Journal, June 1708: Journal Book M

Journal, June 1708

June 1. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

Plantations General.

Capt. Long's affidavit upon his petition and contract with the Treasury.

Captain Long presented to their lordships his affidavit [fo. 142], to prove some of the allegations in his petition (mentioned in the minutes of the 17th of the last month), together with the contract between the Commissioners of the Treasury and himself [fo. 141], the sixth day of July, in the 9th year of the reign of his late Majesty, 1697, which were read; and directions given for preparing the draught of an answer to Mr. Lowndes's letter of the 11th of May last, relating to the said Long.

New York.

New Jersey.

Report from Commissioners of the Customs about Lord Lovelace's instructions for trade.

A report from the Commissioners of the Customes upon the draughts of instructions to be given to the Lord Lovelace for the governments of New York and New Jersey [fo. 116], relating to the Acts of Trade and Navigation sent to Mr. Lownds in the Secretaire's letter of the 24th of April last, was read; whereupon ordered that the recital of several Acts relating to the Plantations, as proposed in the said report [fo. 164], be added to the forementioned instructions.

Plantations General.

Representations not to be inclosed to the Earl of Sunderland—only copys.

The secretary acquainted their lordships that the Earl of Sunderland had told him that he did not desire the representations of the Board should be any longer inclosed to him, but that they should for the future be sent to the Councill Office, and only copies thereof sent him for his information.

Trade.

Letters to the Ministers at Denmark and Sweden.

Two letters, the one to Mr. Pulteney, her Majesty's Envoy at the Court of Denmark, the other to Mr. Robinson, her Majesty's Envoy at the Court of Sweden [fo, 160, 238], as agreed the 28th of the last month, were signed.

Pennsylvania.

Order of Councill referring Mr. Penn's petition for Capt.

Gookin to be his Lieutenant Governor.

Letter from Lieutenant General Erle in favour of Capt. Gookin.

Captain Charles Gookin attending, presented to their lordships an Order of Councill of the 20th of the last month, referring to this Board the petition of Mr. Penn, praying her Majesty to approve the said Gookin as his Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania; as also a letter from Mr. Penn, recommending the said Gookin as a person fit to serve her Majesty in that employ, and Mr. Pulteney at the same time communicated to the Board a letter he had received from Lieutenant-General Erle, in favour of the said Gookin, which were read; and directions given [fo. 165] for preparing the draught of a representation for her Majesty's approbation of him accordingly.

June 2. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

New York.

New Jersey.

Clause added to instructions for trade.

The draught of a clause to be added to the instructions for the government of New York and New Jersey [fo. 163, 177], relating to the Acts of Trade and Navigation, as directed in yesterday's minutes, was agreed and ordered to be inserted in the said instructions accordingly.

Plantations General.

Additional instruction.

And their lordships further agreed to offer to her Majesty that the said clause be sent as an additional instruction to all the Governors in her Majesty's Plantations.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes on Capt. Long's petition.

A letter from the secretary, in answer to one from Mr. Lowndes of the 11th of the last month [fo. 136], upon the petition of Captain Long, praying to be reimbursed 80l. expended by him when sent to make discoveries in America, as directed in yesterday's minutes, was agreed, and ordered to be sent.

Pennsylvania.

Representation on Mr. Penn's petition.

Mr. Penn's petition.

Captain Gookin, Deputy Governor.

A representation upon the petition of Mr. Penn to her Majesty [fo. 164, 183, 226], praying for her approbation of Captain Charles Gookin to be Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania, was signed.

Letter from Mr. Evans.

A letter from John Evans, Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania, dated at Philadelphia the 29th of September, 1707, was read.

New Jersey.

Letter from the Lord Cornbury.

A letter from the Lord Cornbury, Governor of New Jersey, dated the 29th of November, 1707, was read, as were also the following papers referr'd to therein, vizt.:
Papers therein referr'd to.
Copy of a printed paper [fo. 183], entituled a remonstrance of the Assembly of New Jersey to the Lord Cornbury, with his answer thereto [fo. 203].
Vote of the Assembly of New Jersey, the 27th October, 1707, relating to the raising a revenue.

Extract thereof to be communicated to the Lord Lovelace.

Whereupon ordered that paragraph E of the said letter, relating to Mr. Byerly and others, maintaining that no order sent by the Governor from New York whilst he resides there, to New Jersey [fo. 182], or from New Jersey to New York, is of any force, be communicated to the Lord Lovelace, when he shal be next at the Board.

New Jersey.

Letter from the Lord Cornbury.

A second letter from the Lord Cornbury, dated the 10th of February, 170⁷/8 [fo. 175], was also read, and the papers therein referr'd to laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers therein referr'd to.
Letter from the Lieutenant Governor and Councill of New Jersey, inclosing an address to her Majesty.
An address from the Lieutenant Governor and Councill of New Jersey [fo. 173] to her Majesty, relating to the proceedings of the Assembly of that province.

June 3. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

New York.

Paper touching the neutrality between the Indians and French.

The secretary laid before the Board a paper left with him by Mr. Dummer, relating to the neutrality between the five nations of New York Indians and the French, which was read.

New York.

Mr. Rayner summoned.

A letter from Mr. Rayner, desiring to know if any time be appointed by their lordships for his attendance, was read; whereupon ordered [fo. 169] that he have notice to attend the Board to-morrow morning.

New Hampshire.

Letters from Mr. Usher.

Two letters from Mr. Usher, Deputy Governor of New Hampshire, dated the 6th and 15th of March, 170⁷/8, were read. Whereupon their lordships agreed to reconsider the same, when the papers therein referr'd to shall come to hand.

Rhode Island.

Letter from Colonel Cranston with letter to the Queen.

Letter to Earl of Sunderland inclosing the same.

Letter from Colonel Cranston, Governor of Rhode Island, dated the — of January, 170⁷/8, transmitting a letter from that Government to her Majesty, was read; whereupon a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing the said letter, was signed.

Trade.

Hamburg Company.

Convoy for ships of Bremen.

Mr. Gore, with several members of the Hamburgh Company, attending, in relation to the letter writ them the 20th of the last month [fo. 146, 285], relating to the allowing of English convoys to the ships of Bremen, they said that, having sent the queries received from their lordships in the foresaid letter to their correspondents at Hamburgh, they were not able, till they received their answer from thence, which they expected in a fortnight or three weeks, to give their lordships a perfect account of that business; however in the meantime they said they had no objections to the allowing Bremish ships to go along with theirs from hence to the mouth of the river Wezar, nor indeed with their coming back with them, if it could be so contrived, that the Bremish ships should come and join the Hamburgh convoy in the Elbe, or else meet them off of the mouth of the Wezar; they added that the toll at Stade continues to be levied by the Swedes there; that neither the Dutch nor Hamburgh ships are liable thereunto, but pay the toll due to the Swedes at Hamburgh.

June 4. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

New York.

Mr. Rayner about Broughton.

Mr. Rayner attending [fo. 167], acquainted their lordships that he was not then ready to make good the allegation in his petition of Mr. Broughton's inability [fo. 162, 173], but that he would endeavour to bring Mr. Atwood and Mr. Couzens on Tuesday next, who were able to give satisfaction to their lordships therein.

New Jersey.

Mr. Ormstone against Peter Sonmans.

Mr. Dockwra at the Board in behalf of Mr. Sonmans.

Mr. Ormston presented to their lordships a memorial [fo. 154, 203], praying that Mr. Peter Sonmans might not be of the Councill of New Jersey, alledging for reason that the said Sonmans enjoys no land but what was in the possession of his father [fo. 170], who died an alien, and that he is very unacceptable to the proprietors and inhabitants there, which was read. And Mr. Dockwra attending at the same time, he said that as to Mr. Sonmans being unacceptable there, that being a general allegation without proof, he would not trouble their lordships with any answer thereunto. As to Mr. Sonmans having no land [fo. 169], he said that, besides the land which belonged to his father, there have been eleven patents for land pass'd to the said Sonmans from the proprietors.

