America and West Indies: February 1662

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 1662', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668, (London, 1880) pp. 71-80. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol5/pp71-80 [accessed 26 March 2024]

February 1662

Feb. 3.
Aboard the Diamond, Cagway Harbour, Jamaica.
221. Captain Richard Whiting to the Principal Officers of his Majesty's Navy. Has safely arrived with passengers from Barbadoes, though fewer than expected, by reason of the great rains, and the President's averseness from serving his Majesty in the settling of Jamaica. Knows not how long they will tarry, but fears they will want provisions, unless some recruits be sent out of England. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 12.]
Feb. 6. 222. Minutes by Sec. Nicholas concerning New England. The inhabitants of Connecticut desire a charter to incorporate them. Those of the Massachusetts from Boston desire a confirmation of their corporation. There are four colonies in New England all joined, viz., Plymouth, Massachusetts, New Haven, and Connecticut. Those of the Isle of Rhodes desire a charter of incorporation. Corn and fish now coming in two ships from New England ; they maintain and supply the plantations of Barbadoes and Jamaica. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 13.]
Feb. 7.
Westminster.
223. Patent of incorporation of the Company for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and the parts adjacent in America. Whereas by several discoveries and successful plantations of his Majesty's subjects, his Majesty's dominions have been augmented upon the main lands and islands of America, trade increased, and by the pains of certain English ministers of the Gospel and others residing in or near New England, who have attained to speak the language of the heathen natives, many of them have been brought from the kingdom of Satan to the knowledge of the true God and profession of the Protestant religion. Yet unless provision be made for educating, clothing, and civilising the poor natives and supporting the ministers, schoolmasters, and other instruments employed in this so Christian a work, the same may be discouraged, those planters who began it being unable to bear the whole charge thereof. And whereas his Majesty resolves not only to seek the outward prosperity of those colonies, but more especially the salvation of their immortal souls, and the publishing of the most glorious Gospel of Christ among them ; his Majesty of his princely piety constitutes Edward Earl of Clarendon, Lord Chancellor of England, Thomas Earl of Southampton, Lord High Treasurer of England, John Lord Robartes, Lord Privy Seal, George Duke of Albemarle, James Duke of Ormond, Edward Earl of Manchester, Lord Chamberlain of the Household, Arthur Earl of Anglesey, William Viscount Say and Sele, Francis Warner, Alderman of London, Erasmus Smith, Esq., Henry Ashhurst, Richard Hutchinson, Joshua Woolnough, George Clarke, Thomas Speed, Thomas Bell, John Rolfe, citizens of London ; Robert Boyle, Esq. ; Sir William Thompson, Sir William Bateman, Sir Anthony Bateman, Sir Theophilus Biddolph, Sir Lawrence Bromfield, Knights ; Tempest Milner, William Love, William Peake, Aldermen of London ; Thomas Foly, Thomas Cox, John Micklethwaite, Edmund Trench, Doctors in Physicke ; Charles Doyley, Thomas Staynes, John Jurian, William Antrobus, John Bathurst, Harman Sheafe, Thomas Gillibrand, James Hayes, John Benbowe, Lawrence Brinsley, Barnabas Meares, John Acrod, John Dockett, Edward Boscowen, and Martin Noell, citizens of London, to be, with their successors, a body corporate and politic by the name of the Company for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and the parts adjacent in America, to have continuance for ever. With power to meet from time to time within the city of London, to purchase and hold lands, hereditaments, &c., so as the same exceed not the yearly value of 2,000l., and also all manner of goods and sums of money, and to dispose of the same, and do any other lawful act, plead and be impleaded, &c., in as ample manner as any other person or corporation, and have a common seal. And his Majesty appoints the aforesaid Robert Boyle to be the first Governor of the Company during good behaviour, with power to summon courts or meetings ; and on the death or removal of the Governor, who for evil government or other reasonable cause may be removed by the Company or any 13 of them, the Company or any 13 of them may elect any other member of the Company in his place. And in the absence of the Governor the treasurer shall summon meetings, and appoint one of their members to supply the place of the Governor. And it shall be lawful for any 13 or more of the Company (of whom the Governor to be one) to remove any persons from being members of the Company and admit any others in their stead, so as the whole number of members exceed not 45 ; and to choose a treasurer or treasurers, and other officers ; with power to make or ordain orders, instructions, &c. for the managing of their lands, goods, money, stock, &c., so as the same be not