America and West Indies: October 1710, 1-14

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 25, 1710-1711. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1924.

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'America and West Indies: October 1710, 1-14', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 25, 1710-1711, (London, 1924) pp. 220-231. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol25/pp220-231 [accessed 25 March 2024]

October 1710, 1-14

Oct. 1. 411. General Nicholson to M. Subercase. You are hereby required and comanded to deliver up to me for the Queen of Great Brittain the Fortt now in your possession as what of right belongs to Her said Majesty, together with all the territorys under your command, by vertue of an undoubted right of Her Royall Predecessors; and together with all cannon, mortars, magazines of warr, and troops under your command, otherways I shall endeavour forthwith to reduce the same by force of H.M. armes. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 67.]
Oct. 2. 412. Artacles of Capitulation agreed upon for the Surrender of the Fort of Port Royall etc. betwixt Francis Nicholson Esq. General and Commander in Cheif of all the forces of her sacred Majesty Ann by the grace of God of Great Brittain France and Ireland Queen, Defender of ye Faith etc. and Mr. de Subercase Knight of the Military Order of St. Lewis, and Governour and Commander in Cheife of the Fort of Port Royall, Province of La Acadee, and the Territorys thereunto belonging for his most sacred Christian Majesty. (1) That the Garrison shall march out with their arms and baggage, drumms beating and colours flying. (2) That their shall be a sufficient number of shipps and provision to transport the said Garrison to Rochell or Rochford, by the shortest passage, where they shall be furnish'd with passports for their return. (3) That I may take out six gunns and two mortars, such as I shall think fitt. (4) That the officers shall carry out all their effects, of what sort soever, except they do agree to the selling of them, the payment of which to be upon good faith. (5) That the inhabitants within cannon shot of the Fort of Port Royall, shall remain upon their estates, with their corn, cattle, and furneture, during two years, in case they are not desirous to go before, the taking the oaths of allegance and fidility to her sacred Majesty of Great Brittain. (6) That a vessil be provided for the privateers belonging to the Islands in America, for their transportation hither. (7) That those that are desirous to go for Placentia in Newfoundland, shall have leave by the nearest passage. (8) That the Cannadians, or those that are desirous to go their may, during the space of one year. (9) That effects, ornaments, utensills of the chappell and Hospitall shall be deliver'd to the Almoner. (10) I promise to deliver the Fort of Port Royall into the hands of Francis Nicholson Esq. for the Queen of Great Brittain etc. within three days after the ratificaation of this present Treaty with all the effects belonging to the King as gunns, morters, bombs, ball, powder, and all other small arms. (11) I will discover upon my faith all the mines, fugasses, and cassmats. (12) All the Artacles of this present Treaty shall be executed upon good faith without diffeculty, and signed by each other. At her Majesty of Great Brittain's camp before Port Royall Fort this second day of October in the ninth year of her Majesty's reigne annoque Domini 1710. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Subercase. Seals. Parchment. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 66.]
Oct. 3.
New York.
413. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. I pray the favour of you to deliver the inclosed letter and draught of land to the Lords of Trade, and the other letters as directed, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 25, 1710. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 5; and 5, 1122. p. 204.]
[? Oct. 3].
(without date, but v. preceding).
414. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I am just return'd from settling the Palatines on Hudson's river and the Deptford man of warr under sail, so that I have not time to send your Lordships so full an account of affairs here as I could wish, and as I shall do by the mast fleet. The Assembly here mett on the first of the last moneth and adjourn'd dureing my absence, at their opening I recommended to them the setling of a Revenue, the defence of the frontiers, the Militia Act, restoring the publick credit, are Act for returning sufficient jurors, ane Act to prevent the burning of woods, an Act for the reliefe of the creditors of bankrupts in England out of their estates in this Province. They mett in very indifferent humour, but I hope they are now in a better disposition. They sent for an estimate of the yearly expenss of the Govert., which was laid before them. The first Act they past was ane Act for reviveing and continuing the Militia Act to Nov. 1st 1711. The next was ane Act for the better settlement and assurance of lands, both which have past the Councill with some amendment. The Assembly has likewise past an Act for laying an Excise on all strong liquors retailed to be continued to Nov. 1st, 1711, and the money ariseing from thence to be paid to the Treasurer of the Colony for the time, and to be by him payd and apply'd to such uses as by ane Act of Genll. Assembly hereafter to be made for that purpose shall be limited and express'd. They are so fond of their own Treasurer, which H.M. has been pleas'd to allow them in some cases, that no arguments hitherto used can prevail with them to direct the money which is to goe for the suport of Government to be paid to the Queen's Receiver here, against whom they have conceiv'd some prejudice. They have also past ane Act for the more ease of Trade, and ane Act for reviving ane Act for returning sufficient jurors in tryals at Law. These three last have not as yet past the Councill. nor are the two first yet assented to. I shall send them all by the Mast Fleet from Boston with particular remarks. They have now under their consideration the scheme of the ordinary expenss of the Government. It is said they wholly dissapprove of some expenss and of others in part, and from thence are making a scheme of their own, by which they must intend either to ascertain the summ they will give for the yearly support of the Government, and leave it as usual to be apply'd by warrant in Councill, or else to appropriate the money they give as they did when Col. Ingoldsby had the administration. A few days will clear that matter. A table of fees has been prepared in Councill, and ane ordinance ordered to be drawn for establishing it. The Assembly were going to prepare a bill for that purpose, but this has putt a stop to it at present, but they seem very intent to have their concurrence in it and passe it into a law. I shall be very careful of observing H.M. Instructions in assenting to such laws as they have or shall prepare. The Assembly in the Jerseys is to meet at Burlington Nov. 14th, where I foresee more difficultyes if possible then I have mett with here. The Councill were divided about the place of meeting, one party insisting upon the Act past last Assembly (which is not as yet return'd with H.M. approbation or dissent) for their meeting for the future at Burlington. The other on the Instruction for their meeting alternatly at Burlington and Amboy. I propos'd that in regard to the season, there being hardly any house at the place call'd Amboy, they should meet pro hac vice at Burlington, and in case H.M. should think fitt to disapprove of that Act, that Sessions to be made good to Amboy by the two next insuing, which was accordingly agreed to. By the Mast Fleet your Lordps. shall have also a copy of my transactions with the Five Indian Nations. They have given assurances of their fidelity, and resolution to keep the Covenant Chain bright (as they phrase it), and have desir'd to have Missionary's and Garrisons in their Castles: they have promis'd to receive no French Priests or emissaryes, and to acquaint me with whatsoever the French propose to them. They insisted upon their right to the lands of Scohery near the Mohaks Countrey, and refer'd me to Records. I found at Albany Instructions to the Commissioners there to restore them to their right and title to these lands. I own'd their title, and they had a new consultation where they resolv'd to make a present of these lands to H.M., which I accepted with thanks in Her name and ordered them a suitable present, which they have not as yet call'd for, and indeed this is the only land almost within this Province left to H.M. to grant, tho' the whole be neither peopled nor cleared. I have been oblidged to purchase a tract of land on Hudson's River from Mr. Liviston consisting of 6000 acres, as your Lorps. will observe from this imperfect draught of it, for £400 of this countrey money, that is £266 English, for the planting of the greatest division of the Palatines. It has these advantages, besides the goodness of the soil, that it is adjacent to the pine which by the conveyance we are intitled to, and a place where ships of 15ft. water may go without difficulty. Over against it, but a litle lower, I have found a small tract of about a mile in length along the River, which has by some chance not been granted, tho' pretended to have been purchas'd of the Indians by some, where I have planted the remainder, they are not all as yet transported but I am makeing all possible dispatch that I may prevent the winter; this tract also lyes near to the pine. Mr. Bridger who attends that work and is on the