|
Nov. 16.
Nevis. |
173. Council of Nevis to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
We do hereby certify that Lt. General Walter Hamilton hath
on all occasions during the time he had the honour to command
as Governor in Chiefe, Dec. 1710—July 1711, acted with all
candour, justice and honour; that he with utmost vigour did
persue the enemy from one Island to the other, which were then
dayly threatned to be attacked; that he hath oppressed none,
nor given any person any just cause (that wee know of) to complaine, but by a diligent application to the bussiness of that
honourable post did keep all quiet, easy and unanimous here;
that he so managed matters with the Generall of the French
Islands by discountenanceing Irish Papists that usually betrayed
the affaires of the Leeward Islands to the enemy, and by suffering
none to command Flaggs of Truce but men of honour and reputation that would not trade with the enemy: that they respected
him with an awfull regard, which tended much to H.M. honour
and service, and was a great satisfaction to Her Protestant
subjects of these Islands. Signed, Dan. Smith, Richd. Abbott,
J. Bevon, Aza. Pinney, Law. Brodbelt, Jno. Richardson, Rob.
Eleis, Mich. Smith. 1 large p. [C.O. 152, 42. No. 80.] |
| [Nov. 16.] |
174. Sir Thomas Laurence to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Representation on behalf of Christopher Vernon,
of Maryland. Mr. Vernon did about 8 years agoe purchase some
land of the heir apparent of Thomas Knighton decd. for £95
sterl. and 4000lb. of tobacco. Part of the said land had been
formerly bought of Knighton by John Hall (who is at present a
Member of the Councill of Maryland), and he being unable or
unwilling to make good his contract for performance of which
he entred into bond to Knighton to the value of 61000lb. of
tobacco, did by his interest and power, and his false suggestions
(in order to make void Vernon's purchase) prevail upon the
Assembly in April, 1707, of which he was then a member, to
pass an Act for confirming the last will of Thomas Knighton decd.,
though no such will was ever made by Knighton, as Mr. Vernon
hath witnesses to prove. The said Vernon had before cast Hall
in two fair tryals in the Provincial Court, where he was then one
of the Justices, and also in one other action after the passing of
the said Act. Whilest Mr. Hall was soliciting the passing of the
Act in the Assembly, Vernon endeavoured by his Attorney,
who was a member thereof, to have a hearing against the passing
of it, but was not allowed the same. The Act is not only repugnant to an Act of Parliament of England for preventing of frauds
and perjury, but also contrary to two Acts passed in Maryland
for quieting possessions, and preventing vexatious suits at law.
Mr. Vernon understanding that Hall is endeavouring to get the
said Act confirmed here, which if obtained will be the ruine of
him, humbly prays your Lordshipps to deferr the making any
report untill he shall be heard by your Lordshipps, in order to
which he is prepareing to come to England. Signed, Thomas
Laurence. Endorsed, Recd. 16th, Read 25th Nov. 17 11/12 (sic).
Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 47; and 5, 727. pp.
308–310.] |
Nov. 16.
Boston. |
175. Col. Vetch to the Earl of Dartmouth. My last to your
Lordship was of Sept. 10th from Spanish River by the Leopard
man of warr, wherein I only hinted in short att our misfortune
in Canada River, knowing your Lordship will have a full account
of that affair from severall hands. I sent likewise a coppy of my
letter to the Admirall after our desaster, which I likewise herewith
transmitt by Generall Nicholson, for the other may be miscaried.
I shall not in this give your Lordship the trouble to relate anything concerning that tragecall desaster, since the pilots and others'
who I understand are goeing for Brittan will fully inform your
Lordship and the Ministry of all that affair. Refers to Journal
enclosed. What I am now to trouble your Lordship which
[? with] is a short account of the state of the garison of Annapolis
Royall under my command togither with the inhabitants. Refers
to enclosures. As soon a[s] Generall Hill had ordred thiss detachment to be made, he both spoke and wrote the Admirall to
provide for their transeportation to Annapolis, and victualling.
The Admirall accordingly by his agent of transeports destributed
them amongest all the New England transeports that were
capeable to receive any, which were about 16 in all. But after
wee had been some days att sea being seperate or rather losing
the convoy designedly, severall of the transeports who had on
board to the number of near 150 were carryed to Boston, together
with the company of Indians, which the Generall had ordred me
to detain att Annapolis, untill I should see if Major Livingston
with ane hundred of the Five Nations of Indians in New York
Government could be gott to relive them. But the Governour
of New England knowing nothing of Generall Hill's order about
his Indians had disbanded and dispersed before the Genll's.
letters or mine relateing to them came to his hand. I went to
Annapolis Royall with the Enterprize man of warr and about
12 transeports with some of our garison and the New England
troops that were upon the Expedition. And after haveing
exchanged the Garison and placed Major Cawfield commissioned
by General Hill to be my Deputy Governour of Annapolis Royall,
I embarqued the old garison which consisted of about 200 of the
troops raised in New England and about 40 marines, all the rest
with their officers having been sent of some time befor to joyn
us att Quebeck. I was under a necessity to victuall the old
garison to Boston with provisions from the Fort. The Admireall
having desiered me to cause the Commissary of the New England
troops who were under my command to victuall our garison
troops as they did there own men untill there arrivall there, and
for this reimbursement gave me ane order upon the Agent
Victualler att Boston to repay the New England Commissary.
But as to the old Garison that was to be transeported to Boston,
the said Agent cannot he says medle with. So I have [? told]
the Agent for the garison to charge it amongst the other contingencys of the garison. Thiss I thought fitt to acquaint your
Lordship withall, in case any objection should be made to that
artickle in the accounts. I ordred the Engineer to carry on the
reparations of the works, which are in a pretty good forwardness
with all possible dilligence whilst the season of the year would
allow of the same. During my stay there severall of the inhabitants came in and took the oath of aledgance to H.M. upon
the proclamation by Generall Hill and Admirall Walker sent
thither and dispersed amongest them in French. There came
likewise in to me two severall messages by two severall Indians
att a time who sayd they came in the name of the Indians nearest
to the garison, and sayd that as they heard wee had promised
the French all freedom of trade and priviledges as the English
themselves, if wee would allow them the same liberty as they had
from the French garison, and sell them all sorts of goods for their
furrs particularly pouder and small shott without which they
could not subsist, they would never go no more to Canada. To
which I answered them that while they behaved themselves
peaceably they might come with as much freedom and safety
to us as they did to the French: and doubted not but they would
find all sorts of goods in a litle time cheaper then they had them
from the French: as to pouder and shott, I had not allowed the
merchants to bring any to sell, untill I see the country more
peaceable, but told them if I found they would continue peaceable and trew to the Queen of great Brittan, they should want
for nothing. Thiss submission of the French togither with the
message from the Indians being I know the effect of their belief
Canada would be taken, and then they would have no retreat,
but as soon as they hear of our disaster, and have had fresh
orders from Canada, I doubt not but wee shall have all the force
they cann raise both of French and Indians about our garison
early in the Spring, if not sooner, so that I give no trust to them,
and have in my Instructions to the Deputy Governour cautioned
him of the same. Refers to enclosure. After having done all
that could be done att that juncture, I came to thiss place both
to dismiss the New England troops that were under my command
togither with the old garison, which was to be cleared of here,
and to hasten some part of the new garison thither from hence.
