America and West Indies: March 1715, 1-15

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: March 1715, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715, (London, 1928) pp. 110-122. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp110-122 [accessed 26 April 2024]

March 1715, 1-15

March 2.
St. James's.
247. H.M. commission renewing appointment of Daniel Smith as Lt. Governor of Nevis. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 100.]
March 2.
Boston, in New England.
248. Council of the Massachusetts Bay to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The six months from the demise of Her late Majesty Queen Anne of blessed memory limited by the Parliament of Great Britain for continuing of civil and military officers in their respective offices, places and employments expiring the first of February past and no Order arriving from His present Majesty for their further and longer continuance therein so that there being no person within this Province commissionated by our Sovereign Lord King George to be Governour within the same The Council were humbly of opinion that according to the Constitution of the Royall Charter etc. the Government was devolved upon the Council and they held themselves oblidged to undertake the administration thereof etc. for the welfare and safety of H.M. subjects within this Province until H.M. further pleasure should be known. The necessity of steadying H.M. subjects in a dutiful obedience to the Laws and Government also demanding the same, for the conservation of the peace and upholding good rule and order. We have in most humble and dutiful manner laid an accompt of our proceeding before His Sacred Majesty in a letter to the Right Honourable —, one of H.M. principal Secretaries of State etc. Signed, Wm. Tailer, John Appleton, John Clark, J. Davenport, Thomas Noyes, Thos. Hutchinson, Benja. Lynde, Wait Winthrop, Elisha Hutchinson, Samuel Sewall, Joseph Lynde, Em. Hutchinson, Penn Townsend, Andr. Belcher, Edw. Bromfield, Nathl. Paine, Saml. Appleton. Endorsed, Recd. 10th May, 1715, Read 26th June, 1718. 2 pp. Enclosed,
248. i. Proclamation by the Council of the Massachusetts Bay, Boston, 4th Feb., 1715. Recite case as in the preceding and require all officers civil and military to attend their duty, the Government now devolving upon the Council, etc. Signed, William Tailer, Wait Winthrop, Elisha Hutchinson, Samuel Sewall, Joseph Lynde, Eliakim Hutchinson, Penn Townsend, John Appleton, John Higginson, Andrew Belcher, Edward Bromfield, Samuel Appleton, Isaac Winslow, Benjamin Lynde, John Clark, Addington Davenport, Thomas Hutchinson. Same endorsement. Headpiece, the Royal Arms. Printed, by B. Green, etc. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 866. Nos. 166, 166 i.]
March 3. 249. Mr. Thurston to Mr. Popple. Encloses following to be laid before the Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, J. Thurston. Endorsed, Recd. Read 3rd March, 1714/15. 1 p.
249. i. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to Mr. Thurston, Jamaica, Jan. 3, 1714/15. Encloses muster rolls of the two Independent Companies. Urges him to use all possible diligence in speedily procuring subsistance for them. "Since May last the country has not made any provision for the soldiers here, and the burden from that time till the subsistance can come, has, and will ly allmost wholely on myself; I desire you will therefore from time to time as soon as you receive money advise me thereof, that I may draw upon you. I have not recd. any letters from you or my friends since yours with the news of the Queen's death etc., so that I am altogether in the dark whether I am to be relived or confirm'd; if that matter be not determined by the 15th inst. by my receiving new powers, their will some inconveniencys arrise, there being some here that are of oppinion the Government then dissolves, interpretting the six months mentioned in the Law to be lunar, not Kalendar months. However upon so criticall a juncture, in that case, I shall take upon me to act so farr as to keep up the form of Government and the publick Peace and quiet of the Island; But since this inconveniency must be foreseen at home, I still promise myself it will be prevented. Refers to the continuance of the factious temper of the Assembly. I am well inform'd that there is, or soon will be, a petition or remonstrance, or something of that nature, to which subscriptions are solliciting here for raising money to inforce it; I have not hitherto been able to be fully inform'd of the contents, but I can very easily conjecture at the substance which I take to be (1) To represent their inability longer to subsist any soldiers here. (2) That Assemblys here may have the same priviledges and powers as the Parliament of Great Britain. (3) The poverty of the Country is such that it is unable to support the expence of the sallary of a Captn. Generall, and that a Lt. Governor would every way answer all ends. I need not tell you who are at the head of these projects etc. Urges him to be "watchfull in counteracting such rediculous schemes, etc." Signed, A. Hamilton. 3¾ pp. [C.O. 137, 10. Nos. 59, 59 i.; and 138, 14. pp. 172–175.]
