|
May 1.
Whitehall. |
393. The Earl of Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I send you herewith by the Queen's command a
copy of a petition delivered by Mr. Tryon in behalf of Mr. Skeene
H.M. Secretary at Barbadoes, setting forth among other things
that he is suspended without having any copy of the charge
against him. Upon which H.M. is pleased to order that you
consider of the petitioner's case, and report your opinion what
may properly be done therein; particularly by what methods
the profits of his office may be secured to him, in case he should be
restored; and whether you conceive it may be for H.M. service
that Her Patent Officers be, not hereafter liable to suspension
till the complaints exhibited against them are laid before H.M.,
and her pleasure be known. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 27, 1712. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
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393. i. Petition of Alexander Skeene to the Queen. Complains of encroachments upon his office by Governor
Lowther etc. Set out, A.P.C. II. No. 1163. q.v. Signed,
on behalf of petitioner, Rowland Tryon. 4¾ pp. [C.O.
28, 13. Nos. 91, 91 i.; and 29, 12. pp. 429–433.] |
May 2.
Whitehall. |
394. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lowther.
Acknowledge letters of Dec. 20 and Feb. 18. We acquainted
you, Nov. 22nd, whereof a duplicate has been already sent,
what we had done, in relation to an Admiralty Commission for
you, but we do not find that your Agent Mr. Tilden has yet taken
it out, tho' we acquainted him with the necessity of it. We also
acquainted you, that we approved of your reasons against a
cartel for exchange of prisoners with ye French etc. We have
writ to Major Douglas, in relation to the Act for ascertaining the
rates of foreign coines, and hope he will take care to see the same
punctually observ'd. But as in your letter you only mention
H.M. Proclamation of June 18, 1704, we suppose you may have
overlookt or not have received the Act of the 6th of H.M. reign
abovementioned, and therefore we send you a duplicate thereof
here inclosed. We have the other parts of your letters and the
papers therein referred to, under consideration, and shall be able
by the next opportunity to give you full answers thereunto, in
the meantime we are to assure you, that if any complaints be
made against you, we shall take care to do you justice. We
perceive by a letter from Mr. Lilly the Engineer, that he has
transmitted to the Board of Ordnance his report relating to
Newfoundland. We wish that either you or he had sent us a
copy of it, that we might have been informed thereof in time.
We have lately received a private Act past in Barbados Aug. 8,
1706, for enabling the executors of Christopher Estwick etc., which
for severall reasons here inclosed, is very unfit to be confirmed
by H.M., and upon this occasion we must notice that the not
complying with H.M. Instructions in sending to us all Acts,
private as well as publick, by the first opportunity after their
having been past, is not only a breach of H.M. commands but
may prove of very ill consequence; for in this particular case, it
appears that the Act was past in Aug. 1706, and not received by
us till Feb. last, so that in all probability it has been put in
execution before H.M. pleasure could be known upon it, and now
when it comes to be repealed, may occasion much trouble and
confusion to the executors of the said Estwick. We desire you
therefore on all occasions and in all cases to be mindeful of that
Instruction and to transmit to us all Acts by the first opportunity
after their being passed. [C.O. 29, 12. pp. 414–416.] |
May 2.
Kensington. |
395. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following petition
to the Council of Trade and Plantations, so far as it concerns any
of the Governor's proceedings. Signed, Christo. Musgrave.
Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th May, 1712. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
395. i. Petition of Philip Freeke and John Day of Bristol,
part owners of the Oxford to the Queen. Fitted out as a
privateer and laden with provisions consigned to Robt.
Addison of Barbados, also part owner, the ship was duly
cleared at the Custom House at Kingsail in Ireland. Mr.
Addison duly entered there and produced his clearance
bill. But under pretence that the master had not
deliver'd to the Governor a certificate of his loading
from the Custom-house in Ireland, which tho' by law
he is not obliged to show unto the Governor, Addison
the day of his arrival at Barbados then offer'd to bring
to him, but it was not insisted on at that time, and also
under pretence of not producing a certificate of two or
more merchants having made oath that the said loading
was of the product and manufacture of Ireland (a thing
only requir'd in case of Irish linnens, of which there was
none on board, as Mr. John Lane, Depty. Collector of
Customs declared) the Governor by warrant Nov. 21, 1711
did arbitrarily and illegally cause the ship and cargo to
be seized. Mr. Addison was obliged to give good security
to answer their value, if forfeited, before he could be
permitted to dispose of his said loading, to the great loss
and hindrance of petitioners. Tho' by law there ought
to have been a libel or information forthwith exhibited
by the person that made the seizure in order to bring
the matter to a speedy determination, yet nothing was
done therein until Dec. 29th, when the said ship had
taken in her loading of prize sugars etc., in order to come
for England (being prevented cruizing to annoy the
enemy as was directed by petitioners by the impressing
several of the men on board the said ship by Capt.
Constable, Commodore there, who is a creature of the
Governor's, under pretence that they belong'd to men
of war) on which Dec. 29th a libel was exhibited in the
Court of Admiralty there in the name of Richard
Bindlos, purser of the Experiment, one of H.M. ships of
war then at the said Island, a relation of the Governors,
who is no ways authoriz'd thereunto, and has not given
any security to answer damages to petitioners, the
officers of your Majesty's Customs there, and all others
applied to for that purpose refusing to suffer their
names to be used therein. Altho' further sufficient
security was offered, that she might proceed on her
voyage, the Governor detains her, and hath ill treated
and misused not only the officers of your Majesty's
Customs there, who advis'd against the seizure, but also
petitioners' councel and all others who have appeared
or acted for the interest of petitioners, appointing one
Slingsby a creature of his own to act as your Majesty's
Attorney Generall there without and against the consent
of the person appointed to that office by your Majesty.
The ship is still under seizure and no determination
notwithstanding all the endeavours of petitioners' agents
now near 5 months, at the cost of £300 per mensem to
petitioners. Pray for relief and compensation. Signed,
Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th May,
1712. 6½ pp. [C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 88, 88 i.; and 29,
12. pp. 417–424.] |
May 2.
Kensington. |
396. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation
as to a general pardon to those concerned in the rebellion at
Antegua. Directions to be sent to the Governor of the Leeward Islands accordingly. Signed, Edward Southwell. 2½ pp.
[C.O. 5, 11. No. 76.] |
May 2.
Whitehall. |
397. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney General. Encloses following for his opinion. |
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397. i. Draught of a clause proposed to be inserted in some
Act of Parliament relating to the sufferers of Nevis and
St. Kitts. The residence of any planter his or her
agent upon his or her plantation and manuring, planting
and managing the same and the return of inhabitants
or their representatives to their former houses or
occupations shall be deemed to be a good resettlement,
etc. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Campbell.) Read
May 2, 1712. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 111 (enclosure
only; and (without enclosure) 153, 11. p. 460.] |
| [May 2.] |
398. Memorial [? by Mr. Stephen Duport]. Concerning the
Islands St. Martyn and St. Bartholomé. There is not on either
of them any quantity of land fitt for sugar canes, the greatest
part being barren land, etc. The French had in peaceable tymes
about 100 famelys on them, whose chief occupation was to reare
stock for provisioning St. Kitts and Martinico. Some cultivated
cotton and indigo. These two Islands cannot be reputed considerable in themselves, butt meight be of some consequence
should they remaine in the hands of the French, as privateers
can lie there. St. Kitts belonging wholly to Great Brittain
may be much better and sooner settled if provisioned from those
islands. In tyme of peace the French cannot be prevented from
illegal trade with the English, if these islands remain in the hands
of the French, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 2, 1712. 1¾ pp.
