|
May 17.
Whitehall. |
841. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth.
Since what we have already transmitted to your Lordship,
relating to the rebellion and murder of Col. Park at Antego,
we have been attended by Mr. Michael Ayon, Provost Marshal
General of the Leeward Islands, who was in the chamber
at Col. Parke's house when he was killed, and Ayon having
presented to us a letter from a member of the Council (? Mr.
Morris, Feb. 27. Ed.) who signed the Address which was sent to
your Lordship, and communicated to us several affidavits in
relation thereto, and given us a verbal account of what pass'd
in the action, and hath promised to put the same in writing, and
to lay it before your Lordship with the said affidavits, we do in
the meantime here inclose for yr. Lordship's information a copy
of the said letter, etc. [C.O. 153, 11. p. 321.] |
May 19.
Spanish Towne. |
842. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have received H.M. Order in Council March 1st, 1710, for
repealing a judgment given here in the Supream Court of Jamaica,
in favour of Charles Long and Dame Jane, his wife. By which
it is the oppinion of most of the learned men of the Law, and men
of the best judgment here, that it strikes at the very foundation
of the Laws, by which this Island has been governed and preserved for this 50 odd years last past. By H.M. King Charles'
Royal Proclamacon, 1661, having thereby granted all the emunities and privilidges of his native subjects of England, to all those
that would come and settle here, which was the main encouragement for the settling this Island, since which time all the English
laws, (excepting some few that has been made for the better
management of slaves etc.) has been constantly observed and
followed in all Courts of Justice here, as also an Act passed in
this Island for ye Statute Law and Common Laws of England
to make them in force here: which was never repealled by a
Privy Seal sent here as is usualy done in such cases, from H.M.
or any of her predicessers. But on accot. of this Order all Judges
and other Magistrates etc. are very fearfull to act in their several
stations. I beg leave to accquaint your Lordships, it is my
oppinion, that without H.M. is graciously pleased to give them
some assurence of her gracious clemency and favour towards
them being now in a very low condition, little or no trade, and
surrounded with enemys both within the Island, and without;
makes this seem a greater hardship to them. I only offer this
as my owne private oppinion, for the honour of the Crown of
Great Brittain, and the welfare of this Island, by what I have
learnt I do beleive that the Council and Assembly (in the name
of the whole Island) will offer an humble Address to H.M. in
their behalf. I know your Lordships has goodness to pardon
this, since I take it to be my duty to give your Lordships the
best accot. I can. I have writt on the same subject to the Earl
of Dartmouth, etc. Postscript. This day H.M. Order in Councill
was read in Councill here, and the judgement that was given in
favour of Cha. Long etc. is reversed etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd.
Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 27th June, 1711. Addressed. 2 pp.
[C.O. 137, 9. No. 38; and 138, 13. pp. 333–335.] |
May 19.
Spanish Towne. |
843. Same to same. Acknowledges letter of Feb. 19. There
is since come into the West Indies Monsr. Du Cass with 8 men of
war, as prisoners reported that was sent into the Madearas with
a Flag of Truce it was a Portugees ship he had taken of 24 gunns,
he lay off the Maderas 24 hours; something better then a month
ago, and had no other ships with him; which made us suppose the
rest was seperated from him in bad weather. He was in a ship
of 74 brass guns and 650 men. I wish he may not be waiting for
our Fleet coming to the West Indies, but by a letter from the
Governour of Carthageen to the Vice-Roy of Mexico, bearing
date the 1st of May, which I have intersepted, and inclosed to
the Earl of Dartmouth, which says that he is only comed for the
galloons an (d) further sayeth that there is but little money in
them, and in the said letter he gives an account of their victory
obtained over King Charles. I send you hear a coppy of the
heads of the relation he gives as well as I can gett it translated
here. Our traders and man of war is still at Porta Bella, and
there has been a sloop dispatched from hence to give them notice
of the enemy being in these parts, but by what I can learn by a
turtler that came from thence, they had but very little trade
when he came away. The Island since my last has been very
much afflicted with sickness; which has proved mortall, and H.M.
Regiment under my command has had their share, and we have
lost a Counciller, by name Thomas Clarke, jr., his father and he
dyed in one day, and in one hour of the day. The Assembly is
now sitting and I hope to be able to send you an accot. of their
proceedings by the next pacquett or man of war which sayls
first. I could wish some method could be found out for recruiting
H.M. Regiment under my command, but I beleive that must be
left alone untill my arrival Comadore Littleton is very much
indisposed, but I hope not in danger. As to other news here,
wee have none, but I am of oppinion Monsr. Du Cass's Squadron
will make all the hast back again they can, if they be come only
upon the accot. of the galloons. Our men of war is not in a
condition to oppose them if they were here, but at present they
are all out, and not one man of war in the harbor. As to the
poor sergant's pardon, I have heard nothing from Capt. Gardner,
and am afraid he has forgott it, as he doth most things he ought
to remember, etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd.
23rd, Read 27th June, 1711. Addressed. Sealed. 2 pp. En
closed, |
|
843. i. Governor of Carthagena to the Duque de Linares,
Governor of New Spain (Mexico) Cartagena. May 1,
1711. Translation referred to in preceding. Endorsed,
Recd. June 23, 1711. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 137, 9. Nos. 39,
39 i; and (without enclosure) 138, 13. pp. 336–338.] |
May 19.
Spanish Towne. |
844. Same to Lord Dartmouth. Duplicates of preceding
two letters with Spanish original, and translation in full of
the Governor of Carthagena's letter No. 843 i. [C.O. 137, 51.Nos. 39–42.] |
| May 19. |
845. Mr. Attorney General to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Returns books connected with Lord Baltimore's
petition. I am ready to attend your Lordships any time after
the holidays. Signed, Edw. Northey. Endorsed, Recd. 19th,
Read 24th May, 1711. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 33; and 5, 727.
p. 256.] |
May 21.
