America and West Indies: December 1661

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: December 1661', 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/pp61-66 [accessed 6 October 2024].

'America and West Indies: December 1661', 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 6, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp61-66.

"America and West Indies: December 1661". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury(London, 1880), , British History Online. Web. 6 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp61-66.

December 1661

Dec. 2. 188. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Lord Windsor's propositions, setting down what necessaries he thought expedient for well managing the government of Jamaica, and praying the result of this Council therein to be presented to the King in Council, were, after debate, referred for further consideration. p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, p. 39.]
Dec. 4.
Whitehall.
189. Commission to Capt. Thomas Breedon to be Governor of the countries and territories called Acadie, and of that part of the country called Nova Scotia, with power to appoint a deputy and to commissionate officers by sea and land, both military and civil ; no persons to trade with the natives without his license, and in case of opposition he is authorised to raise forces in New England or in any other parts of America, and to kill, sink, or burn vessels, and in case of the seizure of any vessels or goods to convert them to his own use without rendering any account for the same. See No. 248. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 92.]
Dec. 4. 190. Two copies of the preceding commission. [Dom. Entry Bks., Chas. II., Vol. V., p. 73, and Vol. XLVIII., p. 28.]
Dec. 4. 191. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Lord Berkeley, Sir John Colleton, and Col. Venables to attend the Lords of the Council with the propositions prepared by this Council concerning the necessary provisions to be sent to Jamaica. [Lord Windsor's] propositions [see ante, No. 188] to be presented to his Majesty. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, pp. 39-44.]
Dec. 6.
Boston.
192. Edward Rawson, Secretary, to Secretary Sir Wm. Morrice. Account of proceedings of the General Court since the receipt of the King's commands in reference to the Quakers, "men of such turbulence as renders them not only disturbers of the peace, but professed enemies to all established Governments and the truth." The Colony in good hopes to enjoy his Majesty's favour and protection, and that they may continue to enjoy the same liberties and privileges in civil and ecclesiastical things as they have enjoyed for thirty years past. Incloses,
192. I. Order of the General Court at Boston :For preservation of religion, order, and peace, laws have from time to time been passed against Quakers, in reference to their restless intentions and impetuous disturbances, but not any propensity to punish them in person and estate. All imprisoned have been released and sent away, yet some have returned and others have filled the Royal ears with complaints and obtained a letter from the King to forbear corporal punishment or death. Although it is not doubted if his Majesty were rightly informed he would be far from giving them such favor or weakening his authority here, yet that his Majesty be not the least offended, it is ordered that the execution of the laws in force against Quakers, so far as they respect corporal punishment or death, be suspended until further order. Boston, 1661, Nov. 27. Copy certified by Edward Rawson, Secretary. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., Nos. 93, 93 I.]
Dec. 9. 193. Warrant to Col. Thos. Temple to deliver up to Capt. Thos. Breedon his Majesty's forts of St. John and Pentagoet in Acadie or Nova Scotia, with all guns and ammunition to them belonging, together with the guns and great shot that were carried from Port Royal to Boston in New England. See No. 248. Two copies. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. V., p. 75, and Vol. XLVIII., p. 10.]
Dec. 9. 194. Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor-General to prepare a Bill authorising Thomas Elliott, Esq., Groom of the Bedchamber, Sir John Colleton, and Francis Cradock, and others, from time to time appointed by the Governor, Council, and Assembly of Barbadoes, to erect and manage a bank or banks in the said island, founded on the security of lands and goods, with sole power to give credit and transfer the same from one month's account to another, as is done by the ownership or credit of money in foreign parts. Three-quarters of all profits granted to said Thomas Elliott, Sir John Colleton, and Francis Cradock, their executors, administrators, or assigns for 31 years, and the other fourth to the Governor and Council for the public charge of said island. And that the injuries done to the planters and others by usurious sales and contracts at 30 per cent. interest and more may be prevented, his Majesty wills that no man take or give more than 6 per cent. per annum interest, on pain of forfeiture of the goods, money or credit so sold or lent, and no man be compelled in future in said island to take payment in sugar more than he pleases. With power to the Governor, Council, and Assembly to appoint a fit person to inspect the whole management and determine the value of all lands, and the credit to be laid on them, and to appoint reasonable rates for warehouse room, and make such other Acts for the better establishing said banks as they shall reasonably desire. The office of keeping the records of estates to be kept at the banks, and any persons counterfeiting any bill or seal of the bank, or doing anything to cheat the same, shall on conviction be liable to perpetual imprisonment and forfeit his estate, one moiety to the Crown and the other to him that shall sue for the same in any court of record. 2 pp. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., No. 5, pp. 80-83.]
