America and West Indies: June 1663

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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'America and West Indies: June 1663', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668, ed. W Noel Sainsbury( London, 1880), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp134-147 [accessed 6 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: June 1663', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Edited by W Noel Sainsbury( London, 1880), British History Online, accessed December 6, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp134-147.

"America and West Indies: June 1663". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 6 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp134-147.

June 1663

June 1.
Inner Court of Wards.
462. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Report concerning an order lately made in Barbadoes obstructing the proceedings at law there, drawn up by the Committee with some amendments, ordered to be signed by this Council, presented to his Majesty, and given to Lord Willoughby, who is suddenly going thither, and may sign said report if he please. Petition of Col. Guy Molesworth to be redelivered to him, the Council having no power to take cognizance of such matters. The above report concerning the delay of justice and legal proceedings in Barbadoes, and particularly on the merchants' complaint against a late order of the President and Council there, and advising the King to reverse said order and forbid the like in time to come upon severe penalties. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, pp. 51, 52.]
June 1. 463. The King to the Governor of Barbadoes. Complaints having been made of daily inconveniences through the defect of a sure way of intelligence, especially in Virginia, New England, Jamaica, Barbadoes, the Caribbees, and other parts of America, the King has thought fit to establish within Barbadoes and the Caribbee Islands a public office or offices for receipt of all letters and postage according to the establishment in England made by Parliament, which said office is to be settled by the Governor, the management to be in the Postmaster-General of England, to whom all accounts are to be sent ; the Governor is required forthwith to carry out the same, and take care that a constant correspondence may be had from all parts as often as opportunity affords, and that no private persons be permitted to carry letters or packets upon any pretence whatever, such persons only excepted as are mentioned in said Act of Parliament of 12 Car. II., entitled An Act for erecting and establishing a post office, and such masters or pursers of ships who give good caution to said officer for the safe delivery of such letters and packets as they receive from said office inclosed in "males or bougetts," for that purpose to be provided and sealed with the seal appointed by said Postmaster-General ; Daniel O'Neil, groom of the bedchamber, has been appointed by Letters Patent under the Great Seal, Postmaster-General and Master of all the King's posts and carriers in all his Majesty's dominions, to whose orders he is required strictly to conform. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIII. pp. 17-20.]
June? 464. Draught of the preceding, with corrections by Joseph Williamson, who has endorsed same "To the Governor of Barbadoes concerning the Post Office," but without date. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 31.]
June? 465. Fair copy of the above, only the words Barbadoes and Caribbee Islands are not filled in, but a space is left blank. Undated. With marginal note by Williamson, "Postage settled in New England, &c." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 32.]
June? 466. Another copy of the above, with a space left blank, probably intended for a circular letter. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 33.]
June 1/11.
Castle of St. George de Mina in Guinea.
467. Protest of John Valckenburgh, Director-General of the North coast of Africa and the Island of St. Thome, on behalf of the States General and their authorised West India Company, against Francis Selwyn, agent of the Royal English Company trading to Africa. It is a thing known to all the world that the Portuguese have against all maintained the whole coast of Guinea as their own ; which by right of arms and treaties with the Crown of Portugal doth at present indisputably belong to our State and Company. Sad conquest, obtained at the expense of much treasure and blood ought not to be disturbed by allies ; nevertheless, Selwyn and his, predecessors, against solemn protests of 24th May 1662, have encroached and set up a house of trade at Tacorary (? Tacorady) under the protection of Chama, under which Tacorary, Saconde, and Abrary have always been tributary. That it was not in the power of the inhabitants to bring in others at Cabocors (? Cabaca), where the English in 1647 encouraged the vassals of the States General to rebellion, to their inestimable loss, which was again renewed by suborned Swedes and Danes. That the English have openly, by their ships Coronation, James, Charles, Castle, and Rupert, hindered the blocking up of Cabocors, which the Dutch cannot tolerate any longer without punishing both authors and abettors of designs, which might occasion a breach of friendship. Therefore the English are entreated to depart from said factories of Cabocors and Tacorary, in regard they are come in an unlawful way. But if they will not be persuaded to yield to reasonable requests, the Dutch protest against the Royal Company and all of the English nation trading on this coast, requiring them to remove their factories, and not to animate the natives of the country against them, or countenance disturbers of the peace living "under the notion of Danes." Protest further for all damages sustained by said trading and by the proceedings of said Coronation, James, Charles, Castle, and Rupert. Huybert Van Gazeldoncq, chief Factor of the "General authorised West India Company at the Fort Nassau Tot (?) Morice" is authorised to repair to Cormantin, and to the Royal English Company's agent, intimate the contents of this protest, and deliver it duly attested and signed. Certified by H. Van Gazeldoncq and P. L. Cruypenninck that this protest "was insinuated where it ought to be." Indorsed, The first protest of ye Dutch. 8 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 34.]
