America and West Indies: August 1714

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1928.

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'America and West Indies: August 1714', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715, (London, 1928) pp. 1-19. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp1-19 [accessed 25 April 2024]

In this section

COLONIAL PAPERS.

August 1714

1714.
Aug. 3.
Channell Row.
1. Major Douglas to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In obedience to your commands I desire to acquaint your Lordships, that soon after my arrivall from the Leeward Islands, I delivered some papers to be laid before your Lordships, wch. amongst other things will show the great distresse of the Island of Montserrat (wth. some particular causes and some aggravating circumstances of those poor people's misfortunes) by their being invaded in a piraticall manner by ye ships and force under Monsr. Cassaert and during a sincere negotiation of a peace in Europe. Refers to enclosures, "and for other particulars to Sir John St. Leger, Agent for that Island, not doubting but your Lordships will think it for the honour of his most sacred Majesty that exact justice be done in repairing the losses of so brave and diligent a people as the inhabitants of that Island have behaved themselves on all occasions in defence of H.M. Island. The other three Islands of Antigua, Nevis and St. Xtophers were oblidged to extrodinary charges and fatigues upon that surpriseing occasion, but the first in a more particular manner where ye enemy upon their second appearance hovered a great while on their coasts to the great prejudice of that Island, and it is generally beleived their damages amounted to above £30,000. The Island of Nevis was overrun, and those great depredations committed by the enemy before I had the honour to command these Islands, tho' I cou'd never find any good reason to look upon ye four unfortunate gentlemen, that were forcibly carryed from thence to Martinique as hostages, but as prisoners taken and seized upon by chance of war, yet all ye service I was able to render them was in obtaining more civilities and greater liberties in their confinemt., and a certain constant supply from that Island, in a much more beneficiall manner than it had been before. I inclose some Minutes of Councill relateing to the breach and open infraction of the said pretended capitulations by the French." Refers to Col. Jury, the Agent, "being well assured that tho' the inhabitants are a very industrious and deserveing people they are utterly unable to bear so vast a burthen and wch. they alleadge is unjustly charged to their account." Signed, Walter Douglas. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 3, 1714. 1 p. Enclosed,
1. i. Duplicate of C.S.P. 1714. No. 678 i.
1. ii. Duplicate of C.S.P. 1714. No. 678 xiii.
1. iii. Petition of David Bethun, Rector of St. Anthony, and Jonathan Yate Giffard, Rector of St. George in Montserrat, to Governor Douglas. Return thanks for his settling glebes for the support of the clergy out of escheated lands. Pray H.E. to recommend their sad circumstances, brought about by the invasion, to the Bishop of London, Society for propagation of the Gospel, etc. Signed, Da. Bethun, Jona. Yate Giffard. Copy. ½ p.
1. iv. Duplicate of C.S.P. 1714. No. 678 i.
1. v. Address of Governor Douglas and the President, Council and Assembly of Montserrat to the Queen. Wee your Majties. poor, but dutifull and loyall subjects, humbly beg leave to acquaint you with our calamitous sufferings occasioned by the French, to ye ruin of many of us and damage of all. Thrice of late (vizt.) Jan. 28, 17 09/10, June 14, 1711, and July 8th, 1712, they invaded this Island and tho' they never conquered it, yet the last time they being much superiour to us did us great spoile. Their force was 3, 500 men and ours but one company of your Majties. troops commanded by Capt. John Marshall and the Militia of the Island commanded by Col. John Daly, both wch. made 400 effective men, and the said Daly and Marshall with ye rest of our officers and soldiers did what possibly they could, or might in reason be expected from them, yett the enemy overrun great part of the Island, burnt our towns, destroyed our houses in the country, sugar works and plantations, carried away sundry of our slaves, killed and took with them most of our horses, cattle and small stock, broke, burnt and carried with them our household stuff cloathing and merchandizes, insomuch that they left many of us destitute of the very necessaries of subsistence, food and raiment, all wch. might have been prevented had your Majties. six ships of war then at Barbadoes, come to our releife when Governour Lowder first ordered them so to do, but such were their delays, that Genll. Douglas (after long expectation of their joyning him at Antegoa) ventured down to us wth. only 4 small ships of warr, and 5 sloopes, the first appearance of wch. so scared the enemy that they imediately ordered their men on board and left our Island, if then the very sight of 4 ships of warr did such service, what might reasonably [have] been expected from ten. But what adds more to our misery is that before we were last attacked your Majtie. (as we hear) had entered into a Treaty of peace wth. the French King, wch. if so lett ye world judge whether we have not hard measure, and are unfairly dealt with by the enemy. Such are our circumstances, that without releife we are not able to resettle your Majties. Island nor maintain ourselves and familyes, etc. We earnestly beg your Majtie's. charitable consideration, that either restitution may be made to us by the enemy, or the bounty of our own nation extended to us, without which some of us must inevitably perrish for want; etc. Superscribed, A copy of an Address sent up to Antegoa for the Cheif Governor's approbation wch. was drawn up in a hurry and transmitted for England before he could get to Montserrat to have it altered. Antigua, Jan. 7, 1712/13. 1 p.
1. vi., vii. Extracts of Minutes of Council and Assembly of Nevis, Oct. 26, 1713. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 152, 10. Nos. 27, 27 i.–vii.]
Aug. 3.
London.
