America and West Indies: April 1665

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 1665', 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/pp289-295 [accessed 10 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: April 1665', 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 10, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp289-295.

"America and West Indies: April 1665". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 10 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp289-295.

April 1665

[April 1.] 969. Petition of John Porter, junr., of Salem, for 16 months a poor prisoner in Boston gaol, to the Commissioners for New England. Was committed for rebellion against his parents as was pretended, his sentence first to go to the gallows, there to stand an hour with a rope about his neck, to be brought back and receive 39 stripes, then to return to prison until he should pay a fine of 200l. to the country. Has petitioned the court at Boston divers times for a hearing, but never could be obtained, Capt. Hawthorne being his accuser, so made his escape. Prays for protection when he comes to Boston until his case be fully heard. With protection signed by said Commissioners, requiring petitioner to make proof of his complaints at Boston on 8th May. Warwick, 8th April 1665. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 42.]
April 1. 970. Another copy of preceding certified by Fran. Champernowne. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 43.]
April 9.
Covent Garden.
971. M. Geijonbergh, Swedish Resident, to the King. Three months ago his Majesty promised to give him some hopes that four Swedish ships might have free trade to Barbadoes during the differences between England and Holland, since when the trade has been made free to all nations by his Majesty's proclamation. Begs that said Swedish ships may be allowed to trade from any Swedish port to any English plantation. Indorsed, "Read April 1667 [sic]. Laid aside to be considered." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 44.]
April 10. Virginia. 972. Gov. Sir William Berkeley to (Secretary Lord Arlington) Refers to his letter by Colonel Moryson (see ante, No. 429), and joins his acknowledgments with his brother Lord Berkeley for the high favours bestowed upon Lord Berkeley and upon himself. Though he cannot beg for himself, "knowing that no seasonable showers or dews can recover a withered root," yet he does for Col. Moryson, who he intreats his Majesty will permit to stay two years more in England to agitate the country's business at the Council table ; he is faithful and sedulous, and to send another agent would put the colony to a far greater charge than he does. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 45.]
973. Petition of Francis Moryson to the King. That he faithfully served the King and his father in the late wars, and has been for several years employed as agent for Virginia, without any settled salary. Prays for the place of solicitor of Virginia, for which service he conceaves himself enabled by his long residing there in places of the greatest trust, and also for a grant of 200l. per annum. Salary for his life to be paid out of the 2s. per hogshead [of tobacco]. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 46.]
1665? 974. Petition of Cecilia Moryson to the King. Is sister of Giles Rawlins, who died possessed of a considerable estate, whereof an equal share appertains to her ; her husband at the time of her brother's death was Governor of Virginia, and in his absence her two sisters shared the estate, leaving her a very unequal proportion ; prays that the matter may be referred to the Lord Chancellor. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXLII., No. 167, Cal., p. 157.]
1665.
April 10. Virginia.
975. Thos. Ludwell, Secretary of Virginia, to Sec. Lord Arlington. As it is a duty expected from him as his Majesty's Secretary of this colony to give a yearly account of the concerns of this place he shall perform it. Has therefore sent to Col. Moryson, agent for this country, copies of all laws enacted during the last three years with the public accounts and the trial of those rebellious servants who in Sept. 1663 conspired the ruin of this Government. In obedience to the King's instructions they have begun a town of brick, and already built enough to accommodate the affairs of the country and to begin a factory for merchants, and shall increase it as there shall be occasion. They have fair beginnings of silk, flax, potashes, and English grain, and hope soon to make great quantities ; have built several small vessels to trade with their neighbours, and hope ere long to build such as may trade for England. Should be in a most flourishing condition but for their neighbours, who of as much land as all France have not left them so much as Yorkshire. Difference with Lord Baltimore about bounds ; entreats his favour for a just decision at the Council table. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 47.]
April 12.
Jamaica.
976. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. Has received his letter of 17 January. Will observe his Majesty's directions and endeavour as soon as the materials are prepared to finish the fortifications at this Point. He shall receive about a month hence a full account of their condition and intentions towards the enemy. The privateers "upon my gentleness towards them" come in apace and cheerfully offer life and fortune to his Majesty's service. Has only permitted this small vessel to go to advise for insurances on the Royal Company's fleet. In case the war continues desires a cypher. p. Two copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 27, p. 6, and No. 69.]
April 12.
St. Jago, Jamaica.
977. Col. Edward Morgan to Sec. Sir H. Bennet [Lord Arlington]. The Court has kept him hitherto so poor that he has not withal to help himself unless this voyage assist him, but if he should stick in it, makes no question of his Honor's justice in befriending his children to get that little which is due to him from the Court. Has spent near 3,000l. of theirs in his country's service, and should have had ere this 7,000l. or 8,000l., whereas he shall not leave his six children hardly 2,000l. if paid them, which he cannot much doubt, considering how generously he has spent life and fortune in the service. An abuse to orphans would call for judgment from heaven, which God bless our kingdoms from. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 48.]
April 19.
From Capt. Breedon's [house at Boston].