Boston, New England. |
846. Mr. Bridger to [? Lord Dartmouth.] The yearly wast
and destruction made in H.M. woods continuing and cheifly by
Mr. Collins' employer Mr. Mico here, who not only cutts all sorts
of masts above his contract, but by his people here has given
such boldness to the inhabitants the loggers, that this year they
have cutt several masts and sold them to Mico's people in the
woods, etc. Ware this Charter gone, H.M. prerogative would
shine bright and influence the whole so that they would be more
obedient to H.M. commands and civil to her intrest (and officers),
and ware they more dependant, they would be much more
servisable. I humbly pray your Lordshipp order for the masts
that are cut above contract. I have seized several times his
masts, but have not had the seizure confirmed at home, which
has given birth to all his unwarrantable and prejudicial proceedings, etc. I have endeavoured by all ways possible to stop him,
but all in vaine, for which he has allways informed against me
as now before the Admiralty. I humbly pray your Lordshipp's
favour, his information being false, malitious, etc. H.M. can never
hope of any justice here, where judge and jury are offenders, for
they plead their Charter no law, when I prosecuted them on it for
cutting masts, and at other times they adore it, equal if not
preferrable to theire schismatical doctrine, etc. Signed, J. Bridger.
1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 898. No. 7.] |
May 21.
Boston. |
847. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges letters of
Oct. 26 and April 23. I have apply'd to Col. Hunter, who
refuses me travailing charges. I pray directions in this affaire.
The yearly wast made in H.M. Woods by Mr. Mico has set the
inhabitants at worke in the same manner; the loggers this year
having cut many masts, and Mico's people has bought them,
this gives great encouragement to them. Mr. Mico has also cutt
this year 40 or more masts above his contract (wch. do not
exceed 26 inches the largest diameter), he cuts to 36 in. Nothing
will oblige him to rules; all I can doe is humbly to represent to
their Lordships by you for redress, by strengthening my Instructions, allowing Depties etc. Repeats preceding. The reason
is, the litle masts that are in contract his employers will
loose by, and the large tho' out of contract he will cut to make
that loose good, notwithstanding the Navy do not want them.
Suggests returning to lay matters before the Board, etc. Signed,
J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd 11th, Read 13th July, 1711. 1½ pp.
[C.O. 5, 865. No. 66; and 5, 913. pp. 337–340.] |
May 22.
Whitehall. |
848. Lord Dartmouth to Governor Dudley. The Queen
having been pleased to constitute Col. William Tailer Lt. Governor
of the Massachusetts Bay, I recommend him to your favour and
assistance, etc. Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 31. pp. 12, 13;
and 324, 32. p. 83.] |
May 22.
London. |
849. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. The Frankland packetboat has been taken by 3 privateers and carried into Brest. The
Captain threw all his letters overboard, etc. The Resolution is
now ready to sail, etc. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 24th May, 1711. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 13.] |
May 22.
Boston, New England. |
850. Governor Dudley to [? Lord Dartmouth.] There are
none of H.M. ships in these Provinces bound to Great Britain to
make a safe conveyance for our papers returnable into the offices
till the coming home of the next mast fleet, but I am willing by
every opportunity to acquaint your Lordship with the s[t]ate of
these Provinces. The reduction of Port Royall has happily cut
off the receptacle of the privateers upon the coast and the nearest
supply of cloths and ammunition to the Indian Rebels in our
neighbourhood, but Canada yet remains their last refuge, which
I am humbly of opinion would be easeily reduced wth. a proper
strength of ships and troops as I have alwais humbly represented;
but having no directions from your Lordship refering thereto I
am fearfull this summer will pass over. Because if H.M. shall
please to command any forces from hence, if we have not the
advice in ten days more, it will be allmost impossible to be
seasonably ready for so distant a descent and so difficult a river.
In the meantime I have all the frontieers of both Provinces well
guarded and marching partys everywhere in a long frontieer of
200 miles to meet and prevent their incursions and shall cut up
their corn and visit their fishing places to put them to destress.
and shall obey H.M. commands, if I may have the honour to
receive them for any further or more distant service, and hope
the people will cheerfully obey, having been hithertoo during the
war equally drawn out of the files and well subsisted and justly
paid tho' they are under some discouragement by the loss of above
100 men left at Anopolis-Royall to strengthen the garison there,
being not used to live upon dry provisions, etc. Signed, J.
Dudley. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 898. No. 8.] |
May 24.
Kensington. |
851. H.M. Warrant extending John Perrie's leave of absence
for one year from Aug. 1st next, he appointing a deputy as Pro
vost Marshal of the Leeward Islands, etc. Countersigned, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. pp. 83, 84.] |
| May 24. |
852. List of 27 licences of absence from their posts granted
to Officers in America since H.M. reign (July, 1702–May, 1711.)
Endorsed, July 6, 1711. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 4. No. 3.] |
May 25.
Woodcote. |
853. Lord Baltimore to Mr. Popple. I will waite on you at
your house Munday evening, in order to beg of theire Lordps. to
fix Wednesday or Thursday next for ye hearing, etc. Your
great favour herein I acknowledge as becomes, Sr., your obliged
faithfull servt. Signed, C. Baltimore. Endorsed, Recd. 25th,
Read 28th May, 1711. Holograph. Sealed. Addressed, To William
Popple Esq., etc., at his house in Tibbolds Row (=Theobald's
Road) nere Red Lyon Square. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 34.] |
May 25.
Whitehall. |
854. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth.
Reply to letter of April 2, which came not to hand till the 18th
instant. We have examin'd our books, and do not find that
there is at present any vacancy in the Councill of New York.
However having had a good character of Mr. Byerley we have
no objection why H.M. may not appoint him a Member of that
Councill upon the first vacancy that shall happen. Autograph
signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1084. No. 46; and 5, 1122. pp.
326, 327.] |
May 25.
