|
Nov. 1.
Annapolis Royall. |
658. Lt. Governor Caulfield to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to letter of 3rd May. Acknowledges letter of
22nd July "with which came a shipp laden with nine months
provisions at short alowance for this H.M. Garrison, and am
thereby assured of your Lordshipps' care and protection of us.
I have here according to your Lordshipps' directions set down
the best account I am capable of in releation to this Colony " etc.
And whereas there are three several places which are principally
inhabited by the French, vizt. Annapolis Royall, Menes, and
Shekenectoe, Annapolis being att present the metropolis of this
Collony. Tis of a rich sound soil, and by the best computation
that can be made produces 10,000 bushells of grain each season,
being cheifly wheat, with some rye, oates and barley, oxen and
cows about 2,000, sheep 2,000, hogs about 1,000. Masting is
to be had with difficulty—pitch hath frequently been made and
good: furrs 40,000 weight hath been transported out of this
port, for most seasons since the reduction of this pleace—mines
none; the Fishery on the coast is by much the most valuable in
North Ammerica and depends mostly on the Eastern coast, of
this Province. New England takes of this coast in one season
above 100,000 kintills of fish, besides the quantitys the inhabitants
of this contry take and dispose of to our merchants here. Great
quantitys of timber for building of vessells and reputed to be
good. The Bason being the harbour of this port with a river
that yelds vast conveniences to this Garrison and the Contry in
general produces great quantitys of several sorts of fish such as
salmon, bass, large shad, herring, tom codds, with abundance of
flatt fish. Tis accounted to be as good a harbour as Ammerica
affords, where thousands of vessells may anchor in safety in all
seasons. There are about 300 able men in this part of the
Collony, whereof 90 have familys. Menes is cituate N.E. from
this pleace 30 leagues distant, and is by much the best improvement in this Collony. Tis a plain contry and good soil, itt
produces above 20,000 bushells of corn mostly wheat, with
pease, rye, and barley, which is the most principall branch of
trade wee have at this time. Oxen and cows about 3,000,
sheep about 4,000, hogs 2,000. Masting, none. Pitch is made
here and sould at cheaper rates then what wee have from New
England. Considerable quantitys of furrs are brought there by
Indians and disposed of by the French to our traders. There
are copper mines there of which the inhabitants make spoons,
candelsticks, buckells, and other necessarys. They have between
30 and 40 sale of vessells which are employed in fishing, built
by themselves. Theire harbours are butt indifferent. There
are about five hundred men two of which have familys. Shekenectoe is cituate north about 30 leagues distant from us, a low
contry and is mostly applyed for the raising of stocks of black
and white cattell, from which pleace in our necessity wee were
supplyed with about seaventy barrels of extroardinary good beiff.
Tis the greatest resort of Pennobscot and St. John Indians, who
dispose of to the French great quantitys of furrs and feathers
for provissions. Oxen and cows, about 1,000; sheep, 1,000; hogs,
800. Corn, about 6,000 bushells, mostly wheat. 50 settelled
inhabitants. There are very good coal mines and great quantitys
of them, which have formerly been made use of in this Garrison.
Masting, may likewise be had here, butt Pismecody, Mages, and
St. Johns, are the principall places where great quantitys of masts
of all sizes may be had and as good as are in Ammerica, with
conveniences of rivers from the several places for the embarkation
of them and are cituate N.W. from us about 14 leagues. The
several harbours to the Eastward from this place to ye gutt of
Canco beginning at Pugmacoe, Cape Sables, Port Rossway, La
Hanc, Martigesh, Shebuctoe, Bay of Vert, Reshebuctoe etc.
to the Gutt of Canco, I am credittablie informed produce good
masting with watter carridge convenient for the same. There
are butt few inhabitants in any of them, and are accounted good
harbours, where the fishermen of New England, and those of these
parts resort to on all occations, and are places very capable of
improvement, especialy La Hanc, Port Rossway, and Shebuctoe,
being most convenient for trade and fortification, and worthy of
yr. Lordshipps' consideration and as Canco is the extream bounds
of this coast and looked upon to be well cituated for trade; is
reputed the best of fisherys, will mostly suffer in case of a warr
for wee shall not be capable of protecting our vessells; St.
Petters the pleace which is designed by the French to be fortified
not being above seaven leagues distant from the said Canco, the
consequences of which I hope will be duely considered. I am now
to lay before your Lordshipps my oppinion in releation to ye
French inhabitants of this Colony, in which if they continue
will be of great consequence for the better improvement thereof.
For as you will observe theire numbers are considerable, and in
case they quit us wee still strenghten our enemys, when occation
serves by soe much; and tho we may not recieve much benefitt
from them, yett theire children in process of time will be brought
to our constitution; and whereas there are several well meaning
people among them wee may allways gaurd oursellves from any
injury they can be able if willing to doe us. I have allways
observed since my comeing here theire forwardness to serve us
when occation offered; and if some English inhabitants were
sent over, especialy industrious labourers, pitch and tar makers,
carpenters, and smiths itt would be of great advantage to this
Collony. Butt in case the French quit us wee shall never be able
to mentaine or protect our English familys, from ye insults of the
Indians, the worst of enemys, which the French by theire staying
will in a great measure prevent for theire owne sakes. Yr.
Lordshipps will see by the stocks of cattell they have at this
time that in two or three years with due encoragement wee may
be furnished with all sorts of conveyniances within our sellves.
The Indians of St. Johns, Pennobscot and Cape Sables trade
cheifly on ye several coasts with furrs and feathers who never
come here butt necessity obliges them, and the reasons they
assigne are, that there is noe King's Magazines here for them, as
was in the time of the French or as there is now at Cape Bretton,
which if there was they would bring in all theire peltry to us; and
I belive would prove a great advantage, both in respect of trade
and as well the cheif means to bring them over to our intrest by
kindly using of them, on which foundation theire friendshipp is
wholy founded, and great advantages would accrue thereby to
the Crown in perticular and contry in general. Refers to enclosures.
