|
June 8.
Whitehall. |
575. Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson to Sir Jonathan Atkins,
Governor of Barbadoes. This is principally to cover enclosed
collections of occurrents. Has had one letter from him since his
arrival, for which he returns humble thanks, begging him to let
him know whatever passes in those parts, which is of infinite use,
besides the curiosity a man may have in it for his own satisfaction.
½p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII.,fol. 137.] |
June 9.
Exeter House.
Shaftesbury Papers |
576. Earl of Shaftesbury to his very affectionate friend Andrew
Percivall at St. Giles' Plantation on Ashley river. Jacob Waite
and two or three other families called Quakers come in his Lordship's dogger, harbingers of a great number that intend to follow.
"Tis their purpose to take a whole colony for themselves and their
friends, and they have promised to build a town of 30 houses.
Has directed the Government and Council to set them out the
12,000 acres, and would have him be very kind to them, and give
them all the assistance he can on the choice of a place or anything
that will conduce to their convenient settlement, for they are
people his Lordship has a great regard to. [Shaftesbury Papers,
Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 55, p. 151.] |
June 9.
Exeter House.
Shaftesbury Papers. |
577. Earl of Shaftesbury to his very affectionate friends the
Governor and Council in Carolina. The bearer, Jacob Waite, with
some others of his persuasion come to settle in his neighbourhood,
are people his Lordship has had transactions with here, and is
concerned to have a particular care of. Recommends them to the
Governor and Council, and at their arrival to accommodate them
with all the place affords and give them such usage as may
encourage them to invite over the rest of their friends who intend
to follow in a considerable number. To set them out a whole
colony of 12,000 acres, and as they intend within five years to
build a town of 30 houses with 100 inhabitants at least, to each of
which houses must belong as a town lot seventy acres inseparable
for ever. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 55,
p. 152.] |
June 9.
Exeter House.
Shaftesbury Papers. |
578. Earl of Shaftesbury to his very sincere friend Maurice
Matthews. Takes very kindly the service be has done his Lordship in his particular affairs in Carolina, and will on all occasions
show how sensible he is of it, for by sticking to his Lordship's
interest there he has fastened himself to a man who never casts
off or neglects anyone that does so. Hopes as his Lordship's
design to settle at Edistoe has been disappointed he may be serviceable and helping in the Plantation in his neighbourhood. Is so
well assured of his honesty, ability, and particular affection that
his Lordship is sure he will afford Mr. Percivall all the assistance
he desires. His Lordship's settlement on Ashley river pleases him
the better that it hath at hand an old planter his Lordship's friend
and trustee. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48. No. 55,
p. 153.] |
June 9.
Whitehall. |
579. Order of the King in Council. On petition of the
merchants and freighters of the ship Virgin, Edmond Cooke,
Commander, setting forth that the ship was taken by the Spaniards
in the West Indies, and that the loss thereby amounted to 12,000l.:
that by order of this Board of 3rd July 1674 his Majesty's Ambassador was to solicit the Queen of Spain for satisfaction, which,
if not obtained in 4 months then his Majesty would grant letters
of reprisal, and that Edmond Cooke who went into Spain about
this business has now attended at Madrid near 9 months without
obtaining satisfaction; and therefore praying that he may be
commanded home that petitioners may reap the benefit of said
order of 3rd July. Ordered, that Edmond Cooke be called home
to give account of the success of his solicitations; and that
Mr. Sec. Coventry signify his Majesty's pleasure herein, as well to
Edmond Cooke as to his Ambassador, that his Excellency may
intimate the same to the ministers of that Court. 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 34, No. 84.] |
June 9
Nevis. |
580. Gov. W. Stapleton to (the Council for Plantations.) Hopes
they have full satisfaction by the annexed papers in what they
required in their commands of 27th Oct. 1674, with an addition
of Acts and maps. His brother who presents them, and who in the
writers' absence had command of Montserrat, goes home for
recovery of his health, and can give some account of that island
and its wants; he was there when Evertson and Binkes attacked
it in the late war. Begs their remembrance of his former letters
relating to the Government and to himself. Annexed, |
|
580. i. List of papers above mentioned, viz., Narrative of
St. Christophers' and Nevis by John Hilton, old planter. |
|
Narrative of St. Christophers by ancient inhabitants,
with the articles betwixt the English and French at
the taking or rather surprising of it contrary to old
articles. |
|
Maps of Nevis and Montserrat. |
|
Acts of Nevis. |
|
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 85.] |
June 10.
Exeter House.