978. Col. George Cartwright to Col. Nicolls. "I never said nor thought that you had not work enough ; the bare hearing of impertinences, without the framing of laws, the ordering of the soldiers, the gaining of the Dutch, the governing of the English, the regulating of the trade, and the providing of necessaries, is more than enough to tire one." Thinks he might have spared, without great hazard, 18 days from New York (seven days here, and 11 to go and come in), which would have been sufficient to have helped them over all those difficulties which he expects here. Cannot believe the Dutch are so potent now, having had the plague long raging in their country, as to spare four or five ships hither to regain a place which never yielded them profit. Cannot deny the reducing of the Dutch and visiting the English colonies to be two distinct things. That Nicolls was much mistaken when he wrote, he should add little to the weight, only to the number of Commissioners, is so plain, Cartwright need say nothing to it ; and though they should refuse all three, having a prejudice against them, Nicolls, whom they respect and honour, might be prevalent with them, because acceptable to them. This day a Quaker, his countrywoman, told him before Capt. Breedon, that she had heard Cartwright was a Papist, and that Sir Robt. Carr kept a naughty woman, and examined her, if Cartwright had not kept one too. They declare Mavericke to be their professed enemy. Many factious speeches fly up and down this day ; here is a secret council, and all the ministers within 20 miles are called to it. "If these men will rebel, I can as easily tell the King so, as that they are his good subjects, and perchance shall sooner be believed by some in that, than in this." Mr. Winthrop says he will take care that nothing be done to the prejudice of the Duke's territories. Concerning his brother Beresford and Mr. Bowles. Came to Boston the 13th, Mavericke the 14th. Sir Robt. Carre not yet arrived, has all the papers with him in the box, though Cartwright has the key, or would have sent account of a business in which Willet is concerned. Is sorry to hear of any difference betwixt the soldiers and townsmen of Sopes and Albany. Printed in New York Documents, III., 93, 94. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 49.]
April 20.
Jamaica.
979. Governor Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. His Majesty's catch has just arrived with letters and his Royal Highness' Commission, so sends her back with the little ship and the Swallow ketch. Lt.-Col. Morgan sailed five days since on his design against the Dutch with 10 ships, well manned, and can land 500 men. They are chiefly reformed privateers, scarce a planter amongst them, being resolute fellows and well armed with fusees and pistols. Their design is to fall upon the Dutch fleet trading at St. Christopher's, capture Eustatia, Saba, and Curaao, and on their homeward voyage visit the French and English buccaneers at Hispaniola and Tortugas. All this is prepared by the honest privateer, at the old rate of no purchase no pay, and it will cost the King nothing considerable, some powder and mortar pieces. God sending good success, the Dutch will have no considerable place left them in the West Indies, and the late kindness and moderation towards these privateers will be thought well bestowed. Durst not write before they were well on their way. 1 pp. Two copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 27, pp. 6, 7, and No. 69.]
April 20. 980. A true Relation of the fight at Barbadoes between the English and Dutch, under De Ruyter, on April 20th, 1665. About 10 o'clock in the morning De Ruyter stood in with the whole of his fleet of 14 sail, and attacked the forts and shipping. Account of the fight every hour. By three o'clock considerable damage had been inflicted upon De Ruyter's fleet, and the stern of his own ship was then carried in, that it was so wide as a barn door ; and after that shot they did not fire any more, "for I do suppose De, Ruyter was killed," but bore away and came to an anchor outside where they held a council of war. Four of the vessels were careened to stop their leaks, and the rest mended their sails. At six o'clock they sailed away in the "confusedest manner possible. Three days after they were heard to be at Martinico. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 50.]
April 21.
Whitehall.
981. Order in Council upon Report of a Committee of the Council for Plantations. In reference to several Acts passed in the Caribbee Islands, confirming same, with the exception of one proviso in an Act of Barbadoes for settling an impost on the commodities of this island, passed 15 Sept. 1663, exempting certain lands from said impost, which is hereby disallowed and made void. Annexed,
Antigua.An Act for the repealing of a former Act made in this island concerning forestallers and regraders, and for giving the inhabitants liberty to buy and sell. Passed 30 May 1664.
Antigua.An Act for settling an impost on the commodities of this island. Passed 24 May 1664.
Montserrat.A similar Act. Passed 6 May 1664.
Nevis.A similar Act. Passed 30 April 1664.
St. Christopher's.A similar Act. Passed 19 April 1664.
Barbadoes.A similar Act. Passed 12 Sept. 1663. Together 41 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCII., pp. 285-330.]
April 21.
Whitehall.
982. Two copies of the preceding Order in Council. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 50* ; also Col. Entry Bk., No. V., pp. 122, 123.]
April 22.
Barbadoes.
983. Henry Willoughby, Deputy Governor, to Sec. Bennet [Lord Arlington]. Has in the absence of Lord Willoughby in Surinam taken measures against the Dutch according to his Majesty's letter of the 2nd February by putting the ships into a posture of defence, repairing the forts, causing a general muster of the forces, and setting watches in eminent places. On the 20th inst. De Ruyter attacked the place with a fleet of 14 ships, but was compelled to retire after a few hours. By God's providence only three men were killed and about ten wounded. Desires half a score of larger guns, for if they had had better guns some of the enemy had never gone off. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 51.]
