|
362
September 1
Virginia |
Lieut-Governor William Gooch to Duke of Newcastle acknowledging
receipt on 29th of last month of HM's warrant for granting letters of
marque against the Spaniards, accompanied with the commands of 15
June, which have been published throughout the colony. I have not yet had any
application made to me for commissions, occasioned by the scarcity of seamen and not
any dislike to the undertaking. But I hope the early intelligence of HM's resolutions,
while unexpected by the Spaniards, will give HM's ships of war stationed in America an
opportunity of humbling that proud and deceitful nation. I forbear troubling you on the
subject of your letter of 21 May, having written at large to Lord Albemarle and desired
him to show it to you, that if necessary it may be laid before HM. Signed. 1½ small pp.
Endorsed, R, 20 November. [CO 5/1337, ff 206–207d] |
363
September 3 |
Lieut-Governor William Gooch to Earl of Albemarle. It is with equal
concern and surprise that I received your letter of 24 May with one
from the Duke of Newcastle, wherein I find myself taxed with want of respect to you as
governor in appointing Mr Randolph to execute the office of adjutant without notifying
to you either the vacancy or the appointment; whereas I was so far from having a design
to conceal the disposal of that office from you, though I might omit, not being used to it,
to acquaint you with it, that it was done with an intention to oblige you by giving it to a
gentleman well known and esteemed by Mr Hanbury who is so deservedly in your
favour. But as this does not answer the purport of his grace's letter, occasioned by your
laying too great stress upon the word governor, by which I meant in my letter referred to
the commander-in-chief on the spot, I hope what follows will show that only could be
my meaning and, by justifying what I have done, clear me of the imputation of disregard
to you. I am so well acquainted with the practice of this government for sixty years past
that I can assure you there is not one instance in all that time of a lieut-governor being
controlled by the chief governor in the disposal of any office of trust or profit whenever
such became vacant, though some of those chief governors, as Lord Culpeper and Lord
Effingham, had been in Virginia, knew the offices, and had friends and acquaintance in
the country to gratify. And the reason is very evident, because the letters patent by which
they were constituted devolve the whole power of government upon the person who is
commander-in-chief on the place as well in their absence as on their deaths, and if you
will be pleased to recollect you will find no power given you by your commission to
exercise any act of government in this colony during your residence elsewhere, and
consequently that upon the vacancy of any office you cannot while you remain out of the
government give a commission to anyone to execute any office of trust or profit here. |
|
But there is another obstacle to be surmounted before you can dispose of any place in
the government, which is that by the King's instructions and the laws of the country the
advice and consent of the Council must be first obtained, who have always a large share in
the application and with whom the appointment is debated and approved before it is
fixed, and how such consent can be had at a thousand leagues distance and how unlikely it
is to succeed when every member of that board has a possibility of being president, on
whom the same powers devolve on the death or absence of the lieut-governor, is worth
considering. Nor will you hesitate in believing that whoever is commander-in-chief will
certainly insist, as it is his duty, on the King's letters patent under the Great Seal as a
superior authority to any other command. |
|
You, I am persuaded, will likewise consider how absolutely necessary rewards as well
as punishments are to maintain authority in any government, that there is not an example
in history of any well-constituted state even before Christianity that subsisted without
them, that it would be subverting the fundamental principles of government to take away
from the chief officiating magistrate the power of rewarding merit and would be leaving
him a province rather like that of an executioner to inflict punishments than the
representative of a good king to confer benefits, and in the present case it would be
making a mere cipher of the lieut-governor and Council, who have the whole concerns of
the colony under their care, to fill up places only provisionally and would open a gap for
the most unworthy if they happen to have friends at home to look upon their superiors
with disdain and bid them defiance. Besides, such provisional appointments to places will
never conciliate men's affections to government; on the contrary, should they be
disappointed, lasting seeds of rancour and resentment will increase and thrive from a
jealousy that their cause was not heartily espoused. And I must add that if a
lieut-governor consulting the Council has no right to put men into place he can have none
to turn them out, and yet he is made answerable for the behaviour of the Naval Officers
and liable by the Acts of Trade if they are not duly executed to forfeit 1000l and rendered
incapable of serving the Crown. |
|
If you will further consider the few places the government has to dispose of compared
with the many granted by the Crown to the college and the secretary, the first by charter
under the Great Seal for ever, the latter for life, insomuch that there has not been above
five disposed of by the government during my time, it will appear there is little ground to
deprive the person entrusted with the administration of the assistance he may want, from
the friends of those few, to serve HM in the public emergencies, especially in the General
Assemblies where more than ordinary address is required to soothe the passions and
direct the minds of a multitude not easily prevailed on to give up their own private views
and interests to the public utility. As you, therefore, was never informed to whom this
power is committed, so securely lodged in the hands of the commander-in-chief in the
country and the Council, and as it is impossible to carry on the King's business under the
restriction mentioned by the Duke of Newcastle, I trust you, reflecting upon what I have
laid before you, will not insist on having anything done so destructive to HM's service;
for if that was not the consequence, and I have no other purpose nor interest in it, I
should not offer one word against what has been moved for provided all other difficulties
could be got over. I must beg you to show this letter to his grace, that if necessary it may
be laid before HM. I have not imparted my letters to anybody because I am sensible they
would give great uneasiness, particularly to the Council as it is striking at the root of the
special privilege they have always enjoyed as already set forth, and in my apprehension no
less than a revocation of letters patent and a repeal of our laws. And now, as I am not
conscious of having done anything intentionally to disoblige you, I must entreat you to
continue to honour me with a share in your favour which I shall endeavour to deserve by
cheerfully obeying your commands. Signed. 6½ small pp. [CO 5/1337, ff 208–211d; copy
at ff 212–215d] |
364
September 4
Whitehall |
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations to Governor Alured Popple
acknowleding letters of 27 September and 25 November 1738 and 10
May 1739. We have transmitted to Duke of Newcastle the address to
HM referred to in your letter of 27 September, and as the matters therein contained are
under HM's consideration your brother will give you an account of such measures as
shall be taken for the security of the Bermuda islands with regard to warlike stores and the
augmentation you propose of fifty men to your company. We have written to the
Commissioners of the Customs for their advice with respect to the inconvenience you
complain of in your letter of 25 November arising from your 73rd instruction directing
you not to suffer vessels to load or unload anywhere but in Castle or St George's Harbour
only; and as soon as we receive their answer we shall take the matter into consideration
and give you our sentiments thereon. We thank you for the account you send us in your
letter of 10 May of the state of the Council. We hope you will continue to inform us of the
death or absence of any member of that board. We shall impatiently expect your answers
to the queries relating to the state of your government, more especially at this time when
the probability of a rupture with Spain makes it highly necessary for us to be thoroughly
apprised of the true state of all HM's plantations in America. We have received the four
Acts you mention and shall in due time consider the same with your remarks thereon. As
to what you have done with regard to the French ship which was forced upon your
islands, we approve of your conduct in the hospitality and assistance you showed to the
poor sufferers, especially as you have taken care to prevent all unfair trading. The Bahama
Act which you complain of we have now under our consideration and as soon as we have
formed our judgment upon it you shall be apprised of what we have done in the matter.