March 3.
St. James's.
250. H.M. Warrant revoking the patent of Jeremy Bass and appointing James Smith Secretary of New Jersey. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 117, 118.]
March 3.
Whitehall.
251. Mr. Popple to the Mayor of Bydeford. Reply to Feb. 1st. The convoy for the Newfoundland ships desired by you etc., is now under the consideration of the Lords Commissrs. of the Admiralty. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 29.]
March 3.
Whitehall.
252. Mr. Popple to the Mayor of Dartmouth. Reply to Feb. 18. Not knowing what particular paper you call a scheme for the Newfoundland trade, the Council of Trade and Plantations will be glad to receive, as soon as conveniently may be, what you and the merchts. of Dartmouth may have to offer, etc. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 30.]
March 4.
Whitehall.
253. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Enclose following: "We are preparing the necessary Instructions with all possible despatch." Annexed,
253. i. Commission for Benjn. Bennet to be Lt. Governor of Bermuda. In the usual form. The Commission of Henry Pulleyn is revoked. Dated, Westminster, 28th May, 1715. [C.O. 38, 7. pp. 199–220.]
March 4.
Whitehall.
254. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Refer to Feb. 11, etc. We have no objection to Governor Hart, security being first given for his observing the Acts of Trade and Navigation, as in the like cases. [C.O. 5, 727. pp. 444, 445.]
March 5.
Biddeford.
255. Mayor of Bideford to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays to be heard on behalf of the inhabitants of Biddeford, as being deeply concerned in the trade and fishery of Newfoundland (perhaps the most of any one town in England) before any resolution be taken therein. Signed, Cha. Davie, Mayor. Endorsed, Recd. 9th March, Read 6th April, 1715. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 85.]
March 7.
Whitehall.
256. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The season of the year for sending to Newfoundland now advancing, I am to put you in mind of the directions you have from time to time received, both in relation to the Garrison and Trade of that place, that so you may without loss of time prepare your report of the same to be laid before his Majesty. Signed, James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. Read 9th March, 17 14/15. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 78; and 195, 6. p. 49.]
March 7.
London.
257. Richard Harris to Mr. Popple. I will send you a copy of the petition of Jamaica merchants and planters prepared to be laid before H.M. touching the Island of Hispaniola, etc. Signed, Rd. Harris. Endorsed, Recd. 7th, Read 8th March, 17 14/15. Addressed. ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 10. No. 60.]
March 7.
Colchester.
258. Richard Rigby to Mr. Popple. Very urgent occasions prevent me from attending the Board till about a fortnight hence, etc. Signed, Richd. Rigby. Endorsed, Recd. Read 9th March, 17 14/15. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 10. No. 61.]
March 8.
Whitehall.
259. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Encloses following, for the directions of the Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty therein, etc. Annexed,
260. Heads of Enquiry and Instructions for the Commodore of the Newfoundland Convoy. Of the usual kind. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 31–48.]
March 8.
Whitehall.
261. Mr. Pringle to Mr. Popple. The inclosed paper having been putt into Mr. Secretary Stanhope's hands, it is to be laid before the Council of Trade and Plantations, etc. Signed, Ro. Pringle. Endorsed, Recd. Read 9th March, 17 14/15. ¾ p. Enclosed,
261. i. A memorandum relating to the disposal of the late French part of St. Christophers. Contains proposals for the most part embodied in Representation of May 3rd q.v. No date or signature. 3 pp. [C.O. 152, 10. Nos. 41, 41 i.; and (without enclosure) 153, 12. pp. 186, 187.]
March 8.
Whitehall.
262. Mr. Popple to Col. Nicholson. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire, you will let them have, as soon as may be, what you have to offer in relation to Nova Scotia, particularly what you can propose, to make that place of advantage to the Crown and this Kingdom. [C.O. 218, 1. p. 166.]