New London. |
855. Major Livingston to General Nicholson. I was on my
voyage for Brittain but stormy weather forced us to return for
Boston, etc. It was thought adviseable for me to stay, having
then a report of your Excellency's comeing to renew ye Expedition
for Canada, and ye season of ye year being so far spent yt. I must
of necessity miss of you in Great Brittain; which would have
proved a disappointment to ye service, and me alsoe. I forwarded your pacquett from Coll. Vetch, with my Journall and
observations for Great Brittain under ye care of Capt. John
Dean, who went passenger in the Speedwell galley. I now send
coppy per ye Royall Anne pacquett; shall follow myselfe per ye
next oppertunity, (if I receive no orders to ye contrary) in order
to give yr. Excellency a full account of my negotiation with ye
Govr. of Canada (and my observations which I dare not committ
to paper) I should have come with this pacquett, but am indisposed, being not as yett gott over ye fatigues of my journey. I
have no news as yet from Canada, concerning my man Simon
Burton, whom I left sick there, last winter in an Hospitall; have
not heard from Annapolis Royall since April 4th, they have
lost by sickness, as Col. Whiting informs me 130 men. I hope
my case will have your smiles, in order to obtain my desires, wch.
is to live and die under your command. Signed, Jno. Livingston.
2 pp. [C.O. 5, 931. No. 9.] |
May 25.
Whitehall. |
856. Mr. Popple to Mr. Lillington. Encloses duplicate of
letter of Jan. 19th sent by the Frankland pacquet-boat, (which
having been taken and carryed into France, and the letters
thrown overboard, I inclose another copy thereof). Acknowledges letters etc. of Jan. 27 and Feb. 16, which the Council
of Trade and Plantations will take into consideration, and such
directions will be given thereupon, as shall be found necessary.
In the meanwhile, upon enquiry into that matter at the Lord
Dartmouth's Office, it does appear that H.M. pleasure, concerning
the nomination of a Treasurer, has been sent you by two different
conveyances, and lest they both may have miscarryed a duplicate
thereof will be sent by the packet boat, which brings you this.
It being now about a month since Mr. Lowther went from hence,
I doubt not but he will be arrived at Barbados before this can
come to your hand. [C.O. 29, 12. pp. 350–352.] |
May 27.
Spa. Towne. |
857. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Since my last of the 19th inst. by the pacquett
this comes to acquaint you that H.M.S. the Jersey, Capt. Vernon
Commander, brought in here the 23rd inst. a French merchantship
that had been trading on the Spanish coast; shee had mounted
30 gunns and 120 men. What was in her, I have not yett been
informed; the Capt. of the French ship says that Monsr. Du Cass
sayled from Port Lewis for Carthageen the 20th inst., and gives
the following acct. of the shipps that are wth. him;—St. Michell,
74 guns; L' Hercule, 60; Le Griffin, 50; one frigot, 24; one
frigot, 20. They likewise say that he will make no stay, but
immediatly sail with the galloons, etc. I am apprehensive if our
men of war were here they would not be in a condition to oppose
them, but I hope care will be taken to intersept them before they
gett home. There is not one man of war in the Harbor. Comadore Littleton has order'd the Jersey out again. Signed, Tho.
Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. July 28th, Read Sept. 12th, 1711.
Addressed. Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 9. No. 42; and 138,
13. p. 343.] |
May 27.
Spanish Towne. |
858. Same to Lord Dartmouth. Duplicate of preceding.
[C.O. 137, 51. No. 43.] |
May 28.
New York. |
859. George Clarke, Secretary of New York, to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. H.E. Coll. Hunter being called on by
the season of the year to set the Palatins to work on preparing the
pine trees, left me his commands in case he should not return
before this packet sailed to aquaint your Lordships that he is
upon that service, desireous by his presence to encourage, and to
be a witness to their first labours. He has also commanded me
to inform your Lordships of some other things relating to this
Government. The Assembly being dissolved (v. May 7), he did
with the first convenience after, by the Council's advice issue
writs for the election of another to meet June 10th; there's but
little hopes of such alteration by this new choice as may make a
majority of sober and considerate men, who weighing the circumstances of H.M. Governmt. with honest and dutifull minds may
again setle the Revenue for its support, however H.E. is resolved
to leave no means unattempted, and the country no excuse. Our
affairs with the Indians have at this time likewise a very ill aspect.
The Governour of Canada has lately sent to our Five Nations
some officers and soldiers with a large present, who after having
assembled and made several propositions to them gave them the
present to the value of about £600 mostly in ammunition. Refers
to enclosure. So soon as H.E. had notice that these French
officers were at Onondago, he dispatcht Col. Schuyler thither with
instructions, what to negotiate with the Indians, but has yet
received no account from him. Your Lordps. will perceive the
French are building a fortification at Onondago by their permission, which I fear is only a begining for more, the neutrality
that has been observed between them this warr has given our
enemy the opportunity of thus corrupting our Indians; and the
country seem generally averse to a rupture between them, and
rather then be at the expence of supplying them with amunition
in such a case, and defending their frontiers, which must necessarily follow, choose to sit contented under this precarious security,
without even so much as raising any money for presents to such
of the Indians whose fidelity may deserve them, and the presents
H.E. brought with [him] being almost all disposed of that way,
and for spys last winter, (for whom the Assembly made no
provision) there's now left to trust to but the faith of these
salvages, and how much that is shaken already, is but too evident
from these proceedings. H.E. having appointed a Committee
of the Council to digest the table of fees of 1693, and the ordnance
past by him in Council into such a method as the difference
between them might be observed, they met upon it, but finding
it impracticable by reason of the deficiency of so many necessary
articles in the first, and besides never having had it under their
consideration, and for that reason too, tho' they perused it, made
their report to H.E., enclosed. The fees of all the officers, as well
as the practicers of the Law are by this ordinance reduced too
low, but the Council could not be brought to make them higher,
so H.E. was obliged to establish them as they are or not at all.
Signed, Geo. Clarke. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th July,
1711. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
859. i. Copy of Report from a Committee of Council of New
York, appointed to consider the table of fees, 1693 etc.
May 15, 1711. Endorsed, Recd. July 11, 1711. 2¾ pp. |
|
859. ii. Account of the fees taken in the Supreme Court at
New York. Endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. [C.O. 5,
1050. Nos. 24, 24 i., ii; and (without enclosures) 5,
1122. pp. 398–402.] |
| [May 28.] |
860. Abstract of Col. Dudley's last letter to Mr. Newman.
In May last I received the Order of Council appointing Mr.