Entry. Signatories, M Bladen, J Brudenell, R Plumer. 3 pp. [CO 38/8, pp 306–309] |
365
September 5
Whitehall |
Same to Committee of Privy Council. The change in the 26th article of
Governor Byng's instructions is to enable him to assent to an Act of the
Assembly of Barbados, which must be passed at its first session after his
arrival, to settle a salary upon him for the whole of his government additional to the 2000l
sterling out of the 4½ per cent duty. Entry. Signatories, M Bladen, J Brudenell, R Plumer.
2¼pp. [CO 29/16, pp 199–201] |
366
September 5
Whitehall |
Same to Lieut-Governor William Gooch acknowledging letters of 7
November 1738, 15 and 22 February and 15 May 1739. In answer to
your complaint of hostilities by the Six Nations upon the Cherokee and
other Indians in friendship with the English, the governor of New York has ordered the
commissioners for Indian affairs to make inquiry therein. We recommend you to keep the
best terms you can with the Five Nations as their friendship is of great importance to the
British interest and much courted by the French who are daily endeavouring to debauch
them from us. Mr Fane has no objection in point of law to any of the Acts transmitted in
yours of 22 February 1739: we shall let them lie by probationary for some time in order to
see whether anything may arise that may make it necessary either to confirm or repeal
them. The Commissioners of Customs here are of opinion your last Act for regulating the
staple of tobacco was detrimental to the King's revenue; your agent will send you the
papers. We have not yet considered the project for serving the French with 15000
hogsheads of tobacco yearly, nobody having attended the board upon that occasion either
for or against the said project, but we are not without apprehensions that the same may
not be strictly agreeable to the Acts of Trade and Navigation. The last box of papers
received from you cost 11l 16s 1d in postal charge from an outport. Please direct the
captain not to deliver packets until he anchors in the Thames. Entry. Signatories, M
Bladen, J Brudenell, R Plumer. 3¼pp. [CO 5/1366, pp 322–325; draft in CO 5/1335, ff
177–178d] |
367
September 5
Whitehall |
Same to Col George Thomas acknowledging letter of 3 August 1738
which has been sent to Duke of Newcastle. You have behaved with
great prudence. Entry. Signatories. M Bladen, J Brudenell, R Plumer. 1
p. [CO 5/1294, p 116] |
368
September 5 |
Maj-Gen Richard Philipps to Duke of Newcastle enclosing short
state of Nova Scotia and its defenceless condition. Signed. 1 small p.
Enclosed:
368 i A state of the province of Nova Scotia by Maj-Gen Richard Philipps,
governor. That it is situated between the province of New England and the French
settlement in the island of Cape Breton and has the French settlement of Canada upon
the back of it, between which and the other settlements on the River Mississippi there
is a communication. That there is one regiment of foot in the said province consisting
of 10 companies whereof 5 are quartered at Annapolis Royal, 4 at Canso, and 1 at
Placentia in Newfoundland, each company consisting of 31 private men except the
two youngest which are but 30 each, making in all only 300 men. That the inhabitants
of this province are French papists who by the treaty of Utrecht were permitted to
remain there and are in number no less than 1500 men able to bear arms, who in case
of a rupture with France would be ready to join in any attempt that those of Cape
Breton and Canada in conjunction with the Indians may make for the reduction of the
province to the dominions of France. That there is no place in all the said province that
can be called a fortification except a small fort at Annapolis Royal built of earth with
four bastions faced with picquets to keep it together and surrounded with a small
shallow dry ditch about six feet deep and is situated on the side of a river flowing from
the Bay of Fundy about a mile over, which within forms a large basin of twenty miles
circumference with a channel of depth sufficient to receive men-of-war from 20 to 50
guns within cable-length of the fort. Canso, which is distant from Annapolis Royal
130 leagues and is situated within two leagues of the island of Cape Breton possessed
by the French and within 20 short leagues of Louisbourg, their main settlement on the
said island where they have been for several years past fortifying the town and
harbour at a vast expense. Their garrison consists of 6 companies of regular troops of
60 men in each and a company of Swiss of 120 men. There is besides another company
at St Peter's about 4 leagues from Canso and another at the island of St John's 30
leagues north of this place, which they have lately taken possession of although
properly belonging to the province of Nova Scotia. |
|
That notwithstanding this dangerous situation of Canso there are neither fortifications nor forts belonging to it and the French of Cape Breton have all along looked
upon this place with an envious eye, being most advantageously situated for carrying
on the cod and whale fishery and of late years has made a considerable figure in these
great branches of trade. That there are no barracks to lodge the four companies of the
regiment nor storehouses to secure their provisions other than what has been slightly
erected by the officers commanding there, for want whereof the soldiers have been
reduced to the greatest extremity and several of them have actually perished. That this
place, which is of so great importance to the crown of Great Britain and subjects, will
inevitably fall into the hands of France upon a rupture if it be not strengthened by
vessels of force, a good fortification with stores of war, and an additional number of
men at least in proportion to the neighbouring French settlements; and if this should
be reduced it will endanger the loss of the whole province of Nova Scotia and sensibly
affect HM's other colonies in regard the inhabitants of many of them are concerned in
carrying on the fishing trade as well as HM's subjects in England. That these aforesaid
French settlements are full of people and will in case of a war be a great annoyance to
the settlements in Nova Scotia as they can at pleasure send out privateers and intercept
our supplies and destroy our fishing vessels. That the low establishment of this
regiment, and even those divided as aforesaid, are scarce enough for common duty in
time of peace but very insufficient for defence of these places in war, which being very
well known to the neighbouring French may induce them to make one of their first
enterprises upon this place whenever we have a rupture with them; and there is too
much reason to fear they may succeed considering that the four companies at Canso
are so entirely separate that those at Annapolis can scarce hear from them in a
twelvemonth, there being no vessel whatever allowed for keeping up a necessary
correspondence with them or any other part of the province. It is, therefore, finally
submitted whether, in case of a rupture with France, it may not be advisable to
augment the land forces now there and also to send a naval force thither as likewise to
cause some fortifications to be erected and a proper supply of ordnance stores to be
sent over. Signed. 2½pp. [CO 217/39, ff 204–207d; copy of enclosure, endorsed (1)
Recd. June 1740 (2) Left at the office by Maj-Gen Philipps, in CO 217/8, ff 78–79d] |
369
September 5
Virginia |
Alexander Spotswood to Duke of Newcastle soliciting HM's leave to
return home after ten years of service as deputy postmaster-general of
British dominions in America. Passage requested for self and family in
one of the Admiralty's station-ships. Signed. 1 small p. Endorsed, R, 16 November. [CO
5/1337, ff 216–217d] |
370
September 5
Palace Court |
Minutes of Trustees for Georgia. Sealed resolutions relating to grants
and tenures of lands in Georgia. Sealed deed poll relating to forfeited
lots. Ordered that 500 copies of the resolutions be printed. Entry. ¾ p.
