America and West Indies: May 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: May 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/pp564-576 [accessed 11 December 2024].

'America and West Indies: May 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 11, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp564-576.

"America and West Indies: May 1668". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 11 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp564-576.

May 1668

May 2.
St. Kitts.
1742. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to the King. Having been eight weeks from Barbadoes in order to settling his Majesty's affairs in these parts, which in some measure he has effected, both with the Indians and his Majesty's subjects ; on his return to Montserrat met his Majesty's command for taking possession of St. Christopher's, accompanied with sad news from Barbadoes of a dreadful fire which hath destroyed almost the whole town of St. Michael's ; also that his son Will., whom, at the request of the Assembly, was left Deputy Governor, was so ill of a fever that he could not well perform his duty. Resolved to endeavour the despatch at St. Christopher's as directed by his Majesty's letters of Feb. 21 last, supposing he should find no delay, the French King's letters importing as much ; but found M. St. Laurence, Governor there, and M. Chambre, intendant to the Royal Company, not inclinable to obey their King's commands, or permit Lord Willoughby to pursue his Majesty's ; however, endeavoured to continue the treaty, though to little purpose. Only had the opportunity to view the island, which doubtless had been in his Majesty's possession had it been as well known to those that attacked it as now it is. Has acquainted the Duke of Albemarle and Lord Arlington with all passages, and shall find out M. De la Barre if in the Indies ; those persons with whom he is directed to treat depending more on his commands than their King's. "May they be rewarded according to their deserts by your Majesty or him ; I have said too much, having done little to the purpose, for which I beg your pardon." Indorsed, R. 19 June. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 79.]
May 2. 1743. Protest of William Lord Willoughby against the French King and his ministers M. le Chev. De St. Laurence, Governor of St. Christopher's, and M. De Chambre, superintendent of the Company of the West Indies, for refusing to deliver up the English part of St. Christopher's according to the treaty of Breda, notwithstanding the orders of the French King of 28th Aug. 1667 [see ante, No. 1560] delivered to them by Lord Willoughby on 28 April last, by virtue of a Commission from the King of England of 13 Feb. 1668 [see ante, No. 1696] to receive the same. Signed by Lord Willoughby and sealed with his seal ; also by Fran. Sampson, Sec. "The original was the 2nd May aforesaid, read unto the said Chev. De St. Laurence and tendered to his hands, which he refusing to take, was laid down before him on a chair. Witnesses, Will. Stapleton, Ch. Payne." 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 80.]
May 2. 1744. French translation of the preceding protest. Two copies. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 81, 82.]
May 3. 1745. Petition of William Maple, part owner of the Elizabeth and Mary, to the King and Council. For a protection from imprest for 26 seamen and two carpenters belonging to said vessel, bound to Barbadoes. Indorsed, Read and rejected, May 3. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 83.]
May 6/16.
London.
1746. Memorial of J. Meerman and Joh. Boreel, the States' Ambassadors, to the King. Find themselves obliged to join this memorial to their masters' letter about Surinam, as well to annex the papers mentioned therein, as to represent the just resentment they have against General Willoughby ; who, after the peace had been published in Barbadoes on Dec. 1, which with the contents of his Majesty's letter for restitution were known to all, and even the prisoners of war exchanged, sent his son to Surinam with a Royal frigate ; who there comported himself as expressed in their masters' letter, and as also appears from the attestation of two sailors from thence. Are therefore obliged to pray his Majesty that not only Lieutenant-General Willoughby, but also his father and all who have had a hand in that affair, may be bound to make real and speedy satisfaction, and to restore everything as the States General have desired. Will expect his Majesty's declaration on this memorial to send as soon as possible to their masters, having already received great contentment by his Majesty's answer by mouth concerning this very work. French and English translation. Two papers. Annexed,
1746. I. The States General to the King. With great regret they are constrained to make complaint to his Majesty that Capt. Wm. Heyndrixsen, commander of the ship of war Schakerloo, who was sent to Surinam for the restitution of that Province according to the third and sixth articles of the Treaty, could obtain neither right nor reason from those who governed, though it was taken by his Majesty's arms long after the 10th May. Lieutenant-General Henry Willoughby was abundantly convinced by the exhibition of the Treaty and his Majesty's letters for restitution ; but he would not obey, and said captain was constrained to protest against him according to the protest annexed, and also wrote him a letter, also annexed. But all in vain, he was so bold as to commit acts of hostility by burning a mill, carrying off slaves, cattle, and tools, and endeavouring to persuade the inhabitants who had become subjects of this State to follow the same evil example, so as to restore only a ruined and depopulated country. Pray his Majesty to do justice for these outrages, and then to punish said Lieutenant-General Willoughby and all who have aided him, as violators of the Peace, and also to cause satisfaction to be made for all damages, and all things to be restored to the state in which they were on arrival of news of the Peace. Have commanded their General in the East Indies at his Majesty's request to omit nothing for the punctual execution of the Treaty, but it is most necessary to punish in an exemplary manner those who dare to contravene the Treaty as has been done so outrageously at Surinam. Trust his Majesty will not permit the inhabitants debauched by Lieutenant-General Willoughby, with their slaves, cattle, and goods, to be received in his Majesty's other islands and colonies, but that all may be treated according to the 13th and 16th articles of the Treaty. Have given order to their Ambassadors to speak more amply with his Majesty on the subject. Hague, 1668, April 24/May 4. French.