June 2.
Point Cagua.
468. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Commissary Povey to be satisfied out of the remaining stores for sums expended by him in repairing his Majesty's storehouses. Accounts presented by Commissary Povey signed and discharged. Justices of the peace to send down prisoners to the Government. Orders to the justices of the peace in accordance with said minute of Council concerning prisoners. Order of the Governor and Council appointing Samuel Long of Point Cagua, agent and overseer of the plantations of Philip Lecock of London, merchant, in the place of Philip Dawkins, deceased, to remain in possession until the debts and expenses incurred be paid by Lecock or his assigns. 3 pp. [Col. Entry Bks., No. 37, p. 22, and No. 34, pp. 83-85.]
June 3.
Whitehall.
469. The King to Francis Lord Willoughby. Whereas the States General have made complaint that some persons by pretence of foreign commissions take merchant ships on the coasts of America belonging to their subjects, and dispose of them in his Majesty's Plantations without legal prosecution ; and particularly that Robert Downman by virtue of a Portugal commission still practises such violences, notwithstanding a treaty of peace long since ratified between the King of Portugal and the States General. He is commanded not to suffer Downman or any of his Majesty's subjects to enter any port under his command with prizes, but to secure them till further order, and give the like directions to all Governors of his Majesty's Plantations in America. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XIV., p. 9.]
June 5.
[Received.]
470. Report of the Council for Foreign Plantations to the King, concerning an order made by the Deputy Governor of Barbadoes. The merchants and traders to Barbadoes having complained of the delay of justice and legal proceedings for recovery of debts, particularly of an order lately made by the President and Council, thereon petition of a few indebted persons in three out of the 13 parishes into which the island is divided, by which order the judges in the several precincts are commanded to adjourn and stay all proceedings of their inferior officers there without the consent of the Assembly [see ante, No. 424] ; a committee of the Council waited on Lord Willoughby to acquaint him with said order, who declared he had not received any account of it from the President and Council of Barbadoes, but disliked the thing. After careful inquiry the Council find that the petitioners are but a few of the most indebted persons of three out of the 13 parishes, that the President and several members of the Council are much indebted, that the ground of the petitionthe dryness of the season and probable failure of the sugar crop in consequencewas false, as there were good hopes of a plentiful crop, and it was feared the President would delay calling the Assembly until the crop was over or until it was too late to execute a judgment upon it. Merchants who had obtained attachments were imprisoned for refusing to return goods in their possession. Planters generally take advantage of the order, and factors refuse to account to their principals. Are of opinion that the President and Council issued the order as well to avoid paying their own debts as to gratify the petitioners. Merchants, owners, and masters of ships are greatly disheartened by this stop of justice. The order is without precedent, and of so evil consequence that if not immediately prevented it will be the ruin not only of Barbadoes, but of all other plantations in America. His Majesty is advised to reverse said order, and to forbid the like in future under severe penalties ; to permit merchants and others who have suffered, to take their legal remedy against the makers of said order, that they be removed from their present employment, and such further directions given for quickening legal proceedings in Barbadoes and other Plantations as may be deemed necessary. Signed by Lord Windsor, Sir Jo. Berkeley, Sir John Colleton, Alex. Howe, Edward Digges, Edw. Walker, and Thos. Kendall. The date, 1662, on this document is clearly a mistake for 1663. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 35.]
