America and West Indies: January 1667

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: January 1667', 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/pp437-444 [accessed 15 October 2024].

'America and West Indies: January 1667', 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 October 15, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp437-444.

"America and West Indies: January 1667". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 15 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp437-444.

January 1667

1667. Jan. 1.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1371. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Ordered that Col. Theodore Cary be his Majesty's Advocate-General of this island. That the several companies and regiments named exercise on the days herein stated, and that certain guards be kept. Articles and military laws by Governor Sir Thos. Modyford for the better ordering and governing his Majesty's forces belonging to Jamaica. 11 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXXIV., pp. 155-166.]
Jan. 3.
Westminster.
1372. Commission appointing William Lord Willoughby Governor of the Caribbee Islands for three years. Whereas his Majesty has been informed that Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, Governor in Chief of the Caribbee Islands, is lately deceased, but cannot yet be certainly advertised thereof, and being desirous to provide for the government and defence of said islands in case the same be void, his Majesty hereby appoints William Willoughby, brother of said Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, Captain-General and Governor in Chief over said islands (in the same terms mutatis mutandis as Francis Lord Willoughby's Commission (see ante, No. 478), for three years from Christmas last ; provided that if the said Francis Lord Willoughby be living, then these presents to be utterly void. [Patent Roll, 18 Chas. II., Part 4.]
Jan. 3.
Westminster.
1373. Two copies of the preceding. [Col. Entry Bks., No. V., pp. 51-64, and No. XCII., pp. 350-373.]
Jan.? 1374. The King to the Deputy Governor and Council (of Barbadoes). They cannot but believe how sensibly his Majesty was affected with the disappointment it pleased God to give to the late design of Lord Willoughby upon the Leeward Islands, and having too much cause to fear the miscarriage of Lord Willoughby's person in that accident, his Majesty has thought fit to make choice of William now Lord Willoughby to succeed his brother in the Government, a person of whose singular worth, conduct, and loyalty his Majesty has had long experience. Doubts not they will receive him with that duty and affection which his worth and his Majesty's care in this point deserve, and assures them of his very particular favour and protection. Draft with corrections in the handwriting of Joseph Williamson. Indorsed, "Dep. Gov. and Council." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 1.]
Jan.? 1375. The King to the Council of Barbadoes. Has lately received their letter praying his Majesty's assistance for their preservation. Has always had a principal consideration of Barbadoes and her industrious inhabitants, and has with the greater grief received intelligence of the unhappy disappointment of the hopeful and generous expedition, wherein his Majesty has reason to fear Lord Willoughby and many good subjects have perished by storms. Has provided for the future preservation of Barbadoes and neighbouring Plantations by sending ships of war with powder, firelocks, and great guns, and supplying the great loss of Lord Willoughby by his brother, whose fair reputation and general esteem is such, that with one voice on the Exchange he was wished for his brother's successor, by the joint petition of the planters, merchants, and masters of ships trading to the Caribbees. Has the less reason therefore to require them to an universal obedience, with all possible union, to a Governor of so approved a conversation. Draft. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 2.]
Jan. 5. 1376. Sir John Colleton to Ambrose Mudd, merchant of Dartmouth. Asked the Duke of York for a pass and protection for Mudd's ship, and he promised its despatch in Council ; but the only petition that could be found was one for removal of guns, fortifying a place, and supply of arms and powder. Could have sent a pass and protection this post ; if that be all Mudd desires he must send a petition for it, and it may be obtained next Council day. But if the other things are desired, reasons must be given, for the Lord General says this business has been before the Council already, and complaints have been made concerning the planters in Newfoundland, who pull down the ships' stages, steal their boats, and do other mischiefs. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXVIII., No. 28, Cal., p. 440.]
Jan. 5. 1377. The King's license for the Leyonberg of Stockholm of 200 tons (now in France), C. Guldenaer, master, to trade to the West Indies. 1 pp. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XIV., pp. 112, 113.]
Jan. 7.
Fort James.