April 25.
Barbadoes.
984. Henry Willoughby, Deputy Governor of Barbadoes, to Sec. Bennet [Lord Arlington]. De Ruyter's fleet is supposed to have sailed to the Manhadas or to the Leeward Islands ; from whence they daily expect intelligence. Indorsed, "Rec. 19 Jany. by Holland." Incloses,
984. I. Copy of his letter of 22 April 1665. Together 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., Nos. 52, 52 I.]
1665?
April?
985. Petition of John Reid to the King. Has served his Majesty in Spain for certain years, but was lately called home by the Royal Company of Adventurers trading into Africa to go factor for them to Barbadoes, whither he is bound with the first ship. Prays to be ap pointed Sub-Commissioner of the Prize Office in that island. [See ante, No. 919, Reid arrived in Barbadoes 3 Aug. after 88 days' passage, see No. 1035.] Annexed,
985. I. Mem. for Sir Wm. Coventry that John Reid, who is now factor for the Royal Company in Barbadoes and sub-commissioner for prizes, be appointed or recommended victualler of the King' ships there. 2 papers. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., Nos. 53, 54.]
April. 986. Particulars of our voyage (in Capt. Reynolds' ship) on the Coast of Africa. Arrived at the Isle of Goree on Oct. 2, 1664, and found Capt. Stacy Governor, where they landed Capt. St. George with great pomp. It is a pretty island, three miles round, with two castles and a very commodious harbour. Were mounting great guns and mending the breaches made by Capt. Holmes, when the De Ruyter arrived on the 11th Oct. with 13 sail and demanded the island and the Company's goods in the ships. Were resolved to fight, but Capt. Taylour going on board Capt. Reynolds' ship, the Dutch boarded her, forcing them to accept articles of surrender of the Company's goods and island, and letting his Majesty's ship go. Set sail together on 27th Oct. ; the Dutch disabled the English factory at Satalone. In the interim there bred a mutiny on Capt. Taylour's ship, which was pacified by Capts. Thornburgh and Griggs. Arrived on the 26 Nov. at Cape Mount, and at Cape Mountserrat on the 30th, and at Cstus 3 Dec., a very convenient place for trade, having a factory up the river at the King's town, and the factor, Bayly, is a very fit man, having the blacks under such command. Arrived at Cape Palmas 20 Dec., when the De Ruyter came up to them again. Anchored at the Castle de Mine. On 25 Dec. the Dutch went against Tacorady with great store of men, but were repulsed by 10 English and negroes, upon which, with 1,000 negroes from their factory, they burnt the town and blew up the castle, stripping the English naked. At Commenda the factor was preserved by the negroes. On the arrival of a ship from Holland on New Year's eve the Dutch made prize of all, Capt. Griggs having a narrow escape. The English expected Prince Rupert, and the Dutch John Vincampius. Sailed on 25 Jan. 1665 for Cape Coast, but went to leeward to Moree, where they took in soldiers to help against Cormantin, and next morning De Ruyter, thinking with 700 men and 1,000 negroes from De Mine to have landed, was repulsed by John Cabessa, a negro. Anamabo was blown up, and the Dutch took down the Royal Company's colours. The Dutch making agreement with the Fantees, giving them, as it was said, 50,000 pieces of eight, marched with 10,000 men to Cormantin, and went with three ships to batter the castle. John Cabessa and his men made good his retreat into the castle, which did little in its own defence, who when he saw the English hang out a flag of truce, cut off one of his men's heads, and with his own hanger cut his own throat. The English yielded up the castle without any articles, but the Dutch gave quarter, put out the Prince of Orange's colours, and blew up John Cabessa's house. John Cabessa was truer to the English than any of his Majesty's subjects there ; he had formerly preserved the castle from many dangers, and intended to have come and seen his Majesty in England. Great reward was offered to whoever should bring his head to the Dutch, but the blacks buried him at Old Cormantin. On Jan. 30 the De Ruyter hanged out his Majesty's colours, and five of the Royal Company's, and brought the agent Sylvan (? Selwyn) aboard. They hanged the goods they had taken on the rigging, left 80 men with a Governor in the castle, and arrived at De Mine, mustered their men, and found 49 wanting. They pulled the old Victory to pieces, and made a fire-ship of Capt. Thornburgh's ship, but could not corrupt the negroes of Cape Coast. There was in the castle of Cormantin a tried lump of gold in the wall of 105 lb. weight which was brought aboard the De Ruyter. Set sail towards Barbadoes on 17 Feb., and on 19th April espied the island. Next morning the De Ruyter went in first and gave strict charge to every one of the fleet to follow, and gave a brave onset, but our ships there being ready for them, paid them off as well as may be, and in the evening they departed to Martileno, where De Ruyter left his prisoners. Indorsed, An account of De Ruyter's barbarityes in Guinea in 1664. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 55.]