America and West Indies: March 1737, 16-25

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 43, 1737. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1963.

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'America and West Indies: March 1737, 16-25', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 43, 1737, (London, 1963) pp. 74-93. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol43/pp74-93 [accessed 19 March 2024]

March 1737, 16-25

March 16.
Whitehall.
145 Sir William Yonge to Alured Popple, enclosing the following for the attention of Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed. 1½ small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 17 March, Read 22 March 1736/7. Enclosed,
145. i. Brigadier Richard Philipps to Sir William Yonge; Horse Guards, 10 March 1736/7.I have received your letter with extract of Capt. Lee's report that a company of my regiment in garrison at Placentia is without smallarms. The reason the firearms of that company being so much worn out and wanting to be renewed proceeds entirely from the neglect of Col. Gledhill, deceased, the captain thereof, from whom notwithstanding my repeated orders I could never procure any return whereby I might know the true state of his company during his command there nor for a long time after though strictly required, as appears by copy of my letter 31 May 1735 herewith sent; by whose silence believing their firearms all serviceable, I would then had I known the truth [have] sent firearms as well as bayonets which were forwarded with the clothing as appears by the answer returned to my said letter, dated 23 September 1736, copy sent, as also another letter from the same gentleman of 10 September 1736 giving me a further account of the state of both the soldiers and their arms, which said two letters coming to hand some time in November last gave me the first information of their state and condition, which you will find very different in relation to the arms from that reported by Governor Lee.
Upon receipt of which, I went immediately and bespoke a new set of arms of Mr. Barber, gunsmith in Pall Mall, which are now ready packed in two chests to be sent to Placentia in the same ship with the clothing. And this I would have done four years ago when I furnished the rest of my regiment with new arms had I known they had any manner of occasion for them. The gentleman who delivers this will fully satisfy you that my regiment is in all respects taken care of as well and with as much justice as any regiment whatever in H.M.'s service and that if at any time there happen a deficiency the defect if not timely removed is imputable only to the gentlemen commanding on the spot, 1 being ready at all times to give all necessary supplies for the good of the service. Copy, 2 pp.
145. ii. Same to Lieut. Thomas Prendergast, O.C. garrison in Placentia; London, 31 May 1735. Capt. How of the Phoenix schooner the bearer hereof carries from hence recruits raised for my regiment. This is to command you to receive as many of the said recruits as will complete Col. Gledhill's company now under your command to the number of 31 private men according to the establishment. I think you cannot be ignorant that the said company is part of my regiment and that it is your duty to make constant returns to me of the strength and condition of the same, which you have hitherto omitted to do. As to what is past I shall overlook it. But for the future I shall expect to be made acquainted from time to time with every occurrence of the company and to have the returns thereof constantly sent to me. Copy. ½ p.
145. iii. Joseph Gledhill to Brigadier Philipps, Placentia, 23 September 1736, notifying receipt of letter of 31 May 1735, clothing, belts and bayonets by the Providence, but no arms. I only took the company under my care 26 May last since which time nothing has been wanting to put it in the best posture of defence. Abstract of effectives and muster roll enclosed. Copy. 1½ pp.
145. iv. Same to same; Placentia, 10 September 1736. On 26 May last I took the care of the company here by virtue of my commission resigned to me by my late father, Col. Gledhill. The company mostly consists of old men fit for Chelsea only, few or no arms fit for service. As to the arms, you will please order new for the whole company. I shall recruit the company so far as lies in my power. I received by Capt. St. Barbe provisions for seven months only. There is no clothing as yet arrived. Copy. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 10, fos. 46–50d.]
March 16.
Virginia.
146 Lieut.-Governor William Gooch to Duke of Newcastle. By an express from the lieut.-governor of South Carolina I lately received advice that the Spaniards are fitting out from Havana a squadron of men-of-war and a considerable body of land forces with a design (as they give out) to attack the new colony of Georgia. As I cannot easily credit this report seeing no ground from the European news to suspect any sudden breach of the good correspondence between H.M. and that Crown so neither does it seem probable that the Spaniards should be in a condition to begin a war at this time when H.M.'s fleet is so near to their coast. Yet as it is prudent to take all necessary measures for defending these plantations in case of such an attempt, our station ship is fitting out with all speed to join H.M.'s ships of war on the South Carolina and Georgia station, and I am putting this country in as good a condition of defence as I can if they should happen to make an attempt here. Though I hope all this intelligence may prove only a Spanish bravado to intimidate the people of Georgia from prosecuting their settlements, yet I thought it became me to give you this early intimation of this threatened danger whether it is really designed or not, since in either case the behaviour of Spain is inconsistent with what they owe to H.M. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 May. [C.O. 5, 1337, fos. 189–190d.]
March 16.
Georgia Office.
147 General abstract of account of Trustees for Georgia, 9 June 1736 – 15 March 1736/7 to be laid before them at the anniversary meeting on 17 March 1736/7. Entry. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 670, pp. 304–305.]
March 17. 148 Report to the anniversary meeting of the Trustees of Georgia. After reading the general abstract it is observed: that 124l. 2s. 2¾ d. charged received in America is the sterling money at 7 for 1 on 868l. 15s. 7½ d. South Carolina currency for the duty of 3d. a gallon on 69,502½ gallons of rum imported into that province from 1 March 1735/6 to 1 June 1736 granted by the general assembly of South Carolina 9 June 1733, for the use of Georgia.
That the Trustees have received from Georgia by the Two Brothers which arrived in January last 266 barrels of rice and 7 cases of deer skins, the rice producing 257 barrels sold to John Duffield weighing net 1127 cwt. 20 lbs. at 15s. per cwt., 845l. 7s. 8d.; 4 barrels sold to John Woodbridge weighing net 16 cwt. 1 qr. 3 lbs. at 16s. per cwt., 13l., making together 858l. 7s. 8d., and the remaining 5 barrels were emptied by the dirt in garbling and by damage. Of which 858l. 7s. 8d.t 333l. 14s. has been received and is charged as part of the 10,701l. 6s. 7d. received in England since 9 June 1736 and the residue will be payable on 19th inst. The skins on the entry weighed 3128 lbs. but are yet unsold, only 2s. 9d. having been bid, and as it is expected from the goodness of them they will fetch 2s. 10d. a lb. before Lady Day next; but at 2s. 9d. a lb. if they continue the same weight will produce 430l. 2s. and will make the gross produce by the said ship 1288l. 9s. 8d.
That to the sum of 321l. 19s. 9d. received towards the building of churches in Georgia, 171l. 5s. 7d. appropriated by the Trustees for that use and 285l. 10s. subscribed for the same use to be paid at one month's notice are to be added; and make together 778l. 15s. 4d. for building of churches in Georgia.
That the settlements are so extended from the northern to the southern part of the province a minister for each division is become necessary, besides an itinerant minister for the several villages in the northern division.
That notwithstanding the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts did on 16 January 1735/6 approve of John Wesley to be a missionary at Georgia in the room of Samuel Quincy and agreed that 50l. a year should be by them allowed him from the time Mr. Quincy's salary should cease, yet the said society on 19 November last ordered the payment thereof to be stopped. Wherefore until a provision for the maintenance of ministers and catechists can be raised from the lands set apart to be cultivated for that use, there is no present annual provision for such maintenance, which is offered for consideration if it may not be proper to open a subscription for annual contributions until the other maintenance can be raised.
As to the instructing the native Indians and converting them to Christianity, that wholly employs the time of one missionary and a schoolmaster besides the occasional assistance of the other ministers, and benefactions often come in for that very use which at present amount to 382l. 17s. 1½ d. remaining unapplied.
As to the sum of 11,687l 8s 11¾ d depending on several persons in America to account for, it is necessary to explain the reasons of so large a sum being still returned not accounted for, which chiefly are two. The one is that though Mr. Causton's cash accounts are received up to the end of July last yet most of the payments therein taken credit for do not express the services for which such payments were made and some mention for several services without the particular accounts referred to that would distinguish the same, which defect is soon expected to be supplied from Georgia, proper hands being employed to make out such particulars and which when received will be regularly entered in the payment book for America and posted off to their different heads of service in discharge thereof. The other reason is for want of Mr. Causton's accounts from the end of July last and the account of the storekeeper at Frederica; Mr. Causton's are soon expected and Mr. Moore's will be delivered here as soon as settled.