Then Mr. Dockwra being asked for a sight of Mr. Sonmans' commission, and of the books which contained the minutes whereby the Committees for managing the affairs of New Jersey were appointed (as mentioned in the minutes of the 21st of the last month), he produced to their lordships an entry of Mr. Sonmans' commission [fo. 155], signed by Mr. Penn, John Haddon, Thomas Barker, Thomas Cooper, Clement Plumstead and by him the said Dockwra, with a memorandum at the bottom, that the Earl of Cromarty had also signed the same; then he produced to their lordships a minute entred in the minute book in the year 1682, but no month or day mentioned, though by the preceeding and following minutes it appear'd to be either in September or October, at which time there were eleven proprietors present, who made an order that twelve proprietors at least may transact business, and that eight shall be the majority in matters of consequence; but that in small things two parts in three of those present might transact what should be necessary to be done; he produced another minute of the 20th of April, 1686, when eight proprietors were present, who then made an order that after minutes had been settled and matters agreed, if Mr. Dockwra signed what should be so agreed and affixed the seal thereto, it should be as good and as valid as if signed by the proprietors themselves. He further produced a letter to the Governor and Councill of New Jersey, dated the 29th of April, 1686, signed by thirteen of the proprietors, signifying their having agreed to and given the forementioned power to Mr. Dockwra.

June 8. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

New York.

Mr. Lund about arrival of Mr. Broughton, Attorney General of New York.

Mr. Lund attending [fo. 150, 197], acquainted their lordships that he had received a letter from Mr. Broughton in Ireland [fo. 174], advising him that he should soon be here, intending to come from thence in a man-of-war that was shortly to sail; therefore Mr. Lund desired that their lordships would please to deferr making their report to her Majesty, upon the referrence before them relating to the place of Attorney General of New York, till his arrival here.

Bermuda.

Sir John Bennet and Mr. Nodin with several papers relating to Jones &c.

Sir John Bennet and Mr. Nodin attending, Sir John Bennet communicated to their lordships the following papers, vizt.:
Affidavit of Colonel Peniston, declaring that he never did set his hand to any paper relating to the good behaviour of Mr. Jones, since the taking off of the said Jones's suspension, on his last arrival in Bermuda.
Copy of the supposed plea of Daniel Greatbeach, signed by Rowland Greatbeach, his father, together with the affidavit of the said Rowland, declaring that the said plea was not put in by his privity, consent, or knowledge, and that he never set his hand to the same. [Returned to Sir John Bennet.]
Copy of a paragraph of a letter from Colonel Bennet, dated the tenth of January last, touching two letters writ by Mr. Jones to some of his friends in Bermuda, acquainting them that he was in hopes by the interest of two great men to get the Governor turned out of the government of the said island. Which papers were read.

New Jersey.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland.

with address about proceedings of the Assembly.

A letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing the address from the Lieutenant Governor and Councill of New Jersey to her Majesty [fo. 166], complaining of the proceedings of the General Assembly of that province (read the 2nd instant), was signed.

New York.

Mr. Rayner about Mr. Broughton's disability to act as Attorney General.

Mr. Rayner attending, acquainted their lordships that the Earl of Clarendon had informed him this morning that he had received a letter from his son, the Lord Cornbury, Governor of New York, wherein he gives for reason of his not admitting Mr. Broughton to act as Attorney General in that province, that the said Broughton was not capable of executing the same [fo. 169], whereupon he was desired to procure a copy of that part of the said letter, which he promised to endeavour to get accordingly.

New York.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland about the references on Mr. Rayner's and Mr. Broughton's petitions.

Ordered that a draught of a letter be prepared to the Earl of Sunderland [fo. 177], to acquaint him that this Board having now before them the referrence on Mr. Rayner's petition for the Attornyship of New York, as also the referrence upon Mr. Broughton's petition [fo. 148, 219], praying that he may be permitted to act in that post, pursuant to her Majesty's letter in that behalf (mentioned in the minutes of the 19th of the last month), and that their lordships being informed the said Broughton is now in Ireland [fo. 172], and designs to come over hither by the first opportunity, they are of opinion it may be reasonable to delay making their report on the said referrences till the said Broughton's arrival, when they shall be better enabled to lay the true state of that matter before her Majesty; however, if her Majesty shall think fit to require a report to be forthwith made, their lordships will be ready to lay before her Majesty a state of that matter, as it now appears to them.

Memorial from Mr. Atwood desiring two clauses of the Lord Cornbury's instructions.

A memorial from Mr. Atwood, desiring copies of two clauses in the Lord Cornbury's instructions for the government of New York, the one relating to the power given his lordship to suspend officers, the other, where he the said Atwood was first appointed one of the members of the Councill of the said province [fo. 176], which was ordered to be given him accordingly.

June 9. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

New York.

Lord Pearson with a packet from Lord Cornbury and old seal of New York.

Mr. Pearson, a lieutenant in one of the four independant companies at New York, being lately arrived, presented to their lordships a packet from the Lord Cornbury, which being opened at the Board, proved to be a duplicate of his lordship's late letter [fo. 166], inclosing the address from the Lieutenant Governor and Councill of New Jersey; he further presented to their lordships the old seal of the province of New York unbroken. Whereupon, the secretary was ordered to give the said Pearson a receipt for the same.

New York.

Certificate for Mr. Atwood about place of Chief Justice of New York.

The secretary laid before their lordships the certificate to be given to Mr. Atwood [fo. 175], relating to the place of Chief Justice of New York, which was read, and ordered to be given him accordingly.

Jamaica.

Col. Lloyd and several merchants.

Affidavits to the allegations in their petition about Negroes escheated &c.

Affidavit of Captain Jones to the petition of several other merchants about land endeavour'd to be escheated.

Colonel Lloyd, with several Jamaica merchants, attending to make good the allegations in their petitions, read the 27th of April last [fo. 123, 270], Colonel Lloyd presented to their lordships his own affidavit, together with one from Mrs. Cathrine Freeman, setting forth that he had been above 18 years in possession of the negroes mentioned in his petition, which the Governor was endeavouring to have escheated, which were read; and he acquainted their lordships that, by letters received by the last packet boat, he was informed that his title appearing too plain in Jamaica, they had let fall their proceedings against the said negroes, and therefore he desired their lordships to respit making any report upon his said petition till he should have a further account of that matter. Then he presented to their lordships the affidavit of Captain Samuel Jones [fo. 123], to prove the allegation in the petition, signed by several of the Jamaica merchants, which was read on the 27th of April last, that the Governor had endeavour'd to escheat their lands; and they desired upon that petition that their lordships would represent to her Majesty that Colonel Handasyd be again required by her Majesty strictly to observe that instruction, which directs him not to dispose of any fines, forfeitures and escheats till her Majesty's pleasure be known therein.

June 10. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

New York.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland upon Mr. Broughton's and Rayner's petitions.

A letter to the Earl of Sunderland, relating to the petitions of Mr. Rayner and Mr. Broughton [fo. 174], as directed in yesterday's minutes, was agreed and signed.

New York.

New Jersey.

Representation with Lord Lovelace's instructions for trade.

A representation for laying before her Majesty the draughts of instructions to the Lord Lovelace [fo. 164, 257], for the governments of New York and New Jersey, in pursuance of several laws relating to the trade and navigation of this kingdom, was signed.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Cox in behalf of his brother naval officer in Barbadoes.