1746. II. Protest of Wm. Hendricksen, captain of the Shakerloo, against Lieutenant-General Henry Willoughby. Whereas, by an order of the States of Zealand of 1st Sept. last, Hendricksen exhibited to Lieutenant-General Henry Willoughby on 17th inst. a patent in Latin and English under the Great Seal of England for surrendering all places taken or recovered from the Dutch after the 10th May ; and by virtue thereof summoned him to surrender the fort and colony of Surinam ; which said Lieutenant-General refused to do, pretending he had not received any certain information of the pretended Peace : said Hendricksen hereby protests against said Lieutenant-General Henry Willoughby for all ruins, spoils, disasters, and prejudices which may arise to his masters by reason of said refusal. Paramaribo, in Surinam, 1667, Dec. 18/28. Attested by J. Meerman and Joh. Boreel, Ambassadors Extraordinary from the States General. London, 20/30 May 1668. With certificate signed Bachiler, that same was sent him to translate into English for their Excellencies, 31st May 1668. Dutch and English translation. Two papers.
1746. III. Wm. Hendricks to Lord Willoughby. Complains of his prohibition against ships going up or down the river, which by the Treaty of peace and the law of nations it is free for them to do. Once more desires to know whether he will make use of his galliot which he has designed for Barbadoes. Doubts not Lord Willoughby has perused the protest ; has sent this express to desire his categorical and absolute answer to same. Desires him seriously to consider that his masters will prosecute their rights to the uttermost and punish according to the rigour of the Articles those that contribute to the least infraction thereof ; and that if his Majesty withdraw his hand from his Lordship, as his Majesty ought to do, he will be declared an enemy to both nations and a rebel to his King. Aboard the Shakerloo in Surinam, 1667, Dec. 30/1668, Jan. 9. With attestation from J. Meerman and Joh. Boreel, Ambassadors Extraordinary, London, 20/30 May 1668. Also certificate from Bachiler that same was given him by their Excellencies to translate into English, 31st May 1668. Dutch and English translation. Two papers.
1746. IV. Deposition of Jan. Cornelissen Boer and Jan Crynssen Vandergracht before the Council Board. That they left Flushing on the 16th August 1667 with Capt. Wm. Hendricksen, and arrived at Surinam with three ships on 20th Nov., where next day they went up the river and summoned the Governor to surrender the fort, according to the Articles of Peace, who said he was ready to do so when he saw order from the King. A fortnight later arrived a galliot of Zealand with a sealed letter from the King of England for restitution of the land and fort, and the same night came young Willoughby with a frigate of 54 or 56 guns. In the morning Boer was sent with copy of the King's letter to Willoughby, who had gone up the river, but his captain confessed he had seen the Articles of Peace at Barbadoes. Immediately on his arrival Willoughby caused the sugar windmill on Parham Hill to be set on fire. Two days after Capt. Hendricks sent copy of the King's letter to Willoughby, and "suddenly after" went with the original to the fort ; but was answered that Willoughby must first hear from his father out of Barbadoes. Whereupon Capt. Hendricks on 6/16 Jan. sent away deponents with letters to the States of Zealand ; they were stranded at Milford Haven, and saved themselves with a little box wherein said letters were. Indorsed, Sworn at the Council Board 15th April 1668. Dutch and English translation signed by Denzil Price. Together nine papers. 27 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 84-92.]
May 8.
Virginia.