2. Col. Vetch to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to letter of July 28th, relating to the xth and xvth Articles of the Treaty of Peace, with regard to the regulation of the limits betwixt the British and French Dominions upon the North Continent of America. As to the limits betwixt the Hudson's Bay Company and Canada, refers to the Managers of the Company. Continues:—I have never been at Hudson's Bay, though often att Canada and along that coast. About 9 or 10 years agoe the French made a new settlement upon the Continent betwixt the streights called Charles and Hudsons in the country of Labradore where they erected a small fort called by the name of Monsr. Pontchartrien, in wch. they had a company of marines commanded by Monsr. Cortemanch where they have since had a considerable factory and trade in furrs, fish and oyle, but whither this will fall within the precincts of the British part of that countrey I doe not pretend to determine. As to the limits betwixt the French Collonys of Cape Bretton, Canada and those of L' Accadia Nova Scotia and all the other British Colonys along the vast Continent of North America; commencing from the Gutt, or passage off Cancer, wch. separates Cape Bretton Island from that Continent, which I take to be the limits by the Treaty, and stretches away southwest, as far as the limites betwixt South Carolina and St. Augustine, along the sea coast intirely belonging to the Crown of Brittaine, behind all wch. vast and well inhabited Colonys the French have run a sort of imaginary settlement or pretended line by some small forts at several hundred miles distance one from another as farr as the mouth of the River Misasipy in the Great Bay of Mexico, by wch. they intirely environ upon the land part all our British settlements upon the sd. Continent, betwixt wch. as there hath never as yet (properly speaking) been any adjustment of limits the countreys betwixt them being as yet not much regarded for want of being settled, though the value encreases every day; and it would very much contribute not only to the peace of posterity but true interest and honour of Great Brittain to have those limits advantageously adjusted, but as that would prove a work of very great expence so it would require several sheets to containe a particular schame of the proper methods towards wch. I shall not be wanting in contributing my assistance when demanded, etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 3, 1714. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 16.]
Aug. 3. 3. Abstract of damages the Hudson's Bay Compa. have sustained from the French in times of Peace, 1682–1688 (as in former statements). Total, £100, 543 13s. 9d. Signed, Wm. Potter, Secr. Endorsed, Recd, (from Captn. Merry), Read 3rd Aug., 1714. 1 p. [C.O. 134, 2. No. 41.]
Aug. 4.
Hudson's Bay House.
4. Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson's Bay to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pursuant to the 10th Article of the Treaty of Utrick the Company did the begining of June last, send a shipp for Hudson's Bay, and therein a Governor one James Knight and his Deputy Mr. Henry Kelsey to take possession of the whole Bay and Streights of Hudson, together with all other places relateing thereto, as mentioned in the said Article, they haveing not onely Her late Matie. (of Blessed Memory) her Comission for the same purpose, togeather with one from ye Compa., but likewise the Most Christian King's order under his hand and seale with a power from ye Canada Compa. to deliver up the same, according to the said Treaty, which shipp at the request of the Canada Compa., is not onely to bring away the French settled in Hudson's Bay, but likewise theire effects, pursuant to the aforesaid Treaty, they paying freight for the same, which shipp may be expected the latter end of September or begining of October next. Repeat Memorial of Feb. 8, 1712, and claim for damages(Aug. 3), "which they humbly entreat your Lordships to take effectuall care of, to the releife of the great hardshipps they have soe long laboured under." (Cf. C.S.P. March 4, 1699, and May 23, 1709.) Signed, Wm. Potter, Secr. Endorsed, Recd. Read 4th Aug., 1714. 2 pp. [C.O. 134, 2. No. 42; and 135, 3. pp. 129–132.]
Aug. 5.
Whitehall.
5.Circular letter from Lord Bolingbroke to Governor Lord A. Hamilton and the other Governors of plantations. The Queen having been two or three days out of order, on Thursday last H.M. grew somewhat worse, and on Fryday morning about ten of the clock she was struck with a very strong convulsion; she recovered her senses in about two hours; but contimued to lanquish and to sink away by degrees till near half an hour after seven on Sunday morning when it pleased Almighty God to take her to his mercy. I enclose to you the Proclamation of his present Majty. which you will cause to be published throughout your Government. The Office letter will acquaint you with the appointment of the Lords Justices and the other publick occurrences, by which you will see what effectual care has been taken to secure the publick peace on this occasion, and to disappoint the hopes of those few who are enemys to the present happy settlemt. P.S. By direction of ye Lords Justices of this Kingdom I send yr. Lop. a proclamation which has been published here, declaring the sence of the Law with respect to persons who held offices from her late Majty. at the time of her death, and I am to desire that you will please to publish the same in all places under your command. Signed Bolingbroke. [C.O 324, 33. pp. 50–57.]
Aug. 6. 6. Same to Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Encloses above Proclamations, etc. Signed, Bolingbroke. [C.O. 324, 33. p. 53.]
Aug. 5.
Council Chamber, St. James's.
7. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Approving draught of Proclamation with blanks for proclaiming the King in the Plantations, and ordering the Council of Trade and Plantations to prepare copies, properly filled up, for the respective Colonies and Plantations in America, for their Excellencys' approbation, to be passed with the Great Seal of Great Britain. Signed, Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 6th Aug., 1714. 1 p. Enclosed,
7. i. Draught of Proclamation of King George I. [Printed, Mass. Hist. Soc. Proc. 2nd ser., xv. 335.] 1 p. [C.O. 323, 7. Nos. 33, 33 i.; and (without enclosure) 324, 10. p. 50.]
Aug. 6.
Whitehall.
8. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices. Enclose draughts of Proclamation as ordered in preceding. We most humbly submit it to your Excellencies, whether the said Proclamations and such directions as may be sent with them, are to be sent by such merchant ships as may be found ready to sail, or whether it may not be more certain and more expeditious that two small vessels be dispatched on purpose. The one to New England, which will serve for all the Provinces on the Continent, and from thence to Placentia in Newfoundland, and the other to Barbadoes, and any one of the Leeward Islands, Jamaica and Bermudas. Annexed,
8. i. Copy of Proclamation of King George I. v. preceding. [C.O. 324, 10. pp. 51–53.]
Aug. 5.
Freehold in Monmouth County, New Jersy.
