|
|
|
Sept. 2.
|
1562. Sam. Tucker to Sec. Lord Arlington. Four Zealand men-of-war
and one fire-ship have taken 16 sail of merchantmen in
Virginia and four more vessels on their return. More damage is
feared to vessels yet to come from Virginia and Barbadoes, the
Dutch having many ships in the west to look out for them and the
time being long before hostilities cease in the Channel. [Dom.,
Chas. II., Vol. CCXVI., No. 20, Cal., p. 437.]
|
Sept. 3.
Jamaica.
|
1563. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to the Duke of Albemarle. The
enclosed will present the figure of the town and castle of Port
Royal, which his brother liked so well that he has accepted Sir
Thomas' commission to be Governor. Besides his order to be reimbursed
the money he has laid out in finishing this fort, offers
whether it be not necessary to have a constant garrison therein and
an establishment for their pay. The Governor, Lieutenant, and 30
soldiers may be sufficient. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 100.]
Incloses,
|
|
1563. I. The figure of the Town and Castle of Port Royal, with
Fort Charles as it was in 1666 mounted with seven guns
but unfinished, and as it is now finished, 1667, and mounted
with 28 guns, with platforms for eight more guns. [Col.
Entry Bk., No. XXVIII., pp. 1-3.]
|
Sept. 3.
Jamaica.
|
1564. Governor Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington.
Since his letter of 30th July, copy of which is annexed, none of his
vessels sent for intelligence touching the galleon's return are arrived.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 101.]
|
Sept. 5.
[Barbadoes.]
|
1565. Petition of the Representatives of Barbadoes to the King.
Cannot but own his Majesty's glorious restoration to be the pledge
of God's divine love to "these Christian churches," and acknowledge
his princely care and bounty in the late supply of a squadron of
ships of war under Capt. Berry, with his Majesty's letter of 5th Dec.
last, which so encouraged the inhabitants of this island that they
freely contributed one million of sugar for setting out six ships for
relief to the Leeward Isles, besides many gifts and loans amounting
to near such another sum. They also thank his Majesty for sending
that honourable person Lord William Willoughby, whose hitherto
unbiassed and prudent deportment has given the best hopes for the
welfare of this poor people ; and for that seasonable dispatch of Sir
John Harman with another squadron of ships of war. And now
that they may not fail in their duty to let his Majesty know how
they may be best secured and encouraged against their watchful
enemy, they pray :1. That whereas free trade is the best means of
living to any colony, of which these islands having for some years
been debarred, the planters have been so impoverished and the
enemy's trade so advanced, that the English to maintain a livelihood
have been forced to fish with the French nets ; that they may have
free trade with the coast of Guinea for negroes, or else that the Royal
Company be obliged to supply them at the price mentioned in their
first printed declaration (though that too, like the canker of usury,
will soon be the bane of a laborious planter). 2. For free trade
with and a supply of servants from Scotland, and permission for
the present transport of 1,000 or 2,000 English servants, though but
for two years' service for the charge of their passage, which if published
will induce many to come over, because of late many thousands
have been drained hence ; this would much weaken his Majesty's
enemies abroad, "the Scotch being the general travaillers and soldiers
in most foreign parts." 3. For export of commodities to any
place in amity with England, in English bottoms, on paying customs
either in Barbadoes or in England. 4. That in regard many have
been sent to England from their estates and families on frivolous
pretences, petitioners pray that no person may be compelled off this
island to answer in any other places. 5. That they may set up a
mint to coin money to be only current in this place, as in New
England and elsewhere is practised. Signed by order, Samuel
Farmer, Speaker. Read and passed 5th Sept. 1667. Robt. Arundel,
Clerk of the Assembly. Indorsed, Rec. 8 Jan. 1667-8. Read in
Council 10 Jan. 1667-8. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 102.]
|
|
Sept. 5.
|
1566. Copy of the preceding. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 103.]
|
|
Sept. 5.
|
1567. Another copy of the above. Indorsed, Read at the Committee
of Trade, 16 June 1668. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI.,
No. 103*.]
|
Sept. 6.
Plymouth.
|
1568. Thos. Melmoth to Hayter. Last evening came a vessel from
Barbadoes which gives certain news, by a ship that came from the
Leeward Islands, that Sir John Harman has burnt and sunk 23 ships
at Martinico, 19 ships of war, and three fire-ships, their Admiral of
more than 50 guns being burnt by one of our fire-ships, which
occasioned the burning of six more, but two merchant ships got
further into the harbour ; Sir John has gone to Nevis, but has left
three frigates in the roads. The news of our loss of men at St.
