America and West Indies: October 1723

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 33, 1722-1723. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1934.

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'America and West Indies: October 1723', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 33, 1722-1723, (London, 1934) pp. 346-355. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol33/pp346-355 [accessed 25 April 2024]

October 1723

Oct. 1. 718. Account of stores of war delivered by William Forbes, Storekeeper, Barbados, 1st Oct. 1721–1723. Signed, Wm. Forbes. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 44. f. 23.]
Oct. 2.
Whitehall.
1723.
719. Mr. Delafaye to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their Report. Signed, Ch. Delafaye. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd Oct., Read 22nd Nov. 1723. 1 p. Enclosed,
719. i. Henry Newman to the Lords Justices. The stores of war supplied by H.M. to New Hampshire in 1708(9), with the powder duty laid on ships trading thither, has by frugal management hitherto supply'd Fort William and Mary and other publick services. Accounts have been transmitted from time to time. The powder now remaining does not exceed 16 barrels. The inhabitants are absolutely depending upon the Crown, and so impoverished by a long war with the Indians that they are not capable of raising a necessary supply of stores. Prays for a grant out of H.M. Magazine of 300 small arms and bayonets etc. and 120 barrels of powder and shot in proportion etc. 1½ pp.
719. ii. Copy of Order in Council. 27th Jan., 1708(9). granting a supply of stores of war to New Hampshire. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 459, 460–461v. 464v.]
Oct. 4.
Whitehall.
720. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Desires his opinion upon what is referred to the Council of Trade and Plantations, by Order in Council, 6th Aug., for the repeal of Jamaica Revenue Acts. [C.O. 138, 16. p. 457.]
Oct. 4.
Antigua.
721. Mr. Smith to [?Lord Carteret]. After being at sea five weeks from the Lands end, I had the good fortune to arrive safe here. General Hart I found had a little before my comeing some variance with the country that ended in the dissolution of their Assembly, and his removeing himself and family to St. Christophers where he now is. I dispatched Mr. Hart the letter your Lordp. did me the favour to write on my behalf and by a letter from H.E. etc. I belive I shall have those branches of my office restored to me which were taken from my predecessor by no other law than that of power etc. The great profits of my office arise when the Courts of Law are open etc. at present it brings me not enough to pay my expence and liveing and Clerks for in this country everything is.200 pr. ct. dearer than England etc. Begs for his protection. Has lost between £2 and £300 sterling in the wreck of the Francis, which was blown ashore in a hurricane; his wife and all on board were saved etc. Continues: The dreadfull sight of this hurricane I cannot describe, but enclose a particular account of all the damage done to the shiping etc. Compliments. Signed, Wavll. Smith. Endorsed, Rd. Dec. 13 (N.S.) at Diepnau. 7 pp. Enclosed,
721. i. List of vessels drove on shore at Antigua, in a hurricane, 19th and 20th Sept. Number of ships on shore, 16; snows, 8; brigantines, 10; schooners, 3; sloops, 10. = 47, of which 20 were got off; the rest expected to be lost, 13 rode out the storm. H.M.S. Hector and Winchelsea received no damage. 2 pp. [C.O. 7, 1. Nos. 26, 26. i.]
1723.
Oct. 8.
South
Carolina.
722. President of the Council and Speaker of the Assembly of S. Carolina to the Council of Trade and Plantations. H.E. Francis Nicholson having communicated to both Houses of the Assembly a letter from our Agent, wherein he acquaints H.E. that Mr. Shelton at a hearing before your Lordps. concerning the Act for encreasing our paper currency used many unjust invectives against the inhabitants of this Province. As also an extract of your Lordship's letter of 18th July etc., they transmit to your Lordship's their proceeding thereon, to obviate the ill effects of private calumny and sinister insinuations and to convince your Lordp. that whatever we have done has been intended for H.M. interest and service and the publick good. Signed, Arthur Middleton, Pr., Ja. Moore, Speaker. Endorsed, Recd. 6th Feb., Read 29th Oct., 1724. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 47, 48v.; and (abstract) 5, 406. p. 10.]
Oct. 10.
South
Carolina,
Charles
Town.
723. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. A short version of following. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. 27th Nov., 1723. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 51, 51v., 52v.]
Oct. 10.
South
Carolina,
Charles
Town.
1723.
724. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have lately had the honour of receiving your Lordps. letter of July the 18th, and am heartily sorry to find that your Lordships did not approve of my sending publick papers to our Agent, etc. The reason of my doing so was that he knowing the affairs of this country very well he might give your Lordps. a just and full account of them. I received their Excellencys' Order for the repeal of Charles Town law and accordingly it was done by Proclamation etc. enclosed. When I pass any Acts here I shall according to your Lordps. order give my humble opinion of them. Refers to enclosed duplicate of letter of 21st Aug. concerning that bill and the printing of bills, and encloses accounts and proceedings relating to the paper money etc. Continues: The Clerks of each House are preparing Journalls of their proceedings to be sent to your Lordps. but wee are in great want of good Clerks etc. Refers to other accounts enclosed including imports of iron from New England. Continues: If that trade be suffered I suppose they will furnish all this Continent belonging to the English, as likewise the West Indies for it is not improbable they may furnish the French and Spaniards in the West Indies when they trade with them as likewise Maderas and the Western Islands and the logwood cutters in the Bay of Campecha and Hondoras. It is a very great satisfaction to me that your Lordsps. approve very much of our transactions with the Commissrs. sent by the Governour of St. Augusttine, and I herewith send your Lordsps. the copys of our proceedings with the Indians by which your Lordsps. Will please to see what both the Spaniards and the French endeavour to do with the Indians to our great prejudice etc. Encloses letters from Col. Barnwell etc., "who I expect here every day in order to have a further account of him both concerning Fort King George, Fort Moore and the Fort abuilding at the Pallachocolas," etc. Returns thanks for letter of 18th July relating to the complaints against him etc. I am in hopes that through your Lordsps. means I may have leave to goe for Great Brittain in order to clear my selfe which I hope in God I may not only be able to do but likewise make it appear to your Lordps. the designs of some persons both in Great Brittain and here against this H.M. Government etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. 27th Jan., Read 29th Oct., 1724. Addressed. 2½ pp. Enclosed,
724. i. Governor Nicholson's Proclamation announcing the repeal of the Act for the good Government of Charles Town. 5th Oct. 1723. 2 pp.
724. i(b). Certificate by the Provost Marshal that the above proclamation was published by beat of drum etc. 5th Oct. Signed, Wm. Loughton, P.M. ¼ p. The whole, endorsed as covering letter. For other enclosures see 12th Oct. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 49–50v., 53–54v.; and (abstract) 5, 406. p. 9.]
Oct. 12.
South
Carolina,
Charles
Town.
1723.
725. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Duplicate of letter of 10th Oct. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. 7th Dec., 1723, Read 29th Oct., 1724. 2 pp. Enclosed,
725. i. List of enclosures sent Oct. 10 and Oct. 12. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed as preceding. ¾ p.
725. ii. Governor Nicholson's Speech to the Assembly of S. Carolina, and their reply, 2nd Oct., 1723. Has called them together to attend conference with the Upper Creek Indians and consider the Indian trade etc. 4 pp.
725. iii. Account of Orders on the Public Treasurer passed in Council 5th Oct., 1723. Signed, Wm. Timley, Cl. Con. 1 p. Nos. ii & iii. endorsed as covering letter.
725. iv. Col. Barnwell to Governor Nicholson. Edisto, Sept. 17, 1723. Has arrested Istawekee, a renegade Yamasee Indian who kept sculking about Port Royal, harboured by one Blakeway. Under pretence of trading with one Mr. Cullam, he has ferried over from time to time several of the outlying Pallacholas Indians, formerly of Cherekeeleechee's gang that killed Duall and his company etc. They behaved with intolerable insolence and terrorised the inhabitants etc. Istowekee certainly designed mischief, and will do it if he has his liberty, for they gave out that Chereekelecchee had three hatfulls of money from the Spaniards for the three scalps by him brought to St. Augustine etc. Signed, Jno. Barnwell. Read in the Assembly Oct. 2nd, 1723. Signed, W. Blakeway. Cl. d.c. Copy. 2 pp.
725. v. Capt. Monger to Governor Nicholson. Fort Moore, Sept., 22nd, 1723. Reports upon condition of Forts, "in tolerable good repair," and gives account of stores and requirements. "The people complain very much of their allowance which is 1¼ lb. of flour and 1 lb. of beef per day which I think too little, for a week's allowance of meat will not last them above 3 or 4 days" etc. Signed, Gerr. Monger. Read in the Assembly, as preceding. Copy. 1 p.
