America and West Indies: November 1715, 16-30

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: November 1715, 16-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715, (London, 1928) pp. 344-353. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp344-353 [accessed 25 April 2024]

November 1715, 16-30

Nov. 16.
St. James's.
680. H.M. Warrant granting William Norris, Naval Officer in Jamaica, leave of absence. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 319, 320.]
Nov. 18.
Whitehall.
681. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Reply to Nov. 9th. We desire you will please to represent to H.M. that New York being in the center of H.M. other Provinces on the Continent of America, and extending in breadth to the Lakes, and St. Lawrence, or Canada River, has been always reputed as a Frontier to the British Empire there. That the five Nations of Indians lying on the back of New York, between the French of Canada, and our settlements, are the only barrier between the said French and their Indians, and H.M. Plantations as far as Virginia, and Maryland. That the French have made frequent attempts by their missionaries and otherwise, to debauch the said Indians, and to draw them off from the interest of the Crown of Great Brittain; which has been prevented from time to time, by presents made to them; (particularly upon the accession of any prince to the Crown), and by the assurances from the King or Queen, that they shou'd be protected against all their enemies. These Indians are the most warlike people on that Continent, and are very much dreaded by all the other nations there; so that they are capable, in a great measure, of turning the European interest in those parts to which side soever they incline. By letters we have received in July last, we are inform'd that the French were entered into the Onondage country (which is one of the five Nations of Indians) with intent to build a Fort there and so cut off our trade and communication with the said five Nations; And Brigadr. Hunter writes, that the French are debauching our Indians, contrary to the Treaty of Peace; of which he has complained to the Governor of Canada. That he has lately had a meeting with the said Indians, and after some conferences with them, he has brought them to a better temper. And by means of a present of some arms and ammunition, has engaged them to march with their associates to the relief of Carolina, and had given them assurances that H.M. in consideration of this service, wou'd send them a handsome present. Besides which, the said Indians had made him a proposition on behalf of some far Indians, for opening a correspondence, trade and friendship between them and H.M. subjects, wch. may be of great advantage; and is not to be done, but by the mediation of the said five Nations. This being the state of affairs in relation to the Indians, we are humbly of opinion, that it is absolutely necessary for the securing of them, and to defeat the endeavours of the French, that a present be sent them from H.M. as usual, and we find by our books, that in the year 1700 a present was sent them by his late Majesty King William, to the value of about £800 (copy of invoice enclosed). Upon which we take leave to observe, that the 400 fuzils mentioned were furnish'd at the rate of £400 by the Board of Ordinance, which, as we are inform'd, is about 20 p.c. dearer than such arms, as are fit for the Indian service, may be had for elsewhere. If this be so, there may be either an augmentation of the present to the value of about £80 (which might be of service) or if that be not approved of, there will be so much saved to H.M. At the same time the foresaid present in 1700 was sent to New York, there was £500 remitted to the Earl of Bellomont, towards the building of a fort in the Onnondage country; but his Lordship dying soon after, and the Earl of Clarendon, then Lord Cornbury, succeeding in that Government, we do not find that he did anything in it, nor do we know what became of that money; But since Brigadier Hunter's Government he has caused a good fort and chappel to be built in the Mohawk's country, where there was a missionary and 20 private men with an officer; and he proposes that a convenient post be taken up Hudson's River on the entrance of the Lakes, where a small fort might be built for £500, which wou'd awe our enemies, incourage our friends, increase our settlements, and by these means be in a little time of many thousand pounds value to H.M. subjects, by the security it wou'd give to their persons and estates, and by the augmentation of our trade in those parts, with which opinion of Brigdar. Hunter's we concur, thinking it for H.M. service that such a fort be built. As to the augmenting the forces of New York by two additional companys, we are humbly of opinion that the four companys now there are not sufficient for the garrisoning the forts at New York, Albany, Shenectedy, and the Mohawks country, and less so, if H.M. shall be graciously pleased to approve of building one at the entrance of the Lakes, as aforesaid, and therefore we think such an augmentation is absolutely necessary for H.M. service when H.M. other affairs will allow it to be done. Autograph signatures. 5¾ pp. Enclosed,
681. i. Invoice of goods shipped to New York, Dec., 1700, as part of H.M. present to the Five Nations. Copy.1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1085. Nos. 23, 23 i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 1123. pp. 377–382.]