[CO 5/687, p 136; entry of resolutions and deed poll, dated 29 August, in CO 5/670, pp
414–419] |
371
September 5
Georgia Office |
Benjamin Martyn to Andrew Stone. The Trustees for Georgia, observing in the King of Spain's manifesto, p 19, the following paragraph, viz
'This contravention is not unlike that of Florida in 1735 when it was
agreed that all things should remain in statu quo till the limits were regulated by the two
governors. The English governor nevertheless went on in extending his plantations and
committed several hostilities against the Spaniards and his Catholic Majesty's Indian
vassals,' and supposing this must refer to the treaty which was settled between Col
Oglethorpe and the governor of Augustine, they think it incumbent on them to desire
you will lay before the Duke of Newcastle the errors which they find in that paragraph of
the manifesto. In the first place no treaty was made there in 1735; it was in the month of
October 1736, Col Oglethorpe not arriving in the colony till February 1736. In the
second place there is no article in the treaty that all things should remain in statu quo; but
it was agreed that the island of St George, which commanded the Spanish outguard,
should be dispeopled and left unpossessed by the subjects of either nation as a barrier
between them, and that as to what regarded the differences which were or might arise
concerning the limits of the two respective governments and dominions of the two
crowns, the said differences should not be touched upon but rather laid aside to be
decided and determined till the two respective courts should resolve and determine them
and that no hostilities should in the meantime be committed by either side. The Trustees
conceive this article could be no restriction upon them from fortifying their settlements
already made and they think it proper his grace should be acquainted that no plantations
have been extended beyond the island which was dispeopled. Nor has Gen Oglethorpe
committed any hostility against the Spaniards and his Catholic Majesty's Indian vassals,
but on the contrary Col Oglethorpe has always taken the most effectual methods to
prevent the free Indians as well as those which are subjects to HM offering any violence to
the Spaniards or their Indians in revenge for injuries which they had received in the
murder of several of their nations, and has kept boats at an expense to the Trust to hinder
their passing over the river which is the boundary of the two provinces. Signed. 3 small
pp. [CO 5/654, ff 221–222d; entry in CO 5/667, pp 279–280] |
372
September 5
Fort Augusta |
James Oglethorpe to Harman Verelst. I am just arrived at this place
from the assembled estates of the Creek nation. They have very fully
declared their rights to and possession of all the land as far as the River
St Johns and their concessions of the seacoasts, islands and other lands to the Trustees, of
which they have made a regular act. If I had not gone up the misunderstandings between
them and the Carolina traders, fomented by our two neighbouring nations, would
probably have occasioned their beginning a war which I believe might have been the
result of this general meeting; but as their complaints were reasonable I gave them
satisfaction in all of them and everything is entirely settled in place. It is impossible to
describe the joy they expressed at my arrival: they met me forty miles in the woods and
laid provisions on the roads in the woods. The express being just going to Charleston I
can say no more but that I have had a burning fever of which I am perfectly well
recovered. I hope the Trustees will accept of this as a letter to them. Signed. 1½small pp.
Endorsed, Recd. 30 November 1739. [CO 5/640, ff 371–372d] |
373
September 6
Kensington |
Order of King in Council approving drafts of instructions to James
Glen, governor of South Carolina, with some alterations proposed by
Mr Glen and recommended by Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. Copy, certified by W Sharpe. 3¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 22 September, Read 16
October 1740. Enclosed:
373 i Kensington, 7 September 1739. Draft instructions to James Glen. 88 pp.
[Order in CO 5/368, ff 31–32d; instructions in CO 5/198, ff 52–97d] |
374
September 6
Admiralty |
Josiah Burchett to Thomas Hill enclosing copy of account received
from Capt Warren of the weakness of the garrison at Canso and
strength of the French at Cape Breton. Signed. ½ small p. Endorsed,
Recd., Read 6 September 1739. Enclosed:
374 i HMS Squirrel, Boston, 9 July 1739. A state of the French fishery at Cape
Breton by Capt P Warren. |
|
The French have at present in the different parts of the Island Cape Breton 500
shallops who employ 5 men each, that is to say 3 in the shallop to catch the fish and 2
on shore to cure it. These shallops are about 7 or 8 tons and catch generally 300
quintals of fish in a season (which is from April to the latter end of September) of
which the fishermen have one third and all things furnished them at the owner's
expense, who draws the other two thirds for his outset in catching and his labour in
curing the said fish, which is effected by often exposing it to the sun and sorting it for
the different markets, each sort being kept in different piles and not weighed off till 20
September and then sold to the ships that come from France with stores and
necessaries for carrying on the said fishery, and that at a price appointed by order of
the government which is generally about 9s sterling a quintal. This fish is carried to the
different parts of France, Spain, Portugal and Italy and there sold at a higher rate than
the English fish by reason of the care that is taken in curing it and of the method they
have in sorting and sizing it for the proper markets. This is the method of the summer
fishery carried on by the inhabitants; now comes on that of the winter fishery. The
summer season being over they contract with their men anew and allow them half
what fish they catch and they find themselves provisions. The fishery begins about the
middle of November and ends the beginning of February in which time they
frequently catch 100 quintals a boat, which fish is ready to ship in the spring for
France by which means they have the advantage of the English who make no winter
fish there. There are at least 80 sail of ships in a year load with fish and trainoil
proceeding therefrom of which number there are about 60 sail who come to purchase
their load, which may be computed at 2000 quintals of fish one ship with another. The
rest of the ships fit out from that part of France called St John de Loe and Bayonne to
fish for themselves and proportion their number of men to the quantity the ship will
carry, which they compute at 2 men to every 100 quintals of fish. These men have no
wages out or home, are allowed by the owners nothing but bread and small beer and
one pound of butter a day for ten men, and at their return to France they have two
fifths of what fish they have caught amongst the master and crew and the owner of the
ship has the remainder. Some of these ships' men fish in shallops but most in
schooners from 20 to 40 tons who go to the Isle of Sable bank, Bank Quero, St Peter's
Banks, and all the banks on the coast of Nova Scotia and catch their fish there and
make good part of them in the English uninhabited ports on that coast. In 1720 the
French fishery consisted at most of about 15 or 20 sail of ships, few shallops and no
schooners but have gradually increased ever since. Besides these French ships that load
for Europe there are yearly above 30 sail of large sloops, schooners and brigs load for
the French settlements in the West Indies. |
|
Sorts and sizes of fish for the different ports to which they are carried by the
French: |
|
Lisbon |
small white fish |
Cadiz |
larger(?) fish of all sizes, one with another |
|
Marseilles |
Alicante |
|
Leghorn |
Seville |
|
Naples |
|
|
|
Bordeaux |
large winter fish |
Dunkirk |
large black fish |
|
Nantes |
Havre |
|
Bayonne |
St Malo |
|
Bilbao and all Biscay |
|
|
|
French West Indies mostly refuse [MS: refuge] fish. |
|
As to the state of the garrison at Canso, if it can be called so, it is in a most
miserable condition, not one gun mounted nor a barrack fit for a soldier to live in.