9. Joseph Morgan to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following. Signed, Joseph Morgan. Endorsed, Recd. 12th Oct., 1714, Read 23 Nov., 1717. Addressed. Sealed. Postmark. 2 pp. Enclosed,
9. i. An invention by Joseph Morgan for the improvement of navigation by means of a boom, crank, wheel and oars, with diagrams. 16 pp. [C.O. 5, 971. Nos. 18, 18 i.]
[Aug. 6.] 10. Objections to the demands from the Most Christian King or Monsieur D'Iberville against the inhabitants of Nevis. The inhabitants capitulated April 4, 1706, and surrendred themselves prisoners of warr, some had liberty from Monsieur D'Iberville to be in ye country at their own plantations, the rest were kept prisoners in towne, whilst the small army under D'Iberville ransack'd the whole country to get in the negroes, horses, cattle, coppers, mills, stills, etc., without any manner of opposition, except sometimes by a few negroes, who kept in ye woods of the mountains and were resolv'd not to surrender themselves wch. Monsieur D'Iberville perceiveing, and having intelligence of the arrivall of an English squadron of men of warr, wch. he much dreaded might suddainly come upon him, he caused ye inhabitants to meett, to whom he made a second proposall, for that they had not comply'd with one of their Articles, which it was not in their power to performe, to witt, of delivering in all their negroes etc., and demanded of them to signe an instrument of writing, whereby they oblige themselves to deliver in a certaine time to ye said D'Iberville or his order, 1400 negroes, or for every negroe wanting 100 peices of eight; in consideration of which he would leave them all the slaves, horses, cattle, houses, sugar-works etc. then upon the Island, which in truth it was not in his power to carry off, his ships being pester'd wth. horses, cattle, coppers, etc., ye negroes defending themselves in the mountaine. All which ye inhabitants refuseing, M. D'Iberville caused the principall persons of them to be carryed on board of his ships of warr, the rest to be made prisoners in the Church, wth. threats of carrying ym. amongst ye Spaniards in case they wou'd not signe, keeping them in that manner severall days, at last on ye 19th April oblidg'd them to comply, from which it plainly appears that it was not voluntary but by meer compulsion, notwithstanding severall houses, sugarworks etc. were burnt, after this, and some slaves carried off. As to ye hostages they were not deliver'd but taken off by force, and what is mention'd to be due from them for their entertainment at Martinique has been wholly discharg'd by ye Publick of Nevis. All which is humbly submitted to, and hop'd will be judg'd, that in the first place, compelling ye inhabitants, and ye burning etc. afterwards will make this agreement voyd in itselfe, and that the hostages now at Martinique will be discharged without any further trouble. Endorsed, Recd. (from Genl. Hamilton) Read 6th Aug., 1714. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 28; and 153, 12. pp. 139–142.]
Aug. 8/19.
Fort Kykoverall, Rio Essequebe.
11. P. Vanderheyden Rezen to the Directors of the Dutch West India Company. Signed, P. Vanderheyden Rézen. Endorsed, Read Nov. 15 (N.S.), 1714. 4 closely written pp. Dutch. Enclosed,
11. i.–xix. Lists, accounts, inventories, ships' ladings and clearings, Minutes of Council, etc. [C.O. 116, 21. Nos. 11, 11 i.–xxi.]
Aug. 9. 12. James Campbell to Mr. Popple. Encloses following. Requests a copy of the objections of one Slyford to Capt. Taverner's memorial, for his reply, etc. Signed, Ja. Campbell. Endorsed, Recd. 9th, Read 11th Aug., 1714. 1 p. Enclosed,
12. i. James Campbell to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Lt. Governor Moody has desired me to apply for directions to him about the subjoined matters. Some of those things together with Capt. Taverner's request seem to be of immediate consequence. A sloop is ordered to sail in a few days for the Continent of America and Newfoundland by order of the Lords Justices, besides which I expect no other occasion of shiping to Placentia before the next spring, wherefore dispatch is the more requisite. Gives abstract of letters of June 22 and July 3, q.v. Endorsed as preceding.
12. ii. Copy of Col. Moody's Commission appointing James Campbell Agent for Newfoundland. London, July 7, 1713. Signed, J. Moody. Same endorsement. 1½ pp. [C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 46, 46 i., ii.; and (without enclosure ii.) 195, 5. pp. 390–395.]
Aug. 10. 13. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governor and Council of South Carolina. Upon the death of Henry Duke of Beaufort the late Palatin of our Province of Carolina, we the rest of the Lords Proprietors did unanimously choose the Right Honble. John Lord Carteret to be our Palatin, etc. You are therefore hereby required to publish the same thro' all our Province, etc. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 75.]
Aug. 10.
Councill Chamber, St. James's.
14. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Approving Proclamation, Aug. 5, and ordering that the Council of Trade and Plantations doe take care for the speedy conveyance thereof with letters from the Privy Councill to the respective Plantations by the two vessels appointed for that purpose. Signed, Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. Read 11th Aug., 1714. ¾ p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 34; and 324, 10. p. 54.]
Aug. 11.
Whitehall.
15. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. The enclosed packets to the Governors of New England, Placentia, Barbados, the Leeward Islands and Jamaica, contain letters from the Lords of H.M. Privy Council and from the Lords Commrs. for Trade and Plantations, to all the Governors in America, for proclaiming His Majesty in the respective Plantations under their Governmts. I am to desire you to cause them to be delivered to the Captains of the vessels appointed, etc. [C.O. 324, 10. p. 55.]
Aug. 10. 16. Same to the Governor of South Carolina. You are forthwith to proclaim King George I. etc. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 77.]
Aug. 10. 17. Form of Proclamation of King George I. (v. No. 7 i.) [C.O. 5, 290. p. 76.]
Aug. 11.
Whitehall.
18. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Bolingbroke. Enclose copies of memorials by James Campbell (Aug. 9) and Capt. Taverner (March 31), and of their own representation thereupon (April 2) to be laid before the Lords Justices for their pleasure upon the several particulars therein mentioned. Continue:— We are inform'd unless their Excellencies' directions are sent by the sloop now going for the Continent, there will be no other conveniency of sending thither till the spring, except a ship be sent thither on purpose. Autograph signatures. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 23. No. 13; and 195, 5. pp. 396, 397.]