Dec. 14.
Whitehall.
195. The King's proclamation for the encouraging of planters in Jamaica. His Majesty, fully satisfied that the island of Jamaica, with its fertile soil, and commodious situation for commerce, is likely to be a great benefit to his Majesty's other dominions, hereby declares for the encouragement of planters and settlers : That during the next two years, 30 acres of land shall be allotted by the Governor to every person, male or female, above 12 years of age, who shall reside upon said island within six weeks after application, to be held for ever by the tenure usual in other plantations ; but in case said persons do not go thither within six months, said allotments shall be void. The grantees to be obliged to serve in arms upon any insurrection, mutiny, or foreign invasion, and to enjoy all fisheries and mines, except gold and silver, on payment of a royalty of one-twentieth. Children born in Jamaica of his Majesty's natural born subjects of England, to be free denizens of England ; and all free persons to have liberty to transport themselves, their families and goods, except only coin and bullion, from any part of his Majesty's dominions to Jamaica. All planters, soldiers, and others are hereby commanded to yield obedience to Thomas Lord Windsor, now Governor of said island, and to every other Governor thereof. Printed. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 94.]
Dec. 14.
Whitehall.
196. MS. copy of preceding proclamation for the encouragement of planters in Jamaica. Indorsed, 14 Dec. 1661. Proclamation published in Jamaica by Lord Windsor. Received from Sir T. Lynch, 20th Dec. 1679. Read the 21st of October 1680. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 37, p. 9.]
1661? 197. Petition of Henry Hastings to the King. A plantation of about 60 acres in the parish of St. George, in Barbadoes, heretofore belonging to Capt. Anthony Strange, who murdered Capt. Bowers [sic] about April 1657, and was outlawed, fled the island, was escheated, and afterwards purchased of the late usurper Cromwell for 300l. ; prays for a grant of the same, in consideration of his services and great losses in all the late unhappy wars. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 95.]
1661. Dec. 16. 198. Warrant from the King to the Attorney or Solicitor-General. To prepare a Bill for the Royal signature, containing a pardon to Anthony Strange for killing George Bowyer, of Barbadoes, on the 9th April 1657, and of all pains and penalties, corporal or pecuniary whatsoever, by occasion thereof ; with restitution of lands and goods, and non-obstantes of the statutes of 10 Ed. III. and 13 Ric. II., and all other clauses requisite for making the pardon most effectual. See No. 219. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., No. V., pp. 94, 95.]
Dec. 18. 199. The King to the Governor of Barbadoes. Is so sensible of Henry Hewet's sufferings and loyalty that he cannot but resent the injuries done him by one Read, partner to his brother in Barbadoes, who died in April 1649, bequeathed several legacies to Hewet, his wife and children, to be paid by Read, as might appear if Read would produce the will. He is commanded to examine Read, and if he can, compose the difference, or so effectually recommend Hewet to the President and Council of the island that he may be relieved according to the equity of his cause. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., No. III., p. 17.]
Dec. 27. 200. Result of an agitation at a meeting held at Wells by the trustees of Ferdinando Gorges, Esq., according to commission under his hand and seal, bearing date 23rd May 1661. To the first article it was resolved that King Charles be proclaimed throughout the Province of Maine ; the form of Proclamation. To the second article resolutions were passed for collecting arrears of rent due according to charter, and that each town of said Province have power to elect one trustee from among themselves for enacting laws, who are to appear, after due notice, at Wells on 25th May, at a General Court ; and the clerks of the writs formerly chosen by the freeholders in each town to have power to grant attachments in the King's name and under the authority of Ferdinando Gorges. To the third article, resolved that notice be given to the inhabitants of the Province that they, the Commissioners, have taken into their hands all rentals and properties of Ferdinando Gorges for his use, that there may be no further intrusion on his rights without order. All court rolls, books, and writings to be given into their custody at the next General Court, then and there to be disposed of. To the fourth article, a due assertion of the proprietor's rights to be published at the next General Court and notified by letter to the Governor of the Massachusetts. The fifth and sixth articles resolved in the affirmative ; also to defend all the Lord Proprietor and freeholders' rights belonging to the Province ; the laws of England to direct them, until further order be taken by the Lord Proprietor or the freeholders ; civil and military officers chosen by the freeholders invested with power to execute their offices. In case of disturbance Major Nicholas Shapley to muster and command the militia, according to charter, using all possible means for a most speedy council and advice from the rest of the Commissioners. The form of a Commissioner's oath. Robert Waymouth having died intestate, Major Shapley ordered to administer. Henry Jocelyn and Robt. Jordan appointed Commissioners. Power of administration granted to Robt. Jordan to the estate of Rich. Leader, on certain conditions. Signed by Fran. Champernoone, Hen. Jocelyn, Nich. Shapleigh, and Robt. Jordan. Copy attested by Fr. Neale, Secretary. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 96.]