The sola bills issued in Georgia amount to 4000l. whereof there has been paid to 15th inst. 2323l. There is also directed for payment to 15th inst. and not yet due 152l., and then standing out 1525l., which makes the 1677l. appropriated money for the said bills, whereof in the Bank 1000l., directed on Messrs. De Smeth and Heathcote 152l., balance in their hands for sola bills to be directed on them 525l.
The balance in the bank 15th inst. is 2672l. 16s. 9d. whereout deduct the 1000l. appropriated for sola bills, the remainder is 1672l. 16s. 9d.
The balance to be applied by the general abstract is 1991l. 14s. 8½ d. whereout 41l. 13s. 4d. must be deducted advanced to the botanist more than was payable by the Trustees until the subscribers repay it and which is not taken credit for in the said abstract, and thereby the said balance to be applied will be 1950l. 1s. 4½ d. whereof in the bank as above 1672l. 16s. 9d., in the hands of Messrs. De Smeth and Heathcote 244l. 15s. 2d. and in the accountant's hands 32l. 9s. 5½d. Which balance is to be applied as follows: for establishing the colony, 376l. 2s. 6¼d.; particular persons, 261l. 1s.; building of churches, 493l. 5s. 4d.; missionaries, 382l. 17s. 1½d.; missionaries to the Salzburghers, 50l.; and the general religious uses, 386l. 15s. 4¾d.
Lands granted since last anniversary meeting: for religious uses, 300 acres in trust; Thomas Ormston of Edinburgh, 200 acres; Patrick Graham of Scotland, 100 acres; William Aglionby of Westminster, 100 acres; Isaac Young of Gloucester, 100 acres; David Blair of Scotland, 500 acres; Thomas Boyd of Scotland, 500 acres. Covenants for land for 30 servants in the said grants amount to 600 acres.
Number of persons sent upon the charity 1732–14 June 1736; 1050. Whereof 302 were foreigners, 160 North British, 588 English. 467 were men. In addition 10 Moravians (men) paid for by H.M.
Number of persons gone at their own expense are: 213. Number sent on charity (as above): 1050. Number whose passage is to be repaid: 10. Grand total: 1273, besides wives and children of those who went at their own expense, 40 servants bought for the public in Georgia, and the many settlers from Carolina and other parts which together with the above-mentioned are computed to amount to 1810 persons besides the 1050 sent on the charity, making together 2860 persons computed to be now in Georgia, whereof men 1097. Entry. 3¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 670. pp. 306–309.]
March 17.
Georgia Office.
149 Harman Verelst to John Martin Bolzius. I received your letter acknowledging the receipt of the tokens the Trustees sent you and Mr. Gronau. As to the first and second transport of the Salzburghers whom Mr. Oglethorpe consented to remove to New Ebenezer at their request and that their crop at Old Ebenezer should be for their use towards their subsistence, the Trustees have considered them to be assisted from the store on the reduced allowance to September next without expecting repayment thereof; but their crop at Old Ebenezer and whatever has been advanced to them since their new settling must be accounted as part. As to the new boat, Mr. Causton has directions to pay for it. As to the lands set out for the Salzburghers at New Ebenezer, there are more already set out than cultivated to raise their subsistence from, and directions are given to have the remainder set out with all possible expedition, the surveyor as much as can be to do equal justice in marking out each person's lot wherein some part may be of one soil and some of another.
As to the third transport of Salzburghers, they were computed part of the last em barkations for the southward, and it was intended to have desired Mr. Gronau to have ministered unto them there. But the altering that intention on their arrival in Georgia occasioned great difficulties to provide for them as first settlers, all their tools, necessaries and provisions being on board those ships for the southward which could not be unpacked at Tybee nor until they were debarked where the said embarkations were appointed to be settled. This consideration must take off all blame from the Trustees who had so fully provided for them in the same ample manner as the former Salzburghers. In this situation therefore the Trustees sent their direction for the supplying them with provisions as first settlers and with iron pots, tools and necessaries for settling themselves, which I have again repeated and am satisfied it will be if it has not already been complied with; but then whatever they have received must be accounted as part.
A particular benefaction has enabled the Trustees to send orders for a cock and hen to be given to each man of the third transport of the Salzburghers, and a sow, a turkey hen and a goose to every five heads of the said transport, and that 16l. sterling should be laid out for building your house and schoolhouse at New Ebenezer. I have written to Mr. Causton to make good any payment to the Salzburgher carpenters, if any were employed on Mr. Gronau's house at Old Ebenezer. The accident of your not receiving the 50l. paid in by the S.P.C.K. for your salaries to 1 November last was owing to the sola bills sent for payment thereof to Mr. Oglethorpe not being arrived before he sailed from Georgia. On receipt of this letter it will be paid together with expenses you have been at in borrowing money for want thereof. Entry. PS. My service to Mr. Gronau. I have sent you from the Trust a pair of cullen stones for a handmill as Mr. Ziegenhagen desired for the Salzburghers. The reduced allowance is to each head for a year: 15 bushels of Indian corn, 200 lbs. of meat, a quart of molasses a week. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 667, fos. 12d-13d.]
March 17.
St. James'.
150 Order of King in Council approving report from Committee for Plantation Affairs that John Maycock should be a member of the council of Barbados in the room of Mr. Ashley who has left the island without any design to return. Copy, certified by James Vernon. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16 May, Read 24 May 1737. [C.O. 28, 24, fos. 215, 215d, 218, 218d; warrant in C.O. 324, 37, p 42.]
March 17.
St. Bride's.
151 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Received, receipt from the bank for 10l. 10s. benefaction of a gentlewoman towards support of missionaries in Georgia. Received by Dr. Hales, 100l. benefaction of a gentlewoman towards support of missionaries and schools for instructing and converting to Christianity the Indians in Georgia. Resolved, that Dr. Hales return the thanks of the Trustees for the same. Read, the resignations of John White and Robert More; William, Lord Talbot and Thomas Archer were chosen Common Council men in their room. Sir Jacob Des Bouverie Bart, was chosen one of the Trustees. General Abstract of Account of the Trustees from 9 June 1736 to 15 March following was read and ordered to be entered. Read, resignation of Robert Hucks; Robert Eyre was chosen Common Council man in his room. Resolved, to thank Dr. Warren for his excellent sermon preached to-day and to desire him to print the same. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 687, pp. 1–2.]
March 18.
Whitehall.
152 Council of Trade and Plantations to the King, recommending confirmation of three Acts passed in Jamaica in May 1736, vizt. Acts to explain will of John Wolmer late of Kingston, goldsmith; to confirm sale of Fort House in parish of St. Catherine; to enable David Jones, a minor, and Robert Kilbie, his guardian, to sell lands. Entry. Signatories, Fitzwalter, O. Bridgeman, J. Brudenell, R. Plumer. 2 pp. [C.O. 138, 18, pp. 99–100.]
March 18.
Whitehall.
153 Alured Popple to Francis Fane, enclosing two Acts passed in Antigua in November and December 1736 for his opinion in point of law, vizt. Acts for relief of insolvent debtors; for adjourning Courts of King's Bench and Common Pleas in Antigua and for lengthening time for sale on execution. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 153, 16, fo. 48d.]
March 19. 154 Attorney-General to Council of Trade and Plantations enclosing draft of commission of review in the dispute between Connecticut and the Mohicans. Signed, D. Ryder. Annotated, The above-mentioned draft was sent back to the Attorney-General and returned with his report dated 30th and read 31st inst. March. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 21, Read 22 March 1736/7. [C.O. 5, 1268, fos. 258–259d.]
