|
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
287. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor
Spotswood. Acknowledge letter of Oct. 15 and enclose copy of
report of Board of Ordnance re gunpowder (v. Dec. 3 and 6th,
1711), etc. We cannot but commend your diligence and conduct
in assisting the province of North Carolina and suppressing their
disorders there, which we hope will be an example to other
Governors, to do their duties if any such occasions should happen.
H.M. has appointed Messrs. Basset and Fitzhughs members of
the Council, etc. [C.O. 5, 1363. pp. 394, 395; and 5, 1335.
No. 168.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
288. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Dudley.
Acknowledge letter, etc., of Nov. 13. We shall expect the publick
papers, which you promise us by the mast fleet, upon the perusal
whereof we shall be able to write to you more fully. We are glad
to perceive that ye people of New England are better vers'd
than formerly in making of tar and other naval stores, and that
the quantity they make is increasing. We have represented to
H.M. that Mr. Wentworth be of the Council of New Hampshire,
and doubt not but the Agent for that Province will forward to
you by this conveyance H.M. warrant for his admission. Your
desire of small arms, powder and ball, is what we cannot at
present lay before H.M.; for what we presume great quantities
were sent along with the late Expedition, and left in the country.
Besides you do not acquaint us with the particulars of what is
remaining, nor what is wanting, without which we cannot lay
the same before H.M. We can give no particular answer to what
you write in relation to the division line between your Government
of the Massachusetts Bay, and the Colonies of Connecticut and
Rhode Island, for want of a true state of that matter, not having
received from those Colonies any reasons for their claim as they
acquainted you. There is indeed a petition lying before us of
Wait Winthrop and others, stiling themselves Proprietors of
that part of the Narraganset country, call'd the Mortgage Lands,
praying H.M. confirmation of their grant. But whether this be
what you hint at, we cannot yet determine for want of further
light from you, and therefore we desire you by ye first oppertunity
to let us have a full state of yt. matter. [C.O. 5, 913. pp.
370, 371.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehal. |
289. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Hunter.
Communicate Mr. Sec. Granville's letter, Dec. 21, 1711, concerning
Invalides. Continue:—We have fully laid before my Lord Treasurer what you writ relating to the Palatins, etc., and hope that
Mr. Du Pre will be able in a short time to carry a good acct. of
that matter. We shall always be ready to do what in us lyes
to incourage and promote what may tend to the increase and
advantage of the trade of this Kingdom. [C.O. 5, 1122. pp.
480—482.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
290. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Reply to Lord Clarendon's observations concerning the
Palatines at New York. (v. Nov. 26, 1711). Refer to Instructions
based on Representations Dec. 5, 1709, etc., which seem to imply
H.M. consent to subsist the Palatines for the first year. Enclose
copy of Representation of Feb. 8, 17 10/11 (q.v.) giving the reasons
why it was necessary to allow £15,000 a year for their subsistence
for two years. Continue:—When they arrived at New York they
were in number 2227, and by the account laid before your Lordp.
Nov. 13th last, the number that had been subsisted March 26—June 24th was about 1894. We have no account from the
Governor of the application of the £10,000, which has been issued
to him, otherways than that he informs us that besides the
£8000 for which he had bills over with him he had drawn other
bills for £4700, all which had been expended in settling those
people, and that he had transmitted an account thereof to the
then Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. In order to our
laying this matter more fully before your Lordship and to propose
some method how H.M. shal be repaid, we take leave to offer
that computing by the number of trees already prepar'd they
may make 30,000 barrils of tar the first year, 1713, which at
New York is 8s. sterling per barril, and will come to £12,000.
And that if H.M. shou'd be graciously pleas'd to allow them one
moiety, it wou'd be sufficient incouragement for them to go on
with their work. And by this means H.M. wou'd be repaid in
about 6 years time. In case H.M. shal approve hereof, we are
of opinion that it will be necessary a person be appointed by H.M.
to receive the tar at New York into a storehouse to be provided
there to ship the same for this Kingdom, and to state and keep
particular accounts of the whole both in relation to the past as
future expence to be laid from time to time before your Lordship.
Upon the whole, as it does not appear to us that there has been
any mismanagement in subsisting the said Palatines by Col.
Hunter, and that his credit is very deeply ingag'd in that service,
and in consideration that the whole design of producing Naval
Stores in H.M. Dominions by the Palatines must fall and the
money already expended be intirely lost, unless they are subsisted for two years, we are humbly of opinion that they be
supported in such method as your Lordship shal think proper.
[C.O. 5, 1122. pp. 482—488.] |
Feb. 2.
Piscataqua. |
291. Mr. Bridger to the Earl of Dartmouth. Returns thanks
for favours and that he has this opportunity "to be instrumental
to the good of established church, of wch. your Lordship will be
informed by the inclosed from a people bred in schism from their
cradles, etc." Continues:—They are a people of good reputation
and live well according to this country, and are the most valuable
where they live, 2 of them, vizt. Abraham Merrill and Joshua
Brown, were decons to the meeting house, but are now for the
mother and established church; there are many more willing to
come as soon as they see the church finished, and a man of example, learning and moderation that will instruct and lead those
people, if such a one, as I humbly joyne wth. your Lordps.' petitioners, do come over. I dare say we should have more in a year
or two at our church than would go to the disenting meetings,
perticularly if H.M. will give such an allowance to the person that
comes as to support him without asking anything from the people,
tho' but for two or three years, the people here are not so biggoted
to theire own way, but to be free from the minister's tax, most of
them would be of our Church and make many free-will offerings
to the parson more than theire tax, this my Lord I know is
theire humor, nither do I know whether the Charter of New England impowers them so far, as to lay a tax either to the building
a meeting house or paying the ministers by a law or tax raised in
H.M. name, as they now doe, and in this Province wh. is imediatly
under H.M. Governmt. the select men with the Justices of the
Peace have raised a tax in H.M. name on the people to build a
new meeting house and are now a gathering the same. I humbly
lay the same before your Lordsp., presuming it is repugnant to
the laws of Great Brittian then void of itself, yet the people suffer
by two or three obstinate men, but wth. great submition to your
Lordship say, here is no government at all, the Governor at
Boston and Leit. Governor as well, so everyone acts as he please,
here is none to apply to on H.M. behalfe, but self intrest governes
all, etc. Seeing H.M. name made use of to serve theire occasions
only, I thought it my duty to lay the same before your Lordsp.
