America and West Indies: September 1718

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 30, 1717-1718. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1930.

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'America and West Indies: September 1718', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 30, 1717-1718, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1930), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol30/pp343-359 [accessed 3 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: September 1718', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 30, 1717-1718. Edited by Cecil Headlam( London, 1930), British History Online, accessed December 3, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol30/pp343-359.

"America and West Indies: September 1718". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 30, 1717-1718. Ed. Cecil Headlam(London, 1930), , British History Online. Web. 3 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol30/pp343-359.

September 1718

Sept. —
Hampton Court.
680. H.M. Warrant and Commission to Thos. Betts to be Naval Officer in Jamaica, with a clause obliging him to residence, and revoking the letters patent of William Norris. Countersigned, J. Craggs. [C.O. 324, 33. pp. 187, 188.]
Sept. 1.
Jamaica.
681. Governor Sir N. Lawes to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses duplicate of 20th June, and acknowledges letter etc. of 4th April. Continues:—The Acts referred to I have caused to be enter'd in the Council books and published in the usual forme. The objections your Lordps. have made in your Representation to H.M. against the passing of those laws on which he has been please[d] to signifie his disallowance, appears so strong that I am in hopes the Assembly will see their error and frame such other laws for the good of their countrey as may not be lyable to the same objections. I have particularly signified to them that if they shall not judge the Acts of 1703 and 1712, which are now in force, sufficient for the encouragement of white people, I will readily give my consent to a new law for that purpose in which care shall be taken that no temporary law do repeal a perpetual one; and that no act shall repeal a perpetual Act confirm'd, without H.M. leave, or a clause declaring such an Act not to be in force til H.M. pleasure be knowne. As to the Act for the effectual discovery of all persons that are disaffected to H.M. etc. which remains at present in suspence, I have endeavour'd to get the best information I could, both with respect to the benefit and advantage of such a law, as also the inconveniency's and disadvantages of it, and upon the whole I am of opinion it is not suitable in many respects to our condition as an unpeopled Colony, the same obliging all officers civil and military within this Island to receive the holy Communion within a month after the publication of their Commissions, which has occasion'd many to lay down and so become reform'd officers who are really gentlemen well affected to H.M. and his Government, and I cannot say, that we have either many Roman Catholicks or Dissenters amongst us. Therefore in my humble opinion if your Lordships thinks fit, that Act may be laid before H.M. for his disallowance. Refers to enclosures and Address of Assembly. Continues:—I humbly begg your Lordships' favourable assistance in getting it presented to H.M. in an acceptable manner. The Assembly did likewise testifye their satisfaction under my Government in an Address a coppy whereof comes herewith. On the 23rd past I did with the unanimous advice of the Council adjourn the Assembly til the 24th inst., by reason of the sitting of the Grand Court, the Speaker being Chief Justice and severall of the Judges and Lawyers Members of the House, it was impracticable for them both to sit together and as the last Grand Court had been adjourn'd without doing any business, both myself and the Council were of opinion that it was better for the Island to have the present Grand Court meet to prevent a delay in Justice, then to continue the Assembly sitting. I therefore gave them a recess for one month which seem'd agreeable to most of the Members thereof, and I hope they will fullfill what they have engag'd by their Resolutions. I observe by one of their resolutions they seem to have misconstrued that paragraph of my Speech, wherein I recommend to them the passing of a law to subject their real estates or the produce thereof towards the payment of their just debts, at their next meeting. I shall endeavour to convince them of the justness of subjecting their estates for that end and am in hopes they will come into it. I am sorry H.M. recommendacons to them has hitherto prov'd ineffectual for reimbursing the Lord A. Hamilton and the Council for moneys advanced by them for the subsistance of H.M. forces here. Your Lordships will observe by my Speech in what pressing terms I recommended it to them, and notwithstanding their Resolution that it ought not to be paid, yet I am in great hopes at their next meeting they will consider the justness of that demand and pay obedience to H.M. recommendacon, I shall not be wanting in promoting all I can towards it. Encloses Naval Officers Accounts etc., and that of the Collector of Customs. Continues:—Whereby you will observe how small a share of seizures comes to H.M. proporcon, and I cannot help taking notice to your Lordships upon this occasion, that in all former Governments H.M. share of seizures were paid into the hands of the Governour and he to be accountable to the Lord High Treasurer in Great Britain. The first instance of the contrary was upon an application of Mr. Beckford, Comptroler in Mr. Heywood's Government, for the Lord A. Hamilton to pay into the Collector's hands H.M. share of all the seizures that had hapned in his Lordp's. Government, which Mr. Heywood accordingly order'd. Refers to Minutes of Council, Aug. 23 and 25, 1716. Continues:—I confess I have not been able