Journal, February 1757: Volume 64

Journal, February 1757

Tuesday, February 1. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Jamaica.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that he was desired by Mr. Fuller and Mr. Beckford to move their lordships for leave that they may have copies of the following papers lately transmitted to their lordships by Mr. Moore, Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, viz.:—
Address of the legislature of the Island of Jamaica to his Majesty expressing their apprehensions of an invasion of that Island, and praying assistance.
Address of the Assembly of Jamaica to his Majesty, stating the rise and progress of the animosities and disputes subsisting in that Island, and complaining of the conduct of several members of the Council, November 12th, 1756.
Address of the Council of Jamaica to his Majesty, relating to the conduct of the Assembly of that Island, October 23rd, 1756.
Address of the Assembly of Jamaica to the Lieutenant Governor relating to the conduct of Mr. Pinnock with the Governor's answer.
Examination taken before the Assembly respecting the conduct of Mr. Pinnock and other matters of complaint.
Address of the Council of Jamaica to the Lieutenant Governor relating to the conduct of Mr. Pinnock with the Lieutenant Governor's answer.
Examination taken before the Council respecting the conduct of Mr. Pinnock.
Address of the Assembly of Jamaica to the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, thanking him for having removed Mr. Pinnock from his offices, with the Lieutenant Governor's answer.
Letter from seven members of the Council to the Board of Trade, dated 17th November, 1756.

Ordered, that copies of all the said papers, except the letter to the Board from the members of the Council, be made and delivered to Mr. Fuller and Mr. Beckford.

Barbados.

Their lordships took into consideration an Act passed in the Island of Barbados in June last, entitled,
An Act for the sale of the estate of Benjamin Charnock, Esquire, and Mary his wife, formerly Mary Bennet, widow, in the parish of St. Lucy in the Island of Barbados aforesaid, for the discharging the several incumbrances thereupon, and for the settling of other lands and tenements in lieu thereof to the same uses.
and also Sir Mathew Lamb's report thereupon, and a representation proposing that the said Act may be confirmed, was signed.

New York.

Their lordships pursuant to the minutes of the 3rd of November last, took into further consideration and Act passed in New York in July last, entitled,
An Act for enabling the surviving executors of the last will and testament of Philip Van Cortlandt, Esquire, to sell and dispose of so much of the real estate whereof he died seized, as will be sufficient to pay his debts.
and a representation to his Majesty proposing that the said Act may be confirmed was signed.

St. Christopher's.

A representation to his Majesty proposing that Craister Greathead, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of St. Christopher's in the room of Henry Sharpe, Esquire, who has left the said Island and resides at Nevis, was agreed to and signed.

Pennsylvania.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs, dated the 25th of January, 1757, referring to the consideration of this Board an Act passed in the province of Pennsylvania on the 21st of September, 1756, for striking the sum of£30,000 in bills of credit, and giving the same to the King's use, etc.

Ordered, that the said Act be referred to Sir Mathew Lamb for his opinion thereupon in point of law.

Jamaica.

Read a report of his Majesty's Attorney and Sollicitor General, dated the 28th of January, 1757, upon two letters from the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica to the Board of Trade and other papers transmitted by him relating to his Majesty's Council having refused to do any business in their legislative capacity after the publication of martial law.

Ordered, that the draught of a letter to Mr. Moore, Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, in answer to those lately received from him be prepared.

Wednesday, February 2. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Nova Scotia.

Their lordships took into consideration the estimate transmitted by Mr. Lawrence, Governor of Nova Scotia, of what sums of money will be necessary for supporting and maintaining the settlement of that colony for the year 1757, and made some progress therein.

Thursday, February 3. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Nova Scotia.

Their lordships took into further consideration the estimate transmitted by the Governor of Nova Scotia, of what sums of money will be necessary for supporting and maintaing the settlement of that colony for the year 1757, and ordered a copy of the estimate of ordnance stores wanting there to be made to be laid before his Majesty in Council, and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was signed.