Your petitioners are an example without president, and as it is
approved by you the church will stand or fall, and it will be
the only way to draw the schismaticall curtaine from before
these people's eyes, by wch. they have been so long in blindness,
but the danger and risque is very great, it being seldom or never
seen that the Church should flourish under a disenting Governor.
I most humbly pray your Lordshipp's favour in representing the
state of this infant church to H.M., and that H.M. would be
graciously pleased to furnish it wth. books, pulpet and communion cloths and plate books etc., wch. would much please
and oblige the other people, etc. Signed, J. Bridger. 2¾ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
291. i. Petition of Inhabitants and Freeholders of Newbury
in New England to the Earl of Dartmouth. Our
meeting-house was puled down by rude hands, wch. to
our satisfaction we had injoyed many years past.
Since that our opposite partie have levied by tax on our
estates to the building another meeting-house so far
distant from us and many others that wee nor they are
able to goe so far wh. renders it wholey unservisable to all;
notwithstanding we was the greatest part of the whole.
These proceedings obliged us to build a Church and did,
and now do declare it to be the Queen's Chappel built
on our own land, yet canot proceed thereon by reason
of a warrant from the Genl. Assembly (enclosed), this put
an entire stop to our proceedings till Mr. Bridger heard of
our trouble and sent us severall letters and incouraged
us to proceed, but he is now come to our reliefe, and has
put us in this way of petitioning your Lordshipp from
whome wee pray a satisfactory and speedy answer,
being without any person to preach to us. Wee have
made Mr. Bridger our agent and have given him the
land for the Church, and have enabled him with workmen and materiales to fenish the Church and is realy
a patron to us, and he has engaged himself to us and
to goe on in that work against all opposers whatever
and as he has so he will stand in the gap for us. Pray
that he may be established near them, etc. Signed,
John Bartlett, Joshua Brown, Joseph Annis, Saml.
Bartlett. Newbury, Jan. 28th, 17 11/12. 1 p. |
|
291. ii. Order of Council and Assembly, Boston, Aug. 22,
1711. Upon an information offered by Capt. Hugh
March and others of the town of Newbery that several
persons living in the west precinct of said town have
raised and in part covered a meeting-house notwithstanding the order of this Court July 19, past, to desist
therein untill their had been ane hearing; ordered that
Samuell Bartlett, John Ordeway deacons Joshua Brown,
Joshua Bailly, Skipper Lunt and Penuell Titecome be
anew served by the sherriff with the order of July 19th
past, and attend this Court to answer for their contempt.
Concurred by the Representatives, consented to, J.
Dudley. Copy. 1 p. |
|
291. iii. Petition of inhabitants and freeholders of the West
precinct of Newbury to the Earl of Dartmouth. Petitioners are building at theire own costs a Church for the
worshipp of allmighty god according to the Established
church of Great Brittain. Pray that a suitable parson
may be sent, with a convenient allowance, books,
ornaments etc. Signed, Joshua Brown, John Bartlett,
Skipper Lunt, Samuel Bartlet, John Merrill, Abraham
Merrill, and 13 others. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1091. Nos. 67,
67 i.—iii.] |
Feb. 2.
Piscataqua. |
292. Mr. Bridger to the Earl of Dartmouth. Since I had
the honour to wright to your Lorsp. I have seen the Act for the
preservation of white and other pine trees, which obliges me and
deputies to marke all trees proper to be taken for H.M. service,
which is puting an imposibility on me having no deputies allowed,
tho' the business of pereservation lyes not above 40 miles distant
the two extreames, yet with the allowance of 3 or 4 deputies I
dare engage performe that worke to your Lordps.' satisfaction,
without either another surveyor added, or my commision halved,
which I presume will be the opinion of one who will propose it
to your Lordp. to serve his son, not knowing in the affaire, etc.
There is a wast made in H.M. woods yearly, and having no help
could not prevent it, nor is it posible to be done without assistance.
I have been here and shall be more than three months and have
published the Act to the people, but have not yet been so happie
as to make an example on any, tho' many transgress[ions] as
I am daily told are committed. I am at a very great expence
every day I am in the woods, and tho' I have a guard from the
government I am obliged to subsist them wch. cost me every
day 20s. I have not less than 6 horsemen at any time, nor am
I safe with them, but cannot subsist more, so must runn the
danger of the Indians, etc. Prays relief, etc. Proposes that
merchant contractors should pay 6/8 to the Surveyor General
for every tree loaded on board, etc. As to Mr. Collins'
contract, tho' he be gone of(f) the change, yet his agent here
cuts masts under pretence of fulfilling that contract, notwithstanding there are 9 shipps' loads now rotting in this river for
want of shipping according to contract. As to Naval Stores from
hence, that is lost by reason the Navy did not pay the premiums,
there is in this fleet only in barrels of tar 712, of pitch 1194, of
turpentine 1631. The method I proposed some time since I
presume would give some life to it, which was that I should buy
all that was to be got here at a certaine price, that would incourage
the makers, for now the marchts. beats the price down so low
that theire is little or none made, etc. 18s. per barrel would
governe the market, etc. Signed, J. Bridger. 3 pp. [C.O. 5,
1091. No. 68.] |
| [Feb. 4.] |
293. Petition of Wm. Hyde to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Prays to be appointed Secretary of Barbados in
the room of Ed. Jones, removed, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Feb. 4, 17 11/12. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 9. No. 21; and 38, 7. p. 31.] |
| [Feb. 4.] |
294. Petition of Thomas Cooke, Rector of St. Bennet's,
Paul's Wharf, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Recommends
Francis Bond, son of a former deputy-Governor of Barbados, for the Council, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 4, 17 11/12.
1 p. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 83; and 29, 12. p. 406.] |
| Feb. 5. |
295. Edward Warner to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Petitions to be appointed to the Council of Antigua. Owner
of a considerable estate there; his grandfather was Lt. Governor,
etc. He was in England at the time of the late disorders, etc.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 5, 17 11/12. ½ p. [C.O. 152, 9. No.