1747. William Jones to James Hickes at the Post Office in London. The storms and floods last year made great destruction in Virginia and Maryland, so that most ships now in the country will be necessitated to stay till next season for want of freight. Indorsed by Williamson, Rec. July 8. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 93.]
May 18. Pocopotank Creek, York River, Virginia. 1749. Owen Lloyd to his son-in-law, Robert Francis, at Whitehall. Begs his assistance with his master, the Lord Keeper, for the bearer Mr. Lushington, who has suffered very much injustice at the hands of some of the Governor's ill ministers, who have too much influence upon him, whereby the current of justice is abstracted. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 94.]
May 19/29.
London.
1750. Memorial of J. Meerman and Joh. Boreel, the Dutch Ambassadors, to the King. The outrageous proceedings of Lord Willoughby by his son in Surinam, and the just resentment which their superiors have testified of that affair, oblige them again to insist that at length a good resolution may be had on so exorbitant a business. Have indeed been informed that his Majesty has nominated Commissioners to examine the matter with all severity, but conceive this course to be a little premature. If said Willoughby do not satisfy their superiors at the first requiry, then they will offer his Majesty an exact account of the damage sustained, and it will be fit to enter on a conference for liquidation thereof ; but now only desiring a decree upon so incredible a disobedience, they cannot see it necessary to take any further information, for the truth has already appeared by the deposition of witnesses, the return of the Zealand ships, and many letters from Barbadoes ; nor is it to be presumed that Lord Willoughby's agent here will dare to deny what is as certain as that the sun shines at noonday. Pray his Majesty to declare that what Lord Willoughby and his son have done at Surinam, is a notorious rupture of the Peace and a contempt of his Majesty's commands ; that whatever has been carried away be restored, as well inhabitants as negroes, cattle, and everything else, and entire satisfaction given for what cannot be restored. In case of refusal, that Lord Willoughby be held, according to the 23rd article of the Treaty, an open enemy as well of his Majesty as of the States. After which, if Lord Willoughby still continue disobedient, a meeting may be fitly had with his Majesty's Commissioners about the just quantum of damages sustained. French and English translation. Two papers. Together 6 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 95, 96.]
May.
Boston.
1751. Resolution of the General Court of the Massachusetts. Whereas the Court has received petitions from several towns and persons of Yorkshire, wherein they hold forth their distracted condition for want of government from hence as formerly, and express sorrow for their revolt, yet in part excusing themselves as drawn thereto by the deceitful management of Edw. Rishworth ; they may take notice that it was themselves and not this Court that brought these distractions ; nevertheless, considering the right the Massachusetts have by their charter, appearing by their northern line long since calculated by Commissioners, and having sent the ground of their right to his Majesty in 1665, and hearing nothing to weaken their title ; they think meet to settle peace and order under their government in those parts, and to give Commission to certain gentlemen to repair thither to keep a Court and exercise justice and mercy according to law. Indorsed, "Concerning the government of Maine." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 97.]
May? 1752. Henry Jocelyn, Edw. Rishworth, Will. Phillipps, Francis Hooke, and Fran. Champernowne, to [? Col. Nicolls]. Information of your Honours intentions suddenly to go for England. The threatenings of their imperious neighbours and disaffection amongst themselves, make them bold to solicit your Honours furtherance of some answer from his Majesty to the petition inclosed for a definitive sentence touching their future establishment. Indorsed, To the Commissioners (?) Inclose,
Petition of the inhabitants of Maine to his Majesty. Those tempestuous blasts of various alterations have hurried some into involuntary distractions, others into causeless disaffections if not clandestine applications to the Massachusetts for a change of his Majesty's authority here settled, whereby persons loyal are discountenanced and others animated to their general disturbance ; under which disheartening molestations they beseech his Majesty's Royal word for their redress and continued establishment either as they now stand under his immediate authority, or under Esquire Gorges, or whomsoever shall seem most commensurate to his Majesty's pleasure. Signed by Will. Phillipps, Edw. Rishworth, Henry Jocelyn, Francis Hooke, John Davis, Fran. Chapernowne, Raphe Allanson, Jeremiah Hubbard, Abra. Corbett, William Sheldon, Thomas Williams, John Pearce, John Budstarte (?) William Liscom, James Grant, Barnabas Chauncy, Edward Johnson, Digery Jeoffery, James Gibbins, John Twisden, John Pudington. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 98, 98 I.]