Christopher's holds very true. This day the Virginia ships went.
[Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCXVI., No. 72, Cal., p. 446.]
|
Sept. 6.
Plymouth.
|
1569. John Clarke to James Hickes. A vessel from Barbadoes
brings news that we lost 600 or 700 men in the attempt on St.
Christopher's, but Sir John Harman was not then there, but going
with 11 ships from Barbadoes, having left a ketch there to bring
some men after him ; the ketch met a French sloop with a packet
from St. Christopher's to their fleet at Martinico and took her,
whereupon Sir John sailed directly to Martinico roads, where were
27 French and Dutch ships ; he sunk and burnt all but two of them
and left three ships there, and went with the rest towards St.
Christopher's ; it is hoped he will give a good account of that place.
[Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCXVI., No. 79, Cal., p. 447.]
|
Sept. 7.
Lyme.
|
1570. Anthony Thorold to James Hickes. The Hart is arrived
from Barbadoes. The master reports that Sir John Harman arrived
there about the beginning of June with his squadron, stayed about
two days and went to Nevis ; he left the Portsmouth ketch behind
to bring after some men who were on shore, and she on her way took
a French sloop, by which Sir John was informed that the French
fleet of 22 sail was in Governor's Bay at Martinico ; he hasted
away, taking with him some other ships that were at Nevis, and
in a few days found the French fleet at Martinico. The first day he
could not get up with them, there being but little wind, and they
lying close in shore under their forts, and saluting him with many
hundred shots as he made up to them, which he that day returned
not ; the next and three following days they fought, when the
wind favouring, he clapped a fire-ship aboard their Admiral which
burnt her and six more ; in all he burnt 19 sail, only five escaping.
There are several ships from Guinea arrived at Barbadoes. [Dom.,
Chas. II., Vol. CCXVI., No. 85, Cal., p. 448.]
|
Sept. 9/19
and 12/22
Tionnontogen.
|
1571. Jean Pierron, of the Society of Jesus, to Mons. Haims,
Surgeon at Orange. Only arrived from Europe on the 27th June,
and the greatest consolation he has received in this land of savages
is to find that he has a Frenchman, a man of honour and merit,
near him at Orange. Peace is concluded as desired with the
Iroquois, to instruct them in their mysteries and nothing more.
Set out from Rochelle the 10th April, having seen the fleet arrive
there two days before with M. De Beaufort. A review held
at Paris by the King of 80,000 men. News of peace, which gives
Pierron a good opportunity to write to Governor Tracy, who is a
man of honour and spirit. Will be glad to know the certainty of
the peace between France and England, and if concluded to go and
salute the Governor. P.S.Has been obliged to unseal his letter,
the Iroquois having postponed their journey to Orange till the 23rd
September. Begs he will give the bearer 90 lbs. of bacon, three or
four pots of good brandy, and a pot of Spanish or other wine,
which shall be paid for. French, 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI.,
No. 104.]
|
Sept. 9/19.
Tionnontogen.
|
1572. Jean Pierron to Madame Corlart. Condoles with her on
the sudden death of her husband by drowning, which he heard
from one of his own men, Sebastian by name, who was with the
Iroquois at the head of Lake Champlain, on their way to Quebec.
The news will cause great affliction in the country, for he was much
beloved by the French, who were preparing to entertain him at
Quebec with much magnificence. M. Corlart's canoe was found
broken up ; is astonished he should have trusted himself on that
lake in such a wretched boat. Sebastian writes a full account of all
that happened. Is obliged to live here like the savages. Begs she
will send by this Iroquois about 90 lbs. of fat bacon, three or four
pots of good brandy, and one of Spanish wine, or three or four of
other wine ; for which on the first opportunity she shall be paid in
money or chinaware. Has begged the same favour of M. Haims
at Orange, a brave Frenchman, who can interpret this letter. French,
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 105.]
|
[Sept. 11.]
Whitehall.
|
1573. Order of the King in Council. That the Duke of York
send speedy order to Sir John Harman to receive merchants' goods
into the 12 or 13 ships under his command, the freight to be for the
King's account, assuring the captains that they shall have a third of
the profit, provided that no goods be stowed between decks or the
ships be delayed, lest the expense of victuals and wages exceed the
profit. And further, for prizes taken outward bound to be sold
there, but those homeward bound to be brought home and sold here.
p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 106.]
|
|
Sept. 11.
|
1574. Mem. That a ship from Boston, N.E., arrived off Plymouth,
gives account of the readiness of the people in Massachusetts, who, by
order of the Governor and Council, sent a ship laden with all sorts
of provisions to the Indies to refresh his Majesty's fleet under Sir J.
