America and West Indies: February 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: February 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/pp546-552 [accessed 10 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: February 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 December 10, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp546-552.

"America and West Indies: February 1668". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 10 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp546-552.

February 1668

Feb. 2.
Antigua.
1690. Lord Willoughby's instructions to Major James Walker for his voyage from Antigua to Dominica. To take Capt. Warner formerly of Dominica with him on board the Portsmouth frigate, and if he can beget a good understanding between Warner and his allies, leave him there with orders to bring the French party over to peace with our nation, and to procure a general release of the English captives. If unsafe after trial of the humours of the Indians to leave Warner, to bring him again to Barbadoes with such of the captives and Indians as he can, attacking and destroying the Indians and their towns. Concerning the redeemed captives, and carrying them to Antigua. Certified copy by Fran. Sampson, Secretary. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 32.]
Feb. 4.
Castle Frigate in the Downs.
1691. Capt. Henry Ady to the Principal Commissioner of his Majesty's Navy, Navy Office, Seething Lane. Received orders on 17 Dec. last with Capt. Berry to sail for England, Sir John Harman was then at Barbadoes, bore up for Nevis, and sailed thence on 26th. Heard that Lord Willoughby was at Martinico in the Crown taking off English prisoners, and intended to come to St. Christopher's and do the like and see the English settled in their properties, which M. De la Barre declared himself ready to answer, and after that to settle Antigua and Montserrat. All the victuallers arrived at Barbadoes save one ; the ships to stay were the Crown, Dover, Bonaventure, Assurance, and Norwich ; Sir John Harman intended to sail 10 days after them. Supposes Capt. Berry will be here shortly ; has merchants' goods aboard, and 42 Dutch soldiers which Sir John Harman promised the Governor of Surinam should have their transport ; desires to know how to dispose of them. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 33.]
Feb. 11.
Barbadoes.
1692. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to the King. Has been seven weeks dashing to and again among the Leeward Isles, and returned to Barbadoes on Saturday last [8th] ; took them all in his way both going and returning, beginning with Antigua, which is worth all the rest except Barbadoes. Found that island in sad condition, for it was first cruelly fired and plundered by the French, then by their advice the Indians used all inhuman actions towards men, women, and children, and lastly some Irish that adhered to the French destroyed all that was left ; it was regained by Capt. Berry, after which a violent hurricane "reduced most of those miserable people to their first principles," notwithstanding, it is worth all the Leeward Isles, from its fertile soil and incomparable safe harbours, which are wanting to all the rest. Found Montserrat in the same condition, a fine little island, but almost wholly possessed by Irish, many of whom behaved as their countrymen had done at Antigua ; some of them have been fairly hanged, and others he is hunting in the woods, and will serve the same. The rest, about 400, swear to be loyal, as many have been ; has resettled their estates, and he hopes their minds. That done sailed to Nevis, the worst of the three but most peopled, the defence of which has cost five times more than it is worth. Takes the people, 1,200 fighting men at least, to be good subjects, "if not poisoned with your servant, Mr. Marsh his doctrine, which they all under their hands have renounced, though the Governor there be his brother." Stayed three weeks in that road to redeem his fellow subjects. M. De la Barre being then at St. Kitts, gave him a visit aboard his ship, and many compliments passed between them. Has received no commands about St. Kitts, but finds the French have a great desire to it, "if they would swop for the Granados, I think it no ill bargain." Would not be so importunate for leave for a trip to England, but that his Majesty's affairs require it, which he will leave in a much better condition than he found them. Sir John Harman will truly inform his Majesty of many things, need say nothing of him, his actions have spoken for him, yet whoever is in authority will be envied or condemned. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 34.]
Feb. 11.
Barbadoes.
