America and West Indies: November 1704, 16-30

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 22, 1704-1705. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.

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'America and West Indies: November 1704, 16-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 22, 1704-1705, (London, 1916) pp. 317-329. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol22/pp317-329 [accessed 25 March 2024]

November 1704, 16-30

[Nov. 16.] 657. Deposition of Guy Ball, late of Barbados. Deponent obtained the stopping of the convoy and fleet from sailing in May for a few days by paying 200l. to the Governor through Alexander Skeene and 10l. to the latter, after the Governor had refused to do it upon his first application with the offer of 100l. only. Signed, Guy Ball. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 16, 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 60.]
[Nov. 16.] 658. Deposition of W. Baylie and H. Keys, Commanders of merchant ships. They, like the others, were obliged to pay 17s. 6d. each for petitioning the Governor for leave to sail thence in May, besides 3s. 9d. each for the licence. No such sum was ever demanded of them on previous voyages there, etc. Signed, W. Baylie, Hen. Keys. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 16, 1704. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 61.]
Nov. 16.
St. James's.
659. Order of Queen in Council. Upon reading a Report from Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor Generall upon a Representation from the Council of Trade and Plantations of the great inconveniences and disorders complained of by Governor Dudley, in the Charter Governments of Rhode Island and Connecticut, H.M. in Councill is pleased to order, that a copy of the said Report be sent to the Council of Trade and Plantations, who are to communicate the same, together with the grounds of their said Representation, to the Agents of Connecticut and Rhode Island, and to give them notice to attend H.M. at this Board on Nov. 30, to be heard with Councill learned upon their objections in point of law (if they have any) against H.M. appointing a Governor or Governours over those Provinces, as is proposed in Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor Generall's Report, and that the said Lords Commissioners doe give Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor Generall what further information they can in this matter, that they may come prepared at the time aforesaid in case the said Agents shall desire to be then heard at this Board. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 22, 1704. 1 p. Enclosed,
659. i. Attorney and Solicitor General to the Queen. We have considered of the Representation from the Council of Trade and Plantations, upon letters received from Gov. Dudley, complaining of great inconveniences happening to him in his government from disorders in Rhode Island for want of good government there, and also letters from Gov. the Lord Cornbury, complaining of the like inconveniencys from disorders in the Colony of Connecticutt (that and Rhode Island being Charter Governments) and also of the Report of the Attorney and Sollicitor Generall July, 1694. And we do concurr with them in their opinions that upon an extraordinary exigency happ'ning through the default or neglect of a Proprietor, or of those appointed by him, or their inability to protect or defend the Province under their Government and the inhabitants thereof in times of war or imminent danger, your Majesty may constitute a Governour of such a Province, as well for the civill as military part of government, and for the protection and preservation thereof, and of your Majesty's subjects there, with this addition only, that as to the civill government, such Governour is not to alter any of the rules of property or methods of proceedings in civill Causes established pursuant to the Charters whereby the Proprietors of those Colonys are incorporated, on perusall of which Charters, we doe not find any Clauses that can exclude your Majesty, who have a right to govern all [y]our subjects, from naming a Governour on your Majesty's behalf for those Colonys at all times. Signed, Edwd. Northey, Simn. Harcourt. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1262. Nos. 90, 90.i.; and 5, 1291. pp. 68–72.]
Nov. 16.
Whitehall.
660. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend that Tobias Frere be removed from the Council of Barbados, and John Mills confirmed in his place, in accordance with the letter of Governor Sir B. Granville. [C.O. 29, 9. pp. 98,99.]
Nov. 16. 661. Order of Queen in Council. Mr. Secretary Hedges is to prepare a warrant for H.M. signature appointing Mr. Mills in the place of Mr. Frere as proposed in preceding. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read Dec. 14th, 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 63; and 29, 9. pp. 120, 121.]
Nov. 16.
Whitehall.
662. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We have heard the Four Suspended Members of Council of Barbados [Sept. 21], but they declaring themselvs unable to prove here in England the severall allegations in their Petition against the Governor, and desiring liberty to take affidavits in Barbadoes, we humbly offer that a copy of the said petition and other papers be sent to Sir B. Granville for his answer, with such Depositions in his own behalf as he may think fit to send, and that he be directed by your Majesty's Royal Letter to give free liberty to the Petitioners and any other persons concerned to make affidavit before any judge or other magistrate of what they know in those matters, and that such judge or magistrate be likewise enjoyned to summon such persons as the complainants shall name, and that all such examinations be transmitted to us in order to our further Representation to your Majesty thereupon. [C.O. 29, 9. pp. 96, 97.]