May 20. 1753. Henry Jocelyn, Will. Phillipps, Edw. Johnson, Edw. Rishworth, Francis Hooke, and John Wincoll to Coll. Nicolls. Make bold to inform him of some tumultuous distractions, daily increasing, and by the activity of some factious spirits brought to such a height (being animated as appears, by a paper inclosed, wherein the Massachusetts assume a resettling of their own power by subverting his Majesty's authority, now pretended to be brought in by the people's undermining applications), as the best of their policy is not able to restrain. Intreat his Honour's countenance, either by his presence, counsel, or otherwise. "In regard things feared (as mentioned in his Majesty's petition) do so palpably appear, we conceive it less needful to send it, but rather desire a return thereof from your Honour by the first convenience." Indorsed, From the inhabitants of the Province of Maine, concerning the Massachusetts intrusion upon the Government. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 99.]
May 20.? 1754. The King to Sir Tobias Bridge. Orders have been given for disbanding the regiment under his command in the Caribbee Islands. He is assured of the King's entire satisfaction with his brave services as well on former occasions, as particularly in the West Indies, "which we are sensible hath been attended with several hardships upon yourself and the regiment which could not well be foreseen or prevented." Draft with corrections in Williamson's hand. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 100.]
May 21.
Boston.
1755. Order of the General Court of the Massachusetts. Whereas in observance of the trust committed to them by his Majesty's Charter, the Massachusetts have with the free consent of the inhabitants of York county, for sundry years exercised Government over that county. And whereas above three years since the peace of that place was interrupted by some who pretended his Majesty's interests, drew the inhabitants to the subjection of officers that had not Royal warranty, to the infringing of said charter, the disservice of his Majesty, and reducing of an orderly people to anarchy : the Court judges meet again to exert their jurisdiction over said county ; and hereby requires all the inhabitants to yield obedience to the laws of this colony, and to all officers "legally stated" by the Commissioners, and nominates the first Tuesday in July for keeping a Court at York as formerly ; and issues warrants to choose jurors, constables, and other officers for the service of the county ; said warrants to be directed to Nath. Masterson, appointed Marshal of that county as formerly. Then follow a warrant to Masterson to deliver this order to the constable at Saco, and a warrant to said constable to assemble the inhabitants to choose the officers above named. Indorsed, 21st May 1668, Massachussetts warrant for re-establishment of their Government in the Province of Maine. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 101.]
May 21. 1756. Order of the General Court of the Massachusetts ; duplicate of the preceding. Also, Copy of Col. Nicoll's letter to the Governor and Assistants of the Massachusetts, dated 12th June 1668, calendared No. 1766, and The Declaration of the Justices of Maine, 7th July 1668, calendared No. 1787 inclosure. Together 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 102.]
May 25. 1757. Abstract of the state of the affair of Surinam between his Majesty of Great Britain and the States of Zealand, to be delivered to Sec. Morrice by John Champante, Lord Willoughby's agent. That on 25th Feb. 1667, during the late war, that colony was surrendered by the English to Abraham Crynsens, Admiral of the States, upon articles, according to which the inhabitants were to have all their estates, lands, and goods, with power to sell them, and they were not to be damnified by Dutch or French. Power was also given to transport themselves, with their slaves and goods ; and said articles were to be confirmed in Zealand as soon as possible. This has never been done, though 12 ships have since arrived at Surinam from Zealand, but it was intended to make absolute prey of his Majesty's subjects there, and on 7th Oct. 1667 said colony was retaken by Lt.-Gen. Willoughby and Sir John Harman. Until 12th March last no order of his Majesty had been shown to Lord Willoughby to redeliver that colony to the States of Zealand, nor was he ever required to do so, and it is conceived that no inferior officer upon the place had power to deliver it. It may be true that several mills have been burnt and goods carried off, and that his Majesty's subjects, finding no faith had been kept with them by confirming said articles, have transported themselves and estates to other colonies, and dealt with their own as they pleased, as by said articles they had full power to do. Champante intreats that nothing prejudicial to Lord Willoughby may be done till his own answer be first had, and he is persuaded that by his Lordship's next letters advice will be received of the delivery of the colony, for ere this his Majesty's commands will have come to his Lordship's hands. Indorsed, Read at the Committee the 26th May 1668. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 103.]
May 25. 1758. Duplicate of the preceding, also signed by Jo. Champante, and indorsed by Under Sec. Williamson, Mr. Champante's answer to the Dutch Ambassadors. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 104.]