There are now there four companies of 30 men: in my humble opinion, had we a
rupture with France, it would not be supportable a week in its present condition. I am
informed the French are very well fortified at Cape Breton and have never less than
1000 regular troops in garrison there. |
|
The English fishery at Canso is much decayed in proportion to the improvement
and increase of the French fishery within these ten years past, greatly occasioned by
their fishery on those banks on our coast which are looked upon as the sole property
of the crown of England and its subjects, and even making and curing their fish on the
coast of Nova Scotia; which, if they could be prevented from doing, they must
entirely give up that valuable branch of trade which employs great numbers of people
as appears by the above state of the French fishery. I am also informed that the French
have no fishing banks within their limits but such as are subject to inconveniences that
would render it impracticable to carry on their fishery with any advantage. The form
and situation of the islands of Canso seem calculated by nature for the use of the
fishery and nothing else, for which reason a small fortification there for the protection
of the fishery would be necessary; and as the barrenness of that soil and that adjacent
renders it incapable of any other improvement, I apprehend a settlement made in one
of the best ports on the south side of Nova Scotia, where the soil is good and proper
for agriculture and as near Canso as such port may be found, would be of great
advantage to the fishery. Port La Have and Shettbucter, the former about 40 leagues to
the eastward [sic] of Canso, would be the properest place for such a settlement but
especially Port La Have, the soil being better, though both fine harbours. In the
present situation the French, by their missionaries and the presents the crown makes
annually of powder and shot, and triannually a new gun to each Indian fit to bear
arms, have so riveted them to their interest that they will not suffer an Englishman to
settle or cure fish in any of the ports on the south side [of] Nova Scotia, in all which
ports there are a few Indians, one of which has a commission from the governor of
Canada or Cape Breton to command a particular district and generally bears the title
of captain of the port to which they belong. These are such observations as I have been
able to collect in obedience to their lordships' orders. Copy. 6 pp. [CO 217/8, ff
46–51d] |
375
September 7
Whitehall |
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations to Governor Jonathan
Belcher acknowledging letters of 29 August, 20 and 21 December 1738
and 23 January 1739. We have perused all those from you back to 28
December 1736, great part of which consists of reasoning against reports by this board to
HM. Your answer of 11 May 1737 will lie by for your justification. One copy of the
King's orders for running the boundaries between Massachusetts and New Hampshire
was sent sealed to the governor of Massachusetts, another copy open to the commanderin-chief then residing in New Hampshire. Proceedings on this commission are now
before HM. We have reported to HM on the paper currency. Your agent Mr Partridge is
to have copies of all complaints and papers against you arising from the petition of John
North and others resident in the eastern parts of Massachusetts. Letters to you will be
delivered to your agent as desired. PS. Lieut-Governor Clarke reports that several of your
colony have gone within sixteen miles of Hudson River with a surveyor to lay out lands
without waiting for meeting of commission to determine boundary between New York
and Massachusetts. We think this too hasty; take all possible care to prevent disputes.
Entry. Signatories, M Bladen, J Brudenell, R Plumer. 5¼ pp. [CO 5/917, pp 284–289] |
376
September 7
Whitehall |
Same to Lieut-Governor George Clarke acknowledging letters of 18
and 24 April, 24 May and 15 June 1739. We doubt not but you will by
your prudent conduct preserve the peace and tranquillity of the
province, notwithstanding the printed libel which you sent us or any other writing of that
kind which the discontented may publish in order to inflame the people; and we hope you
will at your next meeting with the Assembly find them in such a temper as to be able to
obtain from them a settled revenue, so absolutely necessary for the support of your
government, taking particular care to get it done in such a manner as not to admit of any
the least encroachment upon the prerogative of the Crown. We hope you have written to
the commissioners for Indian affairs about the murders committed in Virginia and that
you will bring the Six Indian Nations to settle a lasting peace with that colony and with all
the Indians under the protection of HM and in friendship with his people. We have had
under our consideration what you mention in your last of 24 May 1739 concerning the
boundaries of your province; and as it is our opinion that the people of Massachusetts
have been too hasty in this affair we have written to the governor to have it adjusted in an
amicable way by commissioners, agreeable to his own proposals, and in the meantime to
take care to prevent any inconveniences that might arise to either of the colonies by any
disputes about it. We have laid your letter of 15 June before the Duke of Newcastle with
the papers transmitted with it and hope you will soon have directions from him how to
act upon that occasion. Entry. Signatories, M Bladen, James Brudenell, R Plumer. 2 pp.
[CO 5/1126, pp 88–89] |
377
September 7
Chelsea |
Rev James Woodside to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. Age
and infirmity do not permit my waiting on you. I have sent you a letter
of attorney signed by 207, some of whom I well know, having exercised
my pastoral office among them for some time. My son, who was sent over express by the
people with a long memorial, can and will give as much light in it as I possibly can, having
been an eye-witness to Governor Belcher's demolition of Fort Mary, dismantling Fort
Frederick and reduction of Fort George after I had most earnestly and previously
dissuaded him, the said Belcher, in a letter to him to beware of demolishing, etc any of
HM's forts at such a critical juncture. Your speedy determination of that affair will be
acceptable service to God, may save lives of many, and engage the prayers of, Signed,
James Woodside. 1 small p. Annotated, Should be September 6th. Endorsed, Recd., Read
6 September 1739. [CO 5/881, ff 145, 145d, 151, 151d] |
378
September 10
Boston |
Account of bills of Massachusetts issued and discharged from 1703 to
1739, received by the Treasurer of Massachusetts at several times of the
committee appointed by the General Court. Sums issued, stated
annually: 1703–1714, 194950l 13s; 1715–1729, 432055l 8s; 1738–1739, 191909l. Sums
discharged and burnt, stated annually: 1707–1714, 68968l 2s 4d; 1715–1733, 224501l 14s
5d; 1738–1739, 127510l 9s 8d. With accounts of bills outstanding and remaining in the
Treasurer's hands. Signed, John Wheelwright. 3 pp. Endorsed, Received from Mr Kilby.
