money for their subsistence. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. Read June 4, 1703. Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 2. No. 125; and 195, 3. p. 245.]
June 3.
Whitehall.
781. William Popple to Josiah Burchett. In further explanation of letter of May 28th about the money for the soldiers' subsistence at Newfoundland. [C.O. 195, 3. pp. 233, 234.]
June 3.
Whitehall.
782. Council of Trade and Plantations to Capt. Richards. We have received two letters from you, the first without date, the other dated November 23 last, and have considered the contents thereof. In answer to all that you write relating to the accounts of the Agent, Mr. Thurston, the cloathing, the provisions etc., formerly sent by him, you have here inclosed copies of the papers which he has laid before us upon that subject. We are very sensible of the ill state of the soldiers' cloathing when you writ, and do therefore much approve of your care in providing them watch-coats for the winter; you will by this conveyance receive a new supply of cloathing, provisions and money for their subsistence and other necessary services, together with money to buy molossoes (as you desired) instead of malt, and likewise so many swords, belts etc. and cartouch boxes as are necessary for the men in pay. We hope the soldiers may be relieved the next year. In the mean time, as the care you have hitherto taken to prevent desertion is very well, so we doubt not but you will continue it. We are sorry for what you write of the prejudice you have received in the use of your limbs by the cold, but hope it is removed. As to your desire of being permitted to come to England, though you might leave there an Assistant Engineer to finish the works, we do not conceive it consistent with H.M. service that you as Captain of the Company should be absent so long from them, especially considering that it is now a time of warr and danger, and that, as you write, the soldiers are too apt to mutiny or desert. You have here inclosed a letter from the Earl of Nottingham, containing some directions relating to the boom to be placed at the entrance of St. John's Harbour. Since the writing whereof we understand that, for the better execution of that worke, Mr. John Roope will be sent over on purpose by the Board of Ordnance. You are therefore to be assisting to him with your advice, and superintend the carrying on that service. It having been represented to H.M. by several merchants concerned in the Newfoundland Trade and Fishery, that Trinity Harbour in Trinity Bay, and Carbonier in Conception Bay (considerable fishing places) are lyable to be insulted by the French from Plancentia, and therefore desired by the said merchants that fortifications may be built for the security thereof, directions have been given to the Commodore of this year's convoy that he repair with you to those places, and having viewed the same, report your opinion where the Forts desired may be erected, so as to be a security to the said Harbours from attacks by sea, and to the Settlements from attacks by land and what the charge thereof may amount to. You are therefore to accompany him thither, and return to us your opinion therein, with a draught of those places. Major John Powell, late Commander of the Company at Newfoundland, having laid before the Lord High Treasurer an account of pay due to him, and of disbursments made by him for H.M. service in Newfoundland, upon which we have made several observations (the copies whereof are here enclosed) you are to assist the said Commodore in the examination of the papers relating to the provisions alledged to have been furnished by him to the soldiers and the other disbursements mentioned in his said account. Signed, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, William Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Matt. Prior. [C.O. 195, 3. pp. 235–238.]
June 3.
Whitehall.
783. William Popple to Josiah Burchett. By order of the Council of Trade and Plantations I enclose the usual heads of enquiry, together with some additional Instructions and other annexed papers, humbly submitted by them to H.R.H. the Lord High Admiral, to be given in charge to the Commodore of the Newfoundland Squadron. The Commission for the said Commodore to command at land during his stay in the provisions alledged to have been furnished by him to the those parts, is prepared by the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Nottingham. Annexed.
783. i. Heads of Enquiry relating to the Trade and Fishery of Newfoundland to be given to the Commander-in-Chief of the Newfoundland convoy. Same as those abstracted in the two preceding volumes of this Calendar.
