Journal, October 1755: Volume 62

Journal, October 1755

Tuesday, October 7. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Pelham.

Leeward Islands.

Read a letter from Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated the 12th of August, 1755, relating to the present state of those Islands.

Ordered, that an extract be made of that part of Mr. Thomas's letter which relates to the defenceless state of the Islands to be laid before his Majesty and that the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon be prepared.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit an extract of so much of the said letter as relates to the necessity of having a strong squadron of his Majesty's ships stationed in the Leeward Islands to the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to be laid before that Board.

Ordered, that the draught of a letter to Governor Thomas in answer to the foregoing be prepared.

New York.

Read a letter from James Delancy, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of New York, to the Board, dated the 9th of August, 1755, relative to the measures which had been taken for promoting the expeditions under the command of Generals Shirley and Johnson.

Ordered, that a copy be made of Mr. Delancy's letter to be transmitted to the Secretary of State, in order to be laid before his Majesty, and that the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson thereupon be prepared.

New York.

Read a letter from James Delancy, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of New York, to the Board, dated the 9th of August, 1755, with his observations upon some Acts passed in that province, the 3rd of May and 5th of July last.

Read a letter from General Johnson, Superintendent of Indian affairs, to the Board, dated at Albany, the 21st of July, 1755, transmitting:—
His proceedings with Nine Confederate nations of Indians at a publick meeting held at Mount Johnson in the province of New York, the 21st of June, 1755.

Wednesday, October 8. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Pelham.

New York.

Their lordships took into consideration the letter from General Johnson and also his proceedings with the Indians at Mount Johnson, mentioned in yesterday's minutes, and the Secretary was ordered to write a letter to General Johnson in answer to the several particulars contained in those papers.

Leeward Islands.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with an extract of a letter from Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, relating to their present state of defence having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Thomas, governor of the Leeward Islands, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

New York.

The draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, with a copy of one from Mr. Delancy, Lieutenant Governor of New York, relating to the state of the expeditions under the command of Generals Shirley and Johnson, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was agreed to, transcribed and signed, as was also a letter to Mr Delancy in answer to his.

Nova Scotia.

Their lordships took into consideration the two last letters received from Mr Lawrence, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and ordered the draught of a letter in answer thereto to be prepared.

Thursday, October 9. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Pelham.

South Carolina.

Their lordships having been informed that William Henry Lyttelton, Esquire, Governor of South Carolina, was attending without he was called in and acquainted the Board that on the 13th of August last, being on his voyage for South Carolina on board his Majesty's ship the Blandford she fell in with and was taken by a squadron of French ships of war under the command of Monsieur de Guay, and that he thought it adviseable upon this occasion to throw overboard his instructions and other papers which he had received from this office.

Ordered, that draughts of general instructions and of those which related to the Acts of Trade and Navigation for Mr. Lyttelton be forthwith prepared to be laid before his Majesty in Council, and that the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon be likewise prepared.

Their lordships then acquainted Mr. Lyttelton that it did appear to them that his speedy departure for his government would in the present situation of affairs be of very great consequence to his Majesty's service, and pressed him to repair thither as soon as possible, which he acquainted their lordships he certainly should do and then withdrew.

Plantations General.