Nov. 16.
St. James's.
663. Order of Queen in Council. Approving above Representation and directing the Council of Trade and Plantations to prepare a letter to Governor Sir B. Granville for H.M. signature accordingly. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 20, 1704. 1p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 62; and 28, 38. No. 29; and 29, 9. pp. 100–102.]
Nov. 17. 664. Capt. Lloyd to Mr. Popple. Upon a disorder among the soldiers at Newfoundland, occasioned by their not having been relieved this year, as was promised them by Capt. Richards, their former Captain, to quell a mutiny they were then running into upon that head, Capt. Bridges, the Commodore, thought it requisite for H.M. service that I should repair hither to make a Representation thereof. I attend their Lordships' commands. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 28th, 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 3. No. 32; and 195, 3. pp. 347, 348.]
Nov. 17.
Whitehall.
665. W. Popple to J. Burchet. The Council of Trade and Plantations have heard from Governor Sir W. Mathew that a fleet of 50 odd ships would sail from the Leeward Islands about Sept. 18, and have likewise received advice that a considerable fleet was to sail from Barbados about the same time. [C.O. 153, 9. p. 47.]
Nov. 18.
Barbados.
666. Governor Sir B. Granville to [? Sir Charles Hedges]. Acknowledges letter of Sept. 28 by the pacquet boat which arrived the 15th inst. It is the first we have had since August; one therefore must have been taken, but I can't beleive it has happened in these parts. The particulars you enclose proposed from ye Commissioners for exchange of prisoners I have noe objection to farther then: (1) In the manner it is laid down, it will bring an expence upon H.M., which is at this time born by her Colonys. Here and elsewhere the charge of subsisting prisoners and for boats for their exchange, is paid out of the publick levys, and the people having been always used to it, don't complain of it. (2) The French of Martinique (which is the residence of their General for all their American Territorys) have ever been willing to agree to a general exchange without any regard to man for man or quality for quality, that is, as soon as any prisoners are taken on either side, they shall be immediately sent home and no accounts kept. And whilst we are in no better condition to deal with them at sea then we are at present in these parts, it must be most for H.M. service to follow this method still, the prisoners the French take being generally 10 times more then what we take, etc. I look upon it very necessary some Agent were appointed from England to have the sole care of this matter after wt. scheme soever it be setled, but under such obligations as may prevent the inconveniencys I now find in being obliged to make use of some of the inhabitants from time to time, who are willing to undertake it, and who I have too much reason to fear will always upon these occasions carry on some unlawfull commerce, doe what I can. Hitherto I have had no exchange with the French. I found the Cartel, which had been settled at ye beginning of the war broke by ye detention of three French prisoners, who had been condemned at a Court Martial. I was commanded to keep them during the war; till I have power to release them, the French will make no cartell. I wait therefore yr. commands in this matter, and shall continue to send for England what French prisoners fall into my hands. I have here at present 38, taken in a small privateer by H.M.S. Warwick. Refers to enclosures. The Report still continues of a strong French squadron being daily expected at Martinique. I have a spy-boat ready which will sayl to-morrow to look into all their harbours. I am apprehensive of nothing so much as a surprise, having no troops but ye Militia, and they still very bad, tho better then I found them. Nothing can be laid to my charge, of which I will not fully clear myself when I know the particulars. Signed, Bevill Granville. Endorsed, R. Feb. 10. 3 pp. Enclosed,
666. i. M. de Machault to Governor Sir B. Granville. Fort Royal, Martinique, Oct. 8 [N.S.], 1704. M. le Comte de Pontchartrain, Secretary of State, writes me that Lord Nottingham has informed him that he has sent orders to Barbados for the setting at liberty of the Sieurs Torailles. Doubtless this order has been given upon your solicitation, for by your letter to me of July, 1703, you appeared not to approve of the judgment against them. The Ministers have not entered into a detail which only concerns you and me. The sloop which brought the Torailles was confiscated contrary to international law, and by the judgement of the Admiralty Court at Barbados, March 12, 1702, it was said that she would be given back. If she has been lost, I am sure that you will cause just compensation to be paid, etc. Signed, De Machault. Copy. French. 2 pp.