But the weather hath been so excessive stormy ever since my
arrivall that it hath not been possible for them to gett thither,
though they were sayled befor my arrivall here (I pray God wee
may have a good account of them). I shall endeavour with all
possible dilligence to gett a company of some Indians under
Major Livingston to compleat the garison, but fear shall not be
able to gett any of the Five Nations, since the French Indians
have already begunn to committ hostilitys one that side. I hope
by the mast convoy to give your Lordship a more full account of
all affairs relating to the garison then I cann now, Generall
Nicholson being to sayle so soon. I some time since transemitted
home to your Lordship and the Ministry a proposeall for forming
the troops and officers in the garison of Annapolis Royall unto
a Regiment, which as it would be no more expensive to the Crown,
there being both the number of troops and officers to compleat
a regiment, and as it would be vastly more advantagous to the
service then as they now are, for besides the many jarrs that
happens betwixt the officers and cors with relation to preceedency
and command, which may some time or other prove [?] to the
service, there is not that care taken of the men, nor indeed cannot
be as when they every one have their particular and respective
charge in companys and a regiment: and another great unconveniency is with relation to recruiting the garison: when men
either dy, desert or are killed, there cann be no method taken to
recruit them, unless they were formed unto companys and a
regiment. Then some officers might be sent every year to
Brittain to recruite there being none had in thiss country. I
would intreat your Lordship's favour in this affair, and that I
may have the honour to command the Regiment: and the rest
of the officers according to their severall ranks, etc. Wee had a
great many dyed thiss year past, but as your Lordship may
observe by the difference of the number drawn for both with
regard to pay and provisions, I never drew for any save the
effectives upon the place; and as it is impossible for thiss garison
to subsist without H.M. allowing them provisions gratis besides
there pay, untill the country be for some time peaceable, so I
assure your Lordship that I shall take all care imagineable that
H.M. be putt to as little expense with the garison while under
my command as the absolute necessity of the service will allow
of; etc. I intreat your Lordship's favour with my Lord High
Treasurer that the Bills may be punctually payed: and if there
be anything either with regard to the form or matter of the
accounts that is amiss, I begg your Lordship's commands with
regard to the same. This comes by Generall Nicholson, who will
more fully informe your Lordship of all the affairs both of Annapolis Royall and the whole Brittish Continent, over all which his
zeall to serve his Soveraigne and country hath been without a
parallel, and particularly these three years last past in which
his vast fatigue and matchless generosity hath been verry conspicuous to all whom he had to doe, etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
175. i. Admiral Walker to Col. Vetch. I thanck you for
your caution concerning the French pilot, but I never
intended to trust him any farther then I could throw
him. I am satisfyed with what you propose of standing
to and lying off Cape Britton, and in case of a fog when
you hear my guns to fire as you say a gunn every two
minutes till I am joyn'd by you. P.S. Enclosed I
send ye signalls of the crusers that you may know them
if you meet them. Signed, Hovenden Walker. Off
Cansa, Aug. 8, 1711. Copy. ½ p. |
|
175. ii. Col. Vetch to Admiral Walker. Cape Gaspée.
Aug. 26, 1711. I could not excuse myself from
giveing you the trouble of this line, with my humblest
advice that befor you send away the Saphyre you
would be pleased to consult once more with your
captains and pilots with relation to our proceeding to
Quibeck. As to the late fateal disaster that hath
happned, it cannot in my humble oppinion be anyways
imputed to the difficulty of the navigation, but to the
wrong course wee steered, which most unavoidably
carry'd us upon the north shoare. Who directed that
course you best know: as to the navigation from hence
to Tadousac, it was never thought upon to be any
difficulty att all, more then to return to Cape Brittoune:
and when it shall please God wee are there, let all the
transeports proceed first, and by sending 3 or 4
meats or midshipmen out of every man of warr to
be each to them putt aboard of different transeports
in order to take exact notice of the difficultys of the
passage: and causeing buoy them out as they go along:
I doubt not but the passage will be made verry practicable for the men of warr: and when once wee are gott
up to the Toune, I look the greatest part if not all the
difficulty to be over. I doubt not but Generall Hill and
all the Collonells will be oppinion that wee have as
yett force enough left to reduce the place, and as our
returne back without any further attempt would be
a vast reflection upon the conduct of this affair (the
averseness and unsufficiency of the pilots being knowen
before wee left Boston) so it would be of a verry fateal
consequence to the intrest of the Crown and all the
Brittish Colonys upon thiss Continent. Sr. I hope you
will pardon thiss freedom: which nothing but a trew
zeall and concern for the honour and intrest of my
Soveraigne and Country would have prevailed with
me to have taken with you. P.S. I presumed some
time ago to give you a caution in a letter I wrote you
with relation to your French pilots. I wish they may
have no hand in our late disaster. Signed, Sam. Vetch.
Copy. 1 p. |
|
175. iii. General Hill to Col. Vetch. From on board the
Windsor in Spanish River thiss 13th August, 1711. In
answer to your letter of the 11th of thiss month, I had
some dayes before made a detachment of 350 private
men, with a proportionable number of officers to garrison
H.M. Fort of Annapolis Royall, and appointed a Deputy
Governour, an engeneer, two bombardiers, 4 gunners,
6 montrosses, and a sufficiant quantity of ordnance
stores, as also one company of New England Indians
for scowring the woods etc., which Indians you are to
take with you, and to cause them to be subjected in
the same manner as H.M. regular troops till farther
orders, and the Admirll. having ordred the Saphire
a 40 gunn ship to attend the garrison, I doubt not but
hee has given the necessary orders to hir Commander.
I agree with you about preserving the armes of the
New England forces, and shall not fail to write to the
Governour of New England upon their arrivall there
to cause their armes to be secured and kept in good
order till H.M. farther pleasure be known. As to the
marines that may now be in the garrison, or which you
may meet with in the Province gally on your way to
Annapolis, I desire you will order them to be embarqued
on board H.M.S. Enterprize, in order to their being
sent by the mast convoy to England, etc. Signed,
J. Hill. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
175. iv. Col. Vetch to General Hill. Proposes that a company
of the New England Indians now under his command
"be detained att Annapolis untill Major Livingston
(now upon command with Generall Nicholson) bring a
company of Mohoks to relieve them. I also intreat
your Excellency's favour with the Admirall to appoynt
a man of warr to attend the garison to keep the communication open with Boston, from whence we have
all our provisions, so if a privateer of 10 gunns lys att
the Gutt wee are intirely blockt up," etc. Signed, Sam.
Vetch. Spanish River, Sept. 11th, 1711. 1¼ pp. |
|
175. v. Col. Vetch's Journall of a voyage designed to Quibeck
from Boston in New England in July, 1711. Upon
Monday the 30th July I left Boston about 8 o'clock
in the morning att which time the whole fleet under the
command of Sir Hovenden Walker as Admirall who was
aboard the Edgar with the Union Flagg att the maintopmasthead were under sayle and gott without the
Brewsters. I went directly aboard the Flagg, and
carry'd one Capt. John Bonner who was appoynted to
be his pilot for the said Expedition: who being verry
unwilling to go occasioned me a great deall of trouble
to gett him along with me: after having delivered him
to the Admirall and concerted a method to gett some
marines and stores of warr from Annapolis Royall, I
went on board the Windsor and waited upon Generall
Hill, where having concerted with him the necessary
orders for the marines and stores being embarked
aboard such ships as the Admirall should order to bring
them after us, and delivered the said orders and letters
to the Deputy Governour of Annapolis Royall to Mr.
Capoon, Lt. to the Company of mattrosses att Annapolis
Royall, who was to have the charge of said stores:
I went and acquainted the Admirall with the same, and
so went aboard of the ship Dispatch friggatt, in which
I was to make the voyage. The wind being then fair,
in the evening wee made ane easy sayle and so wee
continued to doe for severall days: the wind still
favourable and moderate: the flagg bringing frequently
too, untill the heavy transeports came up, upon Aug.
