America and West Indies: January 1668

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 1668', 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/pp534-546 [accessed 4 October 2024].

'America and West Indies: January 1668', 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 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp534-546.

"America and West Indies: January 1668". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 4 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp534-546.

January 1668

1668.
Jan. 3. For James, New York.
1662. Col. Nicolls to Mr. Mayhew. John Dixey has brought his letter of the 26th Nov., with the inclosed attestations relating the disaster to the vessel and goods driven on one of the Elizabeth Isles. This is the second violence the Indians of those parts have committed upon Christians, so it is high time to put forth his authority and strengthen Mayhew's hands by a special commission. Directions for obtaining full satisfaction from the Sachems for the damage done, who must personally appear on Martin's Vineyard to answer their crime. Hopes he may find hands and hearts on Martin's Vineyard or at Plymouth to reduce them to obedience ; if Nicolls sends soldiers among them, it will bring so great a charge on their heads that perpetual slavery will be their end. He will do well to desire Governor Prence of Plymouth to put forth an order to their Indians manifesting their displeasure against the authors of this action or any that shall assist them. This matter shall not fall to the ground, though he has not been forward in trivial cases to contest for his master's bounds ; knowing, however, that all the islands, except Block Island, from Cape Cod to Cape May are included in his master's patent. John Dixey says those Indians have great store of hogs ; is apt to believe that much of the goods, liquors excepted, will be found amongst them. What Nicolls wrote concerning Tallman, Mayhew may peruse. Has in the commission left him latitude to choose two able men to assist him. Printed in New York Documents, III., 169, 170. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 1.]
Jan. 4.
Nevis Road, on board the Crown Frigate.
1663. Governor Wm. Lord Willoughby to Sec. Lord Arlington. Sailed from Barbadoes Dec. 20, and landed at Antigua, a brave island, but miserably defaced by war and hurricanes, yet capable of being sooner repaired than any other ; next to Montserrat, in like condition, a pretty island, but far short of Antigua ; both healthy. Nevis much the worst of the three, but best planted ; is within sight of the French General M. De la Barre, who yesterday complimented him by a person of honour with other cavaliers, whom he treated skipper like with a due regard to the honour of the Crown he himself serves. Understands by them that there is a treaty between their masters about the English interest at St. Kitts. If Monsieur be well handled, they may in exchange part with what is much more considerable, because they are fond of it ; and truly in the condition in which it is, is at a stand what to do with it. Incloses what has passed between De la Barre and himself ; and has sent his wife some others of Mr. Marsh's great mistake confidently asserted to the King and Council. Indorsed, "Answd 21 Feb. 1667-8." Incloses,
1663. I. M. De la Barre to Lord Willoughby. Has received his letter, and congratulates him on his happy arrival at Nevis and good inclinations towards peace, to which he on his part will contribute all in his power. Wishes he could show his sense of the favour and courtesy shown to the Rev. Pre Grillet. Captain Warner has never lived as a Christian, but as a Caribbee, and De la Barre does not consider him included in the treaty of peace. Would send him at once, but is sure he would cause a broil with the natives, and returning to Dominica raise a party against the Caribbees, who the French must support, as they have ceded the island to them, and Englishmen must not inhabit, but if his Lordship will pass his word he shall not return thither. De la Barre will send him willingly, if not, believes he must be sent to his Majesty in England. Warner is now sent under the parole of Mr. Stapleton to send him back if he will not settle amongst the English, and no longer live as a savage.