1693. Gov. Wm. Lord, Willoughby to Sec. Lord Arlington. Will. supply what he has omitted in his letter to his Majesty. Antigua is of great consequence to his Majesty in these parts, and M. de la Barre has not forborne repenting ever parting with it. His care must now be to preserve it from the Indians, "who yet are the French stalking horse," but the blow Sir John Harman gave the French at sea has staggered the Indians, who are apt to side with the stronger. Has sent a small vessel to Dominica to demand the captives from Antigua, Montserrat, &c., and employed Capt. Warner, an Indian, but a loyal subject, whom the French, though their prisoner, could not corrupt or reduce in that affair ; and will reduce Dominica if, by fair means, he cannot obtain the English captives, but that will take time, for they are pitiful enemies, and he expects to meet French conductors among them. His Lordship will perceive that Mr. Marsh is quite out in his proposals, yet he has endeavoured to make a broil on Nevis, though his friends and allies deny any conversation with him. One Col. Collins, who on misinformation obtained a patent for the island of Barbuda, unjustly injured many planters there, and in the war as unhandsomely quitted it, may inform his Lordship of hard measure received in Lord Willoughby's denying him the continuance of that Government ; but his Lordship will suspend belief till truly informed. Sir John Harman will save him saying more. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 35.]
Feb.? 1694. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to Williamson. Has finished his voyage for resettling the Leeward Isles and made a fair beginning, which in his next voyage he will endeavour to perfect, having formed the people into Councils and Assemblies to consider what will most conduce to their advantage. Antigua has suffered most, but is incomparably the best, and had it due encouragement, would in a short time become a second Barbadoes. The men of Nevis and Willoughby agree very well, whatever Mr. Marsh may say ; they disown Marsh's proposals made in their name : there is a text of it in the merchants' second petition inclosed. Will do what he may to compose differences between merchants and planters. In Nevis Road M. De la Barre gave him a visit, whom he treated courteously, because he had been civil to our prisoners beyond the rest of his countrymen. Had nothing to say touching St. Kitts, having no orders from his Majesty ; is also at a loss for the want of direction concerning Surinam. Has sent his son Henry to persuade the people to remove. Indorsed, Rec. 9 April 1668. Incloses,
1694. I. Replication of the Merchants of Nevis to the answer of the Assembly to a former petition exhibited to Gov. Lord Willoughby [see ante, No. 1669]. Protest their obedience to all legal authority, but hope to be allowed their liberty as Englishmen of representing abuses and grievances. Since all in the island are concerned as plaintiffs or defendants, they appeal to his Excellency to end the controversy. Affirm that they have assisted on all occasions during the war and have been the greatest sufferers by it. Desire his Excellency to view those Acts said to be only "restringent to exorbitances," but which will be found destructive to propriety and trade, and also to the planters themselves ; witness the New England men, who, having been fined for refusing to sell for the set prices imposed on their goods, withdrew their trade, saying that this island should suck their paws as bears did in their country in the winter until those usages were forborne, by which the islanders were ready to famish ; yet petitioners are still prohibited from free trade, and they are "now under the censure of devils," who while they never called for their debts were styled Saints. Complain of two Hamburghers and a Frenchman being tolerated to a free trade, against an Act of Parliament, while English vessels were forced to another market. Lastly they protest against "that paper of proposals, signified at Court," and declare they never had any hand therein, but believe them to tend to the destruction of the commerce and safety of the Leeward Isles. Signed by John Nethway, Sim. Crabb, James Walker, Will. Alleene, John Wright, Tho. Thorne, John Meredith, Hen. Carpenter, Nich. Rainsford, Justus Burkin, John Knight, and Rich. Lock. Indorsed, The second petition of the merchants at Nevis. Together 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 36, 36 I.]
Feb.? 1695. Mem. in the handwriting of Under Sec. Williamson of clauses proposed to be inserted in the Commission from the French King to his Governor at St. Christopher's. French. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 37.]
Feb. 13.
Whitehall.
1696. Mem. of a warrant to the Lord Keeper for putting the Great Seal to an instrument containing a Commission to Lord Willoughby, Col. Lewis Morice, Col. Hooper, and Lt.-Col. Lambert to demand and receive that part of St. Christopher's which his Majesty enjoyed in Jan. 1665. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXX., p. 7.]