May 25./June 4
London.
1759. Memorial of J. Meerman and Joh. Boreel, Dutch Ambassadors, to the King. Thank his Majesty for his resolution of 20/30 past, to cause orders to be suddenly despatched for the restitution of Surinam, with satisfaction for all damage done since the Peace was legally signified there, and cannot but make new instances on the means of execution. Have learnt since their last memorial that besides Capt. Hendrick's summons and protests, Capt. Du Bois has again summoned Lieut.-General Willoughby for restitution, and had written a serious letter to Governor Barry, but that on 9/19 Feb. said Willoughby departed, taking with him booty, and answering du Bois as by the enclosed will appear. As this impudent disobedience of his Majesty's orders and depredation upon the States are a very bad introduction to the Peace, and it is evident Lord Willoughby will continue to fetch away what remains at Surinam, which is the only reason of his delay, said Ambassadors pray that his Majesty's letters concerning this matter may be so framed : 1. To declare what Lord Willoughby and his son have done to be a notorious breach of the Peace and a contempt of his Majesty's command. 2. To command him to surrender the fort and colony to whosoever shall show the order as expressed in his Majesty's letter annexed. 3. That before all damages and charges incurred be known, Lord Willoughby forthwith restore 412 slaves, 20 kettles, 160 head of cattle, and 150,000 lbs. sugar. 4. In case any of these have been transported to other plantations, that the Dutch be satisfied at Barbadoes with slaves and effects of equal goodness. 5. That they be provided with forage and victuals for the voyage from Barbadoes to Surinam. 6. And with as many slaves or goods as are worth the freight of such voyage. Further, that two originals of said orders be sent by two vessels to Barbadoes. 7. Said Ambassadors also insist on a letter being addressed to the Governor of Surinam, requiring him immediately to surrender the fort and colony to the bearer, without obeying or expecting any other order whatsoever. Indorsed, Received and read 25th May 1668. Referred to Committee of Plantations. Received 26th, read 29th May 1668. French, with English translation. Two papers. Inclose,
1759. I. J. Van Houten du Bois to Lord Willoughby. Advises him of his arrival in the river of Surinam on 3rd inst. (Feb.), not doubting to have found the fort and colony in the hands of his State, as their principals have agreed to, which agreement the Lieut.-General violates against all laws, by conveying away slaves, cattle, horses, and other goods, all which is repugnant to the Treaty which giveth "light and glass enough for an honest gentleman how to behave ;" but it appears that his Lordship has but little respect for his King or the power of the States General. As the States General has taken exception against du Bois' person and the authority of Capt. Hendricksen, shall make complaint in the highest degree to the States and the King of the horrible destruction by fire of so many houses and mills, all which his Lordship will never be able to answer before his God or their masters. Aboard the Shackerloo 1668, Jan. 20/Feb. 5. With attestation by J. Meerman and Joh. Boreel, Ambassadors from the States. London, May 23/June 2 1668. And certificate signed by Bachiler that the above was sent to him by their Excellencies to translate into English, 23rd May 1668. Dutch and English translation.
1759. II. Mem. of slaves, cattle, sugars, and other goods conveyed away by Lieut.-Gen. Willoughby from Surinam, after knowledge and publication of the Peace at Barbadoes with the Bonaventure on 19th Feb. last, viz. :412 slaves, 160 cattle, 67 persons, and 150,000 lb. sugar, besides planks, speckled wood, and dry wares to the value of 150,000 lbs. sugar. With attestation and certificate as above. Dutch and English translation.
1759. III. Extract of letter from Captain du Bois. As to the restitution of the country, which he propounded to Gov. Barry, with all argument imaginable ; but Barry answered that his instructions imported the contrary expressly, and the matter was referred to the King and States, showing also his commission and instructions, which are so strict that if a man in the least offend against them, he must be punished with death. With attestation and certificate as above. Dutch and English translation.
1759. IV. Order from the King to his Governors, &c. To restore to the bearers hereof all lands, islands, and colonies taken or retaken from the Dutch since 10th May 1667, according to articles 3 and 6 of the treaty of Breda. Latin. Together nine papers. 28 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 105-113.]
May 27.
Barbadoes.