to find out what inducements Mr. Heywood had to give such a positive direction etc., especially when the Councill where equally divided in their opinions; I hope your Lordships will please to take the same into your consideration for it plainly appears by this account that H.M. reaps little advantage from seizures the greatest part being swallowed up in extravagant and unnecessary charges and sallarys to the officers. I therefore propose it to your Lordships to move H.M. that he wou'd be graciously pleas'd to grant his share of all such seizures in this Island as may happen from time to time for breach of the Acts of Trade towards the support of the Government thereof. Since I had the last honor to write to your Lordships, I have taken an opportunity with a Committee of the Councill to view the fortifications on Port Royall wch. I found very much out of repair, and severall implements and stores wanting. I ordered a survey to be taken of the ordnance and stores, coppys whereof comes herewith, together with a list of what ordnance stores and other implements of war, which are wanting and necessary as retorn'd by a Committee of the Councill with their opinion thereupon and I humbly desire the favour of your Lordships to lay the same before H.M. with your recommendacons that he may be graciously pleased to give directions to the Board of Ordnance to supply us with the same. I think it my duty to acquaint your Lordships, that severall people have been lately sent over out of the gaols in England, upon the encouragement of an Act of Parliament pass'd the last Sessions, for the further preventing robbery etc. and for the more effectual transportation of felons etc.; Those people have been so farr, from altering their evil courses and way of living and becoming an advantage to us, that the greatest part of them are gone and have induced others to go with them a pyrating, and have inveglied and encouraged severall negroes to desart from their masters and go to the Spaniards in Cuba, the few that remains proves a wicked lazy and indolent people, so that I could heartily wish this country might be troubled wth. no more [of] them. The Spanish gentleman Don Juan del Valle who has been in this Island for some years past solliciting for restitution for severall losses the Spaniards hath sustained by English pyrates has receiv'd an answer from myself and the Councill to a Memoriall he deliver'd in some time after my arrivall of wch. I send your Lordships a copy, and seeing, we have nothing more in our power to make restitution but the money deposited by Lord A. Hamilton, his staying longer in this countrey was thought unadviseable especially he giving great umbrage to the merchants, who suspected he gave intelligence to the Spaniards on Cuba, the time of their ships sailing from this Island by means of which information the Spanish Guardalacoasts (whom I can call no better than pyrates) lay in wait and has taken severall of their ships, the said Don Juan was with the unanimous advice of the Council desired to depart this Island in 21 dayes. He thereupon applyed for coppys of all his memorialls, answers etc. attested under the Seal of the Island which was allowed him, and now I am inform'd he designs for England by this conveyance. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 11th Nov., 1718. 12 pp. Enclosed,
681. i. List of enclosures. Same endorsement. ½ p.
681. ii. Copy of the Resolutions of the Assembly of Jamaica upon the Governor's Speech, 19th Aug., 1718. (v. Journal of Assembly). Same endorsement. 3¼ pp.
681. iii. Address of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to the King. Aug. 9th, 1718. We acknowledge with the highest gratitude your unwearied endeavors for our safety and prosperity, a signal instance of which we have lately been favour'd with, in your Majesty's appointment of Sr. N. Lawes, who from his former just administration, in the subordinate offices of this Island, his perfect knowledge of our Constitution, and from his being also engag'd in interest with us; we perswade ourselves will fully answer your Majesty's purposes in such appointment. Return thanks for H.M. ships of warr for guarding of our Island, and protecting our trade against pyrates, who notwithstanding your Majesty's gracious promise of pardon are grown so numerous and insolent, that the subduing them requires not only a greater number of ships but a much greater vigilance than has hitherto been shewn by the Commanders of those ships fitted for our immediate service. And here we begg leave to represent to your Majesty, that we are without hopes of being freed from the depredations and barbaritys daily committed by those common enemys, untill your Majesty in your great wisdom shall think fit to order the commanders of your ships here to follow the direction of our Governor in their cruises, and untill such commanders are prevented trading on the Spanish coast, or elsewhere, by the gain of which they are necessarily tempted to neglect the service of the Island, and by their carrying on the remains of our Trade, without the expence of hire-wages or victualling; our seafaring men wanting their usuall employ, are the easier sedue'd to turn pyrates etc. Our chief aim in all our proceedings shall be to render us an acceptable people to the best of Kings etc. Signed, Ja. Daniel, Clk Council, Wm. Nedham, Speaker. Same endorsement. Copy. 2¼ pp.
681. iv. Address of the Assembly of Jamaica to Governor Sir N. Lawes, with his reply, 12th Aug., 1718. v. Journal of Assembly. Printed by R. Baldwin in Kingston. Price one bit. Same endorsement. 1¾ pp.
681. v. Account of the Collector of Customs, Jamaica, 25th March—24th June, 1718. Signed, George Dawes. Same endorsement. 1 p.
681. vi. List of Ordnance Stores wanting in Jamaica. Same endorsement. 1 p.
681. vii. Survey of the Ordnance Stores, Port Royal, May 1st, 1718. Same endorsement. 1 p.
681. viii. Survey of Ordnance Stores, Port Royal, July 26th, 1718. Same endorsement. 1 p.
