America and West Indies: June 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: June 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/pp471-478 [accessed 3 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: June 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 3, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp471-478.

"America and West Indies: June 1667". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 3 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp471-478.

June 1667

June 1. 1493. Warrant for the ship William and Ann, of Bristol, of 200 tons and 20 men, to go to New England for fish, to proceed to a market, and return to England. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXV., p. 14.]
June 3.
Barbadoes.
1494. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to the King. Arrived April 23rd and has conquered Barbadoes, for the people are willing to lend his Majesty more than he dare borrow ; yet borrow he must, for his Majesty's revenue is already indebted more than will be paid during his life, besides the engagement to the Earl of Carlisle's creditors, whereof he will send the Lord Treasurer a plain account. This island has done great things of late for preserving of Nevis, and therefore begs his Majesty for his own sake to send 40 good great guns, without which he cannot defend the shipping from "pitiful pikeroons," though in harbour. For his own part, is like to get nothing but honour, and that on hard terms, and 'tis satisfaction enough if he can preserve his Majesty's ; so again beseeches his Majesty to send him three or four nimble fifth-rate frigates and great guns, with good store of great shot. If in this bold address he appears not a good courtier will endeavour to prove an obedient and loyal subject. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 54.]
June 5.
Virginia.
1495. Gov. Sir Wm. Berkeley to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Age and misfortunes have withered his desires as well as his hopes. Though ambition commonly leaves sober old age covetousness does not. Has done the King and his blessed father all faithful services ; solicits the customs of 200 hogsheads of tobacco he has now sent home. His brother, who is the cause of his bold request, will solicit his Lordship for the grant. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 55.]
June 5-8. 1496. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Present : William Lord Willoughby, Governor, Col. Philip Bell and Henry Drax, of the Council. Proposals of the Governor to the Assembly : 1. To consider about settling the militia and fortifying the island. 2. About quartering 350 soldiers under Sir Tobias Bridge at or near the seaports. 3. About the condition of Surinam, and what is to be done there. 4. To appoint Commissioners to examine the public levies and draw a short Act to compel payment where they are behind. 5. To peruse Mr. White's papers and consider what is fit to be done. 6. To draw a letter to the Governor of New England for sending masts and other necessaries.
June 8.Order to every housekeeper to deliver to the churchwarden at his parish church a list of all Christian men in his house or plantation ; and also the number of soldiers he is bound to maintain by law ; also that the vestry, churchwardens, and housekeepers meet as aforesaid the Assemblymen of their parish, who shall give them further account of the intention of their meeting. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., pp. 169, 170.]
June 10. 1497. Sir Thos. Langton, Mayor of Bristol, to Williamson. Sends the names of the three Frenchmen who came from Barbadoes with papers relating to them ; they are very inconsiderable persons. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCIV., No. 35, Cal., p. 169.]
June 15.
Nevis.
1498. Lieut.-Gen. Henry Willoughby to his father Wm. Lord Willoughby. Refers to enclosed account of what passed to the day of his setting sail for St. Christopher's. On 6th at midnight set forward "our design for St. Christopher," having resolved at a council of war that the attempt should be made by daylight, but the boats being somewhat scattered that opprotunity was lost, and the enemy took the alarm. Next morning a landing was attempted near Pelham's river, betwixt Basseterre and the Old Road, and a considerable body got ashore without the loss of four men (sic), but by mistake of the guide the party marched up a hill where the ground broke and slid under them ; the enemy stoutly defended the place, but by the assistance of concealed banks, barricadoes, and bushes, the enemy flanked ours every way, galling them very much ; our men still fought valiantly, but at last were forced to retreat after 2 hours dispute, about 200, mostly wounded, being forced to lay down their arms, and 150 killed. Was all the time of the fight rowing from ship to ship near the shore to order the better to each their business. Some were shot in the boats as well as on board, but though there wanted not for deliberate counsel and valour in the soldiers, it pleased God to give them a repulse. Returned to Basseterre Road and received intelligence of further cruelties by instigation of the French committed at Antigua by the Indians ; whereupon, as also in favour of his wounded on shore, he made demands of the enemy, as the enclosed will show. After receipt of their answer, finding the soldiers somewhat dismayed at their repulse, it was not judged wisdom at this time to put them on a new onset, but rather to flesh "them with some hoped for success at Guadaloupe, Marigalante, and Martinico ;" but his Lordship's letter of the 7th put more spirit into the soldiers. Intends on 17th to set forward on that design, hoping that his Lordship's recruits and these forces may meet to better purpose against the enemy than hitherto ; but it may not be unseasonable for his Lordship to afford all possible additional supplies of men. Morrice and Godolphin arrived with the fleet at Basseterre, and with two frigates battered at another place to divert the enemy while they made the onset. It is judged that they slew 300 or 400 of the enemy, and a man who was taken and afterwards escaped in one place saw 100 of them dead. Sir John Harman's fleet has arrived ; he is not without hopes, after his return from Martinico, whither he is gone to surprise a fleet, to be in a condition further to attempt some, if not all the French islands, although no more forces be sent from Barbadoes. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 56.]