Additional Instructions: Whereas several answers have been returned by Capt. Graydon and Capt. Leake, whereby it appears that the inhabitants in general have not a due regard to the several regulations for the more advantagious management of the Fishery; it being found that northward of St. John's as far as Carboniere and to the southward as far as Ferryland, the trees are rinded and the woods destroyed as much as before the late Act; that the Admirals of harbours and Masters of ships do not exactly observe the rules prescribed by Act of Parliament; that the vessells from New England supply the people of Newfoundland with provisions; that European commodities have been carryed directly from France, Spain and Portugal to Newfoundland in English ships, contrary to law, and sold or truck't with the Traders from New England for tobacco, sugar and other of the enumerated commodities, and carryed to foreign parts; so that at the latter end of the years the Masters have been wholly taken up in the management of that illegal trade, which might in some measure be prevented, had the Officers commanding H.M. ships power like that of a Custome House Officer to seize such goods; that the New England Traders seldome depart the country, till the men of war are first sailed, and then they carry with them numbers of handicraftsmen, seamen and fishermen whom they entice thither in expectation of great wages; that the Masters of ships are very negligent in bringing their men home, whereby they save the charge of their passage, and those men so left are enticed and carried to New England; You are therefore upon your arrival in those parts, to take care as far as in you lies that the best remedies be applyed for the prevention of those mischiefs, and to report your opinion thereupon, in order to further consideration, and to the preparing of such clauses to be proposed at the next Sessions of Parliament as may be requisite for the more effectual regulating that Trade. And whereas complaint has been made to the Rt. Reverend the Lord Bishop of London that the soldiers in Newfoundland have behaved themselves with great immorality and disrespect to their Minister, you are to endeavour the redress of that abuse. And whereas, in order to the better security of St. John's Harbour, H.M. has been pleased to give directions to Captain Richards, Chief Engineer and Commander of the Company of Newfoundland, for the preparing of a boom and fixing the same cross the entrance of the said harbour, which is to be done with all possible diligence, you are to inspect the carrying on of that work and to assist therein as far as the other service committed to your care will permit. It having been represented to H.M. by the Petitions and Memorials of several merchants concerned in the Newfoundland Trade and Fishery that Trinity Bay being but three miles over land from Placentia, the chief Fort of the French from whence they have been frequently insulted, and it being desired by the said merchants that for the prevention of the like mischief for the future and the better security of the fishing of that Bay, a Fort be built there in some proper place furnished with 20 or 30 guns, and that 40 or 50 soldiers be also sent thither with Officers, arms, ammunition, and what else may be necessary for the said Fort, unto which the said merchants add that Carboniere, a considerable fishing place in Conception Bay being also in danger of insults from the French, it may be necessary that it be in like manner fortifyed, alledging that the same may be done at a small charge; but it not sufficiently appearing by the said Petitions and Memorials in what places the said Forts may be erected so as to be a security to the said Harbours from attacks by sea, and to the Settlements from attacks by land; you are to take with you the said Engineer from St. John's Harbour, and together with him to view those places and to report to one of H.M. principal Secretarys of State and to the Council of Trade and Plantations, how the same are fitted for such fortifications, and what may be the charge of erecting them. And whereas Major John Powell, late Commander of the Company at Newfoundland, has laid before the Lord High Treasurer an account of pay due to him, and of disbursements made by him for H.M. service in Newfoundland, upon which the Council of Trade and Plantations have made several observations (the copies whereof are hereunto annexed), you are, with the assistance of the present Captain or Commander in Chief of the Company, to examine the said paper relating to the provisions pretended to have been furnished by him to the soldiers, and the other disbursements mentioned in his said account. And you are likewise to enquire into the disposall and expence of the provisions sent thither the last year and those now sent, and into the method and regularity of the payment of the Officers and Soldiers, and of their behaviour, and as much as in you lies to redress what abuses you may find in those particulars and to return an account thereof to one of H.M. principal Secretarys of State, and to the Council of Trade and Plantations, together with your answer to the other foregoing heads of enquiries and instructions by the first opportunity. [C.O. 195, 3. pp. 238–244.]
June 3. 784. Minutes of Council in Assembly of Jamaica. A Bill was brought in for appointing Commissioners to enquire into the execution of several Acts made for raising money on the inhabitants of Port Royal.
A message was sent up, desiring the concurrence of the Council to a Bill for preventing incursions of the enemys on the seacoasts, and a Bill for dividing the parish of St. Elizabeth; and also to desire to know what is become of the Bills impowering Commissioners to enquire into the proceedings of the Justices of Port Royal etc.
The Clerk of the Council was thereupon sent to acquaint the House that that Bill is to-day brought into the Board with amendments.
June 4. The Bill appointing Commissioners was read with amendments. A free Conference held with a Committee of the Representatives.