March 9. 263. Col. Vetch to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I could not but judge it my duty, etc. to putt your Lordships in mind of the circumstances of Nova Scotia, the French inhabitants being in a manner oblidged to leave the country by the treatment they received from Mr. Nicholson while Govr. there, etc. Refers to affidavits of persons lately come from thence. Continues:—As the season of the year now advances, unless some speedy orders are sent to prevent the inhabitants removeal with their catle and effects to Cape Brittoun as it will wholly strip and ruine Nova Scotia so it will att once make Cape Brittoun a populous and well stocked Colony which many years and great expence could not have done directly from France, etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch. Endorsed, Recd. Read 9th March, 17 14/15. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
263. i. Memorandum [? by Col. Vetch]. Mr. Shirif the deponent about Annapolis affairs is in toun was Clerk to Lt. Govr. Cawfeild who will inform the board how the gates of the fort are ordered to be kept shutt to debarr correspondence with the inhabitants to oblidge them to go to Cape Brittoun. Many more soldiers are in toun who cann give the board some acct. of affairs there, etc. ½ p. [C.O. 217, 1. Nos. 93, 93 i.; and (without enclosure) 218, 1. pp. 166–168.]
March 9.
Whitehall.
264. Mr. Popple to Col. Vetch. In reply to preceding, the Council of Trade and Plantations desire you to bring Mr. Shirif to the Board on Tuesday morning, and such other persons as you judge can give any account of the affairs mention'd, etc. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 168, 169.]
March 9.
St. James's.
265. H.M. Warrant granting Thomas Windham, Register of the Court of Chancery in Jamaica, leave to reside in England, and execute that office of deputy, he having represented "that being employed in our service at home he cannot without prejudice thereto as well as to his own private affairs attend the said office in person," etc. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 118, 119.]
March 9.
St. James's.
266. H.M. Warrant, revoking the patents of Alexander Skeene and appointing Joseph Micklethwait Secretary of Barbados and Clerk of the Courts there. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 122, 123.]
March 10.
Whitehall.
267. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Reply to Feb. 25th. We have consider'd the letter from Mr. Bromley to Col. Moody of 8th Sept. last, and are thereupon of opinion, that such a letter be sent with the following alteration vizt: After these words, That none of the waste ground there, shou'd be dispos'd of till further order, we propose what follows may be added, and that none of the inhabitants upon pretence of purchases from the French do hinder the fishing ships from using the proper rooms necessary for the curing of their fish; And as to the disposal of such rooms to the said fishing ships, that is to be entirely left to the directions of the Act of Parliament. We agree with the clause in the letter relating to a sloop desir'd by Colo. Moody, and tho' the service intended for such a sloop may be best perform'd by a man of war, yet we are of opinion that it is necessary there shou'd be a large boat there, capable of transporting detachments of the Garrison from one place to another as there may be occasion; but not to be us'd on any pretence in the Fishery or other trade. We have also consider'd the letter from the Board of Ordnance etc. (v. Feb. 25); and we are humbly of opinion that while a garrison is kept there, it is absolutely necessary they be subsisted and supported; and therefore that provisions be immediately sent them, as also the proportion of stores mention'd in the inclos'd account to have been ship'd on board H.M.S. Happy. As to the repairing the fortifications at Placentia, we find by the report of the Surveyor Genl., that it will be not only very expensive but of litle use in case of an attempt from an enemy, and therefore we agree in opinion with him, as to what he proposes in that matter. We are further of opinion it is necessary there be a survey made of the late French part of Newfoundld., for that thereby many good harbours and fishing places may be discover'd which will encourage our fishing ships to resort thither, who are now unacquainted with that coast. Autograph signatures. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 4. No. 8; and 195, 6. pp. 50–52.]
March 10.
Whitehal.
268. Mr. Popple to Richard Rigby. Having read to the Council of Trade and Plantations your letter of the 7th, they desire you will make all the despatch you can in your affairs, in order to give their Lordps. some information, in sevl. matters before them relating to my Lord Archd. Hamilton, I may add that you may now do my Lord more real service than in all the time you have been here. [C.O. 138, 14. p. 176.]
March 10.
St. James's.
269. Order of King in Council. Appointing William Broderick to the Council of Jamaica. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 16th Jan., 17 16/17. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 12. No. 33; and 138, 15. pp. 184, 185.]