repugnant to the laws of England ; also to appoint Commissioners in New England to contract and agree with such ministers, schoolmasters, and others for the employment aforesaid, and for clothes, books, tools, &c., for civilising, employing, educating, or placing out the natives or their children that shall profess the Protestant religion in English families and with English masters, giving accounts in writing to the Company of their proceedings. And that a supply of foreign coin may not be wanting for the purposes aforesaid, his Majesty grants licence to the Company to ship in any English ship, in any port of England, any quantity of Spanish or other foreign silver coin not exceeding the value of 1,000l. in any one year, without any custom, so as the quantity and value thereof be first entered in the custom house of said port. His Majesty also ordains that the Company shall yearly, if required by order of the Chancellor or Keeper of the Great Seal, the Treasurer of England, and the Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, or any two of them, deliver a perfect account of all the goods and stock of the Company, and of the profits of all their lands and tenements, &c., and of all sums of money received and paid by or for them ; which account, as also those of all employed by the Company, his Majesty requires the said Chancellor or Lord Keeper, Treasurer, and Chief Baron, or any two of them, to hear and determine, and if they find just cause to ratify and sign, and deliver to the Remembrancer of the Exchequer to remain of record without any fee otherwise than for the entry and writing thereof. And these Letters Patents shall be construed most beneficially for the said Company, any law, statute, proclamation, matter, or thing to the contrary notwithstanding. 6 membs. [Pat. Roll, 14 Chas. II., Part 11, No. 17.]
Feb. 7.
Whitehall.
224. Order of the King in Council, directing the Committee for Foreign Plantations to meet on the 10th inst. and take into consideration the interests of the several pretenders to Nova Scotia, and all business relating thereto, that all persons concerned do then and there attend, and that said Committee report to this Board their sense of the whole matter on the 14th inst. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX., p. 17.]
225. "Claim by the French Ambassador in Council," for the restitution of Acadia. The Ambassador in the name of the King his master represents, that in 1654 some private subjects of England, under pretence of reprisal upon the French, possessed themselves of Ports Royal, St. John, and Pentagouet, in New France, with the countries thereupon depending. Complaints were made in 1658, as also of the violences of one Temple, calling himself Oliver Cromwell's Lieutenant in America, in the house of one De la Have ; upon which it was ordained that for regulating the differences of both nations, and doing justice upon said usurpations, Commissioners should be named ; which remained without effect by reason of the uncertain posture of Government in England. Now that all things are re-established in a lawful Government, the Ambassador represents that said usurpations were made in full peace, and therefore his Majesty cannot refuse to command a present restitution of said forts and houses usurped. And forasmuch as it may seem that the said restitution should be examined by Commissioners, with clear accounts of depredations and reprisals mutually suffered by both nations, because it was so pretended by the late Richard Cromwell ; the Ambassador acknowledges that the losses suffered in the taking of those forts by carrying away moveables, arms, ammunition, merchandise, &c., may be referred to Commissioners, but as to the forts and countries usurped, being pure rights of sovereignty not contested, he thinks that the King of Great Britain will make no difficulty to command them to be forthwith restored. See No. 241. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 14.]
Feb. 7. 226. "Answer to the Ambassador of France, or rather Mons. Le Bourne, his claim to Acadia and Nova Scotia." The claims of England to Pentagoet, St. John's, Port Royal, and La Have, as first possessed by the subjects of that King, and granted to Sir Wm. Alexander and La Tour. The hostile proceedings of Le Bourne in August last, in forcibly taking possession of La Have ; his barbarous usage of the English, turning them upon an island to live upon grass and wade in the water for lobsters to keep them alive, and imprisoning them at Rochelle. That Nova Scotia is of great importance to his Majesty, and as it borders upon New England it would be neither safe nor honourable to give it up, for that would enable the French to invade and infest New England at their pleasure. And since Le Bourne has surprised our plantation and fishing vessel, we may use the Ambassador's words, and hope for that natural justice common to all nations (as he calls it) Spoliatus ante omnia restituatur. Signed by Tho. Breedon. Indorsed, "Received 19 Feb. 1661-2. read in Council 19 Feb. Mr. Thos. Eliot concerning Nova Scotia." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 15.]