June? 471. The King to [Francis Lord Willoughby, Governor, and the Council of Barbadoes]. Recommends Philip Froude, Secretary to his Majesty's Council for Foreign Plantations, as a person particularly suited by his immediate relation to his Majesty's plantations and colonies to solicit and negotiate their concernments with the King his Council, and Secretaries of State, and from whom his Majesty shall willingly receive petitions and addresses from the island as occasion shall offer. Draft corrected by Williamson, who has endorsed it, "When the Lord Willoughby goes." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 36.]
June 5. 472. Fair copy of the preceding. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. X., pp. 86, 87.]
June 6. 473. The King to the Lord Willoughby, Governor of Barbadoes. Duplicate of letter of 28th April 1663 to the Deputy Governor of Jamaica [see ante, No. 443]. 1 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 93, pp. 13, 14, and 16, 17.
June 8.
Jamaica.
474. Clement De Plenneville to "Le Chevalier Moray Wetall" [Sec. Morice, Whitehall]. Having had the honour of giving an account of his travels in Porto Rico and San Domingo, fears it would be wearisome to revert to the same, and has written, moreover, fully to Mons. Le Fevre. After the failure of the design on Tortugas, Captain Langford was chosen Governor of Little Goave, in Hispaniola, by the inhabitants, and raised the first English Royal Standard in that island. Sends description of that place, furnished to Sir Chas. Lyttelton, Governor of Jamaica ; also letter he sent to encourage the inhabitants of Hispaniola to serve his Majesty ; for many of them are discontented with their present condition French, 2 pp. Incloses,
474. I. Abraham Langford to Sergeant-Major Clement de Plenneville. Has written "severals" of his being elected by the inhabitants Governor of this place ; has gone through many difficulties, specially since Captain Munden's arrival, who endeavours to excite the people against him. The Tortudions are very high, and doubts their coming, but is resolved to sell his life at the dearest rate he can. Little Goave, 1663, May 16. French, p.
474. II. Description of Little Goave, situated on the Gulf of Xaragua in the Isle of Hispaniola, extracted from the Memoirs of Clement De Plenneville. 1663, May 31. French, 3 pp.
474. III. Copy of De Plenneville's letter to the inhabitants of Little Goave in Hispaniola, Jamaica, 1663, June 1. French, 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII, Nos. 37, 37 I., II., III.]
June 8.
From your home in the town of Cagway, Jamaica.
475. Clement de Plenneville to Mons. Le Febvre, Professor Royal of chemistry and Apothecary in ordinary to his Britannic Majesty at St. James', London. This is the third packet of letters sent, but has not been fortunate enough to receive any. Was sent by Lord Windsor with Capt. Stuart to Porto Rico to demand a treaty between the Crowns, which was entirely refused. Procured an attestation concerning Prince Maurice's ship, which was cast away in a hurricane in 1652, which he has given to Lord Windsor for Prince Robert (? Rupert). They then visited San Domingo, where they were received with honour ; has given a plan to Sir Chas. Lyttelton for his Majesty. Was then sent to reduce Tortuga to obedience, but the expedition having failed through treachery, was landed at Coridon in Hispaniola. Incloses certificate from the officers, Samuel Barry and Valentine Liveret, of his own good services. Description of Coridon, where it was resolved Lieut.-Col. Langford should go to Little Goave, on the Gulf of Xaragua, while De Plenneville returned to Jamaica ; Langford has since been elected Governor of Little Goave. Private and local matters relating to Jamaica. Describes some mines, for the working of which he desires a commission. French, 12 pp. Incloses,
Certificate of the services of Major Clement de Plenneville Signed by A. Langford, Sam. Barry, and Valentine Liveret. Hispaniola, Coridon, 1662-3, Feb. 14. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., Nos. 38, 38 I.]