An Order of Councill of the 22nd of January last [fo. 46, 181], referring to the Board the petition of Samuel Cox, naval officer in Barbadoes, praying to be restored to his said place, of which he has been deprived by Mr. Crow, Governor of that island (mentioned in the minutes of the 4th of February last), was again read; and his brother, Mr. Charles Cox, attending, and being asked if he had a copy of his late Majesty's patent whereby his brother was constituted naval officer of Barbadoes, he said that he had not, whereupon he was desired to procure a copy of that patent [fo. 299], or that he would make an affidavit that his said brother had such a patent from King William, as also of his having acted in that station untill the demise of his said Majesty, which he promised to do, and lay the same before their lordships accordingly; and as to his brother's being turned out of his place by Mr. Crow at the instigation of Colonel Cleland, he referred to the abstracts of some letters from his brother relating to that matter [fo. 48], laid before the Board the 6th of February last, which were again read. As to its being only in the Governor to dispose of that office, and not in her Majesty, he referr'd to a report from the Commissioners of the Customs, and Treasury, upon a like case, at the time when Colonel Russell was Governor of Barbadoes, dated the 16th of February, 169¾, read at the Board the 27th of October, 1707. Then,

A letter from his brother to their lordships (transmitted in Mr. Crow's letter of the 1st of March last) [fo. 209], disclaiming his having given directions for making any complaint to her Majesty of his having been displaced, and signifying that he is now restored to the full enjoyment of his office, was read; whereupon Mr. Charles Cox said that the Governor had compelled his brother to write that letter, threat'ning that, if he refused to do it, he would ruin him, but that, if he consented, he would always be his friend. And Mr. Cox, being further asked if he had at any time received directions from his brother to make a formal charge or complaint to her Majesty against Mr. Crow, he said that he had not, but that what he had done in that matter was purely out of kindness to serve his brother, in order to his being reinstated in his said office.

New York.

Memorial from Col. Nicholson, Mr. Perry and Mr. Lodwick with a list of tools &c. for the German Lutherans.

A memorial from Colonel Nicholson, Mr. Micajah Perry, and Mr. Lodwick [fo. 157, 193], containing an account of tools for agriculture and necessaries for the Lutherans, to be sent to New York, was read; whereupon ordered [fo. 181] that the said gentlemen have notice to attend the Board to-morrow morning.

Jamaica.

Order referring a petition of divers merchants complaining of being unjustly dispossess'd of lands, negroes &c.

An Order of Councill of the 15th of April last [fo. 123, 185], referring to the Board the petition of divers merchants &c. trading to Jamaica, complaining of their being unjustly dispossessed of lands and negroes in the said island &c., was again read; and directions given for preparing a representation thereupon.

Order on representation upon Mr. Whitchurch's petition about escheat of Negroes.

Copy of an Order of Councill of the 26th of May, upon a representation of the 27th of April, 1708 [fo. 124], on the petition of Mr. Whitchurch, touching the escheat of his negroes by Brigadier Handasyd, Governor of Jamaica, was read.

June 11. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Miscellanies.

Sir Charles Turner takes his place.

Sir Charles Turner, being arrived in town, came and took his place at the Board [fo. 131], pursuant to her Majesty's commission, dated the 4th May, 1708, read the 10th ditto.

Carolina.

Bahama Islands.

Letter from Mr. Borret.

Proceedings against the Proprietors.

A letter from Mr. Borret, giving an account of the proceedings that have been had in relation to the prosecution of the proprietors of Carolina and the Bahama Islands, was read.

Barbadoes.

Letter to Mr. Solicitor General on Mr. Cox's petition.

A letter to Mr. Solicitor General, upon occasion of Mr. Cox's petition, as directed in yesterday's minutes [fo. 178, 284], was agreed, and ordered to be sent to him.

New York.

Mr. Perry about transportation of Lutherans.

Mr. Perry attending, as directed in yesterday's minutes [fo. 180, 189], and being asked what shipping there were for the transportation of the Lutherans to New York, he said he knew but of one, which was a small ship, and that the passage of the said Lutherans would come to above 300l.; but, being asked whether there were no ships going for Virginia, that might drop the said Lutherans at New York, he said he would try to find such a ship, which would be much the cheapest way, and give their lordships an account thereof on Tuesday next; but then he desired that, if any such Virginia ship was found, the said ship might have a permission from her Majesty to come from thence so soon as laden, without staying for convoy; and he added that the computation of 440l. made by him, Colonel Nicholson, and Mr. Lodwick for the subsistance of the said Lutherans at New York, was for nine months.

Bahama Islands.

Mr. Graves.

Extract of a letter about English ships taken by the French.

Mr. Graves attending, presented to their lordships the extract of a letter he had received from Carolina, giving an account that the French have often been at the salt ponds on the Bahama Islands, and had taken five English vessells there.

New Jersey.

New York.

Lord Lovelace.

Extract of Lord Cornbury's letter.

Assembly of New Jersey's remonstrance.

The Lord Lovelace attending, their lordships acquainted him with what the Lord Cornbury writes in paragraph E of his letter of the 29th of November, 1707, [fo. 166], relating to the Governors sending orders from New York to New Jersey, or from New Jersey to New York; whereupon the Lord Lovelace desired their lordships' opinion thereupon in writing for his future directions; as likewise their opinion upon some articles of the remonstrance of the Assembly [fo. 166, 186], inclosed in the foresaid letter, which their lordships gave directions for preparing accordingly.

Barbadoes.

Memorial in behalf of Mr. Hallet, praying he may succeed Mr. Frere in the Council.

Mr. Brook presented to their lordships a memorial setting forth that Mr. Tobias Frere, one of the Councill of Barbadoes, was dead; and praying that Mr. John Hallet may succeed him [fo. 284], which was read; and Mr. Brook was acquainted that their lordships having no account of the said Frere's death, could not recommend any person to her Majesty till they had such account from the Governor.

Pennsylvania.

Captain Gookin.

His sureties.

Captain Gookin attending, presented to their lordships the names of the sureties he proposed to be bound for his observation of the Acts of Trade and Navigation during his government in Pennsylvania. Whereupon he was acquainted that their lordships had made their report to her Majesty [fo. 165], and that so soon as her Majesty's pleasure should be declared thereupon, they would proceed further in his business.

June 14. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Newfoundland.

Letter to Mr. Burchet for a copy of a commission to Capt.

Whiteburn in 1615.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Burchet to desire him to let their lordships have a copy of the Commission which they find by their books was issued out of the High Court of Admiralty, in 1615, to Captain Richard Whiteburn [fo. 202], impowering him to empannel juries, and to make enquiries upon oath of sundry abuses and disorders committed by fishermen yearly upon the coast of Newfoundland, there being no entry of the said Commission in this office.

New York.

Letter from Mr. Lowndes about money for the Lutherans.

Their agreement how to divide the same among them.

£100 paid them.

A letter from Mr. Lowndes, of the 8th instant, to the secretary, inclosing the copy of her Majesty's warrant to Spencer Compton, esq., paymaster of the annual pensions &c. [fo. 152], directing him to pay to the said secretary for the support and relief of 41 poor Lutherans lately arrived from the Palatinate in Germany, the summe of one hundred pounds, to be distributed among them as this Board shall direct, was read; as also the secretary's receipt for the said hundred pounds to Mr. Compton. And Mr. Kocherthal, the minister, and others of the said Lutherans, together with John Christian Jacobi, their interpreter, attending, they presented to their lordships a paper, containing an agreement made by them the said Lutherans touching the dividend or repartition of the mony among them in equal shares, which was read; and they further presented to their lordships a paper sign'd by the said Lutherans, impowering the said Kockerthall to receive such summs of money as should be ordered for them, which was likewise read; whereupon ordered that the secretary do pay it to the said Kockerthall, taking his receipt for the same, which was done accordingly.

Jamaica.

Draught of a representation on the petition of several merchants about escheats &c.

The draught of a representation upon the petition of divers merchants &c., trading to Jamaica [fo. 180, 189], complaining of several vexatious proceedings and writs of escheats, that have issued for trying the petitioners' titles to their lands and negroes in the said island, as directed in the minutes of the tenth instant, was agreed, and ordered to be transcribed.

New York.

New Jersey.

Draught of a letter to the Lord Lovelace.

The draught of a letter to the Lord Lovelace, relating to his government of New York and New Jersey [fo. 183, 189], as directed in the minutes of the 11th instant, was agreed, and some further clauses ordered to be added thereunto.

Leeward Islands.

Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Estwick at the Board about accounts of damages sustain'd by the inhabitants.

Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Estwick, being returned from the Leeward Islands [fo. 220] with an account of the losses and damages sustained by the inhabitants of Nevis and St. Christopher's at the time those islands were last invaded and plunder'd by the French, they said that pursuant to their instructions, they had brought over one copy of the return from the Commissioners for examining into the said losses, which they were to deliver to the Earl of Sunderland; that they had left in the said islands two copies more, to be sent over by the packet boats, one of which was for this Board, and the other to be returned into Chancery.