666. ii. Governor Sir B. Granville to M. de Machault. Pilgrim, in Barbados, Oct. 7, 1704. I have not received the orders you mention. I did not explain myself well, if you understood that I did not approve of the sentence. I said I would wait the Queen's pleasure (which was part of their sentence) before I determined in relation to them, and till I know that, I cannot release them. What you write concerning the bark depends on the other matter, etc. Signed, Bevill Granville. Copy. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 43. Nos. 1, 2, 4.]
Nov. 18.
Barbados.
667. (a) Deposition of A. Skene. On Sept. 16 about 11 at night deponent was sitting at his door with Lieut. Wanley of the Dolphin, when they heard Murder cried several times. They found a very riotous company of men with their swords drawn, among which was Francis Lee, an idle, vagabond fellow, whom deponent hath often heard Edward Chilton say was not fit to live in a civill Government, etc. Signed, Al. Skene. 1 p.
(b) Deposition of A. Slingesby. Deponent very well knew F. Lee, a swarthy downlooked fellow, wearing his own hair, which was black. He wrote with deponent as a clerk. He had noe certain fix'd abode, but lived as a straggler and vagabond, by cheating, gaming and laying wagers, and also by writing as a Hackney at some times, he being very nimble finger'd and writing a quick hand. Deponent was soon obliged to turn him off, there being frequent complaints made against him for his evill practices, the Judge [James Colleton] dismissing him the Court and Office, and a succeeding Judge [Jonathan Downes] telling Lee in open Court that he ought and should be bound over to answer his misdemeanors at the Grand Sessions for counterfeiting hands and abusing several of the suitors, with a warning to deponent by no means to suffer him to come near his office, which Lee afterwards attempted by endeavouring to corrupt deponent's clerk. Lee hath counterfeited deponent's hand to certificates, as also the Honble. James Colleton's to several papers, all which matters are more plainly detected since Lee's running off the Island. Signed, Arth. Slingesby. 2 pp.
(c) Deposition of J. Boothe, heretofore an officer in the Court of Common Pleas for the precincts of St. Michaell's etc. Corroborates above. Signed, John Boothe. 2 pp. Copy. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 65.]
Nov. 18.
Barbados.
668. Governor Sir B. Granville to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Acknowledges duplicates of letter of Aug. 25. The originals never came to my hands, nor have we had any pacquet boat but this since one in August. I have from time to time as I could get them from the Navall Officer transmitted his lists of ships entred and cleared; what are wanting shall be sent by the next, and nothing shall be omitted by me to have it always regularly done. I will make all the dispatch I can in having the collection you command me made of the Laws etc. Encloses proceedings of Courts. The account of the present number of inhabitants is preparing. I have had from private hands copys of the petitions which are before your Lordships against me. I doe believe if your Lordships will please to examine my letters, as also the Minutes of the Council and Assembly which I have sent home, my justification in every point will be found there. However, a fuller answer shall be sent with all expedition, and in the meantime I doe most solemnly affirm that all the matters charged to me in those papers are most unjust and most untrue etc. Though I am not likely to reap any benefit to myself in a post where others have made such considerable fortunes, I shall be abundantly satisfied if my services may recommend me to H.M. favour, and my behaviour deserve your Lordships' good opinion and protection. Signed, Bevill Granville. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read Feb. 14th, 1704/5. 2½ pp. Enclosed,
668. i. Abstract of Proceedings of the Chancery Court, Barbados, May 25, 1703—Nov. 1, 1704. Cases depending, 80. Endorsed as preceding. 19 pp.
668. ii. Abstract of Proceedings of the Courts of Common Pleas of Barbados, May 11, 1703—Nov. 16, 1704. Endorsed as preceding. 76 pp. [C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 64, 64.i., ii; and 29, 9. pp. 181–184.]
Nov. 18.
Cockpit.
669. Mr. Secretary Hedges to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Queen, being informed that provisions are furnished to ye French Plantations from St. Thomas, belonging to the King of Denmark, commands me to acquaint you therewith, and that you consider how the said practice may be prevented. Signed, C. Hedges. [C.O. 389, 18. p. 219; and 412, 549. p. 236.]
Nov. 20.
London.
670. Mr. Clifford to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pursuant to your verbal orders, March 2, I have moderated my just pretensions as low as possible to my exceeding great loss etc., according to the advice of Messrs. Sheppard etc. Encloses account etc. Signed, Jer. Clifford. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 20, 1704, Read Jan. 10, 1704/5. 1½ pp. [C.O. 388, 75. No. 107; and 389, 36. pp. 228, 229.]