Waldron one of the Council of Piscataqua, with another of the
same import and form for Capt. Hunkins, dated March 31, 1709,
with that only difference that my Lord Sunderland should prepare that warrant as Sir C. Hedges was to prepare Mr. Waldron's.
At the time of the arrival of these two Orders, I was reduced so
low in Council, that I had only seven members, three of whom are
incapacitated by age or gout. And the quorum of the Council to
make a sitting number being five. I have been many days at
Piscataqua without being able to hold a Council. The orders
coming fresh to me from the Clerk of the Council's Office both
signed by Mr. Southwell, I thought I might make use of those
gentlemen and accordingly order'd them to be sworn, and since
that, they have assisted only at one Assembly for the raising of
money for the payment of the Port Royal Expedition, and without whome I could not have holden the Assembly nor obtain'd
the money of the Province. I thought H.M. service required me
to use all means to carry on the affairs, notwithstanding which
Mr. Usher, Lt. Governour of that Province, a few days since just
before the fleet sail'd, held a Council where he could get but four
members present whereof Mr. Waldron was one, and finding that
the Order of Councill was not followed by a warrant from Sr.
Charles Hedges, there being a displeasure between Mr. Waldron
and himself, has suspended Mr. Waldron, and to be sure by the
mast fleet which sail'd before I knew it so as to write has represented that matter as a breach on my part. I desire you to visit
Mr. Popple, who I suppose is yet Secretary, and pray him to
assure their Lordships that I used those persons as being so
allowed by H.M., and without whom I could not possibly have
held a General Assembly to raise the money for the payment of
the forces, and the Governmt. must have suffer'd, and the soldiers
ready enough to mutiny if their money had not been rais'd and
pay'd, and those Gentlemen do by this conveyance write to you,
and their friends to attend my Lord Dartmouth for the necessary
warrant, untill which time I shall direct Mr. Waldron not to
attend in Councill, tho I shall want him being the first estate in the
Province, a gentleman of good loyalty, and capacity, inferior to
none. I have written to their Lordships as they have commanded
a number of names to make up the Councill, twelve of the best
men in the Province, and if I were to give twelve names more
I must give the names of handycraftsmen and labourers, there
being not that I know of in the province that number worth
£20 a year in lands to support their figure. A true copy, signed,
Henry Newman. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read 30th, May, 1711.
2¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 64.] |
May 29.
New York. |
861. Mr. Sharpas to [? Lord Dartmouth.] The inclosed came
to my hands extreamly shatter'd and wett and lyable to
the view of any person whose curiosity excited them to the
knowledge of the contents, etc. Signed, Will. Sharpas. 1 p.
(No enclosure). [C.O. 5, 1084. No. 47.] |
May 30.
N. York. |
862. George Clarke to [? Lord Dartmouth.] Encloses following, by which your Lordship will perceive to what a turbulent
disposition these poor people are brought by the malice of ill
designing men; one would have thought it had been the interest
of every man in this Province to incourage them in the labour
they were designed for, which in time may make this a very
flourishing place, and so it is, as it respects the Publick, but some
have their by-ends to pursue, to which they make all publick
considerations subservient, those on the frontiers would have
them posted between them and the enemy to be a frontier to
them, others have large tracts of land to setle, and would have
them abandon'd that they may become their slaves, and in short
few are to be found, who do not wish differently, most as their
interest is concerned, and some to gratify the rancour of their
minds; But H.E. has yet good hopes of their reformation, etc.
Repeats parts of following. Signed, Geo. Clarke. 2 pp. [C.O.
5, 1091. No. 36.] |
May 30.
N. York. |
863. George Clarke to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Since I closed my other letter (May 28) I have received a full and
particular account of the deportment of the Palatines, etc. About
a fortnight agoe H.E. haveing received information from their
overseers that these people had taken a resolution neither to
work in makeing pitch and tarr nor to remain on the land they
are settled upon for that purpose, but even by force if they could
not otherwise effect it to remove to Schohary (a tract of resumed
lands) and that they had actualy hindred the Surveyors from
laying out more lots to them, strengthning each other in these
resolutions by a secret association, H.E. was forced to send for a
detachment of 60 men from the Garrison of Albany to meet him
at the Manner of Levingston, which is about two miles from their
settlement on the west side of the river, so soon as H.E. arrived
there he sent to all the villages on that side of the river to know
how they dared disobey his orders and hinder the Surveyors and
other officers to doe their duty. By their deputys they return'd
for answer, that when the Surveyors came to lay out the land,
the people called them out, told them 'twas worth nothing, they
would have no more, so 'twas needless to survey it, and that they
would have the lands of Schohary, which the Queen had order'd
them by their contract. H.E. replyed that he had often told
them that if any man by chance had a bad lot, the Surveyors on
application would lay him out another as they were ordered,
that those who had clear'd what was given them, might upon
application to the Surveyors have more, and if. what he had
already purchas'd was not sufficient, he would purchase more,
provided it lay on the river, and near the Pines that they might
follow the manufacture they were destin'd for and oblig'd to by
their contract; that as to the lands of Schohary its the malice of
those who would have them for their slaves that put them on
demanding it, for that those lands the Indians had not [not] yet
parted with nor were they fit for their labour, no pine being
within 20 miles of it, that 'twould be impossible to subsist them
there or defend them against the French and French Indians, and
besides they had obliged themselves to settle on such lands as he
should assign them, and then desired their final answer which
was that they would have the lands appointed them by the
Queen, whereupon H.E. in writeing told them that since neither
their duty, allegiance, or regard to H.M. unparallel'd charity and
goodness in taking them up and provideing for them when they
were starving and abandon'd by all the world besides had been of
any force to keep them within the bounds of their duty, and since
they had no regard to a solemn contract signed by them he was
come to require and inforce the execution of it, copys and translations of which they had in their own language. Then H.E.
desired that what past between them, copys whereof were then
given them, might be communicated to the people, and their last
resolution and final answer the next day at four in the evening.