June 10. 476. Sir John Colleton to the Duke of Albemarle. Divers people desire to settle in Carolina under the Duke's patent, but are hindered by the Duke of Norfolk's claim to the title grounded on a Patent granted by Charles I. to Sir Robert Heath in 1629, and by him assigned to the Duke of Norfolk's ancestors. Those who wish to settle in Carolina will not go without liberty of conscience, which cannot be granted them under Heath's Patent ; necessity for the removal of that obstacle. Incloses,
476. I. State of the case of the Duke of Norfolk's pretensions to Carolina. Grant of the Province to Sir Robt. Heath, from whom Sam. Vassall pretends he had an assignment for a part for a term not yet expired, and the heirs of Sir Richard Greenefield [Grenville] for the remaining part, who say they never heard of any pretence by Mr. Howard or any of his ancestors until within these three months, neither has Mr. Howard shown any Patent or grant for the same, nor the articles or instructions by which he was to plant, neither have any of the aforesaid or their assigns planted any part of this Province although thirty-five years have passed since the grant. It is desired that his Majesty will for the reasons stated in the above letter resume the Patent to Sir Robt. Heath and all grants from it. Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., Nos. 39, 39 I.]
June 12. 477. Heads of a Commission to Francis Lord Willoughby, appointing him Governor of the Caribbee Islands. In the handwriting of Joseph Williamson, with corrections. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 40.]
June 12.
Westminster.
478. Commission to Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham to be Governor of Barbadoes and the rest of the Caribbee Islands. With power to choose a Council not exceeding twelve persons, who he may displace at pleasure ; to constitute courts of judicature with the form of procedure and appoint judges by such titles as he shall think fit with reasonable fees and privileges, subject to confirmation by the King in Council. And because an Assembly cannot be so suddenly called as may be required, power is given to the Governor and Council to make laws, not repugnant to the laws of England. Power to erect forts, &c. and appoint officers ; also to grant letters of incorporation and to appoint markets and fairs, and parcel out demesne lands into manors, lordships, or precincts, also to grant lands under certain penalties for not planting the same, and with the reservation of certain rents payable to the King, and to confirm those already granted under a public seal. To present to any ecclesiastical benefice ; erect ports, and as High Admiral constitute courts for marine causes, and control the number of shipping and landing of goods in such ports as he thinks fit. To erect Custom Houses and appoint and displace officers. Powers of Vice-Admiralty, to execute martial law, and expel by force all intruders. Authority to pardon or remit offences before or after sentence, except for high treason or wilful murder, in which case Lord Willoughby may reprieve for one year only. Power to administer oaths, use a public seal and enrol grants ; also to summon a general Assembly not exceeding two persons from each place, parish, town, or city to be elected by the freeholders and called representatives, who may make laws imposing penalties, imprisonment, or if need be take away life or member, provided said laws be transmitted for confirmation, and if disallowed forthwith to cease ; a negative voice given to Lord Willoughby, with power of dissolution. Liberty to appoint deputies with the same powers as are hereby given to himself from Christmas last 1662. 17 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 41.]
June 12. 479. Another copy of the preceding commission to Lord Willoughby, dated 12 May by mistake. 16 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 5, pp. 31-46.]
June 12. 480. Entry of the above. 26 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 92, pp. 67-92.]
June 12. 481. Letters Patent constituting Henry Willoughby, William Willoughby, Henry Hawley, and Samuel Barwicke, Governors, in the absence of Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, over all the islands lying between ten and twenty degrees north latitude, and from the island of St. John de Porto Rico, eastwardly to three hundred and twenty-seven degrees. Parchment, mutilated. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 42.]
June 13.
Whitehall.
482. Order of the King in Council. Having heard the several pretensions of the Earl of Kinnoul, Lord Willoughby of Parham, and all others who claim title or interest in the Caribbee Islands under any grants from the late King to the late Earl of Carlisle, the King declares that the annual profits arising from the planters and inhabitants of the Caribbee islands and payable to the Crown shall be divided into two parts, one moiety to the use of Lord Willoughby during remainder of lease by which same is devised to him, and afterwards towards the support of the Government ; the second moiety as follows : first, to the Earl of Marlborough an annuity of 300l., and at his death to his uncle William Ley, with preference over the following assignments ; 500l. yearly to the Earl of Kinnoul until the creditors of the late Earl of Carlisle be fully satisfied, after which said Earl of Kinnoul is to have 1,000l. per annum to him and his heirs for ever, in consideration of the surrender of Patent granted to Lord Treasurer Marlborough, grandfather to the present Earl, the remainder of said grant being in said Earl of Kinnoul after the debts paid ; lastly, to the creditors of said Earl of Carlisle, they having first agreed among themselves in what order and proportion the same shall be distributed, two-thirds of the principal money due to them as it has been adjudged them by several decrees in Chancery ; which second moiety after satisfaction to said creditors, excepting 1,000l. per annum granted in perpetuity to said Earl of Kinnoul and his heirs, is to revert to the Crown. Indorsed by Williamson, "Order of Council concerning the revenue of the Barbadoes and the Earl Carlisle's creditors." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 43.]
