America and West Indies: January 1713

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 27, 1712-1714. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1926.

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'America and West Indies: January 1713', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 27, 1712-1714, (London, 1926) pp. 123-130. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol27/pp123-130 [accessed 24 March 2024]

January 1713

Jan. 1.
Whitehall.
237. The Earl of Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their report thereon. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. —, Read Jan. 9, 17 12/13. 1 p. Enclosed,
237. i. Extract of a Memorial from the Marquis de Monteleone. The inhabitants of Guipuscoa and the other subjects of his Christian Majesty will be maintained in their free and immemorial practice, exercised up to the present moment, of navigating, trading and fishing on the coast of Newfoundland. French. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 18, 18 i.; and 195, 5. pp. 287, 288.]
Jan. 3.
Jamaica.
238. Merchants and traders of Jamaica to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Complain of the discouragement of their trade, particularly of the most considerable and advantagious branch of it, that to the Spanish coast, through Commanders of H.M. ships of warr having in great measure engrost it and carrying it on with the Queen's ships, etc. Sir H. Walker has appointed the rende'vous of his squadron to be at Blewfeilds, one of the leewardmost parts of the Island, the better (it is suggested) to carry on a private trade, to the discouragement of that of the merchants, in the delays and uncertaintys they must expect in convoys to be obtain'd at such distance from Port Royal, etc. Pray that H.M. ships may be restrained to guarding the coast and protecting trade, etc. Signed, Jno. Lynch, Jno. Wyllys and 40 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 10, 17 12/13. 3 large pp. [C.O. 137, 9. No. 79.]
Jan. 3.
Jamaica.
239. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Earl of Dartmouth. Refers to former letter (Nov. 220). Mr. Rigby, who's absence I have dispenc't with for some small time upon extraordinary affairs, will give your Lordship any further information. With the unanimous consent of the Council, I have writt to the Governor of the coast of St. Domingo, in reply to his proposition for the continuance of the suspention of arms in these parts for six months, to the purport of what I last informed your Lordship of. Since the Blandford sail'd, Sir H. Walker has thought fit to strick his flag at Port Royal and by advertisments that I am told he has affixed there he has given out that for the better conveniency of watering and other reasons not specify'd, it is thought fitt that ye randevouse of H.M. ships shou'd be at Bleufields. I need not observe to your Lop. that this is about 200 miles to leward and neer ye extent of that part of the Island, and ye time it might require upon any emergent occasion to beat up to windward again, so that how far this may be detrimentall to H.M. service and ye protection of the Trade by delays it must necessarly occasion, upon application of ye merchts, for convoys and other ways, I humbly submitt; all that I shall add is that I observe so general a dissatisfaction amongst the merchts. especially those concern'd in the trade to ye Spanish coast that there is reason to apprehend many of them will withdraw their effects and settle els where, unless some speedy measures be taken to put a stop to ye inconveniencys which in my humble opinion they have but too just reason to complain off. Signed, A. Hamilton. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 68.]
Jan. 3.
Jamaica.
240. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Begins as preceding. Concludes: Since I began this letter I am told that the merchants have resolved by a representation to apply to your Lopps. as their proper refuge from who's interposition by laying the hardships of their case before H.M. they hope for redress; If anything of ye kind shou'd be offer'd to your Lopps., I think it my duty ernestly to recommend ye forwarding of it as a matter that nearly conserns ye generall wellfare and prosperity of this Island, in which ye interest of Great Britain is not a little concern'd. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. March 10th, Read July 17th, 17 12/13. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 10. No. and 138, 13. pp. 506–509.]
Jan. 3.
Whitehall.
241. The Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Lowther. Mr. Stewart and Mr. Mendez having represented to the Queen that Mr. Alexander Walker, one of the Judges of the Court of Chancery in Barbadoes and likewise a member of the Council there in combination with Mr. William Walker a practising lawyer have comitted several frauds and collusions to the great detriment of trade in general as well as to the prejudice of particular persons; H.M. is pleased to order that you strictly examine into the allegations of the enclosed petitions and report the facts as they appear to you. Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. p. 198.]