June 5. Message sent up from the House that "they will be ready to meet the Council on all Conferences, but that it is contrary to the methods and proceedings of their House to join in a conference on any Bill sent up to your Board, until it be returned with amendments, if any." Reply sent down, that their Bill was regularly committed, but the Board did not agree with the Committee, they thinking the verry foot of the Bill must be altered, and therefore desired a Conference with them, to show them their reasons for it, which they thought the best and most amiable way, the Board being also desirous that the intent of of the Bill be pursued. The House replied: As for your Honour's regular way of proceedings att your owne Board we doe not doubt or insist on. But we cannot but adhere to our last message in maintaining our privileges and customs, which should we recede from, will be such a precedent as may be of dangerous consequence.
The Council replied: The Council are far from desiring to alter or invade your priviledges and customs, or to propose any precedent, which may be of dangerous consequence. And what they desired in their first message was no more then what passed between the Council and Assembly upon the Bill which raised this very money you are now inquiring after, when there was a free Conference upon the subject matter of the Bill without any amendments sent down, as by the Minutes of Assembly in August last may appear.
Message sent down that the Governor expects 400 men for recruits to the two Regiments now here to be landed on Munday, and desires the House to consider of some way for their reception.
Message sent up, that if there was such a Conference as is mentioned in your last Message, it ought not to be binding to this Assembly, for that it was certainly such a concession as should never have been admitted, especially in a Bill for raiseing of money, and that the shortnesse of the time that Session was confined to, and the emergency of affairs might occasion such an oversight as ought not to be allowed of for a future precedent, nor can the House agree thereto.
The Council replied that there had been many such Conferences, instancing for example three cases in 1698.
Message sent up from the House to the Governor, that they are of opinion that the recruits cannot be conveniently landed till there is an Act past appointing how they shall be quartered, and recommend their continuing on board till the Act now under consideration for providing for the officers and soldiers receive his Honour's assent, or till a short Bill be finished to enable the Justices and Vestries of each parish to quarter them for the present.
The House desired leave to adjourn till Tuesday. The Governor gave them leave. [C.O. 140, 6. pp. 479–484.]
June 4. 785. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. Bill for providing for the officers and soldiers read and recommitted.
Quorum to call over the list and fine absent Members lowered to 15, and the fine fixed at 1s. 3d.
Capt. Charles Long's excuse was admitted and he was discharged on paying his fees.
June 5. See Minutes of Council in Assembly under date.
Capt. Robt. Nedham and William Vassall not attending, were sent for by the Speaker's warrant.
Capt. Thomas Freeman and Capt. Thomas Hudson, alledging extraordinary occasions, were granted leave of absence.
Bill for the Highways was read a first time. [C.O. 140, 7. pp. 34, 35.]
June 4.
Whitehall.
786. William Popple to Sir E. Northey. An Act of the General Assembly at Nevis past in May or June, 1701, for the better securing and confirming the Titles of Land in this Island, having been repealed by his late Majesty, and the Assembly of that Island having again past another Act, Dec. 21 last, with some alterations under the same title (wherein you will be attended by Coll. Jory, Agent for the said Island), I send you the same here inclosed by their Lordships' order, for your opinion thereupon in point of law. [C.O. 153, 8. pp. 189, 190.]
June 4.
Barbados.
787. Governor Sir Bevill Granville to the Earl of Nottingham. Repeats gist of Additions:—General Codrington was taken some time before [May 7] very ill of sore eyes and fevour and left the army the first day of May. All the account I am yet able to give your Lordship of this place is that I find it very sickly, and the sickness very mortall, the fortifications bad and in very ill order, the malitia, which is its best strength by sickness and the difficulty of getting white servants from Europe lessen'd to a degree very unequall to what the defence of it requires. Capt. Sherrard, the engineer, dyed in ten days after his arrival. H.M. service in this Island very much wants a good officer of that kind etc. Signed, Bevill Granville. Holograph. 3 pp. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 13.]
June 4. 788. Duplicate of preceding. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 14.]
June 4. 789. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. In obedience to your Majesties Order in Councill upon the Petition of Mr. William Vaughan, praying that the Commission intended for constituting John Usher, Esq., to be your Majesties Lieutenant Governour of the Province of New Hampshire may be stopt, we have examined the matter of the said Petition, and heard the Petitioner as well as the said Usher by their Councill learned and do thereupon humbly report to your Majesty. Mr. Usher does not appear to us to have been guilty of the mismanagements and misdemeanours laid to his charge by the Petitioner during his being Lieutenant Governour there. But the disturbances which happened in that time did in great measure proceed from the disorderly practice of some of those men who now oppose his being restored by your Majesty to that Government. And whereas disorders seem to have arisen from the difference in point of interest between the present possessors of the lands, and Samuell Allen, the General Proprietor of that country, to whom the said Usher is nearly related, we are humbly of opinion that upon the said Usher's receiving your Majesties Commission of Lieutenant Governour, he may likewise have express directions not to intermeddle in any manner whatsoever with the appointing of Judges or Juries or otherwise in matters relating to the disputes between the said Allen and the inhabitants of that Province, but that your Majesty do impower and require Colonell Dudley, Governour in Cheif of this Province, to give all necessary directions in those matters, and to appoint the Judges and other Officers that shall be concerned in transacting this particular business; by which means all pretence of partiality in the execution of that Government relating to the said differences will be taken away. Signed, Dartmouth, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 911. pp. 52–54.]