The following letters and papers received during the late adjournment of the Board were laid before their lordships and read, viz:—
Pennsylvania.
Votes and proceedings of the House of Representatives of the province of Pennsylvania in October, 1754.
Votes of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania in March, 1755.
Nova Scotia.
A letter from Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated at Halifax, the 18th of July, 1755, acquainting the Board with the success of his Majesty's arms at the River St. John's.
Trade.
Africa.
A letter from Mr. Poirier, Secretary to the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa, dated 11th of August, 1755, transmitting:—
Copies of sundry letters relating to affairs on the coast of Africa in the year 1755.
Copies of letters and instructions from the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa, to their Governors at James Fort, Gambia and at Cape Coast Castle.
Jamaica.
Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a representation of this Board proposing the confirmation of an Act passed in October, 1753, for vesting several tracts of uncultivated lands in the parishes of Elizabeth and Westmorland in the said island in Barnart Andreas Woodstock, John Morse and others.
St. Christopher's.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a warrant prepared by this Board requiring George Thomas, Esquire, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to swear and admit Stephen Payne, Esquire, to be of the Council of St. Christopher's.
Massachusets.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a representation of this Board proposing the confirmation of an Act passed in the province of the Massachusets Bay in December last for granting unto his Majesty an excise upon spirits distilled, etc.
Virginia.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a representation from this Board proposing the confirmation of a private Act of Virginia passed in December, 1753, relating to the estate of Lawrence Smith, gentleman.
Virginia.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a representation from this Board proposing the confirmation of an Act passed in Virginia in November, 1754, relating to the estate of Littleton Eyre, gentleman.
South Carolina.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a warrant prepared by this Board requiring William Henry Lyttelton, Esquire, Governor of South Carolina, to swear and admit Othniel Beal, Esquire, to be of the Council of the said province.
New Hampshire.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a draught of an additional instruction prepared by this Board for Benning Wentworth, Esquire, Governor of the province of New Hampshire, relating to appeals.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a draught of an additional instruction prepared by this Board for Benning Wentworth, Esquire, Governor of New Hampshire, directing him to recommend it in his Majesty's name to the Assembly of that province to make provision for the defence and protection of the settlements on the frontiers known by the name of Number Four.
New York.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a draught of an additional instruction prepared by this Board for Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of New York, directing him to recommend it in his Majesty's name to the Assembly of that province to make provision for defraying a moiety of the expence of a Commission for running a boundary line between that province and New Jersey.
Georgia.
Copy of an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 12th of August, 1755, approving a draught of an additional instruction prepared by this Board for John Reynolds, Esquire, Governor of Georgia, directing him under what terms and conditions he is to make grants of land in the said province.
Journal of the Council of the province of Georgia from the 24th of February, 1755, to the 27th of May following.
Journal of the Council in Assembly from the 24th of February, 1755, to the 7th of March following.
Journal of the Assembly from the 7th of January to the 7th of March, 1755.
Eight Acts passed in the province of Georgia the 7th of March, 1755.
Maryland.
List of ships and vessels entered and cleared at the port of Annapolis in Maryland for the Christmas quarter, 1754, and Lady Day quarter, 1755.
Nova Scotia.
A letter from Jonathan Belcher, Esquire, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, to Mr. Pownall, dated the 15th of May, 1755, transmitting:—
Nova Scotia. Copy of the proceedings and evidence upon a tryal for the murther of two men belonging to his Majesty's sloop of war the Vulture in the province of Nova Scotia.
New Jersey.
Letter from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, to the Board, dated the 27th of June, 1755, inclosing copy of a letter to him from Captain Bradstreet, dated Oswego, the 29th of May, 1755, and one from Mr. Secretary Reed, dated the 21st of June last; and transmitting:—
Minute of Council on the 21st of May, 1755.
Minute of Council on the 12th of June, 1755.
Journal of the proceedings of the Council in a session of General Assembly of New Jersey in April, 1755.
Printed votes and proceedings of the said General Assembly in April, 1755.
Four Acts passed in the province of New Jersey in April, 1755.
Bahamas.
Letter from John Gambier, Esquire, President of the Council and Commander in Chief of the Bahama Islands, dated the 6th of April, 1755, transmitting:—
His answer to the Board's general queries, dated the 6th of April, 1755.
Journals of the Council from the 15th of June, 1754, to the 7th of December following.
Treasurer's accounts between Midsummer and Christmas, 1754.
Lists of ships and vessels entered and cleared at the port of Providence between January, 1754, and January, 1755.

Massachusets.

Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation affairs, dated the 4th of September, 1755, referring to the consideration of this Board twenty-four Acts passed in the province of the Massachusets Bay between November, 1754 and March, 1755, to examine into the same and report their opinion thereupon.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Charles Knowles, Esquire, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated at Kingston the 12th of May, 1755, inclosing a protest to the Bill for removing the Courts and records from Spanish Town to Kingston signed by three members of the Council; and also minutes of the Council of the 4th of February, 1754, upon the merchants' petition together with the minutes of Council, dated the 17th of April, 1754.

Read a letter from Charles Knowles, Esquire, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated at Kingston the 19th of May, 1755, transmitting the several Acts passed this last sessions, as also the minutes of Council and Assembly for that time.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation affairs, dated the 10th of September, 1755, referring to the consideration of this Board the humble address and representation of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to his Majesty, imploring his royal assent to several laws lately passed in that Island.

Jamaica.

Ordered, that the several Acts transmitted with or referred to in the above-mentioned letters and papers be sent to Sir Mathew Lamb for his opinion thereupon in point of law.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to Colonel Lawrence, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 8th instant, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Wednesday, October 29. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Pelham.

South Carolina.

Their lordships took into consideration a draught of general instructions for the Governor of South Carolina prepared pursuant to the orders of the 9th instant, and some words were added to the 67th article, relating to the laying out lands in townships, impowering him to grant such lands as shall remain ungranted in the nine townships directed to be laid out by the late Governor's instructions with an exemption from the payment of quit rents for ten years.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from the Postmaster General, dated the 21st of October, 1755, acquainting the Board that in obedience to his Majesty's commands they had provided vessels for the carrying on a regular monthly correspondence with his Majesty's American islands, and his colonies on the main.

Ordered, that the Secretary do acquaint the Postmaster General that the times fixed for the dispatch of the packet boats will suite very well with that branch of his Majesty's service within their lordships' department.

