America and West Indies: April 1661

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: April 1661', 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/pp21-27 [accessed 1 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: April 1661', 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 1, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp21-27.

"America and West Indies: April 1661". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 1 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp21-27.

April 1661

1661. April 1. 63. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Upon complaint of Sir James Drax and Messrs. Howe and Diggs that 500l. was still due to them for the brandy sent to Jamaica, Mr. Froude is requested to solicit the Lord Treasurer for speedy payment thereof. The letter for New England to be engrossed by Monday next, so that it be presented to the King. Mr. Froude to solicit the Lord Treasurer for payment of 200l. due to several persons in order to the charges of this Council. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, pp. 24, 25.]
[April 4.] 64. Petition of Ferdinando Gorges, son and heir of John Gorges, who was son and heir of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, to the King. His grandfather was chiefly instrumental in discovering and reducing New England to the obedience and government of the laws of England, and spent vast sums of money therein, whereby he exhausted the greatest part of his fortune. King Charles I., in the fifteenth year of his reign, granted to petitioner's said grandfather, his heirs and assigns for ever, a patent of a considerable part thereof, called the Province of Maine, containing every way 120 miles, with very many large privileges and immunities, and long before and since said grant petitioner's grandfather, at very great charges, sent over several persons as his deputies to govern the same. That certain English inhabitants in New England called the Mathethewsits [Massachusetts], taking advantage of the late rebellion here, have, without any colour of right, encroached upon the greatest part of the said premises, and others, who at most were but tenants under petitioner's grandfather, now claim the same as lords and proprietors, whereby the said patent, the greatest patrimony left him, will be rendered unprofitable without his Majesty's assistance. Prays the King to take this matter into his consideration, or refer the same to the Council for Foreign Plantations. With reference to said Council for Foreign Plantations to examine petitioner's title and certify what is fit to be done therein. 1661, April 4. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 31, pp. 7, 8.]
[April 8.] 65. Petition of Henry Bernard de Caseres, Henry de Caseres, and Jacob Fraso to the King. His Majesty having received a letter from the King of Denmark desiring liberty for the petitioners to live and trade in Barbadoes and Surinam, and as their residence in those places will rather benefit than prejudice the inhabitants, pray for this indulgence and for a pass. With reference to the Commissioners for Foreign Plantations to certify what they conceive fit to be done. 1661, April 8. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 31, pp. 8.9.]
April 8.
Inner Court of Wards.
66. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Letter to [the Government of] New England. Notify their appointment as a Council for the management of the Colonies. To give notice to the several Provinces of New England to meet together and consult on the matters contained in this letter. To proclaim his Majesty in the most solemn manner, and then apply themselves strictly to that conformity and obedience to his Majesty, from whence their constitution, government, and protection is derived, and as they desire to receive the benefits of his grace especially in the Act of Oblivion, which restores security to all who have been drawn by misapprehension into disorder or disobedience to the royal authority. Complaints having been made that a jurisdiction is exercised beyond the limits and authority originally granted and contrary to the tenor thereof, by which some of the King's subjects are withheld from their just rights and others dispossessed of their freeholds and estates, and that there are certain rules of government repugnant to the laws of England ; they are required forthwith to proceed to such considerations and councils as may collect together such memorials of the condition of New England, as well the primitive and fundamental constitution and beginning thereof, as of the progress and changes which have happened in any material things among them, that having informed themselves of their own proceedings, they may be able distinctly and prudently to vindicate themselves to be a people not unworthy of the large privileges and concessions bestowed upon and entrusted to them by his Majesty's predecessors, and of the favour, protection, and encouragement with which the King is ready to further their growth and increase, as they are become a great and considerable part of his industrious subjects. They are directed to send a plain and methodical answer to the matters here touched upon, and to add a description of the model and frame of their Government, the extent of the Colony, and number of inhabitants, the nature of the trade, and the improvements they are endeavouring. They are also required as very expedient to appoint and instruct prudent persons interested in their affairs to represent them whenever any concernments of New England shall be had in consideration here. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, pp. 25, 26.]
April 10. 67. Order of the Privy Council on the Attorney-General's report on a petition of divers persons for propagating the gospel in America referred by an order of 14 Nov. 1660 and draught of a renewed charter of said corporation. Giving power to purchase 2,000l. per annum, and liberty to transport yearly 1,000l. in bullion or foreign money upon making entry thereof in the port of London. Lord Valentia to examine the list of names of the members of said corporation, and offer same to this board. The Attorney-General to fill up the blanks in said draught of charter, and to add a clause vesting all lands, &c. heretofore given or bought to the uses in this charter in said corporation and their successors, with power to sue for and recover same and any arrears thereof. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 39.]
April 13.