Feb. 15? 1697. Commission to Governor William Lord Willoughby. To demand and receive that part of St. Cristopher's which was in possession of the English in January 1665, in pursuance of the treaty of Breda, and by virtue of the orders and directions of the King of France [of 28 Aug. 1667, see ante, No. 1560] for the restoration thereof. Draft with corrections by Williamson. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 38.]
Feb. 18 and March 6. 1698. Depositions of William Byam, aged 45 years, Capt. Peter Wrath, Major Richard Stevens, and Captain William Lea, taken before Richard Noke, Judge Advocate, at the house of Col. Richard Buckworth. Concerning the miscarriages of Col. Samuel Barry at Surinam ; also in reference to the request of the Assembly to remove them to some of his Majesty's colonies, and to provide shipping for their transportation on receiving advice of the peace, and that Surinam was to be restored to the Dutch. Four papers. Together 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 39-42.]
Feb. 19.
Whitehall.
1699. Order in Council. That the Act of Cession of l'Acadie pass to the French King in a solemn instrument in the same words, and with the same explanation, as the orders sometime since issued for giving him possession of said country, Mons. De Ruvigny having made difficulty to receive the same in the words of the treaty of Breda, without the like explanation. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 43.]
1668? 1700. Declaration of the King concerning l'Acadie. In pursuance of the treaty of Breda his Majesty will give the needful orders for restoring to the most Christian King the country of l'Acadie which formerly belonged to him, namely, the forts and habitations of Pentagouet, St. John, Port Royal, La Have, and Cape Sable, which his subjects enjoyed under his authority till the English possessed themselves thereof in 1654, 1655, and since. And further orders shall be given to the subjects of either nation in those parts, to live as formerly in good neighbourhood and friendship. French and English. Indorsed by Williamson, Lord Holles his draught of what the King should give, &c., and which was followed accordingly. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 44.]
1668? 1701. Proclamation of the King concerning the cession of Acadia, Cayenne, &c. to the French. Whereas by the treaty of Breda it is agreed that his Majesty should restore to the most Christian King the country of Acadia which the said King formely enjoyed, and also all islands, forts, colonies, &c. taken from said King since 1665, upon condition that said King should, within six months at furthest, restore that part of St. Christopher's which the English possessed on 1st Jan. 1665, and also all islands, forts, colonies, &c. taken by him which the English possessed before the war with the States General, as appears by Arts. 7 to 15 of said treaty ; his Majesty by these presents surrenders for ever to said King the country of Acadia, "as, namely, the forts and habitations of Pentacouet, St. John, Port Royal, La Heve, and Cap de Sables, which his subjects enjoyed under his authority till the English possessed themselves of them in the years 1654 and 1655, and since (which was inserted at the request of Monsr De Ruvigny)," as also the country of Cayenne, with all the islands, forts, colonies, &c. taken from said King since the declaration of said war with the States General. And for the effectual execution hereof his Majesty charges as well the Capt.-General of the Caribbee Islands, and the Governor of Nova Scotia, as the Commanders of Acadia, Cayenne, and the said islands, forts, colonies, &c., that forthwith without any delay they surrender the same to the said King, or such as shall be thereto appointed by him. Indorsed, 1667/8. Cestion to the French King of Acadia, Cayenne, &c. Draft with corrections in Williamson's handwriting. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 45.]
1668. Feb. 20.
Jamaica.