Jan. 7.
Treasury Chambers.
242. Warrant to Governor Nicholson to take with him and dispose to H.M. best advantage in America of all the surplus stores from the expedition to Canada, which were brought back and now in charge of John Netmaker, Commissary of the forces for that expedition. Signed, Oxford. Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 10, 17 12/13. Copy. 2 pp. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 22.]
Jan. 7.
London.
243. M. de Gissey to [? Lord Bolingbroke]. In my letter of last Saturday, on the subject of the Forts of Florida, I committed the absurdity of asking pardon for something which I did not express, etc. I have resolved to explain this matter to your honour. Its exceeding boldness will justify my hesitation. I shall hope that the sincerity of my good intentions will secure my forgiveness. There is a Prince of the Royal Family and of the Protestant Line, who would be better suited, perhaps, to the Crown of Britain than he who appears to be publicly destined for it, although this destination is only by a consequence, and not through having been called to it by name. To substitute the first in the place of the second, a special cause would be needed to produce such an effect, and perhaps one should be brought into being which, if it had not the same force as that which inspires the destination abovementioned, would be strong enough to render the proposed substitution legitimate and practicable, seeing that it would not entail any injustice in itself. Measures to prepare for this end should be taken at once, etc. I await your orders at the Greyhound coffee-house, Compton Street, Soho Secrecy is necessary, and I pray you to burn or destroy this letter. I am known to the King of Prussia, and can assure you that he would have confidence in me, particularly in this matter of the secret. Prays to be recommended to the Lord High Treasurer, being in great poverty, etc. Signed, De Gissey. French. 21/8th pp. [C.O. 5, 582. No. 1.]
Jan. 8.
St. James's.
244. Order of Queen in Council. Approving representation as to appeals of clergy (v. Nov. 25, 1712) and ordering accordingly. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 27th Feb., 17 12/13. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 56; and 5, 1123. pp. 65, 66; and 5, 11. No. 90.]
Jan. 8.
St. James's.
245. Order of Queen in Council. Approving representation of Dec. 19, 1712. H.M. letters mandatory are to be sent to the Proprietors of Carolina and Governor of Virginia that Commrs. may be immediately appointed to meet for the settling of their boundarys, and that direction be likewise given to the said Lords Proprietors that they do immediately (if the same be not already done) take care that the Act passed in July 1711, so prejudiciall to H.M. subjects of Virginia, be repealed. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 27th Feb., 17 12/13. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 92; and 5, 1363. p. 479.]
Jan. 9.
Whitehall.
246. The Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Lord A. Hamilton. The Queen has commanded me to transmitt to your Lopp. the enclosed papers complaining that Mr. Harbert, Naval Officer of the Island under your Lordship's government, refuses to account for the publick money that lies in his hands, H.M. thinks fit that your Lordship endeavour by all legall means to compel him to do the justice that is expected from him and deliver the money to such persons as you shall authorize to receive it. Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. pp. 199, 200.]
Jan. 9 247. Minutes taken by Mr. Harris of what passed at the Board of Trade, Jan. 9, 1713. Thomas Onslow, Capt. Richd. Thomson, Capt. James, Tho. Mitchell and Rd. Harris waited on the Board, on behalf of Jamaica and Barbados merchants, touching the dutys which twas feared might be agreed to be laid on sugars and other West India comoditys imported into France att the Treaty of Commerce, which if high or overated would be in effect a prohibition etc. Notice was taken also about Hispaniola. If delivered to France would ruine the Plantations. Endorsed, Recd. Read 22nd Feb. 17 14/15. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 10. No. 57.]
[Jan. 9.] 248. Draught of a letter signed by Mr. Harris and others after above meeting, to be sent to Mr. Popple; as to clayed sugars being laid under the same duty in France as refined, etc. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 10. No. 58.]
Jan. 10.
New England.