Jamaica.
68. Col. Edward D'Oyley to the Commissioners of the Admiralty at Whitehall. Was forced, for want of provisions, to send the ship Bear home, for if he should not take hold of the season of killing turtle at Kiemanas, he must have been forced to have laid her up, and by what extraordinary courses he has maintained her all this time, the steward general will inform them. Hopes some more orderly course will be taken in future for the maintenance of the ships and forces kept here ; for the wants attending this design have quite tired him, and he should faint did he not hope that relief was coming, to whom he will resign with much more pleasure than he has enjoyed the command. Indorsed, "Rec. 17 July 1661." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 40.]
April 14. 69. F. Burghill to Sec. Nicholas. Begs he will once more move his Majesty in Burghill's behalf for Antigua. The King promised Lord Berkshire he should have it, and has granted St. Kitts and Nevis to Mr. Pickes, without taking any notice of Lord Willoughby [Extract from Dom. Chas. II., Vol. XXXIV., No. 57, Cal., p. 568.]
April 15.
The Lord Chancellor's Chamber, Whitehall.
70. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations concerning provisions for Jamaica to be sent out in the Charity. List of same' including tools, utensils, oil, biscuit, meal, clothing, and fishing tackle, for which the 2,000l. designed for perfecting the fort of Cagway and the platform on the adjacent island is to be expended. Sir James Drax and Messrs. Noell, Howe, and Kendall appointed a committee to confer with the Navy Commissioners and inspect their goodness and quality. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 41.]
April 15.
The Lord Chancellor's Chamber, Whitehall.
71. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Duplicate of the preceding. Also, That Mr. Povey be joined with Messrs. Noell and Kendall for amending the report on complaints of the misgovernment of New England. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, p. 27.]
April 17.
St. John's, Maryland.
72. Ten Acts made at a General Assembly held at St. John's, in St. Mary's county, beginning April 17th, 1661, by Governor Philip Calvert, Esq., viz. :1. For encouragement of such soldiers as shall adventure in the defence of the country. 2. For the appointment of certain officers. 3. For military discipline. 4. Concerning the height of fences ; and, 5. The setting up of a mint (2). 6. For conveyance of all letters concerning the State and public affairs. 7. An explanation of that clause in an Act made by Capt. Willm. Stone, the 29th April 1658, concerning the secretary and sheriffs' fees. 8. For the repeal of the Act for customs. 9. Port for duties and masters of ships ; and, 10. Concerning the killing of wild cattle. Together 9 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 53, pp. 36-45.]
April 29.
Inner Court of Wards.
73. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Report of Messrs. Howe and Noell touching their interview with the Commissioners and Officers of the Navy who have undertaken to provide 2,000l. worth of commodities on his Majesty's account to be sent to Jamaica. The letter brought in by Mr. Povey to be sent to New England to be directed to the Governor and Council of the Colony in the Bay of the Matsatuchetts (sic), to be communicated to the other Colonies or Governments in New England in subjection to his Majesty. Mr. Froude to deliver said letter to the Secretary of State, as likewise the report on certain petitions and complaints to this Council concerning New England and the petitions and complaints themselves. Petitions of Ferdinando Gorges and De Caseres and others, referred to them by the King, to be considered on 13th May. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, p. 28.]
April 29. 74. Copy of the preceding, but without the names of the Councillors present. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 41.*]
[April 30.] 75. Another copy of the preceding report, though much fuller. After referring to the complaints and other informations received, the Council state that they have also informed themselves by sundry other means of the constitution and alteration of the Government of New England. They report that the Government of New England have in these late times of general disorder strayed into many enormities, and invaded the rights of their neighbours ; they have exceeded and transgressed their grants and powers by enacting laws and exercising an administration of justice repugnant to the laws of England and imposing unequal restraints in matters of conscience and divine worship ; their trade is no way managed to the advantage of his Majesty's crown ; they pretend an exemption to the payment of customs and importing very little to the balance of their exportation ; that contrary to the policies and restrictions heretofore observed they have increased a stock of sheep to nearly one hundred thousand, whereby not only this nation and the manufactures thereof are become less necessary to them, but they are likely to be so stored with wool that the Dutch, who trade freely with them, may supply themselves from thence ; lastly, that a company of citizens here, as trustees, receive money, purchase lands, and return the effects to a Corporation of New England, but the Council cannot get any information either from these or from one Leveret, hitherto employed as an agent for the affairs of New England, who says his agency has ceased, and he has no instructions from thence ; by all which it appears that the Government there have purposely withdrawn all manner of means for their affairs to be judged or disposed of in England, as if they intended to suspend their absolute obedience to the King's authority ; in the meanwhile hoping that nothing will be done or attempted against them, while they are yet unheard and in no capacity to make their defence. This report concludes like the preceding, with the heads of a letter they have prepared for New England, as they have done for the other colonies. 4 pp. Inclose,
I. Petition of divers persons who have been sufferers in New England to the Council for Foreign Plantations [see Cal., ante, No. 49].