Shaftesbury Papers. |
581. Earl of Shaftesbury to his very affectionate friends the
Governor and Council at Charles Town. They cannot be ignorant
of the particular care his Lordship has taken of them and their
settlement ever since they first sat down upon Ashley river, and
how the rest of the Lord's Proprietors have been persuaded by
the hopes he had that their expenses would not be endless. Last
year when their expectations of returns grew weary, having
received neither any beginning of payment nor any proposal how
they might in time be reimbursed, his Lordship got them to
consent to a new method of supplying them, and to enter into
articles for a constant and regular supply, some part of which they
then received. It was expected that they would have considered
of some way of making returns, instead of which no scheme of
payment has been proposed and the Governor and the Agent have
not so much as paid themselves out of it, but all has tended to
an enlargement of their demands and the Lords Proprietors'
expenses. The rest of the Lords Proprietors were at a stand and
grew very backward to bury any more money amongst people who
took so little care to satisfy them that they intended never to live
of themselves. This dissatisfaction and the little leisure his Lordship has had since he came to town to debate the matter with their
Lordships has made his ship return without any cargo on the Lords
Proprietors' account. Hopes Sir Peter Colleton will soon be
here, and he and his Lordship may be able to persuade the Lords
Proprietors to send a further supply. If they will be so much
friends to themselves as to lay down any rational way that will
satisfy the Lords Proprietors that they mean to pay for the things
sent to them, and not any longer to give cause to apprehend
that for 90,000l. or 100,000l. the Lords Proprietors have purchased
nothing but the charge of maintaining 500 or 600 people who
expect to live upon their Lordships. Makes this fair proposal to
them that if they and the people will undertake to pay what is
owing from the Lords Proprietors to Col. West, and clear those
debts contracted by themselves and charged upon their Lordships
in Carolina and elsewhere, his Lordship doubts not but to prevail
with the rest of the Lords Proprietors to forgive them all their
debts to them, and as part satisfaction to Col. West to throw in
their Lordships private plantation too that he hath hitherto
managed and so put an end to the bargain made with him as the
Lords Proprietors storekeeper and agent. Expect that the Governor will not be any charge to the Lords Proprietors. Will then
take care nobody shall want supplies for the future who will
pay for them at moderate rates. Thus they will see the Lords
Proprietors expect no other improvement of the great sum
they have "been out," but that the Planters there should
wholly share the benefit of it amongst themselves, so the Lords
Proprietors may at the rate of 9,000l. or 10,000l. put an end
to their expenses. Takes very ill their treatment of his Lordship's
agent, Andrew Percival. They know his Lordship's plantation
at Edistoh was not to be under their government nor to be
controlled by them in trade with the Indians, for they cannot think
his Lordship so mad as to venture so considerable an estate under
their government unless the Governors were richer, for it is as bad
as a state of war for men that are in want to have the making of
laws over men that have estates, therefore he must desire them to
let his Lordship and his people alone. Has given Percival orders
in all things to show all fair kindness and respect to them but to
observe none of their commands, for his Lordship is resolved to be
independent of their government for some years until they are
become capable of putting our excellent model in some measure in
practice by having more men of estates come amongst them.
Beseeches them not to discourage or disoblige the best friend they
have in the world which his lordship is sure he is. [Shaftesbury
Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 55, pp. 154, 155.] |
| June 10. |
582. Commission from Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury, to Andrew
Percival, gent. Appointing him Register of Berkeley County and
the parts adjoining (Carolina) during pleasure, until by the increase
of people the parts adjoining shall be divided into other counties,
and need a distlnct registry to be erected in them. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XX., p. 103.] |
| June 10. |
583. Minutes of Council of Antigua. Ordered, that two clauses
in the Act for extending lands and goods for debts and fines be
amended, according to the terms herein stated. (See under date
23 August 1670.) ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 25, No. 55*.] |
June 11.
Exeter House.
Shaftesbury Papers. |
584. Earl of Shaftesbury to his very affectionate friends the
Governor and Council at Ashley River, Carolina. The bearer, Seth
Sothell, a person of considerable estate in England, has intention
to plant in Carolina, and take up a manor of 12,000 acres, which
he doubts not to plant in a short time with people he will carry
over from hence. Thinks he need not use many words to persuade
them to use him kindly for their own interest, as well as civility
will dispose them to it, since nothing can be more advantageous to
the country, nor so much contribute to the growth and prosperity
of the plantation as that men of estates should settle amongst
them. They are therefore to set him out a manor of 12,000 acres,
on condition that within 5 years he build a town in it of at least
30 houses, and have at least six score people upon it, said houses to
be built and people to be brought one-fifth part every year. Pray
treat this gentleman as my friend. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX.,
Bundle 48, No. 55, p. 156.] |
| June 11. |
585. Order of the King in Council referring to the Committee
for Plantations the enclosed,— |
|
585. i. Petition of William Harris to the King. Complains of
the forcible entrance of John Harrud on his lands at
Patuxet, and the danger he and his partners are in of
being deprived of their right by Providence and Warwick,
New Plymouth and two parties belonging to Massachusetts. Prays that the Governors of the four colonies
may be ordered to take care that speedy justice be done
by hearing the cause themselves, or appointing able men
with an upright jury to hear it. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol.
LX., pp. 38–41, and Vol. 96, p. 9.] |
|
586. Petition of William Harris to the King. Has been a
weary traveller for the space of almost forty years in the wilderness of New England; was one of the first Englishmen that purchased land of the most superior Indians in the Narragansett Bay,
which is now part of the King's colony of Rhode Island. Enjoyed
the possession of this land, called Patuxet, for a long time, until
persons from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Plymouth,
under pretence of other purchases from Indians, entered on it.