March 19. 155 Explanation of some points of the petition of Sebastian Zouberbuhler for introducing 100 Swiss families into South Carolina in order to begin the peopling of a new township by the name of New Windsor. In addition to the grant of a town lot, 50 acres of land and one year's provision out of public funds, which each settler receives, Col. Purry was granted by H.M. 48,000 acres of land for himself on condition of carrying over to South Carolina 600 souls in six years to settle a township on the river Savannah. The assembly of the colony also paid him 2800l. Carolina currency. Petitioner contracted with the council in Carolina on 17 July 1736 to procure 100 families, and brought over 50 in November last. He asks for the same rewards and advantages as were given to Col. Purry, undertaking to introduce the same number of souls. Owing to his long passage from Carolina, he cannot get his people to Carolina by October next, which is the contracted date; and he asks for two years from 1 October 1737 in which to complete his undertaking. The value of the 48,000 acres which he asks is much less than the land given to Col. Purry, the township of New Windsor lying 200 miles further from the sea than Purrysburgh. Signed. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 19 March, Read 26 April 1737. [C.O. 5, 365, fos. 204–206d.]
March 19.
Whitehall.
156 Order of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs referring the following papers to Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, James vernon. Seal. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 March, Read 24 March 1736/7. Enclosed,
156. i. President Gregory to Duke of Newcastle, 23 November 1736, forwarding an address from the legislature of Jamaica. The country has for these three months been undisturbed by the rebel negroes, from what cause I do not well conceive: our success against them has not been considerable nor their numbers lessened that we certainly know of. It has indeed been reported that they had smallpox amongst them and that several have died, but I do not think that report much to be depended on. Our parties have not yet been able to discover their main settlement called Capt. Cudjo's Town, from whence they used to send small parties by surprise to rob and disturb the inhabitants. Could we be secure they would continue thus quiet, it would be prudent to let them alone unless we had the prospect of effectually destroying them which I have little reason to expect by parties of white men who cannot sufficiently bear the fatigues of travelling over mountains and woods. It must be done by their own colour, if we could safely trust such a body together with arms. I have used my endeavours to propose a treaty to such as have been out for the space of five years promising them liberty and lands to cultivate if they would submit on condition that they would clear the woods of such as resolve to stand out, and entertain no more amongst them. But I have not been able to procure any that would venture to carry the message to them though upon promise of reward. I am of opinion if H.M. would so far assist us with money as to purchase the freedom of 200 slaves, such as we should judge could be best depended upon, and put them under a British establishment as to their pay, it might save H.M. the expense of sending that number of soldiers; and they would be extremely useful not only for this service but likewise in case of any foreign invasion. I enclose my speech to the assembly and their address, by which you will be able in good measure to judge of the present state of our country. Copy. 2½ pp.
156. ii. Address of president, council and assembly of Jamaica to the King, offering the distressed and unhappy condition to which this colony is at present reduced. The slaves in rebellion which have already cost so many lives and so much expense continue as insolent, troublesome, and we believe as numerous as ever. To reduce them and to defray other contingencies your subjects here have lain under the weight of many grievous taxes; we find ourselves still under an absolute necessity of continuing this oppressive load in order to the raising and sending out of parties, the building of barracks and subsisting the forces which you have sent to our assistance. The loss of our trade which was formerly so beneficial to this island and constantly furnished us with money has put us under great straits and difficulties, as it was the only channel through which those necessary supplies were conveyed to us. But that which completes our misfortunes and renders our condition most unhappy and deplorable is the late excessive fall of our principal commodities which are at present so far diminished in their value in Great Britain, the sole mart allowed us for them, as not only to prevent the hopes and prospect of any further accession of strength to the island and to discourage entirely the undertaking of any new settlements among us but also to deprive those who are already settled of the means of carrying on and improving their estates, discharging the debts which they have been obliged to contract in settling them, and paying the taxes necessarily imposed upon them for their own defence and the security of the public. This last calamity we have good reason to apprehend will be attended with very fatal and destructive consequences and seems to threaten no less than the utter ruin and desolation of this once flourishing island. We have no hopes of relief but in your power and influence. Copy. Signatory, John Gregory. Passed the council, 23 November 1736, Samuel Williams, clerk. Passed the assembly, 23 November 1736, William Needham, speaker. 3 pp.
156. iii. Speech of President Gregory to council and assembly of Jamaica, with the assembly's address and president's answer, 9 November 1736. The president attributed the present evils to the loss of trade, heavy taxes, and the fall in price of the principal commodities. He recommended an application to H.M. for relief. The parties sent against the rebellious negroes had not fully succeeded: the president proposed additional pay to encourage officers in that work. The assembly in their address concurred that application should be made to H.M. Copy. 4 pp.
156. iv. President Gregory to Duke of Newcastle, 27 November 1736. I enclose my speech to the assembly upon a prorogation I was obliged to put them under, after which four gentlemen of the council were pleased to offer the board the enclosed reasons signed by themselves. I have faithfully transmitted to you and the Lords of Trade the journals and minutes of the council to the present session. The secretary has not yet made out the rest, and nothing material has happened since the last. If it appears to you that there has been the least foundation for this treatment I expect no countenance; but if you should think I have been unreasonably dealt with I will not doubt your justice in supporting the injured. Copy, 1 p.
156. v. Speech of President Gregory to council and assembly of Jamaica. The president prorogued the assembly to 1 February next. Copy. 1 p.
156. vi. Some reasons why the undersigned members of Council do for the present withdraw their attendance from the Board. St. Jago de la Vega, 27 November 1736. (1) The president during his whole administration has acted in matters of the greatest importance not only without but contrary to the advice and consent of the council. (2) The council having been obliged to a tedious attendance of 14 weeks were greatly harrassed in their persons, injured in their fortunes and abused in their stations without any reason that we conceive but to force their assent to some clauses in the Deficiency and Rum Bills which they judged partial and unreasonable. (3) The present session of assembly was called without the advice of the council and without any pressing necessity that we are informed of, unless it was to procure those clauses to be passed in some law before the arrival of a governor. (4) During those sessions of assembly, the council having rejected some bills that did not seem necessary, the president in his speech at the close of the session insinuated that the council were not only wanting in duty to H.M. and this island but regardless of the oaths they had taken in their stations, an imputation to which we shall forbear to give the proper epithet, but which appeared to us so horrid that nothing could have prevailed on us to have given our attendance at this board but that the number of the council (until this session) was so small that we could not withdraw ourselves without a manifest obstruction of the public business. (5) As we have not yet received from the Secretary of State and Lords of Trade any redress for Mr. Gregory's conduct pursuant to our address to H.M. and representation to the Duke and their lordships, we conceive the council may be liable to be insulted on the like occasions by any of their fellow-councillors who may hereafter assume the government. For these and other reasons, we think it inconsistent with our honour, character and integrity to attend this board during the present administration. Copy. Signatories, Edward Charlton, Henry Dawkins, William Gordon, Temple Lawes. Certified, by Samuel Williams, clerk to the council. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 22,fos. 98–108d.]
Match 21.
Place Court.
157 Minutes of Common Council of Georgia. The minute of 2nd inst. being read concerning Mr. Simond; and the Common Council being our . acquainted that the House of Commons had agreed to the resolution that a sum not exceeding 20,000l. be granted towards settling and securing Georgia; and the Common Council having perused the minutes of 4 August last when 3150l. sterling was ordered to be made out in sola bills and sent to James Oglethorpe in Georgia as also the minutes of 10 September last when only 1500l. in the said bills was ordered to be sent to Mr. Oglethorpe; and it appearing that Mr. Oglethorpe had not received the said bills before he left Georgia and that the said bills were sent for back by reason they could not be issued in Mr. Oglethorpe's absence; resolved, that Mr. Oglethorpe be desired to issue to Francis Moore now in England 1000l. sterling in sola bills of 10l. each and that the said issue be dated on a day in November last before Mr. Oglethorpe and Francis Moore left Georgia, and that the said bills be sent by the Peter & James, Capt. George Dymond, to Mr. Causton as cash for the present supply of the colony; and that the 500l. credit which Mr. Simond was desired to give Mr. Causton be countermanded; and that out of the 20,000l. voted in Parliament any five of the Common Council be empowered to draw upon the Bank of England from time to time for the payment of the said 1000l. in sola bills now ordered to be sent to Mr. Causton as they shall become payable on their return to England in the same manner as for the payment of the 4000l. sola bills already issued in Georgia.