Recd., Read 18 March 1740. [CO 5/881, ff 243–244d] |
379
September 10
Savannah |
William Stephens to Harman Verelst. In my last of 26 July I acknowledged the receipt of yours of 27 April and 10 May with sundry other
letters and papers as therein mentioned, which I sent by my son
together with one to the Trustees and copy of my journal, etc as usual; and from the
distance of time I might hope he is near the end of his voyage now unless he should be
fallen into the Spaniard's hands and intercepted in his way, against whom when we least
expected it we are newly informed open war is declared, which information is brought us
by a sloop arrived here from Rhode Island 8th instant with some provisions for sale if we
can find money to purchase them. The master of the sloop reported, and made affidavit to
the truth of it, that the Tartar pink was sent express from the government to acquaint the
northern provinces with it; that upon her arrival at Boston a messenger was sent overland
to Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York with packets for the several governors of
those places advising them thereof; that upon the governor of Rhode Island's opening his
packet he went together with his Council into the balcony of a public house from whence
his secretary read the contents to the people who were assembled by beat of drum,
signifying that he was empowered to grant commissions to all people fitly qualified to set
out privateers and to take, burn or destroy all the Spanish ships they could; that
thereupon, within the few days he stayed, there were three sloops equipped and ready to
sail as privateers with 80 good men on board and three or four more would soon be ready
to follow; that the Tartar pink (he understood) was to sail immediately from Boston with
the like intelligence from government to these provinces of Carolina and Georgia and he
expected to have found her here. These matters [being] of such importance we dispatched
immediately several expresses off to the general if he might be found, to the major at
present commanding officer in the south, to the commander of the company at Port
Royal, and to the lieut-governor of Carolina (doubting whether or not he might yet have
had advice of it), to whom I severally wrote and enclosed copies of the foresaid affidavit.
To which time my enclosed journal is carried on containing various matters of a different
nature and was extended to a little longer time than usual in expectation of Capt
Thomson's arrival here whom we looked for from what you wrote me in your last of 10
May, but these advices now informing us that the war broke out soon after we imagine to
be the cause of his not putting to sea so soon. After what manner our correspondence
hereafter must be carried on, we are to learn, a new scene commencing (as I reckon) from
the close of my present journal. And as this province is now in an especial manner become
a frontier against the enemy (for which our neighbours of Carolina ought to show a
kinder regard to us) I doubt not but the Trustees will have that interest with the
government as to secure the preservation of this colony, which I dare affirm from what I
can observe the present inhabitants will do all that is in their power to contribute to.
Could it have been foreseen what a sudden change has happened in regard to peace or war
I am confident my son would not have turned his back and left us at such a juncture; and
if I know him right I believe it will be far from being a cause of his not returning the
sooner. He will now have the satisfaction to be informed by you in what manner his
future subsistence is so kindly taken care of by the Trust, which you gave me the pleasure
of writing me was intended and I am perfectly easy about, though by reason of no letters
coming since I could not attain to the knowledge of it yet. |
|
One thing I must observe with pleasure: that this examination has produced (I hope) a
better understanding betwixt Mr Jones and me than at one time past I could promise
myself, from whence generally has followed an unity in opinion, always to be wished for
and at this juncture more especially, so necessary that I should stand self-condemned in
suffering any private pique or resentment of mine to interfere in our carrying on the work
required, neither will I doubt but his thoughts are the same; and allowing a little
complacency to take place sometimes of the reverse, such a coincidence must ensue as will
bring to effect what a dissension commonly forbids. It would be great vanity in me to
affirm an equal knowledge with Mr Jones in these matters of accounts, which by long
practice doubtless he is perfect in and very dexterous in tracing such dark affairs from
their first source. What little help I can give is not nor shall be wanting. I cannot yet free
my thoughts of some doubts whether or not we have done right in not strictly observing
those orders Mr Parker and I received touching the receipts and issues of stores which I
presumed to offer some reasons for our not intermeddling with in my former and which
proceeded from no unwillingness but purely from a fear that it might produce some ill
effects and be displeasing where I would by no means give offence, Mr Jones's present
situation not seeming easily to admit of any control from us. I shall wait, therefore, in
hopes of a safe guidance through these straits for I must wish always to be right. |
|
I flattered myself that by this time I should have perfected divers lists I am preparing
which may show the present state of the colony, but indeed my hands have been so full of
late and now we are so daily exercised in despatches of another sort upon this alarm of
war that I hope I shall be forgiven for delaying it till I get a few days more leisure. In the
meanwhile I cannot be easy in deferring any longer to send what I do to my
correspondent at Charleston where it must take its chance how long it will lay before a
safe opportunity offers of proceeding for England. Signed. |
|
PS. A trading boat from New Windsor bound for Charleston is arrived here and
reports that the general in his travels, finding himself not well, was returning this way
being come within forty miles of Augusta where it might be expected he would be soon;
but how far the patroon of this boat may be credited I cannot say. Surely every good man
wishes to see him well here and most people think this report is without sufficient
grounds. You may possibly remember that when I left England there was one Wolly, a
young man whose friends you knew, came a passenger with me as far as Charleston where
(I wrote) he was soon seduced and would proceed no farther this way. It seems some
friends of his sent a small cask after him, directed hither where it has lain in the stores I
know not how long, no person inquiring after it: wherefore it was thought proper to open
it lately when Messrs Parker, Jones and I were together, and the enclosed paper shows the
contents. If you will give yourself the trouble to let his friends know what we found it
will be delivered to your order. Bad paper and a heavy hand seldom do well together; the
stationer certainly cannot call it good as I acquainted you more than a year since. It is now
near an end and we know not how to come at any good unless you will furnish the Trust's
secretary with a ream of good foolscap in folio and ditto of post in ditto. 2 pp. Addressed.
Endorsed, Recd. 30 November 1739. [CO 5/640, ff 373–374d] |
380
September 11
Charleston |
Fragment of letter without signature or addressee. We have just now
received advice that Gen Oglethorpe arrived at Fort Augusta in Georgia
on 5th inst on his return from the Cowetas which is the chief town of
the Creek Indians about 400 miles within land from this place. At the Cowetas on 11
August 1739 was held a general meeting of the estates of the Creek nation and the micos
or kings, chief men, and deputies from all the towns of that nation were assembled there.
This meeting of the Creek Indians continued till 21 August 1739 and gave strong
assurances of fidelity to HM and proposed several regulations for maintaining the peace
of the country to which the general agreed. He and the gentlemen that accompanied him
endured much hardship in their march, being obliged to pass through great woods where
for 240 miles there was neither house nor inhabitants of any kind and were forced to swim
their horses over several large rivers. The Indians received his excellency with the greatest
respect and friendship and entertained him and his men with plenty of fowl, beef, pork,
venison, melons and other fruit. The general was ill with a burning fever in the Indian
town but is perfectly recovered. 1¼ small pp. [CO 5/640, ff 376–377d] |
381
September 12
Whitehall |
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations to Governor Gabriel Johnston acknowledging letters of 15 January and 13 June 1738 and 10 April
1739. HM has approved of recommendation of Mr Murray to be
Councillor. As to the dispute you mention relating to boundary with South Carolina we
have only to answer that as yet no application has been made to us from South Carolina
but whenever there should be we shall take the same under our consideration and you
shall be acquainted with what is done in it. We are glad to hear the Assembly have passed
so many good laws and so soon as we shall receive them we shall take them into
consideration. In the meantime we congratulate you upon the good harmony that is at
length established betwixt you and the people under your government and hope for the
continuance of it to your mutual satifaction. We enclose to you the opinion of the
Attorney-and Solicitor-General relating to staple commodities rated and we hope the
affair of the blank patents will soon be put into such a method as to make all parties easy.