3rd, the fleet being then as wee judged abrest of Cape
Sables. The Admirall bringing too for the ships that
were astern; he sent the Lieutenant of the Swiftsure
with their boat to desier I would go aboard and speak
with him, which I immediatly did, as soon as I came
aboard, the Admirall told me he had a peice of service
to propose to me which he doubted not but I could
verry well perform if I would undertake it, and which
would be very much for the good of the service, if I
would undertake it. I answered he might be assured
there was nothing I was capeable of but what I would
readily doe to forward H.M. service and more particularly the present Expedition in which I was so much
concerned. Then he told me that I having some
knowledge of the coast, but more particularly of the
River St. Laurence, and where the difficultys were,
and the friggatt I was aboard of being about 300 tunns
mounted with 24 gunns sayling tolerably well was a
proper ship to lead the fleet, and if I would pitch upon
three small proper vessells that sayled well to attend
upon me, he would give me directions in writting what
I should doe, that so by keeping about a league ahead
of the fleet with one of the tenders upon each bow
about a mile ahead of me and one right ahead, should
not only poynt out the fleet their way, prevent their
running into any dangers, but by the three small
vessells when wee were to anchor to make out the
anchorage for the three divisions, those vessells carrying
two of them pendents of the colour of the two broad
pendents that led two divisions of the fleet, and the
third a Jack flagg att the maintopmasthead to mark
the flag's division: as is seen more att length in the
flagg's Instructions (enclosed): after having received
the said Instructions from the flagg and orders for the
three small vessells to attend me, I went immediatly
aboard my own ship, and sending to the said three
vessells there orders, I [accordingly with these ?] three
attending me made sayle [? and went a] head the Fleet,
keeping att the distance abovesaid. The Flagg having
[? sent] to me as a [pi]lot a Frenchman he had brought
with him from Brittain, whom he told me was a verry
good pilot for both coast and river, which indeed the
fellow did pretend to be. Upon Aug. 8 when wee were
abreast of Cancer, the Flagg sent his boat aboard of
me for thiss pilot, whom I accordingly sent him and
wrote to him att the same time that he was of no use
to me, for I found him to be a verry ignorant fellow;
and I feared he was a rogue, and therefor advised him
to have no dependance upon him: for which he afterwards thanked me (encl. 1). The weather being then
foggy, I proposed to the flagg to runn ahead and make
Cape Brittoune, and so ly of it to let the fleet know
when to steer away for St. Pauls, and proposed to fire
a gunn every two minutes, as soon as the Fleet came so
near us as to hear their fogg signalls. Accordingly wee
proceeded to Cape Brittoun. The Flagg having sent
me the cruiser's signells to know them by. The weather
proveing clear two three days after this wee meet the
three cruisers Saphyre, Chester, Leopard: the Saphyre
two days befor the others: who came to us near the
Isle of St. Pauls: to which Island I went aboard the
Flagg and discoursed him with relation to the voyage
up the river, att which time he told me the Saphyre
then to be commanded by Capt. Rouse (who was then
exchangeing ships with Capt. Cockburn formerly in the
Saphyre) being the smallest friggatt in the Fleet should
likewise go ahead the Fleet along with me: and proposed to me to go on board of her: I told him all my
stores and baggage being aboard the Dispatch it would
be too much trouble to remove in so stormy blowing
weather; so I continued aboard the Dispatch. The
next day he sent me in writting orders that when he
would have me go ahead he would make the signall
mentioned in the said Order herewith transmitted:
but never after made any such signall: but about two
days after, the Lieutenant of the Saphyre came aboard
and brought Capt. Perkins the master of the vessell
orders from the Flagg to obey Capt. Rouse, and brought
att the same time orders from said Rouse to observe
such and such signalls: the said Lieutenant brought
the said papers and shewed them me, and told me that
the Captain expected I would come aboard his ship:
I told him I had excused myself of that to the Admirall:
so I never after had any more instructions or directions
from the Flagg. The wind being att thiss time fair,
wee steered for the mouth of the River, but upon the —about 12 att night the Admirall made a signall to
tack; which accordingly most of the fleet did (some
being farr ahead and to windward, they could not
hear the signalls) and for about six hours wee runn
back directly to the great surprizall of all the fleet:
and which indeed proved the accedentall cause att
least of all our misfortunes: for loseing so much time
of the fair wind, which would have carried us onto the
River. The wind comeing about just as wee came to
the mouth of the River, oblidged us to putt into Gaspée
harbour, with a wind which had wee gott into the River,
would have been verry fair for us. I went aboard of
the Flagg while wee were beating of the mouth of the
River; and in discourse asked him what was the reason
of his tacking and standing back two or three nights
ago: he told me in these words, it was a whimm of
Captain Paddon's and old Bonner for fear, as they said,
of some shoal of the Isle of Anticosty. Next day wee
went into Gaspée harbour, where wee found a French
ship makeing fish, which they burnt, not having time,
I suppose, to bring her off. Wee anchored there about
40 hours: and then the wind offering fair, wee all
weighed and turned out, it being verry late in the night
before some of the sternmost ships gott out; as to the
particulars of the winds, courses and currents I shall not
here medle withall, that being the masters' and pilots'
province, as well as the particular circumstances of our
desaster, which I suppose will be by most of them
exactly layed befor H.M. and the Ministry, only thiss
much I doe say, that Col. Dudley and Capt. Perkin,
Commander of the Dispatch friggatt where I was aboard
will attess how uneasy I was att the course the Flagg
steered that night the disaster happned: and that I
often told them that I wondred what the Flagg meant
by that course, and why he did not steer away west and
west and by south. However, wee were so cautious
as to keep astern by which wee escaped the missfortune
that happned to severall: all that I cann say upon the
matter is, that had the Flagg continued to let me go
ahead of the Fleet, as I did for some time with the small
vessells one head of us, it would have been almost impossible thiss disaster could have happned: for as wee
would have never steered that course unless positively
commanded by the Flagg so to doe, so the small vessells
that would have been ahead would have given me
sufficient warning and I consequently the Fleet to
avoid the danger. Upon Aug. 25th, being three days
after the desaster, most of the Fleet being close in with
the north shoare wee see a great many signalls aboard
the Windsor where Generall Hill was: one of them being
to speak with me, upon which I caused immediatly
hoist out our boat, the sea being extreamly rough,
when I gott aboard the Generall, which was with much
difficulty, I found there was a generall consultation to
be with relation to the late disaster and our proceeding.
Here it was I meet with the first certain account of the
late fateal desaster: for though wee had heard some
fireing of gunns that night, which wee did conclude to
be ships near the shoare, yett wee did not untill that
day know that there were any totally lost. I confess
the account I had on board of the Generall of thet
terrible trajedy did extreamly surprize and affect me:
the Admirall and most of the sea-captains and some of
the pilots being then aboard the Windsor, the Generall
desiered the Flagg and sea-captains to consult about
our proceeding up the River (that being their Province)
expressing att the same time both a great concern for
the late misfortune and a great deall of zeall to proceed,
not doubting but wee had still force enough left to
effectuate the designs, all the Collonells of the land
forces being likewise ther present seemed to be of the
same oppinion. As to the particulars of the consultation and examination of the pilots I shall not enter
into, knowing that will be transemitted more exactly
then I cann pretend to: all I shall say as to that affair
is, that while they seem'd to make the difficulty of the
navigation so great, I told the Admirall that Sr. William
Phips went up 20 years ago with 40 sayle much later
than wee, for he did not arrive before the place untill
Oct. 9th: and gott all up safe: though there was not
one man aboard the fleet (as I am informed) ever was
there before: upon which the Flagg asked me, if I
would undertake to carry up the Fleet: I told him I
never was bredd to sea, nor was it any part of my
Province: but I would doe my best by goeing ahead and
shewing them where' the difficultys of the River was,
which I knew pretty well. As soon as it was resolved
to turn back, the Admirall ordred the Saphyre to make
ready to go with an express to Boston, to be from thence
sent to Lieutenant Generall Nicholson to prevent
his crossing the Lake with the army under his command.