[Feb. 7.] 227. Copy of the preceding. Indorsed by Williamson, "Answer to Le Bourne's pretensions." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 16.]
Feb. 8.
Whitehall.
228. The King to Lord Windsor, Governor of Jamaica. On petition of William Borton, formerly of London, woollendraper, his Majesty, reflecting on petitioner's present condition, occasioned by his faithful endeavours for his Majesty's service, is pleased to recommend him to Lord Windsor for such employment in the army there, or otherwise, as his Lordship shall think him capable of. p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., No. 13, p. 50.]
[Feb. 12.]. 229. Petition of John Winthrop in behalf of the colony of Connecticut to the King. That since inhabiting the more westerly parts of that wilderness, petitioners have not had any opportunities, by reason of the late sad times, to seek for Letters Patent from his Majesty to encourage them to go on through all difficulties and expenses in so great a work of plantation in a place so remote from the Christian world, and a desert so difficultly subdued and far separated from the other English plantations, not only by the vastness of the mountains of a dismal wilderness, but also by the habitations of the greatest nations of the heathen Indians of these parts, and where besides is much that hath been expended by their fathers and some of their associates yet surviving, for purchasing, building, culturing, and improving the place of their present abode. Petitioners have also laid out a very considerable sum for purchasing the grants of the estates and patent rights of those patentees who had possessed and planted the lower part of Connecticut river, with which grant his Majesty's poor subjects have contented themselves in all those afflicting times, not seeking to [from] any of the late rebellious powers for further privileges, but now, upon his Majesty's happy restoration, petitioners address themselves to their liege prince and sovereign. May it therefore please his Majesty to confirm to petitioners the like powers, liberties, and privileges to his colony of Connecticut, bounded on the east by Narragansett river (where the bounds of New Plymouth end), on the north by the line of Massachusetts, on the south by the ocean, and in longitude as the line of Massachusetts runneth from east to west with the islands adjoining, possessed by petitioners, as were formerly granted to the other plantations of New England, to be held of his Majesty by virtue of a charter to be granted to petitioners, John Mason, Samuel Willis, Henry Clarke, Matthew Allen, Nathan Gold, Richard Treat, Richard Lord, Henry Woolcott, John Talcot, Daniel Clarke, John Ogden, Tho. [? Jo.] Tappen, Thomas Wells, Obadiah Brewen, John Clarke, Anthony Hawkins, John Denning, and Matthew Camfield, being principal persons of said colony. With reference to the Attorney-General to advise and certify what powers, privileges, estates, and interests he thinks fit for his Majesty to grant. Whitehall, 1661-2, February 12. Also Report of Attorney-General Sir Geoffrey Palmer that he has considered the papers annexed, and conceives the powers therein contained may be granted as desired, saving only as to freedom from customs, the consideration whereof is proper for the Lord Treasurer. The Charter for Connecticut is dated 23rd April 1662, see No. 284. 1 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 17.]
Feb. 15. 230. Report of Robert Mason, John Exton, G. Sweet, W. Turner, and Sir Rich. Ford, Doctors of Laws, to the King. On petition of Robert Mason, proprietor of the province of [New] Hampshire, and Edward Godfrey, late Governor of the province of Maine, according to the King's reference of 17th Nov. 1661. That John Mason, grandfather to Robt. Mason, one of the petitioners, by virtue of several grants, and Edw. Godfrey, have been in actual and quiet possession of several great tracts of land in New England, and that said John Mason laid out very large sums of money in settling plantations there. That Godfrey lived there for twenty [four] years, having discharged the office of Governor of Maine with much reputation, but he hath not only been turned out of his place of Governor, but hath been utterly despoiled of his lands and estate in that country, which the inhabitants of Massachusetts have seized and detain from him to his very great loss and ruin. That the corporation of the Massachusetts rested content with the division agreed to by their Governors about 30 years since, until 1652, when they stretched above 80 miles beyond their known and settled bounds, and have thereby not only invaded and encroached upon the plantations and inheritance of the petitioners, but by menaces and armed forces have compelled them to submit to their usurped and arbitrary government, which they [of the Massachusetts] have declared to be independent of the Crown of England. It appears further that the colony of the Massachusetts have for many years past endeavoured to model themselves into a free state without any relation to the Crown of England, issuing writs in their own names, imposing oaths to be true to themselves contrary to that of allegiance, coining money with their own stamp and signature, exercising arbitrary power, and allowing no appeals to England. Some have publicly affirmed they would oppose any Governor sent by the King, and rather than submit any appeal to England would sell their colony to the King of Spain. That said Robt. Mason has been damnified to the value of 15,000l. Do not presume to offer any opinion in a business of so high importance. With mem. that the original was delivered to Sec. Sir Wm. Morrice. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 18.]