A few minutes after the Deputys were gon, H.E. was informed
that a body of three or four hundred of them were then passing
the brook the Deputys among whom were the Captains returned
to him and in appearance seem'd softned and then went to the
people who were drawn up on the hill above the house towards
whom H.E. marching with the detachment one of the Commissarys who had been with them told him they wanted to pay
their compliment to him, so H.E. walk'd up to them and ask'd
them what they meant by appearing in arms, they told him what
they had told the commissarys. whereupon H.E. order'd them
home to their habitations, and being gone about a mile they
discharg'd all their firelocks, but their saying they came to pay
their compliments was only a pretence for they told two of their
officers as they were going home that they came to releive their
deputys in case they had been confin'd. The next day the
Deputys came according to order with their answer, which begins
indeed with a desire that H.E. would assist them that they may
be settled in the lands of Scohary, but they soon forgot that
humble stile and told H.E. they had rather lose their lives immediately than remain where they are, that they are cheated by
the contract, it not being the same that was read to them in
England, there they say it run thus, that 7 years after they had
had 40 acres a head given them they were to repay the Queen by
hemp mast trees tarr and pitch or anything else, so that it may
be no damage to any man in his family; upon these terms they
will perform the contract, but to be forc'd by another contract
to remain on these lands all their lives, and work for H.M. for the
ships' use, that they will never doe. What does it signify, they
say, to promise them this land that they shall make pitch and
tarr ? They will be obedient to the Queen, but they will have
the promise kept that Mr. Cast read to them in High Dutch in
England and upon that land which was promised them (they
will be there) and if they cannot they desire three or four men
may goe for England and lay their case before the Queen. They
say likewise there are a great many things promised them, as
clothing, household goods, working tools, which they desire to
have. They say further their people dye for want of care, and
proper remedys, and desire money to subsist themselves, and
lastly yt. Mr. Cast told them he'd make them slaves, and therefore
desire H.E. to appoint another in his room. Whilst H.E. was
talking with the Deputys, he received information that there
was a great body of men in arms on the other side of the brook,
and haveing by that time a reinforcement of 70 men more, he
march'd the detachment immediately, and pass'd the brook, the
Palatines were run home to their houses, H.E. march'd to the
first village, and order'd them to bring in all their arms, which
they did immediately except a few, he could goe no farther that
night but the next morning march'd to the other three villages on
the same side of the river and disarm'd them all, and then returning to Mr. Levingston's sent orders to the villages on the other
side to bring in their arms that day to the storehouse to be
transported to him, which I beleive they have done, if they
refus'd H.E. had in case of necessity [had] sloops ready to transport the detachment thither. It's hardly credible that men who
reap so great a benefit as they doe by these people not only by
the consumption of their provisions, but by the increase of
strength should yet be so malicious to possess them with notions
so injurious to themselves and prejudicial to H.M. interest, but
yet it's so, and I beleive almost the only cause of their present
discontents. The land they live on is generally good, producing
so great a crop, that those farmers and men of skill in husbandry,
who are honest enough to wish success to these people's labours,
wonder how they could be wrought upon to complain of it, but
great pains have been taken to magnify the goodness of that at
Scohary above this, and to persuade them that if they once
settle where they are, there is no prospect of their ever removeing,
but if they refuse to doe that, and insist on their being planted
on the other, ye Governour must give way to it, and by these
means it is that they are arrived to this pitch of disobedience,
which I hope will wear of now they are disarm'd of their firelocks,
the power by which they hoped to force a compliance to their
unreasonable humour. H.E. has published a declaration revokeing all military commissions and putting them intirely under the
command of their overseers and directors as the Queen's hired
servants, and all the good people amongst them who have been
meerly misled and frightned by the turbulent to join in these
tumults are better satisfyed with that rule of Government.
Whatsoever else they complain of, I dare be bold to affirm there
are not many Planters in the Province so happy, so healthfull
and so well cloth'd as they; nor could it well be otherwise considering how well they have been used, they have by their own
choice three flesh and four flower days a week, a pound of beef a
head or equivalent in pork and pease as long as they liked them,
besides three quarters of a pound of the finest, or a pound of
a courser sort of bread, which they please, and as good beer as
any man in the Province drinks of at his table, of flower they have
a pound a head with bread and beer, there is not one of their
houses that is not hung round with provisions, and as to their
c[l]othing everyone has had of shoes stocking kerseys shaggs and
other sort of woollen such a quantity last winter as their occasions
required, and now against the summer a sufficient quantity of
linnen, the remainder is kept for their use to supply them as they
want, which by such management will goe twice as far as by
makeing one general distribution of the whole; of tools they have
had as many as they want, and a great many more have been
made for them here, as particularly 200 barking irons. As to
their dyeing indeed many did at their first comeing tho' none for
want of care or proper applications, but by diseases contracted
on board, since they have been planted in the country, they have
had as good a share of health as any people in the world, but all
sicknes was likewise provided against there by doctors and
medicines; the want of anything I am sure is no cause of their
turbulent behaviour, whatever the ease and plenty they have lived
in is. The 24th instant Mr. Sacket who has been acquainted
with the methods of prepareing the trees, was to visit the woods
in order to divide the work amongst the people, and then to teach
the overseers how to bark the trees that they may instruct the
people, so that now I suppose they are all at work and H.E. has
great hopes of a thorough reformation. Mr. Bridger has given
over all thoughts of attending this work on any other consideration
then that of being hired to it, H.E. wrote to him to tell him the
season of the year approached, and that it was high time he
should be here, he answer'd if H.E. would defray his expenses he
would. The Governour little expected such an answer considering the salary of £200 a year sterling allowed him as Surveyor of
the Queen's woods, that by H.M. royal letter under her signet
and sign manual, he is expresly commanded to attend that work,
and that no salary is propos'd to be allow'd him for it by yr.