Has had against them suits in which the lands have been adjudged
to him, but they continue to hold the land by force, some of them
enter and void where the King's writ of Rhode Island runs not.
Prays that power be granted to some known just men in New
England to hear and determine these differences by special assize.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 86.] |
|
587. Petition of William Harris to the King. Describes the
seizure of his lands, and how some years after the arbitration which
had adjudged the lands to him some of his partners subjected
themselves to the Massachusetts jurisdiction and demanded the
land, the evidence that had been committed to them having been
cut out and pieced together on another paper. Went to Boston,
and there, through the plain honest dealing of the governor,
Mr. Dudley, the demandant acknowledged petitioner's right. The
demandants again laid claim to the said land by arbitration, and
arbitrators from Rhode Island and Massachusetts awarded it to
petitioner. Then the inhabitants of Warwick laid claim to part
of his land, taking in his own house and his partners' lands by
virtue of a pretended purchase from the Indians, and, refusing
arbitration, made forcible entries thereon and resisted the constable
and aid sent by the justices of the peace. One of the enterets,
John Harrud, of Warwick, gave bond to answer the next Court,
and the petitioner seeing delay sailed for England intending to
supplicate the King, but found the Commissioners were going to
New England. Notwithstanding various petitions, judgments,
trials, and by reason of the partners' kindred, abettors, and
adherents, petitioner has been kept out of his land for twelve years.
Owing to the numerous parties of enterers he cannot begin suits
against all or get execution of his verdict, and sees no likelihood of
a competent jury to try the differences, and, because the King's
writ of Rhode Island does not run into the other colonies, is unable
of remedy except by the King's special commission. Prays that,
without detriment to the former commission, a second be appointed.
4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 87.] |
|
588. Statement of Harris's case. A. demandant, with his
partners. purchases lands in New England of the most superior
Indians. B, tenant by force, and his partners purchase some of
the demandant's land of inferior Indians and enter by force. A
complains of B's force and obtains judgment. B resists execution
and keeps possession by force, and gets others who enter by force.
A, seeing so many parties entered and one by abettors able to hold
by force, concludes there must be a new remedy or none; petitions
the King for power to be given to some persons In New England to
hear and determine by a special assize. B may say that the King's
power is in New England already, and not to be displaced by a
complaint. A supposes the King grants power in England to
some where his commission is before to hear and determine by
special assize, so there is no detriment to the former commission;
prays a resolution. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 88.] |
|
589. A similar statement, though much more in detail. 9 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 89.] |
June 14.
Exeter House.
Shaftesbury Papers. |
590. Earl of Shaftesbury to his very affectionate friends the
Governor and Council at Ashley river, Carolina. The bearer, John
Smith, brings his wife and family and a considerable estate with
intention to plant amongst them. How much the settlement of
such men in Carolina will add to the reputation and trade of the
country and benefit those already there. To be very civil and
encourage him and others like him to be their neighbours, but
besides must recommend him as his Lordship's particular friend.
Believes he intends to take up a manor which they are desired to
set out in some commodious place to any number of acres as prescribed in our fundamental constitutions, provided he people at the
rate of 10 men for every 1,000 acres within five years, and bring
over one-fifth of the number every year till the full number be
completed. If they do what becomes them in these points doubts
not but to see very speedily a very populous and thriving country.
[Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 55, p. 157.] |
| June 16. |
591. Order of the King in Council. Referring petition of
Robert Mann and others, touching the composition trade, to the
Committee appointed for trade, who are also to hear what the
Commissioners of Customs can say thereon, and then report to
the King in Council what they think fit to be done. [Col. Entry
Bk., No. 96, p. 9.] |
| June 17. |
592. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations. His
Majesty, having dissolved the late Council for Trade and Plantations
and committed what was under their management to a Committee
of the Privy Council, a petition was read of Captain Ferdinando
Gorges, agent for Col. Stapleton, Governor of St. Christopher's,
presenting for his Majesty's consideration, that his Majesty has
allowed to said Col. Stapleton 700l. per annum as Governor, and
established two companies of foot in St. Christopher's, whese pay
should be 2,778l. 10s. 8d. per annum, none of which has been paid
since June 1671, whereby the soldiers are reduced to great necessities; and that the French King, having seldom less than six ships
of war, has lately sent 10 companies of old soldiers into those parts,
who are well clothed and duly paid, to the great grief of his
Majesty's poor soldiers and planters, the consequences whereof, if
not timely prevented, may be injurious to his Majesty's service
and interest there. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLVI., 1, 2.] |
| June 17. |
593. Minutes of the Committee of Council for Trade and
Plantations. Three letters read from Col. Stapleton to the Council
of Plantations, dated from Nevis the 8th February, 17th March,
and 30th April 1675 [see ante, Nos. 428, 469 and 544]. Mem.—That
the inscription of the seal to be made for the Leeward Islands be, on
the one side, "Carolus secundus Dei Gratia Magnæ Britaniæ Franciæ
Hiberniæ, &c., Rex," and on the other side, "Sigilum Insularum
Sancti Christophori, Montserrat, Antegoa, Nevis, &c." [Col. Entry
Bk., No. XLVI., 6–10.] |
June 17.