681. ix. Reply to the Governor and Council of Jamaica to Don Juan del Valle (v. supra). H.E. and the Council are extreamely concern'd at the hostilities and pyracies that have been committed by the subjects of Great Britain on those of his Catholick Majesty. They will use their utmost endeavours to discountenance and prevent all such practices for the future etc. His Majesty has been pleas'd to grant his pardon to the persons concern'd in the pyracies complain'd of. Far the greatest part of the money and effects had been carried into other parts and spent by the disorderly seamen. They had nothing immediately in their power but the money deposited by Lord A. Hamilton and some few effects taken out of the sloop Kensengton which they shall not only be ready to restore, but likewise to cause the severall owners of the sloops Bennett, Eagle and Bersheba to make restitution, when they receive H.M. commands for that purpose. At the same time they hoped that the subjects of the King of Spain would be as ready to make restitution to the subjects of the King of Great Britain for their losses which are equall if not superiour to those sustained by the Spaniards. Same endorsement. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 137, 13. Nos. 16, 16 i.–ix.; and (without enclosures) 138, 16. pp. 131–144; and (extract of covering letter and Nos. vi.–viii. only) 137, 46. Nos. 33, 33 i., ii.]
Sept. 1.
Jamaica.
682. Same to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges letter of 4th April etc. as in preceding. The Assembly have ordered a bill to be brought in, appointing an Agent or Agents who are to be sufficiently instructed and empower'd to transact the business of this Island in Great Britain and care shall be taken that such Agent or Agents be not dependant wholly upon the Assembly but joyntly upon the Governour, Council and Assembly in the manner prescrib'd by their Lordships. Herewith I send you the old Broad Seal of the Island broke in peices before me in Council etc. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 12th Nov., 1718. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 137, 13. No. 17; and 138, 16. pp. 145, 146.]
Sept. 2. 683. Memorandum of receipt for the Commission to pardon pirates, to be delivered to the Governor of New England. Signed, Saml. Cary. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd Sept., 1718. ¼ p. [C.O. 5, 867. No. 9.]
Sept. 2. 684. Deposition by Sir Robert Mountgomery of Skelmorly that he doth bona fide design to make a settlement in Carolina etc. as Feb. 9. Signed, Rob. Mountgomery. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 383. No. 4.]
Sept. 3.
Whitehall.
685. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Craggs. Enclose extract of letter from Governor Sir N. Lawes, 21st June, to be laid before H.M. [C.O. 138, 16. pp. 126, 127.]
Sept. 3.
Whitehall.
686. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Encloses similar extract for the information of the Lords of the Admiralty. [C.O. 138, 16. pp. 127, 128.]
Sept. 4.
St. James's.
687. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Robert Johnson and the Council of Carolina. Whereas by our Instructions to you our Governor, 30th Aug., 1717, we strictly enjoin'd you to reduce that paper credit, which was pretended to be establish'd amongst you by your Bank Act, to which Act we always shew'd our dissent and dislike, and directed you to put in execution the Act of the 6th of the late Queen, for ascertaining foreign coin etc., and we have been inform'd, that in pursuance to our Instructions, you have us'd your endeavours to put the aforesaid Act of the Queen in execution and have also pass'd lately an Act of Assembly call'd the Tax Act, whereby many, if not most of the said Bills of Credit are or will be sunk and paid off. But we receiv'd a petition from the London merchants, at our last Board, wherein they set forth, that they were inform'd, that an intention or design was on foot to elude your late Act of Assembly call'd the Tax Act, in breach of the publick faith, or to stamp more bills of credit, they humbly pray, that no more bills of credit shou'd be allow'd of by us the proprietors and that we wou'd not suffer the said Act of Assembly so lately pass'd (pursuant to the Instructions given to our Govr.) to be anyways eluded or evaded. We therefore having taken the petition of the said merchants, into our serious consideration and reflecting on the many inconveniences that must ensue, if either of the merchants' suggestions shou'd take effect. We therefore the Lords Proprietors do strictly enjoin and command you Our Governor and said Council, not to give your consent to any act of Assembly to be hereafter pass'd or that may alter or any way evade the said Tax Act for the lessning the Bills of Credit, and that you do not consent to the makeing or stamping any new bills of credit for the future until our pleasure be first made known to you upon that account. We having also receiv'd further information of a design in the Assembly to set a price upon the country commodities, and to make such commodities at such price be a good tender in law in discharge of all debts; We do also enjoin and command you Our Govr. and Council not to consent to any such law without first sending to us and laying the copy of such bill before us for our consent and approbation. Signed, Carteret P., Ja. Bertie for D. of B(eaufort), Fulwar Skipwith for L. C(raven), M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. pp. 121, 122.]
Sept. 5.
Admiralty Office.
688. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Reply to Sept. 3rd. Upon complaints formerly received of the like nature, by my Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty, orders were sent to all the Captains of H.M. ships in those parts to use their utmost diligence not only in cruizing against the pirates, and for the security of the trade, but not to take on board, and carry from one port to another any merchant's goods, upon any account whatever, and those orders are again repeated to the Commander in cheif of the ships at Jamaica. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 23rd Sept., 1718. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 13. No. 15; and 138, 16. pp. 129, 130.]
Sept. 6. 689. Mr. Perry to Mr. Popple. Encloses following. Signed, Micajah Perry. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 15th Oct., 1718. Addressed. Postmark. ¼ p. Enclosed,
689. i. Receipt for one red box for Lt. Governor Spotswood etc. Gravesend. 6th Sept., 1718. Signed, Joshua Leland, Master. 1 slip. [C.O. 5, 1318. Nos. 51, 51 i.]