1663. II. Lord Willoughby to M. De la Barre. Owns his civility in Capt. Thos. Warner's discharge, also his promise concerning the peace, which was this day solemnly proclaimed in Nevis. Cannot allow that any of his Majesty's subjects should have their habitations appointed by the French ; so that since Dominica is within Lord Willoughby's Government, though not yet settled, knows no reason why the English should not settle there. Conceives it to be De la Barre's mistake that Warner is not included in the peace, for though it was his hard fate to meet with a step-mother that forced him to an ill course of life, that cannot deprive him of his birthright ; being born in his Majesty's dominions, the "deputed" son of Sir Thomas Warner and educated with him till 30 years of age, he took the oath of allegiance to his Majesty, and received a commission from Lord Willoughby's predecessor to be Deputy Governor of Dominica. Could not have answered it if he had not insisted on his release, but will comply so far as to command Warner to use a Christian and civil life, and show good behaviour towards the French. Father Grillet merited much more civility than Willoughby could show him. Aboard the Crown, Nevis Road, 1668, Jan. 3. Together 6 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 2, 2 I., II.]
Jan. 5. 1664. Abstracts of four letters from Sir Thomas Modyford, Governor of Jamaica, three of which are calendared under their respective dates (see Nos. 1563, 1652, 1703). 5th Jan. 1668. Sends a more exact draught of Port Royal : is sure the charge will not be less than 2,000l. ; hopes it will be finished in March 1668, and then will send the account : is long out of purse in the disbursements for the fort, upon the encouragement of a Privy Seal for 1,000l., of which he has not received a farthing from the late or present Lord Willoughby ; so that he despairs to have it that way, and desires it may be assigned where it may be certainly paid. Indorsed, "Extract of letters from the Governmt of Jamaica, with a draught to be offered to his Maties consideration, for making pieces of eight current money there." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 3.]
Jan. 6-20.
Nevis.
1665. First speech of Wm. Lord Willoughby to the Assembly of Nevis. The King having committed these islands to his care, it is his duty to have equal regard to them all, and had they not been the most leeward, they had not been last visited. Requires their assistance in his endeavours to their settlement and satisfaction. Is no good orator, yet hopes he shall so speak as to be understood, and that they will like plain dealing best. His first request is that if there be any animosities amongst them they may be laid aside. Is sorry to see the sad effects of the late hurricane, and to ease them has taken care for the speedy removal of the soldiers. But his care meets with unkind returns, witness what has been endeavoured at Court by one related to some of them ; as yet it rests at their door, for both Antigua and Montserrat have by their remonstrance exhibited for their perusal disowned the same [see No. 1676]. Reminds them that they cannot altogether excuse themselves from rashness, in kindling the fire of a bloody war with their neighbours before they were instructed ; what has ensued they well know ; is heartily glad that by his care in supplying them with shipping, soldiers, and other necessaries at vast charge, whilst their neighbours have been destroyed and laid in ashes, they have been preserved. Must tell them of complaints made against them by the merchants trading there, which are real grievances to be redressed, and such as he has not met with elsewhere in the Caribbees. The design of his coming here was not to raise a fortune to himself, for God has blessed him with a competent fortune in his own country. Exhorts them first to serve God, and next their King, and herein they will most serve themselves and promote the peace and welfare of the island.
Jan. 20.Last speech of Governor Lord Willoughby to the Assembly of Nevis. Nothing has been wanting on his part to render them completely settled in all things ; in order whereto he has expected what further they had to offer on their part agreeable to their last request ; but as his Majesty's affairs call him away, he must visit them again ; meantime they may better consider their own affairs, the regulating of some of their laws, and the making of further laws ; but he will not permit any imposing on his Majesty's power contained in his Lordship's patent published to them. Has ordered that all officers, military and civil, are to continue, till his further pleasure be known ; but for the future, according to his patent and instructions, of which they may have copies, he will confirm all officers under the Great Seal of these islands as he has done at Barbadoes. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 4.]