In refference to Cape Bretton itts soil is noe way valuable being
intierly a rock covered over with moss. There's littell or noe
timber there fitt for any manner of use, spruce and low pine,
being what itt mostly yelds. There's noe improvement made on
the lands neither is itt practicable, as I am informed by the several
inhabitants that went out of this Government in the time of
Genll. Nicholson's administration to vew itt, report the same.
Theire fishing last year turned to very good account, butt this
season hath failed them, and as there was 70 or 80 saile of shipping
came with expectation of being laden tis said there was not above
8 or 10 of them soe fraighted. Tis allsoe affirmed that there's noe
advance made in raiseing a fortification, for from the time they
have been in posesstion thereof not one cannon is as yett mounted.
One Costable is Governor and has with him about 300 regular
forces. 'Tis belived there is in and about the Island 100 inhabitants. There are two points of land N.W. of ye Cape called St.
Anns, and Petters, which are designed to be strongly fortified
and its cituation is of the greatest advantage immaginable to
them, and of the last consequence to us, for in case a warr breaks
out wee shall never be able to maintaine or protect our merchant
vessells that trade that way, St. Anns, and Petters being the keys
to our Eastern coast; and in my humble oppinion Placentia will
never be capeable of doeing us the service, that Cape Bretton will
a prejudice, if not timely prevented. Inclosed yr. Lordshipps
have the best drafts I could obtaine of the Island of Cape Bretton
and Bay of Fundy. Upon the arrival of Genl. Nicholson, our
late Govr. in these parts, I recd. several letters from him dated
at Boston containing his desier of my oppinion releating to the
garrison and contry which I punctualy answered. By the
appointment of Genll. Nicholson and Mr. Birchfeild, Surveyor
General, Hibbert Newton was made Collector of this port, he
having recd. a letter from Genll. Nicholson dated att Boston
Apl. ye 6th, 1714, which he communicated to me and by the
directions therein given to ye said Newton noe vessell was suffered
to goe into any part of this Province butt where there was a
Custom house Officer appointed for that effect, by which means
the whole trade of ye Collony was stopped near four months, for
he was butt to sensable there never was any other officer butt ye
said Newton appointed to that purpose. On that head I wrote
him several times and acquainted him of the hardshipps the
inhabitants of this place suffered who had corn at Mines and other
plantations, and had not liberty to goe for the same to maintaine
their familys; in answer to which he writt me if I had provissions
sufficient in the Garrison (though he never tould me what quantity
he proposed) the inhabitants or others might dispose of the
remainder as they thought fitt. It was publickly talkt of heare
that his reasons for this was one Alden and other traders, woud
not conform to his oppinion releating to Coll. Vetch. Att his
arrival here the following August he assured the Garrison of his
favor and intrest, tho att the same time stopt our pay at home;
injured our creditt at Boston; obliged some of the French
inhabitants to quit the contry; shut the gates of ye Garrison
against those that remained, and publickly decleared them
traitors; and yett at the same time was convinc'd wee could
not possiblie subsist the following winter otherwise then by theire
means, and when he went from Boston left us intierly unprovided
etc. Were I to releat the means and methods that he proceeded
with when here itt would be to troublesome, there having never
been one thing proposed by him, by which either garrison or
contry could profitt, butt a continued siene of unpresidented
mallice to ruin Mr. Vetch or any other person who interposed on
that head. Refers to complaints of the inhabitants against Capt.
Armstrong, to be transmitted in his next, etc. Signed, Tho. Caulfeild.
Endorsed, Recd. 9th, Read 17th Jan., 17 15/16. 10pp. Enclosed, |
|
658. i. Jean Loyard, S.J., to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. St.
Johns, 3rd Oct. (N.S.), 1715. The Indians of my
Mission send you this message:—"Wee promised to
inform you of what news wee should receive from
Europe etc. I can acquaint you with none farther
then that the Kings live togeather in perfect pace.
If you know any farther, inform me. Renews request
for provisions, for the winter, because the hunting season
was not good, and that two merchants should be sent
to stay with them for the winter, to be paid as they have
occation to receive them etc. Continues: You tould
me you would write to our priest and that he would
inform me on your behalf. That letter was either lost
or carried back again, etc." I beg you will employ your
authority that noe strong liquors be disposed of to these
Indians." Signed, Jean Loyard. Translated by Tho.
Caulfeild. 1½ pp. |
|
658. ii. Lt. Governor Caulfeild to John Loyard. Annapolis
Royall, 11th Oct., 1715. I desier you to inform the
savages of yr. Mission that I shall be ready to doe them
any service in my power etc. Mr. Adams a merchant
here has promised me he will send them a vessel laden
with all sorts of necessarys for theire winter. In respect
of news from Europe, I can't inform them of any but
expect to hear dayly, and assure them I shall not conceal
any thing from them, that releats to theire affairs.
Signed, Tho. Caulfeild. Translation. Endorsed as
letter. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 2. Nos. 8, 8 i., ii.; and (without
enclosures) 218. 1. pp. 271–284; and (abstract of
covering letter) 217, 30. pp. 2, 3.] |
Nov. 2.
Annapolis Royall. |
659. Lt. Governor Caulfeild to Col. Vetch. Acknowledges
letter. I am but too senceable of Col. Nicholson's unprecedented
mallice, and had his designes taken their desired effect, I am
perswaded there had not been att this time an inhabitant of any
kind in the countrey, nor indeed a garrison, etc. as preceding.
Signed, Tho. Caulfeild. Endorsed, Recd. (from Col. Vetch),
Read 16th Feb., 17 15/16. Holograph. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 217, 2. No. 10.] |
Nov. 2.
St. James's. |
660. H.M. Warrant for restoring Elizabeth Renoult to her
plantation in St. Kitts. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy
[C.O. 5, 190. pp. 316, 317.] |
Nov. 8.