[C.O. 152, 9. No. 112.] |
| [May 2.] |
399. Gilbert Pepper and Evelyn his wife, sister of the late
Daniel Parke, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Protest
against the appointment of Edward Warner (v. Feb. 19, March 15)
to the Council of Antigua. He carried himself notoriously
factious in the late troubles and with great insolence to the
Governor; particularly being the person that carried a challenge
from one Barry Tankerd, a ringleader of the faction, to Governor
Parke, etc. Signed, Evelyn Pepper, Gi. Pepper. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 2, 1712. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 113.] |
May 2.
Whitehall. |
400. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Douglas.
Since ours of Oct. 26, (a duplicate whereof is here inclosed) we
have received one from you dated Nov. 28, and shall be glad to
find, as you intimate, that you have broke the knot of those persons, who were concerned in the late rebellion at Antegoa, which
we hope will tend to the peace and welfare of that Isld., and we
shall expect an account of your further proceedings, towards
bringing that good work to a happy conclusion. At the same time
that you tell us that you have suspended Mr. Milliken from being
Fort Major at Nevis, you take no notice of your having also
suspended him from the Councill, which you ought to have
done, and given us your reasons for the same, as you are directed
by H.M. Instructions to you in that behalf; wherefore we shall
expect that you do send us your reasons for such suspension by
the next conveyance, and that you give a copy thereof to him
for his answer, that we may consider the same, and lay yt. matter
before H.M. for Her pleasure therein. We shall likewise expect
the papers of publick proceedings you promise us, together with
the several Acts you mention to have past by the first conveyance.
What you write in relation to the want of stores, has been laid
before H.M. and so soon as we know H.M. pleasure therein, we
shall communicate the same to you. You say that you have
sworn Mr. Lyddell and Mr. Milward into the Councill, but you
do not tell us of what Island, so yt. we are at a loss to understand
that part of your letter, for we do not find that any of the Councills
are under seven in number, and you are limmitted by H.M.
Instructions, not to put any persons into the Councill, unless the
number be under seven, which you ought to have observ'd.
Besides we find that the said Mr. Lyddle and Mr. Milward are
named in H.M. Instructions to you for Montserat. There is
one other article of your Instructions, in the observance whereof
you are to be very punctual, and that is in the sending to us all
Laws past by the General Assemblys, whether publick or private,
by the first oppertunity, after their being so pass'd. We are
informed that the Act for ascertaining the rates of foreign coines
in H.M. Plantations in America, which was delivered you with
other Acts before your departure from hence, and of which a
duplicate is here inclosed, is not observed in the Leeward Islands
under your Government, which is a great prejudice to H.M. other
subjects, who do observe the same; you are therefore to give the
necessary directions, that the said Act be punctually complyed
with, according to the true intent and meaning thereof. [C.O.
153, 11. pp. 457–459.] |
May 5.
London. |
401. Information of Mahuman Hinsdell. Informant, an
inhabitant of Deerfield (Mass.) was taken prisoner in 1709 by the
Indians, and detained at Mont Royal and Quebeck for two years.
While there, he discovered that a trade was constantly carry'd
on between several merchants and others of Albany (N.Y.),
and the French Indians of Canada, and that the said Indians
were from time to time supply'd with all necessarys from Albany.
And that when the news came to Canada of Col. Nicholson's
being on his march to Mont Royal, several of the Indians told
informant that they were now undone, for they fear'd they shou'd
not be able to trade any longer with Albany, and that Canada
was not able to furnish 'em with what they wanted. One Andrew
Knock a trader of Albany assured him that in the summer of
1708 there were fourscore Eastern Indians (who are in open
hostility against H.M.) actually trading at Albany. Informant
declares that it was customary for the Indians, in their return
from a trading journey to Albany, to fall upon some of the frontiers of the Massachusets, and do great spoil and mischief. The
French and Indians of Canada have of ten said in his hearing that
they had peace with Albany, and informant affirms in fact, that
when any of the people of Albany happned to fall into their hands
they have been presently set at liberty. Signed, Mahuman
Hinsdell. Corroborated by Joseph Clessen, two years prisoner
in Canada. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 7, 1712. 1 p. [C.O.
5, 865. No. 80; and 5, 913. pp. 374–376.] |
May 5.
Virginia. |
402. William Cocke to [? the Earl of Dartmouth.] Returns
thanks for H.M. patent for Secretary of Virginia, etc. Signed,
Wm. Cocke. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1337. No. 17.] |
May 5.
Annopolis Royall. |
403. Capt. Vane to [? the Earl of Dartmouth.] Refers to plans
sent by the mast fleet. I hope that I shall speedily receve H.M.
orders, in reference to this place; that I may profitt of the good
weather for working. We have passed this winter very peaceably,
by the care and management of Lt. Gouvernr. Caulfeild who has
commanded; and intierly gained the affections of the people,
by his affable and just gouverment: which the[y] people here
have been strangers too, att least since taken, for Gouvr. Vetch
before the rebellion, had raised excessive contributions, and
committed abondance of extortions, using the people more like
slaves then anything else; as I presume you have been informed;
the inhabitants having sent home severall complaints (by Mr.
Capoon Left. of the traine) to H.M. etc. Gouvr. Vetch has
effects still in Canada, that have remained there, ever since he was
in trouble about the smugling trade: as I can prove, from a letter
in my hands, from a man, that has some of them, and desires
directions how he may send them to him. He's a very good
Gouvr. for his own profit, but not for the publick good, nor will
the contrey ever flurish whilst he commands, the people dread
him to that degree that now he talkes of comming back (having
been att boston all the winter) there's a perfect cloud in every
face, and I'me informed severall of the inhabitants, talke of
abandoning ther habitations; if he be not changed before next
winter. I have reason to beleive this is made a deer Garnison
to H.M.; and it cannot otherwise chouse, when vessells that are
hired, to bring provitions to the Garnison, genlly. one third,
loaden with marchandize for him, and his associate Borland
that is agent att boston; were I to write halfe what the[y] doe,
should never have done, etc. Signed, G. Vane. 2 pp. [C.O.
217, 31. No. 6.] |
| May 5. |
404. Account for wood and coal for the Board of Trade, 1712.
£33 18 9. 1p. [C.O. 388, 76. No. 144.] |
May 5.
Whitehall. |
405. Mr. Secretary St. John to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following to be complied with. Signed,
H. St. John. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 6th May, 1712. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
405. i. Order of the House of Commons May 3, 1712. That
an Address be presented to H.M. that she will be pleased
to direct that the return made to the Council of Trade
and Plantations upon the losses of Nevis and St. Kitts
may be laid before the House. Copy. 1 p. [C.O.