98; and 153, 11. pp. 424, 425.] |
| [Feb. 5.] |
296. Petition of Jeremiah Dummer to the Queen. Your
Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay has receiv'd private
intelligence since the failure of the late Expedition to Canada,
that the French and Indians design to make an invasion upon
'em, and they have likewise great reason to fear a defection of
their own Indians. Their Forts and Garrisons are destitute of
stores of war, and the Province is so extremely impoverish't as
to be no way able to supply 'em. Prays, as Agent, for a quantity
of small arms and powder. Signed, Jeremiah Dummer. Endorsed, R. Feb. 5, 17 11/12. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 10. No. 149.] |
| Feb. 6. |
297. Proclamation of H.M. General Pardon to the inhabitants
of Antigua. Whereas a great number of our subjects in this our
Island of Antegoa, did lately in an open rebellious manner take
up arms and committ a most barbarous murder on the body of
Daniel Parke Esq. then our Captain General and Commander in
Chief in and over all our Leeward Carribbee Islands in America,
nevertheless, wee being perswaded that many of the offenders
were drawn into that rebellion and murder by the subtle insinuations, and by the influence of some of the chief advisers and
promoters thereof, and not from any rancour of mind, or disaffection to our Government, Wee out of Our princely disposition
to forgive, have resolved that our clemency shall temper our
justice. Know ye therefore that Wee of our especial grace and
favour, certain knowledge and meer motion, have pardoned
remitted and released and by these presents for us, our heirs and
successors do freely and absolutely pardon remitt and release to
all our subjects of the said Island of Antegoa who were any
offenders in the said crime (other than such persons as hereinafter
are excepted) and to their heirs, executors and administrators
all and all manner of treasons, felonys, misprisions of treasons
or felony, murders, crimes, misdemeanors and offences whatsoever by them and every of them (except as hereinafter excepted)
consulted, commanded, acted or done, on account of the said
late rebellion and murder and of and from all paines of death and
other paines and penaltys, indictments, convictions, attainders,
outlawrys, escheats and forfeitures therefore had or given, or
that may or might accrue for the same, except out of this our
Proclamation of free pardon all and every such person and persons
who are apprehended and in custody in order to be proceeded
against and prosecuted according to law for the murder aforesaid
and brought to condign punishment and all such persons who are
fled from justice on account of the said crime whereby others
may be deterred from committing or attempting the like for the
future. Also except those of H.M. Councill in any of the four
Islands of Antegoa, Nevis, Montserrat and St. Christophers who
have been concerned in encourageing, abetting or assisting in
the said rebellious and barbarous murder. Provided always
that if any of the persons hereby meant or intended to have
the benefit of this our gracious and free pardon shall presume
to justify the murder aforesaid or shall attempt the like rebellious
practices (as above mentioned) for the future they shall receive
no benefit by this our gracious Proclamation of free pardon, but
shall be liable to be prosecuted according to law for any of the
crimes abovementioned. Countersigned, Walter Douglas. St.
Johns, Feb. 6th, 1712. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 42. No. 82.] |
| Feb. 7. |
298. Copy of letter from Col. John Evans to Wm. Penn.
London, Feb. 7, 17 11/12. You was pleased to enjoyn me to make
such an estimate of the revenue of the Governmt. of Pennsylvania
as I was able from near seven years experience in the Province,
and found to be the settled income really and truely communibus
annis which please to accept as follows. Licences for publick
houses and permits for strong water shops £120. Registring
vessels and passes and bills of health £50. Fines and forfeitures
£150. Seizures upon unlawful trade, the Crown's thirds £250.
Mony raised by Assembly in my time £300. The duty of one
penny per pound upon tobacco £600. Besides which there
appears by the Custom House accounts to have been paid in
England for tobacco made in that Province several years above
£10,000 a year to the Crown, to which may in all reason be added
when you come upon a valuable consideration for your surrender
(which you are pleased to informe me you are about) near
£20,000 a year that Pensylvania (planted and improved at your
sole cost and care) takes off, of the English manufacture, and it
may yet farther in justice be considered what it would have cost
the Crown of Great Britain to have brought that Province to
the perfection they will find it in, etc. Signed, John Evans.
1⅓ pp. Annexed, |
|
298. i. Further benefits vested in the Crown upon Mr. Penn's
surrender of Pensylvania by the disposal of Offices now
in his gift. Secretary's place for the Province and
Register for Probate of wills amounting per annum to
about £250. Master of the Rolls and Keeper of the
Seal £100. Clerk or Prothonotary of the Courts of
Philadelphia £250. Sherrif of Philadelphia, £200. Clerk
of the Court of New Castle, £200. Sherrif of New
Castle, £200. Besides there are Clerks and Sherrifs of
the several Counties of Bucks, Chester, Kent and Sussex
the least of which are worth about £40 per annum.
There are likewise Corroners, Registers Office for deeds
and another for wills in each county much about the
same yearly value. Moreover Mr. Penn's Lieut. surrendered
into the hands of the Lord Bellamont then
Governor of New York about 5000 pieces of 8, the same
being treasure trove in that Province supposed to have
been brought in there by some pirates from Madagascar;
and tho' the same of right belonged to Mr. Penn by
his Charter yet being by Lord Bellamont remitted into
the hands of the Crown, Mr. Penn has not received one
penny thereof. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd.
(from ye Treasury) Read 30th Aug. 1715. [C.O. 5,
1265. Nos. 4, 4 i.] |
| [Feb. 7.] |
299. Major General Handasyd to the Queen. Petitions that
arrears of levy money, subsistance, and deductions on behalf of
widows, due to his Regiment in Jamaica, may be made good etc.
Endorsed, Recd. 7th, Read 18th Feb., 17 11/12. 4 pp. [C.O. 137,
9. No. 61.] |
Feb. 8.
Hudsons Bay House. |
300. The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England
trading into Hudsons Bay to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
For avoiding all disputes that may arrise between the Company
and the French setled in Canada, they conceive it necessary,
that no wood-runners either French or Indians, or any other
persons whatsoever, be permitted to travell or seeke for trade,
beyond limitts beginning from Grimingtons Island, or Cape
Pedrix, latitude 58½ North, which they desire may be the
boundary between the English, and French on the Coast of
Laboradore towards Ruperts Land on the East Maine, and Nova
Brittania on the French side, and that no French ship, barque
boate or vessell whatsoever shall pass to the N.W. of Cape Pedrix
or Grimington's Island, towards or into the Streights [or Bay of]
Hudson, on any pretence whatsoever. That a line be supposed
to pass to the South westward [of the] Island of Grimington, or
Cape Pedrix to the Great Lake Miscosinke alias Mistoseny,
dividing the same into two parts (as in the mapp now delivered)
and that the French nor any others imployed by them, shall
come to the North or Northwestward of the said Lake, or supposed line, by land or water, on or through any rivers, lakes or
countrys, to trade or erect any Forts or Settlements, whatsoever,
and the English on the contrary not to pass the said supposed line
either to the southward or eastward. That the French be
likewise obliged to quitt surrender and deliver up to the English
upon demand, York Fort by them called Bourbone undemolished,
together with all forts, factories, settlements and buildings
whatsoever, taken from the English, or since erected or built by
the French with all the artillery and ammunition in the condition
they are now in, together with all other places they are possessed
of, within the limitts aforesaid, or within the Bay and Streights
of Hudson. These limitts being first setled and adjusted, the
Company are willing to referr their losses and damages formerly
sustained by the French in times of peace to the consideration
of Commissioners to be appointed for that purpose. Refer to
Charter. Signed, By Order of the Governor and Company etc.