Entry. Signatories, M Bladen, J Brudenell, R Plumer. 2 pp. [CO 5/323, pp 266–267] |
382
September 12
Whitehall |
Same to President William Bull acknowledging letters of 20 April and
20 July 1738 as likewise representation [of 25 May 1738] setting forth
HM's right to Carolina with depositions and other papers in support
thereof. Copy of letter of 20 April was sent to Duke of Newcastle in order that proper
measures might be taken for the defence and security of that part of HM's dominions. We
reported on 25 July 1738 to the Committee of Council that the importance of the
province and the posture of affairs in America are such that, though we were not capable
of determining what quantities and species of stores were requisite for that service, we
were however of opinion that HM might grant such supplies as he should think
convenient. We likewise on 27th of same month recommended your representation
abovementioned with the other papers on the same subject to Duke of Newcastle as
matters of great moment to HM's service as we have also done with respect to what you
wrote to us in yours of 20 July 1738 concerning the Choctaw Indians, which is all we have
to say at present on those subjects. Entry. Signatories, M Bladen, J Brudenell, R Plumer.
1½ pp. [CO 5/402, pp 13–14] |
383
September 14
Georgia Office |
Harman Verelst to James Oglethorpe, by King George, Capt Jacob
Ayres consigned to William Hopton in Charleston. Your letter of 15
June last to the Trustees' accountant containing a matter of great
importance to the public, the Trustees ordered a copy of part thereof (as far as your
mentioning your being obliged to buy horses and presents to carry up to the meeting of
the Indian nations) to be sent to the Duke of Newcastle with a memorial from the
Trustees on your behalf concerning the expenses which may attend that service on this
extraordinary occasion for the security of the colony, which is no way provided for by
any money granted for the Trust. Copy herewith sent. By which memorial the Trustees
hope you will have a proper claim laid to entitle you to apply to the administration for the
payment of these expenses or any other you may have defrayed or should have occasion
to defray for the security and defence of the colony as necessary services incurred and not
provided for by Parliament. And the accounts thereof, when sent over by you, will enable
such person as you shall appoint to apply for the reimbursing you such expense as
abovementioned since the Trustees have it not in their power to do so with any money
they are accountable to the public for. |
|
The Trustees having at their last general meeting resolved to extend their grants to
their present tenants in tail male, the Common Council have with great deliberation and
in consequence of many full meetings at last resolved to preserve their tenures in tail male
but to extend their grants under the same rents, reservations, provisos and conditions as in
their original grants are contained, save and except so much thereof as is now allowed in
case of failure of issue male, which resolutions were agreed to on 28th of last month and
also a deed poll relating to forfeited lots. Copies herewith sent; and these resolutions will
be printed for the use of the inhabitants in Georgia. The Trustees having been informed
that Caleb Davis had an order from the governor of St Augustine for 400 arms and for
ammunition and that he had promised to supply the Spaniards with them, you are hereby
acquainted thereof that the same may be inquired into and guarded against and more
especially in the present situation of affairs. The Trustees have herewith sent you a book
containing a compendious account of silkworms and have sent five more of them to Mr
Stephens for the use of such persons in both parts of the province who are most desirous
to promote that so much wanted and beneficial produce. Your letter of 28 May last was
received 10th inst and read 12th but the particular accounts you mention to be sent by
way of Carolina are not yet received although your letter of 15 June beforementioned was
received 20th of last month; and the Trustees are sorry for your rheumatic pain
occasioned by your fatigues but hope it is gone off again. Entry. 1½ pp. [CO 5/667, pp
280–281] |
384
September 14
Georgia Office |
Harman Verelst to William Stephens. The Trustees since their letter to
you dated 10th of last month have received your letters dated 19 May
and 22 June with your journals from April before. They are concerned
to find Mr Jones's behaviour so dissatisfying to the people and therefore so ungrateful to
you, and that your son has had the least reason of uneasiness which the Trustees
apprehend him in no manner deserving of. They have wrote to Mr Jones of what is
expected of him and have herewith sent you a copy of that letter; and Mr Hawkins being
to correspond with you from the southern part of the province they have wrote to him
also and sent you a copy thereof: the occasion of which letters is that it may be known
what great dependence the Trustees have on you and how much they regard you. When
your son arrives the Trustees hope his health will soon be re-established and that he will
hasten his return to you to be assistant to and entrusted in their service by you, whose
example they would have him imitate. The resolution of the Common Council relating to
the grants and tenure of lands in Georgia passed the seal 28th of last month and are now
printing for the use of the inhabitants, and the original and printed copies thereof will be
sent you together by the America, Capt Gerald; as also a proper notice to be given in
America by affixing one in each respective town-court in Georgia and publishing it in the
South Carolina Gazette, which the Trustees will employ William Hopton at Charleston
to do, to whose care on your character of him in your journal the Trustees' letters and
parcels for the future will be consigned. The Trustees have herewith sent you a book
containing a compendious account of silkworms and have sent another to Gen
Oglethorpe, as also four more of them to you for the use of such persons in both parts of
the province who are most desirous to promote that so much wanted and beneficial
produce, to be lent them for making a good use thereof. And the Trustees desire to know
how Abraham de Lyon goes on with his vineyards. |
|
The Trustees have wrote to Mr Jones about Mr Causton's and Mr Bradley's accounts
and they desire that Mr Bradley should be called upon to give security for his remaining
in Georgia until his accounts are made up, for which purpose Mr Christie has been wrote
to. And the Trustees desire a return to their commission for examining and stating the
public debts particularly mentioned therein, that they may know the true amount of the
said debts and thereby be enabled to deliver their account to Parliament, which
commission if not fully executed must be perfected with all possible expedition, the
Parliament being expected to meet before Christmas. The Trustees desire you will let
them know the present state of the province with respect to its inhabitants and defence,
and also desire to have a report concerning the land of the several lots set out at Highgate
which you and Mr Henry Parker were directed to view by the Trustees' letter of 12 June
1738. And as Mr Hugh Anderson has wrote very largely to the Earl of Egmont, which has
been communicated to the Trustees, they have herewith sent you a copy thereof and
desire you will make your observations on those parts which relate to the lands with
regard to their different soils and communicate the same to the Trustees, together with
your informing them if from observation any person's lot already set out does not contain
sufficient good land to maintain with industry their family and livestock. They also desire
to know of what nature the 300 acres of land is which is set out for the religious uses of
the colony in the northern and southern parts thereof, and what progress has been made
in the cultivation of those 300-acre lots, and also if any and what progress has been made
towards building a church and to have a model or description of such intended building.