Resolved, that 10l. be advanced to Samuel Lacey's wife, her husband to repay the same and charge of her passage to Georgia and her two children's. Resolved, that the sola bills that are paid be cancelled by a punch through the seal in the presence of any one of the Common Council and two of the Trustees. Resolved, that 6l. 5s. be paid to Mrs. Lawley balance of her late husband's benefaction for her son. Read a petition of Jacob Lopez de Crasto desiring leave to dispose of a moiety of 100 acres of land; referred the same to Mr. Causton to report upon. Resolved, that 10 guineas be paid to Mrs. Mary Cooper for one year's rent of her house in Savannah rented by Mr. Parker the third bailiff. Read a report from the committee of accounts of 23 February 1736/7 that they had read a memorial from Capt. Thomson setting forth various claims for use of the Two Brothers amounting to 433l. 14s. which the committee are of opinion should be paid out of the produce of 266 barrels of rice lately sold which the said ship brought over and that the 200l. which had been paid on account of the said sum should be replaced by the said produce; and that an account of presents made by Capt. Dempsey, the agent sent to the governor of St. Augustine, to several persons there being laid before the said committee and amounting to 83l. 2s., the committee have no objection to the payment thereof. Resolved, that the Common Council agree to the said report. The accountant reported that he had examined the account of provisions and arms delivered in November last for the use of the colony and had paid 263l. in full in discharge of the same. 5 pp. [C.O. 5, 690, pp. 55–59.]
March 21.
Whitehall.
158 Duke of Newcastle to Council of Trade and Plantations enclosing copy of a paper delivered by M. Maurepas to Lord Waldegrave relating to the captures lately made in America of English and French ships and containing proposals of several regulations to be made for preventing the like irregularities for the future. H.M.'s pleasure is that you should consider the said paper without loss of time upon the several points contained therein. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 21 March, Read 22 March 1736/7. Enclosed,
158. i. It has been explained in a memorandum what the arrangements are in the French Islands according to the provision of art. 3, tit. 1 of the edict of October 1727 concerning foreign commerce to the islands. If Mr. Mathew had observed the same justice with regard to the Fortune of Dunkirk and the Fleuron of St. Malo, there would have been no occasion of complaint. To prevent this in the future, to remove all subjects of disagreement between the two nations, and to establish legitimate trade, it should be agreed (to establish equality between them):
(1) French vessels trading from island to island may be seized within one league of the English islands and may be condemned if within the proposed law; (2) French vessels returning from the West Indies to Europe shall not be seized nor their navigation hindered under the pretext of being within a league of the English islands; (3) English vessels bound for Europe which fortuitously may be within one league of the French islands shall not be seized by the French under this pretext; (4) ships from New England and the English islands may be seized within one league and will be condemned when there shall be proof, by the nature of their cargo or other circumstances, of an intent to trade; (5) English warships (acting as coastguards in the West Indies) are in the habit of anchoring in the chief ports of the French islands and making long stays. They have hitherto been received with ease and courtesy. Most of the commanders of these vessels have responded with equal courtesy and there has been no cause to complain of those who have been to the Windward Islands. But those who have been to the coast of St. Domingue have sought anchorage in suspicious places where there are few or no inhabitants and no senior officer. The reason for this is that their ships are loaded with negroes and goods which they sell in these remote places to people who, having been previously notified, go there. Several examples could be given, but the English court is not unaware of a similar trick just played by Capt. Bridge. The French court is not yet fully informed of what happened on the third trip to this shore in less than a year by Capt. Bridge with the commander of the King's ship La Baleine.
While it may not be established that the captains of English warships visit the coasts of Ste. Domingue only to favour and protect the illicit trade of ships in their company, yet it cannot be doubted, given the choice they make of anchorages under the pretext of need for wood and water. All the ports where there are senior officers, troops, residents and merchants, are open to them and if they had nothing in mind other than their needs they would find them more easily there than in the barely inhabited places they prefer. Until now the King has restrained his officers in the hope that his Britannic Majesty would restrain the commanders of whom complaints have been made. But that having no effect it seems proper in order to avoid disputes: that English warships going to the French Windward Islands or the coast of St. Domingue may anchor for the help they need and for wood and water only in the following ports and harbours, vizt., Martinique: Fort Royal, Bourg St. Pierre and La Trinite; Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre, Petit Cul de Sac and Fort Louis; Grenada: the principal port, as at Marie Galante; St. Domingue: Petit Goave, Leogane, St. Louis, St. Marc, Port de Paix, Cap Francois and Fort Dauphin. Merchant ships alone or in company with warships may not anchor in any other places in the French islands; and will not be arrested there provided they can justify the necessity of their putting in and that neither the cargo not the destination are for the said French colonies, but may remain no longer than necessary to refit or for other needs, not trading. Those who put in there without need will be seized and confiscated if there is proof, either by the nature of the cargo or other circumstances, that they have put in for trade.
This agreement is necessary for the benefit of trade. It must be followed, or for that matter preceded, by the release of the security given for the Fortune of Dunkirk and the restitution of the Fleuron of St. Malo and her cargo, together with costs, damages and interest for the owners and shippers. Although the English ship Scipio, seized by the royal pinnace and taken to Martinique, was taken in less favourable circumstances, the King (who has not yet received the petition and evidence on which the Directeur des Domaines of Martinique has based his appeal against the order for release of the superior court of the island) might nevertheless confirm this order. French. Copy. 6½ pp. [C.O. 323, 10, fos. 66–71d.]
Match 21. 159 John Yeamans to Duke of Newcastle. By letters I have very lately received from Antigua dated 17 January last it appears that all the inhabitants of that island were then as they had been for some months past under arms pursuant to a proclamation of martial law on account of the negro conspiracy discovered in October last and that it was uncertain when the danger arising from thence would cease. I have also received the report of the commissioners appointed by the governor, council and assembly to examine into the said conspiracy and to try and condemn the criminals, which I shall not trouble you with unless I have your commands for so doing, designing to lay it before the Committee of H.M.'s Privy Council to whom my petition for an augmentation of H.M.'s forces in the Leeward Islands is referred. But I beg leave to lay before you an extract out of the said report paying tribute to Governor Mathew for his conduct during the conspiracy [See No. 20 iii.] From this I submit it to your judgment how necessary Governor Mathew's presence in the said island might be or whether he can at this time be recalled from thence or have leave to come home consistently either with the safety of that island or H.M.'s service till matters are settled and the country is reduced to a state of tranquillity, at least till a new governor arrives to supply his place. Otherwise that government will be left without a proper countenance and authority in this most dangerous and critical posture of affairs. I should rather esteem it my duty with all submission to beseech you that Mr. Mathew may have H.M.'s express orders to remain where he is as well for the reason already offered to you as because his conduct with respect to the French and Spaniards has brought them to pay a juster regard to the English in those parts than they have done for many years past. This will appear to you from what I add at the end of this letter. And if that gentleman should be removed at this juncture, I speak it with all possible deference, it is greatly to be apprehended that foreigners will from hence be encouraged to treat H.M.'s subjects with greater injustice than ever they did before especially should they conceive his removal to be owing to the vigorous measures he has taken against them. I entreat you to put a favourable construction on what I have now given you, by which I have nothing in view but H.M.'s service and the welfare of the Leeward Islands. Signed. Extracts from letter of Governor Mathew to John Yeamans, dated Antigua, 17 January 1736/7: My success in breaking the French trade with the English at St. Eustatius, and for which I am burnt and hanged in effigy at St. Christopher's, has produced a flagrant testimony how easy it is for us not only to distress but even to starve the French in Martinique and Guadeloupe. The French King's edict is now waived with them and the extremities they are reduced to have forced them to open their ports to all the northward men with provisions and to the Irish beef men to come directly to them, or I am imposed upon in my intelligence. I am grown so great a man amongst my neighbours that the Marquis de San Felipe, Governor of Caracas, restores a sloop well-laden and taken by his gardcote at my request, sends me a present of a tiger and fine words etc. When the treaty for the Fleuron broke off, I sent the French negotiators and her officers to Martinique in a little sloop of theirs, my first seizure by the Act. They sent her very humbly back again.