June 13. 483. Two copies of the preceding Order in Council. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., Nos. 44, 45.]
June 13. 484. Entry of the above. 3 pp. [Col. Entry Bk, No. 92, pp. 15-17.]
1663? 485. Petition of the creditors of James, 1st Earl of Carlisle, contained in a schedule annexed to an assignment of James, the 2nd Earl, dated 29th Aug. 1649, to the King. Petitioners are informed that Lord Willoughby is shortly to go and take possession of the Government of the Caribbee Islands. Pray for the payment of their debt of 28,921l. 2s. 10d. out of the profits of Barbadoes and other the Caribbees ; and that Sir Will. Howard, Thos. Heinshaw, Rich. Downing, James Gould, and Sam. Baker, creditors likewise in the schedule, or their assigns, may be empowered to receive the amount and divide it proportionably among the petitioners, or that a day be appointed before Lord Willoughby depart, for all the parties concerned to appear before his Majesty [see ante, Nos. 34-37]. Indorsed by Williamson, "To be presented to the King by your Honour when my Lord Chancellor is by, who knows the whole matter." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 46.]
1663? 486. Mr. Heinshaw's objections to the patent of the Receiver of the Foreign Plantations. It is urged that the patent is void, and that the fee of 400l. is not to be paid out of the King's part assigned to the creditors of the Earl of Carlisle, but ought to be paid by Lord Willoughby, who. it may easily be supposed, will avoid it ; for his Lordship is by his grant receiver, and is empowered to appoint collectors. Mr. Heinshaw on the other side, is willing this officer should be a check, but is unwilling to pay anything towards his 400l. fee ; he admits that when the assignments to the creditors and Lord Willoughby shall be satisfied, the Receiver may then be a proper officer ; but he is at present proper and useful even to Mr. Heinshaw, and, if assisted by further powers, his Majesty's interests cannot be so well provided for in any other way. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 47.]
1663? 487. Brief of patent for erecting an office in England for the general receipt of revenues and profits payable to his Majesty from his plantations in America and Africa, with a fee of 400l. per ann. [see ante, No. 435]. With mem. of a petition that, seeing his Majesty hath since ordered in Council that satisfaction should be received by the creditors of the Earl of Carlisle out of the King's revenue in Barbadoes, said order may not be to the prejudice of Thomas Chiffinch and Thomas Rosse, but that Lord Willoughby may be appointed to pay the fee granted to them in said patent. And though the profits arising to his Majesty are at present diverted and not yet paid to the King's Receiver here, it is humbly offered that Lord Willoughby render account of such profits, so that his Majesty and his officers may know what is raised and when said debts are satisfied. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 48.]
1663? 488. Indenture between Thos. Rosse and Thos. Chaffinch of Westminster, and George Povey of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, by which Rosse and Chiffinch depute to Povey the exercise of the office of Receiver-General of rents, revenues, and profits due or payable from his Majesty's foreign dominions, colonies, and plantations in Africa and America, such office having been granted to them on April 9 last, with a fee of 400l. per annum [see ante, No. 435], and having been framed by Povey, who is very well versed in plantation affairs, and who agrees and covenants to pay to them a full moiety of the profits of the office. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. LXXXVIII., No. 85, Cal. p. 408.]
1663.
June 16. Whitehall.