152, 9. Nos. 114, 114 i.; and 153, 11. pp. 462, 463.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
406. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
St. John. Enclose further papers relating to the capitulation
at Nevis, 1706. [C.O. 153, 11. p. 464.] |
May 8.
Virginia. |
407. Lt. Governor Spotswood to [? the Earl of Dartmouth.]
Repeats part of following. No signature. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1337.
No. 18.] |
May 8.
Virginia. |
408. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses duplicate of Feb. 8 and acknowledges
letters of Oct. 22 and Nov. 22. I shall by the return of our fleet
transmitt all the accounts required in the former, together with
the Journals of Council and the duplicates of those of the Assembly
being unwilling to trust them now to this uncertain conveyance
of a runing ship. I have nevertheless sent your Lordps. the
copye of the laws pass'd last session of Assembly, and shall also
send the duplicates of them by the Fleet. As to the proceedings
in settling the boundarys with Carolina (v. Nov. 22, 1711) I have
writt sundry times to the Govr. of that Province to appoint
persons for adjusting thereof, but he tells me he has received no
directions therein from the Lords proprietors; so that your Lordps.
will be pleased to consider of some farther means to quicken the
Proprietors to put a speedy end to this dispute. We continue
still under the apprehensions of being attacked by the Indians:
for notwithstanding the Government of South Carolina sent a
body of 700 of their Indians commanded by some officers of that
Province, to the assistance of the people of North Carolina, and
that about the latter end of last January they fell upon some
towne of the Tuscaruros with pretty good success; yet after
this first rancounter near 500 of them deserted, so that their
commander did not find himself in a condition to improve the
consternation into which that sudden eruption had put the enemy,
and in his next attempt upon one of their forts, he was forced to
draw off with considble. loss: however this seasonable succour
put new life into the people of that Province, and a new Assembly
being call'd, pass'd an Act to raise £4000 for prosecuting the war
against the Indian enemy; and because they could not raise a
sufficient body of men in that province, where the Quakers make
a great number of the inhabitants, they made application to me
for an assistance of 200 men from this Colony: the apparent
danger to which H.M. subjects there were exposed, more especially
by the Indians gathering fresh courage upon the repulse they had
given the South Carolina forces, together with the just grounds
there appeared to beleive that the whole Tuscaruro Nation were
confederated with those concerned in the massacre, not only
from their failing to perform any one of the engagements they
had entered into with this Government, but the trifling excuses
they made for that future at their comeing in to me in March
last, and the discoverys of their intreagues to seduce our Tributary
Indians to joine with them, were sufficient motives for agreeing
to the assistance desired by Carolina, as the most probable means
to divert the storm from our own frontiers; so that upon a full
debate in two several councils, I had the unanimous advice of
the whole Council to send 100 men of our inhabitants and 100
of our tributary Indians to the assistance of Carolina; and
because the Assembly had left me no fund to answer such an
occasion, and that there remained nothing in bank upon the
Revenue of 2s. per hhd., there was a necessity to defray the charge
of this expedition out of H.M. Revenue of quit-rents, since the
necessity was so pressing as would not admitt of the forms of
calling an Assembly, and the delays incident to their proceedings;
but it was also agreed to demand of the Government of Carolina
to enter into a previous engagement in behalf of the Lords
Proprietors, that whatever sum should be imployed for this
service out of H.M. Quitt-rents should be refunded by the Lords
Proprietors, if H.M. thought fitt to demand it as being more
imediately imployed for the protection of their Government.
Upon this I proceeded to appoint the rendevouze of the soldiers,
and desired a conference with the Governor of North Carolina
for the better carrying on this service, but at my meeting him
he told me with great concern, that the Commander sent from
South Carolina had without his knowledge clapt up a peace with
the Indians, upon very unaccountable conditions at a time when
he had reduc'd one of their most considble. forts to the last
extremity and could not have miss'd takeing it in a few hours,
nor of breaking intirely the power of that enemy, if he would have
waited the arrival of the succours from hence, and the force then
raising in North Carolina to joine him. This weakness in the
conduct of their affairs, together with a more unaccountable
obstinacy in the Council of that province, in refusing to submitt
to H.M. determination the repayment of the money disbursed
here for their assistance, or of furnishing so much as provisions
for the forces sent from hence is as great a discouragement to
their neighbours as 'tis encouraging to the Heathen, who are not
such fools as not to perceive their weak efforts in carrying on the
war, as well as their easiness in making peace. And it happened
very luckily on this occasion, that I had not entered any of the
soldiers of this Government in pay, before I knew of this event,
so that all that expence is saved, and I have now nothing more
to think of than the defending our own frontiers against the
inroads of the Tuscaruros whenever they find themselves in a
condition to break this peace which nobody beleives will be long
lived. I beg leave here to represent to your Lordps. the ill
consequence of leaving this Government without money to apply
towards its exigencies in such a conjuncture as this is: for tho'
all the ballance of the quitt-rents was last year by H.M. order
applyed towards buying provisions for the forces at Canada,
and considerable sums more advanced upon the credit thereof
by the Receiver General, myself and several other persons for
that service, which still remain undischarged, yet there is a late
order sent hither from the Treasury for remitting into the Exchequer no less than £3000 out of that Revenue, which is more
than it can reasonably be supposed to raise in three years time:
and if this country should be attacked either by the Indians or
any other enemy, while the Revenue of 2s. per hhd. is so low, that
the whole last half years sallarys are yet in arrear, I know not
by what means men can be raised or subsisted to defend the
country: 'tis true if I should call an Assembly I might easily
perswade them to declare a war against the Indians, and to raise
money for carrying it on, but then your Lordps. will be pleased
to consider whether it be consistent with H.M. service or the
interest of Great Brittain to permitt them to raise taxes in the
manner they projected at their last session, and I am very confident as the humour of the country runs now, they would fall
upon the same method of taxing British manufactures: and therefore I must beg your Lordps. directions before I call an Assembly,
how far I ought to condescend to the disposition of the people in
a matter wherein I can't in my own private opinion concur with
them. Amongst other claims mentioned in my last as rejected
by the Assembly your Lordps. will observe about £270 for the
charge of the spy-boat fitted out by H.M. directions upon the
alarm last summer, some few charges about mounting the great
guns, and the subsistance of 80 french prisoners of war which
I sent home by the last fleet, the persons who disbursed this money
are still unpaid, and uneasy upon their disappointment: and I
am as much concerned that there is not money even for the discharge of that small debt; and since it was expended for H.M.
service, it would very much encourage people on the like occasions,
if I had directions to defray that charge out of the quitt-rents
in case the publick Revenue of the Government still proves
deficient. It is a great satisfaction to me to find by your Lordps.'