At the close of the said letter are the following words: I am quite weary and discouraged in my wishes. I have sold my sloop and called in my gard-cotes commissions. I have done. God preserve the poor sugar colonies under better intentions than mine. 3 pp. [C.O. 152, 44, fos. 100–101d.]
March 21.
Charleston.
160 Robert Ellis to Trustees for Georgia. I enclose account of goods delivered for use of the colony and testified by storekeepers. Please pay to Laurence Williams, merchant in London, whom I have empowered to receive the same, the amount being 372l. 19s. 2½d. sterling. Please pay on sight of this. My sloop Frederica is gone to Philadelphia for another load of provisions by order of Thomas Causton, and hope will be with me back here in April. PS. 7 April 1737. This day the snow is off the bar of Georgia and hope will get in in a day or two. Accounts will be sent as soon as certified. Signed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 232–233d.]
March 23.
Palace Court.
161 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Received, receipt from the bank for 50l. paid in by Sir Erasmus Philipps Bart., an executor of Sir John Philipps Bart., deceased, being a legacy to the Trustees for Georgia towards providing for and transporting persecuted Protestants from Salzburgh or other parts of Germany, or such other persons as the Trustees think fit, to Georgia. Received receipt from the bank for 100l. paid in at last board by Dr. Hales. Received, same for 1l. 1s. benefaction of Thomas Richards for general purposes. Received of Thomas Hyam, cuttings of vines and other plants for Georgia. Received, petition of Sarah Watson, wife of Joseph Watson of Georgia, merchant, complaining of Mr. Causton and the Trustees and praying for the discharge of her husband who has been imprisoned above two years past. This petition was referred by H.M. to the Committee of Council and sent by them to the Trustees for answer in writing. Resolved, that an answer be drawn up to be laid before the Committee of Council with all convenient speed. Oath of office as Common Council man was administered to William, Lord Talbot, Robert Eyre, Thomas Archer, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 687, pp. 3–4.]
March 23.
Whitehall.
162 Council of Trade and Plantations to Duke of Newcastle. Since our letter to you of 28 October last enclosing extract of letter from Lieut.-Governor Armstrong of Nova Scotia dated 19 June 1736 giving an account of the insolence of French missionary priests in that province, we have received another letter from him dated 23 November last acquainting us that two French priests were sent out of the province by the lieut.-governor and council and that one of them is returned again by order of the French governor of Cape Breton. We send you an extract of Col. Armstrong's said letters and of some papers he enclosed to us. We refer to our former letter and desire you will receive H.M.'s directions upon this occasion that instructions may be sent to Col. Armstrong how to guide himself for the future. This is the more become necessary because Col. Armstrong has refused to permit any French priests to come into the province until he receives H.M.'s commands. Entry. Signatories, Fitzwalter, M. Bladen, Orlando Bridgeman, R. Plumer. 1½ pp. [C.O. 218, 2, pp. 335–336.]
March 23.
Whitehall.
163 Same to same, enclosing copy of affidavit of one Fisher of Antigua relating to some sloops taken by a Spanish guardacostas. Entry. Signatories, Fitzwalter, M. Bladen, Orlando Bridgeman, R. Plumer. 1 p. [C.O. 153, 16, fo. 49.]
March 23.
Georgia Office.
164 Harman Verelst to Thomas Causton, by Peter & James, Capt. George Dymond. Mr. Bradley's contract with the Trustees is to cultivate 100 acres of land within one year with the use of 30 servants belonging to the Trust in consideration of ten servants being allowed him for one year to be employed in cultivating his own lot, and after the expiration of the said year the said ten servants to remain as his servants and 100l. sterling to be paid him out of the year's produce of the public lands which he shall cultivate for the use of the Trust. Mr. Bradley is for one year to receive allowances of provisions for himself, family and the ten servants. [Particulars given.] As to his cultivating of Trust lands with 30 servants, as that number besides his ten are not yet under his employment a proportion of land must be computed for cultivation and a proportion of his pay out of the produce until he shall have 30 servants to employ for the Trust. What is necessary for the clearing and cultivating the Trust lands and the maintenance of those servants so employed must be furnished for that use but not as Mr. Bradley's property.
Enclosed you receive invoice and bill of lading of what is consigned to you from the Trust as also what is consigned to you for the Salzburghers by the S.P.C.K. and a box shipped by Mrs. Lawley for her son, Richard Lawley, at Frederica. The bill of lading for the Trust contains a pair of cullen stones for a hand cornmill for the Salzburghers; two cases of arms for the southward, one for Fort Frederica and the other for St. Andrew, each containing 25 new muskets and bayonets; four boxes and a parcel for Mr. Wesley; a box for Mr. Bolzius; parcel for Mr. Hawkins, surgeon at the Altamaha; a bag of Neapolitan chestnuts for sowing in Georgia; box for Thomas Oakes, servant to Mr. Young the wheelwright; one for Richard Hart at Frederica, servant to William Abbott; one for Robert Parker junior; one for John Millidge; one for Mr. Green, shoemaker at Savannah; one for Henry Lloyd; a box of garden seeds; a gift of a scarlet garment with gold lace and fur and ten lbs. of strong gunpowder for Tomo Chachi; materials for a suit for Tooanahowi. In a box directed to you are some of the Trustees' general accounts to 9 June last, those in marble paper are for the principal people at Charleston and those in blue paper for others there and in Georgia who desire them. You will observe in the said accounts what want I am in for the particulars I have written to you for and how every payment you make requires a particular account for what made, which I hope I shall always have for the future by duplicate bills of parcels, accounts and receipts, the one for you to keep and the other to be sent to England. I am in daily expectation of your answers to the queries already sent and explanations of your accounts.
The Trustees have sent you 1000l. sterling in sola bills filled up as on 22 November 1736 by Francis Moore to himself and signed by Mr. Oglethorpe; they are therefore now issuable by you as money. The date is made the date before Mr. Oglethorpe left Georgia which makes them appear regularly issued there. With these bills, settle Mr. Bolzius's account for the 50l. the S.P.C.K. paid the Trustees for half-year's salaries of the Salzburgh ministers and schoolmaster, and pay John Wesley and Mr. Ingham 50l. apiece as missionaries. Use the rest of the bills now sent for supplying provisions at the southward, buying gunpowder for the southward (49 kegs on board are consigned to John Brownfield), supplying provisions to the magistrates and peace-officers in the northern division and to Mr. Bradley's family and the public servants, and supplying provisions to the first and second transports of the Salzburghers on the reduced allowance of 15 bushels of Indian corn and 200 lbs. of meat a head a year and a quart of molasses a head a week, which the Trustees have ordered to be continued to them to September next at that rate without their repaying it, particular benefactions having been received for the Salzburghers. But in their account from Mr. Vat's leaving them to September 1737 whatever their crop at Old Ebenezer amounts to or whatever has been advanced or delivered to them already since their settling at New Ebenezer must be accounted as part of the said reduced allowance to September next. If the new boat for the Salzburghers has not been paid for, the Trustees desire you will pay for it. The Trustees have been informed that you employed some Salzburgh carpenters in building Mr. Gronau's house at Old Ebenezer and have not paid them; if you hired them for that purpose and they are not paid, you are desired to pay them. But the Trustees understood that the English carpenter and 20 negroes were employed in that and other buildings at Old Ebenezer; please let them know if the Salzburgh carpenters were so employed or not. A particular benefactor enables the Trustees to direct you to expend 16l. sterling in building the minister's house and a schoolhouse at New Ebenezer and to furnish each man of the third transport of Salzburghers with a cock and hen, whom I think are now 24 men in number, and a sow, turkey hen, and goose to every five men, women and children, which I think are now about 55 heads. The provisions for the third transport for the first year are to be as new settlers, the same as those to Mr. Bradley and family, and the credit of 20s. per head which Mr. Oglethorpe ordered them is to be made up to the quantities of tools and necessaries furnished new settlers including the iron pots sent them in June last as part; and whatever has been advanced them or they have received since their arrival must be accounted as part of the said supplies. The Trustees desire you would order the remainder of the Salzburghers' lands at New Ebenezer to be set out as soon as possible.