Ldsps.' representation; this put him upon makeing some farther
enquiry after some who had been in the Eastern country, and
acquainted themselves with their method of prepareing pine
trees, and at length he met with this Mr. Sacket, who undertakes
it, and I have very good hopes he will be able to effect it, for he
talks more reasonably on that head then any man I have yet met
with. however H.E. was willing to have Mr. Bridger too, because
he was assigned to that work, and for that purpose wrote him
two positive orders in each mentioning H.M. commands to him,
but he still refuses unless on the abovementioned consideration.
Had he come, H.E. would have reposed but little trust in him,
for the method which he formerly proposed to bark the trees (as
he published it in print) would not doe, it has been tryed in
Jersey without effect and to the considerable damage of some
men there, nor had he himself better success in Connecticut.
Had he been unacquainted with the method of this work he
ought to have been ingenuous in confessing it, that H.E. might
sooner have inquired after some who are acquainted with it, and
not have laid hold on that frivolous pretence to conceal his
ignorance, which however is more excusable than his disobedience
to the commands of so gracious a Queen, whose bread he has so
long and as it appears so unworthily eaten etc. Refers to enclosure.
H.E. designs to be at Albany the first of June to meet the Sachems.
Signed, Geo. Clarke. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th July,
1711. 9 pp. Enclosed, |
|
863. i. Col. Schuyler to Governor Hunter. Albany, May 27,
1711. In obedience to your Excellency's Instructions,
dated 29th past, I repaired towards Onondage the first
of this instant, being accompanied by Capt. Johannis
Roseboom and Joh(a)nnis Bleeker, Nicholas Schuyler,
John Baptist van Eps, Interpreter, and four other men
together with nine Indians, some from hence and others
hyred by ye way. These doe accompany the Journall
of my proceedings, which has been attended with a deal
of pains and dificulties before I could overcome what is
done; nay more then that I was obliged to promise to
severall Indians a present of about 2 cwt., 30 shirts and
2 peices of strouds, that I desire your Excy. will be
pleased to order up hither for them by the first opportunity, here being no such goods in store. I should be
looth to give it of my owne haveing already to my sorry
advanced so much for ye Governmt. Ye Sachims have
desired me by seven hands of wampum to acquaint your
Excellency that they are desirous to meet your Excellcy.
at Albany by ye first of ye next month, they make a
generall complaint of ye dearness of pow(d)er, so that if
your Excy. designs anything for them powder will be
most acceptable. Monsieur Longuil it was said has
made them a present valued about £600. I have as
your Excy. directed sent out from Onondage two spys
to Canada who will return by this Citty, have agreed
with them for two stroud water blankets and one pair
dito stockings to each. Wee return'd hither ye 15th,
the account of expences etc. I shall take another time
to lay before yor. Excellency. Signed, P. Schuyler.
Same endorsement. 1¼ pp. |
|
863. ii. Commissioners for Indian Affairs to Governor Hunter.
Albany, May 4, 1711. By the enclosed extract out of
our Minutes your Excellency will see what ye French
design to do at Onondage, how they are resolv'd to take
possession there, if not prevented; we hope that Col.
Schuyler will have that influence over the Indians to
disswade them from allowing such dangerous practices,
etc. If we had not had some things in store wch. your
Excy. brought over it would have been a hard task to
fitted them out, so bare are ye fronteers now of either
money or creditt, we see that our enemy who are always
vigilant spare neither cost nor trouble to effect their
ends, and we are almost rendred incabable to do anything for ye publick good, if there be not effectuall means
taken to defeat ye french designs it will prove extream
dangerous, not only to us but all ye Brittish Plantacons
in North America, etc. Signed, Hend. Hanlen, John
Schuler, Mynder Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh. Same
endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1050. Nos. 25, 25 i., ii;
and (without enclosures) 5, 1122. pp. 402–415.] |
May 31.
N. York. |
864. George Clarke to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I have just now received some further intelligence from H.E.
concerning the Palatins, of a very different nature etc. After
H.E. had disarmed them, he sent back the detachment to Albany,
and the sober and better sort of people who are likewise the
majority, being secured from the rage of the hot-headed, unthinking, and misguided, met together to debate on their former
proceedings, and with a general consent came to this resolution,
to acknowledge their faults, ask H.E. pardon, and signify their
hearty repentance. Accordingly all the villages by their deputys
waited on him and, some of them on their knees, asked his pardon,
and promised a thorrough reformation of their behaviour, and an
entire resignation to his orders for the future, whereupon H.E.
pardon'd them, with this certification, that the first disobedience
shall be punished with the utmost rigor the Law will allow, which
they received with great joy, and now they begin to demonstrate
their sincerity by inquiring when they shall be set to work, and
shew a great desire to make a good beginning on it. Mr. Sacket
has visited the woods, and finding them perfectly to his mind,
resolved to set them to work in barking the trees on Monday last,
so that by the next packet I doubt not H.E. will be able to give
your Lordps. a relation of their labour, as will be very satisfactory
to you. However perplexing this tumult has been to H.E., it
will have very good effects as to H.M. interest, for he will put
them under a new and more exact method of obedience, which
the good express a great inclination for, for tho' they are more
numerous then the bad, yet the latter by their noise and heats
have drawn or forced in the rest, which now their arms are taken
from them they want the power to do, if they had the will, but I
hope and believe they will not attempt it again, their repentance
appearing very hearty. The submissions of the respective
villages being in High Dutch cannot now be laid before your
Lordps., but by the next packet they shall. Refers to enclosure.
Signed, Geo. Clarke. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th July, 1711.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
864. i. Journal of Col. Schuyler's negotiations with the Indians
at Onondage (v. No. 863 i.) May 2nd we left Schinnechtady and came to the first Castle of the Mohoggs,
where I receiv'd intelligence that the French Gentm.
Monsr. Longuil had been 14 days come to Onnondage and
busie building a house, and had sent a canoe back to
Cadarachque. The 3rd do. we gott to Canojoharrie, the
second Castle of that country and in a meeting of the
Sachims and convien'd, desired two of them and some of
their young men to goe with us in company to Onnondage, and presented them with the Queen's arms to be
sett up in their Castle as a token from H.M., which they
gratefully accepted, but appointed none to goe with me.