489. Instructions to Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, Governor of the Caribbee Islands. To repair with all convenient speed to his Government. To defend, with force if need be, the rights, privileges, and prerogatives of the Crown, and administer the oaths of allegiance and supremacy to all officers, military and civil. To take especial care that the Gospel be preached and propagated according to the doctrine of the Church of England, that Divine service be decently and reverently celebrated, and the Sacraments duly administered ; that there be a settled provision for encouragement and invitation of learned and orthodox ministers, and bounds set out for parishes and churches erected in the several islands to which he shall present clerks well known for loyalty, learning, and piety. To prevent and suppress all factions and seditions, and appoint judges and justices of known ability and integrity, and erect the necessary courts and offices. To use all prudential means to advance the wealth and prosperity of the King's dominions in those parts, and endeavour to advance both in price and goodness the commodities of said islands. To take special care of the revenue, and appoint customers, collectors, receivers, treasurers, and other necessary officers, erect offices, and transmit accounts at least once a year. The several islands to be well fortified and furnished with ordnance, &c., officers and soldiers exercised in arms, but the charges not to be paid out of the moiety of the customs assigned to the creditors of the Earl of Carlisle. To keep good intelligence and correspondence with the Governors of the American plantations. Power to treat with the natives, especially those of St. Vincent and Dominica, or if injurious or contumacious, to persecute them with fire and sword. To inform himself of the condition and strength of foreign plantations, particularly of those of the King of Spain. Power to grant land under his own conditions and reservations such grants to be binding on the King, his heirs and successors, provided not more than 10 acres be granted to any Christian servant who within the space of two years settles there, or more than 50 acres on any desolate or Indian island, but with reservation of rents, &c. now payable to the King. To put in execution an Act of Parliament for the encouragement and increase of shipping and navigation, but with certain modifications as to trade with the Spaniards for pearls, gold, silver, or any other rich commodity in exchange for slaves or other commodities which shall have been imported in English bottoms ; but not to part with native commodities, as ginger, sugar, indigo, tobacco, or dyeing wood, in all which he is to govern himself by the warrant of 13th March 1663 [see ante, No. 426]. To recommend to the consideration of the Assembly a price to be agreed on for sugars, upon which the King will recommend it in such a manner to a body of good and substantial merchants, that the whole growth of sugars will be constantly taken. Power to receive duties on shipping and goods arriving in his Government, a yearly account of which is to be sent to the High Treasurer. To use his best endeavours for the advancement of the King's dignity and the peace and welfare of his subjects. With power to keep private any of these instructions. 6 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 49.]
June 16. 490. Entry of the preceding instructions to Lord Willoughby, but there are several mistakes, and the number of acres to be granted to every Christian servant is left blank. 11 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 92, pp. 19-29.]
June. 491. Another copy of the above, dated 17th June 1663. 11 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 93, pp. 20-31.]
1663? 492. Memorandum of letters, &c. with which Lord Willoughby is to be provided previous to his despatch to Barbadoes. Among them is a cipher, a seal for the island, the letter about the Post Office, [see ante, No. 463], and his own commission and instructions. In Williamson's hand. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 50.]
June? 493. Petition of John Scott, John Winthrop, Simon Bradstreet, Daniel Denison, Josiah Winslow, Thos. Willet, and Richard Lord to the King. That they with many others purchased lands of the natives in the Narragansett country in New England, and were quietly seized of the same some years, and have in many places built and planted upon said lands, but this last year, 1662, many turbulent spirited fanatics, inhabitants of Rhode Island, have disturbed petitioners by cutting down their houses in the night, and in many other unheard of ways. Pray for the King's letter to the Massachusetts and Connecticut, or what other way his Majesty shall think fit. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 51.]
June 21.
Whitehall.
494. The King to the Governors and assistants of the Massachusetts, Plymouth, New Haven, and Connecticut colonies. Thos. Chiffinch, John Scott, John Winthrop, Daniel Denison, Simon Bradstreet, Thos. Willet, Richard Smith, Edward Hutchinson, Amos Richeson [Richardson], John Alcock, William Hudson, and their associates having in the right of Major Atherton a just propriety in the Narragansett country in New England, by grant from the native princes of that country, and desirous to improve it into an English Colony and Plantation, but yet are unjustly molested by unreasonable and turbulent spirits of Providence Colony in New England ; recommends said proprietors to their neighbourly kindness and protection, who are to be permitted peaceably to improve their colony, and that they be on all occasions assisting to them against such unjust oppressions and molestations. 1 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol, LX., pp. 22, 23, also Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. X., pp. 90-91.]