1760. Sir Tobias Bridge to Sec. Lord Arlington. Earnestly intreats his Lordship to countenance the bearers, Major Andros and Capt. Cotter, in their solicitations on behalf of his regiment, for which they are sent with the consent of Lord Willoughby. It is now 16 months since they left England, and he doubts not his Lordship has given account from time to time of their services. Here they have been received very unwillingly, and only for a time, which is nearly expired. Since they came into these parts they have received from Lord Willoughby little more than one month's pay ; the soldiers are very bare and naked, and the officers exceeding necessitous, and Lord Willoughby tells them he has no authority either to disband or send them for England, nor is he capable of paying them for the past, or providing for their future maintenance. Has been forced to this boldness out of duty to his Majesty's service, and in conscience to his officers and soldiers. Indorsed, Read in Council Aug. 5, 1668. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 114.]
May 27.
Barbadoes.
1761. Sir Tobias Bridge and the Officers of his regiment to the King. With the consent of Lord Willoughby they take the boldness to acquaint his Majesty with the condition of Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment, raised by his Majesty's Commission of the 11th February 1667, and ever since employed in his Majesty's service in the West Indies. At the attempt on St. Kitts several of their officers and soldiers lost their lives and were wounded and made prisoners, and now after service upon the Indian islands are returned to Barbadoes, "who we find altogether unwilling to receive us." Acknowledge his Majesty's care in settling their maintenance on the 4 per cent., which they are confident his Majesty believed would have produced complete satisfaction, but are assured from Lord Willoughby of the contrary. Have received little more than one month's pay ; soldiers and officers are very naked and necessitous, and Lord Willoughby has no authority either to disband or send them for England, nor is he able to provide for their maintenance. The particulars of all which may be more fully informed by Major Andros and Capt. Cotter, when his Majesty shall give them admittance. Signed by Tobias Bridge, Will. Stapleton, E. Andros, J. Cotter, Edw. Talbot, C. Morley, James Barret, Fran. Williams, Frc. St. John, and John Painter. Indorsed, Recd. Aug. 5, 1668. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 115.]
May 27.
Barbadoes.
1762. Same to the Duke of Albemarle to the same effect as the preceding. Acknowledge the great kindness of the Governor and inhabitants of Nevis to their utmost ability, and refer his Grace to the enclosed certificate of the Governor and inhabitants for their deportment there. It is talked of that they will be sent down again to St. Christopher's, where there is neither house, hut, or barrack left in the English bounds ; nevertheless they will comply with all cheerfulness. Refer to Major Andros and Capt. Cotter for account of their pay, and doubt not that by his Grace's favour some timely provision may be made for them. Indorsed, Rec. Aug. 5, 1668. 2frac12; pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 116.]
May 30.
Barbadoes.
1763. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to the Privy Council. Their letters of 31 Jan., 14 Feb., and 18 March last met him here at his return from the Leeward Isles, where by the countenance of Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment he established so firm a peace with the Indians, the common disturbers of new settlers, that he doubts not the people will flourish more than in times past. In answer to their first letter : Formerly made strict inquiry and was informed that his brother had sent their Lordships the whole records concerning the proceedings against Pepperell and his securities ; if any be found remaining they shall by the next shipping be transmitted. To their second : Will surrender Surinam to the Dutch when they apply for it, and refers to his of Dec. 16, concerning the nature and effects of that affair. To the last : Their commands have made it is duty to await his Majesty's permission to return, which if peace continue would prove more for his Majesty's service than his stay, but if a second rupture happen will hold himself much honoured by their determination ; cannot hope however for success without a good strength of his Majesty's ships constantly attending, whereof one only of countenance and the rest for swiftness ; but Sir John Harman is far better able to advise their Lordships. The French have three nimble vessels attending each island for intelligence, and by that means only maintained their credit with the Indians, to whose assistance they are indebted for the greatest matters they performed against the English, and though he has made an accommodation with those Indians, yet no longer than the English are masters of the seas ought faith to be given to them. If war break out a regiment of foot here will be absolutely necessary ; that under Sir Tobias Bridge awes French and Indians more than all their other forces, and sets an example of good conduct to the planter. Acknowledges their Lordships' compliment of his fitness to serve his Majesty in these parts ; but many circumstances contribute to render him incapable, that no dexterity can ever evade. Found at his coming his Majesty's revenue under greater engagements than it could during his time answer, and yet never greater occasions to disburse. Has supported himself to this day, on his own credit in all the great expenses of Government, and by the same means supplied Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment, and in many things his Majesty's fleet here. Must confess that the people of this island have presented him with their intention of raising some sugars towards his particular charge, but if it take effect it will come much short of his household expenses. By this they will see how unable he will be to serve his Majesty in this Government unless their Lordships take some course that he may not at last forfeit it, but that he may by some speedy way be made capable to reimburse those who have advanced their estates for him. Indorsed, Received August 5th, 1668. Read in Council 15 August 1668. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., No. 117.]