Nov. 19.
Treary. Chambers.
682. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury desire to know if the Council of Trade and Plantations have any objection against the renewal of Mr. Byerley's patent, etc. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 19th Nov., Read 14th Dec., 1715. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed,
682. i. Petition of Thomas Byerley to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Prays to be continued in his office of Collector and Receiver of the Customs, excise and quitrents in New York, etc. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1051. Nos. 17, 17 i.; and 5, 1123. pp. 387, 388.]
Nov. 20.
Whitehall.
683. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to Governor Lord A. Hamilton. This will be delivered to you by Mr. Aylmer who carrys with him a warrant from H.M. for a grant of a sugar work to Mr. Nicholas upon the recommendation of several persons of distinction. I must therefore take the liberty to beg of your Lopp. that the bearer may meet with all countenance and dispatch in the expediting of the grant. Signed, James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 321.]
Nov. 23.
Whitehall.
684. Mr. Popple to Sir E. Northey. Encloses Act of Antigua, 1714, to enable Baptist and Margaret Looby guardians of Ann Hathorn, infant, to sell lands, for his opinion in point of law as soon as possible, as likewise an answer to Oct. 25th, relating to the case of M. Durepaire, concerning which the Board are very much press'd for their report. [C.O. 153, 12. pp. 366, 367.]
Nov. 23.
Annapolis Royal.
685. Lt. Governor Caulfeild to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Inclosed is a duplicate of my former, since which several of the inhabitants who were formerly obliged to quitt this country, by General Nicholson's directions, are since returned, and assure me the rest will soon follow them, as also that the French att Cape Breton have very much suffered for want of provisions, which hath occasioned a great mortality among them, and 'tis to be believed that if the traders from Boston had not supplyed them with provisions, and other necessaryes, they would have undergone much more difficulties. They likewise informe me that there is to be employed next season in fishing near 1,000 vessells of one sort or other and that there is a very great resort of traders there from several parts of France. They also affirme that the Govr. and regular troops are moved to St. Peters and St. Anns, in order to work on the fortifications which are already begun of which I apprized your Lordshipps. Refers to enclosure. Mr. Winnett is a gentleman that hath been of very great service to this Garrison, and whose behaviour did not in ye least deserve such treatment from Capt. Armstrong, etc. Signed, Tho. Caulfeild. Endorsed, Recd. 17th Feb., Read 28th March, 1716. 2 pp. Enclosed,
685. i. William Winnett to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. Annapolis Royal, 30th Oct., 1715. Encloses following, and prays him, as there is no civil law here, to transmit Capt. Armstrong's behaviour home. Refers to the frequent complaints of the inhabitants against Capt. Armstrong, and his own good services to the Garrison. Signed, William Winnett. Same endorsement. 1 p.
685. ii. Memorial of William Winnett to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. Capt. Armstrong has endeavoured by his arguments and insinuations to persuade you to banish memorialist from the Garrison. At the time of Genl. Nicholson's administration Mr. Vane then Engineer laid before him that ye memorialist was the occation of his being called to account for his behaviour to Col. Vetch and by his instigation was suspended, att which time Mr. Vane was much espoused by Genl. Nicholson's authority, att which instant Capt. Armstrong joyned his intrest with Mr. Vane to ruin memorialist. Describes Armstrong's transactions in relation to his bills with that purpose and prays for redress etc. Same endorsement. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 217, 2. Nos. 14, 14 i., ii.; and (without enclosures)218, 1. pp. 295–297; and (abstract) 217, 30.p. 4.]