[Jan. 8.] 1666. Address to his Majesty showing the present condition of Newfoundland, drawn from the evidence of Major John Scott, Capt. Wm. Hill, John Hoyle, Mr. Wacombe, Capt. John Rayner, the petitioning merchants, and others. From its first discovery in 1496 till the treaty of 1632 the French were not permitted to fish at Newfoundland, or in any place on the main of America ; but after that treaty the French trading to Canada and Acadia presumed to make dry fish on Newfoundland ; for prevention whereof Sir David Kirke was sent there Governor, in whose time every French ship trading or making dry fish there was forced to pay 5 or 10 per cent. ; and in the time of the late rebellion they were compelled to do the like. But about five years past the French planted there, and presumed to raise a garrison of 18 guns (since made 32) in Placentia. Four years since Capt. Rayner, then Deputy Governor, sent to his Majesty by Robert Prouse of Dartmouth information concerning the French proceedings on the oath of Isaac Dethick ; and 2 years past the inhabitants sent a petition to his Majesty by Nehemiah Froute of Plymouth, setting forth the prejudice they sustained by the Dutch under De Ruyter in June 1665, by calculation 36,000l., and their great fear of the French now planted there, and praying his Majesty to secure the country by fortifying it. In June last the French despatched a Governor from Rochelle with two stout ships of war, &c. ; and the French planters being now more than the English, and thus fortified, make dry fish where they please and load therewith at least 100 great ships, whereas last year there were not above 10 or 12. By the product of this fish his Majesty's Customs have amounted to 40,000l. per ann. and the return to the nation 300,000l. ; and the merchants of London, Bristol, Hampton, Weymouth, and other parts petitioning and consenting to the settlement and securing of Newfoundland are concerned three-quarter parts in carrying on the fishing trade. Indorsed, "Recd the 8th of Jan. 1667-8." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 5.]
[Jan. 8.] 1667. Copy of the preceding, addressed to "yor Lorp," the last paragraph of which is :
The loss sustained by De Ruyter was 36,000l. value. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 6.]
1668? 1668. Petition of the inhabitants (freeholders) of Montserrat to Wm. Lord Willoughby, Governor of Barbadoes. "Petitionerily" show their unanimous good liking of his Excellency's arrival. That they were conquered by the French under M. De La Barre on the 31st Jan. 1667, and were by them possessed and governed some months ; and that Capt. John Berry reduced the island, upon which petitioners were each invested in the small residue of their possessions. Pray his Excellency to grant them Letters Patents confirming them in their former possessions and privileges, excepting such persons as his Excellency may find but too just cause to object against, and inasmuch as by the second article of conquest most of them have lost their patents and charters, beseech him to accept evidences and reports from the Assembly to be chosen for this island. Signed by Oliver Standly. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 7.]
1668. Jan. 10.
Nevis.
1669. First petition of the merchants of Nevis to Governor Lord Willoughby. Acknowledge his authority, congratulate him on his safe arrival, and implore his protection under the following grievances : 1. Due proceedings of law have been for a long time denied for the recovery of their debts. 2. Foreign nations have been encouraged to trade here, to eat the bread out of petitioners' mouths, whilst petitioners are unpaid and their merchandises lie on their hands. 3. A law is in force against them by which they are denied the exercise of their callings, and some have been fined. 4. They are denied liberty of exporting any goods they buy, and rates are set upon their commodities as often as the country pleases. 5. Special courts have been granted to some to recover their debts, whilst the generality have not had any allowed them. 6. General discouragement is given to trade, and some have been fined for giving advice to friends recommended by their correspondents in Europe. 7. It is intended that persons newly arrived with merchandise shall be first paid, and have proceedings for their debts, whilst petitioners have not enjoyed that benefit for years. 8. Would not have troubled his Excellency but that formerly complaints of this kind have been made to the authority of this place, but of which to this day no notice has been taken. Signed by John Knight, Ja. Walker, Osmond Crabb, Hen. Carpenter, Justus Burkin, Richard Lock, Nic. Rainsford, John Wright, junr., William Allien, Jno. Nethway, Tho. Thorne, and John Meredith. Ordered by Governor Lord Willoughby that said petition be communicated to all persons concerned, who are to appear to abide the determination thereof on Tuesday next, at the Public House at Bath Bay. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 8.]