Sept. 9/20.
Fort Kykoverall, River Essequebo.
690. H. Winkler to the Directors of the Dutch West India Company. Signed, Hn. Winkler. Endorsed, Read, 15th Dec. (N.S.), 1718. Addressed. Sealed. Dutch. 2 pp. [C.O. 116, 21. No. 159.]
Sept. 10.
Antigua.
691. Governor Hamilton to Mr. Popple. Yours of the 31 January did not com to my hand till in June last at my returne from St. Christophers, where I had undergone a varry severe fitt of a lax, and the man of war was then immediatly obliged to proceed for Barbados to victuall, for there being no one imploy'd here by the undertakers to furnish them, which is so inconvenient, that a third of her time of attending on this station is taken up in going thither, taking in provisions, and comming back, which I ones represented, but had no answer to it, and as soone as shee returned it was our hurry-cane time, and the Capt. judged it for H.M. service to lay up the ship in the harbour, for the better securing of her, and there shee remaines still, for which reason, I was forced to send downe to the aforesaid Island of St. Kitts, and put up proclamations, for all people that had any setlements in the former French ground to send me copy's of theire grant's etc. according to theire Lordship's directions, a state of which I now send, but is not so perfect as I would have wish'd, but no paines of mine has been wanting, but some thro' stubborness, others have theire grants in Britaine, is the reall occasion that I could not compleat it, however, I hope this will by theire Lordship's be taken so, as that I have discharged my duty to the utmost of my power. As for having drove of any poore people off of the Island, it's so far from that, that I have given them all the incouragment and protection in my power, even to the disobliging of some of the great Planters, and as for dispossessing any, I have not, for that Stoddard, that has lodged a petition against me, had never any grant, or right, nor had he made near a third the improvements he set's forth in his falce petition, as you will perceive by my answer, neither had that fellow any manner of claime to H.M. bounty, having shamefully deserted his command, and flew to the mountaines when the French landed upon St. Kitts in 1705/6 when he comanded a militia company, and there remaind till the enemie was gon, by which means I lost a strong pass, and the reason I gave a grant for that plantation to Majr. Milliken, was, that he was well able to setle it, and thereby H.M. revenew improved etc., but all this without the least profitt to myselfe, and with no other viwe than the well setling of the Collony, for I assure you I have no regard to person's in the way of doing Justice, but if every litle complaint against Governours is taken notice of, it is the greatest discouragment immaginable; for by this means, every litle fellow if he doth but immagine that he has the least hardship done him, he is immediatly for going home, and there they meet with some of my implacable enemies to support them etc. I thank God, I have a clear and safe conscience, that I have wronged no boddy, but if a Governour must be complained against for doing his duty, and by that means put to a great deale of charge, and trouble to himselfe and friends, it is enough to discour[age] them from doing theire duty, as in the case of Mrs. Assailliê, where my conduct was approved by H.M. and Councill, but still no reparation order'd to be made me. I am sorry to find theire Lordship's should receive any impressions to my prejudice, without first letting me know, and to hear what I could say in my owne justification, which I beg for the future if any such thing should againe happen, you will use your endeavours and interest to procure for me. One Mr. John Spooner Solicitor Generall of these Islands, and a verry worthy honest Gentleman will waite on you, I have recommended him to theire Lordship's for part of the unmanured land Mr. Douglas our late Generall stands possess'd of, but now without a grant, if you can any way befriend him, or do him any servis, I beg you will afford him your best assistance, he is a person very capable to informe theire Lordships about the state of these Islands, and in particular as to my conduct. I hope long before this you have seen my spouse, (by whom I sent you a second black bearded litle Lady, the prettyest of the sort that I ever did see) with whom I hope you have had a pretty deale of discourse, to whom I refer you as to any affaires of mine etc. Compliments. My most humble servis attends good Mrs. Popple, and all your pretty family, and I remaine for ever, my dear Popple, your most obliged, and verry much devouted humble servant. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 14th Nov., Read 16th Dec., 1718. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 152, 12. No. 117.]
Sept. 10.
Antigua.
692. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. As soon as I had the honour to receive yours of the 28 of January last which was in June, I applied myself to perform the several particulars which you thereby directed, and as the most effectual means to hinder the inhabitants of Anguilla and those Islands from dispersing and going to settle at Crabb Island I caused a Proclamation to be issued and published at St. Christophers and each of those Islands, enclosed, which I hope will meet your approbation. Refers to enclosed account of grants in St. Christophers and repeats part of preceding. Adds:—I doubt the accounts which some have given of their negroes and improvements do exceed what they have on their lands etc. On the 16 ultimo there happen'd a storm which forced several ships and sloops ashore at St. Christopher's where they were lost and destroyed by the violence of the weather etc. I was in great hopes that the method for the disposal of those lands would have been adjusted ere now. I do assure your Lordships that they give me more trouble than all the other business of my Government and that even without one penny profit to me in any respect etc. as preceding. I know not what former Governours may have got by renewing of grants or making alterations, but I do affirm to your Lordships that I never got one groat for anything of that kind neither have I made any alterations save the two mentioned in the list and remarks now sent, my reasons for which you will find there, and tho' there are several persons in possession of good parcells of lands which I think do not deserve the same yet I do assure your Lordships I have admitted them to continue, and was resolved so to do even before I received your Lordships directions not to make any future alterations, to which you may therefore please to be assured that I shall the more strictly conform. At the time of my issuing the Proclamation I wrote to the President of St. Christophers as well as to the Presidents of the other Islands to use their utmost endeavours to hinder the inhabitants of those Islands from leaving the same, and withall I desired that if there were any lately removed from them, they would let me know the numbers, together with what they believed to have been the cause thereof, but as yet I have not had any answer thereto, so presume there are few or none gone, but those which I formerly gave your Lordships an account of, to prevent which your Lordships may remember the methods that I then took which were the only means that I conceived proper to be used, and upon the whole I am in hopes your Lordships will believe I have been so far from forcing or encouraging any to leave these Islands that I have taken all the prudent measures I could to prevent the same. Refers to enclosed account of imports etc. And as to your Lordships' commands of the 4 Oct. last requiring me to send you a distinct account of the several branches of the Revenue in this Government and the constant expences thereof, I must beg leave to acquaint your Lordships that I have often recommended the same to the Council and Assembly of each Island but cannot get an answer thereto, so it is not in my power to comply at present etc. I likewise observe your Lordships commands about sending constant informations of the number of acres granted by H.M. to the several Planters within my Government with the rents reserved thereupon for answer whereto your Lordships will please to observe that there has not been one forfeiture or escheat of lands to H.M. since my coming to the Government so that there has not been anything for me to give or grant away; Indeed I have passed some few patents in this Island as well as the other Islands but it has been for lands which had been given away by former Governours, the grantees of which have desired the same more for their own satisfaction than any great benefit they could expect for the same. So that in reality there has been nothing given away belonging to H.M. since my arrival. The rents generally reserved upon such grants are one ear of Indian corn to be paid upon certain days limitted by their grants, if lawfully demanded. As to your Lordships' [enquiry], how the publick accounts are audited, refers to former letters, and to his account of Spaniards attacking Crab Island etc. Continues:—Since which I have an account that they have also at Tertuga alias Saltatudas taken a ship and a sloop belonging to the subjects of H.M., the which ship was commanded by one Joseph Bosworth, and the sloop by one Anthony Attwood etc. Refers to enclosures. Continues:—They have also taken several small sloops belonging to these Islands which only went to Crabb Island and St. Cruix to get turtle, of which I think it my duty to acquaint your Lordships that you may take such measures therein for the relief of the parties concerned; as in your wisdom you shall deem most convenient. I formerly gave your Lordships an account that the Dutch yearly imported great quantities of negroes to St. Eustatia and that several were brought from thence to St. Christophers and the rest of these Islands in English vessells, for payment whereof' tis supposed that great quantities of sugars are carried by stealth from the English Islands to the said Island of St. Eustatia, to the great prejudice not only of H.M. Revenue but of the fair and honest English trader but as yet I have had no answer thereto, wherefore I humbly beg leave to put your Lordships in mind thereof and to pray that you will be pleased to signifie to me by the first whether you think negroes bought with Dutch goods upon the coast of Africa and brought from thence in Dutch vessells may lawfully be brought into any of H.M. Plantations in an English bottom, after having been first landed upon St. Eustatia. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 16th Dec., 1718. 3¼ pp. Enclosed,
692. i. Proclamation by Governor Hamilton, 13th June, 1718. Quotes from letter of Council of Trade 28th Jan., and forbids the inhabitants of Anguilla, St. Kitts and the other Leeward Islands to go and settle on Crab Island. Those who have gone, but now return, shall have all the protection and encouragement in his power, and free grants of waste lands etc. Instructions for obtaining these. Hopes to obtain for them parcels of lands in the late French part of St. Kitts when it is disposed of etc. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 p.
692. ii. An account of the qualifications of 97 grantees of the French part of St. Kitts, together with Governor Hamilton's reasons for the grants given by him in that part of the Island. Same endorsement. 13½ pp.
692. iii. Governor Hamilton to the Lords of H.M. Privy Council. 12th Aug., 1718. Reply to petition of Christopher Stoddard. v. supra. Same endorsement. Copy. 3¼ pp.
692. iv. Proclamation by Governor Hamilton, Antigua, 13th June, 1718. All persons holding lands in the late French part of St. Kitts are to deliver copies of their grants to him at Antigua by 25th July, with an account of the improvements they have made on each parcell of land and how long they have been in possession, and by whom and when their grants were first given. Same endorsement. 1 p.
692. v. Return by the 97 grantees of lands in the late French part of St. Kitts in accordance with preceding Proclamation. Signed, W. Hamilton. Same endorsement. 2¾ large pp., folded.