June 15.
Boston.
1499. Edward Rawson, Secretary to the Court of the Massachusetts, to Col. Nicolls. His of the 9th May received from Sam. Maverick, and communicated to the Governor and Council, who gave Mavericke an opportunity to present the copy of his Majesty's letter, and Nicolls' also with the instructions from the Commissioners for the prize office. His Majesty's Commissioners were to meet those of the States of Holland at Breda on 10 April for consummating a happy peace. Incloses,
Same by order of the General Court to Same. His letter with copy of the King's order received, whereby they understand his Majesty's provision for the safe return of vessels to England, which may suitably accommodate the affairs of his Majesty's other Plantations, but prove full of inconvenience to this colony. The season of returning their ships for England has for many years been the beginning of winter, at which time they will endeavour to attend his Majesty's order, but at other times there are but few and of small burden that adventure to Ireland, to hinder which till the stated days would prove of more damage to his Majesty and themselves than advantage. Are not also out of hope that before there be any need of putting this order in execution the cause may be removed. Have formerly been moved by himself, and since by what he wrote to Major-General Leverett for their resolution for owning his commission from the Lords Commissioners of the Prize Office during the war with the Dutch. Have not till now had any sight of their Lordships' instructions for his receiving his Majesty's dues by prizes condemned in any of the Courts here, but will duly promote in any orderly proceedings the advancements of his Majesty's rights in that matter with safety to their own rights and privileges according to patent. Boston, 1667, June 15. Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., Nos. 57, 58.]
June 19.
Barbadoes.
1500. Sir James Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. It is now full eight weeks and a day since his arrival here ; was going hence in a vessel of 40 tons but Lord Willoughby contradicted it. Is now once more on his voyage, having hired the Marygold of 20 guns for 200l., to carry him and his people down to Jamaica. Upon Sir Jno. Harman's coming in with nine men-of-war on the 8th wrote to Lord Willoughby to spare him one of his Majesty's ketches, but was denied it. Sends copies of letter and reply. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 59.]
June 19. 1501. Minute of the Council of Barbadoes. Christopher Codrington was this day sworn of the Council. p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., p. 170.]
June 19. 1502. Statement by Derrick Dieters, skipper of the Fortune galliot of Hamburg, of the particulars of his voyage to Martinico and traffic there. The French told him that since they took St. Christopher's and Antigua they had taken Montserrat about 18 or 20 weeks since ; that young Willoughby was before St. Christopher's with four frigates and 10 great merchantmen about 10 weeks since, and that the English had burnt one Dutch and one French ship at St. Christopher's. Did not hear of any of the French King's ships in those parts, but saw 11 great French merchant ships, which came from St. Christopher's upon advice or expectation of the English fleet arriving there, and anchored at Martinico, first under the fort and then in a close harbour, for more security against the English. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCVI., No. 76, Cal. p. 211.]
June 21. 1503. John Sparke to Thos. Knight. Has news that 14 or 16 ships arrived yesterday at Plymouth, and that Montserrat, St. Christopher's, and Antigua are possessed by the English. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCVI., No. 117, Cal., p. 218.]
1667?
[June 22.]
1504. News letter addressed to Williamson. About the Allen of Poole taken up by [Fras.] Lord Willoughby for the expedition to the Leeward Isles which was taken and carried to Guadaloupe. Arrival of two French vessels at Rochelle which escaped from the English at the Leeward Isles ; also of George Sparkes at Plymouth, by whom Lieut.-Gen. [Henry] Willoughby sent a packet which was taken by the French ; as also the Jane of Dartmouth and a ship from Guinea with 60 negroes. Indorsed, "Barbadoes, Rec. June 22." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 60.]
June? 1505. Representation of the Governor and Council of Virginia to the King. Being a full and particular relation of the depredations of a Dutch fleet of four men-of-war in James river ; also of their inability to build the fort commanded by his Majesty, and where other forts are of more advantage to the colony, and of the ill effects of Lord Baltimore's making void the cessation from planting tobacco. Signed by Sir W. Berkeley, Tho. Ludwell, Ric. Bennett, Robt. Smith, Ab. Wroth, Tho. Swann, Nathaniel Bacon, Thomas Stegge, John Carter, Edward Carter, Geo. Reade, Theod. Blande, and Augustine Warner. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 61.]
1667.
June 24. Virginia.