March 11. 270. Richard Harris to Mr. Popple. Encloses following (v. March 7). Signed, Rd. Harris. Endorsed, Recd. Read 11th March, 17 14/15. ½ p. Enclosed,
271. Remarks upon the French settlements in North America. As our Plantation goods are very bulky and imploy a very great navigation from whence not only the ballance of trade in a very great measure arises to this Kingdome but alsoe great numbers of seamen are bred which are our great defence and security soe France hath bent all her thoughts to distress us in that part most and wherever wee settled in America France took the first opportunity to place her subjects soe as they might at all times be able to annoy us for which reason dureing the late war not being content with the seizure of Hispaniola she possessed herselfe and still keeps the Island of Granada and others the Windermost of the Charribees. And as Martinico by her situation and by her privateers commands Barbados and most of the Leeward Islands and all ships goeing to and comeing from thence, soe Granada commands all ships falling into Windward of those Islands bound to Jamaica Cuirassau or any of the Spanish West Indies. And that the great schemes formed by France for founding a universall power in America as well as in Europe may one day take place she hath extended her acquisitions from Quebeck on the back of New England very far up the great Lake of Canada almost as high as the back of Carolina into the very heart of the great Continent of North America to the heads of some rivers which 'tis said have a communication with the great River Misissippi which falls into the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth whereof the French have made a great settlement whereby they will when well fixed be enabled to command all ships coming from Jamaica Carthagena Portobello the Bay of Campechy and from all ports of South America which must come through the Gulf of Florida for Europe. But in order to establish a solid power and strength in this country France hath taken a very wel judged method with the natives by appointing his subjects to intermarry among them giving a reward to a French man for marrying an Indian woman and the like to a French woman for marrying with an Indian man soe by converting them and bringing up their children in the Roman Catholick Religion there will in time become ten papists to one Protestant in that Continent and the French will be as strong there in proportion to their neighbours as they are here in Europe etc., and be in a condition to drive us down to the sea coast againe and thence back to Old England our native hive, etc. As an instance of the unlimitted designes of France in order to make further and fresh discoverys and by degrees to acquire the south part of America as well as the north part he hath lately fortifyed the Island of Cayan near the mouth of divers great rivers which goe far within land on the north side of the Kingdome of Peru and 'tis said hath begun divers settlements further up those great Rivers. 1½ pp.
271. i. Representation of merchants, planters and others interested in Jamaica to the King. Whereas his most Christian Matie. hath some time since possessed himselfe of the great and fruitfull Island of Hispaniola belonging to the Crown of Spaine situated in the midst of all your Maties. Dominions in the south part of America either by consent or connivance of the Spaniards to the great prejudice and danger of your Maties. Collonys etc., and hath with great success established large towns and settlements at proper distances almost round the said Island some whereof he hath fortifyed at very great expence soe as they are esteemed almost impregnable and by meanes of the strong settlement built on the Isle of Vache called Port Lewis a headland that all ships must make that are bound to Jamaica from Europe or Africa the French may intercept almost all vessells coming from thence at their pleasure. By which and by the great dilligence and application used in peopling this Island it appeares France must have greater and further views then to stop here; forasmuch as by the possession of this Island his most Christian Matie. will always be in a condition to seize not only your Maties. dominions in South America but also be enabled to invade those of New Spaine from whence this Island is not distant above three or four dayes sayle experience having already shewed the truth of this fact by the successful expedition of Monsieur Pointi on Carthagena and of Du Casse on Jamaica both made from one of the French settlements on the west end of this Island. The method by which his most Christian Matie. is peopling