May 30.
Barbadoes.
1764. Gov. Wm. Lord Willoughby to Sec. Lord Arlington. Is now forced to employ Col. Lambert, the only person in being named in his Majesty's Commission for receiving his Majesty's moiety of St. Kitts, and by his unwillingness in undertaking the employment, Willoughby may guess at his success. Lambert has been a week considering, and the inclosed will inform his Lordship of his scruples and his own resolution. Has provided one of his Majesty's ships to attend him this night, but he says she must attend 14 days longer. Has likewise sent M. De la Barre's letter to his Lordship. Could accomplish nothing in order to settling the Post Office during the last Assembly ; but has chosen another and will endeavour what he can, though the office will fall far short of what is reputed. Incloses,
1764. I. Col. Simon Lambert to Gov. Willoughby. Has to his best ingenuity very seriously considered the Commissions and papers delivered to him by his Excellency, and thinks that his Excellency has done all that could be expected in the demand of St. Christopher's. If his Excellency will impose his commands will be most obedient to his Majesty's Commission ; but M. De la Barre supposes an interview with his Excellency to be absolutely necessary, which Lambert also imagines to be necessary, and if his Excellency think fit to accomplish, supposes there will be no need of going thither. Nevertheless if it cannot be avoided, requests that some others may be sent with Lambert to receive possession, and that he may have provisions sufficient for himself and adherents, the command of the vessel to bring him back as soon as ever his Majesty's demands are performed, effects sufficient for satisfying all demands of the French, and the same instructions that were transmitted by his Majesty to his Excellency. 1668, May 27.
1764. II. Gov. Willoughby to Col. Lambert. Has considered his ingenious letter and cannot but wonder at his capitulating when the King's precepts are positive. "How inconsistent it is with loyalty to manifest such contempt to authority, his Majesty will judge, whom I must obey in commanding you as by him directed without conditions." Thinks it not convenient to send any person with him to receive possession, until encouraged by the success of his negotiation, of which Willoughby will expect to hear by an express. The instructions received from his Majesty and Lord Arlington must be Lambert's guide, together with the articles of Peace to which they refer. This affair admits of no delay, and therefore the first of his Majesty's ships that can be fitted shall attend his transport and return. Expects he will not delay to answer his Majesty's commands whereunto Lord Willoughby requires his obedience.
1764. III. M. Lefebre De la Barre to Gov. Willoughby. Has received what his Lordship sent in the frigate with M. Drax, and is very sorry that the unfavourable weather prevented his leaving Martinique just when the orders they have been expecting for six months arrived. M. De St. Laurence and the intendant could not deliver the English part of St. Christopher's to his Lordship, since the orders are directed to himself, and besides by the articles of the Treaty of Breda, the English must first reimburse the price of the purchases of the French, as well as amelioration, as agreed at the English Court, besides the food of the prisoners, which amounts to great sums. As all these things are contained in the same articles with the surrender, thinks he is too reasonable to expect that one will be granted without the other is satisfied. As to Willoughby's complaint of the destruction of houses such will not be allowed ; those which have been built by the French since the hurricane belong of right to them, and as to movables they also belong to the French by the right of war. As to negroes, if the English demand those taken at St. Christopher's, the French have equal right to demand those taken at Cayenne and sold at Barbadoes, but if any difficulty arises about this article it can be settled by their masters in Europe. All this will not prevent his giving formal possession to whomsoever he shall send, and his Lordship may send a Governor, officers, and people when he will, but private persons must not reenter their dwellings without repaying the price with ameliorations. Was coming with all diligence to confer with his Lordship, and is sorry to hear he has departed from Barbadoes, for he has powers sent him for adjusting matters beyond the simple execution of the treaty, and believes an interview to be absolutely necessary, and that they may adjust something besides the simple execution of the articles of peace. Has himself full powers to such effect, and if Willoughby has the same everything can be done to his satisfaction, and to re-establish the peace of both nations. Will remain there for three days, then go to St. Christopher's for 15 days, and afterwards return to this island, and will await news of his Lordship. Guadaloupe, 1668, May 8/18. Together 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXII., Nos. 118, 118 I., II., III.]