of Nov. 22nd that my endeavours in supplying Collo. Hunter
with pork for the Canada Expedition is acceptable to your
Lordps., and I beg your Lordps. will be pleased to accept of my
humble acknowledgements for the offer of useing your interest
with my Lord High Treasurer in my behalf. I have here sent
the account of what money I have been in disburse on that
occasion; it has been examined and passed in Council, and
I flatter myself there will be no objection made against the
frugality of my management, since it will appear by the account,
that notwithstanding the great demand for pork at that time,
the first cost and whole charges of receiving, new pickling and
shiping doth very little exceed 45s. per barrell, a price frequently
paid here at that season of the year as the prime cost in private
dealings, and as I can with truth assure your Lordps. that I
proposed no gain to myself in this purchase, so I hope it will not
be thought reasonable that I should be a loser by lying any longer
out of my money, or suffering in my credit with the people to
whom I am still engaged for part of it. According to what I
had the honour to write in my last, the Baron de Graffenried is
come hither with a design to settle himself and several Swiss
familys in the Fork of Potomac, but when he expected to have
held his land there of H.M., he now finds claims made to it both
by the Proprietors of Maryland and the Northern neck, the Lord
Baltimore's agents claiming in his behalf to the head springs
of the South-West branch of Potomack, and my Lady Fairfax's
agents claiming to the head springs of the North-west branch:
tho' by the copys of the grants which I have seen, it appears to
me that H.M. has the right to that tract of land exclusive of both
Proprietors. I have writt to the Baron to send me a draught
of both those branches, which I shall by the first opportunity
transmit to your Lordps.; and as the record of both grants may
be seen in the Chancery Office, I shall wait your Lordps.' directions
whether it be proper to insist on H.M. right. Amongst other
frauds heretofore used in obtaining rights for takeing up land in
this Colony (which I'm endeavouring to prevent) I have observed
that most of the rights upon which patents are now sued out, are
for the importation of persons into the Northern Neck; the
Charter granted by King Charles II to this Colony, intitles
every person comeing to dwell here to 50 acres of land not already
granted; but the Proprietors of the Northern Neck not thinking
themselves bound to grant their land on such a right, the people
who are imported into that part of this Colony, generally assign
their rights to others, who by virtue thereof claim land of H.M.:
but it being in my opinion very unreasonable that the persons
imployed in the improvement of the Proprietors' lands, should
be intitled to the same priviledge as those who improve H.M.
lands, I have stopt the granting patents upon those rights untill
H.M. pleasure shall be signifyed therein. The ascertaining the
value of forreign gold coins has been attempted in both the late
Sessions of Assembly, and is what the people are very earnest
for; 'tis true there are some inconveniencys which would accrue
to the country by putting a certain value upon gold, which I
don't observe to be fix'd in any other country: and for that
reason as well as for that H.M. had not rated it in her proclamation with the silver coin, I did not think fitt to pass the Act
prepared for that purpose last session, but since it is like, the
Assembly may again at their next meeting, fall into the same
project of rateing foreign gold, as a matter which they beleive
of consequence to their trade, I should be glad to have your
Lordps.' opinion thereupon together with an estimate from the
mint at what it may be allowed to pass here. Coll. Bassett has
received H.M. letter for his being again of the Council, but as it
doth not mention his being admitted into his former place at
that Board, he has declined being sworne. As H.M. was pleased
to grant that favour to Collo. Digges, Collo. Smith and Collo.
Lewis upon their readmission into the Council, I hope this is only
an ommission, and not intended to cast a blott upon this gentleman, but that H.M. will be pleased to approve of his taking post
according to his former precedency, wch. is next to Collo. Ludwell. I shal be glad to receive this signification of H.M. pleasure
either from your Lordps. or H.M. Principal Secretary of State,
without putting Collo. Basset to a new expence of fees, which
doth not well suit with a place, where there is no profitt to be
reap'd. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. July 9th, 1712.
Read Feb. 4th, 17 12/13. 6 pp. Enclosed, |
|
408. i. Account of pork bought in Virginia for the use of
H.M. forces in Canada in 1711. (v. preceding). Same
endorsement. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1316. Nos. 88, 88 i.;
and (without enclosure) 5, 1363. pp. 441–452.] |
| [May 8.] |
409. Petition of Robert Robinson to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. In Dec. 1708 Petitioner purchased for £200
from Edwd. Cowley his patent for the office of Register of the
Vice-Admiralty in New York, Connecticut and the New Jerseys,
granted to him May 8, 1708, by H.R.H. the late Lord High
Admiral with the salary belonging thereto of £100 per annum,
etc. Notwithstanding that Petitioner has been at the charge of
renewing the same in his own name, and has a deputy at New
York, and that Lord Clarendon, the late Governor, established
a salary of £100 a year for that office, yet the Government there
refuse to pay it. Prays the Board to recommend to the Lord
High Treasurer that the arrears due and future salary may be
paid out of the Treasury here. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th
May, 1712. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 39.] |
May 9.
London. |
410. Certificate in favour of Mme. Salenave (v. April 17).
Signed, Cha. Mathew, Pen. Russell, Mary Pinney, Eliz. Moore,
Eliz. Renoult. [C.O. 153, 11. pp. 468, 469.] |
| [May 12.] |
411. The case of the sufferers of Nevis and St. Kitts from the
French invasion. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 13th May, 1712.
2 pp. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 116.] |
May 12.
Kensington. |
412. Order of Queen in Council. Approving draft of a Proclamation containing H.M. most gracious and generall pardon
to those persons concerned in the rebellion at Antegua, and
the murder of Coll. Parks, except those H.M. hath been pleased
to except therein, etc. Governor Douglass is to publish the same
within 24 hours after the receipt thereof, or sooner if conveniently
it may bee, etc. Signed, Edward Southwell. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 11.
No. 77.] |
May [12].
London. |
413. Mr. Richier to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
At a meeting of ye Proprietors of New Jersie, upon reading over
ye names transmitted from thence to the Lords Commrs. for
Trade for their Lordps. to make choice of six persons to supply
ye place of five men in ye Council complain'd of both by ye
Assembly there and ye Proprietors here, vizt. William Pinhorn,
Peter Sunmans in ye Eastern Division, and Dan Cox, Hugh
Hoddy and Wm. Hall in ye Western, and one vizt. Richd. Towneley lately deced. in ye Eastern, it is most humbly proposed by
ye said Proprietors that ye persons underment. may fill up ye
intended vacancies being men of substance and probity, recommended both by ye Governour and Assembly of yt. Province,
and approv'd of by ye Proprietors here. And ye said Proprietors
do make it their humble request to Paul Docminique Esq.
President of their Society, that he would represent this to ye
Rt. Hon. ye Lords Commrs. etc., that this may have ye needful
dispatch given it; being well assured yt. if it be much longer
delayed, H.M. interest as well as yt. of ye people will suffer very
much by it, and ye province brought into ye utmost confusion.
Subscribed, names proposed, for the Eastern Division: John
Anderson, Wm. Morris, Elisha Parker; for the Western, John
Hamilton, Tho. Byerly, Tho. Redding. Signed, E. Richier.
V.P. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 13, 1712. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 970.
No. 157; and 5, 995. pp. 157, 158.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
414. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Enclose warrants for H.M. signature, empowering the
Governors of Virginia and Maryland to use the new seals of those
provinces now prepared by Mr. Roos, H.M. Seal-cutter. Annexed, |
|
414. i. Copy of Warrants referred to in preceding. [C.O. 5,
1363. pp. 402–404; and 5, 1335. No. 171.] |
May 13.