The Trustees have received the following accounts from you: Mr. Eveleigh's for 417l. 19s. 8d. currency for guns and duffels, and for 6967l. 11s. 7d. currency for provisions and necessaries both certified; Hugh Bryan's for 582l. 15s. 8d. sterling; William Bellinger's for 1738l. 11s. 3d. currency; William Clay's for 1413l. 2s. currency; David Provoost's for 112l. 18s. 11d, sterling. Send as particular accounts as you can of all other demands in or for the colony to midsummer next.
Passengers by this ship are: John Venables; the ensign to the independent company, his family, eight recruits and the wife of one of them; Elizabeth Brownfield going to her brother; Robert Gilbert returning to his settlement; John Pye to be employed as clerk in the store; two women servants for you which MacBean hired; four menservants for the brickmakers at Frederica; a servant for Mr. Haselfoot. Samuel Lacy is to repay you 10l. advanced to his wife and 15l. more for her passage and that of his son and daughter by this ship. Mary Cooper has received 10l. 10s. on account of the rent of her house let to Mr. Parker, remit to her only what you receive more than this. Mrs. Lawley sends a box for her son; if he is dead it must be returned. Mr. Stanley is to repay you 6l. 6s. advanced to Mrs. Stanley the midwife. You are to enquire into the petition of Jacob Lopes de Crasto [see No. 157] and report. Send over account of effects of William Wise deceased.
Capt. Dymond brings over provisions in case you wanted them, which give him a receipt for, specifying the qualities and quantities. Tell Theophilus Hetherington the Trustees expect him to pay the money he owes John Murcott.
The Trustees being alarmed with reports of the Spaniards intending a descent on Georgia, they desire you will be watchful and very careful to avoid the beginning of hostilities and to prevent the Indians from giving offence by their inclinations of falling on the Spaniards or Spanish Indians being in the least pursued, and that you would send to Frederica and the southern settlements to have the same watchfulness and caution. Defence is the business of the inhabitants of Georgia, and I hope a watchful guard and keeping the Indians in a defensive manner only will, with the protection and good providence of God, prevent any design on Georgia being carried into execution. Entry. 7 pp. [C.O. 5, 667, fos. 9–12d.]
March 24.
Georgia Office.
165 Same to Thomas Causton. Last week a petition (copy enclosed) was presented by Mrs. Watson to the King in Council relating to her husband's confinement; to which the Trustees desire your particular answer supported with such evidence as you have that can speak to it, which evidence may be given by affidavits before the recorder. Lose no time in answering this petition and be prudent in the manner of doing it. Entry. ¼ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 13d.]
March 24.
Georgia Office.
166 Same to Samuel Eveleigh. I have paid 510l. 0s. 3d. to Mr. Baker on the bill Mr. Oglethorpe sent you in May last for purchasing the guns and duffels. I have lately received two certified accounts belonging to you, one to balance the aforementioned account and the other for provisions and necessaries. I have no reason to apprehend objection will be made to them; they shall be the first account dispatched as soon as the present hurry of business is over. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fos. 13d, 14.]
March 24.
Whitehall.
167 Council of Trade and Plantations to Committee of Privy Council enclosing draft of commission of review in the case of the dispute between Connecticut and the Mohicans. We propose as commissioners the governor and councillors of New York (or the governor and councillors of New York for the time being) and the governor and assistants of Rhode Island (or the governor and assistants of Rhode Island for the time being), these colonies not appearing to us in any manner interested in the matters in dispute. We recommend so great a number of commissioners from the greater probability that a quorum may attend and we propose a quorum of five. Entry. Signatories, Fitzwalter, T. Pelham, O. Bridgeman, A. Croft, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1294, pp. 99–101.]
March 24.
Savannah.
168 Thomas Causton to Trustees for Georgia. Col. Bull arrived here 9th inst. with Col. Barnwell and favoured us with his company three days. As the continual alarms raised an uneasiness in these (as they style themselves) gentlemen concerning a proper commander-in-chief, I took this opportunity to ask Col. Bull (if occasion should happen to require) whether he remembered a former promise of his made to Mr. Oglethorpe to head the militia of this place. He told me he was always ready to do what lay in his power to serve the colony and that he came on purpose to see how we did: he was extremely well pleased with the preparations we had made and the account I had given him of the people's vigilance, particularly he says the fort is the best of the kind he ever saw, of which I have enclosed Mr. Jones's draft.
On 11th inst. Mr. Horton sent me per express dated 7th inst. two letters from the governor of St. Augustine to him which I got translated here, copies enclosed; the originals I returned with the translations the next day for him to answer. He further advises that Capt. Ebenezer Wyatt who brought the letters and was going to Charleston under the governor of St. Augustine's pass acquainted him that he had belonged to Charleston 17 years and having sold his vessel to Capt. Dav[is (fn. n1) ] at St. Augustine was going to his wife and children, that provisions were very scarce at St. Augustine and money much more so, that Don Ignatio the deputy-governor, Don Pedro captain of horse, and Don Philip captain of dragoons were still in confinement, and that no advices have come thither from Havana this three months past, and that they are very much surprised at the payships not being arrived; and further that a friar with about 15 men in company were lately going towards Appalachee and were met ([as is (fn. n1) ] supposed) by some Indians, that the friar and some of the men and horses were killed and Don Juan D'Castillio is sent out towards Appalachee with a party of men to find out how the murder happened. He desires in same advices that as he might expect more messages on this occasion I would send him an interpreter that he might the better expedite his answers. I accordingly sent him Daniel Nunes. Mr. Horton by his letter dated 11th inst. advises that Capt. Gascoigne intends to write to the governor of St. Augustine to demand three men who ran away from an English vessel some months past.
On 21st inst. I received an express forwarded by Mr. Eveleigh containing the enclosed letters, vizt. duplicate of letter from Henry Weltden dated at Havana 17 January 1737 (n.s.) and duplicate of letter from Anthony Weltden dated at Havana 6 February 1737, both which are the same which came to my hands, also letters from Col. Fenwick and Mr. Samuel Eveleigh as per enclosed copies. I likewise enclose my answers to Col. Fenwick and my letter to Col. Broughton on this occasion. And we are much astonished here at the imprudence of the people of Charleston in discovering the authors of this intelligence from Havana by reason the man who brought the express left copies of those enclosed letters at Port Royal and many people in this place knew the contents the moment he landed. I immediately forwarded this express to Frederica by one of the boats.
Mr. Spangenberg's people during this alarm being summoned to muster and desired to assist at the fort came to me and told me of their fixed resolutions never to bear arms (being absolutely against their principles in religion) of which they said they had informed you before they came hither. I told them I was willing to believe what they said and that I would take care they should not be compelled to it till your orders came. In a few days after they delivered me the enclosed letter being the same which came to my hands. My answer to this was a repetition of what I had said before and that it would not become a magistrate of this place to approve of any of the inhabitants leaving the colony without the Trustees being first acquainted therewith; but if any tumult should happen or they had anything particular to complain of, as they were entitled to the benefit of the law they might be sure of the magistrates' protection accordingly. Since this they have again discovered a desire of leaving this colony but I have with much difficulty prevailed upon them first to represent their case to you and on this occasion urged to them that as to bearing arms they would be under the like inconveniences elsewhere; and I was very certain that you would not fail performing anything you had promised them. And in this particular they seemed to complain that their grants were in the same general terms with others though they were promised particular privileges and a separate government. I find they have an earnest desire to go to the Indian nations and are afraid shall not be permitted.