Jan. 10/20.
London.
1670. Memorial of the French Ambassador Ruvigny for the restitution of Cayenne [see ante, No. 1653]. Indorsed, Delivered to the Lords of the Committee Jany 10, 1667-8. Annexed,
1670. I. Order of the Committee for Foreign Plantations on above memorial. That his Majesty should be moved to give speedy and effectual order that said island of Cayenne be delivered into the possession of the French and the prisoners set at liberty, as agreed by the late treaty at Breda. Whitehall, 1668, Jan. 10. Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 9, 10.]
Jan. 15.
Whitehall.
1671. Order of the King in Council on report of the Committee for Foreign Plantations on the memorial of M. Ruvigny importing that Sir John Harman had taken Cayenne and made the Governor and others prisoners [see ante, No. 1653], that Sec. Lord Arlington forthwith prepare the instruments, orders, and instructions proper for the rendition thereof to the French, and setting at liberty the prisoners, as agreed by the late treaty at Breda. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 11.]
Jan. 20.
Whitehall.
1672. The King to Wm. Lord Willoughby, Governor of Barbadoes, &c., and to the Governor of Cayenne for the time being. Whereas by the treaty of Breda his Majesty has agreed to restore all countries gotten by his arms which the French King possessed before 1st Jany. 1666. And whereas the Marquis de Ruvigny has represented that Sir John Harman had made himself master of Cayenne, taking prisoners the Commander and others, and demands release of said prisoners and restitution of said island. It is the King's pleasure that Cayenne be forthwith restored to said King, and all prisoners be set at liberty. Signed by the King, and countersigned by Sec. Lord Arlington, with seal. Two copies. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 12, 13.]
[Jan. 20.] 1673. Draft of the above, with corrections in the handwriting of Williamson. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 14.]
Jan.? 1674. French translation of the above, with mem. by Williamson, as proposed by Mons. de Ruvigny, and the translate was signed by the King. Indorsed, La restitution de la Cayenne. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 15]
Jan. 20.
Nevis, on board the Crown.
1675. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to Williamson. Has directed [John] Champante to inform him of what he has transacted for his Majesty's service, and his own vindication from Esquire Marsh's unjust pretensions, "who I think I have mumbled, his kindred here not well knowing how to behave themselves, yet so they have, as to give him the lie." Intends this day to sail for Montserrat, and so to Antigua ; their remonstrance (has sent copies to Champante) [see below, Nos. 1676, 1688.] will declare their meaning. The Monsieurs court him and he lies at a close guard ; both of us expect orders from their masters as to St. Kitts, for want of which is at a great loss. Home he must come, and then will be able to give as good an account of the Indies as Major Scott, who he hopes is arrived, and perchance has told Williamson some truth, but not all gospel. Indorsed, Rec. 3rd March. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 16.]
1676. Remonstrance, Declaration, and Petition of the inhabitants of Montserrat to Wm. Lord Willoughby, Governor of Barbardoes. Have above any of their neighbours been devastated in the late war not only by their enemies, but likewise in a most barbarous and inhuman manner have been robbed, plundered, and almost utterly consumed by a party of rebellious Irish, their neighbours and inhabitants, in such sort as it is almost impossible either for man or pen to utter or describe ; nor can they excuse the hard dealings of some who were first sent for their relief, all which petitioners hope will be taken into his serious consideration. Cannot but acknowledge the fatherly care and most charitable help, and supplies from Barbadoes from his Excellency and his late brother. And whereas petitioners have lately seen a paper entitled, Proposals most humbly offered to his Majesty by the Planters and Merchants concerned in the Island of Nevis and the other Leeward islands, desiring a Lieutenant for Nevis, St. Christopher's, Antigua, and Montserrat, and that they may be no longer under the Lieutenant of Barbadoes [see ante, No. 1597.], assure his Excellency and declare to the world that, except within these few days, they never heard of said proposals, and are altogether ignorant of the authors ; and as for establishing a Lieutenant or Deputy within themselves, and taking off his Excellency from the command over them, they utterly protest against it, knowing well that on any future occasion Barbadoes will be ready and able to assist them again, which is more than they can do for themselves, whereas if there were distinct Lieutenants it would breed many animosities between them. And whereas the authors of said proposals have hinted as to the unanswerable carriages of some late Governors in these parts, they trust his Excellency for the future to establish such Governors as shall duly administer law and justice. Signed by Thomas Roach, William Knowles, Abraham Berner, Daniell Dawly, Dearmott Sulivan, John Cahan, Henry Rowse, Rosicleare Nation, John Lynch, George Wyke, Garrett Missett, John Ryan, Richard Darsy, Danyell Sulivan, Oliver Standly, Anthony Briskett, John Sutton, David Gallaway, John Carmicke, Joseph Hoskins, Roger Bently, John Sharpe, William Younge, John Deavoreux, Alexander Robbison, Richard Basse, and Richard Barry. Certified to be a true copy by Governor Lord Willoughby. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 17.]