692. vi. Deposition of Anthony Attwood, Master of the sloop Mary and Elizabeth. Antigua, 4th Sept., 1718. Deponent sailed from Antigua for Tertuga and on 3rd July saw the ship Neptune which was in company with him boarded by a periaga or row-galley, upon which deponent put his sloop under sail, but the periaga boarded him, overcame the crew and carried the sloop into Cumana. The periaga was commanded by Dago Pocheet, who showed a Commission from the Governor of Cumana. On 13th Aug. after several times petitioning the Governor deponent was ordered away in a boat with his sloop's crew and Capt. Bosworth and the Neptune's crew. Deponent had no salt or anything else of the growth or produce of Tertuga etc. Signed, Anthony Attwood. 1¾ pp.
692. vii. Deposition of John Harris, Antigua, 4th Sept., 1718. Deponent, a sailor on board the Mary and Elizabeth, corroborates preceding. Signed, John Harris. 1 p.
692. viii. Deposition of Joseph Bosworth, Master of the Neptune. Antigua, 3rd Sept., 1718. Narrates experience similar to that of Attwood, No. vi. 1½ pp. Nos. vi.–viii. endorsed as letter. [C.O. 152, 12. Nos. 118, 118 i.–viii.; and (extract of covering letter and copies of Nos. vi.–viii.) 152, 39. Nos. 131, 131 i.; and (copy of covering letter) 152, 39. No. 130.]
Sept. 11/22.
Rio Essequebe.
693. Commandant Van der Heyden Rezen to the Directors of the Dutch West India Company. Signed, Pr. Van der Heyden Rezen. Endorsed, Read 15th Dec. (N.S.), 1718. Dutch. 15 pp. Enclosed,
693. i. Minutes of the Court in Essequibo. Aug. 2, 1718. Dutch. 8 pp.
693. ii. Orders by Commandant Van der Heyden Rezen concerning Herman Winkler etc. 26th July-18th Aug., 1718. Dutch. 5 pp. [C.O. 116, 21. Nos. 164, 164 i., ii.]
Sept. 12
St. James's.
694. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Francis Yonge, Surveyor General. You were by your Instructions, deliver'd to you with our Commission to be our Surveyor Genl., directed, as all your predecessors have been, to make entries, and keep a true record of all lands which you shou'd admeasure and set out to any person whatsoever and you were desir'd to transmit to us particular accounts of all the lands that have been taken up before your entring upon your office, as also what you admeasur'd and set out since the date of your Commission; We take this opportunity of putting you in mind of this part of your duty and desire you to send us such accounts, as by your Instructions you are directed, by the first opportunity. Signed, Carteret, P., Ja. Bertie for D. of B[eaufort], M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 123.]
Sept. 12.
St. James's.
695. Same to the Governor and Council of South Carolina. Whereas it was agreed at our Board formerly, that in consideration of the many and great abuses that were constantly committed by the exorbitant grants of land that were made in our Province of South Carolina, far exceeding and contrary to our Commissions and Instructions to our Govrs. and Officers no more land shou'd be sold from thenceforth, except what shou'd be sold by ourselves at our Board; and whereas we have at the instance and request of several of the inhabitants of our Province, consented to suspend that our order and resolution and have since permitted our Agents to sell our land to purchasers as formerly, yet we perceive that the abuses abovemention'd are rather increas'd since our late indulgence; conveyances and disposals of our land having been endeavour'd to be made without our knowledge or consent, and that all grants of land heretofore made in our province, are in such a disorderly and confus'd condition that no regular account can be given of the same, nor can any estimate or calculation of the rents or reservations made to us by reason of such grants be any ways made up or transmitted to us; for preventing therefore such enormous practices and abuses for the future, we have resolv'd, and we do hereby strictly charge and command you our Govr. and Council, that you do not consent, permit or suffer any more of our land to be admeasur'd and set out to any person whatsoever without our consent and approbation be first obtain'd upon that accot. Signed, Carteret, P.; Ja. Bertie for D. of B[eaufort], Fulwar Skipwith for L. C[raven], M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. pp. 124, 125.]
Sept. 12.
St. James's.
696. Same to Mr. Secretary Hart. You were by your Commission from us authoriz'd and directed to receive from the Surveyor General all certificates of land by him survey'd, pursuant to the warrts. to him directed, and you were therein authoriz'd to draw up all the conveyances of land, and when such conveyances were executed you were by your Commission directed to inroll them. In your Instructions you were to register all warrants to the Surveyor General for setting out land to such person who shall come into your Province to plant, and the Surveyor Genls. return etc. And in another Article of your Instructions you were directed to transmit to us yearly a true account of all our rents, and the arrears of the same, what lands, in what county, to whom and for what sold. Tho' you have not been so regular in obeying our Instructions and Orders as you ought to have been, nor have you transmitted to us yearly as the duty of your office required you, an account of our Chief; yet we doubt not but that all the conveyances that have been made of land have been constantly enroll'd in your office, and the warrts. and the returns thereof have been duly register'd, by which means you may with ease send us an exact and just accot. of what lands have been convey'd and granted away to any person whatsoever, with the conditions and reservations therein contain'd, and the counties wherein such land lies since you have executed the office of our Secretary. We hereby therefore strictly require you forthwith to send us such an accot., together with a transcript of what lands etc. have been heretofore register'd and enter'd at your Office at any time before you executed that imployment. Signed as preceding. [C.O. 5, 290. pp. 125, 126.]