Johnson's Court, Fleetstreete. |
415. George Tilden to Mr. Popple. In reply to a summons
to reply on behalf of Governor Lowther to the charges brought
against him concerning the ship Oxford (v. May 2nd), begs for
further time to be allowed. Signed, Geo. Tilden. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 13th, 1712. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 13.
No. 89; and 29, 12. pp. 424, 425.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
416. The Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Douglas. In
obedience to H.M. Orders in Council of 2nd and 12th of this inst.
May, you are to cause a General Amnesty to be publish'd under
the seale of the Island to all H.M. subjects who may have been
any way concerned in the rebellion at Antegoa, and the murther
of the late Col. Parke, under the restrictions and reservations
specifyed in the draught hereunto annexed, which has been approved by H.M. I send you likewise enclosed duplicates of the
above-mentioned Orders of Council, that you may see more fully
what H.M. intentions are, and upon what mature and due consideration these resolutions have been taken. I have nothing
more to say upon this subject, but that Her Majesty shewed some
surprize, that you had not already published a Pardon to this
effect in compliance with the Instructions given you before you
went to your Government. Signed, Dartmouth. Annexed, |
|
416. i. Copy of Order of Queen in Council May 2, 1712. |
|
416. ii. Copy of Order of Queen in Council May 12, 1712. |
|
416. iii. Copy of Proclamation of General Pardon as ordered
Nos. 396, 412. [C.O. 324, 32. pp. 145—153.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
417. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Dartmouth. Reply to April 22. By an Act passed in Virginia
in 1684, the Militia is to be compleatly provided with arms, that
is to say, every trooper is to supply and furnish himself, with a
good horse and all arms and furniture, fit and compleat for a
trooper, and every foot soldier is to furnish and supply himself
with a sword, musquet and other furniture fit for a soldier. In
1702, when the Militia of Virginia was in great want of arms and
ammunition, H.M. was graciously pleased to send a supply, the
estimate whereof, with the freight and incident charges amounted
to £3388 3s. 4d., and by H.M. letter, the Governor was directed
to make good that sum to the Board of Ordnance out of H.M.
Revenue of Quit-rents there: and further in case it should be
found necessary, to deliver any of the said arms or stores for the
ordinary service of the Militia, that he should take care to see
H.M. reimbursed for the same by such persons to whom such
stores should be deliver'd, and that the mony arising thereby
be put into the hands of H.M. Receiver General to be disposed
of as H.M. should direct. But it does not appear to us that H.M.
has been repaid the said sum. And therefore if H.M. is now
pleased to send a supply of arms, ammunition and stores of war
to Virginia, we humbly offer that the Governor be directed not
to deliver any of the said arms or stores, but to such persons as
shall pay for the same, and that the mony arrising thereby be
remitted by bills to the Board of Ordnance; and that the Governor
be further directed to take care that the Militia be provided with
arms and necessaries according to the abovementioned Act.
[C.O. 5, 1363. pp. 405, 406; and 5, 1335. No. 172.] |
May 15.
Virginia. |
418. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to May 8th re Carolina boundary Commissioners. I have since seen the Instructions of the Governor of
North Carolina sent lately with his Commission, but do not find
the least mention of the boundarys, no more than if such a controversy had never been depending. I cannot ommitt observing
to your Lordps. one thing in those Instructions, which is like to
prove very prejudicial to this Colony, and that is, a power given
by the Lords Proprietors for the space of seven years to dispose
of their lands at the rate of 20s. each thousand acres for the first
purchase, and twelve pence quitt-rent yearly for every hundred
(which is but one fifth of what is paid here for obtaining rights to
take up the Queen's land, and one half of the yearly quitt-rent
payable to H.M. for the same) and without any obligation on the
patentees there to seat or cultivate. The publication of such a
priviledge has already wrought so much on the people here, that
great numbers are flocking to that Province to take up land, and
there's no doubt many more will follow upon the prospect of
having what tracts they please on such easy terms. This excursion of the people into North Carolina, as well as into the lands
of the other neighbouring Proprietors will be very much furthered
by a general opinion lately revived that there are gold and silver
mines in these parts towards the mountains: and because in
the grants to the Proprietors, the share of the Crown in Royal
mines is ascertained, and no such declaration made for those found
in the lands held immediatly of H.M., people propose to themselves
a greater advantage by seeking after them in the former. For
this reason, I'm told, some persons who heretofore had, or fancy'd
they had made such discoverys here, were discouraged to prosecute
them, and dyed with the secret. But now that the same opinion
is revised, and the humor of making discoverys become more
universal, I humbly offer it to your Lordps.' consideration,
whether so great a profitt as may redound from the discovering
and working such mines ought to be lost for want of a declaration
what share H.M. expects out of them. I find by the grant to the
Company that first settled this Colony, the Crown reserved the
fifth part of all silver and gold mines, and that accordingly the
ancient patents express the same: since the dissolution of that
Company that the soil reverted to the Crown, the patents conveyed to the patentees of the land, a due share of all mines and
minerals; but what that share is, has never yet been determined:
and in the Act of Assembly concerning the granting of lands
pass'd in the year 1706 (but now repealed) the forme of the
patents there established, gave entirely to the patentee all mines
and minerals without any reservation; and tho' your Lordps.
made some alterations in the draught of the bill before it passed
here into a law, yet I don't find that part of it was questioned
or altered, and some patents granted by my predecessors while
that law was in force, have the same clause in them. But upon
the repeal of that Act, I altered the forme of the patents in this
particular, and made them conformable to the former, vizt. by
granting with the land only [a due share of all mines etc.] believing
that share ought most properly to be determined by the Crown.
Wherefore I hope your Lordps. will be pleased to move H.M. for
a speedy declaration what share is expected if any royal mines
are found in the lands already patented under H.M. grant; and
whether if any such be discovered on lands not yet patented, I
ought to grant those lands to any private person who makes the
discovery? The ascertaining this will encourage people to make
discoverys on the Queen's land, and if found will keep them where
they may bring more profitt to the Crown then by runing on the
like projects in the lands of any of the neighbouring Proprietors:
and since by the Charter to the Proprietors of the Northern
Neck, there is only reserved to the Crown the fifth of all gold and
tenth of all silver oar, your Lordps. will not I hope think it
unreasonable to propose to H.M. that for the encouragement of
H.M. more immediate tennants in the other parts of this Colony,
no greater proportion be demanded of them. I am the more
desirous of some speedy directions herein, because I have great
reason to believe there are mines lately discovered here, and I
would willingly promote as far as I am able anything that may
be for the service of H.M. and the good of this country. It is
like some of these mountains may bring forth only such imaginary
oar as I find some people heretofore have busyed themselves
about, and that others may prove such barren ones as not to
countervail the charge of working, yet 'tis also possible that the
earth in this part of the Continent may partake of the same
mineral qualitys with that of the more Southern climates, and
that the dillegence of inquisitive or fanciful men may in the end
prove of very good consequence both to the Soveraign and the
subject. I forgot to mention in my last the success our guard
ships have had in the West Indies: I gave them leave last winter
to go to Barbados, not only for convoying our trade thither,
but in consideration that they might be more serviceable there
than here during the winter season. Having join'd some of H.M.
ships attending those Islands, they fell in with a fleet of 17 sail
bound for Martinico, and took twelve of them, and amongst the
rest the man of war that convoy'd them, taken by Capt. Smith
in the Enterprize attending this station. The Bedford galley
arrived here the other day, and brought in a French merchant
ship loaded with sugar, indico and cocoa, and I hear Capt. Pudner
in the Severn, one of the convoys to the Virginia Fleet, has taken
and carryed into New York a French privateer of 180 men, wch.
very much infested this coast. I shal not trouble your Lops.
with a duplicate of my last till the return of our Fleet, etc. Signed,
A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 15th, Read Feb. 26th, 17 12/13.