Jan. 21/31.
London.
1677. Memorial of J. Meerman and Joh. Boreel, the States' Ambassadors, to the King. Being informed from Barbadoes that Sir John Harman on the 18th Oct. last took Surinam and carried prisoners the Governor with a great number of people to Barbadoes : pray his Majesty to grant them letters to his Governor at Surinam, to restore that place in the same condition as it was when news of the peace was brought there, according to the 6th article of the treaty ; also to set at liberty all prisoners, and to assist them with all his power to return to Surinam. Indorsed, Read and ordered in Council 24th Jan. 1667-8. French, 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 18.]
[Jan. 21/31.] 1678. English translation of the preceding, not signed. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 19.]
[Jan. 23.] 1679. An account of the English sugar Plantations. Discovery of Barbadoes in 1620 by a ship of Sir William Courteen, who made use of Lord Pembroke's name in obtaining a patent for it. The Earl of Pembroke sent one Powell, Governor, who continued till 1628, when the Earl of Marlborough having a patent for the Caribbees, sold it to the Earl of Carlisle, who sent one Hawley to settle it, and he enticed Powell aboard his ship, and sent him in irons to England. Barbadoes was then so inconsiderable that the Earl of Pembroke and Sir Wm. Courteen thought it not worth looking after. The Earl of Carlisle was at no charge and demanded nothing from the inhabitants. Though many people went to the colony, yet it did not increase in wealth or trade till 1640, when Capt. Phillip Bell was by the Earl appointed Governor, who being a very honest just man with a plentiful fortune there, many good laws were made and the trade of the colony greatly advanced. Soon after troubles began in England, the Dutch came and taught the art of making sugar, and having free trade and plentiful supplies of necessaries, their manufacture increased very much every year till 1650, when Lord Francis Willoughby, having bargained for a lease of 21 years with the Earl of Carlisle, persuaded the island to declare for the King, on which the Rump sent a fleet under Sir George Ayscue, and the island submitted. One Searle, left Governor, bought a large plantation, and promoting the good of the island very much, it continued advancing in wealth and trade till the Act of Navigation came into force, "which in time would ruin them" ; but to add to this, comes Lord Willoughby, who makes pretensions to every man's estate, which (with other behaviours of his) sets men's minds in such despair, "that it is a miracle that place is in being to the Crown of England." These colonies formerly employed 400 sail yearly, freighted with the manufactures of England, and returning with sugar, cotton, indigo, tobacco, most of which was transported to foreign countries. But this great trade within very few years has so decayed that it will not now employ above 150 ships, whereby the exports and imports are diminished to one-third, and his Majesty's Customs daily diminish. The reasons which are argued at length are conceived to be the want of free trade, the want of a sufficient supply of negroes, Christian servants, the latter from Scotland, and being governed by those who have no estates in the island, by which planters and traders have been much discouraged, and by the oppression and imprudent conduct of the Governor. The late Francis Lord Willoughby aimed more at raising a speedy fortune than at the welfare of the colonies. He imprisoned some and whipped and banished others of the principal inhabitants and members of the Assembly, disposed others by force of arms of their plantations, took their guns and ammunition to his own use or sent them elsewhere, so that when De Ruyter came, there were but 63 barrels of powder for 8,000 horse and foot and 40 cannon ; and when the Assembly, terrified by their weakness, would have supplied themselves a second time with arms and ammunition to be distributed amongst the householders, he refused to pass the Act, and endeavoured to possess his Majesty that the people were disaffected