spott, chose the first and approv'd of the last place. This great and usefull design of provideing England for ever hereafter with Naval Stores cannot fail other ways then by being let fall at home, for if tarr be made of pitch-pine, and a number of hands can manufacture it, here is enough for all Engld. for ever, as I suppose Mr. Bridger has inform'd your Lorps. more fully. I was much alarm'd by a letter from Mr. Perry, wherein he tells me that he not only could not gett the money advanc'd by him of the Treasury, but was told by the officers there that he must expect it out of the £10,000 given by the Parliat. for that purpose. I know not what the Parliament has given, but I know that by H.M. Instructions founded upon your Lorps.' Report, which was revis'd and approv'd by my Lord Treasurer, I am ord'red to putt in execution that scheme which directs that they should be subsisted at the rate of 6d. and 4d. per diem full grown and children, which by their contract they are to repay out of their labour when they are able to subsist themselves, and for that purpose had bills of £8000 given me which will soon be expended, and then I must see that poor people starve, or subsist them upon what credit I can make here, which if not supported at home I am undone, which is the least of the evil consequences which must attend the letting that project drop in that manner. I flatter myself that what Mr. Perry has heard from the officers of the Treasury was the effect of some mistake in them, or some difficultys in the Treasury at that time. I beg your Lordps.' assistance in setting that matter upon a right foot that I may go cheerfully on with this great, this extensively beneficial work of your Lordps.' projection, which now can meet with no rubb that it is possible to foresee but that of want of support from home. I have sent a scheme of their past and future expenss to my Lord Treasurer, and shall soon be oblidg'd to draw bills upon his Lorp. for their current subsistance. The great expenss of the work I shall deferr untill I hear further or find credit for what is absolutely and immediatly necessary. I humbly beg pardon for my long confused letter, but the ships being under saile I hope will in a great measure plead my excuse. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 25, Read Jan. 10, 17 10/11. Holograph. 6½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 6; and 5, 1122. pp. 205–213.]
Oct. 3.
Jamaica.
415. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Acknowledges letters etc. of April 4, June 27. As to the French Flag of Truce, I have never admitted one here, since I have been concern'd in this Government, excepting one about 5 years agoe, which I would not suffer to come within two miles of the shore, nor suffer him to send any letters, papers or any other thing on shore, as I gave your Lordships an account at that time. I send you here enclosed some papers that has been taken in a French privateer, in relation to flower that must have come from some of our English Colonys. As to newes here, there is very little excepting two French privateers that has been taken by our privateers. There is at Carthagena 15 sayle of French and Spanish ships, one of which is the Vice-Admiral of the galloons that escaped last year. There is one French man of war of 50 gunns, and 3 merchant-men which is beleived to be very rich. It's supposed the French shipps will sayle very soon. Our men of war and privateers is taking all the care they can to meat with them; if they sayle either to the windward or leward: they are in hopes to come up with some of them. The Spaniards expects four men of war to convoy them home, vizt. two Spanish, and two Genueas but as to the truth thereof, wee cannot learn. H.M. shipps to the number of three are gon and going in quest of these French shipps: I have ordered on board 125 soldiers and officers proportionable to help to man 'em. I am of oppinion that if it please God they meat with them, they will dust their dubletts. H.M.S. the Crown will sayle for Great Brittain with 10 or 12 merchantmen under her convoy, the 8 or 10th of this month. I heartly wish them a prosperous voyage. I am of oppinion the Crown will have 70 or £80,000 on board her. Our traders are returned from the Spanish cost, but have not had the best trade, notwithstanding I beleive they have taken about £80,000. They were disturbed and engaged for three days together by some French privateers who came from Martenego with a resolution to take them. In which engagement one of the greatest traders here known by the name of Capt. Charles Gandey, who was unfortunately kill'd by one of his owne granades bursting in his hands, as he was going to throw it into the enemy's shipp; I am affraid this Island will suffer a great loss by his death, since the Spaniards had an entire friendship for him, and he esteem'd amongst them a fair Trader. As to the power Sergant's pardon, I have heard nothing of it. The Island is at present very healthy; by the last advices from great Brittain gives me hopes that I shall soon be releived with my Regt., or at least the Core thereof; and when it pleases God I arrive in England, I shall not be wanting to pay my duty to your Lordships, to thank you for all the Favours you have done me, etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 27, Read Dec. 1, 1710. 2 pp. Enclosed,
415. i.–iii. Correspondence of M. Bernier, Captain of the privateer La Tempeste, concerning a Danish ship taken by him at Jacquemelle and released as having on board only flour and provisions. Aug. 1710. Same endorsement. French. 4 pp. [C.O. 137, 9. Nos. 22, 22 i.–iii.; and (without enclosures) 138, 13. pp. 299–303.]