The Admirall said also he would go with the Fleet to
Gaspée, there to consult further about attacking Placentia: as soon as I had gott aboard my own ship, and
seriously pondred the vast disadvantages and fatall consequences would attend such a [? retreat I wrote a letter to ?]
the Admirall that verry night which I sent him early
in the morning, (v. encl. ii.): wee stood along to Gaspée
and from thence to Spanish River, where after some
beating in blustring weather, the fleet all gott in:
upon the — of September there was a Councell of warr
called to consult about attacking Placentia: but as
I had allways declared my oppinion that unless some of
the heaviest men of warr would resolve to go in and
break the boom, it was but in vain to offer to go thither
so late in the year, so accordingly that attempt was
laid aside etc. So upon Sept. 15 the whole Fleet sailed
from Spanish River, the Admirall with the Brittish
troops and transeports for Brittan, the New England
troops and transeports under convoy of H.M.S. Enterprize for Annapolis Royall: with the new garison:
where wee arrived with some part of them (severalls
having lost company and gone directly to Boston)
about the beginning of October, and after having exchanged the garisons proceeded to Boston with the
New England troops and old garison, where wee arrived
safe about Oct. 20, 1711. Signed, Sam. Vetch. Copy.
3¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 9. Nos. 103, 82, 82a., 83, 101, 102.] |
| Nov. 17. |
176. Opinion of the Attorney General. I have perused the
two affidavits of Charles Bowes and Michael Ayon agst. Henry
Smith, and am of opinion their appeares by you sufficient
matter to commit Smith for High Treason in leavying warr against
H.M. in the Island of Antegoa in America, Antegoa being one of
H.M. Plantations. Signed, Edw. Northey. ¼ p. [C.O. 152,
42. No. 78.] |
Nov. 17.
Virginia. |
177. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The last letter I had the honour to write to your
Lordps. (of which the inclosed is a copy) gave an account of my
intended progress to our Southern frontiers to meet the Deputys
of the Tuscaruro Indians. Accordingly having drawn together
to Nottoway town against the time appointed the Militia
of the three neighbouring countys, consisting of upwards of 600
men; five of the great men of that Nation arrived very opportunely just at the time I had brought the Militia under some
discipline; and were not a little surprized to find there so great
a body of men in such good order. After entring into conference
with them, I found both by their discourse and also from what
my Messenger assured me of his observations whilst he was in
their towns, that they were very desirous to continue in peace
with this Government, and seemed much concern'd that any of
their Nation should have joined in the massacre in Carolina. I
then proposed to them either to carry on a war against those
Indians upon the promise of rewards to be paid them, or to join
with H.M. subjects of Carolina for extirpating those Assassines,
and that for the better assuring us of their future good behaviour
they should deliver two children of the great men of each town
to remain as hostages and to be educated at our Colleges. But as
they had no authority to conclude anything without the concurrence of the rest of their Nation, they desired time to informe
their towns and promised to return with an answer by the 20th
of this month, and I'm in great hopes to obtain what I have
proposed by the readiness they have already showed in this
meeting, as well as their frankness in procuring the liberty of the
Baron de Graffenried upon the demand I made of him, who was
to be conducted home to Carolina the next day after my Messenger
left their country. The delivering their children as hostages will
not only prove the most effectual security for their fidelity, but
may be a good step towards the conversion of that whole Nation
to the Christian faith, and I could not hope for a more favourable
conjuncture to make this demand than now when they are under
great apprehensions of our resentment for the late barbaritys
committed in Carolina, and the impressions made on them by
the appearance of so great a force as I then show'd them. I took
this occasion to renew a proposal I formerly made to our tributary
Indians for sending some of their children to be brought up at
the College, and though it has hitherto been judged a matter so
impracticable that the Governors of the College have thought it
in vain to attempt it, and have chosen rather to be at a great
expence for buying Indians of remote Nations taken in war to be
educated in pursuance of a donation left for that purpose by
Mr. Boyle; yet I have prevailed so far by offering to remitt their
whole tribute of skins so long as they kept their children at the
College, that the King of the Nansemonds has already sent his
son and cousin. The Nottoway and Maherines have sent each
two of their chief men's sons to be brought up to learning and
Christianity, and the Queen of Pamunky upon seeing how well
those Indian children are treated has engaged to send her son and
the son of one of the cheif men upon the same foot and I also
expect another boy from the Chicohominys. As the remitting
their tribute is one of the conditions for their keeping their
children at the College, and I beleive a strong motive to engage
their compliance, so if it should happen to be disapproved and
revoked, by succeeding Governors, because it lessens their income, it may occasion their recalling their children, and consequently prove a discouragement to the design of their conversion.
And therefore I humbly offer to your Lordps.' consideration that
H.M. may be moved to signify her approbation of my yeilding
this branch of the Governor's perquisites, and if that be thought
too great a prejudice to my successors, I shall if your Lordps.
think fitt, propose another fund by which H.M. may be enabled
to give an equivalent for this loss, which I shall begg leave in that
case to lay before your Lordships, and I hope the example I
have sett, with what I have recommended in my speech to the
Assembly on that subject, will prompt them to settle some fund
towards the education of the Indians, since that already given to
the College by the deceased Mr. Boyle, will be too small for the
maintenance of so great a number as are like to be there in a
short time. That your Lordps. may be informed of the affairs
under the consideration of this Assembly, I inclose a copy of my
Speech at the opening this Session, and shal by the next opportunity (wch. I expect in a short time) give your Lordps. an
exact account of their proceedings, together with the progress
of my negotiations with the Tuscoruro Indians, which I am now
obliged to break off by reason of the sudden departure of the ship,
in which this is intended. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed,
Recd. 24th May, Read 11th Dec., 1712. 3¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
177. i. Copy of Lt. Governor Spotswood's Speech to the
Assembly of Virginia, Nov. 8, 1711, urging them to
make provision for defence of the frontiers, etc. 2¾ pp.
[C.O. 5, 1316. Nos. 85, 85 i.; and (without enclosure)
5, 1363. pp. 421–425.] |
Nov. 17.
Virginia. |
178. Lt. Governor Spotswood to [? the Earl of Dartmouth].
Duplicate of preceding covering letter. [C.O. 5, 1337. No. 16.] |
| Nov. 20. |
179. Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Reply to queries of Oct. 26th q.v.
(1) Wee are of opinion that reasonably stocking and managing a
Plantation mentioned in the Act is a settlement within that Act;
(2) The prove may be by oaths made before your Lordps., or
by oaths made in those Plantations and transmitted under the
Seal of those Islands, or by the return of a Commission which
your Lordps. might have sent thither. (3) As to the third
querie, the Act seems to have restrained the bounty to such
inhabitants and Proprietors who should resettle their Plantations
and to exclude all that had not Plantations to resettle. But
since according to the Address of the House of Commons near
the end of the last Sessions, your Lordps. are to lay an account
before that House the beginning of next Sessions, how you
intend to make the distribution, wee are of opinion it may be
proper to lay this matter as a doubt before the house, and its
probable the sufferers may then apply for a bill to enlarge their
time for making their proof of their resettling, for that by the
Act all that so resettle before the 25th Dec. seem to be intituled
for a share of the Bounty, the Act giving the same to such as had
or should resettle, without mentioning any time, other than the
time for making out the Debentures. Signed, Edw. Northey,
Rob. Raymond. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 28th Nov., 1711.