Wm. Potter, Secr. Endorsed, Recd., Read 8th Feb., 17 11/12. 2
pp. [C.O. 134, 2. No. 34; and 135, 3. pp. 117—119.] |
Feb. 8.
Virginia. |
301. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I have chosen this first opportunity by an out-port
ship to hasten to your Lordps. the journals of our late Assembly,
tho' that of the House of Burgesses is not compleat and the latter
part only copyed from their votes as they were returned to me
every night. Your Lordps. will observe by these Journals the
matters upon which that House and I have chiefly differred;
and I shall only here continue the bare relation of their transactions, upon their return after their adjournment, without any
comment: since your Lordps. are better able to judge what may
be the consequence of such unaccountable proceedings, and what
remedys are proper for checking the irregularitys of Plantation
Assembly. According to what I had the honour to write your
Lordps. in my last, I hop'd the recess I gave the House of Burgesses
till the 24th of last moneth, would have been sufficient time for
them to reflect on their former irregularitys, and brought them
together with a better disposition for the publick service: but
they no sooner mett than they began to give indications of the
same obstinate temper with which they separated; by continuing
their contentions with the Council, and by adhering to the
disallowance of the just claims of many publick creditors, tho'
they had not the least objection against the usefulness of their
services for the security of the country. I was however willing
to wait some days longer in expectation of their entring on new
measures to defend themselves in this time of danger; but
perceiving no advances therein, I thought it necessary on the
28th past to quicken them by a speech wherein I took occasion
to answer sundry misrepresentations of matters of fact in their
Address of Dec. 21st (v. Journal of Burgesses), and likewise to
assure them that I was ready to yeild to anything they could in
justice or reason demand. But this had no better effect than to put
them anew upon a justification of their former proceedings, without
the least show of a more just behaviour for the future. So that
finding nothing could be expected from a sett of men so regardless
of their duty to their country, I thought it more advisable to put
an end to their session, than to burthen the people by keeping
them longer together to prosecute their fruitless contentions,
and on the last of January dissolved the Assembly after having
passed the few bills they had prepared at their former meeting,
which were only two publick and two private Acts, besides that
for appointing Rangers, which I pass'd in December. The
shortness of time will not allow me to send by this conveyance
the transcript of those Acts, but your Lordps. will see by the
titles they are of no great consequence. I have already intimated
the reasons that obliged me to reject the bill prepared by the
Burgesses for raising money to carry on a war against the Indians,
with which I hope your Lordps. will not be dissatisfy'd. For
had I pass'd it in terms so prejudicial to the interest of Great
Britain and unjust to the people here, I could neither have been
excusable to H.M., nor to the Country, besides the ill consequence
of engaging in a war upon a deficient fund, to be supplyed by
the same unjustifyable means, if not worse, than those on wch.
it was begun, or else the publick creditors left for ever unpaid.
The perverting the sense of laws already made, with no other
intent than to evade the payment of the publick debts, such as
the charge of the Militia that attended at Nattoway Town on the
Conference with the Tuscoruro Indians, and the expence of a
spy-boat fitted out in pursuance of H.M. Commands on the late
alarm, to discover the approach of the enemy, shows what little
dependance there is on the faith of a House of Burgesses: for
tho' both those services have been own'd by that House to be for
the publick benefit, yet no arguments either of mine or the Council
could obtain the least allowance for them. This obstinacy is the
more remarkable in that the first of these claims might have
been discharged according to a proposal of the Council for less
than the value of £50, by only exempting the Militia from this
year's publick levy. The other of the spy-boat was so frugally
managed, that the whole expence for three moneths amounted
only to £121. This last, with about £100 for the subsistance of
80 French prisoners, and between £40 and £50 expended in
raising the batterys were all the money payments insisted on in
the Book of Claims, and yet so strenuously refused by the Burgesses, that they chose rather to let the book of claims remain
unpassed, and the whole countrey to suffer for want of laying
the publick levy than yeild to the just demands of the people
in so trifling a sum. These are the proceedings which obliged me
to put an end to this Assembly, and by wch. the late Burgesses
hope to recommend themselves to the populace, upon a received
opinion amongst them that he is the best patriot among them
that most violently opposes the raising any money let the occasion
be what it will: they may in some measure be excused for acting
that part; since the far greater number of the late Burgesses had
scarce any other merit, to qualify them for the people's choice.