Jamaica.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs, dated the 25th of January, 1757, referring the addresses of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to his Majesty, relating to the removal of the seat of government there, and directing this Board to consider the same, and report to the Committee such measures as shall appear to be best adapted to the welfare and convenience of the said Island in general, and of his Majesty's subjects trading to and interested therein.

Ordered, that the said Order of reference be taken into further consideration to-morrow morning.

Friday, February 4. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into further consideration the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs referring the addresses of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica respecting the removal of the seat of government mentioned in the minutes of yesterday, and made some progress therein.

Ordered, that the Secretary do prepare and transmit to his Majesty's Attorney and Sollicitor General a state of the case of the laws now in force in that Island for entering and clearing of ships, and fixing the Courts of Judicature, offices and records at St. Iago de la Vega, and of the grievances and inconveniences represented to arise from those laws to the trade of this Island, and desire their opinion whether the opening Ports of entry and clearance in different parts of the Island, and establishing Circuit Courts in the several parishes will not remedy these grievances and inconveniences, and in what manner such a measure can be legally and properly carried into execution.

Ordered, that the aforementioned Order of reference be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, and that the Secretary do write to Messrs. Beckford, Fuller, Ord and Dicker, gentlemen interested in and trading to the Island of Jamaica, and desire their attendance upon the Board at twelve o'clock.

Barbados.

Leeward Islands.

The draught of a letter to Henry Moore, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, in answer to those lately received from him having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 1st instant, was agreed to, transcribed and signed, together with two other letters to the Governors of Barbados and the Leeward Islands in answer to those lately received from them, mentioned in the minutes of the 21st and 25th of January last.

Georgia.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that he was informed by Mr. Martyn, agent for Georgia, that the presents ordered by his Majesty for the Indians bordering on that colony, and also certain military stores for the use of that settlement, were put on board the Juno, Captain Leslie, which was ready to go out under convoy of two ships of war that were to sail in a few days.

Georgia.

Ordered, that the Secretary do write to Mr. Clevland, Secretary to the Lords of the Admiralty, to desire he would move that Board to give directions that the said ships of war might see the Juno safe into the Savannah River.

North Carolina.

A representation to his Majesty proposing that Richard Spaight, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of North Carolina in the room of Henry McCulloch, Esquire, deceased, was signed.

Barbados.

St. Christopher's.

North Carolina.

The Secretary laid before the Board three Orders of his Majesty in Council, dated this day, approving three representations proposing Abraham Comberbatch, Esquire, to be of the Council of Barbados, Craister Greathead, Esquire, to be of the Council of St. Christopher's, and Richard Spaight, Esquire, to be of the Council of North Carolina, and directing their lordships to prepare warrants in the usual form; and warrants having been prepared, representations thereupon were signed.

Tuesday, February 8. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Jamaica.

The Secretary laid before the Board a state of the case of the laws now in force in the Island of Jamaica, relating to the entering and clearing of ships, and for fixing the courts of justice, offices and records at St. Iago de la Vega, and of the grievances and inconveniences represented to arise from those laws to the trade of the Island, prepared pursuant to their lordships' orders of the 4th instant, and after some time spent in the consideration thereof, it was agreed to consider it further at another opportunity.

Their lordships then took into consideration the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council referring the address of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica, relating to the removal of the seat of government, courts, offices and records, mentioned in the minutes of the 4th instant, and after some time spent therein, came to a resolution, that the opening Ports of entry and clearance in different parts of the Island and establishing officers therein and appointing Circuit Courts in different districts, will be a proper remedy to the grievances and inconveniences complained of by the merchants and others trading to and residing in the Island, and best adapted to the welfare and convenience of the Island in general, and his Majesty's subjects trading to and interested therein; and that it should be left to the Governor to reside, summon the Assembly and hold the courts in which he presides at such place as he shall judge most proper for his Majesty's service, and the convenience of the Island in general, but that the Supreme Court of Justice, offices and records be kept as heretofore at St. Iago de la Vega, and the Act passed in May, 1755, for removing them to Kingston be repealed.