1¼ pp. Enclosed, |
|
179. i. Duplicate of No. 137. |
|
179. ii. Copy of clauses from the Act for licensing hackney
coaches and chairs etc. enacting that £103, 003 11s. 4d.
shall be distributed amongst such proprietors and
inhabitants only of Nevis and St. Kitts who have
resettled or shall resettle their plantations damaged by
the French etc. The Commissioners of Trade to issue
debentures for the same on or before Dec. 25, 1711, etc.
3 pp. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos. 91, 91 i., ii.; and (without
enclosures) 153, 11. pp. 405, 406.] |
| [Nov. 20.] |
180. Capt. Simson and the Widow Gandy to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Being held responsible by the Assembly of Jamaica, as securities, for the defalcations of Thomas
Finch (v. Sept. 17), they pray that the bill for the sale of Finch's
estate for the payment of the sum embezzled may be passed, etc.
Signed, on their behalf, George Daniell. Endorsed, Recd. 20th,
Read 22nd Nov., 1711. 1 large p. [C.O. 137, 9. No. 50.] |
Nov. 20.
Whitehall. |
181. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Forward Lt. Governor Spotswood's request for gunpowder etc. (July 28) to be laid before H.M. Autograph signatures. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1341. No. 17; and 5, 1363. pp.
367, 368; and 5, 1335. pp. 142, 143.] |
Nov. 20.
Whitehall. |
182. Same to the Lord High Treasurer. Enclose Lt. Governor Spotswood's remarks and enclosures concerning the method
of sale of tobacco for quit-rents, etc. (July 28) for H.M. pleasure
thereon. [C.O. 5, 1363. p. 369; and 5, 1335. p. 146.] |
Nov. 21.
Whitehall. |
183. Mr. Popple to Richard Tilden. Forwards to him, as
Governor Lowther's agent, his application (v. Aug. 20) for a
Commission of Vice-Admiralty, "that you may apply to the
Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty for such a Commission, which
when you have procured you are to signify to me." etc. [C.O.
29, 12. p. 383.] |
| [Nov. 21.] |
184. Thomas Finch, of Kingstowne, to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. Petitioner was inveigled by Charles Chaplin
(v. Sept. 17), by menaces and fair promises, into giving him
receipts for £3,800 public money. On April 17 following, Chaplin
and Simpson's interest in the Assembly prevailed so farr as not
only to expell him from the Assembly (soon after which he was
confined a close prisoner) but also under pretence of a letter
written to one of the Assembly by him, signifying that he had
sent them an abstract of what estate he had, which he hoped
would prove sufficient to pay the money he had given Mr. Chaplin
receipts for, if the House would give a little time, for collecting
so much as would pay for it, which he thereby offered to put into
Trustees' hands, praying a delay of 3 or 4 months for that purpose
(which letter was by Chaplin and Simpson artificially expounded
to amount to a request to have a law passed for the sale of his
real and personal estate) they brought in a bill to vest not only
his personal estate but also his real estate (which by the ordinary
course of law could not have been subjected to the payment of
debts) in Samuel Vassall, John Clarke, and William Norris to
pay the said £3800 in the first place to Simpson and Martha
Gandy (his securities) without having any regard to the rest of
the creditors of Finch, otherwise than to be paid out of the
residue of his estate, and without any regard to Finch's family,
who by this extraordinary interposition of the Legislature are
deprived of that provision which by the standing Laws of the
said Island could have been made for them out of the real estate
of Finch. Prays that H.M. may disapprove the Act for above
reasons. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 22nd. Nov. 1711. 1 large p.
[C.O. 137, 9. No. 51.] |
| [Nov. 21.] |
185. Henry Soames and other London Merchants, creditors
of Thomas Finch of Kingstown to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Pray that H.M. may disapprove the Act of
Jamaica for vesting the estate of Thomas Finch for the payment of £3800,
etc. (v. preceding). The remainder of Finch's creditors
are by this law put in a worse condition than they were by the
ordinary course of law. It will destroy the credit and consequently trade of the Island, if merchants' goods and credits in
the hands of factors and the estates of persons to whom they give
credits, are thus subjected to new rules of law, etc. Signed,
Henry Soames and six others. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 23rd.
Nov. 1711. 1 large p. [C.O. 137, 9. No. 52.] |
Nov. 22.
Whitehall. |
186. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lowther.
Acknowledge letters of July 16 and Aug. 20. We are very
sorry to see such a number of British ships taken (v. Aug. 20.
No. i). We cannot but think that if the ships of war H.M. is
pleased to send for the protection of Barbados, were kept to
their duty in cruising in the most proper stations, they might in
a great measure protect and secure the trade of that Island.
You ought to have had an Admiralty Commission before you went
from hence; for without it you have no power over the captains
of ships of war; and therefore we have acquainted your agent
etc. (v. Nov. 21). We approve of your reasons against a cartel
for exchange of prisoners with the French, and think you are very
much in the right to refuse the sending the prisoners of theirs
you had to Martinico. [C.O. 29, 12. pp. 383, 384.] |
Nov. 22.
Whitehall. |
187. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord A.
Hamilton. Acknowledge letters of Aug. 15th and 29th. As
to what your Lordship writes, relating to the duties on prize
goods, your Lordship will perceive by the Act for the encouragement of the trade to America, inclosed Oct. 26th, what has been done
therein. The Assembly's pretence of a power to adjourn themselves without your leave, for a longer time than de die in diem,
is altogether groundless. The Assembly being called, and sitting
as an Assembly by virtue of H.M. authority, vested in your
Lordship by Commissn. under the Broad Seal of this Kingdom,
they ought not to assume a power never lodged or intended to be
lodged to them; and therefore we doubt not but your Lordship
will upon any future occasion of that nature assert H.M. Prerogative, and not allow of their adjourning themselves as aforesaid. We shall suddenly take into consideration the Acts
relating to fees, and for quieting of possessions, and shall not
fail of giving your Lordship our thoughts thereupon. We are
very glad to find by your Lordship's letter Aug. 29th, that the
Assembly met in so good a temper, and doubt not from your
prudent management, but at their next meeting they will, as
your Lordship believes, compleat their session to satisfaction.
We think your Lordship has done well in rejecting the Cartel
offered by the French, for the French may take more British
prisoners than we take of theirs, yet as their Islands subsist
during this war chiefly by privateering, the sending of the French
prisoners to this Kingdom will be a greater loss and disappointment to them, than ye sending H.M. subjects to France, can be
to H.M. Plantations. As to your Lordship's desire of having
the nomination of persons to fill up vacancies in the Council, we
shall always have a due regard to your Lordship's recommendation
and the publick service. P.S. We have received ye broken
seal your Lordp. mentions. [C.O. 138, 13. pp. 375, 376.] |
Nov. 22.
Treasury Chambers. |
188. Lord High Treasurer's Warrant directing H.M. Remembrancer to take Mr. Hyde's security (v. June 14). Signed,
Oxford. Endorsed, Recd., Read Nov. 23, 1711. ½ p. [C.O. 5,
1264. No. 125; and 5, 1292. p. 329.] |
Nov. 22.