1702. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to [the Lord Keeper]. At his first coming, called an Assembly, in which they made many laws, and finding their weakness in that work, passed the like law Sir Edward Poynings made in Ireland, "thereby making us partakers of the most perfectly incomparable laws of our own country ;" they were remitted three years since to the late Lord Chancellor for the Royal assent, but have been neglected to this day ; requests that his son may have authority to demand them, that his Majesty's assent may be obtained, and remitted by the first opportunity. Found here but one Court of Common Pleas, but on petition of the Assembly, divided the island into six precincts, and established in each of them a county court with three judges, and justices of the peace, as in England ; and one Supreme Court to have jurisdiction over all pleas whatsoever, and for the trial of all treasons, murders, &c. ; in this court are also three judges, of whom for want of a better lawyer himself is chief ; to which last sitting were sent two prisoners with an indictment of high treason for coining pieces of eight, the current money of this island. The jury found them guilty ; but one of them, Flexmore, moved an arrest of judgment that it was not expressed that said money was current with his Majesty's consent. Was advised by the Council to issue inclosed proclamation ; but finding he has no power in the matter of coins, desires his Majesty's consent. Lastly, since Col. Ed. Morgan's death, has by his Majesty's directions commissioned his brother Sir James Modyford (a servant of your Lordship's) his deputy : requests that an instrument may be drawn, whereby Sir James may be confirmed Deputy Governor, and in case of the writer's death, be empowered to put in execution all the authorities granted to Sir Thomas. In this or in anything which may be for the good of this island, the Duke of Albemarle will cordially join with his Lordship. Incloses,
1702 I. Proclamation referred to above. That whereas in the island of Jamaica, the coins of the King of Spain have been so long current ; to the intent that the laws of England may be freely put in execution against such as shall counterfeit, clip, or abuse the same, his Majesty hereby confirms the current use of said coin in that island. Witness Sir Thomas Modyford, the 27th January 1668. Indorsed, To my Lord Keeper. Together 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 46, 46 I.]
Feb. 20.
Jamaica.
1703. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to the Duke of Albemarle. Acknowledges receipt of his Grace's letter of 7th November last, with one from his Majesty for Lord Willoughby, which he will forward, and appoint a receiver of that sugar, though he almost despairs of receiving anything at his hands. It will be at least four months before it can come to his hands, the way from hence thither being by way of New England, the constant eastern winds obstructing all direct commerce with Barbadoes. His wife and son present their humble duties to his Grace and the Duchess, wanting words to express their high sense of his Grace's favour to their whole family, p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 47.]
Feb. 21? 1704. The King to Wm. Lord Willoughby. Transmits an instrument under the Great Seal of France, for the actual surrender to his Majesty of that part of St. Christopher's whereof he was in possession in January 1665 [see ante, No. 1560], together with an instrument empowering him and others to receive said part of that island from the Sieur De la Barre, M. De St. Laurence, or other Commander-in-Chief of said island [see ante, No. 1697]. Draft with corrections in Under Sec. Williamson's handwriting. Indorsed, Lord Willoughby for receiving St. Xto 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 48.]
Feb. 21.
Jamaica.
1705. Sir James Modyford to Under Sec. Williamson. Has received his of "29th October," and is glad Williamson had his of "29th October," (? 29th July, see ante, No. 1536). Heartily congratulates Lord Arlington's removal to higher preferment, and wishes he could know whether Williamson's station is with him or with Sir Willm. Coventry. His brother writes by these ships, and sends the remainder of Williamson's effects in cocoa, the best commodity of this island ; neither sugars, nor indigo will turn to account, nearly so well. They are both much indebted for his great kindness to "my cousin Charles Modyford." p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 49.]
Feb. 22. 1706. Mem. of warrant for sealing Sir Daniel Harvey's power, and the two powers for receiving St. Christopher's. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXX., p. 9.]
Feb. 23. 1707. Order to the Farmers (of the Customs). To register as a free ship the Swan, taken in the late war and adjudged lawful prize in the Admiralty of Jamaica, by the name of the Fortune of Amsterdam, Cornelius Renard Uppranchard, master, notwithstanding the omission of it not being entered according to the Act. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXV., p. 90.]
Feb. 29. 1708. Orders of the Governor and Council of Jamaica. Against buying or selling negroes taken upon the Spanish coast and brought into this island except at Port Royal. That the Varmahaly negro Domingo Henriques be pardoned all his crimes and have a charter of freedom for himself, wife, and two children, having taken the oath of allegiance, and that he with Paul and Domingo, two other negroes, carry a charter of pardon and freedom to all the Varmahaly negroes on their submission to his Majesty's authority. That in regard of the rebellion of said negroes every right to them is barred and no one can demand any slaves ; the rewards to be given to the negroes that go with Henriques to be paid out of the public receipt of this island. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXXIV., pp. 170-172.]