The 4th do. we came about 30 miles beyond the Mohoggs
Castles towards Oneyde Castle. The 5th do. we proceeded
on our journey to Oneyde and mett with an Indian who
gave us intelligence that Lawrence Clase, our Interpreter,
had left Onnondage two days agoe, and that Monsr.
Longuil was still there, and design'd to tarry four days
longer, and that Tagtagguisera, one of the cheiff Sachims
of Caguawage in Canada was at Oneyde to delude that
nation if possible. The 6th do. we came to Oneyde, the
Sachims being convein'd, I presented to them the Queen's
arms, and told them that at their request, and by H.E.
Order I was now come, and goeing to the meeting in
Onnondage, and desired them to send with me some
Sachims and men thither, which they readily consented
to, and directed 3 Sachims and a number of their young
men to accompany us to Onnondage. The 7th do. on
my journey to Onnondage we mett severall Indians
design'd for Albany, they told us that as soon as Mons.
Longuil heard I was by the way [he] ceased building up
the blockhouse and made the best of his way from thence
to a place called Canenda by the Lake where his canoes
were, and left word if I were min[ded ?] to speak to him,
he would tarry there for me, in the evening about
7 o'clock we came to Onnondage, where the Sachims
frindly received us. The 8th do. the Sachims of the
Five Nations convein'd and desired my presence with
the other Gentm., Capt. Roseboom and Capt. Bleeker
there, when come they made the following propositions,
vizt.—Brother Corlaer and Quieder. [? We shall in] the
first place beginn and tell the evill news, [? we have]
heard from some of our people that have lately been
with that Nacon of Indians called the Minquase, who
told them that Corlaer and Onnondio, the latter the
Governor of Canada, are now agreed to distroy the five
Nations, and that this contrivance has been long on
foot between them, but now resolved upon on purpose
to gett our land, being land is scarse to be gott at home,
and it is beleived the more because the French men were
admitted to pass freely through Albany the last winter,
and now take upon them to build in our Castle, there
is also added to that news that Corlaer and Quider are
to invite the Sachims of the five Nations to Albanie with
a design when come there to kill them and to take
possession of our lands and divide it with the French,
this we have also told to Monsr. Longuiel who answer'd
that the French would not be concern'd in any such
doeing, but that the English would doe it, which makes
us jealous of it is because powder is so very dear. We
have heard likewise of such a design by Oriojadricko
now here from Canada, who was told this by a prisoner
taken the last spring from N. England near the sea side.
We shall now repeat to you what Monsieur Longuiel
from Governor of Canada has been telling us, vizt.,
Children, I shall now speake to you not only from myself
but on behalf of all other Nations of Indians in alligance
with me, what is past and done by us heretofore you
must forgett and forgive, and lett us now renew our
Covenant and take no notice of evill insinuacons from
your neighbours, wee mean Corlaer. It may happen
that Corlaer and Quieder in a short time will give you
the hatchett in hand agt. us. We desire you not to
accept or take it, for it is the English and French warr,
and at the end thereof they will become friends, but
you are a dead people if you accept the hatchet otherwise
you shall live, therefore lett English and French fight
it out, and be not concern'd either on one side or the
other, doe you not observe yourselves like prisoners or
slaves whatever you have a mind should be done for
you by Corlaer or Quidier that noe notice is taken thereof, or doe you not see that they and we have a dayly
conversacon with one another and goe to and thro
Albany without your knowledge? O Children, I pity
you and could wish that Corlaer and Quider were here
to hear me. I have abundance to say in your behalf,
is it not plain to be seen that they take no care of you
nor of your country. It is the beavers they only aim
at and want to have and your assistance when they want
it, but seldom return you any. It is I that have compassion
over the Five Nations and esteem you valuable
(giving a hard stamp on the ground) therefore hold
peace with me and so you with your brother. It is
I that commiserate your young men, your wives and
children and all that belong to you. There is Corlaer
and Quieder has given the hatchett into the hands of
the River Indians, I shall watch their mocon though I
value them but litle for with the fyring of one great
gun, I can soon scare them away, now perhaps Corlaer
will send out towards our parts, may be we shall send
towards his parts for a sckalp or prisoner, when it so
happens we desire you to sitt quiett in peace and concern
you not in warr for so doeing you'ill preserve your
lives. You soldiers and young men hearken to the
Sachims for they are men of knowledge and understand
to govern yr. Country, [thus ?] long will you hold a
peaceable life. I know you are warlike men, yet it
becomes you to give ear to the old and forbear drunkenness. You women be sure to diswade your soldiers from
fighting that losse of them is towards the losse of yr.
land, and will bring forth much griefe to you. I have
sent for the Waganhaes, some of them have committed
murther at Cadarachque, and also for all the upper
nacons whom I have given the hatchett. And from you
I desire two Sachims of each Nacon to goe with me to
Ca[nada ?] to hear what I shall propose to the Waganhaes. |
|
Answer from the Five Nations to Monsr. Longuil in
Onnondage:—We have the same compassion with the
Governor of Canada as he hath with us. You desire us
not to take the hatchett in hand [?] not to doe it, but
as to what you tell us that Corlaer and Quieder have
given the [? hatchet] to the River Indians, that we
cannot beleive, it may be to the Boston [? Indians] or
them more to the Eastward under the English Govermt.
which if so is w[ith a ?] great deal of reason, since you
have given the hatchett to all your Indians [? against]
them. You seem to be commiserated with us even as
if our Brother Corlaer and Quieder used us uncivilly,
which they do not, but have severall times [? been] used
so by you, and often times had warr with you occasion'd
first from [you. The ?] like has not yett happen'd with our
Brethren Corlaer and Quieder, and hope [never ?] shall,
but have allways agreed in love and frindship together.