3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 89; and 5, 1363. pp. 453–458.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
419. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Representation upon the petition of Robert Lee.
Refer to previous reports (Aug. 1689, May 1694, and C.S.P. 1703,
No. 416), agreeing in substance that the late Earl of Stirling
was granted a pension of £300 per annum to be paid him out
of the surplusage of the neat profits of the Revenue arising out
of New York, etc. Continue:—But in regard we are not possess'd
of the accots. of the Revenue of New York, we do not know how
the same has been expended and are not therefore able to inform
your Lordp. whether there has been any surplusage in the Revenue
there, to compensate the petitioners for their pension and the
interest accruing thereon. [C.O. 5, 1122. pp. 500, 501.] |
May 15.
Jamaica. |
420. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Earl of Dartmouth.
Refers to letter of Jan. 19, by H.M.S. Anglesea: since which I
have not been favour'd with any of your Lop's. commands;
nor indeed ever since my departure from England: However
I think it a part of my duty to acquaint your Lordp. of such
occurrences here as I think worthy of your Lordship's notice.
Repeats case of David Creagh etc., and account of Jamaica crops, (v.
No. 423). As for news, we have intelligence here that there are
three galleoons expected soon at Carthagena from old Spain; and
Commodore Littleton has ordered some of the ships under his
command, to cruize some weeks off that place in order to intercept them, if possible etc. We have a report of an insurrection
in the Kingdom of Peru; but have none of the particulars as yet,
further than that some merchants lately arrived from the coast,
assure me that the money design'd from Lima for Panama, and
from thence to Portobell has been stopt upon that accot., etc.
Signed, A. Hamilton. 3 pp. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 61.] |
May 15.
Jamaica. |
421. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to Mr. Lewis. Acknowledges letter of Oct. 19th. I'm sory to find by letters of a fresher
date yt. there has been such heats and devision since ye opening
of ye Sessions, both in relation to ye Peace and ye affaire of ye
Peers of Scotland in ye House of Lords, etc. The next shipps
from Europe are expected with impatience, hopeing by them to
receive accts. of a further advance made in ye Peace; which is
earnestly wished for in these parts, which doe not at present
afford any newse worth taking notice of, more then in generall
yt. this Island is in good condition as to plainty of Plantation
provision and a prospect of a greate crope of sugar, the weather
haveing been more seasonable then has been knowne here for
many years, etc. Signed, A. Hamilton. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 51.
No. 60.] |
| May 15. |
422. Sir John St. Leger to [? the Earl of Dartmouth, or the
Lord High Treasurer, v. Feb. 9]. I received a letter from one
Mr. Thornton of Nevis dated March 17, 1711 (=12); which
intimates that one Mr. William Douglass was just arrived from
Antego as express from the governor, and that he had a large
packet for the Secretary of State with the proclamation for a
general pardon, and several papers relating to Lt. General Hamilton, and that ye said William Douglass went on board the same
ship with General Hamilton, being a ship of some force, which
I understand is taken by the enemy. Signed, John St. Leger.
¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
422. i. Copy of Governor Douglas' Proclamation of H.M.
General Pardon etc. Duplicate of Feb. 6. 1½ pp. |
|
422. ii. Address of the Assembly of Antigua to Governor
Douglas in Council. Return thanks for preceding. Signed,
Sa. Watkins, Speaker. Copy. ¾ p. [C.O. 152, 42. Nos.
84, 84 i., ii.] |
May 15.
Jamaica. |
423. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. Encloses duplicate of March 8, since which
I have not been favour'd with any of your Lordps.' commands.
I have not as yet been able to procure to your Lops. a satisfactory
accot. of the number of inhabitants etc., not having received the
musters of all the militia regiments, nor returns from the parishbooks from which this accot. must be collected. As to an accot. of
births, christenings and burials, I have long since given directions
to the Commissarys and other Ministers, for having abstracts
of their several registers of these particulars: But upon full
enquiry, I find that as some parishes want ministers, there is not
any register kept in them; others are so lame and imperfect
that there is no dependence to be had upon them; for, in most
of the parishes, the far greater part of the inhabitants who die
here, are buried in the respective plantations to which they
belong: many are so remote from parish churches that, by reason
of the badness of weather, over-flowings of rivers etc., the ministers
are seldom call'd to such burials: so that in several parishes,
the frequent deaths, changes or other removal of ministers,
church-wardens and clerks of vestries, remoteness of many places
from the parish-churches etc. make it almost impracticable to
keep such registers as would seem requisite to make up such an
accot. of these particulars as your Lops. require; without much
more trouble and charges than the nature of the thing will bear.
For tho' the whole Island is divided in distinct parishes and
districts; yet there [? are] still indefinite vast tracts of land
uninhabited in all of them to this hour; which makes all manner
of communication from one place to another in most parts of
the Island, more difficult than probably your Lops. imagine.
I thought by this conveyance to have sent your Lops. the Receiver
General's accot. current, from Lady-day, 1711—1712. But a
severe fit of sickness, of which he is not as yet recovered, has
hindered him from attending the Council for passing his accots.