Harman. ["Mr. Whorwood."] p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No.
107.]
|
|
Sept. 11.Bristol.
|
1575. J. Baskerville to James Hickes. Hears that a vessel from
Barbadoes has brought an account that Sir John Harman, after the
defeat of the French and Dutch squadrons near St. Christopher's,
seized a sloop, from which he received information that they were
met at Martinico, about 25 sail ; on this he sailed thither, and after
some view of them sent in two fire-ships, the first of which burnt
their Admiral, and the second four or five more ; then Harman fell
in with his fleet and anchored among them, firing very smartly on
both sides, as did the rest of his fleet ; and after two days' dispute
and the loss of about 70 men he totally burnt and sunk all their fleet
and went off to make a further attempt on St. Christopher's. [This
account is avowedly not received at first hand from the Barbadoes
vessel, and must therefore be received with caution where it differs
from those calendared above.] [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCXVI., No
145, Cal., p. 457.]
|
[Sept. 16.]
[Barbadoes.]
|
1576. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to the King. "You have
stripped me out of taffetie and put me into a canvas suit, for I am
now a perfect tarpaulin, and your Majesty is well acquainted with
our language one and all." Six merchant ships were before his
arrival hired for the Leeward expedition, and the seamen contracted
to be paid in sugar at their return ; but the Assembly having raised
as much as they were able without making a mutiny on land, were
forced to raise their coin, that is muscovados, from 10s. per cent. to
pass in pay for 16s. : this occasioned such a disturbance amongst his
brother tarpaulins that had he not engaged by an expedient to give
them their sugar custom free knows not what might have followed,
and by that presumes his Majesty will be no great loser, "for if they
drink it not out before they part they cozen me ;" and truly they
deserve it, if preserving Nevis and gaining Antigua and Montserrat
be worth it. And this supports his reputation so with them that he
may be capacitated to serve his Majesty's necessities on the like occasion ;
but if that fail he must quit his post, for 'tis not ten times his
Majesty's revenue here will preserve these islands without constant
supplies from his Majesty. Has by sundry expresses given account
of these dominions, which cannot be well supported without some
acts of grace ; and by the Assembly's address, which accompanies
this [see ante, No. 1565], his Majesty will understand them. Sir John
Harman's late action at Martinico, where he burnt 19 good ships, has
angered Monsieur and preserved them for a time, but if he quit them
before a supply come from his Majesty, farewell Nevis, Montserrat,
and Antigua, if not Barbadoes, which in point of honour the Governor
ought not to outlive. Wishes the whole island were of his mind, but
in it there are a strange composition of blacks, Irish, and servants, and
he cannot rely on more than 2,000 or 3,000 men, though fame speaks
loud, and that has hitherto preserved them. Good forts are raised,
which require 60 great guns at least. They are fortifying the island
round at all landing places, and he finds the people so willing, both
in person and purse, that what acts of grace may be afforded they
will merit. Holograph letter without date, indorsed, Rec. about
beginning of Jan. 1667-8. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 108.]
|
Sept. 16.
Barbadoes.
|
1577. Copy of the preceding, signed by Gov. Lord Willoughby.
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 109.]
|
Sept. 16.
Truro.
|
1578. Hugh Acland to Williamson. A Dutchman, arrived by a
small vessel from Barbadoes, says that they left that place two
months since in good condition ; that about a fortnight before leaving
they had certain news of Sir John Harman being at St. Christopher's
with seven men-of-war and one fire-ship ; that he had an encounter
with 20 French men-of-war and merchantmen, of which he took and
burnt 17, the other three escaping for the present, but he sent after
them and blew them up, and with the rest went off to meet some
other vessels which were to join him and fall upon the island of St.
Christopher's, which the Dutchman believes is reduced to the English
before this time. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCXVII., No. 52, Cal.,
p. 465.]
|
Sept. 16.
West Cowes.
|
1579. John Lysle to Williamson. The John of London has
arrived from Gambia in Africa, laden with reed, wood, logwood, wax,
and elephants' teeth, for the Royal Company, having met with no
ships since she came from Gambia, and this being her first port.