to regal government. Great numbers of men have been by him and his successor sent away from Barbadoes, most of whom have perished, as at St. Lucia and St. Christopher's, which has made the soberer sort of people offer their estates for half their value. Nor can this be remedied by a garrison, for charges will be infinitely increased, and the French will undersell them. As soon as Lord Willoughby arrived, he proclaimed all powers derived from the Earl of Carlisle's patent to be ceased, yet summoned the persons of the Assembly convoked under that patent. Complaint of his conduct in the raising of a 4 on all commodities, which is very odious and grievous to the people, and though said to be for the fortifying and other uses of the colonies, has not been so employed. The planters much oppressed by the farmers of his Majesty's Customs, for they pay of the value of their brown sugars, while the Act of tonnage and poundage intends but 1/20 ; so that English sugar pays more than Brazil, while the French have greatly increased by setting a great imposition on foreign sugars and a low one on their own, so the English cannot buy necessaries half as cheap as their neighbours, nor make sugar on nigh such easy terms, and go and live among the French, who give them all sorts of encouragement. English commodities, production, inhabitants, and navigation are thus much decreased, and their neighbours much augmented, and if some remedy be not suddenly applied, the English islands, inhabited only by masters of great plantations and their blacks, will either be cut off by their own negroes or become a prey to any assailant. Indorsed, Barbadoes, Rec. Jan. 23, 1667/8. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 20.]
[Jan. 23.] 1680. Answer of Sir Ellis Leighton, Secretary, by order of the Royal [African] Company to the petition of the Representatives of Barbadoes (Sept. 5, 1667) [see ante, No. 1565]. That open markets and free trade are best for those that desire them is certain, and so it is to buy cheap and sell dear, and most of all to have commodities for nothing, and if all his Majesty's dominions and plantations were made only for Barbadoes, it might be expedient ; but since it is conceived that his Majesty will have regard to what may preserve the trade of the nation, and not only to what will gratify Barbadoes, they think their desire of free trade will prove as impracticable and pernicious to themselves as destructive to all other public interests. Never desired more than 17l. per head for negroes in times of peace, nor will desire more. As to their metaphor of proving, as usury, like a canker to the planters, it will prove a worse canker to the Company, if they never pay for the negroes they have, which hitherto has been their practice. And as it was testified they had so great a glut of negroes that they would hardly give them their victuals for their labour, and multitudes died upon the Company's hands, cannot omit to beseech his Majesty to write so effectually to the Governor of Barbadoes, that they may be assisted in recovering their debts, and that some method be proposed that their negroes may be paid for, except (which would be better) Barbadoes will give security in London to pay at the rate agreed on for negroes, on notice of their delivery there, which is conceived the only way to secure the Company from being first not paid, and then loaded with complaints not founded on solidity of reason or truth of fact. Indorsed, Received 23rd January. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 21.]
Jan.? 1681. Proposal of the Royal [African] Company concerning the sale of negroes to Barbadoes. Finding themselves very ill used by Barbadoes in suffering their negroes to die on their hands, not paying for those bought, and yet clamouring against the Company, they propose to deliver negroes at 17l. per head, and so content Barbadoes in the price, but desire that the Plantation give notice of the number they will take and the time of year they desire them, and that payment be secured. Signed by Sir Ellis Leighton, Secy. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 22.]