June 4.
Whitehall.
790. W. Popple to J. Burchett, enclosing the following, to be laid before H.R.H. Annexed,
790. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to H.R.H. Prince George of Denmark, Lord High Admiral. In pursuance of your Royal Highness' directions upon the Petition of several merchants of London trading to Virginia and Maryland, who desire that whereas the convoy for that trade was appointed for July, it may be deferr'd till September or October next, we humbly report, that having heard the allegations on both sides we find no reason to alter our former opinion, that the end of July or the beginning of August is the proper time for the departure of the convoy to Virginia and Maryland, since the said convoy thus sailing in all probability will arrive before winter, so that the inhabitants may be furnished with cloathing and other necessary commodities, which they will want for that season; whereas if the time for the departure of the convoy be fixed for October, it may happen that they may meet with contrary winds, and ill weather in their way, and arrive too late in the winter season for the disposal and distribution of the commodities expected there. We are further confirmed in this oppinion by a letter lately received from Coll. Nicholson, Governour of Virginia, who besides the foresaid reasons, does alledge that in case the convoy does not arrive so as to supply the necessities of the inhabitants, they will be inclined to apply themselves to woollen or cotton manufactures, as they endeavoured to do the last war in like circumstances, which would be very prejudicial to the trade of England, and ought to be prevented by all possible means. We humbly add that there is a necessity of dispatching ye Governour appointed by H.M. for Maryland as soon as may be, who if he have not the opportunity of this convoy, will need at least one man of war for carrying him thither. And since the ships of war which last sailed for Virginia, are all ordered to come away with the trade, and that there is no other ship appointed for that station, we humbly conceive that one of the men of war now intended thither, may be necessary to remain there as a winter guard, whatever service the other may be ordered upon, untill the return of the fleet; and upon the whole matter wee are humbly of opinion that your Royal Highness' former directions for this convoy's sailing in July, which has been already intimated to the inhabitants of Virginia, may be confirmed. Signed, Ph. Meadowes, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 1360. pp. 393–396.]
June 4. 791 Mr. Dummer to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Enclosing following extracts. Considering the distance run and the accidents of all kinds attending a navigation of this nature, their dispatches have been wonderful uniforme and within the time I designed them. Signed, E. Dummer. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosing,
791. i. June 3,1703. An extract of the respective Journals of the Bridgeman, Mansbridge and King William sloops, shewing the dispatches of each of their first voyages from England to the West Indies, their times of stay at each Island and their times being at sea or sailing from one place to the other till they returned to England again, viz.:—
Bridgman.
Dayes stayed in Port. Days at Sea.
Sailed from ye Needles, 21 Oct., 1702, came to Barbadoes, 18 Nov. foll 28.
3 Do. Barbadoes, 21 Nov., Antegoa. 24 do. 3
1 Do. Antogoa, 25 do. Mountserrat 26 do. 1
1 Do. Mountserat, 27 do. Nevis, 28 do. 1
1 Do. Nevis 29 do. St. Xtophers, 29 do. ½
2 Do. St. Xtophers, 1 Xber., Jamaica, 6 Dec. 6
9 Do. Jamaica, 15 do., Falmouth, 2 Feb. 49
17 88½
Mansbridge.
Dayes stayed in Port. Days at Sea.
Sailed from Plymouth, 8 Xber., came to Barbadoes, 11 Jan. foll. 35
2 Do. Barbadoes, 13 Jany., Antegoa, 15 do. 2
1 Do. Antegoa, 16 do., Mountserat, 17 do. 1
1 Do. Mountserat, 18 do., Nevis, 19 do. 1
1 Do. Nevis, 20 do. St. Xtophers, 20 do. ½
1 Do. St. Xtophers, 21 do., Jamaica, 29 do. 8
6 Do. Jamaica, 4 Feb., Plymouth, 10 March 34
12 81½
King William Sloop.