Aug. 11.
Whitehall.
19. Same to the Duke of Shrewsbury, Lord High Treasurer. Request payment of enclosed account of office expenses and six months' salaries due Midsummer last. [C.O. 389, 37. pp. 79, 80.]
Aug. 11. 20. Circular letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations to Governors of Plantations. Enclose letter from the Lords Justices for proclaiming King George I., etc. We earnestly recommend to you that you proceed without loss of time in the execution of those orders, etc., and you are to return a speedy account of your proceedings therein. Quote Act for the security of the Protestant succession continuing the use of the public seals until H.M. successor shall give order to the contrary. Mem. The latter sentence was omitted to the Proprietary Governmts. and to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Printed, Mass. Hist. Soc. Proc. 2nd Ser. xv. 335. [C.O. 324, 10. pp. 56, 57; and 152, 12. p. 142.]
Aug. 12.
Whitehall.
21. Lord Bolingbroke to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Col. Moody having represented in his letters, that several of the French inhabitants of the best condition at Placentia seem inclineable to swear allegiance to the King and to continue there. That it would be for the public service, if he had liberty to portion out some of the wast ground in Newfoundland to the soldiers and their familys, as the French have formerly done there, and now do in the Island of Cape Breton. That the French never allowed their inhabitants, or fishing ships, to make use of the Beach upon which the Fort of Placentia is built, that they set apart for fishery and trade, the grand Beach on the other side of the Harbour, which lyes within musquet shot of the batterys, and that he is of opinion the same methods ought to be continued. And that he desires to be informed how far Placentia and its dependancys, are subject to the jurisdiction of Captains of the King's men of warr and the fishing Admirals, and also if he ought not to have the distribution and direction of all the stages and fishing beaches, that may be quitted by the French inhabitants, to the English fishing ships, when they arrive in Placentia, St. Peters, etc. I am directed by the Lords Justices, to desire that your Lordps. will take the several heads above-mentioned forthwith into your consideration, and report your opinion what may be properly done, upon each of them respectively, and state particularly how the law stands, with respect to the Captains of the King's ships and fishing Admirals. Capt. Moody taking notice in his Memorial, of the want of a sloop of about 100 tuns to be under his direction, with ten men to man the same, for observing the proceedings of the French, for visiting and assisting the other English settlements in Newfoundland, and other publick services, I have writ to the Admiralty concerning the expence and method of furnishing this ship, but I am directed by the Lords Justices to desire, that you will report your opinion, as to the use that you judge such a sloop as is desired may be of to the publick service, that so the necessary directions for providing the same may be given, if your Lops. shall be of opinion, that the end proposed thereby may answer the expence of it. As I believe in a very little time a vessell will be sent away with Instructions to Mr. Moody, which cannot be concluded till you make your report, and as this opportunity, will probably be the last that we shall have of sending to Newfoundland this year, I am by directions of the Lords Justices to let you know, that you are to transmit this report to me as soon as possible, and whatever else you may have before you necessary for Col. Moody's or Capt. Taverner's instruction or information. Signed, Bolingbroke. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 13th Aug., 1714. 2½ pp. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 48; and 195, 5. pp. 401–403.]
Aug. 12.
Placentia.
22. Same to Lt. Governor Moody. Your dispatch from Placentia of June 22 is come to my hands, and I have laid it before the Lords Justices. It was very welcome news to hear that you were so happily arrived with the British Forces at Placentia, and had taken possession of that place, and of the whole Island of Newfoundland in the name of her late Majty., pursuant to the Treaty of Peace. It is not doubted but you will use your utmost endeavours to strengthen and secure the British settlement in that town, and to improve in the best manner the fishery, and all other advantages of this nation in that country. The Hazard sloop being ready to sail for North America, I would not delay writing to you, tho' in the few days since your letter has come to hand, and in the great hurry which you will easily imagine every Office and every man of business must have been in on the great event of the Queen's death, it has not been possible either to make the necessary preparations for your supply, or to come to definitive resolutions on the several things you propose. It will however be some satisfaction to you, that the methods of supporting you and of improving the advantages gained by the acquisition of Placentia are taken into very serious consideration by the Lords Justices, and will I make no doubt be promoted very effectually. The several heads which you write to me upon and which Mr. Campbell likewise represented to the Board of Trade have been layd before the Lords Justices, and the proper orders have been given to the several Offices to report their opinions in some cases and to make the necessary preparations in others. Dispatch is recommended to all of them, and I have given notice to the Secry. at Warr that he should take care to sollicit the Treasry. himself and make your Agent Mr. Thurston perform his part, as I beleive Mr. Campbell will perform his. I hope in three weeks time a vessell may be dispatched on purpose to carry you definitive and express orders in every point, and also such necessary supplys as you have writ for. In the mean time I am to tell you, by the command of the Lords Justices, that they approve of your detaining the transport for Capt. Taverner's use, who I hear arrived at Placentia a few days after your letter to me of the 22d. of June was writ. Their Excys. would have this Gentleman pursuant to his Instructions with all possible dispatch and care proceed on the intended survey. It had been happy if the necessarys which he desired in Aprill last had been furnished. It is not my business to enquire why that was omitted, but orders are now given for the dispatch of them, and I hope by the ship which you are to expect soon after the arrival of this letter all that is necessary for Capt. Taverner's going forward with his work will be supplyed. In a memorial presented by Capt. Taverner to the Board of Trade, the Lds. Justices observe, that he desires to be informed whether the French have the liberty to cut down trees in the Petit Nort, in answer to which their Excys. command me to say that they do not understand the French to have this liberty by the Treaty. Their Excys. command me in answer to the question you ask whether the French officers may be permitted to sell their houses, lands and estates to the best bidder, for the present to give you no other instruction than this, that these houses should go to the Officers of the Garrison for the time being. I may perhaps by the next opportunity write more particularly to you upon this head. The Lords Justices think the Treaty so express as to the limitts in which the French are to fish, that it is matter of some surprize how they should venture to come, as you write to Mr. Campbell, several of their ships have come to fish within 15 leagues of Placentia. Their Excys. hope that Capt. Taverner has beat them off, and it is their positive order to you, that you oblige them to keep within the limits prescribed by the Treaty. That you give them warning to forbear fishing whenever they exceed those limits, and that if this warning is not taken you should prevent them by force and make seizure of their vessells. I have at this time nothing more to add but my hearty wishes, that you may for H.M. service and the good of our Country improve to the utmost the advantages of Newfoundland, which I am perswaded we are very far from having a full knowledge of. You may depend that nothing in my power shall be left undone to support and encourage you in this good work. Signed, Bolingbroke. [C.O. 324, 33. pp. 58–61.]