St. James's. |
661. Order of King in Council. The charges brought against
General Hamilton by Gilbert Pepper, his wife, George French and
Michael Ayon are dismissed as frivolous and malicious. He is
forthwith to repair to his Government etc. Cf. A.P.C. II. No.
1239. Signed, William Blathwayt. Endorsed, Recd. 21st Nov.,
Read 14th Dec., 1715. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 80; and 153,
12. pp. 375–377; and (signed, Robert Hales. Endorsed,
Primer'd 18th Oct., 1717) 152, 12. No. 48; and 153, 13. pp.
140–142.] |
Nov. 9.
Whitehall. |
662. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following for their opinion what may be
fitly done therein. Signed, James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 10th Nov., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
662. i. Extract of letter from Governor Hunter to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope, New York, Sept. 29, 1715. The allowance
for that service by the Establishment is so scanty that
I must most humbly intreat you'l be pleased to represent
to H.M. the necessity of making speedily the present
to the Indians which has ever been done upon every
Prince's Accession to the Throne. The Agent for the
Province shall present you a Memorial for that purpose.
I have formerly and must now again represent the
necessity of augmenting the number of forces here. The
security of this Province and indeed that of all the rest
on the Continent, as well as the extending and securing
our Frontiers require it. If we had but two more
Companys of the same Establishment with the rest,
a convenient post might be taken up Hudson's River
upon the entry to the Lakes, which would awe our
enemies, encourage our friends, and increase our settlemts., a Fort might be built there for £500 which in a
little time would be many thousands in value for H.M.
service. Copy. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1051. Nos. 8, 8 i.;
and 5, 1123. pp. 345–347.] |
Nov. 9.
Perth Amboy. |
663. Governor Hunter to Wm. Popple. Haveing wrote a
very long letter to their Lorps. whilst at New York, I am asham'd
to give them fresh trouble here, but must intreat you in my
name to be a suiter to their Lorps. for their protection against a
persecution that I am not able to bear. Since I arriv'd here the
Revd. Mr. Vesey came hither with a letter from my Lord of
London acquainting me that his Lorp. had constituted him his
Commissary in these parts and had directed him as such to
inquire into the truth of what I have wrote heretofore in relation
to Mr. Talbot and his Congregation. It is notorious to ev'rybody
on this side that in the late reign there was a plot laid and
measures concerted between Mr. Talbot, Mr. Vesey and Mr.
Nicolson for my utter ruine. I have seen a letter under Mr.
Talbot's own hand that he was to have gone to London but that
Mr. Vesey when at Boston had agreed wth. Mr. Nicolson that he
should be the man. Talbot is too plaine a man to hide his
dissaffection or ev'n the open profession of it. Mr. Vezey has
never had or deserv'd any other character then that of a sower
Jacobite, and as I have formerly wrote stands on record in the
Council books of New York, for base and indecent language of
his Sovereign King William whilst upon the throne, an extract
of wch. Mr. Secy. Clarke will send you wth. this. Now if I
must at this time o'th day when I had lay'd my account wth.
being made easy after all my sufferings have my conduct canvas'd
and my veracity submitted to ye scrutiny of my profest enemys
as well as of H.M. Govt. I think I have the hardest fate of any
man in H.M. Dominions. Mr. Vesey enter'd New York in triumph
like his friend Sacheverel, and immediatly on his arriveal assur'd
everybody that I had neither intrest nor friends at home. It
may be so, but I have that within me wch. will ever befriend me
in spite of all such pitiful and base efforts to my prejudice. I
know the Bishop's spleen and the cause of it but was in hopes it
was long ago forgott. If you judge it proper to show this to their
Lorps. or any of them I give you leave. If you think they cannot
help me let it alone. I have demean'd myself so that I should
not be afraid of submitting all my conduct to a Jury of Clergymen
so they be honest men. I have ever found you a worthy friend
and whatever befalls me I can never without black ingratitude
be other then Dr. Sr. Your most obliged and most humble
servant. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Feb., Read
20th March, 17 15/16. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 971. No. 10; and 5, 995.
pp. 315–318.] |
| [Nov. 10.] |
664. John Champante, Agent of New York, to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Petitions for a present from H.M. to
the Five Nations of Indians, and for a reinforcement of two
Companies of regular troops, etc. as Nov. 9, supra. "The
Governor is now endeavouring to engage the Five Nations in
a war with the Indians on the back of the Carolinas, etc. The
Assembly have given some funds to be applyed in presents,
etc., but too small in comparison with what the French distribute
yearly amongst them, by which arts they have rendred their
interest throughout the Continent very formidable," etc. Set out,
N.Y. Col. Doc. V. pp. 456, 457. Signed, J. Champante. Endorsed, Recd. Read 10th Nov., 1715. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1051.
No. 9; and 5, 1123. pp. 347–351.] |
Nov. 10.
Whitehall. |
665. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to Governor Lord A. Hamilton.
As soon as your Lordship's of Aug. 30th came to my hands, I did
not fail to lay it before the King, who is very well satisfied with
the full and particular account your Lordship transmits of that
barbarous robbery committed by some of his subjects on the
Marquis de Navarres, and as H.M. is very sensible such a base
and dishonourable action may very much reflect on the credit of
the Nation and affect the trade and commerce of those parts,
I have by his order assured the Marquis de Monteleon that the
Governors of all H.M. Provinces are directed to seize Lewis and
all or any of his crew, that they may be brought to condign
and exemplary punishment and for making full restitution to the
Marquis of such of his goods as can be found anywhere, or reparation to him out of the effects of the criminals, when any such
can be seized. I have also writ to the Proprietors of Carolina to
call without delay the Governor Mr. Craven to an account, who
seemes to have acted a very unworthy part, and very inconsistent
with his duty. I hope the sevll. Governors will exert themselves
as they ought in the execution of H.M. orders, that so he may
have it in his power to vindicate the honour of the Nation, and
to engage the Court of Spain to do his subjects justice on the like
occasions. I doubt not but your Lordship will think fit to transmit to the other Governors what further information you shall
receive in this matter, which may be of use to them in the execution of their orders.Signed, James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190.
pp. 314.] |
Nov. 10.