1506. Thos. Ludwell, Sec., to (Sec. Lord Arlington). A very particular relation of four Dutch ships coming into James river, burning the Elizabeth frigate, and taking some merchantmen, which misfortune the Governor would have repaired by fitting out ships and fighting them, but the enemy was gone before he could get them ready. But 14 old guns in the island besides the 10 taken out of the Elizabeth. Hopes the impost of two shillings per hogshead will not be taken from them. Four closely written pages. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 62.]
1667? 1507. Affidavit of the merchant of the Handmaid, lately arrived from Virginia. That Captain Lightfoot of his Majesty's ship Elizabeth had a day's notice of the four Dutch ships coming into James river. Had he gone to the assistance of Captain Conway, who fought them six hours, the enemy's ships might have been taken, but he went to a wedding with a wench he took over from England ; the Elizabeth, which was burnt by the enemy, fired but one gun. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 63.]
June 24.
Virginia.
1508. Thomas Ludwell, Sec., to John Lord Berkeley of Stratton. How the Dutch with five men-of-war burnt the King's frigate and about 20 sail of merchant ships, of which they carried away about 18. Refers him to a declaration for the particulars of their misfortune ; the Governor's condition is the saddest he ever saw. Only two complaints can the merchants and seamen make against them, the not building a fort at Point Comfort, and the loss of the King's ship. Remarks thereon : as to building said fort neither their means nor abilities could comply with. Describes the extreme poverty of the country as unable to supply their own necessities and to pay the taxes equal to such fortifications. Arguments against building such fort, "nor is it of any certain defence for James river." Dreads the King inclining his ear to those who would obtain of his Majesty a proprietary over them, or reduce them under a company, a condition very contrary to the wishes and affections of this country. The Governor, against all their entreaties, resolved to solicit his recall. Sends letter signed by all the Council beseeching the King to continue the Governor amongst them. Begs his Lordship's protection, since it was his goodness that placed him there as Sec. of Virginia. In reference to a shallop taken by the Dutch, and some papers he sends about the cessation of planting tobacco. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 64.]
[1667.] 1509. Answer of the Governor and Council of Virginia on behalf of themselves and the said Colony addressed to the King and the Privy Council. Being a complaint against Lord Baltimore, Governor of Maryland, for disallowing the cessation from planting tobacco for a year as stipulated by his own Commissioners. Signed by Sir Wm. Berkeley, Thos. Ludwell, Sec., Robt. Smith, Rich. Bennett, Theodoric Blande, Thos. Stegge, Nath. Bacon, Hen. Corbin, Miles Cary, Fras. Willis, Thos. Swann, Geo. Reade, and Edward Carter, and by Robt. Wynne, Speaker. Certified copy by Thos. Ludwell, Sec. This paper was presented to the King in Council on 16th October 1667. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 65.]
June 25. 1510. Thos. Cupper to Warwick Yard. Report by Geo. Sparke who left Barbadoes on the 4th April. Two days before a ketch from Guinea reported that our fleet which they left on the coast did not intend to follow them till two months after. Ten ships of war were gone to reduce St. Christopher's, Antigua, and Montserrat, among them the four frigates sent hence, which in their way met a French ship laden with arms and ammunition for St. Christopher's, and discharged her at Barbadoes. Left 50 sail of merchant ships there, which were not to depart till the return of the St. Christopher's fleet ; 'twill be the latter end of August ere they may be expected home. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCVII., No. 3, Cal., p. 229.]
June 25. 1511. News from Barbadoes. Arrival of a vessel at Plymouth with letters of 25th June, by which appears, that Sir. John Harman arrived there the 8th, and was despatched by Governor Lord Wm. Willoughby the 11th to the Leeward Isles, where all was well. From Guinea were arrived four ships, two of the Company's and two private ; in which had happened a great mortality of negroes and of the ships' companies. A ship of the Guinea Company, Capt. Yard, laden with negroes, taken by a Dutch ship out of Surinam ; which by its situation is like much to gall the Guinea trade. In the handwriting of Williamson. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 66.]
[1667.] 1512. Report of Cullen, master of the ship Prosperous. That he was taken (by the French?) near Scilly, 17th June last, laden with sugar from Barbadoes. Lord Willoughby arrived end of April, and put the people in such heart that they fear not any enemy. The English had burnt several French ships, and retaken Montserrat and Antigua, which they quitted after having destroyed the fortifications and plantations. The Colchester had retaken the Coventry with several French gentlemen. The Barbadoes merchant had arrived with above 300 negroes. Forty stout ships full of soldiers were at Brest ready to sail ; as also 11 Flushingers and five French privateers, in readiness for the Barbadoes fleet. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 67.]
June 26.
Whitehall.