this Island is very wisely designed altho new and extraordinary vizt. by exporting daily at his own expence great numbers of poor familys from France which he fixes at proper settlements and appoints to each soe much but noe more land then each will undertake to cultivate and as 'tis said furnishes them with negroes to clear the ground and begin their respective plantations whereby the said Island will mightily increase in people in a very short time beyond any of your Maties. Collonys which have been established by private persons of slender fortunes. By the goodness of the soil the planters of this Island have already wrought your Maties. subjects out of some plantation comoditys by being able to undersell them in the marketts of Europe and by how much the larger and more fruitfull this Island is then those under your Maties. Dominion in those parts by soe much the more will it in the same manner affect our trade for sugar tobacco and all such other of our plantation productions as imploy the greatest share of our British Navigation. Describe Hispaniola etc. His late Matie. King William in 1695 sent a squadron of ships to retake the Island and put it into the hands of the Spaniards againe, but the French quickly recovered etc. 'Tis true the Spaniards have still the town of Sancta Domingo, which is only the shadow of possession while the French have surrounded the whole Islands and settled within a few miles thereof. But as we cannot find that this Island has ever yett been made over to France by any known Treaty, soe we humbly conceive the keeping possession thereof to be an unlawfull incroachment and therefore was made one of the Articles of the Treaty of Gertruydenburgh to be restored to Spaine which we hoped would have been alsoe insisted upon againe at the late Treaty of peace seeing it is a point likely to affect Great Britaine in the most vitall and tender part of our Trade in that of the Plantations and our great Navigation depending thereon, etc. We humbly pray leave to close this paper with an account of ships and vessells taken by the Spaniards in the West Indies since the peace and made prize of under the most frivolous pretences. (1) The Macklesfeild of London, bound from Barbados to Nevis, Sept. 28, 1713, forced by a hurricane into Porto Rico, and there made prize of by the Governour under pretence of his having had noe news of peace. (2) As also a sloop bound from Barbados to Martinico. (3) A sloop of Bermudas taken loading salt at Boneria, a Dutch settlement, carried into Porto Rico by a Spanish vessell manned with French and condemned as prize for having peeces of eight on board. (4) The Baltimore of Bristol taken in the Bay of Honduras for having logwood on board and burnt. (5) A vessell taken loading salt at Tortudos. (6) The Kensington of Jamaica taken in the open sea Nov. 30, 1713, under pretence that she came to trade altho' she had never traded for anything. (7) A sloop of Jamaica. Besides divers others belonging to New England to New Yorke and other places whose names we have not.
Extract of a letter from James Knight to Francis Melmoth. Jamaica, 15th Oct., 1714. A snow fitted out of St. Jago on Cuba with 100 men has lately taken four sloops and a brigantine belonging to this Island which had been tradeing at the Musketoes Fruxilla and Honduras; in short 'tis not in our power to help ourselves and some measures must be taken at home or this Island will be in a manner ruin'd. 3 pp. [C.O. 137, 10. Nos. 66, 66 i., ii.; and 138, 14. pp. 188–199.]
[March 11.] 272. Petition of Edmund Jennings to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Petitioner is about to return to Virginia and prays to be continued as a Councillor, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read 11th March, 1714/15. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 113; and 5, 1364. pp. 89, 90.]
March 11.
St. James's.
273. H.M. Warrant renewing the appointment of George Tucker as Secretary and Provost Marshal of the Bermudas. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 120.]
March 12. 274. Richard Rigby to Mr. Popple. Reply to March 10. I will not fayl being in town next week, etc. Signed, Richd. Rigby. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 15th March, 1714/15. Addressed. Sealed. Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 10. p. 67.]
March 12.
Westminster.
275. H.M. Warrant appointing Joseph Micklethwait to be Secretary of Barbados and Secretary and Clerk to the Governor and Council there, for life, in place of A. Skene, who is hereby removed. Countersigned, Cocks. Copy. [C.O. 324, 49. pp. 59–62.]
March 14.
New Providence.