Nov. 24.
Admity. Office.
686. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Refers to letter, Oct. 13. Continues:— Capt. Kempthorn has since sent from Newfound Land Mr. John Gaudy, who hath surveyed those coasts and the harbours, etc. Asks if the Council of Trade and Plantations desire to see the draughts, or to discourse with Mr. Gaudy, etc. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read 29th Nov., 1715. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 101; and 195, 6. pp. 150, 151.]
Nov. 28.
Admty. Office.
687. Same to Same. Desires to know whether the Council of Trade and Plantations have occasion to see Capt. Mayne, who was last at the Isle of May, etc. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. Read 29th Nov., 1715. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 102; and 195, 6. p. 151.]
Nov. 28. 688. Sir E. Northey to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to Oct. 25th. (i.) I am of opinion that by the Acts mentioned, petitioners, Durepaire or his wife, supposing neither of them were naturaliz'd or made a denizen of Great Britain before H.M. Accession to the Throne, are not capable to take or have any grant of lands, tenements or hereditaments from the Crown, but are by the said first Act disabled therein. (ii.) That by the cession made by the 12th Article of the Peace, the subjects as well as the Crown of France are thereby expressly excluded from all right or title to any the lands in the late French part of St. Christophers, and therefore the claim of right of Mrs. Maine by descent is perfectly destroyed and extinguished. Signed, Edwd. Northey. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read 29th Nov., 1715. 1¾ pp. Enclosed,
686. i. Duplicate of Oct. 25. [C.O. 152, 10. Nos. 78, 78 i.; and(without enclosure) 153, 12. pp. 368–370.]
Nov. 28. 689. Same to Same. I have no objection in point of law to H.M. approving of the Act of Antigua to enable Baptist Looby, etc. (Nov. 23), and am of opinion the approving thereof will be for the benefit of Ann Hathorne. Signed, Edw. Northey. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read 29th Nov., 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 77; and153, 12. pp. 367, 368.]
Nov. 28.
Jamaica.
690. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses duplicate of Address (No. 675 v.). I shall not trouble your Lordships with duplicates of other papers transmitted, giving an account of the proceedings of our Assembly, but shall endeavour to lay before you the substance of them in as few words as I can. The first extraordinary step of their proceedings appears by their Minnits of 1st Nov. " Resolved that no member of the Council hath any right to vote in the election of any member to serve in any Assembly. Resolved that it is a high infringement of the liberties and priviledges of the people of this Island for any such member of the Council, or any Custos Rotulorum or Collonel of the parish, where such Collo. or Custos shall reside to concern themselves in, so as to influence the election of members to serve in Assemblies." I need make no reflections on these unpresidented resolutions. The right of Councilors voting at elections of members to serve in Assemblies having never before been questioned, and that Collonels of the Militia, and Custos's Rotulorum should be debarred of their birth-rights for serving their country, when by the very tenure, by which every one here holds his land he is obliged to military services, is equally extravagant; however knowing of how little significancy these resolutions were, I was of opinion with the Council to let them pass unregarded, resolving as much as possible without giving up the trust reposed in me, to avoid all occasions of difference and disputes between us, that H.M. most gracious intentions, for the advantage and prosperity of this Island, might not thereby be obstructed and rendred ineffectual. I shall pass by their answering my speech at the opening of the Sessions with a message by two of their Members contrary to all former practice and president, and confine myself to the substance of the answer itself, in which observing they evaded saying anything as to the discharging of the debt due to myself and Council for subsisting the soldiers, etc., though particularly mentioned in my speech, I thereupon thought it necessary to send them a particular account of that debt, and insisted on the payment of it, both from it's justness, and as the payment of all publick debts was immediately recommended to them by H.M. In answer to which they first voted it no publick debt, then not within the construction of the King's letter, and further that, had I not made use of my interest at home to keep up two Independant Companies in H.M. pay here, the whole Regiment would have been disbanded in the Island, by which the men would have been much more useful to it and not a burthen, the keeping of them on foot being an injury to the private men and only advantagious to particular persons. Then after several other absurdities contradictory even to their own engagements to H.M. in their Address, come to the further following