Whitehall. |
666. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Lords Proprietors of
Carolina. Complaint having been made to H.M. of a barbarous
robbery committed by one John Lewis, master of the brigantine
the Lark, on the Marquis of Navarres, late Governor of the
Province of Papian in the Spanish West Indies, and that he being
seized afterwards, upon information in South Carolina, the
Governor Mr. Craven, instead of doing that justice which was
incumbent on him in his station, had not only connived at the
escape of the said Lewis and his crew, but had himself taken into
his possession the effects of the said Marquis to a very considerable
value, which he still detains, I am commanded to put into your
hands the informations that have been transmitted of this
matter, and to signifie to you his pleasure that you give without
loss of time the necessary directions for calling the Governor to
an account, and for restoring to the said Marquis of Navarres
or any having his order what of his goods shall be found in his
possession or of any other of that Province, and for which you will
cause all possible diligent search to be made. As this is in itself
an act of the highest justice and of the greatest consequence to
H.M. service to the preservation of the honour of the Nation and
to the visible interest of all his subjects who trade in those parts,
and I may say, to the vindication of your own honour and
reputation that the barbarous injustice of one under you may not
reflect on yourselves, H.M. doubts not of your utmost application
in executing what is recommended to you. Signed, James
Stanhope.[C.O. 5, 190. p. 315.] |
Nov. 10.
Whitehall. |
667. Circular letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the
Governors of Plantations. A complaint having been laid before
the King of a barbarous robbery committed by one John Lewis
on the Marquis of Navarres, I am commanded to transmit to
you such informations of this fact as have come to hand, etc.
You are to give strict orders for apprehending the said John Lewis
or any of his crew who shall come into your parts, and to secure
all their effects, excepting such goods as shall appear to you to
have belonged to the said Marquis which you are directed to
cause to be immediately restored to him, or any having his order
to receive them, and you are to take the first opportunity of transporting hither both the persons and effects you shall secure,
with such particular informations as you shall receive that may
be of use in carrying on the trial against them, in order to bring
them to the punishment they deserve, and as this is a service
H.M. judges of very great consequence for vindicating the
honour of the Nation, and for the benefit of the commerce of his
subjects, he doubts not but you will apply yourself with all
possible zeal to execute his orders. Countersigned, James
Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 318.] |
| [Nov. 11.] |
668. Governor Parke's Commission to Capt. Walton to be
Lt. Governor of the Virgin Islands, 11th Sept., 1707. Signed,
Daniel Parke. Endorsed, Recd. Read 11th Nov., 1715. Copy.
1½ pp [C.O. 152, 10. No. 74; and 153, 12. pp. 362, 363.] |
[Nov. 11.]
Kensington. |
669. H.M. Commission to John Walton to be Captain of
Foot. 15th April, 1706. Countersigned, C. Hedges. Copy. 1
p. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 73.] |
Nov. 11.
Whitehall. |
670. Mr. Popple to Mr. Strahan. Desires an account of
the establishment of the four Independent Companies at New
York, etc. [C.O. 5, 1123. p. 372.] |
Nov. 11.
Whitehall. |
671. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Request copies of any letters from Lt. Governor
Moody or other persons relating to Newfoundland received this
year, "in order to inable us to lay a true state of those things
before H.M." [C.O. 195, 6. p. 149.] |
Nov. 11.
Whitehall. |
672. Same to William Pulteney, Secretary at War. Similar
letter to preceding. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 149.] |
Nov. 12.
N. York. |
673. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I am honoured with yor. Lordpps'. of ye 22nd June, 1715,
and have conceiv'd noe small satisfaction from ye hopes you have
given me of a regular corespondence. I have not as yet receiv'd
my Instructions but shall in the meane time give as punctual
obedience to your Lordpps. severall commands, and as particular
answers to your severall questions as the short warneing and
my present scittuation will permitt. Repeats former representations as to the quantity of Naval Stores obtainable from this Province.
From experiment, I may reasonably compute that above a third
of the prepared trees will yeild well, after a few more experiments
wee shall be able to judge which will yeild and which not, etc.
Refers to enclosures. I cannot accuse our Indian Nations in general
with want of fidelity to ye Crown. Refers to enclosures. All
which give me strong hopes that I shall be able to putt an end to
that Carolina Warr without much expence to ye Crown. Your
Lordpps. know the only way we have to retaine ye Indians in
our intrest is by good usage and presents. The country here for
severall yeares of my administration gave nothing at all for that
use, which laid us under a necessity of makeing use of some
small part of her late Majesty's Expedition stores for that purpose,
and the allowance since made is soe scanty that wee long extreamly
for ye ordinary present made on each accession to ye Crown, etc.
I cannot say that any besides ye loose Indians who were not worth
keeping, have since my time deserted to ye French. Your
Lordpps. have received long ere this the Act for settleing our
Revenue for five yeares as also the Naturalization Act upon which
it entirely depended. I wish I cold give your Lordpps. hopes of
another settlement at the expiration of this, but I doubt nothing
but such another popular Act will procure it. The Councill as it
at present stands is compos'd of ye following persons vizt.,
Peter Schuyler, Abraham De Peyster, Robert Walker, Gerrardus
Beekman, Rip van Dam, Caleb Heathcote, Killian van Renslaer,
John Barberie, Adolp Phillipse and Thomas Byerley. Recommends George Clarke, and David Jamison to fill vacancies, ut
supra, and for a supernumerary (v. Sept. 29) Augustine Graham,
Stephen De Lancey, Robert Lurting, Robert Watts and John
Johnston Esqrs., all men of creditt, good sences, and known
affection to ye Government. The superstition of this people is
soe unsermountable that I beleive I shall never be able to obtain
a compleat list of the numbers of inhabitants of this Province.
