America and West Indies: February 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: February 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/pp444-451 [accessed 4 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: February 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 December 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp444-451.

"America and West Indies: February 1667". 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/pp444-451.

February 1667

Feb. 1.
Plymouth.
1399. John Clarke to James Hickes. Yesterday and this morning 40 or 50 merchant ships bound southward put in here under convoy of the Mary Rose frigate, in which were embarked 70 or 80 soldiers for Tangiers ; the provision for the garrison will be put aboard the ships designed to take it in in two or three days ; the rest of the men-of-war bound that way are hourly expected, as also Lord Willoughby with the Barbadoes fleet. Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXC., No. 7, Cal., p. 485.]
Feb. 2.
Barbadoes.
1400. Henry Willoughby to Sec. Lord Arlington. It is seven or eight months since that disaster by a hurricane befel their fleet, and four of the ships have not been heard of to this day, one of which was his Majesty's ship Hope, with Lord Willoughby in person, of whose safety they now quite despair of. Has been at the Leeward Isles expecting recruits, but finding none arrive was desired by the Council of Nevis to come hither to effect what was so necessary, and since his arrival has sent them two ships with provisions and other necessaries. About three months since Antigua was attempted by 15 French ships, with not above 700 or 800 men, who by the treachery and cowardice of several inhabitants met little opposition, and (after imposing the oath of allegiance to the French King) plundered them of goods and arms, left them to the mercy of the Indians, contrary to the articles of surrender. This base usage made the people of Nevis and Montserrat more resolute and forward. Has advice that the French have despatched for France 16 or 18 of their biggest ships, and that M. De La Barre is gone with four sail for Cayenne, a new settlement of theirs 50 or 60 leagues to windward of Surinam, of which he has given Lieut.-General Byam advice. If the French have supplies from Europe before the English, these islands will be in great danger, though this island is at present in very good condition. Three or four privateers coasting about have taken two or three vessels ; four (French) men-of-war came within shot of their forts, which he supposes came only to view their forts and harbours. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 13.]
Feb. 2.
Barbadoes.
1401. News from Barbadoes, being an abstract of the preceding letter, also that Eustatia is surrendered to the French and Dutch, and the inhabitants gone to Jamaica, but the enemy were beaten off twice, and forced to go to St. Christopher's for more force. Curaao sent two ships and two shallops to the assistance of the four from St. Christopher's. The Dutch intended to have set up the States' colours in the fort, but the French put up their King's, which has begat a great disturbance, and caused the Dutch to send home a complaint. Long guns wanted at Barbadoes for the forts. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 14.]
Feb. 2. 1402. Order of the King [in Council] on petition of Dame Anne Walrond, desiring his Majesty to recommend a concern of hers to Lord Willoughby, directing that as soon as Walrond's estate is confiscated and in his Majesty's power said bond be satisfied and petitioner reimbursed what is due to her. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XVIII., p. 240.]
Feb. 4.
Whitehall.
1403. Instructions for William Lord Willoughby of Parham. In the margin is written, "Mem. The same instructions were approved in Council on the 13th of June 1663, to the word us in the last Article," see ante, No. 489. 9 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. V., pp. 65-73.]
Feb. 4.
Whitehall.
1404. Another copy of the preceding. 18 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCII., pp. 375-392.]
Feb. 4.
Whitehall.
1405. Draft of the above instructions to Wm. Lord Willoughby, with additions and corrections by under Sec. Williamson, all of which are in the preceding copy. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 15.]
Feb.? 1406. Additions and alterations to be made in Lord Willoughby's instructions, being a fair copy of those made by Williamson in the preceding draft. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 16.]
Feb. 6. 1407. Substance of an Order from the King to the Duke of York. Whereas his Royal Highness has lately sent to the Caribbee Islands five of his Majesty's men-of-war, his Majesty's pleasure is that he forthwith cause to be fitted for that service and sent under an experienced Commander an additional strength of eight men-of-war and further that he cause to be fitted only ships of the third and inferior rates. His Majesty's intention being this summer to manage the war by small squadrons, and not by one entire fleet as formerly, all things to be prepared for annoying his Majesty's enemies in their trade, and to that end his Royal Highness is to consider to what stations the ships may best be disposed. Indorsed, 1667. Notes for Lord Arlington. Orders to his Royal Highness for the model of the summer's war. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 17.]