Aug. 12.
Whitehall.
23. Lord Bolingbroke to Capt. Taverner. I am very glad to hear, that you are arrived at Placentia, and tho' much time has been lost to your great disappointment, and in my opinion to the prejudice of the publick service, in setting forward the worke for which you was designed; yet I hope that ample amends will be made for both. A ship will be despatched etc. as in preceding. As to your own interest, I am your witness, and will be your Sollicitor. In the meanwhile I persuade myself you neither have nor will be wanting to do the best you can in your present circumstances, towards answering the end of your Commission, and promoting the King's service. As you are Surveyor of Newfoundland I am to desire, that you will, by your first letter, report whether it may be of conveniency, or advantage to the fishery, to fish on that beach of Placentia, where it is said the French did not use to suffer their people to fish, and whether the allowing hereof may be of any prejudice to the Fort. Signed, Bolingbroke. [C.O. 324, 33. pp. 62, 63.]
Aug. 12.
Whitehall.
24. Lord Bolingbroke to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Lords Justices desire to have an account forthwith laid before them of what has been done since the peace relating to Hudson's Bay, Nova Scotia, and St. Christophers. Some things have passed in my Office, others I believe in the Treasury, and a considerable deal I doubt not has been done by your Lops.— wherefore if your Lops. please to collect a perfect state of the whole I will furnish you with what you may want from me. I am likewise on this occasion to put your Lops. in mind of the points referred by the Treaty of Peace with France to the discussion of Commissarys, that their Excellencys may be acquainted with the Orders given to the Commissarys of Commerce in those matters, and their proceedings thereupon. Your letter of the 30th of July relating to Capt. Vanbrugh has been laid before the Lords Justices, and the orders their Excys. have been pleased to give thereupon have been sent to the Treasury and to the Admiralty. It is likewise thought fit that your Lops. in your station should advertise the Governours and other Officers in the Plantations of their duty in the particulars mentioned in your letter, both with respect to the trading to the French settlements, and to the illegal landing of goods from thence. Signed, Bolingbroke. Endorsed, Recd. 13th, Read 14th Augt., 1714. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 134, 2. No. 43; and 135, 3. pp. 133, 134.]
Aug. 14.
Whitehall.
25. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Bolingbroke. Reply to preceding. Enclose copies of memorials from Col. Vetch, the Hudsons Bay Co., and petitions and representation relating to St. Kitts etc. Conclude:—We shall take care by the first opportunity to send directions to the Governors and other officers in the Plantations, in relation to the illegal trade between the sd. Plantations and the said French settlements. Autograph signatures. 3 pp. Enclosed,
25. i., ii. Duplicates of Nos. 3 and 4. [C.O. 217, 31. Nos. 11, 11 i.; and 134, 3. Nos. 20, 21 (enclosures only); and (without enclosures) 135, 3. pp. 134–136.]
Aug. 14.
Whitehall.
26. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Bolingbroke. Reply to No. 21. We humbly represent that ye allowing the French inhabitants to remain, notwithstanding they should swear allegiance to the King, may be attended with ill consequences; for that upon any rupture with France, they may take arms against his Majesty, as they have done on other occasions, and particularly in Nova Scotia, as we are inform'd by Col. Vetch who commanded the garrison there. Upon the taking of that country from the French, the inhabitants swore allegiance to her late Majesty, but soon after, all H.M. forces (except the garrison that remain'd in Annapolis Royal) were withdrawn, the French rose in a body, took arms, were by a preist at the head of them, absolv'd of their said oath, and block'd up the Fort and Garrison for several months; nor did the French return to their obedience till the peace was proclaim'd. And Placentia being so near to Cape Breton, which is now settling and fortifying, and also in the way of ships sailing to and from Canada, we apprehend it may be dangerous to leave the French upon Newfoundland. As to Col. Moody's proposal of apportioning some of the waste ground to the soldiers and their families, we are humbly of opinion, that till it be known what British families are gone, or what shall go next fishing season to settle there, and that returns are made by Capt. Taverner of the survey he is to make there, no disposition be made of the sd. lands to the soldiers, but that they be kept to their duty, till H.M. pleasure shall be known. As to the using or not using of the beach on which the Fort is built, we are not able to give any opinion how necessary it may be to the fishing ships, or inconvenient to the Garrison, till the return of the said survey be made, as also the opinion of Col. Nicholson, which we have reason to expect, since we are inform'd that he designs to be soon at Placentia to view that garrison. As to his desire to be inform'd how far Placentia etc. are subject to the jurisdiction of Capts. of the King's ships of war, and the fishing Admirals, we are humbly of opinion that Placentia etc. ought for the present to be subject to the regulations in the Act of 11th and 12th of King William III., to incourage the Trade to Newfoundland, untill further regulations can be made by Parliament. The purport of which Act in relation to the Admirals of Harbours and the Capts. of the King's ships, is as follows, that every fishing ship from Great Britain, or the fishermen thereof, that shall first enter any harbour or creek in Newfoundland, shall be Admiral of the said Harbour, for that season, and that the master of the second ship so entring shall be Vice-Admiral, and the third, RearAdmiral; and if any persons are possess'd of sevl. places in several creeks or harbours, they shall make their election, which they will abide in, within 48 hours after any demand of any after comer, and in case of any difference touching the said matters or any other differences arising between the masters of fishing ships and the inhabitants there, about fishing rooms, stages, flakes etc., such differences and disputes shall be determin'd by the fishing Admirals in their respective harbours, an appeal being reserv'd to the Commanders of the men of war, appointed convoys for Newfoundland. As to his having the distribution of the beaches and stages, quitted by the French, we are humbly of opinion, that the officers of garrison ought not to have anything to do with the Fishery. But that the beaches and stages ought to be left to the public use, and disposed of according as in the said Act is directed. As to Col. Moody's desire of a sloop of about 100 tons with 10 men to be under his direction for observing the proceedings of the French, for visiting and assisting the other English settlements in Newfoundld. and other public service; we take leave to observe that by memorials we have receiv'd from Biddiford and Barnstable, they desire that some men of war be order'd every fishing season to cruize on the coast of Newfoundland for preventing the French to fish in any harbours, and from settling there, for protecting the fishery from pirates, and preventing illegal trade. This we are humbly of opinion will be much more effectual for the purposes above said, than such a sloop as Col. Moody mentions; besides wch. we conceive such a sloop can be of little use there in ye winter season for the purposes above-mentioned, by reason of the ice. We further take notice that Capt. Taverner is by his Instructions, to have one of the transports that lately went to Newfoundland. [C.O. 195, 5. pp. 404–409.]