I have here represented to your Lordps. their faults with the
same freedom I used in commending their behaviour in the
Session last year, and whoever will compare the proceedings of
that Session with the incongruitys of this, will hardly believe
the same men could act so differently: but this may be easily
accounted for when the persons are considered, whose want of
publick spirit has irreconciled them to everything which required
expence, and such were most of the affairs recommended to them
this Session. And it now appears plainly that the vote of raising
£20,000, (which is indeed a great sum for this Country) was no
other than a design of some to raise none at all, since under
pretence of raising so considerable a sum, they believed they might
more easily have recourse to extraordinary means, wch. they
were sure would never pass, for had they really intended to carry
on the war against the Indians, they could not have done it in
a more frugal way than by the Treaty I concluded with the
Tuscoruro Indians; but tho' that was entred into at the instance
of their own House, they have made no provision for enabling
me to performe the terms of it. Indeed some of the House have
since their dissolution owned more freely than they would do
while sitting that most of the irregularitys of their proceedings
are owing to some rash votes pass'd without foresight, wch. they
could not afterwards get over without breaking through the rules
of their House, and so they chose rather to let the country suffer
than acknowledge themselves in an error. After what I have
here represented, I think it necessary to acquaint your Lops. that
these differences with the house of Burgesses, have made none
between me and the country; I have not had the least dispute
with any one member of the Council, and even these very persons
who composed the house of Burgesses have all along declared as
much satisfaction with my administracon as with any Governor
they ever had; tho' your Lops. will observe by my speeches I
have not flattered them. So that the ill management of the late
Assembly may in all probability give a new turn to the humors
of the people, and make them chuse for their next Representatives
men of more generous and disinterested principles: but I shal
first see some signs of such a disposition before I call another
Assembly. In the meantime I am taking all necessary precautions to secure the Country against the Indians, etc. (Here
follows passage quoted by Lord Dartmouth April 15 q.v.) At
present the danger seems much more to threaten North Carolina
where the Indians daily gather strength, and have already
besieged a party of the inhabitants in a small fort they had built
for their protection. The distractions amongst themselves gave
the Indians all the opportunity they could wish of destroying
them: for as our Burgesses for their private interest have disappointed all means of defending this country, so those of Carolina
on a worse principle have resolved to sacrifice that province
to their own private resentments, and because they cannot
introduce into the Government the persons most obnoxious for
the late rebellion and civil war, they will make no provision for
defending any part of the country, and are now likewise dissolved
without doing any business. The Baron de Graffenried being
obliged while he was prisoner among the Indians to conclude a
neutrality for himself and the Palatines lives as yet undisturbed
but is sufficiently persecuted by the people of Carolina for not
breaking with the Indians, tho' they will afford him neither
provisions of war or victuals, nor any assistance from them: he
has always declared his readiness to enter into the war as soon
as he should be assisted to prosecute it: but it would be madness
to expose his handfull of people to the fury of the Indians, without
some better assurance of help than the present confusions in
that Province gives him reason to hope for: since the Indians
would soon either entirely destroy that settlement, or starve
them out of the place by killing their stocks and hindering them
from planting corne. In the mean time the people of Carolina receive great advantage by this neutrality, for by that means the
Baron has an opportunity of discovering to them all the designs of
the Indians, tho' he runs the risque of paying dear for it, if they ever
come to know it. This makes him so apprehensive of his danger
from them, and so diffident of help or even justice from the Government under which he is, that he has made some offers to remove
to this Colony with the Palatines, upon some of H.M. land; and
since such a number of people as he may bring with him with what
he proposes to invite over from Swisserland and Germany will
be of great advantage to this country, and prove a strong barrier
against the incursions of Indians, if they were properly disposed
above our inhabitants, I pray your Lordps.' directions what
encouragements ought to be given to this design, either as to the
quantity of land or the terms of granting it. Your Lordps. will
also be pleased to instruct me as to the settlement of a great
number of the other inhabitants of North Carolina, who I understand design to remove hither for protection. I beg leave to
represent to your Lordps. the necessity of some speedy orders
for this Colony, Maryland and Carolina to assist each other in
case either be attack'd, and if your Lordps. shal think fitt to
propose this to H.M., I humbly offer that the regulation of that
assistance may not be left to the precarious humor of an Assembly,
but that your Lordps. will be pleased to consider of some more
proper method for rendering it effectual. I should have sent
ere now an account of the stores of war in this country: but
considering those accounts have been transmitted both by Coll.
Nott and Mr. President Jenings, and none other sent hither
since, I thought it needless to trouble your Lordps. with an
account which would contain only the same thing without any
alteration except as I have already intimated to your Lordps.
the powder is much more wasted and decayed than it was then.
Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. 14th April, Read 11th
Dec., 1712. 5 pp. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 86; and 5, 1363. pp.
426—436.] |
Feb. 9.
Antegoa. |
302. Governor Douglas to the Earl of Oxford, Lord High
Treasurer. I durst not presume writing to your Lordship before
I had fulfilled your commands of settling the publick affairs of
these Islands, and quieting the minds of the people of this Island
in particular. I have view'd the fortifications and put the
Militia in the best posture of defence, and in all the respective
Assemblys have passed some usefull bills into Acts which will be
submitted to the Royall approbation, particularly by repealing
an imperfect and pernitious Law in this Island for establishing of
Courts etc., by the dilatoriness and uncertainity of recovering
debts, by this Act the Island was reduced to the brink of ruine
and the publick credit almost quite sunk, and making another
for these purposes to answer all Sir Edward Northey's objections.
On my arrival here, July 8th, I found the Island in great confusion
and distractions which rendered it impossible for me to put H.M.
orders in execution without taking some time to put about 200
men of the Queen's Regiment in some order and disposition (in
which Major Peter Buer was very serviceable) to save further
charges to the Crown in preventing farther commotions and all
other desperate measures from an unsettled and deluded people
having their chief hopes in Col. Hamilton Lt. General of these
Islands (an unquiet enemy to all chief Governors) soothing and
palliating their crimes as the proofs to be transmitted by the first
proper conveyance will plainly prove, his encourageing these
people in their obstinacy and sedition, and found myselfe unable
to proceed further for the honour of H.M. service without suspending him from all offices and places of trust in these Islands
untill H.M. further pleasure be known and appointing Col.
Daniel Smith (approved of by all the Islands) Lt. Governor of
Nevis in his room according to the power granted to me by H.M.
Instructions, besides the Addresses and Articles presented to
me by the Lt. Governors, majority of the Councillors, and other
chief inhabitants to remove him in order to restore the safety
and tranquility of these unhappy Islands, when these and other
necessary alterations were accomplished; I took some pains to
divide the heads of the Faction and Association and afterwards
sent to seize five of the most violent and active offenders who
surrendered themselves with all submission and obedience wholy
relying on the unbounded mercy of our dread Sovereign Lady the
Queen, some of them have been a month in custody in the chief
time of their making sugars which happens to be a great addition
to their sorrows, which seem to be very reall and unfeigned and
as these poor islands do humbly pray to be considered as under
your Lordps.' protection, they throw themselves at your Lordship's feet to interceede for them at the throne of mercy: the
provocations to that insurrection had been of a long continuance
and insupportable to some weak people who were drawn into
that conspiracy without imagining it would arise to an open
rebellion or murder of the chief Governor, and without foreseeing
the unhappy traine of miserable consequences that has attended
this Island, which by the great mercy of our Soverign Lady the
Queen and your Lordship's most happy and glorious administration may flourish again in a short time and prove a very considerable Colony. P.S. (in his own hand) All ye honour and happyness
that I am ambitious of is to receive your Lordship's particular
commands, etc. etc. Signed, Walter Douglas. Endorsed, R.