Their lordships being informed that Messrs. Beckford, Fuller, Ord and Dicker were attending without, they were called in, and having been made acquainted with the sense of the Board, expressed in the foregoing resolution, they severally declared their acquiescence and satisfaction therein; Mr. Ord, who appeared in behalf of the Kingston people, desiring that it might be understood that he only gave his own private opinion and was not authorized by his constituents to acquiesce therein.

The gentlemen being withdrawn, their lordships agreed further to consider of this affair at another opportunity.

Wednesday, February 9. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Mr. Harding, Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, dated the 8th instant, signifying his Majesty's commands that this Board do prepare and lay before the House of Commons an estimate of the charges of supporting and maintaining the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia for the year 1757.

Ordered, that the draught of an estimate of the charges of supporting and maintaining the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia for the year 1757 be prepared.

South Carolina.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Lyttelton, Governor of South Carolina, in answer to those lately received from him, mentioned in the minutes of 21st December and 27th January last, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Pennsylvania.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following papers received from the Proprietarys of Pennsylvania, viz.:—
Proprietors of Pennsylvania's observations on Sir William Johnson's letter to the Board of Trade, inclosing treaties and several other papers relative to Indian affairs.

Ordered, that a copy of the paper containing the Proprietors' observations upon Sir William Johnson's letter be made to be transmitted to him, and that the draught of a letter to him in answer to his of the 10th of September, 1756, mentioned in the minutes of the 23rd November last, be prepared.

New York.

Read a letter from Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of New York, dated the 2nd of August, 1756, desiring the Board would move his Majesty for his royal leave to resign his government.

Ordered, that a copy of the said letter be made to be laid before his Majesty, and a representation to his Majesty thereupon, proposing that he may have leave to resign his government, was signed.

Massachusets.

Leeward Islands.

New Jersey.

Representations to his Majesty proposing that Thomas Pownall, Esquire, may be appointed Governor of the Massachusets Bay, Thomas Walker, Esquire, Attorney General of the Leeward Islands, and William Aynsley, Esquire, Chief Justice of New Jersey, were signed.

Plantations General.

Read two letters from Mr. Thomas Stephens to the Secretary, dated Philadelphia, the 2nd December, 1756, inclosing one dated New York, the 10th November, 1756, relating to the manufacture of pot ash in those parts.

Thursday, February 10. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board an account of money paid and charges incurred by supporting and maintaining the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia for the year 1755, prepared by the agent for the said settlement pursuant to their lordships' orders, and Mr. Oswald was desired to acquaint the House of Commons that the said account is now prepared and ready to be delivered pursuant to an Order of that House, made on the 15th of January, 1756.

The draught of an estimate of the charges of supporting and maintaining the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia for the year 1757, having been prepared pursuant to their lordships' orders, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed, and Mr. Oswald was desired to present it to the House of Commons pursuant to their address to his Majesty.

South Carolina.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Lyttelton, Governor of South Carolina, in answer to those lately received from him having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 9th instant, was signed.

Pennsylvania.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that he was desired by the Proprietors of Pennsylvania to move their lordships that Sir William Johnson, agent for Indian Affairs, may be informed that they will appoint Richard Peters and Conrad Weysers, Esquires, Commissioners on their parts to treat with the Six Nations of Indians in concert with Sir William Johnson upon all points relative to their affairs, and also for the hearing and determining of any complaints that may be made by the Nations of Indians who have committed depredations on the frontiers of Pennsylvania, and for that purpose that he be directed to summons those Indians to attend him with the deputies of the Six Nations, and settle all matters in difference between them and his Majesty's subjects with the assistance and consent of the deputies of the Six Nations, at such places as he shall appoint, and that the Proprietors will give such instructions as agree with the paper they have laid before their lordships.

Ordered, that a paragraph to that effect be inserted in the draught of a letter to Sir William Johnson ordered to be prepared by the preceding minutes.