New England.

Letter from Mr. Bridger about Naval stores.

A letter from Mr. Bridger, Surveyor General of her Majesty's woods in America, containing an account of his proceedings in relation to masts, pitch, tar, &c., dated at Boston the 9th of March, 170⁷/8 [fo. 231], was read; and the papers therein referr'd to, laid before the Board as follows, vizt.:
Papers referr'd to therein.
Extract of Mr. Collins's contract on which he grounds his reason for felling large masts. Bridger's observations thereon. He desires his bills may be laid before the Lord Treasurer. Copy of Plaisted's letter and oath to Colonel Dudley, about masts felled by him, and seized by Bridger. The said Bridger's observations thereupon.
Copy of the deposition made by Mr. Eason and Mr. Austin that Mr. Bridger did forbid the master of the ship Prince from taking on board two 35 inch masts; dated the 13th February, 1707.
Account of the number of masts mark'd and reserved for her Majesty's service for the year 1707. Also an account of those cutt by Mr. Plaisted's order, and signed by Bridger.
Account of the rates paid in New England for horse hire and ferrys.
The dimensions of masts which Mr. Plaisted desired might be cutt for him in Exeter.
Copy of Mr. Mico's bond to Mr. Bridger in 2,000l., to indemnify him from any damage that might happen from the said Mico's cutting masts without licence. Also Mr. Bridger's deposition relating to the said bond.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Plaisted to Colonel Dudley, touching the number of masts fell'd by the said Plaisted's order, dated the 29th January.
Deposition of Mr. Bridger, testifying that the mast trees cut by Mr. Plaisted's order for five months past, have been felled without a licence first obtained for so doing &c., and without the permission of the said Bridger.
Account of the bills drawn by Mr. Bridger for 541l. 10s. 0d., and for 95[l.] paid by him to his deputies.

New England.

Mr. Collins summon'd and Mr. Wilcox.

Extract of Mr. Bridger's letter to be sent to Mr. Burchet.

Whereupon ordered that Mr. Collins have notice to attend the Board on Wednesday morning next [fo. 194], in relation to his contract with the Navy Board, mentioned in the said letter, and that Mr. Wilcox have notice to attend at the same time [fo. 205], in relation to the bills drawn by Mr. Bridger, as also that paragraphs C, D, E, and S in Mr. Bridger's said letter, relating to the contract made by Mr. Collins with the Navy Board for three ships' load of masts yearly, and to the waste committed in the woods, be sent to Mr. Burchet [fo. 202].

June 15. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Jamaica.

Representations upon merchants' petition touching escheats &c.

A representation upon the petition of divers merchants trading to Jamaica [fo. 185, 243], complaining of several vexatious proceedings in relation to writs of escheats that have been issued for trying the petitioners' titles to land and negroes in the said island, agreed at the last meeting, was signed.

New York.

New Jersey.

Clauses added to the letter to Lord Lovelace.

The clauses directed in yesterday's minutes, to be added to the Lord Lovelace's letter [fo. 186, 221], were agreed, and ordered to be transcribed.

New York.

Col. Nicholson and Mr. Perry about Lutherans' transportation.

Colonel Nicholson and Mr. Perry attending in relation to the transportation of the Lutherans to New York [fo. 181, 197], Mr. Perry acquainted their lordships that he cannot yet find a ship that will go thither, all masters and owners being unwilling to ingage themselves in such an undertaking, by reason of the usual delays the Plantation ships have met with for want of convoys; whereupon Mr. Perry was desired to propose to some of the said masters that they should have a certain summe to be agreed upon, in case they sailed upon a day to be fixed, wind and weather permitting, and an augmentation to be likewise agreed, for every week they should stay longer than that time, in case of any delay on the part of the Government; which Mr. Perry promised to do accordingly, and give their lordships an answer on Thursday morning next.

Bermuda.

Memorial from Mr. Bradshaw about arrears due to Mr. Barron.

A memorial from Mr. Bradshaw in the behalf of Mr. Robert Baron, late minister in Bermuda [L. fo. 183; fo. 192], relating to some arrears of the glebe lands in the said island due to him, and praying for a duplicate of the letter formerly writ to Colonel Bennet thereupon, was read; and their lordships, finding by Colonel Bennet's letters that he has received the foresaid letter desired by Mr. Barron, and sent to his brother a state of that matter, they think it not necessary to give any duplicate thereof.

Letters from Col. Bennet.

A letter from Colonel Bennet, Governor of Bermuda, dated the 10th of February, 170⁷/8, was read, and the papers therein referr'd to laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers of publick proceedings.
No. 1. List of the names of the present Councill of Bermuda [fo. 196], together with the names of six persons fit to supply vacancies in the said Council.
No. 2. Number of vessells that have been built and registered in Bermuda, with a list of all the vessells now belonging to the said island.
No. 3. Certificate of Mr. Minors, that Colonel Bennet hath never received any rents, issues and profits of the secretary's office.
No. 4. Copy of Mr. Greatbatch his pretended plea, and his father's affidavit, denying his having signed the same, or of having ever heard thereof &c.
No. 5. Copy of a bill to incourage the building a house at the ferry [fo. 204], together with a copy of proposals concerning the same.
No. 6. List of the Acts past by Colonel Bennet, during his government, and which are now in force.
No. 7. Copy of the proceedings of the Councill relating to the sloop Rose [fo. 198], seized by order of Captain Davis, commander of her Majesty's ship Triton's Prize, for illegal trade &c., brought to Bermuda by Captain Javel, contrary to the direction of the lieutenant, who had seized her for the said Captain Davis.
No. 8. The Assembly's representation to Colonel Bennet in favour of Captain Joel, part owner of the sloop Rose &c.
No. 9. Minutes of Councill of Bermuda, from the 8th Aprill to the 17th December, 1707.
No. 10. An Act impowering the Justices of the Peace to hear and determine any debt or difference not exceeding the value of 40 shillings [fo. 203], past the 28th of November, 1707.
No. 11. An Act for quieting estates and preventing law suits, past the 18th December, 1707.

Bermuda.

Letter to Sir John Bennet for papers transmitted to him from his brother.

Whereupon ordered that the secretary do write to Sir John Bennet, for what papers he may have received from his brother in relation to the aforesaid Baron [fo. 190, 208], mentioned in paragraph K of Colonel Bennet's letter; as also for his brother's answer to the articles of complaint exhibited against him by Mr. Jones, mentioned in paragraph O of the said letter, and for the minutes of Assembly mentioned in paragraph Q of the same letter.

June 16. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney.

New York.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes inclosing the account of tools &c. for the Lutherans.

Their lordships being informed that the Lord Treasurer was desirous to have this morning their answer to Mr. Low[n]des's letter of the 20th of the last month [fo. 152], relating to the tools &c., for the Lutherans going to New York; a letter to Mr. Lowndes was immediately drawn up, inclosing the account of the said tools &c. received from Colonel Nicholson, Mr. Perry and Mr. Lodwick the 10th instant [fo. 180], leaving the article for their passage in blank, which could not be perfected till Mr. Perry brought to their lordships his final answer thereupon, according to his promise of the 15th instant.

New England.

Letter from Capt.

Stuckley about a packet on board his ship at Kinsale for the secretary.

Answer.

A letter from Captain Charles Stucly, commander of her Majesty's ship Deptford, to the secretary, dated at Kinsale the 6th instant, acquainting him that he has a box of papers for this Board, from Colonel Dudley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, and desiring to know whether he shall send the same by the carrier or post at his arrival in England, was read; whereupon ordered that the secretary return an answer thereto, desiring him to send the said box by the carrier, unless he is ordered to proceed from thence to the Thames.

Virginia.

Letter from Col. Jennings.

A letter from Colonel Jennings, President of the Councill of Virginia, dated the 26th March, 1708, was read, and directions given [fo. 235] for preparing an answer thereunto.

New England.

Mr. Collins at the Board about his contract for cutting masts &c.