Aug. 16.
Boston.
27. Mr. Addington to Mr. Popple. Encloses Minutes of Council, 2nd Dec., 1712, to 20th June, 1713; Journal of Assembly May—Oct., 1713, and Acts 1712–1714. Signed, Isa. Addington. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Oct., 1714, Read 25th June, 1718. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 155; and 5, 915. pp. 136, 137.]
Aug. 19.
Boston, New-England.
28. Governor Dudley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Your Lordships' letters of the 6th April referring to the Articles of peace, and commerce concluded between Great Brittain and Spain, with H.M. proclamation thereupon arrived here the 18th June, and two days after were made publick with all solemnity in both the provinces of the Massachusets and New Hampshire, and will be observ'd accordingly. Encloses papers, as July 13 and Aug. 16. Continues: The French in the neighbourhood of these provinces are so industrious to draw off our tribes of Indians at the Eastward from their obedience to H.M., that I was forced to direct their attendance of me at Portsmouth in New Hampshire on the 21st Aug. last past, whither I was attended by the Gentlemen of the Councils of both the provinces, and I had General Nicholson's company with me, and the Indians made their appearance by 27 of their Sachems, and Delegates, and I went over the Articles of pacification signed by them the last year, which I transmitted to your Lordships, to which I now added the present Sachems consent, and presented them with cloath, woolen, and linnen, tobacco, ammunition for their hunting to the value of 150l. as we are forced always to do in these Governments, as well as at Albany, and elsewhere, and I part'd in all friendship, and hope I shall be quiet with them. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Oct., 1714, Read 25th June, 1718. 1 p. Enclosed,
28. i. Copy of submission and pacification of the Eastern Indians, Portsmouth, 13th July, 1713. 5¾ pp.
28. ii. Ratification of preceding agreement, 28th July, 1714, signed by the Sachems that were not present and had not signed the last year. Totem marks and names. Nos. i. and ii. endorsed as covering letter. 1¾ p.[C.O. 5, 866. Nos. 156, 156 i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 915. pp. 137–139.]
Aug. 19.
Boston, New England.
29. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. In this packet are the Minutes, Acts, and other papers to be humbly lay'd before their Lordships. I have your commands referring to seeds, or roots for the Garden. I was-so little acquainted with the Flower Garden of England, when I was at Home, that if you would tell me the names of anything you think, we have here, I should be glad to know it against the season which for seeds is Michaelmas and for roots the Spring. I shall send any thing, that I think acceptable when the time comes. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Oct., 1714, Read 25th June, 1718. Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 157; and (first paragraph only) 5, 915. p. 139.]
[Aug. 19.] 30. Stephen Duport to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays for a report on petitions presented May 14th relating to St. Christophers. Endorsed, Recd. 19th, Read 20th Aug., 1714. ½ p. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 30.]
Aug. 19.
Whitehal.
31. Council of Trade and Plantations to Col. Sharpe, President of the Council of Barbados. Her late Majesty having been inform'd that an illegal trade has been carry'd on between several of ye British Plants. in America (and particularly from Barbadoes) by Capt. Vanbrugh, Commander of ye Sorlings, who brought some wine and brandy from Martinico and ye French settlements in those parts, to ye prejudice of the trade of this Kingdom, and in violation of ye laws thereof, and ye treaties between this Kingdom and France, their Excellencys ye Lords Justices have commanded us to send you an extract of ye Treaty of Peace and Neutrality in America, 1686, [quoted]. We further find by ye 40th Article of ye Instructions to the Capts. of ye ships of war, that the said Capts. are expressly restrain'd from taking any goods and merchandizes on board ye said ships. Upon all wch. we are commanded to signify to you that you take particular care for ye future that the foremention'd Treaty be punctualy observ'd, and put in execution and that no illegal trade be carry'd on between H.M. Island of Barbadoes under your Government, and ye French settlements in America by any of H.M. ships of war attending Barbadoes, or by other Brittish ships; as likewise that none of ye French subjects be allow'd to trade from their said settlements to Barbadoes. And whereas Col. Maycock ye Treasr. of Barbadoes has been very active in opposing ye offrs. of ye Customs in ye executn. of their office a particular account thereof you will find in ye inclos'd paper etc., we think it is impossible ye laws can be put in execution unless ye said officers are countenanc'd and supported in doing their duty, wch. we particularly recommend to your care. [C.O. 29, 13. pp. 95–98.]