I recommend to you William Ewen whom you sent to me as a servant for two years by indenture which expired 26 December last. As I found him a sober and careful lad I ordered him to be in your service in the public store in which I found him diligent and faithful. He obtained of Mr. Oglethorpe a grant of 50 acres of land on Skidoway Island, but as he thinks he is not under that grant consequently entitled to the same allowances of provisions etc. as the first settlers of that place were and being willing to give further demonstrations of his industry has desired me to represent this particular to you hoping it may be granted him. In his two years service he has attended the store at all hours, night and day, Sundays and other days, as occasion required, for which extraordinary trouble he hopes you will make him some allowance. As the year was too far spent to clear any land for him to plant this season he has agreed to continue in your service at 50s. sterling per month.
The people are all in good health both here and at the southward. But meat and butter are still scarce to come at. I believe I shall get no butter and can expect but little meat till the New York vessel arrives which I advised you I expected the beginning of next month. Signed, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fo. 229, 229d.] Enclosed,
168. i. 17 March 1737, Charleston. John Fenwicke to Thomas Causton. The lieut.-governor being out of town, a packet is come to my hands from Providence with two letters to Mr. Oglethorpe. Mr. Eveleigh has undertaken to forward them to Port Royal for you which I send enclosed: a day or two lost may be of ill consequence. There are several affidavits sent from Providence with many circumstances confirming the preparations making by the Spaniards at Havana. The schooner not sailing well is discharged but a sloop is now going out to cruise in her room, which has orders to give the same signals as the schooner to your settlements on the seacoast and frequently to touch at Frederica and so to return to her cruise towards St. Augustine. If any ready opportunity offers to send to the Creeks it would be of great service to advise our agent there of this news in order that the Creeks may be made as useful as may be to intercept the land forces which it is believed will march from St. Augustine. Copy, 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fo. 225.]
168. ii. 6 February 1737, Havana; Anthony Weltden to James Oglethorpe. Copy, of No. 92 ii. 2 pp.
168. iii. 17 January 1737 (n.s.), Havana. Henry Weltden to James Oglethorpe. Copy, of No. 92 iii. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 213–216d.]
168. iv. 18 March 1737, Charleston. Samuel Eveleigh to Thomas Causton. Yesterday after dinner arrived a sloop from Providence, Capt. Jennings master, who brought in a large packet to our governor which in his absence Col. Fenwicke opened; and in it were two letters from Anthony and Henry Weltden directed to Mr. Oglethorpe, the former of whom is the principal factor at Havana for the South Sea Company, which letters Col. Fenwicke has enclosed to you. In said packets came several affidavits taken at Providence by Governor Fitzwilliam from prisoners brought thither from Havana who all confirm what is written by said Weltdens and that the Triumph, a man-of-war of 24 guns, and the two sloops would be ready to sail by the latter end of February or the beginning of March so that probably they may pay you a visit in a short time. It is here generally believed that a body of Spaniards will march from St. Augustine by land in order to attack your colony for which reason I think it advisable that you immediately send out some Indians to make a discovery towards St. Juan's river and if you find that they are on the march that you immediately send a messenger up to the Creek nation to our agent Mr. Childermas Crofts to whom instructions are sent to join with your agent and get as many traders, packhorse men and Indians as they can and come down upon the back of them. He has orders for this end to spare no pains nor cost and to prosecute this affair with the utmost vigour, but so it happens that the Savannah and other rivers have been of late extremely high so that the express was still at Savannah town about 16 days since; but as those rivers soon fall at this time of the year so hope they may by this time be gone, though there has fallen here a great deal of rain since.
The schooner or galley lately in the employ of this government being found improper for our service, they have got a small fine-sailing sloop, Capt. John Watson commander, who I believe will sail this day. He is to go directly to St. Augustine and if he sees any vessels he is then to go to Frederica and make the signals formerly appointed, from thence to Tybee, Port Royal and here. But if he sees nothing, he is to sail between Frederica and St. Augustine for a fortnight or three weeks. It is my opinion that (if you have certain accounts of the enemy's coming) you not only send up to the Creeks but up to the Uchis (fn. n2) and Savannah town to bring down what Indians and white people can be spared from thence and that they be joined with as many of your people as you can conveniently spare and attack the Spaniards in the woods and take the advantage of swamps and thickets, for it is observable that the Indians fight best when headed by the white people.
I shall send copies of the Weltden letters to Mr. Oglethorpe; the originals from Providence, though but duplicates, are for you. I must remark that Jack Savy is arrived to a greater pitch of honour than ever he was before or ever will again; and if he is to have the chief conduct of this engagement I think you need not be under any great apprehensions of the consequence, for though he is a man well stocked with impudence yet it is reported that he is one of very little courage or conduct, and it is here admired how he came to have admittance to the Queen Dowager or to Don Patino. I have met with a great deal of trouble in getting you a canoe and to carry you the advice, and at last was forced to let two of my own negroes go, otherwise should have been disappointed. Copy, 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fo 227.]
168. v. 26 February 1737, St. Augustine. Governor of St. Augustine to [William Horton]. Mr. Calvy desires to know whether Don Carlos Dempsey left to your care the several charges that he had with him from me. I likewise desire to know how he does, and that by the first opportunity you would send me three or four carts and horses to St. John's where the officer will have order to receive them and pay. If possible please send me two barrels of red French wine and 1500 or 2000 boards between 1 inch and 2 and 3 inches thick. Translation. ½ p.
168. vi. 8 March 1737, St. Augustine. Same to [same]. I wondered to see English vessels cruising upon our coasts after articles of friendship agreed on and concluded between your province and our's by Mr. Oglethorpe and myself. I should be glad to know if there has been anything done in this province or in any of the coasts to occasion this alteration, for I know of none here but to desire a good correspondence. Translation. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 639, fo. 220.]
168. vii. 21 February 1737, Savannah. Moravian settlers in Georgia to Thomas Causton. Mr. Spangenberg while here was very sensible of your kindness, as are we. This gives us assurance to mention the following particulars, why we came to this country and why we do not go to war. As to the first we were asked in London whether we were not papists. We answered we were not, as might plainly appear from the persecutions we had met with from the papists even to bonds and imprisonments and that some of us they had obliged to seal their faith with their blood. When we were further asked why we desired to go into Georgia we answered because we were informed that liberty of conscience, which we had long wished and sought for, was there allowed to all Protestants. And when we first mentioned our going to Mr. Oglethorpe we told him it was our principle not to bear arms; with this he said he was content. Otherwise we should not have thought of pursuing our design any further. It is our principle likewise to be chargeable to no man, to eat our own bread (as we have done in this place until now), and to live peaceably with all men as we have always endeavoured to do, having never willingly wronged or offended any. As to the second, when we were lately asked why we do not bear arms you may please to remember we gave two answers: 1. That we were not freeholders. 2. That it being a thing against our conscience, we cannot, dare not, will not do it. Indeed as we do not apprehend this to be the first or the chief point of Christianity we do not strive to bring over others to our persuasion but leave every man to his own opinion, and this is the liberty we desire for ourselves. But if this cannot be allowed us, if our remaining here be burdensome to the people as we already perceive it begins to be, we are willing by the approbation of the magistrate to remove from this place. By this means any tumult that might ensue on our account will be avoided and occasion of offence cut off from those who now reproach us that they are obliged to fight for us. Signed, The Germans. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 195–196d.]
March 24.
Charleston.
169 Lieut.-Governor Thomas Broughton to Duke of Newcastle. The governor of the Bahamas having transmitted to me the several enclosed letters and affidavits I thought it my duty to send them by the first opportunity to you apprehending the advices they contain to be of great importance to H.M.'s service and the safety of his dominions in America. The governor in his letter to me which accompanied the said papers complains heavily of me, accusing me that I refuse one Capt. Petty's shipping a few barrels of flour for him which he terms very ill treatment. But was it fact that I had made such a refusal, I think I might have been justified for so doing, an Act of this province being passed on occasion of the Spaniards' preparations at Havana which strictly prohibits the exportation of all sorts of provisions out of this province to any parts, Georgia excepted; besides, the alarm of the Spaniards' intended descent has made all kind of provisions excessively dear and scarce and we have not any flour here but what is brought us from the British northern colonies. However, I can assure you that no application was made to me by any person whatever for any flour and consequently could give no refusal.