She gives information that two Dutch ships have fired our factory of
Seriloe, in the island of Tasso, but were beaten off from the island
by our forces with considerable loss. Also that the Company's
negroes in the island of Gambia rebelled and possessed themselves of
the island, but were presently beaten off, in which rebellion 31 or 32
of the English were slain and about 40 negroes, and the rest ran
away ; if this rebellion had not happened the ship had been at home
long since. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCXVII., No. 53, Cal., p. 465.]
|
Sept. 17.
Barbadoes.
|
1580. Governor Wm. Lord Willoughby to Joseph Williamson,
Sec. to Lord Arlington. Fears many of his letters have run the
gauntlett, and so he presumes will this by Major Scott ; from whom
he has found nothing but obedience and diligence since his first
misfortune at Portsmouth. He will give account of all transactions
at Leeward, where he did his part better than some that may
pretend to have done more. Has no complaint against him, but
against some others. Hopes ere long to leave the island in a much
better posture than he found it, to which Sir John Colleton's fine
tricks had brought it, and his son, one of your Guinea factors here,
will if he lives be old Sir John. Has not had time to promote
his friend Mr. Povey's business or requite Williamson's kindness,
having been harassed with public business and the raising of money.
Indorsed, Received 29th November. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI.,
No. 110.]
|
Sept. 17.
Barbadoes.
|
1581. Governor Wm. Lord Willoughby to Sec. Lord Arlington.
The bearer, Major Scott, will make a better narrative of most affairs
here and at Leeward than Willoughby can write. Were there any
need of recommendations of him to his Lordship's credit would do
it ; though at Portsmouth, Scott was unfortunate and received as
severe a check as he deserved, he has not since deserved the like.
Indorsed, Received November 30, by Major Scott. 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 111.]
|
|
Sept. 21.
|
1582. Receipt from Wm. Rodney, merchant, bound for Barbadoes,
for a packet from Mr. Baskerville, directed to Governor Lord
Willoughby, sealed with two seals, superscribed Arlington. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 112.]
|
Sept. 23.
Bristol.
|
1583. John Fitzherbert to Williamson. A small vessel from
Barbadoes brings little news, only that the merchant ships returned
from the Leeward Isles are taking in goods in order to coming home
she came thence before the Plymouth vessel, so nothing new could
be expected from her. Here are many ships cleared that are bound
for the Plantations, Lisbon, and the Straits. Some of the Barbadoes'
ship's company report some loss received in making an attempt
on St. Christopher's, where our men were beaten off, but intend to
make a second. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCXVII., No. 126, Cal.
p. 476.]
|
Sept. 23.
Swansea.
|
1584. John Man to Williamson. The Delight of Barnstaple is
arrived from Barbadoes, having left all alone about six weeks ago
with leave from the Governor ; the fleet, though most of them ready,
will not be permitted to come away till they have news from the
Leeward Isles from Sir John Harman. The master of the Delight
confirms the destruction of the French ships by Sir John Harman,
and the loss our men had in the attempt on St. Kitt's, which, he
says, was near 800 land and seamen, and occasioned by attempting
in a part of the island impossible for them to land at, especially as
it was well provided to receive them. The vessel is laden with
sugar, and intended for Bristol. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCXVII.,
No. 129, Cal., p. 476.]
|
Sept. 23.
[Virginia.]
|
1585. Acts passed at a Grand Assembly held at James City.
Concerning the necessity of erecting (five) forts at James City,
Nancemond river, York river, Rapahannock river, and Potomac
river : Tobacco of Maryland growth free from duties : Children
that are slaves not made free by being baptized : every plantation
to have a gate in fence erected : No grain, pulse, meal, or bread
to be exported until 25th October 1668 : Regulating the price of
victuals and drink sold by an ordinary keeper. Certified copies by
Hen. Randolph, Clerk of the Assembly. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XXI., No. 113.]
|
Sept. 23.
Virginia.
|
1586. Seven Acts passed at a Grand Assembly held at James
City, Virginia, 23rd Sept. 1667, but the titles only of those are
given against which in the margin is written Expired, Obsolete,
Effected. Printed in Col. Entry Bks., Nos. 89, 90, 91, see ante, No.
262. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 88, pp. 69-71.]
|
|
Sept. 28.
|
1587. Capt. Silas Taylor to Williamson. Begs him to watch all
opportunities for furtherance of his affairs in Virginia : proposes
that he should be constituted engineer for fortifying all the rivers
and the colony of Virginia, as far as shall be thought needful, and to
have 200l. a year secured to him for that employment, to be raised
out of the moneys or tobacco paid by each county in Virginia to the
maintenance of the government. This would be a livelihood of much
more certainty and reputation than what he has at present. [Dom.,
Chas. II., Vol. CCXVIII., No. 26, Cal., p. 489.]
|
|
Sept. 28.
|
1588. Joseph Mason to Robert Mason. Thought it good to give
him in writing the state of his affairs in New England, and his
thoughts in relation to a settlement thereof, that they may not
mistake each other. Gen. Nicolls not coming himself [into New
Hampshire], empowered Major Shapleigh to settle it, after the other
Commissioners had sat to no purpose ; so that it now remains in the
management of Major Shapleigh, a man every way fit for the employment,
though not so looked upon, being a Quaker, and neither
taking nor imposing oaths, is therefore, the writer thinks, unfit for a
magistrate or governer ; besides he is much controverted by those
in the Bay who stand for the Government of the Province and will
not part with it without a greater power than Shapleigh is able to
make to resist them and the King appear in it. Yet, as he knows
from Capt. Pike, the magistrates of the Bay are willing to restore to
him the right of the lands for disposal, so he meddles not with the
government, and if he will empower commissioners to that purpose,
Pike himself would take pains to be one of three to end this rupture.
Advises him to embrace this way, and how to have all his lands, even
what are already disposed of in townships, recalled and disposed of
for his benefit. The way of settlement Robert Mason mentioned
himself, on the men of best estates at Piscataqua, as Rich. and Jno.
Cutts, Mr. Fryer, Capt. Pembleton and his son, Mr. Stileman, the
Recorder, or any of these, would undo him ; for they would first
confirm themselves in their own grants of land, which they have
given to one another, and which are in the best places near the
water side, where 100 acres are worth 1,000 of what is left. If he
accepts the offers of the Bay, it will not be necessary to join with
the Province of Maine, as hinted in the remembrance from Major
Shapleigh ; but if not it were best to strengthen one another against
the enemy of both. Time steals away and it were good he put a
resolve into it. Indorsed, Joseph Mason, Sept. 28, 1667. To Robt.
Mason, proprietor of the Province of Hampshire, whose agent he was
then. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 114.]
|
Sept. 29.
Plymouth.
|
1589. John Clarke to Williamson. Has sent forward an express
from Falmouth, where is arrived the Ruth from Barbadoes, with two
packets from the Governor, Lord Willoughby, to his Royal Highness.
[Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CCX VIII., No. 35, Cal., p. 490.]
|
Sept. 30.
Falmouth.
|
1590. Thos. Holden to James Hickes. The Ruth of Plymouth
came in on the 29th from Barbadoes, laden with sugar : she brought
over two packets, one from Sir John Harman and another from the
Governor of Barbadoes. Her crew report that Sir John Harman,
upon an attempt to land upon St. Christopher's, lost 800 or 900 men,
and is now with his fleet at Barbadoes. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol.
CCXVIII., No. 46, Cal., p. 492.]
|
|
Sept.
|
1591. The French King's "Commission to [his] Lieutenant-General
of America, to deliver us St. Christopher's." Draft with
corrections in Under Sec. Williamson's handwriting, who has also
endorsed it, 1667. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 115.]
|
|
Sept.
|
1592. Fair copy of preceding. Indorsed, Instrument of the
discharge of the respective Governors. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XXI., No. 116.]
|
|
Sept.
|
1593. The French King's "Release of the oath of allegiance to
the inhabitants of St. Christopher's, &c." Draft by Williamson,
who has thus indorsed it. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 117.]
|
|
Sept.
|
1594. Fair copy of preceding. Indorsed, Instrument of the
discharge of the inhabitants from the oath of allegiance. 1 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 118.]
|
|
Sept.?
|
1595. Louis XIV. to his Lieut.-General of America. Instrument
for discharge of the Lieut.-General of America and of each particular
Governor in reference to the restitution of the English part of St.
Christopher, Antigua, and Montserrat. Draft with corrections by
Williamson, who has indorsed it, if so it be thought necessary ; but
it was not found necessary, nor was it given. Annexed,
Instrument for discharging the [English] inhabitants from
the oath of allegiance [to the French King]. Draft with corrections
by Williamson, who has endorsed it, as we proposed it
to France, but never granted. 2 papers. French, 4 pp. [Correspond.
France.]
|