Whitehall. |
189. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor
Spotswood. Acknowledge letter of July 25 (=? 28). We are now
to return an answer to that, and to your former letters of 6th
and 20th of March, and Dec. 15, 1710. We have not yet had
time to consider the Acts therein mentioned, but shall do it at
the first opportunity. In the mean time you will perceive by
our letter of April 13th last (duplicate whereof has been sent you)
that H.M. has been pleased to repeal the Act pass'd in Oct.
1666 for declaring what is meant by seating of lands, so that
Law being set aside, you are till further orders from H.M. to
govern yourself in the granting of patents for lands by H.M.
Instructions to you in that behalf. We have considered what
you write in your letter of Dec. 15, (which is what you mean by
Dec. 18th having none from you of that date) relating to the
granting of lands on one side James's River, upon the ancient
conditions of seating and planting. But as you have not explained to us what you mean by ancient conditions, we cannot
lay that matter before H.M. If by ancient conditions you mean
what was expressed in the repealed Act of 1666, we do not think
it for H.M. service that any lands should be granted upon those
terms, for the reasons set forth in our letter of April 13th. We
have considered the rules prescribed by yourself and Council,
relating to ye deciding differences between persons taking up
the same tracts, or part of tracts of land, and have no objections
thereunto. We are in expectation of the return from the Commissioners appointed to settle the boundaries between Carolina
and Virginia, in order to our laying the same before H.M. for
her pleasure therein. We have laid before my Lord Treasurer
what you write in relation to the method of the selling the tobacco
arising by quit-rents, and so soon as we shall know H.M. pleasure,
we shall not fail of giving you timely notice thereof. You will
have understood by our Secretary's letter of Jan. 29 and June
29 what was our opinion in relation to the working of the iron
mines in Virginia. We are still of the same mind; and cannot
think it for H.M. service or the advantage of this Kingdom (unless
there be other reasons than do occur to us) that such a manufacture should be promoted in the Plantations. What you writ
to my Lord Dartmouth in relation to the razure of the date of
H.M. letter of licence to the Robinson frigat, was referred to us
before receipt of your letter of July 25th, (= ? 28) whereupon
having examined in the Secretary's office, we found an entry
of H.M. said letter dated 18th Sept., 1708, in the 7th year of
H.M. reign, whereas the copy is dated Feb. 18, 1709, in the 8th
year of H.M. reign, so that it plainly appears that the word
February the figure nine and the word eight (as you observe)
have been razed, and accordingly we have reported our opinion.
You mention an overture that had been made to you for altering
the annual Quit-rents payable to H.M. into a fine; upon which we
are of opinion the ancient method of annual Quit-rent is more for
H.M. service. Your diligence in supplying Col. Hunter with the
700 barrils of pork you mention, is very commendable, but if
you had inform'd us of the price of the said pork, and what
mony you have been in disburse upon that account, we could
have laid the same before my Lord High Treasurer. We agree
with you that it is more for the service of the Plantations, to
send home to this Kingdom such French prisoners as are there
taken, than to exchange them in the West Indies, and therefore
we cannot but approve of your sending the prisoners you mention
to this Kingdom. [C.O. 5, 1363. pp. 370—373; and 5, 1335.
pp. 150—155.] |
| [Nov. 23.] |
190. Copy of bond entered into by Finch, Gandy and Simpson (v. Sept. 17). Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 23rd, 1711. 1 p.
[C.O. 137, 9. No. 53.] |
| [Nov. 23.] |
191. Copies of letters writ by Mr. Finch, and other papers
relating to his case (v. Sept. 17, Nov. 21 etc.) Endorsed as preceding. 8 pp. [C.O. 137, 9. Nos. 54—58.] |
Nov. 26.
Boston. |
192. Col. Vetch, Governor of Annapolis, to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. I have done myself the honour by
severall opportunitys to acquaint your Lordships with the nature
and state of Nova Scotia etc., though I have not been [? honour]ed
with any return from your Lordships relating to the same, etc.
In severalls of my former I informed your Lordships of the
ferrtility of the soyle vast quantitys of minerals, particularly
copper, lead and iron, and aboundance of verry fine marble of
all colours, masts and navall stores to be had in plenty (of which
I had cutt twenty from 18 to 26 inches, which being near the
river-side were less expensive by much then the large ones which
grow att a much greater distance, but these were all destroyed
by the enemy during our late blockade), the vast plenty of fish
and conveniency of harbours farr beyond Newfoundland. What
I am now to lay before your Lordships is in my humble oppinion
the most effectuall and easy way to make thiss a popolous and
flourishing country. The first is: that your Lordships would be
pleased to advise. H.M. to give as ane encouragement to all her
protestant subjects of Brittan and Ireland who are willing to
come over to settle in the cou[ntry] free transportation, tools and
a twelve months subsistance as she was pleased to [? do for the]
Palatines: which might be done without any great expense: for
the masts ships cou[ld year ?]ly bring over 6 or 700 for a verry
small consideration: and to make the [? matter] of their subsistance easy: all the men fitt to carry arms might be subsisted for
[—] as a part of the garison: which would not only save H.M.
their subsistance [? other]wise, but by exerciseing them twice a
week teach them the use of arms and so make a good militia:
for as it is unreasonable to suppose ever the garison to have any
[? peace] or be capable to live upon their pay, while they are under
almost a constant block[ade, as ?] they will ever be while Canada
is not reduced: and no inhabitants in the Country save Roman
Catholicks and savages yett more biggott then they: both of
which notwithstanding all the oaths they cann take own themselves obliged to break them whenever the preis[ts] order them:
and give them absolution as wee have already experienced:
but if wee had once four or five hundred protestant familys
setled in the nighbourhood of the garison as that would be a
retreat and security for them: so no party could approach
without their giving us intelligence of the same: whereas now
not having one person in all the country our freinds: wee never
know of the enimys approach untill they have done some mischeif: and if with the above supposed planters att first two able
clergymen who [? underst]and french were sent over, I doubt
not but by their means: and the veiu of interest many of them
would become Protestants. The second thing I would humbly
recommend, will be ane effectuall means to accomplish the
former proposall: is to declare Annapolis Royall a free Port for
all H.M. subjects and confederates to trade to. This, as it could
no ways be prejudiciall to the entrest of either the Crown or
subjects: so were it limited to seven or eleven years time, it
would in one year after the expiration of that time be able to
pay H.M. more revenue then it will doe in 20 as it now is, besides
the vast advantage of peopleing the country and making it a
known port and of considerable trade, and att the same time
render it strong and secure from any insults of the enimy, etc.