May 15, from Sir John St. Leger (v. May 15). 4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
302. i. Address of the Council of St. Christophers to Governor
Douglas. Congratulate H.E.'s arrival etc. and express
horror of Governor Parke's murder. Continue:—Upon notice given to Lt. General Hamilton of the said
murther by gentlemen dispatched to him from Antegua,
he came down to this Island in order to let us know yt.
by the death of Generall Parkes the Goverment devolved
uppon him, and by some words at the Counsell Table
gave us reason to beleive as he resented yt. action he
wod. make a strict and impartiall examination thereof,
etc. This gave life to an Address to H.M. the former
part of which contayned our abhorrance of the murther,
the latter an humble recommendation of Lt.-Generall
Hamilton as a person worthy to be honoured with her
high commission of Capt. Generall and Cheif Governour.
But to our great surprize wee found the said Address
returned. Provided we wod. stricke of ye paragraph
expressing the detestation of Generall Parke's murder
he wod. accept of and thank us for the rest, but he
findeing us not inclynable to race out ye part seemed to
slight us, so yt. adress droped, this made us come to a
second resolution of layeing before H.M. that our
detestation and to clear ourselves from any imputation
as contrivers or abettors of that bloody tragedy. At
second comeing down to this Island uppon makeing up
the General Councell and Assembly convened to meet
by his writs in his own name which is very remarkable
at the Island of Antegua, he began with a rufled countenance to let us know the resentment he conceivd at our
Address to the Queen layeing down therein our abhorrance of the murther, telleing us 'twas not none of our
busyness, but being answered at the board that wee
held ourselves bound in duty and conscience so to do, as
likeness [sic] being under the same obligation of gratitude
with those of Nevis for H.M. princely compassion
towards us, etc., and uppon giveing him our farther
sentyments yt. H.M. very well knew how to punnish her
Generalls uppon omission of theyr duty etc., this unlocked his resentment unto this astonisheing expression
to us 'had what he deserved,' and uppon readeing our
letters in the Minutes of the Counsell relateing thereunto
finding yt. Michaell Ayones was intrusted with them in
a suddaine heat ordered the Clarke of the Counsell to
give him a coppy, wch. he told us wod. shew to the
Lords for trade and make Mr. Ayon appear the greatest
villayn in nature, etc. Lt.-Generall Hamilton by
countenanceing the murtherers of Generall Parke to so
high a degree keeps up the flames of that evill wch.
will, if not timely extinguished, carry its dangers to near
your Excellence's person. Wee therefore humbly
address yr. Excellency to remove the cause by suspention
of Lt.-Generall Hamilton, and thereby incapacitate
him from oppressing us in case of your death, etc. 2 pp. |
|
302. ii. Address of the Lt. Governor, some of the Council and
inhabitants of Antigua to Governor Douglas. Similar
request for the suspension of Lt. General Hamilton.
Signed, John Yeamans, Thomas Morris, Richard Oliver,
Sam. Byam, Jos. French, Jno. Wickham, H. Pember,
Rich. Worthington, Isaac Royall. Copy. 1 p. |
|
302. iii. Articles exhibited against Lt. General Walter
Hamilton, during his administration as Governor in
chief of the Leeward Islands, cf. preceding. (1) Upon
his arrival at Antigua, he neither conversed with nor
countenanced General Parke's friends, but gave himself
up wholly to the councils of the adverse party. (2) He
discouraged the taking of oaths relating to the murder
and hindered and menaced those who went about to do
it. (3) He highly resented all discourse tending to the
truth of the murther, and cited Dr. Buxton before
himself and Council for a sermon preached at Parham
Church describing it. (4) He called a 'General Council
and Assembly at this Island to inquire into the murther
(which he mildly terms death) of the late General, but
in no way took care to protect those that should give
their affidavits. (5) He permitted Col. Jones to use
barbarously Serjeant Bows who behaved bravely and
stood by the General Dec. 7, where he was very much
wounded. Flying to leeward after that action, Bows
was returned by the Lt. General's order to this Island,
and Col. Jones afterwards confined him on Monks Hill
in a dungeon several weeks where he was most barbarously used, and could get no relief tho' application
was made to the Lt. General untill they had squeezed
out of him an affidavit, tho' the affidavit now on record
in the Minutes of the General Council said to be taken
by him which for want of a full examination of the
matters therein contained the truth is only in part
discovered. (6) When he took Mr. Mark Bigg's oath
relating to a difference between Edward Chester, Senr.,
and Lt. Richard Worthington he swore him only to
the truth, when if he had been swore to the whole truth
etc., it would have made that oath to be against Chester,
and which must be presumed was contrived between
the Lt. General and Chester. (7) He desired the Address
of the Council of St. Kitts to be altered (v. supra).
(8) When Dr. Bonnin was interrogated on oath before
him and General Council, he desired to be excused, for
that it was not safe for him to swear, which words upon
the direction of Mr. Willett, one of the General Council
from St. Christophers were minuted on the Councill
books, but afterwards found blotted out as supposed by
the Lt. General's order or contrivance with the Secretary's. (9) He only interrogated the people as to the
late General's crimes. (10) He did unlawfully take
from Mr. Marke Bigg a negro boy belonging to his
brother-in-law. (11) A parcell of iron imported into
this Island in a French truce being seiz'd by the late
General and a parcell of cocoa etc. which Edward
Chester senr. in a felonious manner Dec. 7 took out of
the Generall's house adjoining to Savouret's Tavern
after his death by breaking open the doors and carrying
the same to his own house, was either seiz'd by the
Lt. General or agreed between him and Chester, for
that he has credit for the same with Chester in his books.
(12) He was mightily exasperated when anything
appeared to be for opening the truth relating to the
murther, and upon his hearing that Mr. Ayon's being
gone to leeward to go for England in order to lay open
the matter before H.M., he expressed himself in a
violent manner and that he would give £500 to know
how he went off or who had a hand in it. (13) He
shewed his malice against Governor Parke in his letters
before the murder, and said at Nevis that he expected
to hear he was run or a worse thing would befall him, etc.
(14) When he first heard at Nevis that Mr. Ayon, Lt.
