America and West Indies: March 1666

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: March 1666', 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/pp359-369 [accessed 4 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: March 1666', 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 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp359-369.

"America and West Indies: March 1666". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 4 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp359-369.

March 1666

Mar. 1.
Jamaica.
1142. Governor Sir Thos. Modyford to the Duke of Albemarle. Will only add to this Narrative (annexed) that every action gives new encouragement to attempt the Spaniard, finding them in all places very weak and very wealthy. Two or three hundred privateers lately on the coast of Cuba, being denied provisions for money, marched 42 miles into the country, took and fired the town of Santo Spirito, routed a body of 200 horse, carried their prisoners to their ships, and for their ransom had 300 fat beeves sent down. Many of their blacks would not go back, but stay with our men, and are willingly kept for guides. "They are since closed with the other part of the fleet bound for Curaoa." All this was done without order from hence, under colour of Portugal commissions, under which if not reduced they will prey upon the Spaniards, and in time be totally alienated from this place, which we must prevent or perish, and no expedient but commissions against the Spaniard can do it. Annexed,
1142. I. Examinations of Captains John Morris, Jackman, and Morgan taken before Sir Thos. Modyford, Governor of Jamaica, 20 Sept. 1665, concerning an expedition against the Spaniards in the Bay of Mexico, composed into a Narrative and addressed to the Duke of Albemarle. Having been out 22 months and hearing nothing of the cessation betwixt the King and the Spaniard, they sailed in January last according to their commission from Lord Windsor to prey upon that nation, up the river Tabasco, in the Bay of Mexico, and guided by Indians marched with 107 men, 300 miles to avoid discovery to Vildemos, which they took and plundered, capturing 300 prisoners ; but on returning to the mouth of the river they found that their ships had been taken by the Spaniards, who soon after attacked them with ships and 300 men. Account of the fight in which the Spaniards were beaten off without loss of a man. They then fitted up two barques and four canoes, took Rio Garta with 30 men and stormed a breastwork there killing 15 and taking the rest prisoners, crossed the Bay of Honduras, watering at the Isle of Rattan, took the town of Truxillo and a vessel in the road, and came to the Mosquitos, where the Indians are hostile to the Spaniards, and nine of them willingly came with them. They then anchored in Monkey Bay near Nicaragua river, up which they went in canoes, passing three falls, for a distance of 37 leagues, where began the entrance to a fair laguna or lake, judged to be 50 leagues by 30, of sweet water, full of excellent fish with its banks full of brave pasturesand savannahs covered with horses and cattle, where they had as good beef and mutton as any in England. Riding by day under keys and islands and rowing all night, on the fifth night by the advice of their Indian guide, they landed near the city of Gran Granada, marched undiscried into the centre of the city, fired a volley, overturned 18 great guns in the Parada Place, took the sergeant-major's house, wherein were all their arms and ammunition, secured in the Great Church 300 of the best men prisoners, "abundance of which were churchmen," plundered for 16 hours, discharged the prisoners, sunk all the boats, and so came away. This town is twice bigger than Portsmouth with seven churches and a very fair cathedral, besides divers colleges and monasteries, all built of freestone, as also are most of their houses. They have six companies of horse and foot besides Indians and slaves in abundance. Above 1,000 of these Indians joined them in plundering and would have killed the prisoners, especially the churchmen, imagining that the English would keep the place, but finding the English would return home, requested them to come again, and in the meantime have secured themselves in the mountains. A few of them came away and are now in Martin's vessel, who fearing his entertainment, being a Dutchman, has put into Tortugas. At the end of the lagoon they took a vessel of 100 tons, and an island as large as Barbadoes called Lida, with a fine neat town which they plundered. The air here is very cool and wholesome, producing as the inhabitants told them all sorts of European grains, herbs, and fruits in great plenty, that five leagues from the head of the lagoon is a port town on the South Sea called Realleyo, where the King (of Spain) has ships built for trading between Panama and Peru, and that there is a better passage to the lake by Bluefields river to the north-east, and another to the south-east through Costa Rica, almost to Porto Bello, a country inhabited by creolians, mulattos, and Indians, whom the Spaniards dare not trust with arms. The Indians are driven to rebellion by cruelty and there is no reconciling them. They told them also of a city called Legovia, where are many sheep with excellent fine wool. By comparing this relation with maps and histories it appears that this country is in the middle of the Spanish dominions in America, dividing Peru from Mexico, both lying very convenient to infest by sea, but being environed with impassable hills, rocks, and mountains, very difficult if not impossible to be attacked by land. The wealth of the place is such that the first plunder will pay the adventure, being well supplied with commodities and food and free from vermin ; the assistance of the Indian and negro slaves if well handled will be very considerable ; the creolians will not be long obstinate, when they feel the freedom and ease of his Majesty's Government ; 2,000 men some say 500 may easily conquer all this quarter ; the Spaniards in their large dominions being so far asunder they are the easier subdued. This place can be reached in eight or 10 days' sail ; the proper time to attempt is between March and August, the rest being rainy months when the rivers are high and the strength of their streams not to be stemmed. Has represented this matter to his Grace, being convinced that if ever the reason of state at home require any attempt on the Spanish Indies, this is the properest place and most probable to lay a foundation for the conquest of the whole. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 21.]