Feb. 6.
Whitehall.
1408. Copy of the Warrant or Order to the Duke of York above referred to. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIV., p. 35-36.]
Feb. 6. 1409. Receipt by Wm. Acworth and Wm. Sheldon for two New England masts 101 and 100 feet in length and 36 and 38 inches respectively in diameter, received into Woolwich stores by Sir Wm. Warren, sent from Massachusetts as a present to the King. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCI., No. 3, Cal., p. 498.]
Feb. 12.
Virginia.
1410. Thos. Ludwell, Sec. to Sec. Lord Arlington. By reason of the glut of tobacco on their hands they have agreed for a cessation of planting for 1667. Refers to the miserable ruin of London by fire. They have been at 70,000 lbs. of tobacco charge to build a fort at the mouth of James river, and have lost several men in the work and many of the materials by storm, and after all, were forced to quit the work as of impossible management, so great were the difficulties and so insupportable would the charge have been, much of which would be avoided at James Town. The cessation will certainly put the planter upon making more silk, flax, and other staple commodities. They have ordered a fleet of boats and shallops in every river well manned and armed for their protection against any enemy. Indorsed, Recd. 30 Sept. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 18.]
Feb. 13. 1411. The King to [Duke of York?]. Having commanded Capt. William Beeston forthwith to repair to his command on the island of Jamaica, his Majesty requires that said Capt. William Beeston with servants, goods, and necessaries be permitted freely to embark in any of his Majesty's ports on any vessel bound for said island or any of the Caribbees. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XIV. p. 125.]
Feb. 14. 1412. Henry Muddiman to George Powell. News letter There is great cause to fear that the relation of the taking of Antigua, Tobago, and St. Eustache by the French is true, considering their force in those parts and our slenderness to make resistance. Great hopes of a peace. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCI., No. 106, Cal., p. 514.]
Feb. 15. 1413. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Present, Lieut.-General Henry Willoughby, William Willoughby, Henry Hawley, William Kirton, Thomas Wardall, Sir John Yeamans, Samuel Barwicke, Robert Hooper, and Christopher Codrington. A letter and commission read from the King constituting the Government of this and the rest of the Caribbees to be in Henry and William Willoughby, and Cols. Henry Hawley and Samuel Barwicke ; upon which the Councillors present, not named in said commission, declared they believed themselves discharged as Councillors by virtue of said commission and withdrew. Copy of said commission [see ante, No. 1344]. Edward Bowden chosen chief secretary ; his oath and declaration to be published to continue all officers, civil and military, in their offices till further order. The members of the former Council were then chosen, also Philip Bell. The oath administered to them. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No XI., pp. 91-94.]
Feb, 16. 1414. The King to the Farmers of the Customs. Being informed that a tally was stricken upon them for 1,250l., payable to Sir Thos. Modyford, Governor of Jamaica, or his assigns, and that same ought to have been paid in November last, his Majesty hereby requires them forthwith to pay the same to Sir James Modyford, who cannot begin his voyage without that money. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XIV., p. 122.]
Feb. 18. 1415. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Col. William Sharpe taken into the Council. John Reid's commission to be a Sub-Commissioner for prize goods allowed. Writs for a new Assembly to be issued next Sunday, the election to be on the following Tuesday. Copy of the writ. Warrant to Francis Tyrwhitt and Capts. Edward Yeamans and James Walker to impress the Gilded Lion, brought in prize by one of his Majesty's frigates, for service in the Leeward Isles, and with John Reid to make inventory of her arms and ammunition, &c. 3 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., pp. 95-97.]