there in due form. However I hope to send them by the next
opportunity that shall offer. Refers to enclosures, compiled
according to instructions, etc. I have, with the advice of the
Council, resolved upon making a considerable addition of a new
line to the present fortifications at Port Royal, as being the place
of most importance: But in regard it is found by experience, that,
upon several accots., planks can never be made serviceable for
platforms, at least not durable, and that we can not get stones
here fit for that purpose; I have, by the advice of the Council
likewise, given commission to have a considerable quantity of
stone fit for that service brought from England; and in the mean
time, while materials are a getting ready for Port-Royal, I have
set the Engineer at worke in building a small fort for the security
of Port-Morant, a very convenient harbour to the windward;
and which will likewise be of great advantage to all tradeing
vessels going to and from the north side of this Island, in case
of any danger by privateers or storms etc. I think it my duty
to acquaint your Lordps. that one David Creagh, merchant and
supercargo of a sloop of and belonging to Barbados, coming some
time ago into Port-Royal Harbour, and being found to have
traded with the Queen's enemies, and to have clandestinely
convey'd aboard another ship then lying at anchor in the Harbour
some goods of the growth of the French Plantations, his sloop and
what was found of the cargo were thereupon seized and condemned
in the Admiralty Court of this Island, and himself committed
upon accot. of High Treason, as corresponding and trading with
the Queen's enemies: But in regard that, by the Attorney
General's opinion, the said David Creagh is not tryable for that
species of treason, any where but in Britain; I have with the
unanimous opinion and advice of the Council, sent him for England on board H.M.S. the Jersey; and for your Lops'. more
particular information of the said David Creagh's case, I must
referr you to the herewith inclosed state thereof; which I hope
may satisfy your Lordships as to the legality of the proceedings
here against him. I have the satisfaction of acquainting your
Lordships further that the state of this Island is generally much
improved of late, with respect to the seasons; there being a very
plentiful crop of sugars and plantation-provisions in most parts
thereof; which I hope may ease the inhabitants of those difficulties
they lay under lately through the scarcity of both the one and the
other. P.S. I thought by this conveyance to have sent home
in the same ship with Mr. Creagh the two persons who gave
evidence against him here: But unluckily Commadore Littleton
(who took charge of them all along on board one of the Queen's
ships to save expenses) forgot to keep them in harbour, when the
ship in which they are went last to sea: However upon her
return from her present cruize, I'll take care to have them sent,
by the very next conveyance. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed,
Recd. July 22, 1712, Read July 17, 1713. 5½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
423. i.–v. Accounts of stores of war in the forts etc. in Jamaica,
April, 1712. Endorsed as preceding. 6 pp. |
|
423. vi. Case against David Creagh of Barbados, who sailed
in the sloop Friendship from Barbados with negroes
and dry goods and traded them for indigo in the French
settlements in Hispaniola, transferring the same in
the harbour of Port Royal to the Union, and Robert
and Francis speedily bound for London, etc. Same
endorsement. 1¾ pp. |
|
423. vii. Report by Capt. Francis Hawkins, Engineer; the
fortifications of Port Royal and all other the fortifications of Jamaica are much out of repair. Proposes
works at Port Royal, Port Morant etc. Signed, Francis
Hawkins. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
423. viii. (a) Imports of Jamaica, Sept. 29, 1711—March 25,
1712. Number of ships, from England 17, from the
Plantations, 38. Negroes, by the separate traders,
2228. Madera wines, provisions, tars, pitch, etc. 1 p.
(b) Exports from Jamaica Sept. 29, 1711—March 25,
1712. Number of ships, to England, 14; to the Plantations, 17. Sugar, to England, 1892 hhds., 4 barrels;
to the Plantations, 20 hhds., 78 tierces, 82 barrels,
4 chests, 100 lb. Rum, to England, 2 hhds., 1 tierce;
to the Plantations, 6 hhds., 7 tierces, 9 barrels, 31 pipes
and puncheons, 30 jars. Lime juice, to England,
2 puncheons, 4 hhds., 1 barrel, 10 casks; to the Plantations, 16 puncheons, 11 hhds., 4 tierces, 38 barrels,
1 cask. Molosses, to the Plantations, 83 hhds., 1 barrel.
Piemento, 54 hhds., 1 tierce, 17 barrels, 76 casks, 14
baggs; to the Plantations, 3 barrels, 20 casks. Indico,
to England, 141 barrels, 105 casks; to the Plantations,
1 bag. Cotton, to England, 166 baggs. Ginger, to
England, 943 baggs. Cocoa, to England, 12 casks,
10 baggs; to the Plantations, 5 hhds. Logwood, to
England, 38 tuns; to the Plantations, 8. Fustick, to
England, 22 tuns. Tortoiseshell, to England, 2 barrels.
Sarsaparilla, to England, 60 baggs, 389 bales. Vigonia
wool, to England, 69 bags. Nicorogo or stockfish wood,
to England, 39 tuns. Spanish hides, to England, 58;
to the Plantations, 100. Salt, to the Plantations,
9 hhds., 500 bushels, and a few other small items.
The whole endorsed as preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 10.
Nos. 8, 8 i.–viii.; and (without enclosures) 138, 13.
pp. 461–468.] |
| [May 16.] |
424. Petition of Mr. du Pré, Commissary of the Palatines'
stores at New York, to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Petitioner has been detained in England 15 months longer than
H.E. Brigadier Hunter did expect, without obtaining any satisfaction about the settlement of the Palatins. Prays to be
dispatched to H.E. with the Board's commands by a man of
war now about to sail. Signed, James du Pré. Endorsed,
Recd. 16th, Read 20th, 1712. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 41;
and 5, 1122. p. 502.] |
May 17.
Wimbledon, Surrey. |
425. Edward Collins to [? the Earl of Dartmouth.] Presses
the claims of his brother John Collins, Commander of the Fort
at St. Johns, Newfoundland, (v. Jan. 21, 1711), that he may not
be "under the blast of being excluded from that post, to make
way for one so undeserving and unfit, as is his competitor, Mr.
Gully, who was Lieutent. under Major Lloyd in the Fort, when
it was last yielded (if not worse) to the French in so base and
scandalous a manner, etc. The last ships that will goe this summer are now going," etc. Signed, Edward Collins. 2 pp. [C.O.
194, 23. No. 6.] |
| May 19. |
426. Duke of Leeds to [? the Earl of Dartmouth.] Recommends
Mr. John Collins, who wishes for a speedy answer to his petition,
May 17. Signed, Leeds. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 23. No. 7.] |
| May 19. |
427. Certificate by Lady Russell etc. Madame Salenave,
after the taking of the French part of St. Kitts, was restor'd
to the estate she had formerly there, and when she came over to
England she left her plantation under the care of Lt. Robert
Cuningham, who marry'd her own neece, and had the management thereof, till by the Treaty of Ryswick the French did
recover what they had in the Island before the war. Signed,
Pen. Russell, Cha. Mathew, Eliz. Renoult, and 2 others. Endorsed, Recd. 21st May, 1712, Read 6th April, 1714. ¾ p. [C.O.
152, 10. No. 14.] |
| May 21. |
428. Mr. Popple to William Dockwra. The Council of
Trade and Plantations having under consideration some matters
relating to New Jersey, desire to speak with you on Tuesday, etc.
[C.O. 5, 995. p. 158.] |
May 21.
Whitehall. |
429. Mr. Popple to Josiah Burchett. The Council of Trade
and Plantations recommend Mr. du Pré's request for accomodation
on a man of war etc. (v. May 16). [C.O. 5, 1122. p. 503.] |
May 21.
Admiralty Office. |
430. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Reply to preceding. Orders
will be given to Capt. Vanbrugh, H.M.S. Sorling, as desired.
Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd May, 1712. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 1050. No. 42; and 5, 1122. p. 504.] |
May 23.
Kensington. |
431. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to the
Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 19th June,
1712. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
431. i. Petition of Robert Lowther, Governour of Barbados,
to the Queen. Following the controversy between
himself and A. Skeen, prays to be allowed to appoint
a private secretary etc. Set out, A.P.C. II. p. 661, q.v.
Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 92, 92 i.; and
29, 12. pp. 434, 435.] |
May 27.