Nov. 20.
Whitehall.
671. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Hedges. In reply to letter of Nov. 18. We humbly offer whether provisions [is] furnished to the French, being equally prejudicial to H.M. in America [? with] any contraband goods, such provisions may not be deemed contraband goods, and the ships carrying the same seized and confiscated. P.S.—We are preparing a report to H.M. about French privateers being harboured at St. Thomas. [C.O. 412, 549. p. 236; and 389, 18. p. 220.]
Nov. 21.
Whitehall.
672. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Hedges. We have prepared a Report to be presented to the House of Lords (see Nov. 27), so soon as we shall receive H.M. leave. [C.O. 412, 549. p. 239; and 389, 18. p. 222.]
Nov. 22.
Whitehall.
673. Mr. Secretary Hedges to the Council of Trade and Plantations. H.M. grants leave as above. Signed, C. Hedges. [C.O. 412, 549. p. 245; and 389, 18. p. 228.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
674. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Representation upon the petition of Seven of the Assembly of Barbados. Recommend as in case of the Councillors, Nov. 16. and add:—And that they may be obliged on each part to interchange their proofs and depositions within one month after the publication of your Majesty's said letter, and that 20 days more be allowed as well for the Governour and Skeen, as ye Complainants, to make their reply by affidavits or otherwise before ye said Depositions be transmitted. Which method we likewise humbly offer may be used in reference to ye suspended Counsellors. [C.O. 29, 9. pp. 102–104.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
675. W. Popple to J. Burchet. The Council of Trade and Plantations being informed that the Newfoundland Fleet is returned, desire the Commodore's Answer to the Heads of Enquiry. [C.O. 195, 3. p. 340.]
Nov. 23.
Admiralty Office.
676. J. Burchett to Mr. Popple. In reply to preceding. The answer will be transmitted when received. Signed, J. Burchett. Recd. Read Nov. 27. 1704. Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 3. No. 30; and 195, 3. p. 341.]
Nov. 25.
Whitehall.
677. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Hedges. Enclose following report to be laid before H.M. Annexed,
677. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Governor Sir W. Mathew having informed us that the Island of St. Thomas belonging to the King of Denmark is supplyed with provisions from New England and other your Majesty's Plantations on the Continent of America, and that from the said Island the French ships and Colonies in those parts are furnished with those provisions, as likewise that in the said Island, the enemies privateers harbour themselves, get their intelligence, and in a manner have their whole subsistance, we humbly offer that your Majesty direct by your royal letters to the several Governors of New England and the Northern Colonies that they by Proclamation do strictly forbid the carrying provisions to St. Thomas, upon pain of your Majesty's highest displeasure, and confiscation of the said provisions, the same tending to the support of your Majesty's enemies and to the endangering your Majesty's Plantations. And whereas provisions carryed from St. Thomas to the French Plantations do enable your Majesty's enemies to fit out their ships, and sustain the war against your Majesty's subjects, we humbly submit whether such provisions may not be deem'd and declared contraband goods, and the ships carrying the same liable to seizure and confiscation, as likewise whether any ship protected by the Danish Governor and carrying any sort of goods from the said Island to the French be not altogether with such goods liable to confiscation, such ships not being as we conceive furnished with such passports as the Treaties between your Majesty and the Crown of Denmark require. As to the French ships of war and privateers harbouring themselves in the Ports of St. Thomas, we humbly submit whether the King of Denmark be not as much obliged by the Treaties in force with him, to refuse admission and entrance to such ships and privateers into his Ports in America as into those in Europe, the harbouring of such ships and the collusive trade of St. Thomas being of the utmost prejudice to our Plantations and the Trade thereof. And in case such prohibition be judged to extend to St. Thomas, we humbly offer that the strict execution of the said Treaties in relation to St. Thomas be required from the Crown of Denmark. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 48–51.]
Nov. 25.
Antigua.
678. Governor Sir W. Mathew to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I was this day taken very ill as I was writing to Mr. Secretary Hedges, and was unable to finish his letter myself, and my wife, Secretary, and most of my family being greatly indisposed, must therefore beg your Lordships to accept of a short answer to your letter of Aug. 25, etc. As to transmitting a compleat collection of the Laws, and as to H.M. and the Lord High Admirall's shares of prizes, refers to letter to Sir Charles Hedges. I shall duly observe your Lordships' directions touching George Bald's piraticall proceedings, and H.M. additionall Instruction relating to the Acts for Trade and Navigation, and will give you a more particular answer by the first opportunity after my recovery. Signed, Will. Mathew. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read Feb. 16th, 1704/5. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 6. No. 5; and 153, 9. pp. 78–84.]