Feb. 20. 1416. Warrant to Col. Middleton, Commissioner of the Navy at Portsmouth. To deliver to Lord Willoughby for the transportation of soldiers under his command for Barbadoes, 595 hammocks, 2,450 hamacoe nails, nine copper kettles, deals, planks, one flag of 16 breadths, one jack of 10 breadths, one pendant, 700 tenpenny nails, 800 sixpenny nails, four wooden buckets, and one hand lanthorn. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIII., p. 407.]
Feb. 21. 1417. Henry Muddiman to Geo. Powell. News letter. Those of Algiers still continue civil to the English. The adventurers of Jamaica, making a good considerable party, went upon design up the river Darien, and near the city of Guatamala attacked a place called Madagarus, entered the town, and brought away 360,000 pieces of eight, besides other merchandise of value, burning and plundering six or eight towns more. This action, though it may look as some argument of discontent, is no breach of the peace, as being beyond the line, and but the consequence of their refusal of a free trade with us in those parts, and a retaliation of some hostilities they formerly offered in taking twice the Isle of Providence. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCII., No. 42, Cal., p. 523.]
Feb. 23.
Barbadoes.
1418. John Reid to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Concerning the prize delivered to Admiral Berry ; but the goods were not permitted to come into his custody, Francis Tyrwhitt saying he had order from Governor Henry Willoughby to receive them. Has given notice to Cols. Hawley and Barwick, who are sorry to see things carried against his Majesty's orders, but cannot do anything without violence, which they are loth to do. Will send an exact account of what goods come out of the prize to the Lords Commissioners, who he hopes will see their commission and him righted. Indorsed, "Rec. 30 April." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 19.]
1667? 1419. Petition of Francis Tyrwhitt to the King. Petitioner was employed by the Francis Lord Willoughby as Deputy Treasurer and Chief Searcher of his Majesty's Customs in Barbadoes ; during which time he became liable for 458,872 lbs. muscovado sugar, or 2,876l. 19s. for his Majesty's service. The present Governor says, he has no power to pay his brother's debts ; that he has laid out his brother's moiety of customs for his Majesty's service, and that petitioner must apply to his Majesty. Prays for an order to such as manage the Customs in Barbadoes, to give petitioner credit for said sum. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 20.]
Feb. 24. 1420. Sir Jas. Modyford to Williamson. Is at Portsmouth in expectation of Lord Wm. Willoughby's return ; begs him to hasten him, and to quicken Harris about the silver broad seal for Providence Island. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCII., No. 85, Cal., p. 530.]
Feb. 24.
March 6.
1421. Narrative of the taking of the English colony of Surinam by the Zealand fleet, together with the articles of surrender. On 20/30 December [1666] the States of Zealand set forth a fleet of seven sail, with 1,000 men under Abraham Crynsens, for Surinam, which took a small Irishman at the Canaries, touched at Cayenne, where M. De La Barre was daily expected from the Leeward Isles with a fleet, took a New England ketch, one Evans master, and on 16/26 February anchored a league below the fort at Surinam ; whence Crynsens sent the Governor a summons to surrender, promising that all the inhabitants should retain their possessions, but that in case of refusal he would not give any quarter. Governor Lieut.-General William Byam answered that he was commanded to keep this fort, which he would endeavour to do against all opposers, and "so you may act your hostility as soon as you please." But next day after two or three hours' fight, the Governor, having but 50 lbs. of powder left, surrendered on the following terms, viz. : that the Governor and his soldiers should march forth with their arms and flying colours, and be at liberty to go where they pleased, taking with them all that they had except artillery, ammunition, and provisions. But after the surrender the Dutch required the arms of the soldiers, contrary to the articles, and kept 60 negroes which were in the fort on a declaration of the Dutch. Some of the English enlisted with them and promised to show them every corner of the country. That day Capt. Goose arrived in the river and was taken, and at night the Governor went to Torarica and sent for the Council and Assembly, and upon their representing that the country was in no capacity to hold out, the following Articles were agreed upon : 1. That all revenues appointed for the use of church and ministers, especially the rent of John Allen's estate given for that end by Lord Willoughby, be reserved as well for the payment of Dutch as English ministers ; that the English have the election of their own ministers ; that the present minister, George Vernon, be satisfied his arrears by Marcus Munnicke out of said rents ; and that all persons have free liberty of conscience. 