I must further begg your justice and favour in relation to the
support of the garison itself: it having bein ordred by the Counsill
of Warr (appoynted by H.M. and fully impowred by her Royall
Instructions to doe everything that should be necessary for both
the reduction and security of that garison when reduced) that
8 months' provisions should be immediatly putt into the garison
for the number of troops appoynted for the same att H.M. charge
(as is usual att Gibralter and other garisons in the enimy's
countrys) before the expiration of which 8 months H.M. more
particular commands was expected to the Governour of the said
place, but none comming with relation to the same, and before
the expiration of said time the garison being blockt up by land,
oblidged the Governour (who was then commanded by H.M.
especiall order to leave that Government to a Deputy and to
come to Boston in New England, in order to take upon him the
command of the American troops, who were raised to go by sea
with Generall Hill against Canada) to cause the agent furnish
the said garison with 8 months more provisions for the number
of troops it then consisted of, which was judged absolutly necessary for the security of that place, during the absence of the fleet
and army against Canada. For all which I had given the agent
bills upon H.M. Treasury as well as for the necessary reparations
of the garison with the particular accounts of the same signed by
the Engineer and Clerk of the Works therewith transemitted, as
are likewise the victualling accounts annexed to the bills for the
same, none of which have as yet been accepted by my Lord
Treasurer to the almost ruine of the agent and others concerned
with him as well as the vast discredit of the publick and loss of
every particular person upon the Brittish establishment, insomuch that bills upon the publick are here 20 p.c. worse then
private bills. I earnestly therefor recommend it to your Lordships' serious consideration and intreat your favour with my
Lord Treasurer that the bills drawn upon so important service
with all possible vouchers accompanying them may be punctually
payed. If there be any one article upon examination judged
unreasonable, let an account of the same be transemitted over,
and if all possible satisfaction be not given to the same, lett it be
stopped out of the next bills, for the agent being allways 3 or
£4000 in advance for the garison before ever the bills are drawn,
he must be ruined if those bills lys six or eight months for acceptance, by which time he must be the like summ in advance before
the first are accepted. And as it will be impossible the garison
of Annapolis cann subsist without H.M. affording them provisions
untill the country be both peaceable and better peopled, so unless
the bills drawn for the same meet with a more punctuall acceptance and payment, it will be impossible for me to find any person
to be agent for the same: and as I doe assure your Lordships
I never drew for more then the effectives which the bills will
make appear: there being 100 difference in 6 months time who
dyed and deserted, which was a perquisite properly belonging
to myself and the officers, yett I was resolved to be so just to the
Crown as not to charge one man more then the effectives. The
subsistance of the above I have hinted to my Lord Treasurer,
but knowing his vast business will not allow him time to think
upon such small matters, I must humbly intreat your favour and
justice with regard to all the above premisses, and if their remains
any difficulty either in the accounts or the above proposalls that
your Lordships or the Ministry wants to be satisfied in, or with
relation to the miscariage of the late Expedition, if your Lordships will obtain me H.M. leave to go to Brittain, hav[ing] now
a Deputy Governour, I doubt not to give full satisfaction in
every poynt, etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch. Endorsed, Recd., Read
24th April, 1712. Edges worn. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 1;
and 218, 1. pp. 23—30.] |
Nov. 26.
Treasury Chambers. |
193. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. In reply to Nov. 13, the
Lord Treasurer transmits enclosed for the consideration of the
Lords Commissioners of Trade, and requests them to let him have
a state of the affair relating to the Palatines, their numbers and
the application of the £10,000 already paid to Col. Hunter for
them; what agreement of promise was made on H.M. behalfe
in relacon to their subsistence, together with their Lordps.'
opinion what summs may be further necessary to advance for
their subsistence before they begin to repay the publick by the
produce of their labour in the manufacture of Naval stores.
Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 27th, Read 28th Nov.,
1711. Addressed. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
193. i. Earl of Clarendon to the Lord High Treasurer. Report upon two letters from Governor Hunter to the Earl of
Dartmouth. I conceive it is your Lordp's. intent that
I should give my opinion how farr I think it reasonable
that the demand made by Col. Hunter of £15000 a year
for two years for the subsistance of the Palatines etc.
should be granted. Col Hunter in his letter of Oct. 13,
1710, says "I have setled the Palatines on Hudson's
River etc.," but he not naming the place, I beg leave to
acquaint your Lordp. that by letters I have lately recd.
from New York he has setled them upon the lands of one
Robert Levingston at a place called Rooloffe Jansen's
Kill 110 miles above New York and 40 miles below
Albany. It is most certain that great quantitys of
pitch and tarr and other Navall stores may be brought
from New York and some other of H.M. Collonys upon
the Northern Continent of America much more than
Britain can consume, and that might have been done as
well without the Palatines as with them, had due
encouragmt. been given; but I thinke it is unhappy that
Col. Hunter at his first arrivall fell into soe ill hands,
for this Levingston has been known many years in that
Province for a very ill man, he formerly victualled the
forces at Albany, in which he was guilty of most notorious frauds by which he greatly improved his estate,
he has a mill and a brew house upon his land, and if he
can get the victualing of those Palatines who are so
conveniently posted for his purpose, he will make a very
good addicon to his estate; and I am perswaded that the
hopes he had of such a subsistence to be allow'd by H.M.
were the cheife if not the only inducements that prevail'd with him to propose to Col. Hunter to setle them
upon his land, which is not in the best place for pinetrees, the borders of Hudson's River above Albany,
and the Mohacks River Schenectady are well known
to be the best places for pines of all sorts both for
numbers and largness of trees. Col. Hunter in his
letter of Nov. 14, 1710 says, "I have with good husbandry saved as much out of their (the Palatines')
allowance of 6d. and 4d. a day as will pay the officers'
salarys and some part of the contingent charge, and as
near as I can compute £15000 sterl. yearly for two years
forward will be sufficient to compleat that great work.
I have drawn bills on the Treary. for a quarter's subsistence, which I begg your Lordps. will please to recommend
may be punctually complyed with, or that people must
starve and I with them, and the most beneficiall scheme
of wealth to the Nation that has been thought of in
those latter times be nipt in the bud." The bills
drawn by Col. Hunter for one quarters subsistance for
1764 adult at 6d. and 445 persons under age at 4d. a
day in all making 2209 persons, and amounting to
£4700 17s. 11d. seems to be computed according to the
numbers that landed at New York in June 1710, which
I think ought not to be, because its certain many of
them are dead. It is most certain that no person that
has his limbs, and will work can starve in that country,
every man or woman above 15 years of age may earn
2s. 3d. New York money (wch. is 1s. 6d. sterl.) every
day in the year except Sundays. Handycraftsmen,
such as smiths, joyners, carpenters, masons and bricklayers may earn at least 5s. New York money every
day they will work, so that nothing can bring those
people into the danger of starving but willfull laziness.
My Lord, upon the whole matter, I am of opinion that
if the subsistence proposed is allowed, the consequence
will be that Liveingston and some others will get estates,
the Palatines will not be the richer, but will be confirm'd
in that lazynesse they are already too prone to, besides
they will very easily perswade themselves that the same
interest that has obtain'd two years subsistance more
than they expected when they were sent from Britain,
will obtain two more, and soe on; I must begg leave to
take notice that this beneficial scheme of wealth to the
Nation is not new at this time, and that some years
ago an Act of Parliament was passed for encouraging
the exportation of naval stores from the Plantations, in
that Act there was a reward promised for the importing
such stores, but there was no fund appropriated for the
payment of it, else that Act would have had a better
effect then ten times the number of Palatines, etc.
Signed, Clarendon. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. Nos. 30,
30 i.; and 5, 1122. pp. 458—464.] |
Nov. 28.