Aug. 19. 32. Memorandum of circular letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations to the Governors of Plantations, as preceding, mutatis mutandis. [C.O. 153, 12. p. 143; and 324, 10. p. 58.]
Aug. 23.
Boston.
33. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. Encloses papers which had been mislayd by the officer of Newhampshire etc. Cf. 19th Aug. Signed, J. Dudley. Holograph. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 158.]
Aug. 27.
New York.
34. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses Acts past in the last two Sessions of Assembly, "the severall incidents which stopt the saileing of the Queen's ship the Sorlings has occasioned the delay of those past in the former Sessions till now," etc. That for laying an excise on all strong liquors retailed in this Colony, is intended for the payment of the publick debts, and has relation to the Act past in the house of Representatives for that purpose which is now with ye Councill under consideration of the Committee, and I hope tho' it is a very long one (the claimes and debts which are allowed just, being particularly narrated in the Bill) it may be expedited before the ship sails that I may be the better able to remarke upon both and transmitt it with the other upon which it depends, to your Lordps. That for paying sundry summes to severall persons therein mentioned is for paying the Commissioners who stated the publick accounts, their Clerk and incidents. An Act to impower Dutches County to elect a Supervisor, a Treasurer, Assessors and Collectors. This County was formerly by reason of it's small inhabitants annex't to another by an Act of Assembly, but that Act being expired and the number of inhabitants encreas'd, it was necessary that they shou'd have county officers of their own. An Act for levying and paying the severall duties therein mentioned etc. Bills of this nature have been formerly sent up by the House of Representatives with clauses derogatory to H.M. Prerogative, for which reason they were not past, but in this these clauses are left out. An Act for lycenseing hawkers and pedlars. The cheife intent of this Act is ye encouragement of ye city, and shop keepers, and at ye same time if it does not lessen ye number of pedlars, obleige them to pay something towards the uses of the Government, being an unsettled vagrant sort of men who for that reason heretofore paid nothing. An Act for collecting and paying to the County Treasurer the arrears of taxes in the County of Richmond for defraying the necessary publick charge of the said County. The defects in former Acts had created a necessity of passing this, and there being likewise provision by a law for defraying the publick charges of other countyes. An Act for a supply to be granted to H.M. for supporting the Government for ye ensueing yeare. After much difficulty the Assembly past last yeare an Act of the same nature, laying a duty on wine, rum and European goods imported from the Plantations. In this they have left out the duty on rum, which was ye only branch to be relyed on, that on wine will most assuredly bring in nothing or next to nothing this yeare, the country being overstocked with wine for one whole yeare soe that this Government must as it has done hitherto subsist itself, and at the end of the yeare goe abegging to the Assembly to make good their resolves and the deficiencies, and tis great odds that they will doe neither. If it be for H.M. service and interest that her Government here should remaine upon this foot, I am satisfyed, tho' by accounts and vouchers of their own stateing and allowance they owe me already neare to £5,000. I lay my account with haveing rumm enough imported this yeare to stock the country for the ensueing, and then the duty on wines to be taken off and the support given out of a duty on rumm. Refers to enclosed account of the Revenue for last yeare out of which I have had barely ye salary appointed me by H.M., not all I have expended for fireing and candles for the garrisons, and not one farthing for all my contingent expences of Government. An Act for the Treasurer's paying to H.E. a summe of money for presents to ye Indians and for his expences in going to Albany. All I shall remark upon this Bill is that the summe is not sufficient to purchase the presents those Indians now expect, who are grown very uneasy for want of it. They want to have the hatchett taken out of their hands as they call it, but the truth is that they have beene hitherto soe accustomed to presents from the time of the first settlement when they were considerable and the Province weake that it is now grown into a sort of tribute which they most certainley expect, and the Assembly unwillingly give, soe that I must either resolve to be a loser myselfe or venture a disturbance on the frontiers which cannot be for H.M. interest, and have accordingly appointed Sept. 15th for the day of meeting the Five Nations as they are called at Albany, and doe not doubt but to settle all matters soe with them that they may be quiet and the country enjoy perfect security. Sept. 6th. Since ye writeing of what is above the Assembly has agreed to all ye amendments made by ye Councill to the Act for paying and dischargeing the publick debts, which I have past and publish't and now with ye rest transmitt to your Lordps., and most humbly and earnestly recommend it to your Lordps. for your speedy inspection and approbation, in order to Her Majesty's, upon which I know in a great measure that depends. Had I known or cold I have apprehended that there was anything in that Act, either contrary to my Instructions, or H.M. interests, tho' I am reduced to very great necessities, I had not past it nor ye other to which it has relation; but the first, I meane that for appropriateing ye duty on liquors retailed toward ye payment of publick debts, I cannot doubt but your Lordships will allow to be reasonable, seeing H.M. has not thought fitt to apply that Fond by Act of Parliament to any other use. And the duties on wine, rumm, negroes and tonnage of vessels and European goods imported from other Plantations will be sufficient for an honourable support to her Government here. Neither is it in reality any other than Act for ye support of Government it being for payment of what is due for its past support and publick services in it. In other Provinces that fund is lodged in the Country Treasurer's hands for the country's use, soe that it is noe new thing. Your Lordp. will observe that there is due to me neare £5,000 of this money which arrises from my arreares of sallary rebuilding and repaireing the forts and magazines and other publick services as appeared by the accounts stated and allow'd by their own Commissioners appointed for that purpose and afterwards by themselves soe that if these Bills miscarry I shall be in a more deplorable condition then the worst of my enimies could wish me. Your Lordps. well know what I have suffered upon the account of the Palatines not one of my bills for their subsistance being paid, whilst I stand indebted upon that score more than I shall ever be able to pay in my life without H.M. gracious assistance. That People scatter themselves abroad but generally within the two Provinces, soe that if ever H.M. is pleased to resume that designe I shall be able to gather together a number sufficient to carry on that work. The trees are now ready for manufactureing and I want nothing but money to imploy hands to make a very considerable quantity of tarr haveing had ye trees tryed which for ye most part answer expectation. I have sent by this ship to my Agent Mr. Strahan, the Journals and Leidgers of that People's subsistance attested by the oaths of ye commissaries and officers who kept these books and accounts, and I cannot doubt but your Lordps. will give him your generous assistance in his endeavours for my releife in compassion to one who sufferrs, if he must suffer for haveing strictley observ'd and executed H.M. orders. There were some other Acts past on the same day with that for paying the debts, which your Lordps, shall have by a ship which is to saile soon, but it was impossible to have them ingrossed time enough for this conveyance. They are not of any consequence. I must begg leave once more to recommend myselfe and my hard circumstances to your Lordps., etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 21st Oct., 1714, Read 21st June, 1715. 10 pp. Enclosed,
34. i. List of Acts passed in New York 1713, 1714. Same endorsement. 1½ pp.