II. Petition of Lyonell Copley, Thomas Foley, and others to the Council for Foreign Plantations [see Cal., ante, No. 50].
III., IV. Petition of Archibald Henderson to the Council for Foreign Plantations. With state of the injurious usages, [see Cal., ante, No. 51].
V. Petition of Gyles Sylvester to the Council for Foreign Plantations [see ante, No. 52].
VI. Information of Edward Godfrey, sometime Governor of the Province of Maine [see ante, No. 33].
VII. Capt. Thos. Breedon to the Council for Foreign Plantations [see ante, No. 45]. Together 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., Nos. 42, 42 I., II., III., IV.].
1661? 76. Proposals by John Giffard. Through 20 years' knowledge of New England has gained the discovery and knowledge of mines there, not only of silver, copper, iron, &c., but also of precious stones, of which he gives an account. Indorsed by Sec. Nicholas, "Mr. Giffard concerning America." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 43.]
77. Calculation by John Giffard of the expense of working a copper mine in New England. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 44.]
1661? 78. [John Giffard?] to [Sec. Nicholas]. Towards effecting this discovery [see previous article] presents for consideration the proceedings in 1638 that were taken against the Massachusetts Bay patent, and the proofs showing how it had been violated ; they have acted repugnant to the laws of England ; they have allowed the King's coin to be bought and melted down in Boston to be new coined there, by which means they gain threepence in every shilling, and lessen his Majesty's coin a full fourth. These mines have never been looked after. Through the motion of Parson Hugh Peters, England contributed 900l. per annum to Christianise the Indians in New England, which money found its way into private men's purses, and was a cheat of Hugh Peters. If the King will allow 600l. thereof, and let the other 300l. go towards the first use, it will in a short time produce effect in this discovery. Indorsed by Sec. Nicholas, "Concerning Massachusetts Bay in New England, and Hugh Peters' cheats." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 45.]
79. Petition of Capt. Arch. Henderson to the King. Has made many voyages to the West Indies and is well acquainted with the designs of such persons as have appropriated large sums of forfeited money; ships, and goods belonging to the King ; prays for a Commission to the persons named in the annexed Schedule to "carry on this business to yor Mates great advantage." Annexed,
I. Names of the twenty-four persons to be inserted in the Commission above petitioned for. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., Nos. 46, 46 I.]
[1661 April.] 80. Report of [the Council for Foreign Plantations] to the King. Have received divers complaints, petitions, and other informations concerning New England, which they offer to the consideration of the King and Privy Council, conceiving themselves to be in no capacity to give any judgment therein, having heard but one side. Recite the petitions of John Gifford and others, Lyonell Copley and others, Archibald Henderson, Gyles Sylvester [see ante, Nos. 50-52]. Complaints from Edward Godfrey, Robert Mason, and others, that the Massachusetts have unlawfully invaded the Provinces of Maine and Hantshere [? New Hampshire]. Captain Breedon's narrative [see No. 45]. They have considered the general state of things in New England, and have made ready a letter with all possible tenderness, avoiding all matters which might set the people at a greater distance or stir them to any fears or distrust that it is not safe for them to submit cheerfully and wholly to the King's authority and protection, taking no notice of their adherence to Goffe and Whalley, nor pressing upon them the Act of Navigation. The Council humbly remit all these matters to the further resolutions of the King and Privy Council, but think their letter should be sent speedily to prepare the people to such a compliance as must be necessary, as they are an English Colony, which ought not and cannot subsist but by a submission to and protection from his Majesty's Crown and Government. Recommend, in case upon further intelligence, the Colony shall not appear to be settled in their due obedience, the employment of Capt. Breedon, who hath a good estate and interest there, and seems to be a person prudent and fit for such a service. The letter prepared for New England, Capt. Breedon's narrative, and the several petitions are ordered to be presented with this report to his Majesty. 2 pp. Draft not signed. On the back of this report are memoranda in pencil by Sec. Sir Edward Nicholas. That a patent be prepared for Lord Willoughby to be Governor of Barbadoes and the Caribbee Islands for seven years, to execute the charge at his own cost and have half of all the profits, the other half to go for payment of Earl Carlisle's creditors. Lord Willoughby owner of Surinam ; if Governor of Barbadoes he might draw all planters from that island to Surinam and thus in time destroy Jamaica. It would be best for him to be Gov. of Surinam only. Liberty of conscience there. If he may be Count Palatine of Surinam. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 47.]