1513. Warrant to the Attorney-General. To prepare a surrender of the Letters Patent under the Great Seal in the first year of his Majesty's reign to Ralph Lord Hopton, Henry Earl of St. Alban's, John Lord Culpeper, John Lord Berkeley, Sir William Morton, Sir Dudley Wyatt, and Thomas Culpeper, their heirs and assigns, of a parcel of land bounded by and within the head of the rivers of Tappahanocke alias Rapahannock and Quiriough or Patawomeck and Chesapeake Bay, together with said rivers themselves, and Lord Hopton, Lord Culpeper, Sir Dudley Wyatt, and Thos. Culpeper being since dead, and Lord Hopton having conveyed his interest to John Trethewy and his heirs, also to prepare a new bill to pass under the Great Seal to the said Earl of St. Alban's, Lord Berkeley, Sir William Morton, and John Trethewy, their heirs and assigns, of the said territory or parcel of ground, but with the provisoes that no contract or grant made by the Governor and Council of Virginia of any part of the premises before 29 Sept., 13 Car. II. (1661) to any now in actual possession be subject to suit and service without their consent, and to have power of appeal, such lands as are not possessed or planted within 21 years to remain in the King's disposal, with other reservations. See No. 1656. 3 pp. [Dom. Entry Bk., Vol. XXV., p. 18.]
June 28.
Virginia.
1514. Nicholas Perrey to King Charles II. Hearing of the dreadful firing of that fatal city of London, we further heard of your Majesty's disconsolation thereat ; however, since it was God his pleasure to suffer it, hopes and doubts not his Majesty is content with God's judgment. Your Governor appointed here in Virginia with his Assembly say I am mad, and, continues the writer, a prisoner here in Virginia. Humbly craves the King's letters of command for him to go to England. Has requested Sir William Thomson to present this. Annexed,
1514. I. Perrey to the King. Begging 5l. or 6l. to defray his expenses from Plymouth, 3 Sept. 1667.
1514. II. Demand of Perrey addressed to the Governor and Council of Virginia. For a suspension of all suits depending until his return out of England. Virginia, 27 March 1661. Together 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., Nos. 68, 68 I., II.]
June 29. 1515. J. Haysham, junr., to James Hickes. A. Hamburger, from Madeira, has brought a packet of letters from Sir John Harman, Commander of a squadron of seven frigates and two fire-ships which had set sail for the Western islands. The French have plundered Antigua and the other small islands, but left no men there. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCVII., No. 104, Cal., p. 244.]
June 29. 1516. Sir John Harman to (De La Barre, Gov. of Martinico). Seized a sloop of Martinico about 14 days since, by whose men was informed he has a considerable number of English prisoners whom he uses worse than his Indian slaves. Writes to put him in mind of the mutability of fortune, and that though he may yet judge himself to be the uppermost spoke in the wheel, how soon he may change fortune with his captives, whom he sends to demand. 'Tis easy for Harman to destroy their towns and storehouses, if not their whole island, but if they will send said prisoners, will do them no further prejudice, save to the shipping, which cannot escape him. Expects a speedy answer by the bearer, Capt. Barrett. Indorsed, To the French at Martinico. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 69.]
June 30.
On board the Lyon [Martinico].
1517. Sir John Harman to [Wm. Lord Willoughby]. Departing from his Lordship on 10th inst. he arrived at Nevis on the 13th. Supposes he has had account from the Lieutenant-General of the unfortunate attempt at St. Christopher's. At a council held next day on shore at Nevis it was resolved not to fall upon St. Christopher's again, but on some weaker island ; but the ketch, Portsmouth, having taken a war sloop of Martinico, brought information that the French fleet were in Martinico Road ; whereupon set sail that night with the ships he brought out of England and the Jersey and Norwich, leaving Capt. Berry to command the rest, and on the 19th came within sight of the French fleet of 23 or 24 men-of-war and merchant ships, with three fire-ships, lying close by the shore under the protection of three forts. After six or seven attempts, prevented by contrary winds or absolute calms, on 25th fired the Admiral and six or seven of their best ships, since when all are sunk save two or three, which Harman would not have left but for the necessity of watering at Montserrat. Sends copy of his letter to M. De La Barre, Governor of Martinico and Viceroy in the Caribbees, with answer, and list of prisoners on both sides. Had great hopes to have got off our prisoners, but had none to exchange, and the destruction of their fleet has not yet brought them low enough to surrender them. Will consider his Lordship's intimations concerning Surinam and sending a ship to New England. Refers to Capt. Worthen, the bearer, for further information. Not more than 80 men besides wounded have been lost, but there has been much damage to hulls, rigging, &c., with very great expense of powder and shot. Prays his Lordship to send transcript of this to England. If it be thought fit to attempt any of the enemy's islands could wish Sir Tobias Bridge with him. Indorsed by Williamson, R. 9 Sept. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 70.]