Plantations General.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following papers received from Mr. Pownall, agent for his Majesty's affairs in America under the Earl of Loudoun, viz.:—
Warrant from General Braddock to Oliver Delancy for furnishing the garrison of Oswego with provisions, Alexandria, 16th April, 1755.
General Braddock's instructions to Oliver de Lancey for furnishing the garrison at Oswego with provisions, 16th April, 1755.
Warrant to Oliver de Lancey to transport the troops to Oswego and to furnish them with six months' provisions, 25th April, 1755.
Copy of a letter from General Shirley to Oliver de Lancey, dated May 4th, 1755.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Shirley, Secretary to General Braddock, to Oliver de Lancey, dated the 18th May, 1755.
General Shirley's certificate of the number of battoes employed to Oswego, July 18th, 1755.
Copy of a paragraph of a letter to General Shirley from Oliver de Lancey, of July 28th, 1755.
Copy of a letter from Oliver de Lancey to General Shirley, dated September 20th, 1755.
Copy of a letter from General Shirley to Oliver de Lancey, dated Oswego, September 29th, 1755.

Tuesday, February 15. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took again into consideration the addresses of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to his Majesty, respecting the fixing the seat of government, courts, offices and records, and made some further progress therein.

New York.

Read the following letters and papers received from Sir Charles Hardy, his Majesty's Governor of New York, viz.:—
Letter from Sir Charles Hardy to the Board, dated the 2nd of December, 1756, transmitting:—
List of Acts passed in New York in the year 1756.
Minutes of Council from the 30th of November, 1755, to the 11th of November, 1756.
Minutes of Council in Assembly beginning the 2nd of December, 1755, and ending the 9th of July, 1756.
Printed votes and proceedings of the General Assembly of New York from the 2nd of December, 1755, to the 9th of July, 1756.
Letter from Sir Charles Hardy to the Board, dated Fort George, the 2nd of December, 1756, transmitting:—
Copy of the representation of the Council and Assembly in respect to the continuing the Act passed in 1737, by which £40,000 in bills of credit were emitted and lent out upon interest to the inhabitants of the several counties, November 30th, 1756.
Copy of an Act further to continue the currency of the bills of credit emitted by virtue of an Act entituled, An Act for emitting bills of credit for the payment of the debts and for the better support of the government of this colony and other purposes therein mentioned, passed the 1st December, 1756.
Letter from Sir Charled Hardy to the Board, dated the 3rd of December, 1756, with the present state of the Council in that province.
Letter from Sir Charles Hardy to the Board, dated the 22nd of December, 1756, relating to the dispute with the government of the Massachussets Bay concerning the line of jurisdiction between the two provinces, and inclosing some papers on that subject.
Copy of a report of the Commissioners of New York of the proceedings between them and the Commissioners of the Massachusets Bay, met to settle a line of peace or temporary jurisdiction between the two provinces, dated the 9th of August, 1754.
A map of the lands in controversy between the provinces of New York and the Massachusets Bay, 1754.
Affidavit of James Conner, dated November 29th, 1756.
The Coroner's inquisition on the body of Adam Rypenberger, dated the 29th of November, 1756.
Letter from Sir Charles Hardy to the Board, dated the 28th of December, 1756, acknowledging the receipt of a letter from the Board, dated the 9th of October last.
Letter from Sir Charles Hardy to the Board, dated the 29th of December, 1756, acquainting the Board that he has given directions for laying an embargo, during his Majesty's pleasure, upon all ships and vessels clearing out with provisions from any port in that province, as signified by the Board's letter to him, dated the 9th of October last.

Ordered, that the abovementioned Acts be sent to Sir Mathew Lamb for his opinion thereon in point of law.

Ordered, that the letter from Sir Charles Hardy, dated the 22nd of December, 1756, relating to the disputes between New York and the Massachusets Bay concerning the boundary line be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, and that the Secretary do give notice to the respective agents to attend the Board thereupon.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that John Watts and William Walton, Esquires, may be appointed of the Council of New York in the room of James Alexander and Edward Holland, Esquires, deceased.

New Jersey.