Nov. 26.
Boston, New England.
679. Governor Dudley to [? Mr. Secretary Hedges]. Acknowledges letters and repeats part of following. Quebeck and Port Royall are the only tenable places, which with 1,500 men from hence and the assistance of 3 or 4 of H.M. ships with bombs might be put into H.M. possession etc. I have humbly moved this affayr formerly, and it hath been well approved by the Council of Trade and Plantations, but greater matters have delayed it. If it were perfectly understood, it would give H.M. a very great countrey, all the trade of furrs and fishery, besides the Naval Stores, and forever quiet the Indians, there being no body left on this side Mexico to give them a supply of armes or ammunition. The Assembly have in these two last yeares given near 50,000l. towards the support of the warr with the Indians, which would be all saved for the future by one sound stroke upon the French. I humbly ask your Honour's favour and patronage for me in my difficult poste with an angry people, that can hardly bear the Government nor Church of England amongst them, and while my care is to keep them steady to Acts of Parliament will make me as uneasy as they can. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, R. Mar. 1st. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 751. No. 59.]
Nov. 27.
Boston.
680. Governor Dudley to W. Popple. I have stayed the ship that brings this to Lisbon, the mast fleet being on the coast, only that I might acquaint their Lordships that the mast ships with their convoy are well arrived in Piscataqua River, and I hope in two months they will be loaden and returning, I having all this summer given guards, 100 men at a time, to the undertakers, to support the carpenters and teams in the forest, so that all their loading is now in the water and no time will be lost for their loading. Acknowledge receipt of their Lordships' commands, May 26, 1704, which I shall strictly observe and return the answer directly by the mast ships, this being by way of Portugal, uncertayn, and not allowing mee one dayes time without an injury to trade, which is against their Lordships' direction to me. I am sorry I lost all my letters by my packet boat Cary messenger, who I understand is gotten to Whitehall, but without his papers, especially the fair planns and very exact of all the fortifications in the two Provinces, which were very well drawn by Col. Romer, and I hope shall be repeated by the mast fleet. Since our expedition upon the coast of L'Acadie, where we left nothing standing of four villages but Port Royal Fort, and a very lucky defeat of about 400 French and Indians at Hadly and Lancaster, I have had a two months respit from any incursion, which has been (besides what is above) occasioned by the taking of the Canada ship wherein the stores of Quebeck were, which has reduced the French to a great distress there, so that if their Lordships could obtain the call of four or five frigats here in the spring with a few bombs, I might very well (our people at present being in that temper) ship 1,000 or more men, and by the destruction of Quebeck and Port Royal put all the Navall Stores in North America into H.M. hands, and for ever make an end of an Indian warr. Signed, J. Dudley. P.S.—Acknowledges the packets by the mast ships for this Government, and for my Lord Cornbury, Nicholson and Seymour, which I have exprest away, and shall obey my own forthwith. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 1, 1704/5. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 863. No. 122; and 5, 911. pp. 449–451.]
Nov. 27.
Boston.
681. Lt. Governor Usher to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Yours May 23 is newly come to my hands. I shall take due notice of your directions concerning Gov. Dudley, only say Assembly was not dissolved contrary to orders, had I known H.E. minde, itt had nott bin, etc. Signed, John Usher. Endorsed, Recd. 1st, Read March 12th, 1704/5. Addressed. Sealed. Holograph. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 863. No. 123; and 5, 911. p. 456.]
Nov. 27. 682. Council of Trade and Plantations to the House of Lords. Report on the state of Trade and Government of the Plantations since Dec. 16, 1703. Set out, House of Lords MSS., New Series, vol. vi. pp. 87–109.] [C.O. 412, 549. pp. 246–331; and 389, 18. pp. 229–316.]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.
683. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High Treasurer. Recommend Mr. Jenings' petition of Nov. 7. He having several months attended us with great diligence, we offer our opinion that less than 200l. over and above the 100l. already advanced to him by the Governor of Virginia will not be a suitable recompence for this service, etc. to be allowed out of H.M. Revenue in Virginia. [C.O. 5, 1361. pp. 46, 47.]