Mar 1.
Jamaica.
1143. Copy of preceding letter and also the inclosure, which is imperfect, wanting a few lines at the end. Two Papers. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., Nos. 22, 23.]
March 1.
Jamaica.
1144. Governor Sir Thos. Modyford to the Duke of Albemarle. Since the above a letter has arrived from his brother Sir James of June 1 (1665), inclosing one from his Grace, giving the Governor latitude to grant or not to grant commissions against the Spaniards. Receiving advice that the French forces are very much increasing at Tortuga and the south-west of Hispaniola, thought it high time to send a declaration thither, importing his intentions to grant commissions against the Spaniard, which the old privateers assure him will undoubtedly bring back the English and most of the Dutch and French to this port, where they have a better market for their goods. To this end he assembled his Majesty's Council and put the question with the result and reasons here enclosed ; and lest delay might too firmly fix them to the French service, who daily threaten war, has caused the enclosed declaration to be published at Port Royal [wanting], which hath given infinite contentment to the inhabitants here, and copies to be sent to Tortuga. Meantime is framing a new form of commission and instructions for them whereby they will be better commanded by their officers and more strictly obliged to his Majesty's service, and his Government here ; which will be ready against their coming in and the return of the fleet now beating up with about 600 privateers for Curaao. Incloses,
1144. I. The resolutions above referred to of a Council held at St. Jago de la Vega, 22nd February 1666. Cal., see ante, No. 1138.
1144. II. Form of commission from Governor Modyford to Privateers at Jamaica. All prizes to be brought into Port Royal and there to be proceeded against according to law. Dated in the 18th year of Charles II., 1665-6. Together 3 papers. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., Nos. 24, 24 I., II.]
March 1. 1145. Examination of Thos. Hilman, mariner, of Bristol, before Sir John Ernle and Sir John Knight. Was lately taken in the Nathaniel, of Bristol, by a Dutch caper of 30 guns and brought into Rochelle : before being taken, cast overboard the letter to the Governor of Barbadoes from his Majesty. There are at St. Martin's and other places about 12 French men-of-war, five reported to be bound for Madagascar, one of them carrying 56 guns, the rest from 40 to 50 ; they are making levies and preparation for war ; there are 6,000 soldiers in St. Martin's and thereabouts. There are 14 Dutch capers, the greater part carrying from 22 to 34 guns, of which eight are now at sea, and the rest ready to set sail to attend the return of the English ships from Virginia and Barbadoes. 16 English have lately been taken and brought into Rochelle by the Dutch capers, and about 100 seamen, who were at first kept prisoners, but afterwards released, and are in great distress, many entering the service of the King of France to keep themselves from perishing ; the gunners of most of the French ships are Englishmen ; more soldiers are still raising in the island of Scilly. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CL., No. 2, Cal., p. 279.]
[March 2.] 1146. Petition of William Willoughby to the King in Council. Whereas his Majesty has appointed Friday next the 9th inst. for hearing the complaint of Lord Willoughby against Samuel Farmer ; petitioner having very urgent occasions which require his absence at that time, prays his Majesty to appoint some other day. Indorsed, "Recd. 2nd March to be heard this day fortnight." p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 25.]