Jan.? 1682. Observations on the Barbadoes petition [see ante, No. 1565]. It seems reasonable that they be either supplied by the Royal Company at the rates engaged, or permitted to trade for negroes themselves ; but the other parts [of first paragraph of petition] seem unreasonable, being directly against the Acts for Navigation, and directly cross the Acts of Trade and the nation's interest at home, and will require great caution and limitation as to time if his Majesty favour them. Arguments against the second paragraph of petition : men of any honour or innate courage do not leave their native country for servitude abroad, and those that do would, at the expiration of their servitude, see to their fortunes elsewhere, and the island be in the same condition as now. The fourth paragraph seems reasonable, provided the person offending be not too great and popular for the Governor to punish. The fifth paragraph about conveying money cannot prejudice England, provided they neither melt down English money nor stamp it under base alloy. Indorsed, Observations to the Barbadoes petition. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 23.]
Jan. 24.
Whitehall.
1683. Order of the King in Council. On memorial of the States' Ambassadors concerning the restitution of Surinam, that Sec. Lord Arlington forthwith prepare such instruments, orders, and instructions for the rendition of that colony to the Dutch as he formerly prepared for the delivery of Cayenne to the French. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 24.]
Jan.
Whitehall.
1684. The King to Wm. Lord Willoughby, Governor of Barbadoes. Whereas the Sieurs Meerman and Boreel, Ambassadors from the States General of the Netherlands, have represented by memorial of the 21/31 inst. that Sir John Harman on the 18th Oct. last made himself master of the colony of Surinam, taking prisoners the Governor and others, and have demanded the release of said prisoners and restitution of the colony, he is directed forthwith to surrender said colony to such as the States General shall empower, and discharge said prisoners without any ransom, according to the 3rd and 6th articles of the treaty of Breda. Two copies. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 25, 26.]
[Jan. 24.] 1685. Petition of the Royal African Company to the King. Refer to their petition concerning Nicholas Pepperell, which was read 7th December 1666, when his Majesty referred the business to the Lords Committee for Plantations, before whom the now Lord Willoughby undertook to fulfil the order sent to his late brother. But petitioners have lately received account that their factors are still prosecuted and near upon being sued to an execution upon said bail bonds ; and though petitioners have addressed Lord Willoughby to order the judge to transmit the process hither, according to his Majesty's order and his own undertaking, he does not do so. Pray his Majesty to renew his orders to Lord Willoughby, according to the tenor of the first letter of 6th April 1666. Indorsed, Read and ordered in Council January 24th 1667-8. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 27.]
Jan. 1686. Mem. concerning the mandamus to be sent to Lord Willoughby about Nicholas Pepperel's case. That it be addressed to the Governor, Deputy Governor, and all judges before whom any suits are or shall be commenced, wherein Thomas Colleton, Tobias Payne, or John Reid are defendants, upon any bond entered into for Nicholas Pepperell at the suit of Nathaniel Kingsland, Jeremiah Egginton, and others mentioned ; or secondly, wherein John Reid is defendant, by reason of any underwriting by any of them made in the Secretary's office against Tobias Payne, relating to said bail bond. Indorsed, Instructions from our own lawyer touching the mandamus which is to be sent from England about Pepperell's business. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 28.]
Jan. 31.
Antigua.