2. That no oath be required from the English, but to be faithful to the States of Zealand whilst living in Surinam, and in case the King of England shall attack it, to keep quiet and give no assistance, but to fight against all other enemies. 3. That all persons in Surinam shall be confirmed in their estates, but the estates of such as do not live there shall be absolutely confiscated to the States of Zealand. 4. That all present inhabitants shall have equal privileges with Netherlanders. 5. That any wishing to depart shall have power to sell their estates, and the Governor shall procure them to be transported at moderate freight. 6, 7, 8. That they shall have liberty of fishing, turtling, and trading with the Indians, and cutting specklewood. 9. That all laws shall be published in Dutch or [sic] English, because the inhabitants do not understand Dutch. The inhabitants to be governed by the Netherlands laws. 10. That no prohibition be put on planters to make anything a commodity. 11. That the Caribbs be used civilly, and care be taken that the English be not endamaged by the Dutch, French, and other Indian nations. 12. That all inhabitants in the rivers Commaweene (?) and Mapawny shall be included in these Articles. 13, 14, 15. That the inhabitants shall keep only such arms as are necessary for defence ; raise 100,000 lbs. sugar for the States of Zealand ; and pay the same impositions as were imposed by Lord Willoughby. 16. That the records be delivered to the Governor, or a perfect list given of the inhabitants, slaves, cattle, coppers, and of the Christian or Hebrew inhabitants in every division. 17. That 60 negroes shall be sent to work at the Fort for four months if required. 18. That inhabitants willing to go off with the fleet shall not be detained for any debts, but commissioners shall be appointed to examine and compel payment. 19. That such as intend off shall be furnished with a vessel and a pass from Commissioner Crynsens. 20. That the meaning of these Articles shall at no time be wrested to the prejudice of the inhabitants. 21. That this treaty shall be confirmed by the States of Zealand as soon as possible, and an authentic copy sent to the inhabitants. Done on board the ship Zealand, 6/16 March 1667. Abraham Crynsens, William Byam. [This is dated 16 March, N. S., but there are two other copies of these Articles both dated 6 March, N. S.] Besides these, the Commissioners engaged their honours,1. That absent orphans' estates should be reserved to them. 2. That Capt. Colville, who was daily expected, should have what he had in his ship belonging to himself or other inhabitants. 3. That the prisoners at Berbice and Cayenne be released, and the seamen taken be set ashore at Barbadoes. 4. That all persons living on confiscated estates shall keep possession, paying to the States of Zealand what they were bound to do to their employers during the time of their agreements. 5. That "our men coming from Baurooma" shall have free liberty to go off or stay, for Lieut. Everard, who was Lieut. at Dissekele, with 12 more, and "the other, were all that were left of our men at Baurooma and Dissekele, all the rest perishing for want of supplies." 6. That the "property" of the negroes detained in the Fort be left to the decision of the States of Zealand. According to a list given to the Commissioners there are about 500 officers and soldiers upon the place. 6 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 21.]
Feb. 24./Mar. 6. 1422. Articles between Abraham Crynsens, Admiral of a squadron of ships belonging to the States of Zealand, and Col. Wm. Byam, late Lieut.-General of Guiana and Governor of Willoughby Land, for the surrender of Surinam to the Dutch. Also, Private articles which the Commissioners would not have placed amongst the general ones, and for the performance of which they engage their honours. Cal. above. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVII, pp. 1-4.]
Feb.? 1423. Mem. of a list of papers, viz. :List of the squadron commanded by Van Gent ; acknowledgment of goods received at St. Christopher's, and an order, dated Middleburgh, 9th Feb. 1667, to deliver more ; instructions to Capt. John Marcus in case Tobago be taken, to endeavour its recovery ; a letter from Flushing advising the master of 12 or 14 English men-of-war gone to the West Indies, that he may avoid and return home speedily ; letter from Srs. Lampson, of Flushing, in case Tobago be retaken to take care of their plantation ; passes for the ship Ignatius from the Chamber of Commerce at Bruges. Indorsed, Ship Ignatius. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 22.]