Whitehall. |
594. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
Petition of Capt. Ferdinando Gorges, agent for Col. Stapleton,
Governor of the Leeward Isles, read; the captain called in, as also
Lieut. Greatbach, lately sent over from the Governor, and several
of the Governor's letters read as to the condition of the two
companies found by Privy Seals that the complement was to be
80 men in each, and the establishment 2,788l. 10s. 8d., to commence
the 24th June 1672, and that Col. Stapleton was to have 700l. per
annum from the same time. Complaint made that neither he nor
the soldiers have been paid one farthing. Ordered that Sir R.
Southwell find out the establishment and compute what is due,
that their Lordships may report the necessity of a supply and the
settling of a fund for the future, without which they do not think
that place in safety; after which they would move for recruits to
be sent over to complete the companies. Ordered, that Col. Stapleton
be furnished with a seal for the more authority of his proceedings,
their Lordships esteeming his service of very good importance.
The master rolls but of two years brought over by Lieut. Greatbach.
The report of the 9th June from the Council of Plantations read
upon the Colonel's complaint of ill-dealing from M. de Baas, the
French Governor, also a memorial lately presented by Sir Wm.
Lockhart in France, and other papers relating to the hardships
imposed on his Majesty's subjects for want of being restored to
their possessions. Resolved to-morrow to inspect Sir Chas. Wheler's
adjustment with M. de Baas, which appears to give great obstruction to the relief of the Planters, and how far by his commission
he was empowered to such agreement, and how far the same
conforms with the Articles of Breda. The want of compliance
from the French the more to be wondered at because said report
seems to give up many advantages to them. Ordered, that Sir R.
Southwell enquire of Mr. Slingsby for a draft of a report much
more suitable to the right of the Planters, which Capt. Gorges
insinuated was prepared, but seemed too harsh for our intimate
friendship with France. Mem.—Three letters read from Col.
Stapleton to the Committee of 8th February, 17th March, and 30th
April last. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV., 25, 26.] |
| June 17. |
595. Report of Sir Robt. Southwell, Secretary, to the Committee
of Council for Plantations, &c. Has in obedience to their Lordships commands enquired after the establishment which Sir Chas.
Wheler carried over to St. Christopher's, but as yet cannot recover
it; meantime it appears by two Privy Seals that Col. Stapleton's
allowance was to commence on the 24th June 1672, which at the
rate of 700l. per annum amounts to 2,100l. still due, and that the
pay for two companies of 80 men in each commences the same day,
and the Lieutenant having brought over muster rolls to the 24th
June 1674, the pay due in that time amounts to 4,550l. 6s. 8d.;
and it appears that Col. Stapleton has reckoned but for the men
he has really mustered, for that sum would have been 1,005l. more
for the full complement of 80 men; he has also made 14 musters.
and the numbers vary as they diminished. Capt. Gorges has gone
over the rolls and thinks he has computed right, but they are
referred to Mr. Commissary Baines to examine and report. Has
had the affirmation of the Lieutenant that the rates of pay per
diem were as follows:—For a captain, 8s., a lieutenant, 4s., an
ensign, 3s., sergeant, 18d., drummer and corporal, 12d., and soldier,
8d.; and it is according to these rates that the two years' pay
comes to 4,550l. 6s. 8d. In margin, "Report from Sir Robt.
"Southwell concerning the establishment of two companies in
"St. Christopher's." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 90.] |
June 18.
Whitehall. |
596. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
Resolved, to report that there was due to Col. Stapleton for salary
on the 24th instant 2,100l., and that the pay for two companies to
the 24th June 1674 came to 4,550l. 6s. 8d. by the muster rolls,
which for more exact computation were to be sent to Commissary
Baines, and had not the men decreased it would have amounted to
1,005l. more; to represent Col. Stapleton in a very good character
to his Majesty for the 14 musters made in two years, and other
reasons; and to report the necessity of dispatching a seal for that
island, and to press his Majesty to order speedy payment of all
said arrears and that a fund be settled for the future to supply
these forces, reckoning that the defence of the place depends
thereon, and that it will be necessary to hasten over recruits.
Consideration of the ill-usage of the English Planters by the French,
and several particular grievances and reports entered in the books
of the late Council of Plantations read, and a full account given
by Mr. Slingsby of the demands made by Sir William Lockhart in
France, with a list of papers delivered to him, who could obtain
no answer from the French Minister, but that they were busy
preparing for the campaign, and would on their return speak more
of the matter. Several papers mentioned in the said list read, as
a narrative of the business of St. Christopher's, a report prepared
by Mr. Slingsby but not agreed to as too warm for the friendship
they were then in, and Lord Willoughby's narrative of the business
of St. Christopher's. Ordered, that all said papers be put together,
to extract a narrative and make report to his Majesty of the
injustice of the French, and how earnest his Majesty ought to be
for the reparation of the Planters; and that Sir R. Southwell attend
Lord Arlington to know what advances had been made with
Mr. Colbert in this affair, and whether any demands were presented
to him, which could preclude his Majesty from insisting on more;
which seemed not to be by the subsequent instructions given to
Sir Wm. Lockhart. The Lords observe that whatever the English
were obliged to, in the surrender of Nova Scotia and Acadia, they
punctually complied with. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV.,
25–28.] |
June 18.