276. Thomas Walker to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In discharge of my duty and loyalty to H.M., etc., and my fidellity to the Duke of Beaufort Pallatine and the rest of the true and absolute Lords and Proprietors of the Bohamia Islands for months past have spent my time in takeing upp pirats and routeing them from amongst these Islands. In these services I shall persevere, untill a Governr. arrives over me and others, that wants him, to curbe the exorbitante tempers of some people in these Islands, and to execute justice upon piratts, that at the Governr's. arrivall will be found inhabitants upon Ileatheria and the out Islands and in armes to deffend themselves against Justice. Inclosed is sundry papers relateing to piratts, and off my voyage to the Havana to accommodate matters with that Governour for the future safety and peace of all the inhabitants of these Islands, who are not now in that feare and dread of being cutt off by the Spaniards for the roberrys and piraceys which were committed by men and vessells that sailed from Ileatheria etc. In the reign of King William I had a commission sent me under the Seale of the Admiralty to be Judge of the ViceAdmiralty Court in these Islands, etc. and never superceeded. But at the death of Queen Ann, and the want of haveing the Commission renewed, I cannot soe fully proceed against piratts as I would doe, Butt am forced to send them prisoners to ye next King's Governmt. which pirats in their way have great opportunitys of escaping. Signed, Tho. Walker. Endorsed, Recd. (from Col. Nicholson) 4th July, Read 7th Dec., 1715. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed,
276. i. List of men that sailed from Ileatheria and committed piraceys upon the Spaniards, on the coast of Cuba, since the Proclamation of Peace. Danl. Stillwell, marryd to Jno. Darvill's daughter. John Kemp, Mathew Lowe, James Bourne, John Cary (all married). John Darvill sent his yong son of 17 yeares old, a piratting and was part owner of the vessell that committed the piraceys. Strangers that sailed from Ileatheria a piratting:—Benja. Hornigold, Thomas Terrill, Ralph Blankershire, Benja. Linn. An account of what they took from the Spaniards in two voyages in the sloop Happy Return, etc. The inhabitants pray the Lords Proprietors to order the inhabitants of Ileatheria, through the next Governor, to settle and strengthen Providence, etc. Signed, Tho. Walker, Inhab. and Setler of Providence, March 12, 1715. 2 pp.
276. ii. Tho. Walker to Governor Lord A. Hamilton, New Providence, 21st Jan., 17 14/15. Sends Daniel Stillwell to be tried for piracy, etc. Signed, Tho. Walker. Copy. 1 p.
276. iii. Marquis of Cassatorres to Thomas Walker, Depty. Governor of Providence. Havana, 15th Feb., 1715. Returns thanks for his arrest of 8 pirates who have done much damage on that coast and taken several Spaniards, etc. Translated by Robt. Grace. Copy. 1 p.
276. iv. Capt. Chace's receipt for the body of Daniel Stillwell, to be carried with depositions to Jamaica, etc. Jan. 2nd, 1715. Signed, Jno. Chace. Copy. 1 p.
276. v. Capt. Hearne to Thomas Walker. Harbour Isld., 20th Jan., 1715. Your takeing the piratts upp may save your life, etc. The Spaniards sent about two months agoe to cutt you off, and all men, women and children. But it may be said as of the Invincible Armado against England, God did turne them home either by bad weather or elce by bad pilotts. Sir if you send the sloope you have seized to the Havana you will prevent their comeing and be rewarded well, etc. Signed, George Hearne. Subscribed, A true copy of Capt. Hearne's letter, after being 30 days on board a Spanish ship, upon the Bohamia Bank. Upon the rect. of this letter Tho. Walker immediately sett saile for the Havana, where he accommodated all matters with the Governr. there for ye peace and safety of the inhabitants of the Bohamia Islands. Signed, Tho. Walker. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1265. Nos. 17, 17 i.–v.]
March 14.
Bilbao.
277. John Gossalin to Richard Lechmere. The Spaniardes pretende to fish in Newfoundlande by vertue of their last Articles of Peace and accordingly are fitting out a ship to make tryall and in case they are not permitted to make there protest to have there recourse for the Spanish Court and Councell have assured them they may doe itt with all freedome if this be permitted the Spaniardes and French will runne away with what little trade wee have left for the French Bask and Biskayners are all one in language and under that pretence the French will have as much fishery in Newfoundland as ever they had. I hope our Goverment will take notice of this if not farewell all, etc. Concludes with business matters. Signed, John Gossalin. Endorsed, Recd. Read 18th March, 17 14/15. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 79.]
March 14. 278. Order of Lords of Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 1st June, 1715, Read 17th June, 1717. 1 p. Enclosed,
278. i. Petition of Samuel Mulford to the King. On behalf of himself and other inhabitants of East Hampton, Long Island, who are being prosecuted in New York for the Crown's share in whales killed on the high seas, in pursuance of Lord Clarendon's pronouncement that the whale is a royal fish, and that no person must fish for it without a licence and bringing the Crown's share to New York, etc. Prays that the prosecution may be stayed and the conditions of the whale fishery regulated by H.M. 3¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1051. Nos. 26, 26 i.; and 5, 1123. pp. 444–448.]
March 14.
Whitehall.
279. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to Governor Lowther. The Board of Ordnance having been directed forthwith to dispose of H.M. stores that are in the Island of Barbados, you are to give all necessary countenance and assistance to the person the Board of Ordnance shall think fitt to employ for this end, and that these stores may be disposed of to the best advantage. Countersigned, James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 121.]