Dayes stayed in Port. Dayes at Sea.
Sailed from Falmouth 30 Jan., came to Barbadoes, 10 March foll. 39
2 Do. Barbadoes, 12 March, Antegoa, 15 do. 3
1 Do. Antegoa, 16 do., Mountserat, 17 do. 1
1 Do. Monserat, 18 do., Nevis, 18 do. ½
1 Do. Nevis, 19 do., St. Xtophers, 19 do. ½
1 Do. St. Xtophers, 20 do., Jamaica, 26 do. 6
6 Do. Jamaica, 2 April, Falmouth, 16 May, 1703 44
12 94
The fourth sloop being taken off Dungeness in Febry. last, a month was lost or intermitted in the currency of this intended navigation, which being supply'd by another of the like vessells to carry the last month's mail, 'tis hoped will demonstrate effectually what was first propounded, namely a monthly intelligence out and home with all the West India Islands by four vessells each of them being to make three voyages p. annum, so that the facts above mentioned do sufficiently exemplifie the order and possibility of accomplishing a constant monthly correspondence with all the said Islands which was propounded to be done by, Signed, E. Dummer. 1 p. [C.O. 318, 3. Nos. 16, 16.i.; and 323, 5. No. 16; and 324, 8. p. 252.]
June 4.
Barbados.
792. Governor Sir Bevill Granville to Mr. Warre. Returns thanks for letters received. Notwithstanding I left London in January, it was the middle of March before we got clear of Plymouth, and May 10th before I reached this place; at my coming I met the news of General Codrington's being landed with the Regiments sent from Cadiz and some other of H.M. forces in these parts on Guardaloup, March 12, which they deserted again May 7, and sayled for Nevis without reaping any other advantage then burning a few houses and carrying away some negros. The miscarriage is attributed to the time given the French to prepare themselves, the troops having bin here since the beginning of December last, and to the misunderstanding between the sea and land officers, a thing which has bin fatall to all our expeditions in these parts, and will ever be so without one is obliged to obey the other. I recommend myself to the continuance of your kindnesse and favour etc. Signed, Bevill Granville. P.S.— By a letter from my Lord Nottingham, Feb. 12, I am directed to suffer no commerce with the Spaniards or French. I should be glad to know if the word (commerce) extends to the making of no cartel with them nor any agreement about the exchange of prisoners. Endorsed, R. July 23. 2½ pp. Holograph. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 12.]
June 4.
Whitehall.
793. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. In obedience to yr. Majesty's Order in Councill upon the Petition of Mr. William Vaughan, praying that the Commission intended for constituting John Usher, Esq., to be yr. M's. Lieut. Governour of the Province of New Hampshire may be stopt, We have examined the matter of the said Petition and heard the petitioner as well as the said Usher by their Councill learned, and do thereupon humbly report to yr. Majesty that Mr. Usher does not appear to us to have been guilty of the mismanagements and misdemeanours laid to his charge by the petitioner, during his being Lieut. Governour there. But that the disturbances which happened in that time did in great measure proceed from the disorderly practice of some of those men, who now oppose his being restored by your Majesty to that Government, And whereas disorders seem to have arisen from the difference in point of interest between the present possessors of the lands, and Samuell Allen, Esq., the general proprietor of that country, to whom the said Usher is nearly related, we are humbly of opinion that upon the said Usher's receiving yr. Majesties Commission of Lieut. Governour he may likewise have express directions not to intermeddle in any manner whatsoever with the appointing of Judges or Juries or otherwise, in matters relating to the disputes between the said Allen, and the inhabitants of that Province, but that yr. M. do impower and require Collonel Dudley Governour in Cheif of this Province, to give all necessary directions in those matters, and to appoint the Judges and other officers that shall be concerned in transacting this particular business; by which means all pretence of partiality in the execution of that Government relating to the said differences will be taken away. Signed, Dartmouth, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 911. pp. 52–54.]
June 4.
Whitehall.
794. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. The clothier employed by Mr. Champante in providing the last cloathing sent by him to New York, did produce specimens of some part of the said clothing to be compared with those returned by the Lord Cornbury, brought hither by Mr. Thrale. But the clothier did not produce any specimen of the surtouts, wch. their Lordships thought most defective, nor any account of the cost; whereupon he was ordered to direct Mr. Champante to bring the said account on Tuesday.