249. Mr. Bridger to [?the Earl of Dartmouth]. I have at last convicted three persons of cuting down and destroying one mast tree, which I hope will do a great good by striking an awe on the people. Prays to be granted H.M. moiety. There is no tar in this fleet nor any naval stores except masts, the Act for encouraging Naval Stores from hence is near expiring. I leave it to your Lordshipp's concideration to revive or not that Act, but am very well assured that so soon as wee have peace, these people will make a great quantity of tarr, this being a very proper place for that service, etc. I humbly pray your Lordshipp's favour to my Lord Bishop of London, in behalfe of the people at Newbury who were your Lordshipp's petitioners last year, the church is finished and there is only a good man wanting, and if not soon supplyed they will seater and be lost or seduced by falce bretheren. Signed, J. Bridger. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 898. No. 27.]
Jan. 13.
Whitehall.
250. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Enclose commission for Henry Pulleine to be Lt. Governor of H.M. Bermuda Islands. "We are preparing the necessary Instructions with all possible dispatch." Annexed,
250. i. Draft of Lt. Governor Pulleine's Commission, in the usual form, with clause revoking that of Benjamin Bennett. [C.O. 38, 7. pp. 39–67.]
Jan. 13.
Whitehall.
251. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney General. I enclose you the draught of a debenture to be issued to the sufferers of Nevis and St. Xtophers; and an thereupon to desire your opinion whether the same is conformable to the Acts of Parliament, etc. [C.O. 153, 12. p. 55.]
Jan. 13.
Whitehall.
252. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Reply to Jan. 1st. We have discoursed with such persons as are able to give us information, and we find that some Spaniards have come thither with passes from her Majesty, and others may have fish'd there privately, but never any that we can learn, did do it, as of right belonging to them. By the Act to encourage the Trade to Newfoundland, pass'd in the 10th and 11th years of his late Majesty when we were in amity and alliance with Spain, it is declar'd and enacted, that no alien or stranger whatsoever, not residing within the Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales of Town of Berwick upon Tweed, shall at any time hereafter, take bait or use any sort of trade or fishing whatsoever in Newfoundland, or in any of the Islands adjacent: pursuant to which Act, instructions have been given every year to the Commodore of the Convoy, to prevent foreigners coming thither. Autograph Signatures. 2 pp. Enclosed,
252. i. Extract of a Spanish paper relating to the inhabitants of the province of Guipuscoa (v. Jan. 1st). They have always had the liberty of fishing on the coasts of Newfoundland, and were never molested therein by the French, and on shoar they gave preference to whomsoever was first in possession, without any destinction of nations. Which they prove by several affidavits of aged persons etc. ¾ p. [C.O. 194, 23. Nos. 8, 8 i., 9; and 195, 5. pp. 288–290.]
[Jan. 21.] 253. Petition of Steoghen Duport to the Council of Trade and Plantations. There being lately two vacancies in the Council of St. Christophers by the death of Col. Stephen Payne and John Peteres, prays that Capt. Ralph Willett and John Duport may be appointed in their room, being persons of good estate and character, and well affected to H.M., both actually of the Assembly and the latter Judge of the Admiralty, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 21, 1712/13. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 155; and 153, 12. pp. 70, 71.]
Jan. 22.
Whitehall.
254. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High Treasurer. This Commission is in arrears seven quarters at Christmas last, etc., as April 2, 1712. [C.O. 389, 37. p. 55.]
Jan. 22.
Annapolis Royall.
255. Governor Vetch to the Earl of Dartmouth. Refers toprevious letters relating to the pay and provisions for the garrison. Continues:—By the non-payment of the bills formerly drawn, the publick credit in Boston is so intirely ruined it is impossible allmost to gett any person to advance money. It was with the greatest difficulty imaginable that I could procure provisions for the garrison until May 10th next, without which the garrison must have desolved, etc. Prays for his Lordship's intercession with the Lord High Treasurer, and for his commands, as also for leave to come home to answer any objections, etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch.¾ p. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 115.]