March 8.
Jamaica.
1147. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. Has received his Majety's letters of 16th Nov. [see ante, No. 1082], and communicated the latter part touching the reducement of Statia and Sabia, to several who had been active in that service ; whom he found so inflamed with those princely expressions that they will never think any service too hazardous that his Majesty shall expect from them. Acknowledges himself overpaid by his Majesty's gracious acceptance of his endeavours. Will observe his Majesty's orders touching the merchants that sail hence, hoping they may meet the convoy ; but as to going in fleets, it will be rare from hence, for if a single ship be ready once in three months, it is as much as usual. Our privateers have chosen Capt. Edward Mansfield their Admiral, and in the middle of January sailed from the South Keys of Cuba for Curaao, under the Governor's commission ; having meantime, without his order, taken Sto Spirito, because the Spaniards would not sell them victuals. They are wasted much in numbers, many being gone to the French, where Portugal commissions are of force against the Spaniard ; so that was fain to send one Capt. Beeston, a good discreet person, to confirm them in their loyalty, and since has received a letter signed by all their officers, professing much zeal to his Majesty's service, and a firm resolution to attack Curaao. Supposes he has heard of the taking of Tobago from the Dutch by two captains of this island, Searles and Stedman. Has at large written the Duke of Albemarle what he has been necessitated to do touching reducing the remaining privateers hither again, to whom his Lordship was pleased to refer him for orders. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 26.]
March 8.
Jamaica.
1148. Governor Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. Copy of the preceding annexed to his letter of 16th Nov. 1665. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 127.]
March 15. 1149. Josiah Child to Navy Commissioners. In pursuance of contract for New England masts, has freighted the Lady, Edm. Harrison master, to sail for Piscataqua and return thence with masts for his Majesty's service ; begs protection for the ship, master, and 16 mariners, and privilege for the ship's wearing the King's Jack, as hath been customary for others on the like employment. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLI., No. 24, Cal., p. 301.]
March 16.
Whitehall.
1150. (Sec. Lord Arlington) to Sir Thos. Modyford, Governor of Jamaica. Sir Thos. is not unacquainted with the great injustice which the Spaniard Don Juan de Ximenes de Bohorques has suffered in the taking of his ship the Sto. Christo by the captain and others of the Hopeful Adventure of Jamaica, with circumstances of inhumanity scarcely credible from Englishmen, and to the great scandal of the nation. At which, and the shuffling delays used in making reparation, his Majesty is infinitely offended, and requires him to examine the allegations of Bohorques' petition, of which copy is sent, and if true to use his utmost endeavours in procuring the ships and goods to be forthwith restored ; and if not successful to the petitioner's satisfaction, to return his opinion on the whole business to his Majesty and the Board ; in which the Lords will be very severe for the ill fame such notorious oppressions bring upon his Majesty's Government, and that good correspondence his Majesty has so much given him in charge to maintain with his Catholic Majesty's subjects. In case a full and speedy reparation be not made, his Majesty is resolved to give a very effectual one. Draft with corrections in Williamson's hand. Incloses,
1150. I. Complaint of Don Juan Ximenes de Bohorques, cavalier of the order of Callatrava, a Spanish subject, against the executors of Sir Martin Noel. In September 1664 his ship, the Santo Christo of Burgos, serving as "Patach" to the galleons bound for Spain, parted company in a hurricane, and was captured by a privateer and carried to Jamaica. But before the capture Don Juan had consigned his goods to an English merchant, Lytcott, who was on board, nominally for the account of Sir Noel ; and the Governor, Sir Thos. Modyford, having sent them to England to Sir Noel, his executors refuse to give them up.
1150. II. The King's order of reference on petition of Don Juan Ximenes de Bohorques concerning the capture of his ship Santo Christo by Capt. William Maurice, of the Hopeful Adventure. Directing Sec. Lord Arlington to write to Sir Thos. Modyford, requiring him to examine the allegations of the petition, and which if he find true to use his utmost endeavours to procure restitution thereof, and if not successful to report upon the whole business to the Privy Council. Oxford, 1665, Nov. 10. Together 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., Nos. 27, 27 I., II.]