March 14.
Norfolk Street.
280. Mr. Jennings to Mr. Popple. Being "violently affected with the gout" excuses his attendance at the Board, etc. cf. March 11. Signed, E. Jennings. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 114; and 5, 1364. pp. 90, 91.]
March 14. 281. Copy of H.M. license of absence to E. Jennings, June 19, 1713. Endorsed, Recd. Read 14th March, 17 14/15. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 115; and 5, 1364. pp. 91, 92.]
March 15.
Whitehal.
282. Mr. Popple to Mr. Lowndes. The Council of Trade and Plantations having several things under consideration relating to the Instructions they are now preparing for Governor Lord A. Hamilton; and observing that a letter was written 12th Feb., 17 13/14, by the late Board to the then Lord High Treasurer upon the petitions of Williamina Kupius, desire to know what directions have been given thereupon. [C.O. 138, 14. pp. 199, 200.]
March 15.
Whitehall.
283. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. There having been frequent complaints from the plantations, of differences that happen between the Governors and the Captains of ships of war attending the same, to the great detriment of H.M. service in those parts, and particularly between the Lord Archibald Hamilton and Sir Hovenden Walker, in order to prevent the like for the future, we humbly offer that the Commrs. of the Admiralty do receive H.M. pleasure that they give instructions to the Captains of such men of war as shall attend the service of the said plantations, to live in good understanding wth. the said Govrs. during their stay there. And whereas formerly the ships of war appointed for those stations were by a clause in the Governor's Commission, under the direction of each respective Governor; But upon His late Royal Highness Prince George's being made Lord High Admiral, that clause was struck out of all Commissions, we therefore humbly submit it to H.M., whether it may not be of service, that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty do give Instructions to the Captains of such ships, that they obey and follow the directions of the Governors, during their stay in each respective Government. [C.O. 138, 14. pp. 201, 202.]
March 15. 284. Thomas Orby to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays that the Earl of Clarendon be hastened to make his objections to the Act of New York for the support of the Government, etc. Signed, Tho. Orby. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th March, 17 14/15. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 79.]
March 15.
Whitehall.
285. Mr. Popple to the Earl of Clarendon. It being some time since your Lordship had a copy of the New York Acts against which your Lordship has entred a caveat (v. Jan. 25, Feb. 16); and it being for H.M. service, that his pleasure upon the said Acts be declared as soon as may be; the Council of Trade and Plantations desire you will let them have what your Lordship has of offer thereupon, with all convenient speed. [C.O. 5, 1123. p. 167.]
[March 15.] 286. Sir Charles Hobby to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Urges some speedy resolutions in relation to Nova Scotia, for that (1) the season advancing the present inhabitants, most of whom are French natives there, and who before the coming away of your Memorialist declar'd themselves unwilling to quitt the place, have lately been tempted to forsake it, and threatned in case of refusal, to settle upon Cape Bretton to improve the settlement and fishery there intended by the French. (2) This must tend to the depopulating that country, but to the great advantage of their new settlement. Since the cattle they will drive away with 'em must as much releive their necessities at Cape Bretton, as the want thereof must create new ones in the place abandon'd. (3) The Indians there inhabiting, and with whom the French have cultivated an advantagious commerce, will in all probability desert the place with their old correspondents; and consequently carry along with them a trade of peltery and all manner of furrs, which this Nation but just began to taste the sweets of; but wch. your Memorialist thinks himself capable of improveing to the great benefit of his country. (4) Your Memorialist before he left haveing layd out near £3,000 in lands and houses for the encouragement of that settlement had engag'd severall people to build vessells in order to establish a fishery in opposition to that at Cape Bretton, and he doubts not on his goeing over with authority to bring the same to such perfection that Annapolis Royal shall at least have a share in the advantages of the French new settlement. He hopes that the disputes of private persons may no longer postpone the publick good, but that he may have speedy orders for his return, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th March, 17 14/15. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 94.]
[March 15.] 287. M. Denyes to the French King. Copy, in English, of C.S.P., 1699. No. 22 ii. Endorsed, Recd. (from Col. Nicholson) Read 15th March, 17 14/15. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 95.]