I know not but by the method I am now resolved to pursue I may
obtaine it by detaile, that is to say, after haveing received a
list of ye names and numbers of ye militia, to try to obtaine a
list of ye Freemen, who are not in ye Militia, and then that of the
women and children, and last, that of ye servants and slaves.
Upon ye whole I observe ye numbers are increas'd considerably
and wou'd still more, were it not for the younger sorts removing
into ye neighbouring Colonies for want of lands in this. The
land upon Hudsons River being of itselfe either soe barren, or in
ye possession of Patentees, who have hitherto seemed unwilling
to dispose of small parcells, upon the vaine hopes of getting
tenants. In ye meane time, the most vallueable and improveable
lands of great extent have hitherto laine useless, being scittuated
on our frontiers towards Canada. I humbly submitt it to yor.
Lordpps., whether it may not be highly for ye interest of ye Crown
and ye most feasible way to putt a stop to ye inhabitants leaveing
this province that the number of forces here be augmented, in
order to ye building and garrisoning of forts on our frontiers
towards the Lakes which wou'd incourage and cover our planters
keep our Indians in heart, and awe our enimies, whenever wee
shall be soe unhappy againe to have any on this Continent,
facilitate future enterprizes by land, and putt a stop to these
our natural enemies extending their limitts. A further use I
propose by this augmentation is this, That in case the Palatins,
whom I have not found overtractable, should behave themselves
so as to make it impracticable to carry on ye tarr work by their
meanes, it may be done with a smaller charge by ye soldiers
who will be more under discipline. In and about those lands
on ye frontiers are the finest and largest trees for masts on the
Continent of North America, particularly on one tract of land,
formerly granted by patent here, the proprietors whereof have
propos'd to me to furnish H.M. Navy with as many masts and
yards etc., to be delivered by them here at this Port of New
York of ye dimensions in ye paper (enclosed) as your Lordpps.
shall judge necessary to be contracted for and will enter into such
obligations for the performance as shall be requisite. The
Proprietors are confident they shall be able to agree, on terms at
least as reasonable as those of Mr. Taylor. If your Lordpps. as
I doe not doubt shou'd think this province equally intituled to
any favour being ye frontier province, and ye key of all the rest
and under noe Charter or proprietary Government, and the terms
they expect being at least as reasonable as Mr. Taylor's which your
Lordpps. by that may be sure will be more reasonable to H.M.,
if your Lordpps. I say should think it for H.M. service to agree
with these people, I humbly desire you will be pleased to send me
a proposall for such a contract, and H.M. order impowering me
to treat and conclude with them. I have not as yet receiv'd
ye muster rolls of all ye Militia, from those I have formerly had,
I compute the number to be about 5,000, and those very well
armed. The inclosed Navall Officer's accounts will inform your
Lordpps. of what you desire to know of that matter. Wee are
furnish't with noe manufactures of any kind which wee used
formerly to have from England from any other place, except
it be from Jamaica and some other parts of ye West Indies, which
send us now ye refuse of cargoes of English manufactures, which
ye Assembly conceiveing to be against the interest of this Province
have endeavour'd to prevent by a duty of 7½ per cent. The
trade of this Province have consisted cheifly of provisions, wee
may reckon it considerably decreased since ye late Peace, by reason
that ye Spaniards doe not permitt our vessells to come on their
coasts, as they did formerly, haveing lately as I am well inform'd
sent severall ships, some of which are French with Spanish Commissions to guard their coasts from that traffique, which formerly
wee had by private communication with them, and these provinces
raiseing much more than serves for their own consumption, and
that of ye West Indies, I can think of noe solid way of preventing
totall decay of trade and consequently the ruine of the
Provinces, but by setting on foot and carrying on vigorously
the production of Naval Stores mentioned, and if hemp were not
too bulky a commodity wee know experimentally that our
swamps and low land will produce as good of that kind as any in
ye world, but that reason unless we were encouraged to manufacture it here, the freight wou'd eat out ye proffitt. The only
method in our power to prevent illegal trade, is by putting ye
Laws of Trade in execution as oft as wee can discover ye delinquents. Refers to seizure of the Eagle. Shou'd that judgement
soe reasonable and soe just be reversed, I see noe further use
either for Laws of Trade or Officers of Customes in these parts.
Refers to enclosed list of ships. Almost all of them have beene
built here. The people of this Town and Albany, which make a
great part of ye Province weare noe cloathing of their own
manufacture, but if ye letters mentioned in your Lordps. meane
ye planters and poorer sort of country people the computation is
rather less than more, but the severall sorts are courser then what
come from England. I know noe other way to prevent it, than
by encourageing them to goe on some manufactures that may be
usefull to England, and benificial to themselves, for few who
are able to goe to ye expence of English manufacture doe weare
home-spunn, and a law to oblige such as are not able to goe to
that expence to doe it, under penalties wou'd be equivalent to
a law to compell them to goe naked, for your Lordpps. well
know, that goods at 100 pr. cent. advance are reckon'd cheape
here, neither does it consist with my knowledge, that ever any
homespunn was sold in ye shops. I am bound in ye strictest
obligations expressible to your Lordps. for forwarding and
recommending to H.M. the two Acts for payment of ye publick
debts the blessings of some thousands here besides mine will
follow you for it. Whilst your Lordps. have ye severall Acts
past in these two Provinces under your consideration, I think
myselfe oblig'd to inform you, that some inconveniencies have
been discovered in some of them since they have beene enacted
perticularly by an Act past in ye eleventh yeare of her Majestie's
raigne for preventing suppressing and punishing the conspiracey
and insurrection of negroes and other slaves, wherein among other
things it is enacted that if any negroe etc. shall be made free by
ye will or testament of any person decd. that then ye executor of
such person shall enter into security etc. imediatly upon proveing
the said will, which if refused to be given, the said manumission
to be voyd. But there being noe penalty on ye executor refuseing
to enter into such security nor any method to compell him he is
left at his liberty to render every such manumission fruitless,
which cutting off all hopes from those slaves who by a faithfull
and dilligent discharge of their duty may at last look for ye reward
of a manumission by their masters' will, will make 'em not only
careless servts.' but excite 'em to insurrections more bloody than
any they have attempted seeing that by that Act death is made
more eligible then life, for ye longer they live, the longer they are
slaves, which is already too well known from ye following instance.