725. vi. Same to Same. Sept. 24th. Sends an account of the Garrison etc. Continues: On the 19th came the Talaposees and brought three Yamasee scalps. The Tookebatchee Captn. told me that as soon as he got home he sent for all the Headmen of the upper Towns and distributed the peices of broadcloth sent up pr. him and then gave them your Excellency's talk, which they readily received and went away six days after against the Yamasees, the Lower Creeks endeavouring to prevent them pr. making a false report that the Cherokees were discovered in the woods. The Toucobatchee with 6 more Head Warriours went thro' all the Lower Towns and gave your Excellency's talk to every one of them while their bodys marcht at some distance in the woods etc. The Toucobatchee Captn. complains that Thomas Jones the halfe breed made him a lyer at the Cowetaws by telling them that there was no talk to kill the Yamasees. The Lower Towns would have perswaded them not to go however they proceeded but the Yamasees having notice of their coming fled so that they cou'd meet with but a few of them. The Lower Towns seeing the Talleposees resolute to kill the Yamasees and that they had dipt their hands in their blood have all taken your Excellency's talk and gone out against them likewise some of the Stinking Lingue people and the Pallachocolas. The Tocobathee Captn. further says that the French and Spaniards are very angry with Collo. Hastings and Cusebah the former giving out they will come with a body of men and lye them because they were the occasion of the warr against the Yamasees and Spaniards which story the Spaniards had insinuated to the French. Your Excellency will have a fuller account from the Tallaposees themselves pr. Mr. Barton who comes down with them there is ten head men of ten of their towns with several other warriours and attendance 30 in all of which the Dog King of the Oakfuskees is one a very bold fellow and a hearty friend to the English, etc. Signed as preceding. 3¼ pp.
725. vii. Capt. Bellinger to Governor Nicholson. Beaufort, Aug. 31, 1723. Will send plan of the fort and of the land for the town as commanded etc. Signed, Wm. Bellinger. Copy. 1 p.
725. viii. Mr. Haines to Governor Nicholson. Sept. 7th, 1723. Describes a trading journey among the Charekees where I arrived in Feb. and found those people extraordinary courteous etc. Reports a successful encounter of some Upper Cherikees with some French Indians who were coming up the river etc. Signed, Gregory Haines. Copy. 1 p.
725. ix. John Woort to John Bee in Charles City. Ocheese River, 30th July, 1723. Report on trading with Indians. "I have 15 cwt. of leather. I should a had 3000, for there was a great many come to me, but I having not what they wanted you know what I mean they took all over to our neighbour. The bullets and powder they take away apace" etc. Has recovered two slave Indians run away from Carolina etc. Has received H.E.'s order forbidding any further licence for trade on Alatamaha River. The Creek Indians are very sorry for it. I told them the only reason was that H.E. had been informed that we traded with the Yamasees, which they knew was a false information etc. I gave Casaba the encouragement you told me I should to keep his heart straight for our Government and to follow the blow he had begun with our enemy etc. Copy. 3 pp. Nos. iv–ix endorsed as covering letter.
725. x. Account of £40,000, bills of credit. 8th Oct., 1723. Signed, A. Parris, Treasurer. Endorsed as preceding. 2 pp.
725. xi. Account of £120,000 bills of credit stamped, paid and exchanged. £40,000 paid to the Treasurer; £42,642 10s. exchanged; £27,357 10s. unfinished. Signed, T. Hepworth. 1 p.
725. xii. Minutes of Council and Assembly of S. Carolina relating to the Tallepoose (Creek) Indians now at Charles Town, 3rd-13th Oct., 1723. Presents were given to them and they were thanked for their late services against the Yamasees, the Lower Towns of the Creeks being warned that, if they had not engaged in that war, no more trade with them would have been allowed etc. In reply to Governor Nicholson, the Tallapoose Indians expressed themselves as very well pleased etc.pp.
725. xiii. Minutes of Council relating to the Chickesaw Indians, living at Savanah Town. 4th and 6th Sept. 1723. Presents were exchanged. The Indians asked the Governor to fix the price of goods, which he said he could not do, as they belonged to private men etc. 1 p.