Whitehall. |
597. Minutes of the Committee for Plantations. Having examined the state of particulars concerning the two companies of
foot at St. Christopher's, their Lordships agree to report to his
Majesty, which, with the Order in Council thereon, is as follows:—That having perused several letters from Col. Stapleton, Governor
of the Leeward Islands, and examined several things which relate
very much to his Majesty's service and the security of those islands,
and the relief of many of his Majesty's subjects there who have
suffered hardships from the French, their Lordships have at present
to lay before his Majesty the very bad condition of the two
companies of foot on St. Christopher's, which are wasted from their
complement of 80 men in each to 49 and 54, and have not received
any pay for three years, so that they are naked, and have only
subsisted by the charity of the Planters, and the care of their
Colonel, who is equally destitute of any supply for three years; and
when they observe that the French forces there are well clothed
and punctually paid, their Lordships think his Majesty's honour and
the security of the place concerned in a present and effectual redress.
In order to which they find, that by an establishment made at Sir
Chas. Wheler's going over, the pay of those two companies
amounted to 2,778l. 10s. 8d., and Col. Strode received that sum by
his order from his Majesty's exchequer, and the companies were paid
from the 7th July 1671 to 7th July 1672, out of the sequestration
and sale of Sir Chas. Wheler's estate, but whether in full is not
before them; that on the 23rd September 1671, a Privy Seal was
passed for a like sum to be paid to Col. Stapleton, but they do not
observe any continuance of the payment; that having referred
several muster rolls, sent over express by a Lieutenant, to Commissary Baines, they find that the pay from 7th July 1672 to 7th
July 1674 amounts to 4,556l. 14s. 0d., which is about 1,000l. short
of the establishment for that time, because the companies have
diminished; that by another Privy Seal the allowance of Col.
Stapleton (who in all things appears to be a man of good conduct,
valour and integrity, and very deserving his Majesty's favour and
encouragement) was 700l. a year, and that on the 24th inst., there
will be due to him 2,100l.; and their Lordships think it of absolute
necessity, that not only said sums amounting to 6,656l. 14s. 0d. be
immediately paid to the agent, Capt. Gorges, but that a fund be
settled for a constant supply in the future; also that recruits be
sent over to complete said companies. And their Lordships further
offer that a Seal for the said island be sent over, seeing the former
one is said to be lost. His Majesty having approved said report,
ordered that the Lord Treasurer take effectual care for a speedy
discharge of the present debt, and settle a way for the subsistence
of the said Governor and companies for the future, according to the
establishment; which when settled, his Majesty will cause recruits
to be sent over to fill up said companies according to said establishment of 80 men in each company. 3½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 91, also Col. Entry Bk., No. XLVI., 3–6.] |
| June 18. |
598. Report of Commissary J. Baynes to the Committee of
Council for Plantations, concerning the pay due for two years to the
officers and soldiers of Col. Stapleton's and Capt. Abednego
Matthews's Companies of foot in St. Christopher's. In obedience to
their Lordship's commands, signified by Sir Robt. Southwell, he has
examined the muster rolls of said Companies from 7th July 1672
to 7th July 1674, and finds the pay, details of which are given, of
the Colonel's Company amounts to 2,232l. 17s. 4d., the Captain's
Company to 2,323l. 16s. 8d., or 4,556l. 14s. 0d., in all. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 34, No. 92.] |
June 19.
Whitehall. |
599. Warrant to the Attorney General. To prepare a Bill for the
King's signature to pass the Great Seal containing a grant to Thomas
Lord Culpeper of the office of Governor of Virginia during life
immediately after the death, surrender, or forfeiture of Sir William
Berkeley the present Governor with the salary of 1,000l. per annum
paid quarterly out of the monies raised there for support of the
Government. 1½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 110, pp. 68, 69.] |
| June 19. |
600. Ro. Howard to (Sir R. Southwell, Secretary to the Council
for Plantations). Sends inclosed copy of an Establishment affixed
to Sir Chas. Wheler's Privy Seal, there is no commencement in the
original or Privy Seal. Encloses, |
|
600. i. An establishment of the pay of the two companies of
foot consisting of 80 soldiers each, besides a Captain,
Lieutenant, Ensign, two sergeants, three corporals, and two
drummers, amounting per annum to 2,778l. 10s. 8d.
Together, 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, Nos. 93, 94.] |
June 23.