1687. Proposals of the inhabitants of Antigua by their deputies to Wm. Lord Willoughby, Governor of the Caribbee Islands. 1. That his Excellency will establish Church government among them according to the laws of the Church of England. 2. That their being compelled by the French to obedience, may pass in oblivion. 3. That Courts of justice may be in the hands of honest and able men that have been sufferers in the island, and particularly the posts of Secretary, Marshal, and Surveyor. 4. That his Excellency will renew to every man, except such as have run away to the French, the title to his estate. 5. That he will appoint an office for registering all grants, sales, and conveyances of land. 6. That all persons within 40 days bring in an account of their possessions into said office, and that where patents or conveyances cannot be produced sufficient testimony may be accepted. 7. That no man be taxed in his estate without the consent of the freeholders, legally chosen and summoned for that purpose. 8. That all lands not disposed of near the harbours be given out in small parcels. 9. That for some years the island may be a free port for all nations in amity with his Majesty. 10. That the impost of 4 per cent. be taken off for some years. 11. That the late Articles touching the rendition of slaves by the French be accomplished. 12. That lands belonging to widows and orphans be not disposed of to others. 13. That he will take some course to prevent further incursions from the Indians, and for the enlargement of the Christians who are in slavery among them. 14. That in regard of their poverty he will appoint moderate fees for patents and public instruments, to be paid in sugar. 15. That he will procure credit with the Royal Company for negroes, till they are able to pay for them. Signed, by Tho. Compton, Speaker. Also, Answers of Lord Willoughby to the above proposals. His Excellency grants all or promises his best endeavours to accomplish, except the 3rd and 4th, reserved for consideration, Antigua, 1668, January 31 ; with Mem. dated 3rd February, that Capt. Sam. Winthrop was commissioned to be Registrar of the Register Office about lands, according to the within request. Signed by Fras. Sampson, Secretary. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 29.]
Jan.? 1688. Petition and Remonstrance of the inhabitants of Antigua to Wm. Lord Willoughby. Wasted and destroyed in the late war, petitioners desire to express to his Excellency their thankfulness for his care to them on all occasions. And for that they have seen a paper containing proposals to his Majesty to send over a Lieut.-General for St. Christopher's, Nevis, Antigua, and Montserrat,that they may not be under his Majesty's Lieut. of Barbadoes any longer [see ante, No. 1597] petitioners not only declare to the whole world that they are altogether ignorant of said proposals and the authors of them, but utterly deny and protest against them, earnestly craving that his Excellency will continue his fatherly care over them. Signed by Bastian Baer, Jeremiah Watkins, Walter Owen, Harry Kaynel, Daniel Michel, John Campbell, Simon Turfry, Robert Smyth, Wm. Wainwright, Tho. Compton, Samuel Winthrop, Richard Boraston, Richard Ayres, John Cade, Samuel Irish, George Hawkins, Mark Brewster, Obad. Bradshaw, John Frye, Paul Lee, Jo. Clemeson, Will. Procter. Certified copy by Wm. Lord Willoughby. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 30.]
1668? 1689. Petition of Chas. Modyford and other proprietors of the ship Crescent, to the King. That by orders given by his Majesty in Council and sent from the Duke of Albemarle, Sir Thos. Modyford, Governor in Jamaica, was permitted to grant, or not, commissions of war against the Spaniard, as to him should seem most advantageous. In virtue whereof said Governor gave a commission against the subjects of Spain to Capt. Dempster ; who, before the peace with Spain, surprised the ship Crescent, then called Our Lady of Conception and St. Joseph, and brought her to Jamaica ; where she was condemned by the Admiralty for lawful prize, and bought by Hend. Molesworth and others, who sent her laden to England to petitioners' care ; from whose possession the Spanish Ambassador endeavours to regain her. Prays that his Majesty would own the said Governor in what he has so acted, and suffer petitioners to continue the propriety of said ship. Annexed,
Condemnation in the Court of Admiralty of Jamaica by Sir James Modyford, Deputy Governor, of the ship Nostra Seora de la Concepcion y San Joseph of Campeche, taken by Capt. Edward Dempster of the Relief frigate, by virtue of a commission for taking the ships and goods of his Catholic Majesty or subjects, St. Jago de la Vega, 1667, August 28th. With certificate by Sir Thos. Modyford that he had appointed his brother Sir James chief judge of the Court of Admiralty in this island. Dated 20th January 1668. And certificate that the above is a true copy signed by Chas. Modyford and John Hough. Together 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 31, 31 I.]