Our young [men are ?] generally obedient to us and
observe our commands, altho the Waganhaes have [now?]
twelf times fallen upon us and kill'd of our men we suppose through your [? means] for the sake of the Beavers,
which we cannot so easily forgett, and are appre[hensive?]
that you have some evill design by sending for the
Waganhaes perhaps to [fall ?] upon us, for we know you
are deceitfull and not to be trusted, you desire us not to
accept of the hatchett when offer'd to us, we likewise
desire you to take the hatchett from your Indians, and
lett Christians fight Christians, only otherwise you
cannot expect that we shall sitt quiett while you send
out your Indians whom you must pay well for their
pains. Give one belt of wampum. |
|
The 9th do. I desired a meeting of the Sachims of the
Five Nations to whom when convien'd I told them,
Brethren, upon the seven hands of wampum which you
sent desiring me here, H.E. the Govr. yr. Brother
Corlaer has forthwith directed me to repair to you and to
thank you for the notice given to this Govermt. of the
arrivall of the French in yr. Castles, and that yr. Brother
Corlaer expects yr. alligance to H.M. and yr. former
promises that you will not permit any armed men, priest
or emissarys from the French to come among you, and
also that he expects you will have no private consults
with any of those that were late among you, and that
if any attempt be made agt. you from Canada you may
assure yourselves of all the assistance this Govermt.
can give you, the evill news you told me yesterday of
the Minquase is altogether false, and not worth to make
answer to, the seven belts of wampum which the French
has layd before you, you have already answer'd so that
I need not say any more of them, but Brethren what's
the meaning hereof, why is this suffer'd that the French
(who ever have been wrongfull to you) have now the
liberty not only to come into yr. Castles but to build a
defensive house in the midst of you, how are you now
so blind or where are your thoughts that you can never
see nor think of the ill consequence of this they have
been doeing here. I am resolved not to part from hence
before it be broake clear down and distroy'd. Brethren,
I have brought with me H.M. coat of arms, which I
desire you to sett up here as a token that the French
have no jurisdiction in your country, the like I have
also here to be sent to Cayouge and the Sinnekis. |
|
After this the meeting adjourned into a private
consultation by themselves. In the mean time I was
inform'd that Monsr. Longuil had given the sd. house to
the care of an Sachim that was then gone out about
16 miles farr from the Castle, so that I thought necessary
to goe to the expence to send for him, who came in at
6 a clock in the evening. I made it my intrest to gaine
his consent as likewise of many others that were well
affected yet not without the promise of suitable returns
for their pains. The 10th do. the Sachims came to my
lodgeing in the morning, and told me they had forgott
an Article in Monsr. Longuil's proposicon, that was if
in case the five Nations would not stay home they had
other nacons besides the Waganhaes at their command,
the sd. Sachims reply of more nations we know also of
many in Covenant with us, so that such threatnings
shall never be a means to break our allegiance to H.M.
or the Covenant with her Govermts. in America. And
moreover told me that they had concluded to leave in
my choice whether to destroy the blockhouse built by
Monsr. Longuile or not, but that if I resolved to break
it down, they in the mean time would send a messenger to
him being at Cannende but 12 miles off to give him notice
thereof. I return'd them answer that I was very glade
they comply'd with my resolucon, and if they thought
fitt to send word to Monsr. Longuil they might tell him
that I was now busie in pulling it down, so that I
immediately order'd those that accompanied me to
breake it downe and was quickly done and the Sachims
sent forthwith such word to Monsr. Longuile and to
the Cayouges and Sinnekes country of my proceedings, th[at?] Longuil sent an Indian messenger to the
Sachims that they should w[ell?] inform him what I
have proposed and done there, and withall if I would
allow the Sachims to send him such answer. The 11th
they proposed as followeth, Brother Corlaer and Quieder,
we are now convien'd again, and you see wee have
consented to all yr. de[? sires], so hope you'ill comply
with ours, first we find the prise of merchan[dise ?] so
extraordinary dear especially powder, without that we
are quite [? undone], therefore since our returns are so
invaluable, we desire powder above all [? may] be
afforded cheaper, and we likewise desire that the selling
of strong drink [to] our people may be prohibited,
whilst that layes in your power to doe. You have often
given us the hatchet in hand to fight the French, you
know wee have allwayes fought them as we did with
you once [ ] in Canada, and did there good service,
tho' we have had but litle assistance [? from] when we
have been attacqu'd. You have told us to diswade our
soldiers from goeing out [? against the] far Nations, they
often fall out upon us, yet you are unwilling [we shall]
goe out agt. them, how shall we defend ourselves agt.
them, with arrows we cannot and powder and lead is
extraordinary dear with you, and now you have broak
down this house which seem'd a defence to us, pray
[? let us] not want powder and lead, so that we may
supply ourselves to be in a readiness upon occasion. I
reply'd that I should give yr. Excell. an account thereof,
but they must be carefull for the future, and not admitt
any French into their Castles, much less to erect any
buildings, this Blockhouse was 24½ long and 18 foot
broad cover'd with boards and nail'd, there was other
wood ready to build a chappell, which I also destroy'd,
and so took my leave and bid them farewell, presenting
them with one kagg of rum 20g. was very acceptable,
after I went about 3 or 400 yards D'kanasore came
after me and desired to know the meaning of the Queen's
coat of arms. I told him that that signify'd H.M.
autority there, and that the French ought not to be
permitted amongst them, on any account whatsoever,
and so departed from Onnondage to Oneyde. The 12th
do. we left Oneyde and mett a Sinnek that told me that
the French Interpreter named Jounkeur being in the
Sinnekes Country and hearing of our arrivall in Onnondage imediately departed from thence. The 13th and
14th do. continued on our journey and came the 15th to
Albany. Signed, Pr. Schuyler. A true copy examind
pr. Robt. Livingston, Secy. for ye Indn. Affares. Endorsed as preceding. Edges torn. 6 pp. [C.O. 5, 1050.
Nos. 26, 26 i: and (without enclosure) 5, 1122. pp.
415–418.] |
May 31.
N. York. |
865. George Clarke to [? Lord Dartmouth.] Encloses copy
of preceding, and repeats part. Signed, Geo. Clarke. 2 pp.
[C.O. 5, 1091. Nos. 37, 38.] |