One Norton a butcher of this town, dyed lately, and by his will,
manumitted one of his negroes who by his faithfull and dilligent
service had helpt to gaine most part of his master's wealth, and
gave him a legacey in money, and another negroe to help him to
pursue the same trade as a reward for his good service. The
executor after Norton's death proved ye will, but absolutely
refused to enter into ye security directed by ye Act, by which
meanes the negroe is deprived of his liberty and his legacey. The
rage the people were in for that insurrection cold only justify
the passing that Act in other instances equally cruell. There is
also another Act pas't in this province and Jersey for shortning
of law suites and regulateing ye practice of ye law, another in this
province for preventing the multiplicity of law suites, which Acts
the Judges and other officers of ye Supream Courts have represented to me as distructive of ye jurisdiction of those Courts,
and being perpetual, if more inconveniencies shou'd bee found
wee have noe remedy. The Assembly in the Jerseys also past
another Act confirming ye Ordinance for establishing fees, which
was drawn by a Committee of ye Councill and Assembly and
trenches much upon ye fees and perquisites of ye Secretaries Office.
It is apparent that it was ye dislike of ye person then in that
Office against whom they had soe often represented, which made
'em goe these lengths. There was also an Act past whilst Coll.
Ingoldsby acted as Lieut. Governour of ye Jerseys, fixing ye
Session of Assembly to Burlington, whereas by ye tacit condition
of the Surrender, it was to be alternately at Burlington and Amboy.
It was approv'd by her late Majesty, but is attended with many
inconveniencies, particularly ye remoteness of ye place, subjects
the Governor here to much trouble and charge, and when
occasion shall soe require debars ye Governour from holding the
Assemblys of both provinces at ye same time, and that ye Town of
Philladelphia reaps ye cheife benefitt from the expence of ye
concourse on such occasions. That town being for ye most
part supply'd by ye Philladelphia marketts. Quere, Whether an
Instruction from H.M. may not be sufficient to suspend ye execution of that Act, and to restore that matter to its former state at
ye surrender. There is one hardship which I have observed ever
since I came into this country, which falls cheifly upon ye poorer
sorts that is, that there being noe currencey but of silver, and bills
of creditt, the smallest of which is of two shillings, they have not
ye same reliefe from ye ordinary marketts as in other places,
for this, there is an easey remedy, if H.M. wou'd be pleas'd to
grant it, there being a copper mine here brought to perfection
as you may find by ye Custome house books at Bristoll, where
there was imported from this place about a tonn in ye month of
July or August last, of which copper farthings may be coyned to
answer these ordinary uses, if H.M. will be pleas'd to grant a
patent for that purpose, as I have more particularly inform'd
and pray'd the assistance of ye Secretary of State. Refers to
enclosed account of stores of war, and sales thereof. [These are]
still unpaid, the nature of these sales being such that the buyers
have long creditt given 'em, however if your Lodpps. think fitt
that it be charg'd to H.M. creditt in my Palatine account, I am
content to runne ye risque of receiveing it. The article added to
ye vendue master's accounts is for some of ye Expedition powder
sold by vertue of ye letter from Col. Nicholson, which I am likewise content be placed to H.M. said creditt. I wish a market cold
have beene found for more of ye powder remaineing, for with all
ye care possible and expence of frequent cooperage and triming
wee run a risque of looseing one halfe before ye other can possibly
be expended, the powder and barrils being soe very old and the
magazine soe insufficient. Gives details of his Palatine account,
debiting himself with above proceeds. I have still by me that cloathing
sent hither by Coll. Nicholson to be disposed of as H.M. shall
think fitt to direct. It can never be for his service to give it to his
forces here, for should they receive it without mutiny, which I much
doubt, the hard winter would put an end to their misery, the
coats being very poore rags unlined. They have in ye meanetime received two compleat cloathings from me since the receipt
of that which were contracted for provided and delivered out
according to ye standing directions of ye Crown for that purpose;
the other being forced upon me contrary to those directions, I
hope it will not be thought just to charge them to our off reckonings, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Feb. Read
9th March, 17 15/16. 16 pp. Enclosed, |
|
673. i. Numbers of the Palatines settled up Hudson's River.
Total, 384 fit for labour. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
673. ii. Account of Palatine Stores in New York, and left at
the tar-works, and of the sale of Palatine Stores (Total,
£1,494 16s. 9½d.). N. York, Nov. 2, 1715. Signed, Ro.
Hunter. Same endorsement. 3½ pp. |
|
673. iii. Duplicate of No. 629 vi. |
|
673. iv. (a) Messengers of the Five Nations to the Commissioners of the Indian Affairs. Albany, 3rd Oct., 1715.
We have sent messengers to the Carolina Indians to
bring them to terms of peace, etc. |
|
(b) Commissioners of the Indian Affairs to the
Messengers of the Five Nations. Albany, 6th Oct.,
1715. The Governor has sent arms and ammunition
which shall be delivered to the Five Nations when their
army is going out against the Carolina Indians, etc.
Set out, N.Y. Col. Doc. V. 463. Same endorsement.
1½ pp. |
|
673. v. Col. Vrom to Governor Hunter. Rareington, 17th
Oct., 1715. In reply to your message of 26th Sept.,
the Sachems of the Susquehanna Indians will wait on
your Excellency next spring. They daily goe out to
engage with the Carolina Indians, etc. Set out, N.Y.