Oct. 3.
Jamacia. (sic.)
416. Governor Handasyd to Lord Dartmouth. Acknowledges letter of July 20. I beg leave heartily to congratulat your Lordship, etc. Repeats No. 415. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Sealed. Addressed. "On her Majesty's Service," etc. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 28.]
Oct. 4.
New York.
417. James Du Pré to James Vernon. Corroborates accounts by Governor Hunter and Mr. Bridger as to the settlement of the Palatins. Prays for repayment of his expenses. H.E. hath honoured me with the post of Commissary of the Stores with an allowance of £250 yearly, which obliges me to great expence, and necessaries for life are as dear here as at London and cloathing twice the price, etc. Signed, Jas. du Pré. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 29, 1710. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 3.]
Oct. 11. 418. Minute of Council of war at Annapolis Royal. John Harrison was appointed Chaplain in Annapolis Royal. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 69.]
Oct. 12.
Annapolis Royall.
419. Proclamation by General Nicholson and the rest of the Council of War. To all the inhabitants of L'Accadie and Nova Scotia, or others whatsoever French or Indians that anyways formerly depended upon or were under the jurisdiction of the French King's Governour att Port Royall, these are to notify and make known that whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to bless with the desired success the arms of her Brittanick Majesty by reduceing to her royall obedience the fort formerly Port Royall now Annapolis Royall with the circumjacent teritorys to which H.M. hath an undoubted right of inheritance as well as conquest, that we command forbid and discharge any of the inhabitants of the abovesaid teritorys wheather they be French or Indians to disturb seise or molest any of the subjects of H.M. of Great Brittan who may either be conversant among them upon the land or passing along the coast upon their lawfull occasions by sea: as they will answer the same under the pain of military execution; we likeways hereby discharge all the said inhabitants under pain of the abovesaid penalty to traffick or hold correspondence in any manner of way with the French or their Indians either from Canada or any other part of the French dominions whatsoever; And lastly because we judged for the good of H.M. service, and the establishment of the country that untill H.M. further pleasure be known therein that Annapolis Royall be the only port and place of commerce in the abovesaid dominions of L'Accadie and Nova Scotia, we do hereby discharge prohibit and forbid any of the inhabitants whither the(y) be French or Indians to trade traffick or make any merchandise whatsoever whither amongst themselves or with any of the subjects of H.M. of Great Brittaine in any other place harbour creek or town save in this of Annapolis Royall, as they will answer the contrary att their highest perrill promising withall to the said inhabitants that while they behave themselves civilly and peaceably they shall meet with all the good treatment imaginable untill H.M. royall pleasure shall be more particularly notifyed with regard to them and their country. Signed, Fr. Nicholson, Sam. Vetch. Charles Hobby, Robt. Reading; G. Martin, Thos. Mathews, Walt. Riddell, Geo. Gordon. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 73.]
Oct. 12.
Annopolis Royall.