June 21.
Whitehall.
495. Another copy of the preceding letter, certified by Edward Rawson, Secretary of the Massachusetts. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 52.]
[June 21.] 496. Draught of the above with corrections in the handwriting of Williamson. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 53.]
June? 497. The King to the Governors, &c. of the Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Plymouth, in New England. To aid and assist Thos. Chiffinch and the others named in the preceding letter in the peaceable enjoyment of the Narragansett country, according to their grants from the native princes, originally granted to Major Atherton, but who, notwithstanding their lawful purchase, are daily disturbed and obstructed from enlarging our Empire in the said New England by unreasonable and turbulent spirited people of Providence Colony, which the King expects should be repaired by a due administration of justice, which shall by his Majesty be accounted as an acceptable piece of service. Draught. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 54.]
June 22. 498. Warrant for a grant to Francis Lord Willoughby and Lawrence Hyde, second son of the Earl of Clarendon, of the sole use and benefits for 14 years in the Barbadoes and Caribbee Islands, of the sugar-mill invented by David de Mercato, who by his long residence in the West Indies, with much study, charge, and expense, hath attained to the perfection of making and framing of sugarmills after a new manner. Signed by the King and countersigned by Sec. Bennet. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 55.]
June 22. 499. Copy of preceding. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. LXXV., No. 104, Cal., p. 178.]
June 24.
Whitehall.
500. Minute of the Privy Council. A letter explaining a late Act of Parliament, entitled An Act for encouraging and increasing Shipping and Navigation, to the Governors of Virginia, Maryland, Barbadoes, St. Christopher's, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Surinam, Jamaica, and New England, was signed by the Lord Chancellor and fourteen other members of the Council. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX., pp. 11-15.]
June? 501. The "letter to the Governors of Plantations about the Acts of Navigation." Draft with corrections by Williamson, indorsed as above. 1 p. This lettter was signed by the King 25th August, see No. 539. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 56.]
June 25.
Cambridge, New England.
502. Daniel Gookin to Ferdinando Gorges. His father was intimately acquainted with Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and interested with him in his New England affairs, as some writings in Gookin's possession evince. Has resided in New England near 20 years, and a good part of that time employed in public affairs, so has had no opportunity to understand some things relating to his claim to the Province of Maine or the claim by the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. Conceives it is not unknown to him how the body of the people in that Province, several years since, being wearied with anarchy among themselves, made their earnest application to the jurisdiction of the Bay for protection and government, and accordingly were accepted upon articles submitting and swearing fidelity to the same, which agreement was to continue inviolable until the supreme power in England released them. After this the line of the Massachusetts Patent to the N.E. took in, according to the judgment of good artists therein employed, the greatest part of all his Province, under which settlement these parts have remained in a quiet posture sundry years, but of late have been interrupted upon pretence of commission from himself, which has tended much to the disturbance of the peace and good government of that place, and he believes has brought but little profit to himself. The body of the people in conscience to their oath and articles still adhere to the Government of the Bay, and Gorges does not appear to have strength and interest enough to compose and satisfy them. The jurisdiction of Massachusetts has not been forward to enter into a contest with him, finding it difficult to rule well a remote and divided people. Commissioners have been once and again sent, and compositions made with his, but as frequenuly broken upon pretence of his authority. It is probable he will hear with great aggravations that Jordan is secured only to preserve public peace, for some men are impatient of any power that will bridle their lusts and disorders. Urges him to consult his own interests by making some honourable composition with the jurisdiction of Massachusetts for his claim, which he believes they will comply with rather than engage in a contest with him and give him a [considerable] sum of money. Indorsed, "A letter from Mr. Gookin, an eminent minister among the Bostoners, advising some honourable composition with them who will allow his propriety in any lands or possessions and a considerable sum of money, if he shall remit government and jurisdictions." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 57.]