Jan. 22.
Whitehall.
256. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Enclose following.
256. i. Draft of Lt.-Governor Pulleine's Instructions. Similar to those given to Lt. Governor Bennett. [C.O. 38, 7. pp. 68–176.]
Jan. 26.
Barbados.
257. Governor Lowther to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses Minutes of Council with Commission, etc. given by him to Brigadier Maxwell etc., to treat with M. Phyllypeaux for continuing the truce etc. (v. No. 180), I forgot to acquaint your Lordshipes that I did this by verture of H.M. Instruction No. 108. The reason that this negotiation took no effect, was occasion'd (as the gentlemen who went upon it inform'd me) by a letter which Capt. Hamilton writ to General Phillypeaux. Refers to Minutes of Council. I won't take upon me to say that Mr. Hamilton's conduct in this matter is criminal, or if it be, of what quality it is off, all this being submitted to your Lordships' judgement. I again intreat your Lordshipes to state to H.M. not only this matter, but also what I have laid before you in several letters touching the conduct of the men of war, and to signify H.M. pleasure to me what I am to do upon the breach or neglect of any orders I shall or may give them for H.M. especiall and immediate service.
I am inform'd that your Lordships are dissatisfy'd with the proceedings that were had here against Mr. Skene, but not knowing the particulares and groundes of such dissatisfaction, I am not now able to answer the suggestions or insinuations upon which it may be raised, therefore I humbly hope your Lordshipes will so far indulge me as to impart the cause of your discontent, before you give any judgement or opinion against me, and if I do not give you intire satisfaction, I shall then very chearfully acquiess. Signed, Rob. Lowther. Endorsed, 7th March, Read 17th July, 1713. Holograph. 3 pp. [C.O. 28, 14. No. 3; and 29, 13. pp. 58–61.]
Jan. 26.
Barbados.
258. Governor Lowther to the Earl of Dartmouth. Duplicate of preceding, omitting last paragraph. [C.O. 28, 43. No. 87.]
Jan. 27.
Treary.
Chambers.
259. W. Lowndes to the Council of Trade and Plantations. H.M. Commission under the Great Seal of Great Britain having appointed Francis Nicholson (v. Oct. 14, 1712) to be her Commr. in North America for enquiring into and about the severall matters in the said Commission menconed among which the trade of her subjects of Great Britain and any affairs relating to settlements, fisherys or otherwise, which may tend to the advantage of H.M. and her said subjects is a principall concerne, my Lord Treasurer has ordered him to wait on you with his commission, and desires you will consider thereof and furnish him with such Instruccons as you shall think necessary for executing that part of his commission which concerns the trade of this kingdome, or any other matters authorized by the said commission and cognizable by you as Commrs. for Trade, with effect. And because it cannot be presumed that a commission of so large an extent can be executed without the assistance of some able officers and clerks under the direccon of the said Coll. Nicholson, my Lord also desires you would consider what assistance is necessary and of the capacity of those persons which Coll. Nicholson shall propose for that service, and what allowances are reasonable to be made not only to the said officers and clerks but also to Coll. Nicholson himselfe, and make your report to his Lordp. with all convenient speed. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 27, 17 12/13. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 20; and 324, 10. pp. 10, 11.]
[Jan. 27.] 260. Micajah Perry to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Depty. Governr. of Virga. finding it needfull to make some defence agt. the Indians, called the Assembly in order thereto, but the Assembly being sencible of the extreeme proverty of the country, and the necessityes of the people could not raise anything to beare the charges of their defence, and so were dismist. And the Deputy Governour finding all the armes formerly sent by the Govermt. distributed and not accounted for but lost, prays H.M. notwithstanding the miscarriage of former armes unaccounted for thro' the various intervailes of the Govermt. to grant such armes as he prays for to make defence against the Indians, etc. Signed, Micajah Perry. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 27, 17 12/13. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 87.]
Jan. 29.
Whitehall.
261. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Since our letter of May 15th last, relating to stores of war for Virginia, we have been informed, that upon Col. Spotswood's apprehension of an Indian war, he had proposed to the Assembly the raising a fund for supplying that Colony with arms, but that the poverty of the people was such, the Assembly did not raise any such fund as had been desired; upon which we take leave to observe to your Lordship; that in case the Indians should rise (as Col. Spotswood in several of his letters has intimated he had reason to fear) it may prove of fatal consequence to that Colony, and very prejudicial to H.M. revenue arising by the Customs on tobacco here; for as Col. Spotswood writes, he is not in any condition to oppose any considerable attempt from the said Indians, as we more particularly laid before your Lordship Dec. 6th, 1711, and therefore, we are humbly of opinion, that it will be for H.M. service and for the security of that Colony, that a supply of small arms and ammunition be sent thither, as desired by Col. Spotswood, under the regulations and restrictions proposed in our letter, May 15th. [C.O. 5, 1363. pp. 440, 441; and 5, 1335. No. 179.]
Jan. 31.
Craven House.
262. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Col. Rhet. We have received your accounts from our Secretary and do intend to consider them at our next Board and them we shal send you our opinion relating to them; But in the meantime we must tell you, that we have received a letter from Mr. Craven dated Nov. 20, 1712, giving us an account of very ill language you gave him and the affront you offer'd us and our Governor, the words alledg'd against you were; this is but a Lords Proprietors Government, and I wou'd wipe my arse with the Commission; We have very great reason to resent such an indignity offer'd to us by our officer, and we expect that since you have thro'd inadvertency or passion, suffer'd such imprudent words to escape from you, that you should submit yourself to our Governor and ask his pardon. Signed, Beaufort, Carteret, M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 62.]
Jan. 31.
Craven House.
263. Same to Governor Craven. We received your letter dated Nov. 20, 1712, wherein you give us an account of what you so kindly and charitably have done towards the assisting your neighbours in North Carolina. We thank you for your endeavours, wch. we hope will have the effect they were designed for, and will put an end to the Indian warr in that province; we highly resent the affront that was offered to you by Col. Rhet and we shal take care that all reasonable submission and satisfaction, shal be made to you upon that acct., but at the same time we must tell you, that we are surprized that you should offer to discharge any officer commissioned by us under the Great Seal of the Province; and we do hereby require you to restore him his Commn., and we shal direct him by our Lre. (copy enclosed) to make such satisfaction to you, as the nature of such offence shal require. We shal take into out consideration such Acts as have passed the Assembly, since you were Govr. and have been transmitted to us for our approbation and in a short time we will give you our opinion relating to them; we wish you success in your Government. Signed as preceding. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 63.]
Jan. 31.
Craven House.
264. Copy of General Nichloson's Commission from the Lords Proprietors of Caroline. Many complaints having been transmitted to us, relating to very great disorders that have been lately committed in H.M. province of North Caroline, which complaints tho' in some measure prov'd by affidavits, have given us so imperfect an account of the said disorders, that we were not thereby enabled to lay the same before H.M., to receive Her royal commands relating thereto; to the end therefore that H.M. may receive a more certain information of all those illegal proceedings and disorders, we authorize, constitute and appoint you to be our Commissioner to enquire into the aforesaid illegal proceedings and disorders by a full examination of the affidavits and allegations on both sides, to inform us what was the occasion of them, and who were the authors and abettors of them, and to represent to us, what you shal think to be the most proper expedient to put an end to the same; and we do hereby authorize you, after you have made enquiry into the said disorders, to appoint such persons as you shal thingk most fit and proper to represent us as Deputies in the Council of the province aforesaid; and we do hereby desire you to transmit to us an account of your doings, etc., in writing with what convenient speed you can; and we do hereby require the Deputy Governor and all officers to be assisting you, etc. Signed, Beaufort, Paltin; Carteret, M. Ashely, J. Colleton, J. Danson. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 25, 17 12/13. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 131.]