resolutions, vizt., Resolved that this House can't discharge the said debt without highly infringing upon the liberties of the subjects of this Island, and betraying the trust reposed in them. Resolved that the sergeants, corporals, drum, and private men in the two Independant Companies have an additional subsistance of provisions weekly, vizt., That every man have seven pound of good salt beef, seven pound of good flower or bisket, three pints and one half of good Madera wine pr. week. This provision tho' not to be complained of, is far less acceptable to the men, than the usual allowance in mony, and will really cost the country considerably more, besides the unhealthyness of it (if continued) in this climate especially. The next resolution I take notice of as showing their intentions as to the continuance of the Companies here, vizt., Resolved that the officers and soldiers be subsisted for the term of six months, and for six months longer, in case 200 men do not arrive in this Island by the encouragemt. given by a Bill, entituled an Act to encourage the bringing over and setling white people in this Island, before the first six months are expired. This Bill is not yet past their house, and by what I have heard of it is so clogg'd, that without amendments I believe hardly will the other, and it being what the Assembly call a mony Bill, I doubt they will not consent to any amendments, tho they very well know I am directed to assert the right of the Council in that point. This together with the disposition they have hitherto shewn in bills already sent up to the Council gives me but little hopes that anything will be effected, either for H.M. service or the good of the country. I wish I may be dissapointed, but I cannot expect better of these men, who have already made such undutyful returns to H.M. unparalelled grace and favour conferred on this Island. Under the many difficulties I struggle with, I have this only consolation, that since I have had the honour of serving the late Queen, and His present Majesty in the station I am in, I hope I have done my duty with zeal and integrity to the utmost of my ability, and while H.M. shall be pleased to continue me here nothing shall discourage me from prosecuting his service in the same manner. If forbearance and moderation can possibly, bring reasonable men to a better temper, it shall not be wanting on this occasion, but on the other hand I am resolved not to be drove into any unreasonable concessions, from the necessity of affairs; conceiving it my indispensable duty to shew the most strict adherence to our Constitution, when one part of it is endeavouring to make encroachments on the other, which has been apparent in our late Assemblys here, and particularly in the present not only by their attempting innovations in prejudice of the Council, a part of the Legislature, but also by encroachments on H.M. just Prerogative, and on the authority the Crown has always thought fit to invest their Governours wth. By what I have had the honour to represent to your Lordships in my last of the 13th [=? 14th] instant and now in this I presume I need add little more in relation to the Companies here. And I shall not presume to inforce the necessity of continuing them, etc. But I must humbly intreat H.M. directions for my guidance in case of the failure of the additional subsistance given by the Country, without which or something equivalent to it, it is allowed by everyone they cannot be kept on foot here, as also that H.M. pleasure may be known as to the discharge of the debt already due on that head. The Assembly having refused to pay it, I presume to repeat the only expedient I know, that it be paid out of the Revenue here if H.M. shall think fit to allow thereof. I am very sorry I'm obliged to take up so much of your Lordships' time with such disagreeable accounts of our affairs etc. However I hope the necessity will appear that effectual and speedy measures be taken for remedying the disorders of a Colony so valuable to Great Britain as this is. In the mean time tho' the Assembly should not give any supply, I hope to be able in some measure to support the present exigencies of the Government, by calling in by due course of law the outstanding debts owing to it. I know of no grievance or uneasyness in the Country but what is occasioned from our unhappy Assemblys, and I have no reason to doubt of our remaining otherways in perfect peace and tranquility. Mr. Brodrick H.M. Attorney General expecting daily the King's letter of lycence for his going to Great Britain, he has inform'd me of his resolucon not to return. I cannot recommend anyone from hence to succeed him, but must earnestly desire, as of very great importance to H.M. service, that a man of ability and resolution, after Mr. Brodrick's arrival, may be speedily dispatch'd hither with that character, and I cannot but still be of opinion, that it would be for the service that such an officer should likewise be of the Council. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 28th Feb., Read 17th April, 1716. 7 pp. [C.O. 137, 11. No. 11; and 138, 14. pp. 397–405.]