Read a letter from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, dated Elizabeth Town, the 19th of November, 1756, recommending Samuel Woodroffe, Esquire, to supply a vacancy in the Council of that province by the death of John Rodman, Esquire, deceased.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that Samuel Woodroffe, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of New Jersey in the room of John Rodman, Esquire, deceased.

Thursday, February 17. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Charles Knowles, Esquire, to the Earl of Halifax, dated this day, desiring that orders may be given for his having copies of the following papers relative to transactions in the Island of Jamaica during his administration there as governor, viz.:—
Copy of Governor Knowles's letter of the 13th February, 1754, inclosing the Attorney General's opinion about the judges holding the Courts of Nisi Prius, and a copy of that law.
Copy of Governor Knowles's letter of the 10th of April, 1754, concerning the judges' determination upon holding the Court of Nisi Prius and the proceedings had upon Judge Morse's tryal for holding the said court.
Copy of Governor Knowles's letter of the 24th of June, 1754, inclosing copies of the judges' letters insisting on their right of holding the Courts of Nisi Prius.
Copy of Governor Knowles's letter of the 25th of June, 1754, with his reasons for suspending Mr. Beach, the Attorney General.
Copy of Governor Knowles's letter of the 7th October, 1754, with a copy of the association.
Copy of Governor Knowles's letter of the 25th of January, 1755.
Copy of Governor Knowles's letter of the 2nd January, 1756, desiring to resign his government.

Ordered, that copies of the said letters and papers be made and delivered to Mr. Knowles as soon as possible.

Georgia.

Read a letter from Mr. Clevland, Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in answer to one from Mr. Pownall of the 5th instant, desiring that the ship Juno with presents for the Indians may be convoyed into the River Savannah, acquainting him, for the information of this Board, that directions will be given accordingly.

Pennsylvania.

Read Sir Mathew Lamb's report upon an Act passed in Pennsylvania in September, 1756, entitled:—
An Act for striking the sum of Thirty thousand pounds in bills of credit and giving the same to the King's use, and for providing a fund to sink the bills so to be emitted by laying an excise upon wine, rum, brandy and other spirits.

Their lordships took the said Act into consideration and also the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs referring the same to this Board, mentioned in the minutes of the 1st instant, and ordered the draught of a report to their Lordships thereupon to be prepared.

Leeward Islands.

New Jersey.

Read two Orders of his Majesty in Council, dated the 16th instant, approving the representations of this Board, proposing that Thomas Walker, Esquire, may be appointed Attorney General of the Leeward Islands, and William Aynsley, Esquire, Chief Justice of New Jersey, and directing warrants in the usual form to be prepared.

Massachusets.

The warrants having been accordingly prepared, were laid before the Board, and representations to his Majesty therewith were signed.

Read an Order of his Majesty in Council, dated the 16th instant, approving a representation of this Board proposing that Thomas Pownall, Esquire, may be appointed Governor of the Massachusets Bay, and directing the draught of a Commission, and a warrant for passing the same under the Great Seal to be prepared and also the draughts of instructions as usual.

The draught of a Commission and a warrant for passing the same under the Great Seal having been prepared in the usual form, were laid before the Board and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was signed.

Ordered, that a draught of general instructions and of those relative to the laws of trade be prepared for the said Thomas Pownall with all convenient dispatch.

New York.

Read a letter from Sir William Johnson, dated at Albany, the 10th November, 1756, relating to his proceedings in Indian Affairs, and inclosing:—
His proceedings in Indian Affairs from the 21st of July to the 17th September, 1756.
Account of Indian expences from the commencement of Sir William Johnson's management to October, 1756.

Read a letter from Mr. Atkin, agent for Indian Affairs for the southern district, to the Board, dated New York, the 27th December, 1756, inclosing:—
Conferences at a meeting of the Six united Nations of Indians at Fort Johnson in November, 1756.

New Jersey.