Mr. Collins attending, as he had been directed the 14th instant [fo. 188e], in relation to his contract with the Navy for masts, as mentioned in Mr. Bridger's late letter, and being asked several questions thereupon, he said that he had made such a contract with the Navy Board for five years, to commence the first February last; that by reason of his indisposition when the ships went away, he had not obtained her Majesty's lycense for cutting of trees, but that he hoped in consideration that what he did was for the service of the Navy, his not having such a license would not be to his disadvantage. He owned that his agents had cut some trees above the contract (tho not so many as Mr. Bridger writes), but he said that it was absolutely necessary for his stowage. He owned also that he had brought to England the two great trees of 35 inches diameter, mention'd by Mr. Bridger, which, as he says, were cut by Mr. Wallis under his contract three years ago, and that he bought them of the said Wallis; that the said masts are now reduced from 38 to 35 inches diameter, and are by that means as good as if new cut. Whereupon, he was acquainted that for want of her Majesty's license his agents had incurred the penalty of 100l. for each tree they had cut, and he was advised without loss of time to apply for her Majesty's licence [fo. 249], in order to his proceeding further in his forementioned contract, a copy whereof he was desired to bring to their lordships, which he promised to do accordingly.

Their lordships then gave directions for stating the substance of Mr. Bridger's complaints in order to the laying the same before her Majesty.

Plantations General.

Draught of an instruction to all the Governors touching Acts relating to trade.

The draught of an additional instruction to all the Governors of her Majesty's Plantations [fo. 224], as likewise to the Proprietary and Charter Governments in America, directing them to observe several clauses in some Acts of Parliament past in the 3d, 4th and 6th years of her Majesty's reign, relating to trade, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Bermuda.

Papers received from Colonel Bennet read.

Then their lordships took into consideration the papers referred to in Colonel Bennet's letter [fo. 191], mentioned in yesterday's minutes, and read those marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and ordered that a letter be prepared to the Earl of Sunderland upon the bill to incourage the building a house at the Ferry [fo. 204], with their lordships' opinion that the Governor have her Majesty's permission to grant the two shares of land mentioned in the said bill, and that he consent to the passing of an Act for that purpose.

June 17. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

New York.

Letter from Mr. Perry.

Transportation of German Lutherans.

A letter from Mr. Micajah Perry, of this day's date, to the secretary [fo. 189, 200], acquainting him that he will attend their lordships to-morrow morning with the owner of a ship with whom he is treating to transport the Lutherans to New York, was read.

Memorial from Mr. Broughton about the place of Attorney General of New York.

To procure certificate of his ability.

Mr. Lund and Mr. Broughton attending [fo. 171], Mr. Broughton presented to their lordships a memorial containing an account of the Lord Cornbury's proceedings upon his application to his lordship to be admitted to the place of Attorny General of New York, pursuant to her Majesty's letter of the 18th of June, 1705, to his lordship in that behalf, was read; and it being proposed to Mr. Broughton to get a certificate from Sir Edward Northey [fo. 216] of his ability to act in that station, he promised to do the same accordingly.

Bermuda.

Sloop Rose seiz'd for illegal trade.

Letter to Col. Bennet thereon.

Then their lordships took into consideration the copy of the proceedings of the Councill of Bermuda [fo. 192] (mentioned in the minutes of the 15th instant), relating to the sloop Rose, seized by order of Captain Davis, commander of her Majesty's ship Triton's Prize, for illegal trade &c., and brought into Bermuda by Captain Jewel (part owner thereof), contrary to the direction of the lieutenant, who had seized the said sloop; and gave directions for writing to Colonel Bennet thereupon.

June 18. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Bermuda.

Reference on the petition of Matt.

Newnam complaining of proceedings against him by the Attorney General of Bermuda &c. against an Act.

Mr. Newnam attending, presented to their lordships a reference from the Earl of Sunderland of the 27th June, 1707 [fo. 206], upon the petition of Matt. Newnam, his brother, to her Majesty, complaining of the proceedings of the Attorney General of Bermuda at a Court of Quarter Sessions held in that island in July, 1706, upon an indictment found against him the said Newnam for having spoken out of Court villifying words of all the Justices of the Peace in the said island; that the said Court committed him to prison till he should find security in 500l., to appear and answer the said matters; that, at his appearance in the next Court of Quarter Sessions, he was by means of the said Attorney found guilty of the said indictment, and fined one hundred pounds, and committed to prison till payment thereof should be made, although it was known he was not worth so much; that he had petitioned the Governor and the Justices of the said island for a mitigation of the said fine, but without effect; that by an Act past in the said island, entituled An Act for the further regulating the Courts of Judicature in Bermuda, the course of justice was obstructed, and that by the said Act he was debarr'd from any relief in the matters complain'd of; and therefore praying that the said fine might be remitted, the said sentence revers'd, and that he might be inlarged from his confinement, was read; and the said Newnam at the same time communicated to their lordships a copy of the forementioned indictment, which was likewise read. Then he acquainted their lordships that the reason of his not laying the reference sooner before them, was because he had heard his brother was dead, but that, having understood the contrary by letters from Bermuda, he thought it proper now to attend their lordships with the said reference, in order to the obtaining the prayer of the said petition; and being asked if he had any proofs to produce to make good the allegations therein set forth, he said that he had, and would lay the same before the Board on Monday morning next.

New York.

Col. Nicholson.

Mr. Perry.

Passage of German Lutherans.

Colonel Nicholson and Mr. Perry attending [fo. 197], in relation to the passage of the Lutherans to New York, Mr. Perry acquainted their lordships that he found it difficult to get a ship to go directly thither, the masters being fearfull to ingage themselves, because of the delays they usually met with in regard to convoys; but that however he did believe Mr. Coward, the owner of a frigat, who also attended, would, upon an agreement to be made with him, at so much a head for the said Lutherans, transport them to New York. Whereupon Mr. Coward being asked if he was willing to undertake the same [fo. 202], and at what rate he would do it per head, he said that he would have seven pounds ten shillings for men, women and children; but their lordships acquainting him that they thought that was too much even for the men, and more especially for the children, and being further asked if he would not take less, in case he were to have the transporting the recruits designed for New York, he told their lordships that if with the Lutherans and soldiers the number were made up 150 (though his vessell would carry 200), in such case it would be worth his while to send his frigat thither, and therefore would take but 7l. a head for the men and women, and 5l. a head for the children; he added that the vessell would be ready by the end of next week, and that on Tuesday morning he would attend their lordships again with his proposals in writing [fo. 211]. Colonel Nicholson and Mr. Perry added in discourse that they were willing to undertake the buying of the said tools and necessaries for the said Lutherans.

Lord Lovelace.

Transportation of recruits.

Their lordships being informed that the Lord Lovelace was without, he was called in and acquainted with what Mr. Coward had offered touching the said Lutherans [fo. 201]; whereupon he said that 80 recruits were already raised, and that he did not doubt in a month's time to make them up 100, but that as the two men-ofwar appointed to attend him were but small, and that he had 40 of his own family to go along with him, there would not be any room for the soldiers on board the said men-of-war; and therefore desired they might be sent with the Lutherans in Mr. Coward's frigat aforementioned.

New England.

Letter from Mr. Burchet upon Bridger's account of waste of woods.

Newfoundland.

Commission in 1615 to inquire into disorders.

A letter from Mr. Burchet, in answer to one writ him yesterday [fo. 188, 220], inclosing extracts of Mr. Bridger's letter relating to waste made in the woods in New England, as likewise to another letter writ him the 14th instant [fo. 184], for a copy of the commission to Captain Whitborn in 1615 to empannel juries and to inquire into disorders upon oath at Newfoundland, was read.

New Jersey.

Memorial from Mr. Ormston against Mr. Sonmans's being of the Council &c.

Reply to Lord Cornbury's answer to the Assembly's remonstrance.

A second memorial from Mr. Joseph Ormston against Mr. Peter Sonmans being of the Councill of New Jersey [fo. 169], with a list annexed of the proprietors &c., that did not sign Mr. Sonman's commission, as likewise of those that did, were read. He also presented to their lordships a printed copy of the Assembly of New Jersey's reply to the Lord Cornbury's answer to their remonstrance [fo. 166], whereupon he was acquainted that the said papers should be taken into consideration at a convenient opportunity.