Worthington and others who were General Parke's
friends and who were with him when he was assaulted
and who were not killed, he declared his satisfaction
thereof for that they were preserved for the gallows, etc.
Signed, John Yeamans, Thomas Morris, Richard Oliver,
Sam. Byam, Jer. Blizard, Isaac Royal, Jno. Wickham,
Jos. French, Jno. Sawcott, H. Pember, Goussè Bonnin,
Richd. Worthington, William Yeamans. Copy. 2½ large
pp. |
|
302. iv. Affidavit of Charles Bowes, Serjeant in the company
of Capt. Richd. Worthington in Col Jones' Regt. Nov.
14, 1711. On Dec. 7 when Governor Parke was murthered and deponent wounded in his defence, he saw
Henry Smith now an ensigne in the Regiment in armes
amongst the rebells. He told deponent as he lay
bleeding that they had given him his due. When he
was confined at Monk's Hill by order of Col. James
Jones, Smith told him that he, deponent, knew that
General Parke had sold the Island to the French, and
if he would make affidavitt of itt, he should be released.
Deponent said he knew of no such thing, etc. Signed,
Charles Bowes. ¾ p. |
|
302. v. Address of the Assembly of Antigua to the Queen.
Duplicate of Feb. 23, 1711. |
|
302. vi. Lt.-Governor, some of the Council and inhabitants
of Antigua, to Governor Douglas. Return thanks for
the suspension of Lt. General Hamilton. "Such were
the discouragements the loyal party received from him,
that we must have quitted our interest and families"
etc. Signed, John Yeamans, Lt. Govr.; Thomas Morris,
Richard Oliver, (of H.M. Council); Peter Buer, Jos.
French, Jno. Wickham. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 42.
Nos. 83, 97–101, 103.] |
Feb. 9.
Boston. |
303. Lt. Gov. Vetch to the Earl of Dartmouth. The
severity of the winter having detained the mast fleet hitherto, I
have presumed to give your Lordship thiss. Gives details of
levying of company of Indians (v. Jan. 3.) Coll. Livingston is
not only considerably out of pockett, but must have a verry
great sway amongst them to raise such a number att any rate.
They are now embarked for Annapolis Royall, etc., etc. Signed,
Sam. Vetch. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 105; and (duplicate) 105 i.] |
Feb. 10.
Boston. April 2. |
304. Same to Same. Duplicate of preceding, with postscript
of April 2nd added:—Since writing of the above I have advice
from the Agent for the garison Mr. Borland that none of his
bills are so much as accepted att home which is like to ruine him
intirely, as it hath done the publick's credit here, so that I must
intreat your Lop. to speak to my Ld. Treasurer, to direct the
payment of the sd. bills, other ways it will be impossible for me
to support the garison of Annapolis Royall: with regard to which
I extreamly long for your Lordship's commands, etc. Signed,
Sam. Vetch. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 107.] |
| [Feb. 11.] |
305. Extract of letter from Major Douglas to Mr. Lewis,
one of Lord Dartmouth's Secretaries. When I arrived in this
Island, I found the people in the greatest distractions and fears
for several days under arms, in continual alarms, the Loyalists
upon their guard, and in a dread of the country party, whom
they lookt upon as their greatest enemys. There is soe great an
intimacy and friendship between the Queen's troops and the
rebells, that upon the least motion I should make to apprehend
any of the Planters the Island would be in an insurrection, and
the Loyalists being the weakest, exposed to certain ruin and
destruction. My orders to Capt. Norbury were slighted by him
when I sent him three prisoners on board, pretended at first he
wou'd not receive them, being not properly under my command,
this put a stop to any further progress in this affair, and gave the
rebells all the hopes of security. Till I have a sufficient power
according to the 69th article of my Instructions from the Board of
Admiralty, I must suspend all thoughts of further executing
H.M. commands, you will be pleased to let my Lord Dartmouth
know that I may receive those orders that are so proper for H.M.
service in this affair, and would tend to the safety of ye Colony.
The whole Assembly but one appeared in arms in the Rebellion
as their Commanders. I beleive it would not be amiss, if the
civil and military officers received some marks of H.M. resentment
by being made incapable. Capt. Norbury brings home Capt.
Rooksby, Lt. Watts and Ensign Smith, etc. The depositions
and witnesses that go with them, will I hope bring them to a
deserved punishment, that may be exemplary to the rest here.
This is the only step I am able as yet to make. I would be very
cautious of exposing H.M. authority again to new insults, the
Island to a civill war, or the attempts of an enemy, that is upon
the watch for those advantages any commotion would give 'em,
that I must waite for H.M. further orders, to enable me to execute
her commands, and to protect the people from such accidents
that might ensue. A man of war with some regular forces, or
the men or war order'd from Barbados for a few days upon this
station and under my command would sufficiently strengthen
me. The spirit of rebellion is so infused into the majority of the
people, that the same members are thought only the fittest persons
to be their Representatives. I take ye liberty to assure you, I
have done all yt. was possible for ye honour of H.M. service, for
which I am every minute ready to sacrifice my life wth. satisfaction, but I humbly represent that either a qualifyed pardon
or some more force are necessary for ye safety and quiet of this
Isld. Signed, A faithful extract, etc. E. Lewis. [C.O. 153, 11.
pp. 427–429.] |
Feb. 12.
Craven House. |
306. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Council and
Assembly of North Carolina. Nothing could more sensibly
affect us than the news we have receiv'd of the very great disorders
and tumults that have lately happen'd in North Carolina and we
having taken into our more serious consideration the unhappy
condition of our said Province as well in regard to the administration of the Government and justice there as in relation to the
commerce thereof and we are persuaded that nothing can more
effectually contribute to the welfare of our said Province than
the appointing of proper and fit persons to inquire into the state
and condition of the same and administer justice accordingly;
We therefore inform you that we reposing special trust and confidence in the ability and integrity of Edward Hyde Esq. have
authoriz'd and commission'd him our Governor of our said
Province of N. Carolina during our pleasure to whom we hereby
require you to pay all due obedience as the Acts of your Assemblies
and our Charter under the Broad Seal of England oblige you;
We have also sent you over several other new commissioned
officers in whom we have great confidence and therefore recommend them to you[r] care and friendship that by the mutual
assistance of each other justice may be more duly administred,
the welfare of our said Province and the peace and satisfaction
of all the inhabitants under our care may be more effectually
establish'd. We earnestly recommend to you Gentlemen in your
General Assemblies that you wou'd seriously consider of the state
of the Church in our Province and take care that the same may
be establish'd and that all due and necessary appointments may
be made to the Ministers thereof, and to give encouragement
to such proceedings we are willing to contribute the sum of
£200 towards the building a Church in such place as shal be
thought most suitable and convenient to all or at least the
greatest part of the inhabitants. We desire you to prepare laws
for our confirmation whereby the peace and happiness profit and
advantage of all the people under our care may be best secur'd
and improv'd and all such disorders as have lately been committed
amongst you for the future may be prevented. And lest any
invasion or descent shou'd be made hereafter upon you by any
Indian or other foreign enemy whatever we think it highly
expedient that a law be prepar'd for the regulating the Militia
that for the future they may be made more ready and able to
defend the country and preserve the peace and quiet of the Govt.