420. Proclamation by General Nicholson and the rest of the Council of War. Whereas it hath pleased Allmighty God to bless with the desired success H.M. most just and royall arms more immediately under our direction, so as to reduce to her royall obedience the Fort of Port Royall, with the circumjacent teritorys in the terms contained in the capitulation hereto annexed; and whereas the season of the year will not allow the totall reduction of this large country of Nova Scotia, nor the disposall of the inhabitants therein untill H.M. royall pleasure therein be more particularly notifyed. Wee have thought fitt to publish and make known to all H.M. good subjects upon this Continent of America, or others her subjects whatsoever that may come to trafficke in those parts, that they do not repair to trade or infest any parts of the dominions of Nova Scotia, they being now under the protection of H.M. Governour and Garrison of Annopolis Royall; and as wee judge it for the honour of H.M., the intrest and encouragement of the settleing the said country, that the said Annopolis Royall be the sole part (sic) and place of trade in the said dominions of L'Accadia and Nova Scotia; so wee thought fitt to notifie to all H.M. subjects as abovesaid, that as they shall receive all manner of encouragement in comeing to traffike, make fish, or any sort of commerce or manufactory that this country is capeable of, as Navall Stores, or building of vessells within the bason or harbour of Annopolis Royall, so wee think fitt to notifie to all H.M. subjects, that as no other place is allowed to be a part of commerce, save that of Annopolis Royall, so should any contrary to this order, and notification presume to make any depredation, or traffike in any part of the sd. teritorys of Nova Scotia, excepting the abovesaid port of Annopolis, they must expect to be treated as illegall traders, and their vessills and effects made prize off for H.M. use, etc. Signed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 74.]
Oct. 12.
Admiralty Office.
421. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Encloses following to be laid before the Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 24th Oct., 1710. 1 p. Enclosed,
421. i. Copy of a letter from Capt. Smith, H.M.S. Enterprize, Kiquotan, Virginia, Aug. 12, 1710. I sail'd from New York July 5th, intending to call at Virginia, but the wind continuing to hang in the S.W. made sail for the Bahamas, where I arrived the 30th, falling in with the eastermost part of the Isle of Iluthera. I there sent my boat ashore, and gott off some of the inhabitants, from whom had the following relation: that there has not been, nor was not now any settlements of the French upon any of the Bahama Islands, they being in the entire possession of the English, but were frequently visited by the enemy, who came over in open shallops and perryaugers, and very often landed, particularly on this part of the Island, from whence they have sometimes taken whole familys, using them with the utmost rigour and severity to make them confess what money they had, and how dispos'd on. This oblig'd them the inhabitants, who were about 32 familys, to abandon their houses and retire to the woods for shelter, where they lay every night, to prevent their being surprized by them, having not arms sufficient for their defence, which were they provided with, they might be able to preserve themselves and their effects from falling into their hands. From hence (after six hours stay) I proceeded for Harbour Island, to gett informed of the condition of that place, upon my arrival one Capt. Thomas Walker came aboard and acquainted me that he, whom the people had chose to be Commander in Cheif for the time being, having about 12 familys with him, was in possession there in behalf of H.M. and the Lords Proprietors, and did not doubt but he should be able to maintain the same, till better provision should be made; in order to it had rais'd a small battery, where he had mounted four guns and some pattereroes, and being pretty well provided with powder, shott and small arms, was under no manner of apprehension of the enemy's giving him the disturbance as formerly. From this place would have gone for Providence, could I have been secure in a pilott, but mine was not sufficienty acquainted to take charge of the ship that way, and the Bahamians all of them refus'd it, knowing it to be very hazardous and dangerous, by reason of the hurricanes, which was every day expected, there being likewise no drift for her at such a time, nor harbour to shelter her in, therefore they beleiv'd it advisable for me not to proceed thither, etc. They told me that Providence was in little better circumstance then that of Iluthera, the inhabitants there, which are about 30 families, having been very often plundered, as they lye altogather as much exposed for want of arms, so were allso obliged to have recourse to the Pashes upon the approach of the enemy for their security, they have nine great guns there, which did belong to the Fort, when taken and demolish'd, but wanting ammunition are of no use to them. The rest of the Islands they say are wholly and intirely abandon'd, the people which were on them not being able to live free from insults, was forc'd to quitt them. Having gain'd this account, left the Bahamas the 31st, etc. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. Nos. 101, 101 i.]
Oct. 13.