Feb. 17.
Whitehall.
231. The King to Edward Earl of Manchester, Lord Chamberlain and Governor of the Bermudas. Inclining to grant to Henry Killigrew and Robt. Dongan the estates of Owen Rowe, Cornelius Holland, and Sir John Danvers, become forfeit in the Bermudas upon attainder of the horrid murder of his Majesty's late dear Father, his Majesty's pleasure is that the Council forthwith certify to his Majesty an exact account of all the possessions and rights whereof any of the said Rowe, Holland, or Danvers were possessed in 1648, or at any time since. Countersigned by Sec. Nicholas. 2 pp. Two copies. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 17, fly-leaf and pp. 47-48.]
Feb. 17. 232. Duplicates of the preceding. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., No. III., p. 25 ; also No. IV., p. 95.]
Feb. 19.
Whitehall.
233. Order of the King in Council. On consideration of a memorial exhibited by Thomas Lord Windsor, Governor of Jamaica, that the Frenchman who is Governor of Tortodoes and was commissioned by Colonel D'Oyley, then Governor of Jamaica, at the recommendation of the then Council of State, hath since refused to obey his orders, and hath imprisoned Colonel Arundell, sent to supersede him, and that the Plantation is of great consequence to the security of Jamaica, as it may interrupt all passage between England and the Windward Isles, ordered that Lord Windsor use his utmost endeavours to reduce said Frenchman and said island to obedience. 1 pp. Two copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., Nos. 19, 20.]
Feb. 19.
Whitehall.
234. Draft of preceding order with corrections. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 21.]
Feb. 19.
Whitehall.
235. Another copy of the above order in Council. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 92, pp. 31, 32.]
Feb. 20. 236. Warrant to pay to James Earl of Marlborough 1,000l. of the King's free gift and bounty to him for and towards the preparation and personal provisions he is to make for his intended voyage to the [West] Indies. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. L., No. 71, Cal., p. 279.]
Feb. 20. 237. Warrant to pay to Henry Stubbs, the King's physician for Jamaica, 200l. for preparations and provisions for his Majesty's service in those parts. [Dom., Chas., II., Docquet.]
Feb. 22. 238. John Shaw to Joseph Williamson. John Mann, a son of his kinsman, has obtained Letters Patent as Surveyor of the island of Jamaica, but the present Governor has refused to allow him anything towards his charges ; desires him therefore to draw up a letter to Lord Windsor, for his Majesty's signature, requiring his Lordship to acknowledge John Mann as Surveyor-General of the island, with the usual allowances for that office and Registrar. Has spoken with Secretary Nicholas on the subject. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 22.]
Feb. 24. 239. Petition of Cicely Dowager Lady de la Warr to the King. Her deceased husband, Thomas Lord de la Warr, had, by the expense of his and her estate, advanced the plantation and trade of Virginia, when it yielded nothing, to the great advantage and benefit of the nation and the crown, but to the impoverishment of his wife and children ; in consideration whereof King James I. on Sept. 20 in the 17th year of his reign granted to petitioner, her executors, administrators, or assigns, an annuity of 500l. for 31 years payable out of the customs, subsidies, and duties, and all merchandise whatsoever imported from Virginia ; since the year 1640 petitioner has received nothing, and now prays that the pension may be granted to her for the natural life of her daughter Jane West. See No. 249. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. LI., No. 12, Cal., p. 283.]