Whitehal. |
432. Mr. Popple to Mr. Tilden (v. May 13). Governor
Lowther having transmitted a great many new papers relating
to the Oxford, the Council of Trade and Plantations have put the
hearing off to a further day, etc. [C.O. 29, 12. p. 428.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
433. The Earl of Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following for their report. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. May 30th, Read June 2nd, 1712. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
433. i. Petition of Merchants of New York to the Queen. The
trade and navigation of this city was formerly very
considerable, having great number of vessels thereunto
belonging whereby many of your Majesty's subjects
were kept in a constant imploy. But to their unexpressible grief the same is now greatly reduced, which we
cannot but attribute to those discouragements your
Majesty's subjects meet withall by your ships of war
loading themselves from this port to the West Indies,
with beef, pork and flower, and bringing from thence
rum, sugar, and the other produce of your Majesty's
Islands and Plantations, depriving us by that means
of the benefit and advantage to carry the same with our
own vessels, and which not only now is but hath been
the constant practice of your Majesty's friggots for
many years pass'd, whereby the merchants of this city
are discouraged from laying out their moneys in building
of shipping to the ruin of many families and the prejudice of all the traders and inhabitants of this city and
province in general. Pray that H.M. ships appointed
for convoys and to spend the winter in the West Indies
may not be permitted to carry any of the commodities
abovementioned as merchandize. And whereas the
privateers do every year in April appear in great numbers
on our coasts doing considerable damage to our trade
and navigation, most of our vessels going out and
returning home about that time, [we pray] that the
Commanders of your Majesty's ships may be directed
to return from the West Indies in such time as to be
ready to cruize for our security the beginning or middle
of that month at furthest. New York, Feb. 20, 1711.
Signed, Caleb Heathcote, Rip Van Dam, Abram van
Hans, Adrian Hooglant, Stephen De Lancey, Law.
Reade, And. Fresneau, John van Horne, John Reade,
Walter Thong, Tho. Davenport, Morgn. Cornock,
Garrit van Horne, Richd. Burke, Henry Cuyler, Bart.
Feurt, Tho. Tarpy, B. Rynders, Wm. Smith. [C.O. 5,
1050. Nos. 43, 43 i.; and 5, 1122. pp. 504–507.] |
May 28.
Barbados. |
434. Governor Lowther to the Council of Trade and Plantations. About eight dayes ago some merchant shipes cleared
at some of the offices here, for several partes of Great Britain,
and the Masters thereof attended upon me for leave to sail, upon
which I told them that they might go from hence whenever they
pleased, if they had the Queen's letter: a little after this they
went to the Secretaries Office, and entered a protest against me,
and everybody that were in any wayes instrumental in detaining
them here, and not only made a mighty clamour, but got several
merchantes and other people to join with them in it, but, this
not having the intended effect, they not only petitioned me and
got several considerable merchantes to joyn with them in it,
but collected a good sum of mony amongst themselves, and
deposited in the hands of a certain person, with an intent to have
made me a present of it, but tho' I would not accept of it, yet, in
consideration that the alligations of this petition were true, and that
their stay for a convoy might almost cause as much damage and
loss to their owners, as if they should be taken by the enemy,
I did suffer them to sail: I was the easier induced to grant the
prayer of their petition because in my 78th Instruction, I am
commanded not to suffer any tradeing shipes from hence to
England but in fleetes, or under the convoy or protection of
some of H.M. shipes of warr: now in regard they were ten sail
of shipes which were desirous to sail for Great Britain, I hope
your Lordshipes will judge that number a Fleet within the Queen's
Instructions; since the said Instruction does not limit it to any
certain number: however, I desire your Lordshipes to give me
directiones what to do, if the same case should happen again,
for if I had detained the shipes here upon account of the want of
a convoy, they would have complained, and if any of them should
have the misfortune to be taken, it is a question but they will
lay the blame upon me, your Lordshipes will perceive by the
inclosed papers, that I gave Captain Constable orders to convoy
this Fleet into the Latitude of 20, and that he was so far from
yielding any obedience thereto, that he sent me word by my
Secretary Mr. Upton that he would not comply with the orders
I had sent him: I beg leave to add, that there is not one time in
twenty. that the men of war whieh attend this station take any
manner of notice of the orders I give them, which is the occasion
of the loss of many vessels, and therefore I find myself under a
necessity to repeat the state of this matter to your Lordshipes,
that I may not now, nor at any time hereafter be blamed or
condemned for the loss or damage which the Queenes subjectes
sustaines here, either for want of their doing their duty, or my
representation of the matter: I think I have already informed
your Lordshipes that I have no power over the men of war by
vertue of my Vice-Admiraltyes Commission, nor by any of my
Instructions except the 69th, and there is a clause towardes the
latter end of that Instruction which directes me not to exercise
any power over the men of war, unless by commission or authority
of the Lord High Admiral, or the Commissioners of the Admiralty
for the time being. There are some disputes between the Council
and Assembly, upon account of the Excise Bill, which hath
occasioned some loss to the publick, but I hope I shall be able to
compose that matter in a little time. I had not time to prepare
duplicates of all the papers I sent by Stone, but if they have not
reach'd your Lordshipes, I desire you will informe me of it, and
I will send them by the first opportunity: the accountes which
your Lordshipes writ for are not finished, but you shall have them
by the Fleet, and indeed some of them are of that consequence that
it is neither prudent nor safe to send them by any conveyance but
a man of war. I am sensible there are several people both here
and in England that do seek all opportunities to do me ill offices,
and to render my poor services unacceptable to the Queen and
your Lordshipes, tho' upon several views and designes, but
notwithstanding my infirmities, I humbly hope your Lordshipes
will not think it an easy matter to satisfy a factious and divided
people, who do, and will gratify their inclinations and passiones
in oppositition to all authority, law, and reason, and who carry
on their designes by false reportes, clamour, and injustice, but
let the consequence of such a policy be what it will, I shall always
do what becomes me in the station I am: I must humbly intreat
your Lordshipes to retain a favourable opinion of me, and not to
censure any of my actions upon common fame and the reportes
of some malicious disappointed persons, or to think me faulty
upon any accusation that my enemyes have, or may exhibit
against me, till I have had an opportunity to answer their charge,
etc. Signed, Rob. Lowther. Endorsed, Recd. July 11th, 1712,
Read July 17th, 1713. Holograph. 4 pp. Enclosed, |
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434. i. Deposition of Arthur Upton, May 29, 1712. On the
27th deponent took the Governor's orders to Capt.
Constable, H.M.S. Panther (No. iii.). He answered
that he did not know of any trade bound out, for they
had not made any application to him, and since they
did not, he should not take any notice of them, etc.
Signed, A. Upton. Same endorsement. ¾ p. |
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434. ii. Petition of several Commanders of Merchant ships
to Governor Lowther, praying leave to sail for Great
Britain. Should they be detained till the London
Fleet is ready to sail, their ships would be prejudiced
by the wormes, and their cables destroyed by the heat
of the water, etc. 17 Signatures. Same endorsement.
2 pp. |
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434. iii. Governor Lowther to Capt. Constable. You are to
convoy the trade now bound for Great Britain as farr
as the latitude of twenty, etc. May 27, 1712. Signed,
Robert Lowther. Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p. [C.O.
28, 14. Nos. 1, 1 i.–iii.; and (without enclosures) 29,
13. pp. 46–52.] |
May 30.
London. |
435. Petition of Mr. du Pré to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Prays to be allowed a small supply of money to
enable him to return to New York, etc. (v. May 16). Signed,
James du Pré. Endorsed, Recd. May 30th, Read June 22nd, 1712.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 44.] |