Treasury Chambers.
422. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury refer following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their opinion. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 24th Oct., 1710. Addressed. ¾ p. Enclosed,
422. i. Petition of Thomas Day, son of Sir Thomas Day, decd., to the Lord High Treasurer. Prays for the grant of a peice of waste ground in Bermuda upon which Samuel Day built a house, etc. 1 p.
422. ii.–iv. Copies of reports to the Lord High Treasurer by William Blathwayt, March 25, 1707, and July 15, 1710, and Lt. Governor Bennett, June 20, 1708, in favour of preceding petition. 3 pp. [C.O. 37, 9. Nos. 7, 7 i.–iv.; and (covering letter and enclosure i. only) 38, 6. pp. 489–491.]
Oct. 13.
New York.
423. Governor Hunter to [?Lord Dartmouth]. I humbly beg leave to congratulate your Lordp. upon this new and distinguishing mark of H.M. favour, and to implore your patronage in the carying on of that usefull project of Naval Stores in the framing of which your Lordp. had a chiefe hand. Refers to the settlement of the Palatins. v. Oct. 3 and Nov. 14. The Assembly here has sat since Sept. 1st, but have not as yet done anything for the support of the Govt., but I believe they will now proceed to it, being in better temper then I found them. I shall transmitt an account of all transactions here by ye mast fleet from Boston. The Indian Nations have given assurance of their fidelity to H.M., and have desir'd English Missionarys and garrisons, which I believe may deserve your Lordp's. consideration. If our force here were augmented by two more Independent Companys, we might spare them detachts. for some of their Castles, which would keep them in their duty, and draw back those who have gone over to the French, and keep our frontiers free from alarums. I shall write more fully by ye Mast Fleet, this man of war (ye Deptford) being under sail, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. James Dupré, Jan. 2, 1711. Sent an extract to ye Treasury, Jan. 5, 1711. Writ to ye Councill of Trade Jan. 5, (q.v.). 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1091. No. 24.]
Oct. 14.
Stockport.
424. Invoice of goods shipped on the Pemberton galley for Jamaica. Signed, John Hall. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 45. No. 96.]
[? Oct. 14.] 425. Address of General Nicholson and the Council of War for carrying on the Expedition against Port Royal to the Queen. We have concluded all the said Expedition against Port Royall Fort and brought it under your Majesty's obedience: and have declared all to be done which the season of the year cann allow, and left it in the possession of Col. Samuel Vetch by the name of Annapolis Royall. As your Majesty has been pleased to give your Royall promise that the country with the severall species of plunder shall be divided and distributed as by your Majesty's pleasure is mentioned in the Instructions: we most humbly submitt to be determined by your Majesty's goodness therein, humbly praying we may have the preference of the first setlements and allow'd an equall share in the soile, trade, fishery etc., according to our severall ranks, and number of people under our command in conjunction wthall the severall Governmts. who together with us were concerned in the reduction of Port Royall. Congratulate H.M. etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson, Sam. Vetch, Charles Hobby, Robt. Reading, G. Martin, Tho. Mathews, Walt. Riddell, Robt. Paston, Geo. Gordon. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 71.]
Oct. 14.
Annapolis Royall.
426. Same to Same. It having pleased Allmighty God to bless with success your most just and royall arms in reduceing to your obedience the Fort of Port Royall by which in a great measure the large country of Nova Scotia is again reduced to your large Empyre in America, to which your Majesty hath an undoubted right of inheritance, derived from your royall predecessors, who to encourage the setlement of the said country instituted the Honourable Order of Barronetts of Nova Scotia, the reviveing of which order as it would tend to the resettleing of the country, so your Memoriallists haveing had the honour to be principall instruments in the reduction of the said place: most humbly pray that if your Majesty shall be graceiously pleased to revive the said order, such of us as your Majesty shall think fitt in your royall wisdom may be honoured wth. the same, etc. Signed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 72.]
Oct. 14.
Annapolis Royall.