Feb.? 1424. Warrant to Wm. Lord Willoughby, Governor of the Caribbees, to impress ships. Whereas it may happen that his Lordship may have occasion for ships of strength as well to repel enemies as to execute any sudden design upon them, his Majesty hereby grants him authority to impress any such ships in any part of his Government as he shall have need of for his Majesty's service ; reasonable rates being paid for the same to the proprietors. And his Majesty requires a ready compliance from all his subjects. Draft with corrections by Williamson. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 23.]
Feb. 26.
Whitehall.
1425. Fair copy of preceding warrant. 1 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. V., pp. 99, 100.]
Feb.? 1426. Mem. of Orders in Council. That their Lordships order Col. Middleton at Portsmouth to view all the merchantmen bound for Barbadoes, and prepare them for the transport of as many soldiers as he shall think fit, and that they proceed not unless they submit to that order. (This has been crossed out.) An order for Lord Willoughby to pay the soldiers in Barbadoes out of the King's moiety of the 4 per cent., and if he shall take any prizes in his passage he may employ the advantage thereof towards the pay of the soldiers. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 24.]
Feb. 26. 1427. Warrant to Col. Thos. Middleton, Commissioner of the Navy at Portsmouth. Whereas his Majeety has appointed certain companies of foot to be forthwith transported to Barbadoes under Lord Willoughby, and also two frigates to be immediately dispatched thither. Notice to be forthwith given to merchant ships bound for Barbadoes, the Caribbees, or Jamaica, to make ready for this convoy, and to receive as many soldiers as they are capable of. Such as shall not agree to this order not to be permitted to proceed on the voyage. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIII., p. 368.]
Feb. 27-Mar. 1. 1428. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Names of members returned to the Assembly. On a review of the Commission for the Government it was found that there was a mistake in the signing the writs by four, for Wm. Willoughby is not one of the Governors but in the absence of Henry Willoughby ; writs for a new election were therefore ordered to be issued.
Feb. 28.John Jennings judged incapable to be elected a member of Assembly. His Majesty's four ships to be sent to Tobago. Major Wm. Bate to deliver to Capt. Berry for his Majesty's service certain arms, ammunition, and provisions on his return from Tobago. As to Capt. Randall's ship being made serviceable for the Leeward Isles. Warrant to Capt. Berry to impress 120 seamen for his Majesty's service on board the ships Castle, Colchester, and Norwich.
March 1.Dissent of Lieut.-Gen. Henry Willoughby to the order for the four ships going to Tobago. Order to Capt. Berry to clear the coasts of ships and return within five days. Order for prevention of the running away of seamen ; no persons to harbour seamen in their houses or plantations under penalty of six months imprisonment or a fine of 2,000 lbs. of sugar. Report that the John and Thomas may be made serviceable. 5 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., pp. 98-102.]
Feb.? 1429. Petition of Capt. Wm. Stapleton and Ensign Wm. Legg, prisoners in Newgate, to the King. For free pardon for their offence in killing James Somerville ; are reprieved, but unless acquitted with a free pardon before the Chief Justice goes out of town will be unable to sail with their regiment under Sir Tobias Bridge for Barbadoes, see No. 1520. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCII., No. 69, Cal., p. 527.]
Feb.? 1430. Petition of John Pate to the King. The convicts in Newgate named in the schedule annexed are to be transported to some of the Plantations ; prays the King's order for transporting them to Virginia. Indorsed, "transported." Annexing,
1430. I. Names of 21 convicts to be transported, signed by Walter Cowdrey, keeper. See No. 1431.
1430. II. List by John Shadwell, Clerk of Newgate, of said 21 persons all convicted for stealing, with particulars of what they stole. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCII., Nos. 146 I., II., Cal., p. 538.]