Col. Doc. V. 464. Signed, Cors. Vrom. Same endorsement. ¾ p. |
|
673. vi. Rip Van Dam, George Clarke and P. Fauconnier to
Governor Hunter. A proposal for supplying H.M.
Navy with Naval Stores from their patented lands
between Albany and the Lakes, New York, 27th Oct.,
1715. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
673. vii. Number of vessels belonging to the Port of New
York, as entered at the Custom house, 29th Sept., 1714–1715. Ships, 9; brigantines, 4; sloops, 54. Men
navigating them, 475. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
673. viii. Account of stores of war, New York. 27th Oct.,
1715. Same endorsement. 1½ pp. |
|
673. ix. Account of stores of war returned from the Canada
Expedition, and sold by H.M. order. Total value,
£1,087 11s. 11d. N. York, Nov. 2, 1715. Signed, Ro.
Hunter, Same endorsement. 3 pp.[C.O. 5, 1051,
Nos. 19, 19 i.–ix.; and (without enclosures) 5, 1123.
pp. 403–422.] |
Nov. 14.
Amboy. |
674. Governor Hunter to Wm. Popple. I hope this may
overtake the ship at York that was to carry my last. I have since
I have been here recd. a letter from Mr. Sacket the director of the
tar work informing me that he has cut down and split several of
the prepar'd trees and finds that they will not answer his hopes.
Whither this be from their long standing after their due time
expir'd, a wrong preparation, or whatever it be, if the work is
to be cary'd on there is an absolute necessity of sending for men
well instructed in that matter from the countreys from whence
it is usually brought, for as I have often affirm'd, here are pitch
pine enough to furnish tarr for ever for all ye navigation of Brittaine, and by constant and long experience we know that these
trees yeild great quantitys of turpentine, tar is but the turpentine
burnt out, whereas that is tapt out as they call it. Mr. Bridger
I hope by this time has been call'd upon to give an account who
it was who perswaded him to betray his trust and that design.
I wrote to you in haste the other day after haveing receiv'd the
Bishop of London's letter by his new Commissary Mr. Vezey.
I now affirme to you againe that this is but a continuation of a
contriveance on the other side to undo me by the means of Mr.
Nicolson and two or three factious and Jacobite clergymen of
which Mr. Vezey and Mr. Talbot were the chiefe. I need not tell
you what hand a noble peer at ye head of a party in the Society
had in this, but to convince you and all mankind of ye truth of
what I affirm, here follows an extract of two letters wrote by Mr.
Talbot, the originals wrote and sign'd by himself lye now before
me and if he deny's 'em shall be produc'd. The first is address'd
to Mrs. Anne Walker at James River Virginia and dated at
Burlington July 17th.… "Your friend Jonathan is not fallen
before the Philistins but hopes in god to see them fall before
him and that in a litle time. Genl. Nicolson has promis'd to be
here in the fall and then he says he will make us all easy. He
would not consent to my going home without leave of our Society
least I should not come again. But Bro. Vesey Rector of Trinity
Church at New York is fled before the Philistins. He has gott
the General's letters, 'tis now 3 weeks agoe since he sail'd, God
speed him well and then no more need go upon that account.
Now there's no minister of our church at New York but we serve
it by turns, etc. We are going to open a new Church at N. Bristol
over against Burlington which I intend to nominate St. Ann's
or St. Margt's. more for the sake of your good family then any other
of that name that I know," etc. That wch. follows, in like maner
in his own hand is directed to the Revnd. Mr. John Urmston
Missioner in Nth. Carolina to be left at Blackamore's in Virginia
dated Philadelphia July 17. "I thought you had been dead in
that dismal swamp where there is hardly anything that is good
etc. here are several Churches that you may serve and I will
ingage my intrest with the Society that they shall allow your
sallary" etc., as in first letter. Now Sr. what d'ye think am I
in the right or no. This I desire you may lay before their Lorps.,
you'll ask me why not before the Bishop of London. I'll tell you
why. There was a representation to the Bishop long ago
complaining of the dangerous conduct of Mr. Vesey particularly
of his arbitrary infractions of their Charter, signed by all the men
of worth or figure of the English Church here. All the reply that
has been made to 't was that it was handed about here immediatly
upon the news of Mr. Vezey's arriveal at Boston wth. the manerly
title of ye N. York Monster Many hands and No heads, and the
person complain'd of returns with the new character of his Lordp.'s
Commissary wth. orders from his Lorp. to inquire into the truth
of what I had represented to the Lords of Trade relateing to
Talbot's and his own conduct, etc. Repeats No. 663. I have told
him that if the Bp. of London would take care to make him
a good Commissary I would endeavour to make him a good
subject. This happen'd on his accosting me here after his
splendid entry at York, when I had read the Bp.'s letter I told
him that my Ld. of London had assur'd me that he was return'd
with a disposition to make every body he was concern'd with
easy for the future, he interrupted me and told me that it had ever
been his conduct, wch. provok'd me but made ye company laugh.
I am asham'd to dwell so long upon this subject, but it is of greater
consequence here then you at a distance can easily imagine.
The Jacobite faction here tho' few in number are strong in malice
and the rage they have conceiv'd at their dissappointment makes
them use all the vilest hidden arts in their power to make
the administration uneasy. If they continue to receive countenance from the other side they may grow in numbers too. It is
not to be believ'd what I bore of these men dureing the late
Ministry's time, being aware of what was projected, I'll give you
but one instance. I wrote to Mr. Talbot as I had done to all ye
Missionarys at their own desire that they should meet at York
to Addresse their new Bp. I think. He return'd me for answer
that there was a great gulf between us so that they who would
pass from us to you or you to us cannot. If their Lorps. think
fitt that I should suffer in silence under these affronts for ye future,
upon the least hint from them I shall do so. In the mean time I
am firmly resolv'd by all lawfull means to stiffle the growing evil,
in complyance with my duty let the consequences to me, be
what they will, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 1st
Feb., Read 20th March, 17 15/16. Holograph. 8 pp.[C.O. 5, 971.