Bermuda.

Acts and a Bill.

Then their lordships took into consideration two Acts transmitted with Colonel Bennet's letter of the 10th of February, 170⁷/8, entituled
An Act impowering the Justices of the Peace to hear and determine any debt or difference not exceeding the value of forty shillings [fo. 192], pass'd the 28th of November, 1707.
An Act for quieting estates and preventing law suits, past the 18th December, 1707.
Draught of representation thereupon.
and read the said Acts, and gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation [fo. 204, 211], for laying the said Acts before her Majesty for her royal approbation, the said Acts having been altered and pass'd anew, pursuant to Mr. Solicitor General's opinion upon two former Acts pass'd in 1691 to the like purpose, and repealed by her Majesty in Councill the 20th of February, 170⁷/8. Their lordships further ordered that the copy of a Bill entituled, An Act to build a house at the Horse Ferry [fo. 191, 196], also transmitted with the said letter, be with the same representation likewise laid before her Majesty, proposing that the Governor have permission to grant the two shares of land mentioned in the said Bill, and that he consent to the passing of an Act to that purpose.

June 21. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Bermuda.

Representation on two Acts and a Bill.

A representation upon two Acts past in Bermuda, the 28th November and 18th December, 1707 [fo. 203], as also upon the copy of a Bill for building a house at the Horse Ferry, as directed in the minutes of the 18th instant, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Letter from Col. Bennet.

Publick papers.

A letter from Colonel Bennet, Governor of Bermuda, to the secretary, dated the 10th February, 170⁷/8, relating to the publick papers transmitted by him, and desiring to know if his letter of the 25th of June, 1707, has been received, was read.

Letter from Col. Bennet about Jones &c.

Another letter from Colonel Bennet to the secretary, acquainting him that two gentlemen are appointed by Act of Assembly to come from that island hither to make good the complaints against Mr. Jones [fo. 74], and praying that business may be respited till their arrival, was also read; and their lordships agreed to respit the same accordingly.

New England.

Mr. Wilcox.

Bills drawn by Bridger.

Mr. Wilcox, agent to Mr. Bridger, attending [fo. 188] in relation to the bills drawn by the said Bridger for his travelling charges &c., he was acquainted that as Mr. Bridger had undertaken the service of Surveyor of the Woods at the allowance of 200l. per annum, their lordships did not think proper to concern themselves in that matter.

Bermuda.

Mr. Newnam with several papers as proofs upon his brother's petition.

Letter to Sir John Bennet with copy of the petition.

Mr. Newnam attending, presented to their lordships several papers in proof of the allegations in his brother's petition [fo. 198], which petition was read the 18th instant, vizt., the affidavit of Edward Jones and Thomas Nechills; a copy of the order of commitment of the said Newnam for having spoken reflecting words on the judges; copy of his indictment; copy of the verdict thereon; copy of the warrant for his confinement untill he pay 100l.; copy of an Act for regulating Courts of Judicature &c., past the 31st August, 1706. Whereupon he was acquainted that, before their lordships could enter upon the consideration of the said papers, a copy of the said petition should be sent to Sir John Bennet [fo. 228, 234], for what he might have to offer thereupon, and a copy was accordingly ordered.

Jamaica.

Letter from Brigadier Handasyd.

A letter from Brigadier Handasyd, Governor of Jamaica, dated the 14th of February, 170⁷/8, was read.

Second letter from him.

A second letter from Brigadier Handasyd, dated the 31st of March, 1708, was likewise read; and the papers therein referr'd to were laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers therein referr'd to.
Copy of a deposition of William Parker, bricklayer, sworn the 5th January, 1707, touching several disrespectfull expressions of the Assembly, upon the Queen's letter about hardships put upon the soldiers in Jamaica.
Copy of an Act for quieting possessions and preventing vexatious suits at law, pass'd by the Assembly of Jamaica the 12th of February, 170⁷/8, together with Brigadier Handasyd's objections thereto.
Minutes of Councill of Jamaica from the 3rd of December, 1707, to the 28th February, 170⁷/8.
Minutes of Councill in Assembly of Jamaica from the 29th of December, 1707, to the 28th February, 170⁷/8.
Minutes of Assembly of Jamaica from 29th December, 1707, to the 27th February, 170⁷/8.
Several Acts past by the General Assembly of Jamaica in January and February, 170⁷/8.

Letter to Captain Gardner about recruits.

Ordered upon paragraph L that the secretary write to Captain Gardner [fo. 229], to know how many recruits have been sent to Brigadier Handasyd, and how many are yet wanting to compleat his regiment.

Ordered upon paragraph O that the Act which disables the factors to the Royal African Company from being members of Council in the Plantations be laid before the Board to-morrow morning.

Representation on Acts about evidence against two free negroes.

Further ordered, that the draught of a representation be prepared [fo. 211] for laying before her Majesty two of the foremention'd Acts, past the 28th February, 170⁷/8, entituled An Act to prevent slaves giving evidence against Manual Bartholomew, a free negro— An Act to prevent slaves giving evidence against John Williams, a free negro, offering that her Majesty be pleased to approve the same.

Bermuda.

Sir John Bennet.

Sir John Bennet attending [fo. 192], presented to their lordships the following papers, vizt.:
Papers relating to Mr. Baron.
Copy of Mr. Baron's petition to Colonel Bennet, praying leave to return to England for the recovery of his health.
Copy of Mr. Baron's petition to the Commissioners of this Board, relating to mony due to him in that island, with Colonel Bennet's answer thereunto.
A copy of Assembly's representation to Colonel Bennet upon the said petition, together with several affidavits relating to the said Baron.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Mr. Crow.

A letter from Mr. Crow, Governor of Barbadoes [fo. 179], dated the first of March, 170⁷/8, was read; and the papers therein referr'd to were laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers therein referrd to.
Letter from Mr. Cox, naval officer in Barbadoes, to the Board, signifying his being restored to the full enjoyment of his office, dated 10th January, 170⁷/8.
Copy of a clause in Mr. Crow's instructions relating to naval officers.
Mr. Crow's speech to the new Assembly of Barbadoes, approving their Speaker.
The Councill's reasons in the case of Mr. Holder, and their resolves upon the resolves of the Assembly.
Copy of an address from the Assembly of Barbadoes to her Majesty against Colonel Holder and Colonel Cleland.
Heads of complaints against the counsellors of Barbadoes, and a list of counsellors settled with the Earl of Sunderland.
Order of the Commissioners of the Fortifications to desist any further working thereon.
Minute of Councill of the 2[n]d of September, 1707, appointing Commissioners to settle the publick accounts.
Minutes of Councill of the 9th and 13th June, 1707, for restoring Judge Brewster and Sandford to their places.
Naval officers' list of ships from the 25th June, 1707, to the 24th December following.
Minutes of Councill of Barbadoes from the 2[n]d of August, 1707, to the 28th October following.
Minutes of Councill of Barbadoes from the 1st November, 1707, to the 27th January, 170⁷/8.
An Act appointing an oath to be taken by executors, administrators and guardians pass'd the 30th of November, 1707.

Representation upon the weak state of the island and regiment to be sent.

Whereupon ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared for laying before her Majesty what he writes in paragraph D of the said letter [fo. 211], relating to the ill state of the Militia in Barbadoes, and to the danger the said island is in for want of some regular forces.

June 22. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Barbadoes.

Representation about weak state of defence of Barbadoes and regiment to be sent.

A representation upon paragraph D of Mr. Crow's letter of the first of March last [fo. 210, 231], touching the weak state of Barbadoes, and to the want of a regular force there, as directed the last meeting, was signed.

Jamaica.

Representation on two Acts.

Evidence against free Negroes.

A representation upon two Acts past in Jamaica, the 28th of February last [fo. 208, 402], to prevent negroes being evidence against Manuel Bartholomew and John William[s], free negroes, as directed in yesterday's minutes, was signed.

Bermuda.