427. General Nicholson to Philippe de Rigeau, Marquis de Vaudreuil, Governor of North France (Canada.) This comes by Major John Levingston whome myselfe and H.M. Councill of Warr send with relation to the inclosed Instrument, which I hope you will punctually comply withall to prevent the effusion of innocent blood on both sides, and as I have the honour to command in chiefe H.M. forces in these parts, so I do assure you that it shall be your fault if anything contrary to a honourable warr be practised upon Her Brittanick Majesty's part. M. Subercass sends along with the bearer the Barron St. Castien upon his part to whome we reffer you both for the account of the surrender of this place and the treatment we have given them with relation to their return to France. If the Major Levingston wants money lett him have whatsomever he shall want and take his bills for the same upon Col. Samll. Vetch, H.M. Governor of Annapolis Royall, or Mr. John Borland, mercht. in Boston, H.M. Agent there, which will be punctually honoured, which is all from, Sr., Your most humble servant, Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed,
427. i. The Council of War at Annapolis Royal to M. de Vaudreuil. Oct. 11, 1710. It haveing pleased Almighty God to bless with success H.M. Ann by the grace of God of Great Brittain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the faith, etc., her royall and just arms with the desired success in reduceing to her obedience the Fort of Port Royall and circumjacent country as the Articles of Capitulation transmitted you by Mr. Subercass (Oct. 1, 2) will more particularly inform you, by which you will perceive that all the country save what are within cannon shott of the Fort are left absolutely prisoners at discretion. Wee therefore, being a Councill of Warr appointed by her Royall Brittanick Majesty etc. to manage the affairs of the warr in those parts, thought fitt by these presents to notify to you that as we are informed you have often formerly made incursions upon some of the exposed frontiers of H.M. Collonys of New England, New York, Connecticut and New Hampshire by your savagely barberouse Indians and french, to the inhumanly murthering a great many poor inocent people, and children. Wee do therefore make known to you by these presents, that in case you shall after this comes to your hands, either by your French or Indians, directly or indirectly, commit any hostillitys, as murder, drepredations, or otherwise whatsomever, that wee will upon notice thereof make the same millitary execution upon the Chiefe of your people in this country, L'Accadie or Nova Scotia, now absolutely at our discretion: but as we abhor the barbarietys of your savage warr, so we hope you will give us no occasion to coppy affter you in this respects, and as we are certainly informed that there are under your command a great many Brittish prisoners, either imediately in the hands of the French, or your Indians: particularly a young Gentlewoman, daughter to the Reverend Mr. Williams, Minister at Dear Field, we do expect and require that you have all the sd. prisoners, in whose hands soever they be, French or Indians, ready to deliver up to such a Flagg of truce as shall be sent for that effect from any of Her Brittanick Majesty's Govermt. to which they belong, and that by May next ensueing, otherwise you must expect that the like number of the Chiefe inhabitants of this country shall in the same manner be made slaves amongst our Indians, untill a full restitution be made of all her Brittanick Majesty's subjects, that are or shall hereafter be in your dominions, whither in the possession of French or Indians: But if you comply with our most just and reasonable demands, wee assure you your people and prisoners shall be treated with all the civillity and good manners, the Law of Warr and Nations can any-wise entitule them unto. Signed, (Commodore) G. Martin, (Capt.) Thos. Mathews, (Capt.) Walt. Riddell, (Capt.) Geo. Gordon; (General) Fr. Nicholson, (Col.) Sam. Vetch, (Sir) Charles Hobby, (Col.) Robt. Reeding. Addressed. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 9. Nos. 70, 70 i.]
Oct. 14.
Cowes.
428. Lord Shannon to Lord Dartmouth. I had the honour of your Lordship's of the 10th, wth. H.M. orders to embark the troops under my command, wch. I have done this day: out of the five regiments we miss but eight men, and I doe not doubt but I shall get most of them again, etc. Proposes that the ships be provisioned at Portsmouth, "as has been done on former expeditions, salt provisions being very much wanted" etc. Signed, Shannon. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 1.]