Whitehall. |
601. Sec. Coventry to Sir Jonathan Atkins, Gov. of Barbadoes.
Has received his of the 17–27th February with account of receipt
of his Majesty's orders for returning some Indians to their native
country that had been brought away against their will, and of that
barbarous murder or rather massacre committed by Col. Philip
Warner and his confederates upon Thomas Warner and his company
with which his Majesty is highly offended, and commands that a
speedy and exemplary justice should be done upon the person guilty
of this inhuman act, and his Majesty's pleasure is that the Governor
effectually takes order that the offenders be proceeded against
according to law and give such an account as his justice may appear
to have been vindicated and the innocent blood that hath been so
barbarously spilt fully avenged. And since there is reason to
believe that the Windward Indians may have been much alienated
from the English by this action, his Majesty leaves it to the Governor
to give that people some signal and public demonstration of his
justice upon the authors by sending them some heads and by some
other proper way which he shall think fit that they may be satisfied
of the detestation his Majesty and the whole nation hath of this
proceeding of Col. Warner's, and how ready his Majesty will be to
punish severely any of his subjects that shall infringe the good
understanding he desires to have preserved between them and his
subjects. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 110, pp. 70, 71.] |
| [June 23.] |
602.Petition of Francis Moryson, Thomas Ludwell, and Robert
Smith, Agents from the Grand Assembly of the Governor, Council,
and Burgesses of Virginia, in behalf of themselves and all others the
Planters, Inhabitants, and Proprietors of your Majesty's Colony or
Plantation of Virginia and the Territory of Accomack, to the King.
Praying, for the reasons therein given, for a grant of Letters Patent
for the incorporation of said Colony with the privileges and
benefits particularly mentioned in a paper annexed containing the
heads thereof. Two copies, one of which is endorsed, "Recd. and
read, June 23, 1673 [? mistake for 1675]." Annexed, |
|
602. i. Heads which we are commanded by our Instructions to
present unto his Majesty and humbly to petition him
that by his gracious concession they may be drawn up
into a Charter for Virginia, having reference to the
purchase of lands contained in the Northern grant
between the rivers of Rappahannock and Patocomeck to
the Earl of St. Albans, &c. Signed by Francis Moryson,
Thos. Ludwell, and Robt. Smith. "Recd. June 23. Read
June 23,1675." 1 p. Three copies. Together, five papers.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 95–99.] |
| [June 23.] |
603. Another copy of the above Petition with this prefatory
remark, "His Majesty having been pleased to dissolve and extinguish
the late Council of Trade and Foreign Plantations, and to commit
what was under their inspection and management to a Committee
of the Privy Council appointed for matters relating to Foreign
trade and plantations, their Lordships, on 19 October 1675, take
into their consideration the business of Virginia in reference to a
Charter of Incorporation concerning which application had been
lavely made unto his Majesty by petition as followeth." [Col.
Entry Bk., No. LXXX., pp. 33–38.] Annexed,— |
|
603. i. Order in Council referring said Petition and the heads
annexed to the Attorney and Solicitor-General for their
report. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 100.] |
|
603. ii. Copy of preceding with memorandum. "It is this day
ordered by His Majesty in Council that the Right Hon.
Henry, Earl of St. Albans, be added to the Committee of
Plantations." [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LXXX., p. 39; and
Vol. XCVI., p. 11.] |
| [June 23.] |
604. Reasons to be given to His Majesty's Ministers of State
whereby they may more fully understand the past and present state of
the Colony of Virginia and what our motives are and how pressing the
necessities which caused the Assembly of that Government to send
us their agents into England to pray that His Majesty would be
graciously pleased to removed the present presures and grant them
such future security of their rights, properties, and privileges as
might keep them immediately and immovably dependent on the
Crown safe from the like invasions. "Received, June 23. Read,
June 23, 1675." Signed by Francis Moryson, Tho. Ludwell, and
Robt. Smith. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 101.] |
| June 23. |
605. Another copy of the above, but without the signature of
Robt. Smith. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 102.] |
| [June 24.] |
606. Petition of Thomas Delavall to the Duke of York. Was
prevailed upon by Col. Nicholls, his Royal Highness's Governor, to
quit his employment of Surveyor-General of his Majesty's Customs
in England under the then Farmers worth to him about 500l. per
annum, and to go over to New York to audit his Royal Highness's
revenues with a salary of 200l. per annum, of which he has not yet
received one penny. Continued in that employment ten years till
the capture of New York by the Dutch, lost an estate of about
6,000l.; was made a prisoner of war five months and carried into
Spain for no other reason than that he was found to be his
Royal Highness's servant. By the loss sustained, want of salary
(2,000l.) and the reimbursement of 1,400l. (paid by him for the
relief of the soldiers out of his own estate) his credit as a merchant
is greatly impaired and himself brought within the prospect of
ruin. Prays for an allowance of the 2,000l. salary. With reference
by the Duke of York to his Committee of Revenue. 1 p. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. 70, p. 18 b.] |
June.
(Virginia.) |
607. The public account of the 2s. per hogshead import [upon
tobacco] in Virginia. Endorsed "Recd. from Mr. Secretary Coventry
on 19 July 1677." Passed in the Assembly, June 1676. Another
Certified Copy by Robert Beverley is dated April 23, 1677. 2 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 103; see also Col. Entry Book, No. 80, pp.
165–167.] |
June 24.