Representation on two Acts and one Bill.

A representation for laying before her Majesty two Acts past in Bermuda [fo. 203, 232], as likewise the copy of a Bill for building a house at the Ferry &c., as agreed at the last meeting, was signed.

New York.

Mr. Coward's proposal about transportation of German Lutherans.

Letter to be writ to Mr. Lowndes thereupon.

Mr. William Coward, owner of the Gold frigate (Daniel Bright, master), and Colonel Nicholson attending in relation to the transportation of the Lutherans to New York [fo. 201], the said Mr. Coward presented to their lordships a proposal containing his demands for transporting the said Lutherans accordingly, which was read; and thereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Lowndes [fo. 216], inclosing a copy of the said proposal, and to desire him to acquaint the Lord Treasurer [fo. 152] that as their lordships cannot take upon them to judge of bargains of this nature, not being conversant therein, it is their opinion that the Commissioners of the Transport Office are better able to inform his lordship whether the said proposal be reasonable or no.

Barbadoes.

Minute of Assembly about dismission of Col. Cleland and Holder from their places.

A minute of Assembly of Barbadoes of the 3rd of December, 1707 [fo. 65, 217], relating to the dismission of Colonel Cleland and Colonel Holder from their places in that island, received from Mr. Tryon, agent to Mr. Crow, was read.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Col. Park.

A letter from Colonel Park, Governor of the Leeward Islands, dated the 22nd of October, 1707, was read.

Second letter from him.

A second letter from Colonel Park, dated the 6th of March, 170⁷/8, was read; and the paper referr'd to therein was laid before the Board, and is as follows, vizt.:
Copy of the order for dissolving the Assembly of Antego, March the 5th, 1707.

Third letter from him.

A third letter from Colonel Park, dated the 8th of March, 170⁷/8 [fo. 217], was likewise read, and the papers referr'd to therein were laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers therein referr'd to.
Colonel Park's speech to the Assembly of Antego, with an account of the state of that island, in relation to the disputes of the late Assembly; the practises of Colonel Codrington and persons promoted by him; the obstructions of justices &c.
Account of the number of inhabitants in the Island of Antigua, taken the 5th of March, 170⁷/8.

Fourth letter from Col. Parke.

A fourth letter from Colonel Park, dated at St. Christopher's the 13th of March, 170⁷/8, was read, and the papers therein referr'd to laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers therein referr'd to.
Copy of an address from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Councill and Assembly of Nevis to her Majesty, acknowledging her Majesty's favour in sending over a Commission by Mr. Rhodes for inquiring into their losses, and praying her Majesty's further bounty &c.
List of persons to supply the vacancies in the Councill of St. Christopher's.
List of persons to supply vacancies in the Councill of Nevis.
List of the inhabitants of St. Christopher's, with the number of their slaves, taken in January, 170⁷/8.
List of the inhabitants of Trinity Palmato Point, with the number of their slaves, taken the 8th of February, 170⁷/8.
List of the inhabitants of Nevis, with the number of their slaves.
Account of the white people and blacks in the island of Mountserrat, taken the 29th of January, 170⁷/8.
Naval officers' account of imports and exports to and from St. Christopher's, from the first July to the 7th of October. 1706.
Naval officers' account of imports into the Island of Nevis, from the 25th of May, 1706, to the 24th of December, 1707.
Naval officers' account of exports from the Island of Nevis, from the 25th of May, 1706, to the 24th of December, 1707.
Account of ordnance and stores of war in the Island of Nevis, taken the 15th of December, 1707.
Account of ordnance and stores in Mountserrat, taken the 29th of January, 170⁷/8.
Minutes of the Councill of St. Christopher's in Assembly, from the 21st of August, 1706, to the 20th of October, 1707.
Minutes of the Councill of Nevis in Assembly, from the 9th of August, 1706, to the 11th of June, 1707.
Minutes of the Councill of Nevis in Assembly, from the 11th of June to the 3rd of December, 1707.
Minutes of the Councill of Mountserrat in Assembly, from the 5th of August, 1706, to the 13th of December, 1707.
Journal of the Assembly of Mountserrat, from the 25th of November, 1706, to the 13th of December, 1707.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland with address from Nevis.

Stores for the Leeward Islands.

Whereupon, order'd that the forementioned address be sent to the Earl of Sunderland [fo. 216], and that, in the letter to his lordship, notice be taken of a letter formerly writ him, relating to stores for the Leeward Islands.

Vacancies in the Councills.

Mr. Duport and Col. Jory summon'd.

Their lordships observing that there are several vacancies in the Councills of those islands, vizt., five at Nevis, five at St. Christopher's, three at Antego, and two at Mountserrat, order'd [fo. 224] that Mr. Duport and Colonel Jory have notice to attend the Board on Friday next.

June 23. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

New York.

Mr. Broughton.

Certificate of his ability to be Attorney General.

Their lordships, observing that 'tis now a week since Mr. Broughton had promised to bring a certificate of his ability for the place of Attorny General of New York, ordered [fo. 197, 218] that a letter be writ to hasten him therein.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes with Mr. Coward's proposal for transporting the German Lutherans.

A letter to Mr. Lowndes from the secretary [fo. 212], inclosing a copy of Mr. Coward's proposal for transporting the Lutherans and soldiers to New York, was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Nevis.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland with address.

Stores and necessaries.

A letter to the Earl of Sunderland [fo. 215], inclosing an address from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Councill and Assembly of Nevis, as directed yesterday, and recapitulating what was writ to his lordship the 19th of December, 1707, touching the sending provisions and other necessarys for the relief of the sufferers at Nevis and St. Christopher's, was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Governor's speech to the Assembly of Antigua.

State of the island &c.

Colonel Park's speech to the Assembly of Antego, with an account of the state of that island, in relation to the proceedings of the late Assembly; the practices of Colonel Codrington and persons promoted by him; the obstructions of justice &c. referr'd to in Colonel Park's letter of the 8th March last [fo. 212], was read, and their lordships agreed to take into consideration, at the first opportunity, the following particulars contained in the forementioned paper, vizt.:
1. The irregular proceedings of the Assembly in relation to Mr. Perry's being admitted into that House.
2. The said Mr. Perry's being a Commissioner of the Customes.
3. Mr. Ayon's being appointed marshall of the Leeward Islands, in the room of — Perry junior.
4. The law about Courts.

Barbadoes.

Observations on the Councill's reasons for their opinion on the case of Mr. Holder.

The reasons given by some of the Councill of Barbadoes, the 4th of November, 1707 [fo. 212, 221], for their opinion on the case of Mr. Holder therein mentioned, were taken into consideration, and several observations made thereupon, which were ordered to be sent to Mr. Crow.

Jamaica.

Barbadoes.

Leeward Islands.

Bermuda.

Letters to the Governors.

The draughts of letters to the Governors of Jamaica, Barbadoes, Leeward Islands and Bermuda [fo. 220], were agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

June 25. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

New York.

Mr. Broughton.

Certificate from Sir Edward Northey about his ability to be Attorney General.

Mr. Broughton attending, as directed the 23rd instant [fo. 216], presented to their lordships a certificate from Sir Edward Northey that the said Broughton had been bred up under his father in the study of the law, and had been called to the Bar in 1700 &c., and that he had been informed the said Broughton had applyed himself to the study of the law at New York, and had gained such experience of the people and laws of that province that he thought it probable the said Broughton was able to serve her Majesty as Attorney General in that Province, which certificate was read.

Draught of representation on Mr. Rayner's and Mr. Broughton's petitions.

Then their lordships took into consideration the draught of a representation upon the petition of Mr. Rayner [fo. 137], read the 14th of the last month, praying to be Attorney and Advocate General of New York, as also upon the petition of Mr. Broughton [fo. 148], likewise read the 19th of the same month, praying to be admitted to the exercise of the said place, pursuant to her Majesty's grant thereof to him, and agreed the said representation [fo. 221], and ordered the same to be transcribed.

New York.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Boyle with petition of Mr. Kocherthal.