Mr. Roop acquainted their Lordships, that the Board of Ordnance having agreed to employ him in fixing the Boom in St. John's Harbour, he was about to repair thither, whereupon he was desired to make the best observations he could, when there, relating to the Trade and Fishery, and to communicate them to this Board at his return, which he accordingly promised.
Mr. Cobb laid before the Board an Order of Council [May 27 q.v.]. Directions thereupon given to the Secretary to lay before their Lordships at their next meeting a state of the proceedings that have been made by this Board and of the answer received from the Plantations relating to the authority by which the Admiralty Courts are there constituted.
Representation relating to Mr. Usher's Commission signed.
Letter from Burchet, relating to money to be sent to Newfoundland, read.
Report to H.R.H., relating to the convoys for Virginia and Maryland, signed and sent.
Extract received from Mr. Dummer read.
Act of Nevis, Dec. 21, 1702, for the better securing and confirming the titles of land, ordered to be sent to Mr. Attorney General. [C.O. 391, 16. pp. 149–152; and 391, 97. pp. 427–428.]
June 4.
Whitehall.
795. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay. Petition of James Baily, Capt. Samuel Ruggles and sundry others, inhabitants of Roxbury, Dorchester and Boston, praying a grant of a tract of vacant land in the wilderness lying betwixt the towns of Oxford, Woodstock and Quaboag, for the rayseing of a Plantation, read. Resolved, that they be granted five miles square of land, to join one or more of the towns above named, not intrenching upon former grants, provided they settle 30 families there within 4 years, and procure and settle a learned Orthodox Minister in the said Plantation, and to be under the regulation of a Committee to be appointed by this Court, until they be capable of having proper town officers, as the Law directs. This resolve was sent down to the Representatives for their concurrence, together with an order referring the petition of Major John March to be heard at the next Court of General Sessions within the County of Essex.
June 5. Message sent down to the Representatives to move them to bring forward the tax Bill, the impost, excise etc. and the necessary Bills before them, for that H.E. must set forward on his voyage eastward upon the 9th.
Order passed restraining any person from making any contract, lease of land or purchase of timber of any Indian, without licence first had for the same from the General Assembly, and declaring all contracts and leases heretofore made contrary thereto null and void, to extend only to the territories formerly called the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay and New Plymouth. This resolve was sent down for concurrence of the Representatives. The House replied that they were of opinion that effectual provision is by Law already made in that matter, and shewed forth the Law. [C.O. 5, 789. pp. 829, 830.]
June 4. 796. Journal of House of Representatives of New York. Petition of Richard Greener being under consideration, ordered that he attend to-morrow.
June 5. Ordered that H.E. be addressed for his warrant for paying the Clerk of the Commissioners of Accounts his salary. 20l. voted to Richard Greener in consideration of his wounds and sufferings in the late disorders. [C.O. 5, 1185. pp. 74–76.]
June 5.
St. Jago de la Vega.
797. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Salary of the Lt. Governor paid. [C.O. 140, 6. p. 141.]
June 5.
Boston.
798. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay. 8l. 10s. 8d. paid to Penn Townsend for entertainment of H.E., the Council and Assembly at H.M. Castle on Castle Island, when they went to view the fortifications, and money given to the garrison and workmen.
3l. paid to Mahuman Hinsdall for bringing a French prisoner from Deerfield to Boston in the summer of 1702.
6l. 7s. 7d. paid to Col. John Thacher for subsisting of soldiers detached for H.M. service March last, and 5l. 11s. 8d. for subsisting and guarding several French prisoners taken at Cape Coll last winter.
49s. 6d. paid to Daniel Peirce on account of expresses.
20l. paid to H.E. to be employed for secret services.
A General Council being summoned this day for nominating and appointing Civil Officers, H.E. nominated Major Francis Wainwright to be a Justice of the Peace within the county of Essex. The Council consented. H.E. acquainted the Council that Isaac Addington, Chief Justice of the Superior Court, had addressed him several times with great earnestness to be dismist from that office, being much impaired in his health. H.E. nominated Nathaniel Thomas for a justice of the said Superior Court, and intimated that he should ask their advice and consent as to one of the five for Chief Justice. Some of the Council insinuated that a person be first named for Chief Justice, and desired to advise, the summons not intimating what civil officers were to be appointed. [C.O. 5, 789. pp. 512–514.]