The Trustees desire you will inform yourself and let them know whether any and what
money has been received, and by whom, for the granting of licences to traders with the
Indians and in what manner the same has been accounted for. Entry. NB. Capt Gerald has
sold his ship to the government for a fireship and Capt Summerset will be the next that
sails. 2 pp. [CO 5/667, pp 282–283] |
385
September 14
Georgia Office |
Harman Verelst to Thomas Jones. The Trustees have reconsidered their
orders in letters of 3 March and 14 July concerning issue of sola bills
and accounting for the produce of the beer sent to Georgia. They now
require that those services should be performed by William Stephens, Thomas Christie
and yourself, by all three when possible, if not by any two. No one of the three alone has
any power, without the concurrence of one other, to apply the produce of the beer or
issue the sola bills; accounts received or bills issued by one only will not be accepted. The
Trustees, having appointed you third bailiff of Savannah, hope that you will carefully
execute that office and as much as in you lies encourage the other magistrates to act in
conjunction with you by an affable and courteous behaviour, which is the most proper
endearment for producing the respect due to such office. The Trustees also further
recommend to your conduct that on all occasions you apply to and consult with William
Stephens, the nature of whose employment is of that great trust and general extent that it
requires that every magistrate and other officer in every part of the province should
without reserve acquaint him with and consult him in all matters of importance, that he
may be enabled to give the Trustees such a minute account from time to time of the state
of the province which they expect from him. The Trustees desire you will hasten the
finishing the accounts of Thomas Causton and William Bradley with the Trust in case
they are not already done, and they have wrote to Mr Christie to call upon Bradley to give
security not to depart the province of Georgia until his accounts are made up. They have
also wrote to Mr Stephens to hasten the finishing their commission for examining and
stating the public debts in Georgia to enable the Trustees to exhibit their account to
Parliament, and you being in the commission the Trustees require your assistance therein
if not already perfected. Entry. 1½pp. [CO 5/667, pp 284–285] |
386
September 14
Georgia Office |
Same to Thomas Hawkins. The Trustees have allowed you 10l a year
for corresponding with William Stephens concerning occurrences in the
southern part of the province. Every magistrate and officer is required
to acquaint him of and consult in matters of importance so that he may inform the
Trustees. Entry. ½p [CO 5/667, p 285] |
387
September 14
Georgia Office |
Same to William Hopton. The Trustees have consigned to you a packet
and box to be forwarded to Gen Oglethorpe in Georgia and intend to
do the same in future. Mr Stephens will defray expenses. PS. Please
deliver letters for Charleston. Entry. ½ p. [CO 5/667, p 286] |
388
September 14
Georgia Office |
Same to Thomas Christie directing that the best possible security be
given by William Bradley not to depart Georgia until his account be
made up. The Trustees require your assistance in completing the
commission for examining and stating the public debts in Georgia. Entry. ½ p. [CO 5/667,
p 286] |
389
September 18
[Charleston] |
[James Abercromby] to Harman Verelst. The packets which Capt
Townsend brought I received the 15th at night and next morning sent
them by a safe hand to Mr Stephens as directed. The general was then at
Augusta about 100 miles from Savannah waiting some headmen of the Cherokees to have
a talk with, as by his letter to Col Bull he informs him, as also that he had been ill of a
fever amongst the Creeks but then recovered. As Col Bull was then sending an express to
the general to make known HM's commands to him I begged him to let the general know
that Col Stephens had received a packet directed for him, that he might lose no time in
getting it. Unsigned. 1 small p. [CO 5/640, ff 378–379d] |
390
September 20
Jamaica |
Governor Edward Trelawny to Duke of Newcastle. Capt Stapylton in
HMS Sheerness having appeared off Cartagena with French colours to
take a view of the Spanish ships there, Don Blas de Lezo sent his officer
de ordines to go on board the Sheerness, taking her to have been dispatched by the
Consulado with packets on the King of Spain's service. The officer accordingly went on
board and Capt Stapylton has brought him with the boat and nineteen men to this island.
Herewith I send another copy of the list of Spanish ships of war in the West Indies, which
with the advice from Havana of 22 June I believe still holds pretty exact. As St Jago de la
Vega, the capital town of this island where all the records are kept, stands very much
exposed in an open savannah, and as the pieces of ordnance that were granted long since
for its defence are now altogether unserviceable, I must beg that you will be pleased to
represent to HM the great want we are in of six field-pieces for the defence of the town in
time of war, it being not above three hours march from several places an enemy may
easily land at. Signed. PS. Herewith I send you a letter from Commodore Brown. 2 pp.
Endorsed, R, 26 November. Enclosed:
390 i List of Spanish ships of war in West Indies, April 1739. Copy of no 141i. PS.
By advice from Havana, dated 22 June, Admiral Pisarro sailed that day for Cadiz. 1½
pp. [CO 137/56, ff 247–250d] |
391
September 20
Jamaica |
Same to same. I having summoned a council of war the 5th of this
month to consider what steps were the most proper to be taken to put
this island in a posture of defence, the following resolution was taken.
'Resolved, that it is the opinion of the council of war that martial law commence and be
established on 29 September and not sooner, to the intent the quarter-taxes which will
become due on the 28th may be collected and the business of the grand court not
impeded, unless HE shall find an apparent necessity for establishing it before that day.
And it is also the opinion of the council that martial law shall not continue and be in force
longer than for three months unless HE shall judge it necessary from the circumstances of
the public affairs to continue it longer than three months as aforesaid.' It shall be my
particular care not to harass the people of the island during martial law or to let it last
longer than the utmost necessity requires. I hope six weeks or a month will be sufficient.
Signed. 1½ pp. Endorsed, R, 26 November. [CO 137/56, ff 251–252d] |
392
September 22
Jamaica |
Same to same. There being several Spaniards already taken by the
men-of-war, who not being able to keep them on board send them
ashore, whereupon I am forced to order them into jails to be subsisted
at the country expense. The people here are very uneasy at it; and by what I can judge of
their temper the Assembly will not make any provision for the subsistence of prisoners
taken by the men-of-war. I desire you will let me know what shall be done with the
prisoners of war and whether they should not be subsisted out of the value of the prizes
till HM's pleasure be known in relation to them. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed, R, 26 November.