No. 11; and 5, 995. pp. 318–325.] |
Nov. 14.
Jamaica. |
675. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to letter of Aug. 30th. Repeats matter given
in letter to Mr. Stanhope Jan. 30 (No. 1), 1716, q.v. Concludes:
I entreat your Lopps. to putt a favourable construction on my
endeavours for H.M. service and for promoting the true interest
of this Island, which are sincerely meant and intended in all my
transactions here; and I hope your Lopps. will not give credit to
reports and misrepresentations my enimy's taking the advantage
of the distance of the place may endeavour to insinuate against
me, but that I may have the opportunity of being heard, etc.
Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 26th Jan., Read 17th
April, 1716. 6½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
675. i. Copy of Minutes of Council of Jamaica, 11th Nov., 1715.
Same endorsement. 6½ pp. |
|
675. ii. Account of money (£2,764 17s. 6d.) disbursed by the
Governor and Council of Jamaica for the subsistence of
the two Companies, 1st May, 1714—13th Nov., 1715.
Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
|
675. iii. Estimate of H.M. Revenue of Jamaica for 1715.
Expenditure £14,764 8s. 0½d. Receipts £8,615 15s. 11¼d.
Same endorsement. 1 large p. |
|
675. iv. Copy of Proclamation, upon H.M. announcement of
the Pretender's intended invasion, requiring the oaths
etc. to be tendered, and the Militia exercised and
prepared. 31st Oct., 1715. Signed, A. Hamilton.
Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
675. v. Address of the Governor and Council of Jamaica to
the King. Return hearty thanks for His most gracious
letter(May 13). Continue:—It is with irrepressible joy
we have seen your princely and fatherly concern for the
safety and prosperity of this Island which notwithstanding its being so valueable to Britain has not only lost
its trade and consequently decreas'd in inhabitants but
has been brought into evident danger of becoming a
prey to the growing power of its neighbours by an unsafe
and ruinous Treaty of Peace. But your Majesty has
revived our hopes and since your happy accession to the
Throne has remov'd every real cause of diffidence among
your subjects. What your Majesty has done for us by
confirming such beneficial laws which we had so long in
vain desir'd ought in reason to establish a good agreement
amongst us as the protection you have given us and
assured us of already dissipates our fears, etc. We have
no hope of prosperity but in the present happy establishment nor of safety, but in the Protestant Succession.
Pray for additional ships of war, and, when Parliament
has leisure to consider the state of navigation in this
part of the world,for such a measure of trade as may
encourage our seafaring men etc. We acknowledge
your Majesty's great favour in continuing here two
Independant Companys until we shall have provided
by good laws for the increase of inhabitants. We hope
your Majesty will have no reason from our proceedings
to beleive any one amongst us can thinke that a burthen
which your Majesty has judged necessary for our safety.
We shall seriously and heartily contribute our utmost
endeavours to the encouragement of inhabitants amongst
us which we are sensible is our greatest interest, etc., etc.
4th Nov., 1715. Signed, A. Hamilton, Will. Cockburn,
Cl. Con. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
675. vi. List of Militia in Jamaica, 1st Nov., 1715. Total,
2,697. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
675. vii. Extract of Minutes of Assembly of Jamaica, Nov.
11th, 1715. Same endorsement. ½ p. |
|
675. viii. Minutes of Assembly of Jamaica, 31st Oct.—11th
Nov., 1715 (cf. Nov. 28 infra). Same endorsement.
20 pp. [C.O. 137, 11. Nos. 10, 10 i.–viii.; and (without
enclosures) 138, 14. pp. 389–397.] |
| Nov. 14. |
676. Mr. Strahan to Mr. Popple. Encloses following.
Signed, Alexr. Strahan. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15 Nov., 1715.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|
676. i. Copy of establishment of the Four Independent Companies of Foot at New York, 1715. Total, £7,093 3s. 4d.
¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1051. Nos. 13, 13 i.; and 5, 1123. pp.
372, 373.] |
Nov. 15.
N. York. |
677. George Clarke, Secretary of New York, to Mr. Popple.
That Mr. Vesey, the Bishop of London's new Commissary, has
been a non-juror I never heard disputed, etc. Encloses following.
Set out, N.Y. Col. Doc. V. 464. Signed, Geo. Clarke. Endorsed,
Recd. 1st Feb., Read 20th March, 17 15/16. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
677. i. Duplicate of No. 629 vii. |
|
677. ii. Copy of Minutes of Council of New York, recording that
Mr. Vesey called King William a Dutch King, praised
the late reign and said that their King won't live alwayes,
etc. 1 p. |
|
677. iii. Rev. W. Vesey to Col. Riggs. Begs him to remind
the Bp. of London about the Farm, etc. and his services
to the Church of New York, etc. Set out, N.Y. Col.
Doc. V. 465. Signed, W. Vesey. Copy. 3 pp. [C.O.
5, 1051. Nos. 21, 21 i.–iii.] |
Nov. 15.
Whitehall. |
678. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Request payment of enclosed account
of office expenses and salaries, Midsummer to Michaelmas, 1715.
[C.O. 389, 37. pp. 96, 97.] |
Nov. 15.
Bloomsbury Square. |
679. Mr. Champante to Mr. Popple. Refers to cost of previous
present to the Indians. Continues:—The Board of Ordnance
contracted for 400 light fusils at 20 p.c. above the ordinary price,
which overplus, if their Lordps. direct the disposition of the
money which shall be now ordered to my care, may be lay'd out
in some further other things, etc. Signed, J. Champante. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th Nov., 1715. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1051. No.
14; and 5, 1123. pp. 374, 375.] |