14 more German Lutherans desiring to be sent to New York.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Boyle, of the 22nd instant, referring to this Board the petition of Joshua Kocherthal to her Majesty, praying that 14 more poor Lutherans come from the Palatinate and Holstein since the one and forty already provided for [fo. 158, 223], may also receive the like bounty from her Majesty, as those have done, and be transported with them to New York, and that he the said Kocherthal may have a salary assigned him upon his arrival in that province: and the said Kocherthal attending with several of the said Lutherans, and being asked for their testimonials, they produced the same; whereupon he was desired to bring with him on Monday next one of the Lutheran ministers settled here in town [fo. 222], which he promised to do accordingly.

Barbadoes.

Suspension of Mr. Skeen.

Mr. Ball summon'd.

Upon consideration of the papers in this office, relating to the suspension of Mr. Skeen, secretary of Barbadoes; ordered that Mr. Guy Ball have notice to attend the Board on Tuesday morning next.

Jamaica.

Barbadoes.

Leeward Islands.

Bermuda.

Letters to the Governors.

The letters to the Governors of Jamaica, Barbadoes, Leeward Islands and Bermuda [fo. 218], as agreed at the last meeting, were signed.

New England.

Letter from Mr. Burchet upon Bridger's letter about Collins's contract and waste of the woods.

A letter from Mr. Burchet, of this date, in answer to one writ him the 17th instant [fo. 202], inclosing an extract of Mr. Bridger's letter of the 9th of March, 170⁷/8, relating to the contract made by Mr. Collins with the Navy Board for masts, and to the waste committed in the woods in New England, was read.

June 28. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

St. Christophers.

Account of the loss sustain'd by the inhabitants.

Mr. Estwick attending [fo. 186, 276], presented to their lordships a duplicate of the return of the Commissioners appointed by her Majesty's Commission, to inquire into the losses sustain'd by the inhabitants at St. Christopher's when the French invaded that island, as likewise a journal of their proceedings, together with the papers relating thereto, which were laid before the Board.

New York.

Representation on Mr. Rayner's petition.

Letter to Earl of Sunderland inclosing it.

Representation upon the petitions of Mr. Rayner and Mr. Broughton [fo. 219, 261, 286], as agreed at the last meeting, together with a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing the same, were signed.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Heysham &c. desiring a paper to be lent them and copy of the Board's observations upon reasons of the Council of Barbados about Holder.

Mr. William Heysham, and Mr. Royle attending, and desiring that they may have the Minutes of Assembly of Barbadoes of the 3rd of November, 1707, as also a copy of their lordships' observations upon the reasons offered by some of the members of the Council of Barbadoes, the 4th of November, 1707, for their opinion upon the petition of Colonel Holder [fo. 217], mentioned in the minutes of the 23rd instant, ordered that the forementioned minutes of Barbadoes be lent to them, they giving a receipt for the return thereof, and that they have a copy of the said observations.

New York.

New Jersey.

Letter to Lord Lovelace.

A letter to the Lord Lovelace [fo. 189, 233], relating to the governments of New York and New Jersey, as agreed the 15th instant, was signed.

New York.

Mr. Kocherthal about 14 poor Lutherans.

Mr. Kocherthal attending, with several of the poor Protestants lately come from the Palatinate and Holstein, with one of the Lutheran ministers settled here in town [fo. 219, 236], as directed at the last meeting, Mr. Kocherthal presented to their lordships a list of the names and trades of the 41 Lutherans lately arrived from Germany, as also a list of the names and trades of 12 others before mentioned, and being asked if there were not 14 of them as mentioned in Mr. Secretary Boyl's letter, read at the last meeting, he said that two of the 14 had entred themselves into the service of the Lord Lovelace to go with him to New York. Then they produced to their lordships several testimonials of their having been ruined by the incursions of the French and Germans, and of their having lived well in the places from whence they came. Then the said Kocherthal being asked if he had made any agreement in relation to himself with those that are to go with him to New York, he said that he had, and that they had promised to clear six acres of land for him the first year, to enable him to make a settlement.

Plantations General.

Two letters from Col. Quary.

Connecticut.

Extracts of the last sent to Mr. Savage.

Two letters from Colonel Quary, dated at Philadelphia the 28th June, 1707, and the 10th of January, 170⁷/8, together with a copy of the remonstrance of the Assembly of New Jersey to the Lord Cornbury, with his lordship's answer thereto, was read. Whereupon ordered that paragraph B of the last of the said letters, relating to the illegal proceedings of Mr. Withred, Collector of the Customs in Connecticut, as also part of paragraph C of the same letter, touching Colonel Quary's having turned out all the collectors there, and put in others in hopes to prevent illegal trade, be sent to Mr. Savage, secretary to the Commissioners of the Customes.

June 29. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

New York.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle about Lutherans.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle [fo. 219], relating to the 14 poor Protestants newly arrived from the Palatinate and Holstein, as directed at the last meeting, was signed.

Plantations General.

Representation with draught of additional instructions about Acts of trade.

Letter to Earl of Sunderland inclosing the same.

A representation for laying before her Majesty the draught of an additional instruction to the Governors of the Plantations [fo. 196, 242], as likewise to the Proprietary and Charter Governments in America, pursuant to several Acts of Parliament relating to trade and navigation, together with a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing the said representation, were signed.

St. Christophers.

Mr. Duport about new counsellors.

Mr. Duport attending [fo. 215], presented to their lordships a list of persons' names to be members of her Majesty's Councill of St. Christopher's, which was read, and upon discourse with the said Duport upon the list transmitted by Colonel Park, their lordships agreed that Mr. John Peters, Mr. John Burryan, Mr. Joseph Estridge, recommended both by Colonel Park and Mr. Duport, as also John Willet, likewise recommended by the said Duport, be proposed to her Majesty as persons fit to be members of Council in the said island.

Nevis.

Col. Jory about new counsellors.

List of names given him.

Colonel Jory attending [fo. 215, 228], their lordships communicated to him the list of persons' names recommended by Colonel Park to be members of her Majesty's Councill of Nevis, whereupon Colonel Jory desired that he might have a copy of the said list that he might inform himself of their characters, and lay the same before their lordships in writing, which was ordered to be given him accordingly.

New England.

Letter from Mr. Bridger touching naval stores.

Merchants summoned.

A letter from Mr. John Bridger, Surveyor General of her Majesty's woods on the Continent of America, dated at Boston the 13th of March, 170⁷/8 [fo. 231], relating to the quantity of pitch and tar sent over hither by the mast ships, and to the production of those stores in New England, was read; whereupon ordered [fo. 230] that the merchants, who import naval stores from thence, have notice to attend the Board on Friday morning next.

New Hampshire.

Letter from Mr. Usher.

A letter from Mr. John Usher, Lieutenant Governor of New Hampshire, without date, was read, and the papers therein referred to were laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Public papers.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Penhallow to Mr. Usher, desiring his favour in relation to Mr. Penhallow's accounts.
Mr. Usher's exceptions to several Treasurers' accounts of the province of New Hampshire.
Account of the expedition to Port Royal in 1707.
Heads of an Act proposed by Mr. Usher to be pass'd, for preserving timber for her Majesty's service.

June 30. Present:—Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Pennsilvania.

Letter from Mr. Penn.

A letter from Mr. Penn, of yesterday's date [fo. 231], relating to the declaration he is required to make of her Majesty's right to the three lower counties in Pennsylvania, was read, and directions given for returning an answer thereto.

Order on the representation upon Mr. Penn's petition about Gookin to be Deputy Governor.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes.

Capt. Gookin's security.

An Order of Councill of the 26th instant, upon a representation of the 2nd ditto [fo. 165] on Mr. Penn's petition praying her Majesty's approbation of Mr. Charles Gookin to be Lieutenant Governor of her Majesty's province of Pennsylvania, approving the said representation, was read; whereupon ordered [fo. 239] that a letter be writ to Mr. Lowndes touching the said Gookin's giving security in a bond of 2,000l. for his due observing the Acts of Trade and Navigation.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Skeene's suspension.

Then their lordships took into consideration the papers relating to the suspension of Mr. Skeen, secretary of Barbadoes [L. fo. 149; fo. 228], and made a progress therein.