The draughts of representations to his Majesty proposing that John Watts and William Walton, Esquires, may be appointed of the Council of New York and Samuel Woodroffe, Esquire, of the Council of New Jersey, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of Tuesday last, were agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Tuesday, February 22. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Sloper.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Mr. Bollan to the Secretary, dated the 18th instant, acquainting him that he was prevented by sickness from attending the Board this day, pursuant to their directions, and desiring that the consideration of the affair relating to the boundary line between New York and Massachusets Bay may be postponed untill he is able to attend.

Ordered, that the consideration of the said affair be accordingly postponed and that the Secretary do acquaint Mr. Bollan therewith, and desire him to notify when he is able to attend.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Pitt to the Board, dated the 17th of February, 1757, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that they do cause the printed votes of the Assembly of Jamaica of the 7th of October, 1756, to be laid before the House of Commons in pursuance of their address to his Majesty.

Read a letter from the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Pitt to the Board, dated the 19th February, 1757, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that they do cause a copy of the minutes of the third Assembly of Jamaica, held by Governor Knowles, which was dissolved on or about the 24th of January, 1755, to be laid before the House of Commons in pursuance of their address to his Majesty.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that the papers mentioned in the said address of the House of Commons have not been received from Jamaica, Mr. Oswald was desired to inform the House of Commons thereof.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Spencer Phipps, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of the Massachusets Bay, to the Board, dated the 21st of December, 1756, acquainting their lordships with the death of Mr. Willard, Secretary of the province, and of his having appointed Andrew Oliver to succeed him untill his Majesty's pleasure be signified.

New York.

The Secretary laid before the Board an Order of his Majesty in Council, dated 16th February, 1757, permitting and allowing Sir Charles Hardy, the present Governor of New York, to resign the said government.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit the said order to Sir Charles Hardy, his Majesty's Governor of New York.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into further consideration the addresses of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to his Majesty relative to the fixing the seat of government, courts, offices and records in that Island, and ordered the case prepared pursuant to their lordships' order and mentioned in the minutes of the 8th instant, to be transmitted to his Majesty's Attorney and Sollicitor General for their opinion thereupon.

Thursday, February 24. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Pennsylvania.

A draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the Act passed in the province of Pennsylvania in September, 1756, for granting £30,000 in bills of credit to the King's use, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 17th instant, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Jamaica.

The Secretary acquainted their lordships that he was desired by Admiral Knowles to move their lordships that he might have copys of the following papers relating to the affairs of Jamaica, viz.:—
Representation from this Board to his Majesty relating to the disputes and differences between Governor Knowles and the Assembly of Jamaica and the Courts of Justice there.
Copy of a paper sent to Governor Knowles by the Speaker of the Assembly.
Extract of a letter from Rose Fuller, Esquire, to Richard Beckford, Esquire, dated February 1st, 1754.
Copy of an intended proclamation in Jamaica, in case the judges persist in holding the Nisi Prius Courts.

Ordered, that copies of the said papers be made and delivered to Admiral Knowles.

Massachusets.

The Secretary laid before the Board a draught of general instructions and of those relating to the Acts of Trade and Navigation prepared pursuant to their lordships' orders for the Governor of the Massachusets Bay, and the said draughts having been agreed to with some alterations from those given to the late Governor they were ordered to be transcribed, and the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon to be prepared.

Monday, February 28. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Massachusets.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the draught of general instructions and of those relating to the laws of trade and navigation for the Governor of the Massachusets Bay, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding minutes, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from the Right Honourable William Pitt to the Board, dated the 20th of February, 1757, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that they do cause copies of all certificates from any governor or lieutenant governor or commander in chief of any of his Majesty's colonies in America, in pursuance of an Act of the 23rd year of his present Majesty's reign, containing accounts of any mill or engine for slitting or rolling of iron and every plating forge to work with a tilt hammer, and every furnace for making steel erected in any of his Majesty's colonies in America.

The Secretary having laid before the Board a book containing copies of the certificates mentioned in the address of the House of Commons to his Majesty, Mr. Oswald was desired to present it to the House pursuant to his Majesty's orders.