[March 16.] 1151. Samuel Farmer's answer to Lord Willoughby's accusation, read by himself in Council, 16 March 1666 [see Lord Willoughby's letter to the Privy Council, dated 5 July 1665, ante, No. 1018.] Is accused of being an enemy to regal government, a seditious opposer of his Majesty's authority, and a stirrer up of rebellion ; but will endeavour to show that he has on all occasions with great hazard of life and fortune been a bold asserter of his Majesty's rights. Was for this cause charged by the rebels with high treason, imprisoned, and had undoubtedly suffered death had not the Parliament authority at that instant determined by the usurpation of Cromwell. When the island was subdued by the Parliament forces under Sir George Ayscue, Farmer was dismissed the Assembly, and made incapable of holding public employment. His endeavours to deliver Bristol to Prince Rupert miscarried, and Yeamans and Bowcher were hanged. Lord Willoughby, 16 years since, was received as Governor on consenting to proclaim his Majesty, and passed an Act to maintain himself against any power whatsoever, without reservation of allegiance to his Majesty. Farmer felt bound to acquaint Lord Willoughby with the evil consequences that might follow, but the Governor was very angry and would not forbear publishing said Act. On arriving in Barbadoes in 1663 the Governor promised Farmer (then Speaker of the Assembly) any favour he could show him, and desired him to persuade the Assembly, for a confirmation of their estates, to raise an imposition of 10 per cent. on commodities exported, but Farmer replied it was as much as the clear profits of the whole island, and he supposed the Assembly would give about half, after which the Governor never showed him the least respect. By the Act giving 4 per cent. to his Majesty for ever Farmer pays 200l. per annum. The Assembly then offered Lord Willoughby 300,000 lbs. sugar yearly out of an excise on foreign liquors, but the Governor refused to confirm the Act, the reason being that the Governor received the sugar, yet never published the Act. The Assembly was then dissolved and no other called for two years ; during which time divers were imprisoned without any proof to this day against them ; others were disseised of houses and lands and exiled without any process of law, or the concurrence of the Council or Assembly, and the Assembly were obliged to petition against an Ordinance which subverted a statute law establishing the Courts. Their reasons for doing so. Farmer does not conceive it an offence to petition against the subversion of their laws, but he never excited others to set their hands to said petition, nor has it anything of sedition in it. It was never his intention to bring his Majesty's Government into reproach, nor yet the Governor, nor did he ride to and fro before the election to the ends alleged, but he knows no offence in telling people what person he thought fit to be elected, such being the usual practice in England. Has been chosen Speaker in other Assemblies, not above three voices being given for any other. Touching the supply demanded for fortifications, the Assembly could not forget that they had given his Majesty 4 per cent. on condition that he would provide for the fortifications and all other public disbursements whatsoever, and they knew that out of 20,000l. received by Lord Willoughby, the Governor had not disbursed anything worth naming for that purpose, or that his Majesty had had one penny of it. Their great guns and powder were sent by Lord Willoughby to Surinam, Sta. Lucia, and other places, so that when De Ruyter came, all their ships had been taken if their own industry and a scant wind had not miraculously preserved them. Under other Governors they were never one month without an Assembly, but had now been near two years without meeting, so felt it their duty to present their petition [see ante, No. 1018, inclosure I.], when they were immediately dissolved. Being a churchwarden of St. Thomas', he was desired by the vestry to inform them why the Assembly was dissolved ; he showed them a copy of the aforesaid petition, and persuaded them that Lord Willoughby would doubtless avoid such miscarriages in future, so that they departed contentedly away ; but not one word was spoken that could be wrested to the sense of raising a mutiny. The Governor immediately published a Declaration, that whoever should enter any plea against the Courts by him erected, or procure hands to any petitions for alteration of anything by him settled, should be judged an enemy to the public peace. He also proclaimed articles of war to the great amazement and terror of the inhabitants, which drove many persons of most eminency in that island to prepare for a speedy removal. Meantime it was determined to send Farmer to let his Majesty know the condition of his distressed subjects. Knows not whether the Governor knew of his intentions, but the next day, on Sunday, he was seized by a warrant from the Governor with three others of the Assembly ; but finding no witnesses against them, the Council ordered their discharge, whereupon two were released, and the other two might have been if they would have entered into recognizances of 2,000l. to appear at the next sessions, meantime to act nothing against the present Government ; to this latter they refused, for should his Majesty command any alteration in the Government their recognizances might be forfeited. Was then hurried by a guard of soldiers aboard the Governor's own ship without being allowed to make any provision for the voyage ; and was constrained to lie for seven weeks in the open air on the quarter deck, the very seamen wondering that he could survive it. Thus he was banished from wife, children, and estate, without any process at law, or crime meriting the same, and also against the order of the Governor and Council. On the ship touching at the Isle of Wight, he attended twelve days at Salisbury his Majesty's return from Lord Ashley's, and was committed to the custody of a sergeant-at-arms, who demands 60l. fees. These, with other disbursements, lie very heavy upon him here, where he has no means of supply ; besides the unimaginable damage he sustains in the neglect of his plantations during his absence. Indorsed, "Mr. Farmer's answer to the Lord Willoughby's accusation. Read by himself in Council, subscribed and delivered, March 16th, 1665(-6)." 4 pp. closely written. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 28.]
1152. The case of Samuel Farmer, late Speaker of the Assembly of Barbadoes, against Governor Lord Willoughby. This is a printed summary of his case read at the Council March 16, 1666, with a few particulars added. Lieut.-Col. Robert Sanford is the name of the person banished by Lord Willoughby, who is accused of choosing his own creatures for Judges of the new Courts, and allowing them arbitrarily to condemn the inhabitants in great sums, utterly denying them any legal trial by their peers. That the Gov. made an Ordinance whereby he seized the goods of the inhabitants, and converted them to his own use. After being in custody of the serjeant-at-arms, Farmer was committed to the common gaol amongst felons at Oxford. for six weeks. He so acquitted himself in his defence at the Council Board that Lord Willoughby's brother and counsel had nothing to reply, whereupon Farmer was ordered to give security in 2,000l. to attend his Majesty in Council when summoned, not to depart the kingdom without licence, and to discharge the fees to the sergeant. It is now full 17 months since he has been imprisoned and under bail not to return to wife, family, and estate, only for discharging his duty as Speaker. Prays for discharge of his bonds, and reparation if innocent or condemnation if guilty. "The Lord Willoughby (now lately) disobliges the inhabitants of Barbadoes ; telling them they have lost their freedoms and liberties as Englishmen, and obstructs them in making their addresses to his Majesty for relief ; thereby driving them (if it were possible) into rebellion. He doth the like at Surinam ; where his own Council (joining with the Assembly) have sent him 19 of their grievances ; signifying unto him that they will quit the colony "if he speedily relieve them not." Printed, 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 29.]
[March 20.] 1153. Proposals of some Planters of interest in his Majesty's Plantations in America, under five heads. That his Majesty's subjects of St. Christopher's are in great danger, by reason the French are possessed of one half thereof, and will doubtless beat off the English, if they are not so served themselves. That the islands of Nevis, Antigua, and Montserrat are in the like danger. It is offered that a course be speedily taken for supplanting the French. That orders be given for raising volunteers in Barbadoes, Nevis, &c. And that for encouragement herein security be given for the payment of 50,000l. sterling for reducing St. Kitts, the undertakers to have the enemy's land and stock to themselves, whereof a considerable part to be freely given to the soldiers. Indorsed, 20th March 1665-6. "Propositions for St. Christopher's, &c., per Captain March." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 30.]
[March 20.] 1154. Similar proposals under 10 heads. That for effecting same order be taken for raising 600 foot at least at Montserrat, 1,000 from Nevis, and that the Governor of St. Christopher's and all bearing arms there assist therein. That four or five men-of-war and some merchantmen be appointed for transporting these men, and that Commissioners be appointed to manage the whole affair, and one of them be Commander-in-Chief, and afterwards Governor for three years. That the commanders of ships observe the orders of said Commissioners for four months after their arrival at Barbadoes ; and that 1,400 firelocks, 600 pikes, and 100 barrels of powder, with shot, be sent hence. Indorsed, 20th March 1665-6, with an abstract. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 31.]