34. ii. Account of the Revenue raised by an Act of New York, July 1st, 1713—June, 1714. Total, £3,222 1s. 6d. Issued in Governor's and other officers' salaries. Signed, H. Byerley, Collr. Same endorsement. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. Nos. 82, 82 i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 1123. pp. 279–286.]
Aug. 27.
N. York.
35. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations. This acknowledges the honour of yr. Lordps.' with the Treaties of Peace and Commerce with Spaine which I have published in both Provinces, etc. Refers to enclosed list of Acts of New Jersey passed in the last sessions 23 publick and 15 private ones. I know as near as I can judge that none of these Acts are contrary, but conformable as much as can be to H.M. Instructions for which reason your Lordps. will not be troubled with reading many remarks. Our men of noise have exerted their talent against the Act, that ye solemn affirmation of ye people called Quakers etc. Your Lorps. well know that H.M. Instructions to me are possitive for endeavouring to procure and pass such an Act, which of itselfe is sufficient reason to me for soe doeing, but the state of that Province absolutely requires such one, that people being by farr the most numerous and wealthy in the Western Division, and as I may affirm upon experience the most dutyfull. There are besides some Acts relateing to the practice of the law, which the lawyers and none but they cavil at. The practicers of law (for there is not a lawyer in the country) were by their illegal exactions and unwarrantable splitting and spinning out of causes, become the only remaineing greivance in that country, the ordinance and ye law enforceing ye observation of it with the other Acts for regulating their practice were ment and framed to prevent for the future these abuses. Your Lorps. can never be induced to beleive that the unreasonable gaines of a very few can outweigh or over-ballance the quiet and prosperity of a whole Province, soe I need say noe more upon that head. The Act laying a duty on slaves is calculated to encourage the importation of white servants for the better peopleing that country, a law something like that in Pensilvania haveing evidently had that effect. That for laying a duty on wheat exported is for the encouragement of their own manufacture of bolting, that they themselves may have the benefitts arriseing from their own produce. That for confirming conveyances of land, made by wills and powers of attorney was judg'd absolutely necessary, for in a new country the Proprietors of which live for ye greatest part in England, where also the original grants and deeds remaine, without such a law noe man will venture to purchase lands or can be safe in his purchase if he should. There are amongst the private bills two for naturalizing three persons inhabitants of that Province, Mr. Baird is a very worthy and ingenuous man, and one of the most considerable traders in that country, and very usefull to ye Government which are sufficient inducements to recommend his Act to H.M. approbation. I acquainted Mr. Popple of ye reason which induced the Assembly there to settle the support of Government for a shorter time then they had proposed, when there apprehensions are over, and the malitious designe of such insinuations more aparent, as they already beginn to be, I make noe doubt of settleing that and other matters in that Province in a manner agreeable to H.M. interest and your Lordps.' desire. The Act for ascertaineing and settleing the property of lands comeing in late in that Session, miscarryed for want of being rightly understood. The tenures in the Western Division are so doubtful or precarious (occupancey being one of their best titles) that it must either remaine unpeopled, or the people be involved in unextricable law suites and confusion without such an Act which I shall endeavour to procure next Assembly. Mr. Sonman's sometime of H.M. Councill in the Jerseys haveing as I formerly inform'd your Lordps. stole and conveyed away out of the Province all ye publick Records, thought fitt after haveing sometime absconded to convey himselfe to England, where he has imploy'd much time in writeing over malicious and false reports to alarm the people, and in as much as in him lyes to continue ye confusion which he cheifly raised there, soe I firmley hope he can neither find creditt with or countenance from your Lordpps. howsoever he comes recommended. I shall at my next goeing to the Jerseys endeavour to open a Court of Chancery there which is indeed much wanted. I humbly recommend myselfe to yor. Lordships' patronage. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 21st Oct., 1714, Read 20th March, 17 15/16. 5 pp. Enclosed,
35. i. List of 38 Acts past in New Jersey, 1714. Same endorsement. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 971. Nos. 9, 9 i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 995. pp. 310–315.]
Aug. 28.
Freehold, in ye County of Monmouth, in ye Eastern Division of New Jersy.
36. Joseph Morgan to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses scheme for the improvement of navigation, etc. (v. Aug. 5). Signed, Joseph Morgan. Addressed. Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 971. No. 19.]
Aug. 30.
St. James's.
37. Mr. Addison to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Lords Justices desire you will attend them on Wednesday etc., prepared to give them an account of Mr. Taverner, how he came to be employ'd and how he was qualified for the service for which he was appointed, etc.. Signed, J. Addison. Endorsed, Recd. Read, Aug. 31st, 1714. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 51; and 195, 5. p. 413.]