Sept. 12.
St. James's.
697. R. Shelton (Secretary to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina) to Coll. Rhet. I having inform'd the Lords of a clause in your letter to me, after your safe arrival in Carolina, wherein you signify your desire to the Lords Proprietors, and in order thereunto you had at last, tho with some difficulty and charge procur'd a copy of the assessors lists, (and counties they reside in) of lands, with the persons names and quantity of lands they hold, by which means you thought you shou'd be the better inabled to charge the Lords tenants with their several and respective rents, and to send them, tho' perhaps not an exact, yet a better roll than you have been hitherto able to procure; The Lords therefore upon this account have commanded me to return you their thanks, and to desire you to make up a rent roll according to the assessors' lists of lands in your hands, as soon as you can, and to transmit the same to them by the first opportunity. Signed, R. Shelton. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 127.]
Sept. 15.
Southwark.
698. Sir Charles Cox to Mr. Popple. I hear a report that the Governr. of Barbadoes has suspended my brother Samuel Cox from the Councill etc. Prays to be heard before that suspension be confirmd. Signed, Charles Cox. Endorsed, Recd. 16th, Read 23rd Sept., 1718. Addressed. ⅓rd p. [C.O. 28, 15. No. 36.]
Sept. 27.
Virginia.
699. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Acknowledges receipt of Mr. Beresford's Memorial relating to the danger of the French settlements etc. Explains the difficulties he will meet with in getting a law passed to redress the frauds complained of in the pitch and tar trade (v. 5th March). Continues:—The persons chiefly concerned in that manufacture, are of the meanest of the people, who have no other view than the passing it off to the merchant here, and if they can conceal their false packing from his knowledge, have as little concern for the reputation of their commoditys in the British markett, as they have for their own here; yet these people having a great influence in the election of Burgesses, it is difficult to perswade those who receive a benefite by their votes, to pass an Act so prejudicial to their interest, as that of obliging them to a greater honesty would be etc. Besides it is evident that the Virginia merchants, tho they are as apt as any to clamour against frauds in this country's manufactures, are the most difficult to be pleased in any regulations made therin here. Proposes that the merchants prepare a scheme of such regulations as they will be content to submit to, for preventing abuses in that trade. "And I shal be ready to use my utmost endeavours to bring the Assembly into the passing a law conformable thereto; for otherwise I'm perswaded that no measure projected here will content them" etc. Refers to their obtaining the repeal of the Acts for preventing frauds in tobacco payments, and for regulating the skin trade, tho never were any laws attended with more remarkable success etc., and to the daily inconveniencys that arise by recurring to the loose way of managing the Indian trade wch. the repealed Act for regulating it was calculated to prevent, and by destroying that security to the frontiers wch. it had so well provided for etc. It was in Aug. 1714 that I began to build the Fort of Christanna etc., and from that time there was not so much as one alarm to occasion the ordering out the Militia, as had been usual for many years before: but now the Northern Indians and Tuscoruros begin again their customary incursions, and about the begining of last month murdered a man at one of the out Plantations. A more dangerous design has been formed by them in our neighbouring province of North Carolina to cutt off the new seat of Governmt. there, and the neighbouring settlements and they had so far proceeded therin as to attack a plantation within less than half a mile of the Governors residence; but the design having been timely discovered, the people were upon their guard, and the Indians were beat off. Nevertheless this has so much alarmed the inhabitants that many plantations are deserted, and the Governor is even withdrawing his family to a place of more safety. The Saponie Indians settled at Christanna, have been also threatened by these Northern Indians, who even went so far as to send a message to the officer commanding that fort demanding those Indians to be delivered up to them: but tho our Assembly thought fitt to abandon those Indians by refusing to keep any longer a guard at that fort, (contrary to the publick faith of the Governmt. wch. is engaged by a Treaty for their protection in that manner) and tho they seemd bent upon discouraging the late Indian Company from contributing any more to the security of that place, by that extraordinary vote of theirs on the 24th of May, when the Burgesses resolved that the Governmt. be not enabled to performe its engagements to the late Indian Company for rebuilding Fort Christanna; I could not think myself excusable in treating so inhumanely a people that had voluntarily submitted to this Government, desired to be ruled according to such methods as we should prescribe, and agreed to have all their children brought up Christians at the school wch. I have settled there; and therefore I removed them into the Fort, which the late Indian Company had after their dissolution at the desire of the Government rebuilt, and made of sufficient strength to baffle any Indian enemy; and the Northern Indians being sensible that it was impracticable to attack them there, have since offerred them peace, and a kind of treaty is concluded between them, whereby they are to forbear all hostilitys against one another. It were to be wished that the Assembly of Virginia, laying aside their more refined politicks had consulted as much the safety of the people they represent by renewing the peace with those Northern Indians, before they are tempted to fresh hostilitys: but whatever may befall either this Government or its neighbours from those Indians will be imputed to this obstinacy of the Virginia Assembly in refusing to enter into any measures with them, and I must plainly charge it on that factious party in the Council here, who rather chuse to ruine their countrey than to second anything I project for the King's service, or the publick benefite, it being urged by one of their party in the House of Burgesses as his reason for not complying with my measures for defence of the country, that the approbation of those measures by that House would do me too much service at Whitehall: but I'm as little apprehensive of their being able to distress my administration on this or any other occasion, as I am of their succeeding at yor. Lordps. Board etc. Prays that Mr. Byrd, who has been absent 3½ years, may be removed from the Council, and Mr. Cole Digges put in his place, etc. Set out, Spotswood Papers, II. 304. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. 24th Nov., 1718, Read 24th Feb., 1718/19. 5 pp. [C.O. 5, 1318. No. 56; and 5, 1365. pp. 173–183.]