Whitehall. |
608. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
Report of Sir R. Southwell about St. Christopher's, viz., that he
had waited on the Lord Chamberlain for an account of what had
passed between him and M. Colbert, the French Ambassador, and
his Lordship said he presented M. Colbert with the Report of the
Council of Plantations of the 9th June 1673, but could never
receive any answer though he frequently and urgently pressed for
it, which made him give Sir Wm. Lockhart a very punctual
instruction (which he desired their Lordships to inspect) to be
watchful in this affair, from the vast ill-consequences that might
happen from neglect thereof. He agreed that that Report was
very moderate and probably far short of what ought to have been
demanded, but it was entirely calculated to the condition of things
in that time, which had been so disordered by what Sir Chas
Wheler had done that it was concluded his agreement had given
away all, so that what they were to ask of the French was but in
courtesy and only hoping for compliance out of their friendship;
so that if it appear to their Lordships that what Sir Chas. Wheler
then did with M. de Baas was not conclusive, neither ought that
Report to limit his Majesty's demands, so that the issue of this
matter will depend wholly on the validity of Sir Chas. Wheler's
agreement. Ordered, that Sir R. Southwell inquire of Sir Chas.
Wheler if anything he did at St. Christopher's precludes his
Majesty from insisting on the points urged in the last memorial
prepared by Mr. Slingsby, since the memorial of June 1673 seems
not to challenge the whole benefit afforded by the Articles of Breda.
The Lords do not think his Majesty precluded by anything so done,
since by his proclamation he disavows all, but only to know if the
French are enabled by any justice or advantage in those proceedings to say we are precluded. And to know why Sir Chas.
would admit in the Instrument signed to him by M. de Baas
an additional clause to what he himself signed. Ordered, that
inquiry be made at Sec. Williamson's Office for the Instructions
given to Sir W. Lockhart in this matter, and to know if M. Colbert
ever gave in any answer in the business. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. CIV., 29–30.] |
| June 25. |
609. Minutes of the Council for Trade and Plantations. Their
Lordships having proceeded to consider the hardships of the
English Planters at St. Kitts, and the great complaints of their
ill-usage by the French, order Sir Robt. Southwell to attend
Lord Arlington to know what advances had been made with
Mons. Colbert, the French Ambassador, in this affair, whereupon
Sir Robert Southwell made report to the Council. 2 pp. [Col.
Entry Bk., No. XLVI., 11, 12.] |
June 25.
Pararuaribo, Sncinam. |
610. Edw. Cranfield, Ri. Dickenson, and Marcus Brandt, to
Sir Robt. Southwell. On 29th May they made Cape Orange a
little to the east of Cyan, and 3rd June anchored at the river's
mouth: on the 4th, Messrs. Cranfield and Brandt went ashore to
deliver all the letters to the Governor, who received them civilly,
published the orders from the States General, both in English and
Dutch, the next day, and granted them liberty to go and confer
with any of his Majesty's subjects; whereupon they separated and
communicated their errand to the Planters, which they accomplished
by the 9th instant, when the Hunter and hired ships arrived at
Paramaribo. On the 10th they all met at the Governor's to agree
a time and place of meeting to settle all things, viz., the 30th
June/10th July, at Paramaribo. Cannot till that Court be over
send a particular list of the Planters and slaves that go off, but
guess about 200 whites and 800 slaves, all of whom (except two
or three) are resolved to go directly for Jamaica, and unwilling to
touch at any other place, which they were obliged to promise,
else they had not carried off five families, those remaining will
be very inconsiderable. So soon as all things shall be settled will
send a more particular account by Capt. Dickenson, who has
orders to sail within a fortnight. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 104.] |
June 25.
Paramaribo. |
611. Copy of preceding, addressed to Sec. Sir Joseph Williamson.
Endorsed. "R. 29 Aug." 2pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 105;
see also Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVIII., 95–97.] |
June 25.
Whitehall. |
612. The King to Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes.
His Majesty has thought fit for the encouragement and increase of
the fishing trade at Newfoundland to require the Commander of
the Convoy frigate to warn his subjects dwelling in Newfoundland to remove from thence, and either to return into this kingdom
or betake themselves to any other of his Majesty's plantations.
Governor Atkins is hereby ordered, in case any of his Majesty's
subjects shall upon such warning leave Newfoundland and transport themselves to Barbadoes, to settle with their families and
estates, to receive them with favour, and afford them all convenient assistance. Draft. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol 34,
No. 106.] |
June.
Whitehall. |
613. Copy of preceding. Endorsed, "Draft of a letter to the
respective Govrs. of the Plantations about the Newfoundlandmen."
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 107.] |
June 29–
July 6.
Boston. |
614. Benjamin Batten to Sir Thomas Allin, at the Navy Office
per Mr. Hull. Account of the Indian insurrection, fearing he
might have had a misreport. June 21st, Heard from Plymouth,
50 miles distant, that Philip, the Indian sagamore of those parts, had
retired with 600 armed men to a place difficult of access, because of
a thick swamp and rocks, a promontory called by the English
Mounthope, in sight of Rhode Island and 40 miles distant from
Boston; the reason not known, but he hath always been of a
subtle mutinous temper, and about three years since was ready to
engage with them of Plymouth for pretended trespasses on his
lands, but the quarrel was mediated by Boston, he making them
satisfaction for their trouble; about five months since some of his
Indians mordering an Indian who had been faithful and serviceable
to the English, Philip being deemed accessory was tried for his
life, being subject to their law; on the trial two Indians were
executed and Philip cleared, by which (they being his chief men)
probably he was enraged; other reasons they do not know. 22nd,
Heard that they of Plymouth had fitted out 150 men-in-arms to
go against him. 23rd, They of Plymouth send for aid, whereupon a
council was called the next day, and three plenipotentiaries with
three attendants sent to Philip to compose differences if possible,
and another to the adjacent sachems to forewarn them from joining
with him, which, it was understood, they were too prone to do.