[March 20.] 1155. Copy of the preceding proposals. Indorsed by Williamson, St. Christopher's. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 32.]
March? 1156. Proposals for an agreement between his Majesty and G[eorge] M[arsh] for the reduction of St. Christopher's. 1. That command be given to Lord Willoughby to raise or permit G. M. and (left blank) to raise 1,000 men in Barbadoes, 600 in Montserrat, 300 in Antigua, and 1,000 in Nevis, and all bearing arms in St. Christopher's ; and to press ships for conveying the soldiers to St. Christopher's, which ships as well as his Majesty's ships now going thither, shall observe the orders of G. M. and for four months. 2. That commission be given to G. M. to command said forces for reducing that part of St. Christopher's now in possession of the French, and to be Governor for three years certain. 3. That commission issue to said G. M. and to make sale of all the lands, negroes, and chattels to his Majesty's use. 4. That articles be drawn by which his Majesty sells said lands, &c. to said G. M. and ; in consideration whereof they shall ship to the value of 50,000l. to England to his Majesty's use, within 12 months after reducing said island. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 33.]
March? 1157. Memorandum by Joseph Williamson concerning an agreement between the Duke of Albemarle, Lieut.-Gen. of his Majesty's forces, and Sec. Lord Arlington [struck through and "the parties to these presents" substituted] for the reduction of that part of St. Christopher's now in possession of the French to his Majesty's obedience. Draft with corrections. Indorsed, Articles upon the subdueing of St. Christopher's. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 34.]
March? 1158. Memorandum by Joseph Williamson, being the draft with corrections of an agreement between his Majesty and George Marsh for the reduction of the French part of St. Christopher's. With secret article for payment to the King of 50,000l. sterling out of the lands, negroes, and stock taken from the French, to be paid by G. M. within twelve months after reduction of said island ; also for a Commission of Governor of same to G. M. for three years, and letter to Gov. Lord Willoughby to permit 1,000 men to be raised in Barbadoes. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 35.]
March. 1159. Articles of agreement made [sic.] day of March, 18 Car. II. [1665-6], between the Duke of Albemarle, Lieut.-General of his Majesty's forces, and Sec. Lord Arlington, on behalf of his Majesty, and George Marsh, Squire of the Body to his said Majesty, in accordance with the proposals of G. M. for the reduction of the French part of St. Christopher's, Calendared, ante, No. 1156. Draft with corrections in Williamson's handwriting. Indorsed, Articles Lieut.-General Lord Arlington and Mr. Marsh. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 36.]
March. 1160. Fair copy of preceding. Also of Joseph Williamson's mem. concerning the same [No. 1157], who has written in margin, "Never concluded." 6 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 37.]
March 24.
[Barbadoes.]
1161. An Act for the raising a present sum of goods for the needful public use of this island (Barbadoes). Read and passed this 24th March 1665-6. Ordered by the Governor and Council to be laid aside, and not to be passed, April 14, 1666. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 38.]
1666. 1162. Mem. in the handwriting of Joseph Williamson that Tobago is an island belonging to the Dutch, and was taken from them 1665-6 by Captains Searle and Stedman, set out from Jamaica by virtue of a general commission against the French and Dutch. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCII., p. 341.]
1666? 1163. Mem. by Williamson that the isle of Providence is situate near the main of America off the kingdom of Veraguas, almost in the direct way between Porto Bello and the Havannah in the isle of Cuba. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCII., p. 343.]
March 28. 1164. Petition of the Royal African Company to the King. Have resolved, in order to the preservation of the trade of the Gold Coast, to send thither present supply of men, ammunition, and merchandise, notwithstanding their great losses. Can set out but two ships of their own and two more licensed, to go as an united force offensive and defensive to preserve what is now in their possession, and also to attempt any forts or factories taken from them by the Dutch. This force not being sufficient for the design, pray that they may have the Golden Lion, as formerly, to be the admiral of their fleet. [Dom. Chas. II., Vol. CLII., No. 34, Cal., p. 320.]