[CO 137/56, ff 253–254d] |
393
September 22
Jamaica |
Same to Andrew Stone. Pleased am I indeed with the Duke of
Newcastle's private letter and have returned my thanks for it in the
enclosed [above, no 314] which as it contains nothing but my thanks I
thought better to put under your cover than to mix it with the letters of business. I sent
Mr Manning Mr Delafaye's letter. I have been so taken up since the arrival of the
Shoreham man-of-war that I have not talked with Mr Manning about that affair but I
wrote to him today to know how the case stands between Mr Delafaye and him and hope
to send an answer by Capt Herman who sails three days after the fleet which sails
tomorrow. By Capt Herman I shall send duplicates of the letters I now send to the Duke.
The council of war has advised me to proclaim martial law. I took care not to recommend
it because I know what clamours the lawyers make, who are the only people really hurt
by it, and the handle some factors here make of it not to send remittances home occasions
the merchants at home to grumble at it. But there was absolutely a necessity for it in order
to raise little batteries on the seacoast and to place guards there which by law cannot be
done. It is plain that the Spaniards at Cartagena and on the coast did not know of the
rupture about a fortnight ago when Capt Stapylton who went to look into the condition
of the port took Don Blas de Leso's officer de ordines (he calls himself major-general of
the galleons) who came in his boat about five leagues off for the Admiral's letters, so that
the commodore has had a fine time to act in by the early advice our ministry has taken
care to give. Signed. PS. The treasure from Peru arrived at Panama 31 July (NS). 2¼ pp.
Endorsed, Duplicate. [CO 137/56, ff 255–256d] |
394
September 28
Kensington |
Warrant to Duke of Argyll, Master General of Ordnance, for delivery
to James Oglethorpe of the following for the defence of South Carolina
and Georgia: howitzers or 8" mortars, 2; fixed shells for same, 400;
spare fuzes for same, 100; spades, 1000; shovels, 1000; pickaxes, 100; hand-hatchets, 500;
hand bills, 500; felling axes, 20; muskets with bayonets and cartouche boxes, 1000;
musket shot, 30 cwt; match, 10 cwt; sandbags, 10000; fixed coehorn shells, 2000;
gunpowder, 600 barrels. Signed, George R. Countersigned, Holles Newcastle. 1½ pp. [CO
5/384, ff 59–60d] |
395
September 28
Whitehall |
Duke of Newcastle to Governor Edward Trelawny acknowledging
letter of 30 June. HM was extremely pleased to see the good success of
your endeavours for the reduction of the rebellious Negroes. HM has
under consideration what you mention with regard to the number of the forces now at
Jamaica, and you may be assured that all possible care will be taken for the safety and
defence of the island. You will have received long before this time HM's orders
authorizing you to grant letters of marque and reprisal against the ships and effects of the
Spanish subjects, and I doubt not but you will have encouraged the people under your
government to take out letters of marque and reprisal and to make use of this opportunity
to revenge the insults which HM's subjects in America have received from the Spaniards.
And as it has been represented as a very particular thing to make descents upon some of
the Spanish settlements in America, and as the persons to whom letters of marque and
reprisal are granted are (it is presumed) by virtue of them authorized to make such
descents as well as to take any Spanish vessels at sea, you will I am persuaded do all in
your power to encourage the inhabitants of Jamaica to undertake such enterprises which
cannot fail greatly to annoy the Spaniards and will probably be attended with great
benefit to the adventurers. Draft. 2 pp. [CO 137/56, ff 238–239d] |
396
September 28
London |
John Thomlinson to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. Enclosed papers arrived today. Signed. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 1 October,
Read 16 October 1739. Enclosed:
396 i Stratham, New Hampshire, 18 July 1739. Address of inhabitants to
selectmen of Stratham, requesting town-meeting to consider a petition for annexation
of New Hampshire to Massachusetts. Copy, certified by David Robinson, townclerk. Signatories, Nathan Taylor and 67 others. 1 p.
396 ii Stratham, 21 July 1739. Summons by selectmen to town-meeting on
Tuesday next. Copy, certified as no 396i. Signatories, Andrew Wiggin and three
others. ½ p.
396 iii Stratham, 24 July 1739. Proceedings of town-meeting, Capt William
Moore moderator. Resolution passed by a great majority protesting at every clause in
a petition lately handed about. Copy, certified as no 396i. ¾ p.
396 iv Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 23 July 1739. Proceedings of townmeeting. Resolution protesting at a petition for New Hampshire to be annexed to
Massachusetts, which has been privately handed about. Copy, certified by Joshua
Peirce, town-clerk, 1 p. [CO 5/881, ff 146–150d] |
397
September 28
Georgia Office |
Harman Verelst to James Oglethorpe by St George, Capt Wright,
sending copy of letter of 14th inst. The Trustees by accident hearing of
Mr Revell's ship bound for Georgia with provisions for your regiment
embraced that opportunity of sending by land to Portsmouth the presents they estimated
for the Indians to be distributed the ensuing year, there being no likelihood in the present
posture of affairs of another ship to send them by. Invoice sent herewith. Besides these
presents, there are two casks of shoes sent as a remittance for part of the estimated
expenses of the colony from Michaelmas next which William Stephens, Thomas Christie
and Thomas Jones, or any two of them, are to defray and to send their accounts thereof to
the Trustees; and in boxes to Mr Hawkins and Mr Stephens the original and printed
copies of the resolutions relating to the grants and tenure of lands in Georgia are sent, the
printed copies being 200 in each box, for the use of the inhabitants, and notices are to be
affixed in each town-court for persons to claim the benefit intended them which Mr
Stephens and Mr Hawkins are wrote to about. Entry. ¾ p. [CO 5/667, p 287] |
398
September 28
Georgia Office |
Same to William Stephens sending copy of letter of 14th inst. Copies of
resolutions concerning grants and tenure of lands in Georgia sent for
use of inhabitants of northern part. Invoice enclosed, also deed poll
relating to forfeited lands and notice to be fixed in town-court, with copy for South
Carolina Gazette to be sent to Mr Hopton at Charleston. PS. Richard Lobb has entered
his claim at the Trustees' office to his lot at Savannah and the Trustees desire to know if he
has performed the conditions of his first grant, and if not wherein he has been deficient.
Entry. ¾ p. Enclosed:
398 i Invoice of Indian presents and shoes consigned for Georgia on St George,
Capt Joseph Wright. 1¾ pp. [CO 5/667, pp 288–290] |
399
September 28
Georgia Office |
Same to Thomas Hawkins sending letter and box to be forwarded to
William Stephens, copies of resolutions concerning grants and tenure of
lands, notice of same for town-court of Frederica, and the daily
advertisements from 16 July to 28 September 1739 for the use of Gen Oglethorpe and
proper persons in the province. Entry. ½ p. [CO 5/667, p 290] |
400
[September 28] |
Account of stores sent to Bermuda by the Ordnance in 1689, 1692, 1701
and 1738. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 28 September, Read 15 November 1739.
[CO 37/13, ff 125, 125d, 132, 132d] |