[Feb. 26.] 240. Petition of Thomas Temple to the King and Privy Council. Has for divers years past remained in Nova Scotia, and arrived thence, but on Thursday last. Was utterly ignorant of what hath been pretended to Nova Scotia by the French Ambassador, or any other, and is not yet able to understand what their pretences are. Doubts not to prove, not only a sufficient title to the premises to be held under his Majesty, and that petitioner came lawfully to the acquisition and right thereof, with the expense of vast sums of money, but also that the conservation of Nova Scotia to his Majesty's crown is of vast concernment. Prays to be allowed a competent time to look up all his evidences and instruct counsel, and for a copy of what the French or any other did offer. Indorsed, "Read in Council ye 26th Feb. 1661-2. To be heard 7th March next. Read in Council the 7th March 1661-2." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 23.]
1662? 241. "Answer to the French Ambassador's claim to the forts and countries in America (Nova Scotia), exhibited in the behalf of the Lord La Tour, Temple, and Crowne, Proprietors." In 1654 Cromwell took said forts and countries from the Lord La Tour, not as reprisals from the French, but as holding under the Crown of Scotland, as by grant of 40 years date will appear ; nor are they any part of New France as his Excellency affirms, nor lieth near by 200 leagues, but said forts lye in New Scotland, and the sovereignty belongs as properly to his Majesty as Old Scotland doth ; nor were they ever in possession of the French, but when they got them from the English, except Port Royal, and that belonged to the Scotch originally. They never heard of any complaints in 1658 of violence committed by Temple in the house of one De La Have, neither is there any such man in the land, but there is a place so called, which Temple purchased from La Tour and where he built a house ; but one M. Leborny, two or three years since by force took it, so that the violence was on Leborny's part, who by the King of France's commission was not to meddle with the English. Neither do they know that any persons were ordained for regulating said differences, but in the league of 1656 there was such an article and a time fixed to perfect it, wherefore they conceive the country was taken as belonging to Scotland, for Cromwell restored it to La Tour. And La Tour is condemned in France as a traitor, for constant adhering to the English. In Richard Cromwell's time the French offered to give up all claim to the country, so as they might enjoy from La Have northward to New France (or Canada). And the King of France by proclamation at Rochelle prohibited his subjects to come near them in New Scotland. As to losses, they conceive none have lost but La Tour, for he had arms, ammunition, and merchandise taken away, and the soldiers demolished Port Royal and burnt the chief house. Pray that his Majesty's subjects may not be delivered to any foreign Prince or their country be taken from them ; that there may be a commission to examine witnesses, and La Tour and Temple sent for over, that they may in person make their just defence. There is not a person that holds any land there under the Great Seal of France, or ever did, but under Scotland. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 24.]
242. The title of the English to Nova Scotia, and the commodities it yields. Nova Scotia, or Acadia (as the French call it), was discovered by the English to the river Canada in the reign of Henry VII., and further discovered in 1585. "See Hakluyt's 3rd Volume, and Purchas his Pilgrimage, 8th Book." In 1627 and 1628 there happened a war with France, and Sir Lewis Kirke, John Kirke and partners, and Sir Wm. Alexander, surprised Port Royal, Fort Quebec, Cape Breton, and other places. On 24th April 1629, acts of hostility were to cease, and all taken to be restored, to the great damage of the Kirkes. On March 29, 1632, by an Article of Agreement, Acadia, Canada, Port Royal, Quebec, and Cape Breton were to be delivered to the French, and the French King to pay 4,436l. to Sir Lewis Kirke by Du Cape, but protected by the French King he could not be compelled to pay the same. The 11th May 1633, our Sovereign, in consideration of 50,000l. charges the Kirkes had been at in surprising Quebec, granted to Lewis Kirke the sole trade in the river, gulfs, lakes, and adjacent islands and continent, for 31 years. In Feb. 1633-4, Kirke sent out the Good Fortune to the River Canada, there being peace with France ; the Boncontempt [sic.] overpowered her and brought her to Dieppe, where she was confiscated. For this ship, worth 12,000l., and the 4,436l., no redress was granted. In 1654 Cromwell seized Port Royal, Fort St. John, Pentagouet, &c. ; and November 3rd, 1655, the French referred that and other differences to arbitration. 1. "Acadia lies between 42 and 45 north lat. including the Great River of Canada, which contains the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which at the entrance is 22 leagues broad, and extends itself 800 miles west by south into many great lakes lying on the backside of the English Plantations ; it may therefore concern his Majesty to keep the places demanded by the French Ambassador, and to plant colonies up and down Canada and Nova Scotia." 2. It is fertile in corn and pasturage. 3. It is stored with pitch, tar, hemp, masts, timber, furs. 4. The reducement of it under his Majesty's dominions, will divide America with the Spaniard, and unite all the plantations, between which the French now interpose, and may be able to destroy the fishing and navigation of the English in those seas, and perchance arm the Indians against them. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 25.]