Dec. 27. 201. Another copy of the preceding. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 97.]
Dec. 31. 202. Warrant to pay Captain Strange the sum of 320l. to be employed and disbursed by him for defraying the charge of importation and for clothing divers loyal persons sold by the late usurper for slaves into the Barbadoes and lately arrived in London. [Dom., Chas. II., Docquets, Cal., p. 196.]
203. Acts passed in the island of Barbadoes from 1643 to 1762 inclusive, carefully revised, innumerable errors corrected, and the whole compared and examined with the original Acts in the Secretary's office by the late Richard Hall, Esquire, one of the representatives in the General Assembly for the parish of St. Michael, and one of his Majesty's justices of the peace for the said island near 30 years, and since his death continued by his son Richard Hall. London. Printed for Richard Hall, 1764.
The titles of the Acts passed in 1661, and printed in this volume, are as follows :
No. 27. An Act appointing a special court for the speedy deciding controversies between merchant and merchant, or mariner and mariner, or merchant and mariner, about freight, damage, or other maritime cases. 4 July 1661.
No. 28. An Act establishing the Courts of Common Pleas within this island, declaring also the method and manner of proceedings both to judgment and execution which are to be observed in the said courts. 29 Aug. 1661.
No. 29. An Act for the encouragement of all faithful ministers in the pastoral charge within this island, as also for appointing and regulating a convenient maintenance for them for the future. 27 Sept. 1661.
No. 30. An Act for the good governing of servants and ordaining the rights between masters and servants. 27 Sept. 1661.
No. 31. An Act concerning the conveyance of estates. 27 Sept. 1661. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XV., pp. 26-45.]
204. Brief account of the men, women, children, and negroes, and the acres of land planted, in the ten precincts, towns, quarters, and plantations in Jamaica, amounting in all to 2,458 men, 454 women, 44 children, 514 negroes, 618 arms, and 2,588 planted acres. Indorsed, "Account of the militia and inhabitants. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 98.]
1661? 205. Petition of John Young and Company to the Committee for Trade. About February 1661, petitioners set forth the Merchants Delight on a trading voyage for the coast of Guinea ; but about August 1661, said ship was by the Amsterdam, belonging to the Dutch West India Company, forced up to Castle de Myne, where Jasper Van Hewson, General of said Company, seized the ship and lading, and imprisoned the master and about 30 men for six weeks ; after which they were turned out to shift for themselves, and 'tis feared most of them are perished, only four having returned. Pray relief for the loss proved in the Court of Admiralty to be 22,000l. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 99.]
1661? 206. List of eight ships hired by the Royal Company for Guinea, viz., the Victory, English built, 350 tons ; the Dolphin, Dutch built, 350 tons ; the African frigate, English built, 140 tons ; the Faithful Advice, 260 tons ; the John, Capt. North, frigate, English, 140 tons ; the Martha frigate, English, 200 tons ; the Charles, 130 tons, and the Blackamoor. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. XLVII., No. 8, Cal., p. 209.]
1661? 207. Lord Chancellor Clarendon to Sec. [Nicholas ?]. Sends papers on the negotiations, with his 'opinions, for nobody's view but his own. Asks him to re-deliver the papers he gave him concerning New England. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. XLVII., No. 37, Cal., p. 205.]
208. Petition of John Madden and Henry Wyatt to the King. There is no external badge to distinguish baronets from knights bachelors, though the Orders of the Garter, the Bath, and Nova Scotia have such a badge. Pray that they may be empowered to provide distinguishing medals. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. XLVIII., No. 78, Cal., p. 223.]
1661-1672. 209. Note Book of Sir Joseph Williamson concerning the "Plantations : Booke the First." On the first and second pages are the following mem. : Surinam hath free trade, without all custom. The French King grants a free trade to all his plantations in the Leeward Islands. Names of "our Foreign Dominions" and the governors of some, as follow :At the Caribbee Islands and Surinam, on the Continent of Guiana, Lord Willoughby ; Jamaica, Sir Thos. Modyford ; Virginia, Sir W. Berkeley ; Long Island, Manhadas, &c., his Royal Highness [the Duke of York] ; New England in several colonies, Massachusets, Connecticut, New Plymouth, Governor and Council ; Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Governor, Deputy-Governor, Assistants, &c. ; Bermudas, a Governor and Company, Earl of Manchester ; Maryland, Lord Baltimore ; Canada or Nova Scotia, Sir Thos. Temple ; Bombay, in the East Indies, Tangiers, Isle Of Providence alias Santa Catharina. The contents of this volume will be found calendered under the respective dates of the entries. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 92.]