24th, Heard that the Indians had killed an Englishman, and rifled
several farms and farmhouses of cattle and goods. 25th, Heard
of further damages to the English in body and goods, that the
Indians increased and had offered to join battle, but the English
dared not venture till more help came from Boston. 26th, Sent in
the morning about 100 horse under Captain Prentice, and 100 foot
under Captain Hinchman, with four field pieces; the plenipotentiaries returned without effecting anything, as Philip would not
speak with them; they had met in their journey with the bodies
of some English without heads, for that is their barbarous way of
triumph; upon which they beat up for volunteers, and had about
120 by that night, mostly Jamaica privateers, under Captain Samuel
Morley; it was forbidden, under a penalty of 10l., for an Englishman to entertain an Indian in the town, and on sight to apprehend
him; that night there was a great eclipse of the moon. 27th,
Sunday, In the afternoon two posts brought news that 16 English
were killed in skirmishing, and 7 Indians, that the English had
sent 30 horse to Swansea, a town near, with a cart for provisions,
of which only one single horse returned wounded, that died immediately; this put them upon raising a greater force; they were
also advised that 14 houses near Swansea were burnt. They hear
and have reason to suspect that this is a general insurrection
intended among the Indians, who may be much more in number
than the English, but have neither policy nor conduct, nor provided with arms and provisions for any long time, so that they
hope soon to hear of their final defeat, which might be found
strange in another, that they look upon them as an inconsiderate
people; otherwise they might send far greater force, though what
has been done will put the country to great charge, all sorts of
grain being near doubled in price since last year, what with a bad
year, and their supplying Virginia in their necessity, and this year
not promising much if husbandry be neglected will make great
scarcity. 28th, Post informed them that the 30 troopers were still
wanting, and that the Indians had burnt 20 houses, but would
lessen the former account of English that were killed, and that
there were 300 of the English of Plymouth and Rhode Island
beside their forces which had just got up to them. Sent a
brigantine and barque to intercept the Indians by water, and a
troop of horse under Captain Page, and the new made General
Saveridge went Commander-in-Chief. 29th, A day of fasting and
humiliation, had no post. 30th, Had a post, informing them that
their forces had engaged the Indians on the 28th in the morning,
that they had beaten them back, and had taken some of their pro
visions, and had lost only one man, but had several dangerously
wounded, and know not certainly of any Indians killed; provisions
prohibited to be sent out of the colony; hear that they of Rhode
Island had nearly sent 100 quakers, men well appointed with
carnal weapons, to fight against the infidels, most of them on
Rhode Island being such, that the 30 troopers had returned; a
countryman coming to town had his horse shot under him on this
side Blackstones river, but mounted a spare horse that he led, but
never saw him that did it, which way of their skulking gives them
an advantage. July 1st, Heard from Plymouth, where Governor
Winslow keeps with a small guard of English and Indians, but
little news, save the execution of an Indian spy, whose head was
placed at the Governor's door. No news from Mounthope, which
is about 54 miles from them, and the neck of land is 14 miles
long and 5 or 6 broad, the farthest part of the neck reaching within
a mile or two of Rhode Island; do not know the number or the
fortification of the Indians, have sent some hand grenades, but
great guns and dogs will do the best service, both which being a
terror to them. 2nd, No post, fear it is cut off on the road. 3rd,
Post arrived from Mounthope with news that the English got to
the farthest point but found no fort, found parcels of 10 Indians
together, suppose Philip is gone off, lost only one more, and
several wounded, took 6 English heads and hands. Proclaimed it
death for any English to sell arms or ammunition to Indians; sent
a party of horse to demand the arms of another bordering sachem,
who is suspected, called Ninicraft, which if he refuses the army is
to fall upon him. The land already gained is worth 10,000l. on
the point aforesaid. Finishes the account in a letter dated 6th
July 1675. July 4th, Sunday, Had a post from Mounthope,
giving an account of one of their men killed, and 3 or 4 wounded,
but little damage done to the enemy; a horse was taken, supposed
to be Philip's, who they think is gone off the neck; their fears
increase that other Indians are concerned; saw an account of 5
English killed in and near Taunton. 5th, No post, and nothing
but flying reports. 6th, News that their men had searched Mounthope, but cannot find the Indians, and fear they are dispersed,
which will much annoy the out plantations. Had 61 Indians of
those that are privileged and taught the scripture, who came to
town with arms and an English trader, leaving their wives and
children as pledges for their fidelity, and marched that night
towards the camp, being promised an Indian matchcoat for every
head, and two for every live Indian; a small party of horse
went to Plymouth for the Governor's better guard. Endorsed,
"The rising of the Indians." 5 pp., with seal. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 34, No. 108.] |