Nov. 29.
St. James's.
691. Mr. Molyneux, Secretary to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, to Mr. Popple. Encloses following, which was sent from H.R.H. to Bristol. Signed, S. Molyneux. Endorsed, Recd. Read 30 Nov., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed,
691. i. Jno. Tate to Sir John Duddleston, Bart., Mercht., in Bristol. Charlestown, 16th Sept., 1715. The enemy has been pretty quiet of late, and won't appear to come to a decisive battle they pursue their old method of bushfighting and one or other of our scouts are daily shot down without ever seeing an enemy and without prospect of being reveng'd by ye rest, for ye Indians lye perdue in some narrow defile where they have learned our people will pass, or near some good spring and being hidden by ye bushes pour in their volley and then scour off into ye woods, so two or three men are killed perhaps and no body did it. Thus they endeavour to cutt us off by peice-meal and would [=? won't. Ed.] come to a genll. engagemt. being very sensible ye warr enricheth themselves and impoverisheth us. They are all freebooters and carry all their estates about wth. them, and are never from home or out of their way, a little parcht corn and puddle water is good victuals for them and fattens them like hogs. In ye mean time ye publick is put to a vast expence. A standing army is now raising to consist of 600 whites and 400 negroes at £4 per month and officers pay advancd proportionably. They are to protect ye settlements till ye cropps are all got in, and then march to fight ye enemy where they can find them. Yesterday a sloop came in here and informs us two ships are off our bar with a supply of men arms and ammunicon sent us per ye Lds. proprietors; and wee are in hopes H.M. will aid us, for should this province be lost and ye French settle it by ye assistance of ye enemy, Virginia New England and ye whole English Settlements would be exposed to very great danger. It wd. be of very great importance to ye French to have footing in Carolina. They have a thriving settlemt. to ye Northwd. of it already, [Moville, in margin] and in ye late war they and ye Spaniards made an inglorious attempt on this Town; Carolina is partly situated upon the Neck of Florida, to which the French pretend sole right and title, and their Grand Monarch some years agoe made a grant of all Florida to a Comissioner of Trade to colonize and settle as he saw occasion, what has been done in that matter, or how far he fulfilld his master's orders, I know not, but ever since ye war this Province made agt. ye Augustine Spaniards, the French of Moville have carryed on a very considerable trade wth. ye Spanish Territorys, and cut off thereby a branch of our trade wch. was esteemed at £30,000 per annum. Mr. Charleton yt. bought two boxes of yr. tobacco runn away yesterday off the country, etc. Quotes rice at 35 per 100, pitch 40 to 45 per barril. Tarr I offered 30 could not get. Turpentine 15 per 100. Logwood 13 to £15 per tun. Tobacco 2s. 6d. per lb. etc. Other private items. Signed, Jno.Tate. Addressed. Postmark. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1265. Nos. 11, 11 i.; and5, 1292. pp. 478—481.]
Nov.29.
Whitehall.
692. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Reply to 24 and 28. The Council of Trade and Plantations will be glad of speaking with Capt. Main and Mr. Gaudy, at ten of the clock to-morrow morning; as likewise to see the draughts of Newfoundland, etc. P.S. Since this was written Mr. Gaudy hath attended, etc. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 152.]
Nov.29.
Whitehall.