Mr. Fitzwilliam likewise complains of my refusing some time ago to lend him 100 smallarms for five or six months. As soon as I received his letter I ordered the armourer to give me an account of what smallarms he had in his custody, which account was laid before and perused by the council who were of opinion there was not a number sufficient for the service of this province and that it would not be prudent to part with any of them, especially at that time when we had been obliged to spare a considerable number to distant new settlers and had good grounds to apprehend a rupture with the Cherokee Indians who are a numerous people. I enclose a packet from him; as I presume he may have hinted something of this in his letter to you, I hope you will give some attention to what I have here said in my justification and doubt not but you will be of opinion that to leave this province bare of arms in the then circumstances in order to assist any other of H.M.'s colonies who did not labour under the same difficulties would have been a breach of my duty and a betraying the trust reposed in me. Signed. 3 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 7 June. Enclosed,
169. i. Havana, 17 January 1737 (n.s.); Henry Weltden to James Oglethorpe. Copy, of No. 92 iii. 1½ small pp.
169. ii. Havana, 6 February 1737 (n.s.); Anthony Weltden to James Oglethorpe. Copy, of No. 92 ii. 1½ small pp.
169. iii. Affidavit of Thomas Lynch. Copy, of No. 92 iv. 1 p.
169. iv. Affidavit of John Darkins. Copy, of No. 92 v. 1¼ pp.
169. v. Affidavit of Jacob Phenix. Copy, of No. 92 vi. 1 p.
169. vi. Affidavit of James Wilson. Copy, of No. 92 vii. 1 p.
169. vii. Affidavit of John Salter. Copy, of No. 92 viii. 1 p.
169. viii. Havana, 6 February 1737 (n.s.); Anthony Weltden to Governor Richard Fitzwilliam. Copy, of No. 92 i. 1½ small pp. [C.O. 5, 388, fos. 147–158d.]
March 25.
Bermuda.
170 Lieut.-Governor John Pitt to Duke of Newcastle transmitting papers mentioned in No. 171. Finding myself very much decayed I took the liberty of writing to you 6th November last desiring you to intercede with H.M. for leave to return home. I now entreat you to procure the same. Signed. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 29, fo. 73.]
March 25.
Bermuda.
171 Same to Charles Delafaye transmitting journals of assembly with two Acts, vizt. for attaching the goods of persons not residing upon these islands, and for renewing an Act for the better regulating slaves; which I desire you will lay before the Duke of Newcastle. I wrote to him 6th November and 5th January last desiring him to intercede for my leave to return home, which request I hope is granted; if not, I desire you will speak to him for me. Signed. 1 small p. Endorsed, Recd. 10 May. [C.O. 37, 29, fos. 71–72d.]
Match 25.
Bermuda.
172 Same to Council of Trade and Plantations, transmitting lists of ships cleared and entered in Naval office from 28 December 1729 to 25 March 1737; journals of council and assembly; treasurer's accounts; an Act for renewing an Act for the further and better regulating negroes and other slaves and for the more effectual and speedy way of prosecuting them in criminal causes, and an Act for attaching the goods of any persons not residing upon these islands; as also the powder money accounts. I have nothing extraordinary to acquaint you with in relation to the island, nothing having yet been fixed upon for the encouragement of the inhabitants either to make or grow to engage our neighbours to trade with us and to make returns in some beneficial commodity to our mother country, although I have frequently pressed the council and assembly; but as yet can find no effect of all my persuasions, only from time to time they desire to consider of it. Finding myself very much decayed, I wrote to you 6th November last via Virginia desiring you to join the Duke of Newcastle in interceding with H.M. for leave to return home. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 7 May, Read 10 May 1737. Enclosed,
172. i. Account of powder money, 1732–35. Receipts, 155l. 4s. 2d. Signed, 23 August 1735, Richard Tucker. Same account for September-November 1735. Receipts, 4l. 6s. Audited, 22 June 1736, Nathaniel Butterfield, Leonard White, Robert Dinwiddie. Certified, by John Pitt. Seal. 32 pp.
172. ii. Account of duty on liquor, 1734–35. Receipts, 455l. 10s. 3d. Signed, 13 November 1735, Nathaniel Butterfield. Audited, 13 November, 1735, Francis Jones, John Butterfield, Robert Dinwiddie. Passed the council, 13 November 1735, John Pitt, Andrew Auchinleck, Francis Jones, John Butterfield, Leonard White, Robert Dinwiddie. Certified, by John Pitt. Seal. 8 pp.
172. iii. Account of powder money, 1735–36. Receipts, 18l. 8s. Signed, 21 June 1736, George Tucker, secretary. Audited, 22 June 1736, as No. i. Passed the council, 22 June 1736, as No. ii. Certified, by John Pitt. Seal. 6 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 7 May 1737. [C.O. 37, 12. fos. 203–231d.]
March 25.
Bermuda.
173 Same to Alured Popple. Besides the papers sent to Council of Trade and Plantations, I would have sent the accounts of receipts and payments of public money; but Richard Tucker, the deputy-secretary, dying has occasioned the delay. I hope my letters to you of 6 November and 5 January are arrived and that you have put their lordships in mind for my leave to return home. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 7 May, Read 10 May 1737. [C.O. 37, 12, fos. 232, 232d, 235, 235d.]
March 25.
Whitehall.
174 Alured Popple to Attorney-General Dudley Ryder. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire you will reconsider the blank left in the draft commission of review in the dispute between Connecticut and the Mohicans to be filled up with the name of that person without whom no meeting can be held. They think making any one person essentially necessary will retard the good effects of the commission. Your opinion is also desired whether it is necessary that the governor and councillors be named or whether the words 'Governor and Councillors of Rhode Island for the time being' after the governor and councillors of New York are named will give them the same power as if particularly named. Entry. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1294, pp. 101–103.]
March 25.
Amboy.
175 President John Hamilton to Alured Popple acknowledging letter of 22 October last. I desired the gentlemen my lords commissioners recommended to H.M. for councillors in this province to take the proper methods to get their warrants, which they would sooner have done but this was the first certain account they had of being recommended. You will see by my letter to my lords of 22 November last and minutes of council transmitted at the same time the steps Mr. Morris took to disturb the peace of this government; and though he lives in the government of New York he still continues to do so as far as in him lies by privately fixing up proclamations for adjourning the assembly, one of which is enclosed. But as he is universally disliked by all sorts of people here his endeavours prove vain and we are at perfect quiet. I send the case stated betwixt Mr. Morris and myself to lay before their lordships who, I hope, will believe I have done the utmost to discharge my duty. Signed. 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 7 June, Read 22 June 1737. Enclosed,
175. i. Reasons why Mr. Hamilton is rightfully entitled to the government of New Jersey notwithstanding the claim of Mr. Morris. The substance of Mr. Hamilton's case is that Mr. Morris had disqualified himself as a councillor of New Jersey by absence without leave from the governor from October 1734 to October 1736 and at the time of Governor Cosby's death on 10 March 1735/6 and President Anderson's death on 28 March 1736 Mr. Morris was in England. 3 pp.
175. ii. Hackensack, Bergen county, 8 February 1736/7. Proclamation by President Lewis Morris adjourning the assembly of New Jersey to 26 April 1737. Signed. Seal. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 973, fos. 101–105d.]
March 25.
Amboy.
176 Same to Duke of Newcastle. [In substance the same complaints against Lewis Morris as in No. 175.] Signed. 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 4 June. Enclosed,
176. i. Copy of No. 175 i. [C.O. 5, 983, fos. 79–82d.]
March 25.
Iverness.
177 John Hossack to Harman Verelst. Yours of 26th past was delivered me by Archibald MacBean: he hopes to recruit servants successfully for the colony of Georgia. Gratitude has engaged all this country to express their regard to Mr. Oglethorpe for the noted favours he was pleased to do their friends. I will afford the necessary credit to MacBean. Signed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 124–125d.]

Footnotes

  • n1. Edge of document torn.
  • n2. MS. 'Euchees'.