243. Opinion of [Sir] W[adham] W[yndham]? upon the case between the King of France and Col. Thos. Temple for himself and the King of England, as to the title of the lands and fortresses in Nova Scotia, claimed by the French Ambassador. Under three heads. First, the representation of the French Ambassador, who prays for the restitution of those places. Secondly, the title of the King of England ; it being contended that all these lands and forts in Nova Scotia are distant from Nova Francia many hundred leagues and were never held part of it. Thirdly, the rights of Col. Temple for himself and the King of England ; explanation of the treaty of 1632 for restitution ; treaty between Louis XIV. and Cromwell in 1655 ; no commissioners named by the French King, forts derelict by desertion ; Col. Temple takes possession by patent and now holds these places. Lastly, quotations from legal authorities on both sides, and discussion on the arguments pro and con. The opinion is in favour of the right of King Charles. Latin and French. 40 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 26.]
Feb. 26.
Whitehall.
244. Orders of the Privy Council. Directing that all persons who have any commissions from those in New England interested in the affairs of that plantation, or who can give any account in reference to the King's service and the benefit of those parts, attend the Board on 6th March, and particularly that Col. Thomas Temple and Mr. Mentrope [Winthrop] and such as they shall advise be summoned to attend. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LX., pp. 5, 6.]
Feb. 27.
Westminster.
245. The King's Commission appointing the Duke of York, High Admiral of Dunkirk, Tangiers, and all foreign possessions in Africa and America, and General of the fleets there, with all rights and emoluments belonging to said office during life ; with power to examine causes and hold Courts of Admiralty and to receive from the Royal Treasury 100 marks per annum. Latin. 14 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. V., pp. 74-87.]
Feb. 28. 246. Warrant to prepare a bill for a Charter of Incorporation for Connecticut. John Winthrop, John Mason, Samuel Willis, Hen. Clarke, Mat. Allen, Jo. Tappen, Nat. Gold, Rich. Treat, Rich. Lord, Hen. Woolcot, Jo. Talcot, Dan. Clarke, Jo. Ogden, Tho. Wells, Obadiah Brewen, Jo. Clarke, Anthony Hawkins, John Denning, Mat. Camfield, "being principal persons in our colony of Connecticut," are to be granted and confirmed freemen of said colony, with the privileges therein set forth. The Charter is dated 23rd April 1662. See No. 284. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 27.]
1662? 247. Petition of Col. Thos. Temple, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the King. Thos. Breedon has fraudulently obtained a commission for the government and trade of Nova Scotia. Apprehends that as Breedon is now returning thither, he will seize upon the petitioner's trading houses, vessels, and goods. Prays for a warrant to prohibit Breedon from doing anything to the petitioner's prejudice. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 28.]
Feb. 28.
Whitehall.
248. The King's warrant suspending Thos. Breedon from the office of Governor of Nova Scotia, who "did lately by surprise and indirectly obtain from us our Letters Patent and Commission, to the wrong and prejudice of Thos. Temple, Esq., who is in present possession of the same." See ante, No. 189 ; also No. 274. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. V., p. 189.]
Feb. 28.
Southampton House.
249. Report of Lord Treasurer Southampton to the King. On petition of the Dowager Lady De La Warr [see ante, No. 239]. That his Majesty by his reference of 24th inst. signified that having a particular regard to the worth and good deservings of the petitioner and that family, the Lord Treasurer should certify what he conceives fit to be done for his Majesty's service and the petitioner's satisfaction. The sense he has of the present necessities of the Crown makes him a very unfit judge of the merits of any person, and therefore in all times he has declined certificates of this nature, but has complied with whatever the King has commanded in grace to any single persons or families as far as his Majesty's public occasions would permit, which he hopes is as much as his Majesty will expect from him in the quality he serves him. Indorsed by Sir Ed. Nicholas, "Warrant for a privy seal for a pension of 200l. to Mrs. Jane West." See No. 258. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XVI., No. 29.]