1378. Col. Nicolls to the Commissioners at Albany. Their letters of 6-16 Nov. and 14-24 Dec., with propositions from and answers to the Maquaes, and their resolution, all received ; wherein he finds good cause to return thanks for their care of his Majesty's and their own true interest in these times of difficulty with the ambitious French. Has prepared the English in the north to their succour in case the French disturb them ; the soldiers at the Sopes are ready, and has written to the Schout and Schepens there to be ready with as many as they can spare of the burgers, knowing how impossible it is to send any from hence in the winter. Hopes the French are not only weary of their two fruitless voyages, but that most of their soldiers are commanded away with the Viceroy into the West Indies. All letters received from Albany this winter with much satisfaction, in regard no complaints are made one of another, which is very agreeable to his disposition. Same to [Arendt van Curler]. His account of the affairs under his care received. Perceives his instructions are observed, and hopes by that unanimous resolution taken the French will be discouraged from attempting to disturb them, and the Maquaes for ever obliged for protection in their necessity. Would gladly hear of the demolishing of that fort mentioned in his. "You have not forgot your promise to perfect the cart of the Lake with the French forts, and how it borders upon the Maquaes River." Is so abundantly satisfied with his care and conduct in these troubles, that he will only desire him to continue in well doing. Fort James, 1667, Jan. 7. Same to Schout Swart. The messenger made no great haste with his letter ; hopes he will have no extraordinary occasion to send another before the river opens. That not one complaint is made is welcome tidings, and shows that every man walks in his own station. Returns to him and all the officers particular thanks for the care taken in their defence ; on his part nothing shall be wanting to preserve peace and promote their welfare. Fort James, January 5th. Indorsed, Mr. Ryven, be pleased to translate these three letters into Dutch as soon as you can conveniently. Printed in New York Documents, III., 144, 145. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 3.]
[Jan. 11.
Fort James.]
1379. Col. Nicolls to the Captain and Commissaries at Albany. His answer to theirs of 14/24 Dec. was gone before theirs of the 29th of Dec. arrived, in which they referred him to the relation of Smits Jan concerning the French, but it seems he came no further than the Sopes, but sent the letters by another Indian, the bearer of this, so that Nicolls much wants his information as to the terms the French propose to the Maquaes, and the probability of a treaty of peace. To the three points in their letter will briefly say : 1st. They will do well to counsel the Maquaes that one article may oblige the French to demolish all their new advanced forts upon the Lake, so they may not live in jealousy of the French, interrupt hunting, or bring armed men into the Plantations without notice. 2ndly. He cannot imagine that the Maquaes will insist on settling near Albany if this treaty goes forward, for their own country is much more commodious for them, and less prejudicial to Albany ; they will know best how to sweeten any denial. 3rd. It is fit that his own and their former letters to the Viceroy be sent by Smits Jan ; but let them consider well the advantage which may befal their trade if they can counsel the Maquaes to make peace in the words they shall direct, without openly appearing to be for the present concerned in it. If such proposals be refused by the French, they will soon discover their designs to engross the whole beaver trade, for the advancing of so many forts shows that every place or nation is the object of their ambition, as much as the Maquaes are now of their revenge. Therefore it is wisdom to keep the treaty on foot, and to oblige Smits Jan, who is reported to love best English and Dutch, to give them notice of the French proposals or designs which may shorten their interest. Sees no present reason to recall his former directions, but concludes with thanks for their care and circumspection, and resolutions of defending his Majesty's interest and their own against the common enemy. They shall neither want any possible assistance nor his prayers for their prosperity. To send speedy notice to Capt. Pinchen, when they have any truth of the French march towards them. Printed in New York Documents, III., 146. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 4.]
Jan. 11.
Fort James.
1380. Col. Nicolls to M. [Arendt Van] Curler. Has received his of 29 Dec., but not by the hands of Smits Jan, who stayed in Esopus, so that Nicolls is disappointed of all intelligence. Desires he will take in writing from Smits Jan's mouth what is worth the writing and send to Nicolls. Guesses the French will not trouble them this winter. Smits Jan must carry letters to the Viceroy of Canada. Sends back all the French letters ; for his own part he understands well Banchot's meaning, which is to let him know how little goodwill M. de Tracy has for the Dutch, and that when time serves he will make use of those pretences for engrossing the beaver trade by destroying and interrupting theirs at Albany. In return for his news, Curler may send these two copies ; one relates to the fight in June, the other to the enterprise of Schelling Island after the defeat of the Dutch fleet on the 25th August. Probably M. Banchot knows not that war is lately begun between France and Spain. Hopes affairs will permit Curler to visit these parts in the spring, which he has not done since Nicolls came into the country. MM. Le Rolle and De Ville have written M. Fountaine to return to Canada, who hath kept his Christmas with Capt. Carteret in New Jersey, and it would be impossible for him to march to Canada through the snow a foot. All the French soldiers but one gone to Boston to seek a passage thence by the help of the Alinconquins. Printed in New York Documents, III., 147. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 4, p. 2.]
Jan. 11.
Fort James.