Sept. 29.
Boston, New England.
700. Governor Shute to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of 26th June and replies to their Lordships' last letter. Continues:—As to the Revenues and the constant and regular expence of the Government they are uncertain. The Governor nor Lieut. Govr. have no fixed sallery assigned them but whatever falls short in any years tax is made good at the next meeting of the Assembly the particulars of the whole your Lordps. will find in the Treasurer's accompt herewith inclosed. The Provinces under my care are upon a different footing from the other Provinces in America as to quit-rents; when any number of acres are granted there is no rent reserved for H.M.; but in case any gold or silver mines or precious stones should be found in any of the said lands the fifth part is reserved to the Crown. I have taken notice to the last Assembly of the great complaints that have been made against the pitch and tar; and there are such directions given to the officers that (I hope for the future) there won't be any more complaints of that kind. The accompts of the exports and imports for 3 years which I sent by the Collector of Rhoad Island, I hope is long since arrived at the Honble. Board; and have now sent inclosed the account of the last years exports and imports as also an account of the powder, expended in both Provinces. I have also sent a Memorial with two affidavits against Dr. Cooke which I suppose Mr. Bridger hath sent already, which I shew'd to the Council who were very much surprized at it and were of a quite different opinion from that Gentleman, which was all that was done upon it; whereupon I thought it very much for the King my Master's service to remove Dr. Cooke from the Council Board. The Memorial your Lordps. enclosed to me concerning the progress the French have made in America, I have carefully perused and find it will not in the least affect either the Province of the Massachusetts or New Hampshire because of the vast distance and large tracts of thick woods that seperate the French from us; and have sent a map printed here since my arrival wherein all their Forts are mark'd which I'm informed are not kept in good repair. But if a war should break out betwixt the Crown of Great Britain and France these Provinces might be forceibly attacked from Cape Breton. There being three vacancies by the death and non acceptance of some Councillers of New Hampshire I would recommend to your Lordps. Archibald Mackphedres Nicholas Gillmon and Peter Wear Esqrs. (who are persons well affected to H.M. Government and in considerable circumstances) to compleat the number of that Board etc. I have been at Rhoad Island and ordred that part of my Commission wherein H.M. is pleased to give me the command of the Militia there in time of war and imminent danger to be read upon which the Council desired time to consider of it and at last have told me they the General Assembly can't consent to it because it is contrary to the Charter granted to them by King Charles II. The Indians by the instigation of their Jesuits have of late been very insolent but I am still in hopes I shall be able to prevent a war breaking out wch. wou'd prove very distructive to ye Eastern settlemt. Signed, Samll. Shute. Endorsed, Recd. 28th Nov., Read 4th Dec., 1718. 3 pp. Enclosed,
700. i. Mr. Bridger to Governor Shute. Duplicate of No. 616, iii.
700. ii., iii. Duplicates of No. 616, vi.
700. iv. Account of H.M. Revenue in the Massachusetts Bay May 1717–1718, signed and sworn to by Jeremiah Allen, Treasurer. Boston, July 23, 1718. Total, £47, 670 15s. Endorsed as covering letter. 27 pp.
700. v. Account of the Revenue of New Hampshire, 1715, 1716. Sworn to by Saml. Penhallow, 12th May, 1718. Total, £1938 18s. 7d. Same endorsement. 3 pp.
700. vi. Account of the Revenue of New Hampshire 1716, 1717. As preceding. Total, £1300 1s. 6d. Same endorsement. 2 pp.
700. vii. Account of foreign commodities imported at Boston, Midsummer 1717–1718. cf. No. 620, i. Signed, John Jekyll. Same endorsement. 1 p.
700. viii. Account of powder expended at Fort William and Mary, Oct., 1717—July, 1718. Signed, J. Wentworthy, Capt. Same endorsement. 1 p.
700. ix. Account of Stores of war expended at Castle William, Midsummer 1717–1718. Signed, Za. Tuthill, Lt. Same endorsement. 1 p.
700. x. Account of stores of war at Castle William, June 24, 1718. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 867. Nos. 18, 18 i.–x.; and (without enclosures) 5, 915. pp. 232–237.]
Sept. 29. 701. Office expenses of the Board of Trade, June 24—Sept. 29, 1718. [C.O. 388, 77. Nos. 48, 51, 54.]
[—Sept.]
River Essequibo.
702. Petition of A. Hollander and others to the Directors of the Dutch West India Company. Signed, A. Hollander and other settlers. Endorsed, Recd. 6th July (N.S.), 1719. Dutch. 6 pp. [C.O. 216, 21. No. 162.]