693. Same to Same. The Council of Trade and Plantations think it wou'd be of good service to the publick, if the draughts of the coast and harbours of Newfoundland made by Mr. Gaudy were printed, so as to be dispers'd before the next fishing season, there being no draught of Placentia publish'd, where the best fishing has been this last season, and the draughts of the other harbours being very imperfect. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 153.]
Nov.29.
Whitehall.
694. Mr. Popple to Mr. Durepaire. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire to know whether you or your wife have been naturalised or endenized, etc. French. [C.O. 153, 12. p. 371.]
Nov. 30.
Whitehall.
695. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have no objection why your Majesty may not approve an Act of Antigua to enable Baptist Looby etc. (v. 23rd Nov.). [C.O. 153, 12. pp. 371, 372.]
Nov. 30. 696. M. Durepaire to the Council of Trade and Plantations. (Millors Commissaires de la Chambre Royalle du Commerce.) Prays for a favourable report upon his claim to lands in St. Kitts etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read 30th Nov., 1715. French. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 79.]
Nov.30. 697. Capt. Mayne's Observations at the Isle of May, Bonavista etc., 1715. (1) At my arrival at the Isle of May found great disorders were committed by the people in the Ponds, by reason that they being very numerous and the masters few, mutined and disputed the time of working, and in a riotous manner had fallen on some of the masters, and treat and misused them in a barbarous nature, threatning to put them to death etc., by which the progress of making salt was retarded. (2) On their petitioning me, finding it for the good of the public, took upon me to regulate the time of working by hoisting a flag for their going to breakfast, dinner and leaving off work, etc. It's customary the masters of the ships that arrive first claim more ground in the Ponds than they can manure, yet will not let any that arrive after them work them. (3) The Factor at the Isle of May, who is only servant to the General of St. Jago, tho chief of May exacts from the master of the merchantmen money for barrico hire which was never done but paid in truck by English goods to a considble. advantage to the merchants, their salt coming abundantly cheaper to them, by which means if not time prevented the trade to that place will be very much injured, and there will be a yearly consumption of the bullion of this nation. (4) The masters of the ships both at St. Jago and Isle of May meet with great hardships in procuring provisions etc., paying five times at the former and three times at the latter that the inhabitants and Portuguese ships do. (5) June 20th came into the Isle of May the Dorothea of Amsterdam to make and carry salt to Surinam, which I would not suffer him to do. The steersman declared that next year the States of Holland would send a great many ships to protect them making salt. (6) The French vessels do often frequent the Cape Verd Islan for barracoes and catching tortall for their islands in America, one of which the Mary Rose of Nantz, found at Bonavista, who told me he had a Medeterranean pass as belonging to H.M. subjects of Jersey or Guernesey, but made pretence it was left behind at Nantz, wch. if I had seen should have given him leave of loading salt, altho' a subject of France.
I am humbly of opinion, if the officer who shall be appointed for the security of the merchants shipps from the insults of pirates had authority to punish offenders that should dare attempt to mutiny or give disturbance on shoar or on board, as likewise full power to appoint the time of working and to redress from any grievance the seamen may receive from the masters, and to prevent the masters or seamen from carrying any firearms on shoar which will be a means to prevent their opposing of Justice or doing prejudice by their killing (as they have often done) the cattle of the inhabitants of which complaint has been made to me. (2) This officer to be impowered to apportion superfluous ground taken up according to the number of men on board, etc. (3 and 4) To be redrest by orders from the Court of Portugal, etc. Endorsed, Recd. (from Capt. Mayne) Read 30th Nov., 1715. 2 pp. Enclosed,
697. i. List of ships (English) at the Isle of May, 1715, =90, totalling 16,890 tuns, besides 22, of about 200 tuns each, that loaded at Bonavista.Same endorsement. 3 pp. [C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 103, 103 i.]
Nov.30.
Admity.Office.
698. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Encloses copy of preceding. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 30th Nov., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed,
698. i. Copy of No. 697 i. Endorsed as preceding. [C.O.194, 5. Nos. 104, 104 i.]