1381. Col. Nicolls to Capt. John Baker. His of the 20th Dec. brought by an Indian who calls himself Mr. Thomas. Has sent his best advice in a letter of this date to the Captain and Commissaries, but must refer the management of affairs to their discretion. The relation Baker made him is sent to Mr. Winthrop and Capt. Pinchen. Gathers they have not much to fear from the French this winter, yet their forts are too near neighbours, and can pour forth men before the English are aware, if they be not always watchful. His advice to the Maquaes is that they make a good peace or none with the French, such as may bring beaver to Albany and leave them without fear or jealousy of the French. One point will be necessary, that the Maquaes declare to the French that the King of England is the Great King of all their country and parts adjacent, and that they will keep peace with the French if they will demolish their forts and bring no more troops of soldiers into the King of England's country or their Plantations. To this purpose he may instruct not only Smits Jan but the Maquaes Sagamores, showing that it is their interest to make honourable mention of the King of England, what numbers of English there are round about, how considerable a force from the adjacent colonies can come to Albany in three or four days, and with what friendship the English, Dutch, and Maquaes live together. Some Dutch here are persuaded that Smits Jan is turned Frenchman, but he has drawn too much blood from the French to think they have good intentions for him. Have no late news, being shut up with a hard winter. A friend writes from Quebec to M. La Fountaine, that the Viceroy intended to relieve him at any hazard, on which he would have written more if he thought the letter would pass directly to M. Fountaine's hand ; and further, that they had found an easy and admirable means to transport their men on all occasions. Therefore it is necessary to inquire of Smits Jan what new passage or inventions they have found. Printed in New York Documents. III., 148. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 4, pp. 3, 4.]
Jan. 11. 1382. License to John Champante, merchant, to transport 100 nags or geldings, not exceeding 10l. apiece, to Barbadoes, to be employed in the sugar works there on paying the usual duties and customs. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XIV., p. 116.]
Jan. 14.
Jamaica.
1383. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to the Duke of Albemarle. Since his letter of 21 Aug. last our privateers have had several encounters with the French, and made these seas too hot for them, so that none of that nation but what serve his Majesty are to leeward of Cape Tiburon, where we have three privateers to fight with any supplies which may come from St. Christopher's, which they expect and much brag of. Divers of the French Protestant buccaneers are come down, and more hourly expected. Was very solicitous to supplant the rest, and assembled his Majesty's Council, whose unanimous results are in the enclosed, which he held so prudent as to consent to it, "duly considering how small a loss may put us to a sad after game." And therefore, being in no wise able to assist their countrymen in the Windward Isles, and everyday bringing down some of those poor people, ruined by the French, who much magnify their present force, as also what great supplies they expect from France, it was unanimously concluded to put this island in a military posture of defence, silence the common law courts, and not by any foreign design to weaken themselves while their enemies are in so flourishing a condition. Doubts not his Grace will have an eye on the French motions, that we may not be overpowered by the forces of Europe. Some prisoners escaped from Porto Bello who have just arrived say that the Spaniards having notice how weak our party was at Providence, being but 48, pressed the English ship Concord, Capt. Wasy, and with other vessels manned with 600 men, in three days recovered that island, and make our men slave it at their forts, which is their constant usage to us when we fall into their hands, while we use them more like friends than enemies. Incloses, Minutes of a Council of War held at St. Jago-de-la-Vega, 19 Dec. 1666, Cal., see ante, No. 1357. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., Nos. 5, 5 I.]
Jan. 16.
Jamaica.
1384. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. Sends copy of his letter of 21 August last [see ante, No. 1264], together with his answers to the late Orders of Council in favour of two Spanish subjects. Indorsed, Rec. 30 April 1667, answered 4 Feb. 1666-7 ; this last date refers to Modyford's letter of 21 Aug. 1666. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 6.]
[Jan. 16.] 1385. Petition of Averina, relict of Robert Bannatine, and her son Hyllyard, an infant, to the King. Being lawfully possessed of a plantation in Barbadoes called Locust Hall, together with negroes, cattle, and stock worth more than 20,000l., petitioner was in Sept. 1663 most illegally dispossessed by a warrant of Lord Willoughby, who for 2,400l. sold the same to one [Edward] Pye. Prays his Majesty to take order for petitioner's re-establishment until she be evicted at law. Indorsed, "Recd. Jan. 16, read Jan. 23, 1667, to be heard the 29th." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 7.]
Jan. 19.
San Sebastian.
1386. Valentin Morgan to Sec. Lord Arlington. Requests a pass for a ship of his own of 150 tons named the Charity of Dublin, to go hence manned with 14 Spaniards for New England with a cargo of salt, brandy, pitch, wine, sail canvas, cordage, and other goods, to return hither with fish. It will be a great relief to his friends in these distracted times and to himself no small help during the war. [Extract from Correspondence Spain.]
Jan. 23. 1387. Report from the Committee of Plantations concerning the dispute between Lord Willoughby and his agent and the planters of the Leeward Isles. Mr. Champante being heard could make no proof at all, that before the late Lord Willoughby's time any Governor of Barbadoes had ever any authority over the Leeward Isles ; on the contrary, it was by the planters made out, that Sir Thos. Warner was first from the King, and afterwards from the Earl of Carlisle, Lieut.-General of all the Leeward Isles. Which is to be made out again, for their Lordships make difficulty to report thus much to his Majesty without another hearing. "Thanks come from the Govr. of Nevis." "Esqr. Marsh hath the letter." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 8.]