725. xiv. Minute of Council, 24th April, 1723. Resolved, that Mr. Bee and any other Indian trader who hath the opportunity do encourage the Yamasees to come over to the English etc. Mr. Bee is allowed to carry with him one hogshead of rhum on condition of doing his message to the Yamasees. Mem. Not accepted by Mr. Bee. Regulations passed as to licences for Indians traders. 3 pp. Nos. xiii, xiv endorsed as covering letter. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 55, 55v., 56v.–61v., 63–65, 66, 67–71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 76v., 77v., 78, 79, 80, 81, 81v.]
Oct. 14.
South
Carolina,
Charles
Town.
726. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Begins with duplicate of 10th Oct. Continues: I thank God that now I have an accot. from all parts of the country that tho' they had very great raines the beginning of Augt. etc. which made them fearfull of spoiling their rice Indian corn, etc. that they have had now one of the best harvest(s) for rice that they have known either for quality or quantity and it's supposed that some thousands of barrels may be ship't by the later end of the year. H.M. Honble. Council sent to Mr. Yonge some proceedings in the Assembly relating to the printed bills etc. by which your Lordships may please to see what their opinion is concerning Mr. Shelton etc. its commonly reported that his employers here think that he hath done more than they authorized him both concerning the town laws and that for printed bills, and several of them wish that they never had been concerned in those affairs for in my humble opinion [that] those who appeared against the said bills both here and in Great Brittain will be some of the first sufferers, but their Excellencys' commands shall be punctually obeyed by me etc. P.S. As for Mr. Shelton's reflections upon me I hope in God I shall make it appear to your Lordships that they are malicious and one principal reason I suppose is that I would not make him Agent for this H.M. Province, but I hope likewise to make it appear to your Lordships that I had some reasons that it should not be done by, Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. 7th Dec., 1723, Read 29th Oct., 1724. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 82, 82v., 83v.]
1723.
Oct. 14.
Jamaica.
Spanish
Town.
727. Governor the Duke of Portland to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Returns thanks for letter of 13th June. Continues:—The uncertainty of the ships going, sometimes one day fix'd, some times an other, as itt best sutes theire conveniency, has made itt difficult to be so punctuall as I could wish, particularly att this time, because of the Assemblys setting; which gives me full employement, and being desirous to gain time, that I might the better acquaint yr. Lordsps. With theire proceedings putts me under some sort of a hurry and surprise, but intend for the future to be allways prepar'd before hand etc. Refers to enclosures. Signed, Portland. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 7th Jan., 1723/4. Holograph 1 p. Enclosed,
727. i. Speech of Governor the Duke of Portland to the Council and Assembly, 1st Oct., 1723. Recommends settling of Revenue and thereby obtaining H.M. consent to making their laws perpetual; provision for the public debts, Independent Companies and Island Sloop, a measure encouraging immigration, and the repair of the roads rendered impassible by the late hurricane etc. Endorsed, Recd. 6th Jan. 1723/4. Printed by M. Baldwin, 1723. 3¾ folio pp.
727. ii. (a) Address of the Council of Jamaica to Governor the Duke of Portland. 8th Oct., 1723. Praise the wise measures taken by H.E. to restore the publick credit of the Island, and the strict regard had to the administration of justice etc. (b) H.E.'s reply. Same endorsement. 2 pp.
727. iii. Address of the Assembly of Jamaica to Governor the Duke of Portland, 3rd Oct. Thanks for Speech (No. i) and express their entire satisfaction in the justice of his administration, and congratulate his success in restoring credit etc. Signed, William Nedham, Speaker. Same endorsement. 1 p.
727. iv. H.E.'s reply to preceding.½ p. [C.O. 137, 14. ff. 254, 255v.–257v., 258v.–259v., 260v.–262v.]
Oct. 16. 728. Case of Lt. Governor Hope, as to his right, by his Commission as Vice-Admiral, to collect and retain the dues and perquisites of the Admiralty. With Mr. West's opinion that Mr. Dinwhiddie's patent is not consistent with the Lt. Governor's, and one of them ought to be superceded etc. (v. C.S.P. 9th Sept. 1722). Signed, Richd. West. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Drummond). Read 13th Nov. 1723. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 37, 10. No. 46.]
Oct. 18. 729. Memorandum as to Mr. Eliot's rank in the Council of Barbados. ½ p. [C.O. 28, 39. No. 15.]
1723.
Oct. 19.
Dover,
at St. John's,
N.fland.