We expect that care shal be taken that our quit-rents may be
duly paid to our Receiver Genll. at such times and places as shal
be thought most proper or at one convenient place upon each
River and considering the smallness of the reserv'd rents we
expect they should be paid in fine silver. You are to endeavour
that such laws, customs and usages of our said Province as are
for the advantage of the Government thereof be put in execution
and we desire you to remember that no law whatever either
already pass'd or that hereafter shal be pass'd shal be in force
after they have been disapprov'd of by us here nor for any longer
term than two years unless such law is within that time confirm'd
under the hands and seals of the Palatin and four more of the
Lords Proprietors. We doubt not Gentlemen but you will
constantly endeavour the good of our Province and that you will
do us all the friendly offices that shal be in your power. Signed,
Beaufort, Carteret, Fulwar Skipwith, J. Colleton, J. Danson.
[C.O. 5, 290. pp. 50–52.] |
| Feb. 13. |
307. Mr. Hodges, Attorney General of Barbados, to Mr.
Popple. The Queen has bin pleased to renew my licence of
absence for six months longer, so hope that Mr. Lowther or
Mr. Slingsby's applications will have no effect on the Lords to
my prejudice, etc. Signed, Tho. Hodges. Endorsed, Recd. 13th,
Read 25th Feb., 17 11/12. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 84;
and 29, 12. p. 409.] |
Feb. 13.
Treasury Chambers, Whitehall. |
308. Treasury Minute. Col. Nicholson called in. My Lord
[Treasurer] resolves, that 2/3 upon the bills relating to the Expedition to Canada, and for transporting the garrison of Anapolis
to France, shall be satisfyed forthwith, and the remaining third
part as soon as it shall appear who is to be charged with the
monys taken up for those services, that so the same may be
accounted for, which matter is now under examination, and ready
for a report. (v. No. 309.) [C.O. 324, 32. p. 127.] |
Feb. 13.
Whitehall. |
309. The Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Hunter. Col.
Nicholson having given an account upon his arrival here that
2000 small arms with a considerable quantity of powder and ball,
part of the stores allotted for the expedition to Canada, were left
under your care; I am commanded to acquaint you, H.M. is
pleased to order they should remain with you for the publick
service. As you cannot but look upon this to be a mark of H.M.
goodness to Her subjects in those parts, I hope so large a supply
will likewise be sufficient for your security. The enclosed paper
(No. 308) is copy of a minute taken at the Treasury, by which
you will see how readily the disbursements made for the use of the
Government have been complyed with here. Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. p. 125.] |
Feb. 13.
Whitehall. |
310. Same to Governor Dudley. Duplicate of preceding
except that the number of small arms is 1000, and conclusion;—"Such a ready complyance is an encouragment for everybody
to shew their zeal for the good of their country, when their
reinbursements are so punctually answered." Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. p. 126.] |
Feb. 14.
Whitehall. |
311. The Earl of Dartmouth to Lt. Governor Spotswood.
H.M. having commanded me to signify by this mail to Her Governors of New England and New York, that the small arms and
ammunition designed for the expedition to Canada, should be left
in their hands for their better defence against any attempt of the
enemy; I thought proper to communicate the same to you as a
mark of H.M. tender concern for her subjects in the Plantations,
and that you may allways depend upon her care for your safety.
You know that last year Mr. Corbin at that time Naval Officer at
Rappahannock River lay under some suspicion of having made
a razure in one of H.M. passes, that it might serve for another
purpose than that for which it was sign'd; I cannot refuse him
the justice to tell you he has voluntarily appeared here, and
petitioned to be heard for the clearing his innocence in that matter.
Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. p. 128.] |
Feb. 14.
St. James's. |
312. H.M. Warrant. appointing John Wentworth to the
Council of New Hampshire in the room of Winthrop Hilton,
decd. [C.O. 324, 32. p. 128.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
313. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. There
being frequent demands from the Plantations of arms, ammunition, ordnance, and ordnance stores, and particularly of
late from Virginia, the Massachusets Bay, and the Leeward
Islands. The Council and Assembly of Nevis have represented
to us that by reason of the attempts of the enemy in 1706, the
hurricane in 1707, and by reason of two years of drought since,
they are rendred unable to take care of their own security as
formerly in providing such stores as are necessary for their
defence, and therefore pray your Majesty will order them such
arms, stores ammunition as are contain'd in the annex'd lists:
But there being no fund as we are inform'd for supplying the
said Plantations, we humbly take leave to offer that it is necessary
some provision of a certain annual summ be made, for providing
stores for the defence of the said Plantations. [C.O. 324, 10.
pp. 1, 2.] |
| [Feb. 15.] |
314. Maryland Merchants to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The Government of Maryland having been vacant
near three years: and finding by experience the laws in force
respecting trade grow languid and faint, and that there is an
occasion for some further laws to be enacted, wee humbly hope
your Lordships will recommend it to H.M. to send a Governor to
the said Province that is acquainted with that country, and its
traffick, which may contribute to give new life and vigour to that
Colony, and improve the Queen's revenue here. Signed, Arthur
Bailey and three others. Endorsed, Recd., Read Feb. 15, 17 11/12.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 48; and 5, 727. p. 311.] |
| [Feb. 15.] |
315. Deposition of W. Martin, of Antigua, as to the behaviour
of Capt. Norbury. (v. Aug. 27, 1711 etc). Signed, Willm.
Martin. Endorsed, Recd., Read Feb. 15, 17 11/12. 2 pp. [C.O.
152, 9. No. 101.] |