Jan. 23. 1388. Order of the Committee of Plantations. Lord Willoughby proposing to have for the safety of the Caribbee Islands 1,000 carbines, 500 cases of pistols, 3,000 firelocks, 500 barrels of powder, and 60 great guns ; and it appearing that he had lately 200 barrels of powder, 2,000 firelocks, and 1,000 pikes, the Committee thought fit his Majesty should be moved to grant further, 20 iron guns and 800 hand grenades. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 9.]
Jan. 26.
Whitehall.
1389. The Duke of York's Commission, constituting Wm. Lord Willoughby Vice-Admiral of Barbadoes and the rest of the Caribbee Islands, with authority to exercise all the powers, and enjoy all the privileges, fees, &c. of his Majesty's principal Court of Admiralty at Barbadoes, provided he send a yearly account of what he has done, collected, and received by virtue of these presents. Latin, 11 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. V., pp. 88, 89.]
Jan. 26.
Bristol.
1390. John Fitzherbert to Williamson. Yesterday arrived the John Pink, a small Bristol ship, from Barbadoes ; she is an excellent sailer, and came thence in six weeks ; she left in company of 22 more, but parted with them in a storm. They report that the French had taken Antigua ; they came with English colours, landed without opposition, and surprised the fort and Governor. The islanders got together and beat them back, but they have not quitted the whole island ; they had 18 ships and landed 1,500 men. Barbadoes is in excellent condition, 3,000 foot and 1,600 horse ready in arms, and 20,000 more upon any occasion. Five of the ships escaped the hurricane that Lord Willoughby miscarried in. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXIX., No. 70, Cal., p. 472.]
Jan. 27.
Plymouth.
1391. Sir John Skelton to Williamson. Yesterday arrived the Ostrich, of London, which came from Barbadoes in company of 20 sail of merchantmen belonging to London, Bristol, Topsham, and this place, with whom she parted 300 leagues off in a storm. She gives relation that Antigua is taken by the French, and that it was reported there that Montserrat was also taken. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXIX., No. 81, Cal., p. 473.]
Jan. 27. 1392. D. Grosse to Williamson. On the 25th a ship arrived in 30 days from Virginia, and reports that colony full of tobacco and in a very prosperous condition. Yesterday arrived a ship from Barbadoes bringing the sad news of Antigua and Montserrat wholly reduced by the French ; it is feared Nevis will follow. This ship came out in company with 20 more, from whom she was separated by storm ; hope all the rest are passed up Channel. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXIX., No. 82, Cal., p. 473.]
Jan. 28.
West Cowes.
1393. John Lysle to Williamson. A vessel has arrived at Southampton from Malaga laden with wines and fruit. Last night arrived at Cowes the John and Mary of London from Barbadoes, laden with sugar and indigo, who came without meeting any enemy with about 20 sail, but by storms they lost each other. No news as yet of Lord Willoughby's safety, but there is great fear that the French and Dutch will invade those parts ; Montserrat and Nevis are like to be starved for want of provisions ; Antigua and the five islands are partly taken, and the Governor prisoner to the French ; good store of sugars at Barbadoes, and cotton which cannot be shipped for want of shipping. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXIX., No. 94, Cal., p. 475.]
Jan. 28.
Weymouth.
1394. J. Pocock to Same. The Adventure has brought into Portland Road three of the Barbadoes' fleet ; they left the place in very good condition seven weeks since, 22 sail, but were scattered. The Leeward Isles are in great danger, Antigua being partly taken. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXIX., No. 95, Cal., p. 475.]
Jan. 30.
Deal.
1395. Ri. Watts to Williamson. The whole fleet of merchant ships in the Downs outward bound, sailed yesterday, except those bound to Barbadoes, which have an embargo upon them till Lord Willoughby come down, who is expected to-night. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXIX., No. 116, Cal., p. 478.]
Jan. ? 1396. Note of what is convenient to be done for the dispatch of Sir Tobias Bridges to Barbadoes. That a commission be drawn for him to have the command of the forces, and to take care of the fortifications and magazines in that island, and that a letter be written to the Governor, Council, and Assembly to appoint Sir T. Bridges one of the Council there. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 10.]
Jan. ? 1397. Commission appointing Sir Tobias Bridges commander of the forces within the island of Barbadoes, with directions to obey the orders of Governor Lord Willoughby. Draft with corrections by Williamson. 2 pp. [Col. Papers., Vol. XXI., No. 11.]
Jan. ? 1398. The King to the Governor of Barbadoes. By a Commission bearing date with these presents, Sir Tobias Bridges is appointed Commander of all the King's forces within that island. Lord Willoughby is therefore directed to admit him of the Council, and to give him assistance in all things. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 12.]