730. Commodore H. Cayley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following. Mr. John Masters and Phill. Wattson having improved a salmon fishery in several rivers in this country, which will be a very great help to the trade of Nfland if well encouraged, I therefore thought fitt to give an[d] order to them (enclosed) for an encouragement to their industry etc. I shall endeavour in a little time to give your Lordships the best answers possible to the heads of enquiry; and have to the best of my judgment taken care that they should be complied with. Signed, T. Cayley. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read 19th Nov., 1723. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed,
730. i. Order by Commodore Cayley, Dover, at St. Johns, 11th Oct. 1723, that John Masters and Phill. Wattson are to be allowed to prosecute their salmon fishery on Great and Little Salmonier, Corret and Bisca Bay Rivers without hindrance or molestation, they having first improved them and built houses and warehouses for curing at no little charge etc. Signed, T. Cayley. Endorsed, Recd. 18th Nov., 1723.¾ p.
730. ii. Scheme of the Fishery at Newfoundland for 1723. Totals, Number of fishing ships, 144. Sack ships, 53, Ships from America, 24. = 221. Burthen, 17,554. Number of men belonging to said ships, 3365. Passengers on the fishing ships, 1367. Boats kept by the fishing ships, by boatmen and inhabitants, 966. Number of byboatmen, Masters 134; servants, 958. Quintals of fish made, 139,756; carried to foreign markets 73, 390. Tons of train oil, 801¼. Price of salmon, £2 to £2 10s. pr. ton; of fish, 13 to 15 pr. quintal; of train oil, £10 10s, to £11 pr. ton. Value of seal oil made last winter, £6025; of furs taken by the inhabitants, £780. Number of stages, 356; of trainfats, 218; of inhabitants, 3411, of which remained in the country last year, 2756. Endorsed, Recd. 18th Nov., 1723. 2pp. [C.O. 194, 7. ff. 192, 193v.–196.]
Oct. 22.
Whitehall.
731. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Referring to a Committee of the Privy Council the report of the Council of Trade and Plantations (4th Sept.) upon the petition of Col. Vetch etc. for a settlement in Nova Scotia. Signed, E. Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 18th Dec., 1723. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 4. ff. 201, 202v.]
Oct. 23.
Whitehall.
732. A. Popple to Mr. West. Encloses Act of Barbados, 1723, to empower H.E. to appoint any person or persons to treat and conclude with the executors and trustees of Thos. Pilgrim decd., for a new lease of Pilgrim's house and land, for his opinion thereupon in point of law. [C.O. 29, 14. p. 376.]
1723.
Oct. 23.
733. Philopatris to the Council of Trade and Plantations. A scheme for stationing the men of war in the West Indies, for better securing the trade from pirates. Signed, Philopatris. Endorsed, Recd. Read 23rd Oct., 1723. Addressed. 4 1/8 large pp. [C.O. 323, 8. No. 42.]
Oct. 24.
Whitehall.
734. Order of Committee of Council. The Council of Trade and Plantations are to consider and report upon two Acts of the Massachusetts Bay for raising taxes in 1722 and 1723, referred to in the petition of Thomas Richardson and Richard Partridge, praying the release of some Quakers imprisoned there for not assessing the towns of Tiverton and Dartmouth towards payment thereof. v. A.P.C. III. No. 51. Signed, Temple Stanyan. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 14th Nov., 1723. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 457, 458v.]
Oct. 28.
New Haven.
735. Governor and Company of H.M. English Colony of Connecticut in America in Genll. Court assembled to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In reply to enquiry, whether we are willing to resign our Charter, we have instructed our Agent to waite upon your Lordships, with our answer; and earnest desire that we may still enjoy it etc. Refer to hearing of boundary controversy by Lord Bellomont. Conclude: "Notwithstanding the priority of our Charter to that of Rhode Island, H.M. determination will, on our parts, put a perpetual end to the controversy," etc. Signed, pr. Order of the Genll. Assembly, Gurdon Saltonstall, Govr., Hez. Wyllys Secr. Endorsed, Recd. 11th May, Read 12th Aug., 1724. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 143, 144v.]
Oct. 28.
N. Haven.
736. Same to Jer. Dummer Esq. Answer referred to in, preceding. cf. A.P.C. III. No. 4. Same signatures and endorsement. 16 pp. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 145–152v., 153v.]