St. Christophers. |
194. Governor Douglas to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I cannot but lay hold on this opportunity of the Bridgewater merchant ship bound for London to repeat to your Lordships (the arrivall of the pacquets being so slow and uncertain)
that I have taken all possible care to put the island in the best
posture of defence, etc. I passed several useful bills into laws
which the publick peace oblidged me to do to amuse these As-semblymen,
tho' I much question if people under their misfortunes do deserve to be esteemed the Representatives of a
country. I have in a great measure divided and broke the
knot and body of the rebells, and have chose out a handful of
this ill arm'd and almost unserviceable regiment to give some
small assistance in putting H.M. commands in execution
(especially hopeing the chief mutineers that might have prevented
that horrid murder and the loss of so many subjects, who are
sent for Great Britain, will meet with exemplary punishment)
which I propose to use my utmost endeavours to do on the
arrival of the next pacquet, that if possible all further charges
might be saved from the Crown. I also reviewed the Militia
at Mountserrat and summoned an Assembly there. I have also
sat some time with the Assembly I called at Nevis, where I
rectifyed the great disorders amongst their militia, and have
thought it absolutely necessary to suspend one Milliken the
Fort Major, not onely to do justice to the Assembly, whose
enquiries run very high concerning the embezlements of the
stores, but that I am well convinced he is the very reverse of
such a person as is enjoin'd me by H.M. Instructions for such an
office, and had John Butler, Lt. Col. of the Horse, sworne in his
room, a man of honesty, courage and estate, and who was recommended to me by almost all the men of worth and experience
in that Island. I also appointed Richard Abbott, being the
eldest Colonel in this government, to be Brigadier General over
these Islands, and humbly begg the Royal confirmation. In
this Island I found their affairs had been long neglected and in
great disorder. I have at length opened the Courts and
established a due course of Justice amongst them, and passed a
great many bills into Laws which will be laid before your Lordships with other accounts and transcripts with the first safe
opportunity. I renewed Michael Lambert Esq. his commission
(the Lt. Governor of this Island) as Major General of the Forces
in those Islands, which is humbly begg'd to be confirmed by
H.M., and since they have raised a small levy they begin to think
of repairing their forts and platforms, and presume to inclose
an account of what stores are cheifly wanting. They have begun
to build some new churches and nothing is heard now but
unanimity in their publick resolutions and all thoughts of daring
any more to invade the Prerogative seem forgot, especially since
the imprudence of one Cunningham is discovered, who has been
lately a turbulent disturber of their Assemblys. He has the
indiscretion to pretend a right by his wife, a French woman, to
a certain plantation where it was formerly called the French
quarter by a pretended grant of the late King William to one
Mrs. Sulinave, tho' the Marquis d' Amblemont a subject of the
French King's had purchased it from Sulinave's kinsman Monsieur L' Abadie and possessed it for some time. I therefore
think it but justice towards the resettling and bringing more
people upon the Island to approve of the advice of both Council
and Assembly to suffer as many poor people as desire it to settle
upon it and improve it for the present; our constant and hearty
prayers are, that H.M. sacred Majesty may retaine the intire
sovereignty of this fruitfull Island after the peace, without
which it will prove very hard for H.M. subjects to continue their
settlements and vie with a powerfully supported neighbour
by reason of their having been so often harrassed and destroyed
by the most inhumane manner of making warr which is still
practised on this side the Tropick. The Council and Assembly
presses me very hard to pass a Bill to lay a tax of 20 pound
weight of gunpowder upon every tun of sugar shipp'd from hence
to Nevis, which I have thought unreasonable, and shall not
offer anything of so extraordinary a nature without directions
from your Lordships. We are comforted with the hopes of a
very good crop of sugar in all the Islands. By private intelligence
and intercepted letters, Martinique is in a starving condition
for want of provisions. I have received George Liddell and
George Millward Esqs. into the Council of this Island, two very
worthy gentlemen, in the room of two that were superannuated
and infirm. The Islands suffer by having so few freeholders,
many of the most considerable planters and traders not being
qualifyed to be chosen Assemblymen, this makes their attendance the more expensive and troublesome besides other inconveniencies. A poor handful of Dutch settled at St. Eustatia
are intollerable neighbours by protecting our negroes, deserters
from the regiment and all malefactors who fly thither from justice,
they also pretend to be masters of half the little Island of St.
Martin's, another nest of French privateers and thieves. I
humbly begg your Lordships' orders in this particular, if at least
I might make reprisals to bring them to know their duty to the
neighbouring subjects of that Sovereign by whose clemency
they are suffered to settle in any part of H.M. Dominions. The
poor people are transported with the liberty and protection I
give them in their settling the French part of this Island (as it
was formerly called), and these few of H.M. subjects that inhabit
some of the lesser Islands in a roving course of life will soon
be drawn to unite in strengthening this Island upon very small
encouragement. Having received some very good intelligence
that the French design to reattaque Mounserrat, I am resolved
to embarque for that Island to-morrow, to make all possible
defence if the storme should really fall there, which has cheifly
its natural situation to trust unto. Signed, Walter Douglas.
Endorsed, Recd., Read Feb. 12, 17 11/12. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
194. i. List of Stores wanting in St. Kitts. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
194. ii. Address of the Council and Assembly of Nevis to
Governor Douglas. Our great misfortunes by the
enemy in 1706, by the hurricane in 1707, and by two
years of drought since, having rendred us unable to do
for ourselves as we before did, pray H.E.'s good offices
in procuring a grant of stores of war from H.M., enumerated. " These things being highly necessary, and we
being not able to raise a fund for buying them, wee
depend on H.M. bounty for them." Same endorsement,
1¼ pp. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos. 100, 100 i., ii.; and (without
enclosures) 153, 11. pp. 430–435.] |
Nov. 29.
Whitehall. |
195. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Walter
Hamilton, Lt. General of the Leeward, has informed us (v.
July 17) that the Lt. Governor of Antego had disputed the Lieut.
General's sitting in the Councill of that Island, he not being
named in your Majesty's Instructions (to the Governor in Cheif)
as one of that Councill. Upon which we humbly represent to
your Majesty, that the said Hamilton having the honour of your
Majesty's Commission to be Lieut. General of all your Majesty's
Leeward Islands, we are humbly of opinion that it is but reasonable, and for your Majesty's service that he be admitted into the
Councills of each respective Island, and that in the absence of
the Captain General, he do preside in the Councills as he does
command in cheif there. [C.O. 153, 11. pp. 407.] |
| [Nov. 29.] |
196. Duplicate of H.M. Order granting Mr. Hodges leave
of absence, Ap. 2, 1709 (v. Dec. 11). Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 29,
Read Dec. 11, 1711. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 75; and 29, 12.
p. 393.] |
| [Nov. 29.] |
197. Henry Newman to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Governor Dudley has represented the great difficulty he is under
to procure a quorum for H.M. Council in New Hampshire, by
reason of the great age of some, and the indisposition of others.
Recommends John Wentworth for Councillor, he having one of
the best estates in that Province and loyal to H.M. Endorsed,
Recd. Nov. 29, Read Dec. 3, 1711. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 865. No.
72; and 5, 913. p. 362.] |
Nov. 29.
Whitehall. |
198. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Enclose extract from Lt. Governor Spotswood's letter
of Oct. 15 relating to the rising of the Tuscaruro Indians, to be
laid before H.M. [C.O. 5, 1363. p. 382; and 5, 1335. p. 158.] |
Nov. 30.
Whitehall. |
199. The Earl of Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. 1st, Read 3rd Dec., 1711. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
199. i. Report of the Board of Ordnance upon the proposed
(v. Nov. 20) exchange of defective powder in Virginia.
In June 1702, in pursuance of H.M. Order in Council,
80 barrels of powder, with other stores were sold for the
use of that Colony, and paid for by the Agent thereof
to the Treasurer of the Ordnance. What quantity of
that powder remains, there does not appear to us, and
we are humbly of opinion that if it be decayed, it is for
want of care in keeping of it, and that it would be a
very ill president to cause such powder to be exchanged,
after it has been sold, and sent abroad so many years.
Office of Ordnance. Nov. 29, 1711. Copy. 1¼ pp.
[C.O. 5, 1316. Nos. 73, 73 i.; and (without enclosure)
5, 1363. p. 384.] |