Nov. 28.
At ye White and blew ball in King's Street, Holbourne.
684. P. Mein to Mr. Popple. I beg you to record enclosed letter, so as I may have it to send away by the paquet-boat on Thursday. Signed, Pat. Mein. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 28, 1704. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. Enclosed,
684. i. The Queen to Governor Sir B. Granville. Granting leave of absence to Mr. Mein. Countersigned, C. Hedges. Nov. 27, 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 66, 66.i.; and 29, 9. pp. 105–107.]
[Nov. 28.] 685. Evidence of several spies sent to Placentia, and of deserters therefrom.
(a) Duplicates of Cal. A. and W. I., 1703. No. 1264.
(b) Duplicates of No. 315.i.
(c) Depositions of Saml. Hooper, Commander of the Good Hope ketch of Boston. Captured and carried into Placentia April, 1704. Deponent describes the Forts there. Cf. No. 315.i.
(d) Depositions of Francis Andrews and John Evans, of the Richard and Mary, bound from Barbados to Bristol loaded with shuger and mollossoes. They were taken and carried into Placentia, April, 1704. Described as May 13. The number of English prisoners there was 20. They had a report of Canadies coming against the winter to attack St. John.
(e) Deposition of Daniel Curlein, Commander of the Society. On Aug. 18, 1704, the Society, laden with fish, the Pembroke gally, the William and a New England ship, were surprised at Bonavista about 1 a.m. by 120 French.
(f) Deposition of Peter Downes and Edward Symmons, of the Pembroke. The French burned the Society and William. The New England man escaped, and sailed with the Pembroke for Canadie.
(e) Deposition of Edward Pickerin. Taken on board the Betty sloop, March 30, he was carried to Placentia. Fort described.
(f) Nov. 25, 1704. At the beginning of Oct. a Serjeant, Corporal and 4 private soldiers arrived at St. John's, having deserted from Placentia, etc. See No. 315.i.
(g) An account of the Deserters from the Company at St. Johns to the French: Oct., 1701, 8; Oct., 1702, 11; July, 1704, 1; Sept., 1704, 1. The whole endorsed, Recd. from Capt. Lloyd, Read Nov. 28, 1704. 18 pp. [C.O. 194, 3. No. 33.]
[Nov. 28.] 686. Muster-Roll of H.M. soldiers at Fort William in St. Johns Harbour, Newfoundland, Sept. 22, 1704. 92 officers and men. Signed, J. Bridges, Thomas Lloyd, John Moody, Robt. Latham. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 28, 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 3. No. 29(c).]
Nov. 28.
Whitehall.
687. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Hedges. Enclose extract of letter from Governor Sir W. Mathew, Aug. 31, relating to the need of a frigate, and to a cartel with the French. [C.O. 153, 9. p. 51.]
Nov. 29.
Whitehall.
688. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Hedges. Enclose extracts of Governor Handasyd's letter, Sept. 17, esteeming it of importance to H.M. service. [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 348–350.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
689. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Handasyd. Since ours of Aug. 25, we have received yours of June 17, July 8 and 28, and Sep. 17. We have laid before H.M. what you write relating to the French prisoners sent home by the fleet. We will not doubt but that Mr. Chaplain has before this time complied with your directions in pursuance of what we writ you in relation to the transcribing and transmitting to us the accounts of the Revenue of Jamaica, and we accordingly expect to receive them from you. You have done well in giving H.R.H. an account of your want of naval stores for the Queen's ships. We have laid before H.R.H what you write concerning the mortality on board the Nonsuch, and the paying of the officers and seamen of the 2 fire ships fitted out by the Island, and we have represented to H.M. what you write concerning Capt. Gandy, as also about your want of 9 ships of war. But (as we have already told you) whatever relates to the Admiralty ought to be writ immediately from yourself to H.R.H. the Lord High Admirall's Councill, giving us always an account of your so doing. We are very glad that the trade with the Spaniards is open'd and going on successfully. We have laid before H.M. your desire of having some of the King of Spain's Proclamations in Spanish sent you, and so soon as H.M. shall be pleased to give directions therein, you shal be inform'd thereof. As to the insurrection of the negroes that you mention, we hope that by your care and vigilance it will have been quelled before this time. The Acts and other publick papers which we have received from you will be taken into consideration at the first opportunity, and as anything occurs you will have constant notice thereof. [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 351–353.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
690. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir B. Granville. Since our last of Aug. 25, we have receiv'd yours of Aug. 22. We are very sensible of the difficulties you lye under in the management of the affairs under your Government, and as we are sorry to have received complaint against you, we hope you will be able to clear yourself from what is therein charged. Wee did indeed expect that you would have sent particular reasons upon which you suspended the four Counsellors by the packet boat, but will not doubt of receiving them by the Fleet, which is dayly expected. The Queen having pleased to refer to us their complaint, we did hope to be ready by this opportunity to have sent you copies of all those papers with H.M. pleasure thereupon, they will certainly be ready by the next. Upon what you tell us of Mr. Tobias Frere's behaviour, etc., we immediately represented that matter to the Queen, and H.M. has been pleased to remove Frere, and to confirm Mr. Mills of the Councill, according to your desires, and we do not doubt but H.M. pleasure therein will be sent you by this packet boat from the Secretary of State. In the mean time we send you a copy of our Report relating to the absenting Members of the Assembly, at which proceeding H.M. in Councill was pleased to express her resentment as tending to the destruction of all Government, and we are expecting the opinion of Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor Generall how others may be best deterr'd from the like proceeding, pursuant to H.M. orders to them. We observe that you write of Mr. Downes, that you have not sworn him into the Councill pursuant to his mandamus; we expect your further account of that matter, with the proofs of what you object against him and his answers, according to your letter. [C.O. 29, 9. pp. 108–110.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
691. W. Popple, jr., to Lt. Governor Bennett. The Council of Trade and Plantations have not received any letter from you since theirs of Aug. 24. They expect that you should give them particular accounts of all transactions in your Government by every opportunity that offers, whether directly for England, or by the way of any of the Plantations. [C.O. 38, 6. p. 85.]
Nov. 30.
St. James's.
692. Order of Queen in Council. Upon reading the petition of Sir H. Ashurst, in behalf of the inhabitants of Connecticot, relating to H.M. appointing a Governor over the said Province, and of the Province of Rhode Island, Ordered that the hearing of the matter be put off till Dec. 14. The Council of Trade and Plantations are to cause notice to be given to the partys concerned to come prepared to be heard at that time. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 1, 1704. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1262. No. 91; and 5, 1291. p. 73.]
Nov. 30.
St. James's.
693. Order of Queen in Council. H.M. having been pleased to order 20 cannon with their appurtenances to be sent to the Governor of the Massachusetts Bay for the service of that Colony, as of H.M. bounty and in consideration of their having furnished divers fortifications for the security of that Province, and H.M. having further taken notice of the Representation of the Council of Trade and Plantations relating to the salary of a Governor and Lt. Governor and Pemaquid Fort, they are to prepare a letter to the Governor, to be communicated to the Council and Assembly, accordingly for H.M. signature. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 4, Read Jan. 9, 1704(5). 1 p. [C.O. 5, 863. No. 124; and 5, 911. p. 407.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
694. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir W. Mathew. Since our last of Aug. 25 we have received yours of June 14 and Aug. 31. We are glad to be informed of your safe arrival in your Government and observe the account you give us thereof. But you do not mention either the day of your arrival there, or the publication of your Commission. We do expect the collection of the Laws of the Leeward Islands, according to your Instructions, and are very well satisfyed to finde they were then in such readiness; you will take care that the dates of each Act be exprest, and the name of the Island where past, whether relating to such Island in particular, or whether the Assembly held there were generall. We have represented to H.M. the ill consequence of the Trade with St. Thomas and the supplies received thence by the French, and shall as soon as anything shall be determined therein give you an account thereof. We have likewise represented what you write of the necessity of another frigat for the protection of Trade, and the desire which the French express of a cartell. We had already represented at the sollicitation of Col. Whetham that Colonel Johnson, who you likewise recommend, be confirmed in the Government of Nevis, in which post Col. Codrington had placed him, which is accordingly done. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 52, 53.]
Nov. 30.
St. James's.
695. Draught of a letter for H.M. Signature to Governor Sir B. Granville. Instructions relating to the four suspended Councillors etc., in accordance with Representations of Nov. 16 and 23, and Order in Council, Nov. 16. [C.O. 29, 9. pp. 111–113.]
Nov. 30.
St. James's.
696. Order of Queen in Council. Petition of the Assembly of Barbados etc. respited till the Fleet arrive. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 5, 1704. ½ p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 67; and 29, 9. p. 114.]