June 26. 503. The King's bill containing grant of a charter to Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. In this document blanks, as if for Christian names, are left before the two names "Rainsborrow" and "Williams," in the list of grantees. Indorsed, "Charles R. Our will and pleasure is that this pass by immediate warrant. Entred at the Signett, 7 July 1663." The Patent under the Great Seal is dated 8th July 1663, see No. 512. [Privy Seals, 15 Chas. II., No. 360.]
June 27. 504. Warrant to [the Attorney-General]. To prepare a bill for the Royal signature to pass the Privy Seal, authorising the Treasurer of the Exchequer out of such moneys as shall arise out of the farm of the Customs to pay to Thomas Holder, Esq., Treasurer of the Royal African Company, or his assigns, the sum of 5,200l., being the remainder of his Majesty's subscription to said Company, and also the sum of 400l., being the subscription of her Majesty the Queen, without account or imprest for the same. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XV., p. 74.]
[June 27.] 505. Petition of Sir Robt. Killigrew, gentleman of the Privy Chamber, to the King. That King Charles I. by Letters Patent granted to Sir Robt. Killigrew and Henry Woodhouse, the petitioner's grandfather and uncle, the government of the Bermudas, but were hindered by the late rebellion from enjoying the benefit thereof. Prays to be appointed Governor of those islands, for which he will maintain one of the King's frigates their at his own cost, and not require any salary, &c. With reference by Sec. Bennet to the Council for Foreign Plantations, who are directed to certify what they conceive fit to be done thereupon. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 58.]
1663? 506. Petition of Sir Robt. Killigrew to the King. His Majesty having upon his former petition granted to him the government of the Bermudas, if he could make it appear in the King's gift, prays that the Commissioners for Foreign Plantations may be ordered to hear his allegations and proofs, and report their opinion thereon ; and if the same shall be so made appear, that then the King will appoint him Governor. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 59.]
1663.
June to Sept. Guinea Coast.
507. Extracts of letters from Cormantin and other places in Africa. June. The Dutch give daily great presents to the King of Futton and his "capeshiers" to exclude their Honours [the Royal African Company] from the trade, and to the King of Fantyn and his capeshiers, to make war on the English castle of Cormantin, saying if they could but get that place never Englishman more should have trading upon that coast. Had not Capt. Stokes arrived, it's much to be feared the Flemish flag had been on Cormantin, as it is now on the castle at Cape Corso. The Dutch prevailed on the King of Aguina treacherously to lay hold on John Cabessa, who was a great defence to Cormantin, and on the 28th May to plunder the house at Wiamba. Sept. From Capt. Stokes at Annashan. The English got a treaty with them of Futton in spite of the Dutch, and four hostages that they should build a castle there, but the Dutch would not suffer them to land. From Capt. Stewart at Ardra. The Dutch told the King of Ardra that they had conquered the Portugals, the potentest nation that ever was in those countries, and turned out the Dane and Swede, and in a short time should do the same to the English, and by these discourses hindered the Company's factors from trade. From the Council of Factors at Cormantin. The Dutch have given bribes to the King of Cabessaland, who seized some goods going from hence, and killed the negroes that bought them. Have settled two Englishmen at Commenda, where the King sent two hostages, one his own son ; but the Dutch have a great ship before the place, firing at all canoes that pass in or out. Aug. From Mr. Brett, factor at Commenda. Came to the place on the 21st, and the Dutch man-of-war told them they must not go ashore ; in two days more the Amsterdam came from Castle de Myne, and sent two men on board to see if they belonged to the Royal Company, pretending if they had been interlopers that they (the Dutch) had power to take them. Next day the Dutch manned out three long boats, and continued firing at all canoes that would have traded with the English, and those canoes that were made fast to the English ship the Dutch cut from the ship's side, which one of the seamen endeavouring to prevent, a Dutchman cut him in the leg. So the English ship weighed anchor, the long boat's men "giving us such base language as was not to be endured." Indorsed, An extract of letters, Royal Company. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVII., No. 60.]