Ordered, that the Secretary do write a circular letter to the Governors of all his Majesty's colonies and plantations in America, acquainting them with this establishment, and that the first vessels will be dispatched for the islands on the 8th of next month, and for the continent on the 15th.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into consideration the four following Acts lately passed in the Island of Jamaica, as also an address to his Majesty of the Council and Assembly thereupon, referred to this Board by Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council, and directed the Secretary to send them to his Majesty's Attorney and Sollicitor General for their opinion upon them in point of law, and particularly whether the Legislature of Jamaica has, by the Constitution, a power of passing a law which shall alter or repeal laws heretofore passed and confirmed by the Crown, to take effect immediately without the Crown's consent, and without inserting a clause suspending its execution untill his Majesty's pleasure can be known, viz.:—
An Act for removing the several laws, records, books, papers and writings belonging to the several offices of Secretary of this Island, Clerk of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Clerk of the Crown, Clerk of the Patents and Register in Chancery and Provost Marshall, from the town of St. Iago de la Vega to the town of Kingston, and to oblige the several officers of the said several offices to hold and keep their respective papers in the said town of Kingston, and also for holding the Supreme Court of Judicature in the said town of Kingston for the future.
Jamaica.
An Act to enlarge the jurisdiction of the several inferior Courts of Common Pleas.
An Act appointing Commissioners to inquire into and state what losses some of the freeholders of messuages and tenements in the town of St. Iago de la Vega, and the lessees of such freeholders may sustain in the value of their said freeholds or leased premises by the removal of the Supreme Court of Judicature, and of the publick records from the said town to the town of Kingston.
An Act to appoint Commissioners to erect and build a house and offices in the town of Kingston for the residence of the Governor of this Island and to empower the Justices and Vestry to assess and levy a tax upon the proprietors of houses and lands, inhabitants and traders in the said town.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to the Board, dated the 6th of September, 1755, giving an account of the present state of affairs in that colony, and transmitting several Acts passed in June last, as also Journals of the Council, and that of the House of Burgesses.

Ordered, that a copy be made of the said letter to be transmitted to the Secretary of State, and that the draught of a letter in the usual form be prepared.

Their lordships then gave directions to the Secretary to prepare the draught of a letter to Mr. Dinwiddie in answer to his.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Charles Knowles, Esquire, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 25th of July, 1755, acquainting their lordships with the death of Mr. Henry Byndloss, his Majesty's Attorney General there, and desiring leave to resign his government.

Ordered, that an extract be made of that part of Mr. Knowles's letter which contains his request to resign his government, and to be employed in his Majesty's sea service, to be laid before his Majesty in Council, and that the draught of a representation to his Majesty in the usual form be prepared.

Ordered, that the Secretary do likewise transmit the like extract to the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to be laid before that Board.

Read a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 15th of July, 1755, transmitting:—
Copy of an Act for making Port Antonio a port of entry, etc. passed the 13th of May, 1749.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that the abovementioned Act had been by their lordships' directions some time ago transmitted to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for their sentiments upon it, but had not been returned.

Jamaica.

Nevis.

St. Christopher's.

Ordered, that the Secretary do write to the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to remind him of this Act, and also of two other Acts passed in the Islands of Nevis and St. Christopher's for prohibiting the importation of foreign sugars into those Islands, which were also some time ago laid before that Board for their sentiments upon them.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into consideration the several letters from Mr. Knowles received since the last adjournment of the Board, and gave directions to the Secretary to prepare the draught of a letter in answer thereto.

Friday, October 31. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Pelham.

South Carolina.

The Secretary laid before the Board draughts of general instructions and of those relating to the Acts of Trade and Navigation prepared for Mr. Lyttelton, Governor of South Carolina, pursuant to their lordships' order, which draughts were agreed to and ordered to be transcribed, as also the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon.

Virginia.

The draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretarys of State, with the copy of one from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, having been prepared pursuant to their lordships' order, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the extract of a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, having been prepared pursuant to their lordships' orders, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

North Carolina.

Read a letter from Mr. Dobbs, Governor of North Carolina, to the Board, dated at Newburn, the 24th of August, 1755, containing a particular description of the nature of the soil, and proposing an alteration in his instructions relating to grants of land.

Ordered, that an extract be made of that part of Mr. Dobbs's letter which relates to the expediency of altering his instructions concerning grants of lands to be laid before his Majesty, and that the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon be prepared.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Mr. John Grant, surgeon at Nova Scotia, dated Halifax, the 13th of June, 1755. upon the subject of his memorial to this Board some time ago, relating to the state of the hospital there.

Miscellanies.

The Secretary laid before the Board an account of the incidental charges of this office from the 5th of July to the 10th (fn. 1) instant, amounting to three hundred, twenty-eight pounds, one shilling, and a letter to the Lords of the Treasury desiring payment thereof, and of the salaries due to the Secretaries and under officers in the service of this Board was signed.