Journal, May 1754: Volume 61, Part 2

Journal, May 1754

Tuesday, May 21. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Pelham.

Miscellanies.

His Majesty's Commission under the Great Seal, bearing date the 6th of April last, appointing George Dunk, Earl of Halifax, John Pitt, James Grenville, Francis Fane, Andrew Stone, James Oswald, together with the Honourable Richard Edgcumbe and Thomas Pelham, Esquires (in the room of Thomas, Lord Viscount Dupplin and Charles Townshend, Esquire), to be his Commissioners for promoting the trade of this kingdom, and inspecting and improving the plantations in America and elsewhere, was opened and read.

Jamaica.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated February 5th, 1754, transmitting:—
Petition of the merchants of the Island of Jamaica to his Majesty, praying that the seat of government may be removed from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston.
Representation of the merchants of the Island of Jamaica to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, relative to the removing the seat of government from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston.
Copy of a minute of Council in Jamaica on the merchants' petition and representation.
Letter from Governor Knowles to the merchants of Kingston. relative to the removing the seat of government, dated January 20th, 1754.
Letter from Commodore Cotes to the merchants of Kingston, dated January 20th, 1754, in answer to one from them of the 16th, relative to the removing the seat of government from Spanish Town to Kingston.
Mr. Archibald Bontein's observations on Kingston Harbour, etc.
A plan of the Harbour of Kingston.
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated February 15th, 1754, inclosing a petition of the inhabitants of St., Iago de la Vega to his Majesty relative to the removal of the seat of government.
Copy of a request of the inhabitants of St. Iago de la Vega to Governor Knowles that he would transmit their petition to his Majesty.

Ordered that the above mentioned petition and memorial together with copies of Mr. Knowles' letters and of the several papers relative thereto be forthwith laid before his Majesty in Council, and that the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon be prepared.

Massachusets.

The Secretary laid before the Board an address to his Majesty from the legislature of the province of the Massachusets Bay, returning their humble thanks for the ordnance stores lately sent thither.

Ordered that the said address be forthwith laid before his Majesty in Council, and that the draught of a representation therewith be prepared.

Leeward Islands.

Read an Order of Council, dated the 8th April, 1754, approving a representation of this Board proposing that Edward Otto Bayer, Esquire, might be restored to his rank in the Council of Antigua, and directing the proper warrant to be prepared.

The draught of a warrant having been accordingly prepared was agreed to, and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was signed.

Virginia.

Read an Order of Council, dated the 8th April, 1754, approving a representation of this Board proposing William Byrd, Esquire, to be of the Council in the room of John Lewis, Esquire, deceased, and directing the proper warrant to be prepared.

The draught of a warrant having been accordingly prepared was agreed to, and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Read a letter from Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated 6th February, 1754, inclosing:—
Translation of a letter from the Governor of Porto Rico to relating to the encouragement given by the said Governor to negroes deserting from the Leeward Islands.

Ordered that copies of the aforementioned letter and paper be forthwith laid before his Majesty and that the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, inclosing the said copies, be prepared.

Barbados.

Read a letter from Ralph Weekes, Esquire, President of the Council of Barbados, to the Board, dated 18th February, 1754, relative to the state of the Council and transmitting:—
Copy of a letter from Monsieur de Bompar, Governor of Martinico, to Mr. Weekes, dated 28th January, 1754, relative to a French vessel being driven from Tobago by one of his Majesty's ships of war.
Copy of Mr. President Weekes's letter to Monsieur de Bompar in answer to his.

Ordered that copies of the above mentioned papers together with so much of Mr. Weekes's letter as relates thereto be laid before his Majesty, and that the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, inclosing them, be prepared.

Ordered that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared proposing that Nathaniel Weekes, Esquire, may be appointed of his Majesty's Council in Barbados in the room of John Gollop, Esquire, deceased.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Salter and Mr. Dottin, members of the Council in Barbados, now in England without his Majesty's leave, acquainting them that if they do not forthwith repair to the said Island their seats at the Council Board will be filled up.

Bahamas.

Read a letter from Mr. Tinker, Governor of the Bahamas, to the Board, dated 24th January, 1754, relative to the present state and condition of the forts, guns, etc., and transmitting:—
Treasurer's accounts from Midsummer, 1752, to 29th September, 1753.
Minutes of Council from the 11th February, 1746, to the 8th January, 1754.
Minutes of Council in Assembly from the 9th January, 1753, to the 26th June, 1753.
Minutes of Assembly for the same time.
State of ordnance stores.
Expenditure of powder, from April, 1741, to April, 1753.
Naval Office lists of shipping from 5th January, 1753.
Seven Acts passed in 1753.
Bahamas.
List of baptisms and burials in Christchurch parish from 26th May, 1750, to 25th December, 1753.
Jean Paris's declaration relative to the transactions of the French at Turks Island.

Ordered that a copy of Jean Paris's declaration together with an extract of so much of Mr. Tinker's letter as relates to it, be laid before his Majesty, and that the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, inclosing them be prepared.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, to the Board, dated 12th March, 1754, informing their lordships that the Assembly have voted £10,000 for the defence of the frontiers, and of the measures he had taken in consequence of that supply.

Ordered that an extract of so much of the said letter as relates to Mr. Dinwiddie's proceedings in consequence of his Majesty's orders concerning the encroachments of the French be laid before his Majesty, and that the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, inclosing the said extract be prepared.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated December 3rd, 1753, recommending the case of one Terence Kennedy fined and imprisoned for sending a challenge to one Hogg.

Ordered that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that Mr. Knowles be impowered to remit the said fine.

Read a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated 13th February, 1754, relating to the Courts of Judicature and inclosing:—
Copy of a letter from Mr. Beach, Attorney General of Jamaica, to Governor Knowles, relative to the holding of Courts of Judicature without his Majesty's commission.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to his Majesty's AttorneyGeneral for his opinion whether any person in Jamaica has a power to hold a Court of Judicature and to hear and determine causes therein without a Commission from his Majesty, and if any person should hold such court without such Commission, what punishment would he be liable to, and what would be the proper method of proceeding against him.

Newfoundland.

Read a report of his Majesty's Attorney and Solicitor-General upon a petition from Lord Baltimore to his Majesty, referred to them by order of this Board relative to his claim of a tract of land called Avalon in Newfoundland.

Ordered that the draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon Lord Baltimore's petition be prepared.

Wednesday, May 22. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Pelham.

The following draughts of letters and representations ordered by yesterday's minutes were agreed to, transcribed and signed, viz.:—
Jamaica.
The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the petition and other papers received from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, relative to the removing the seat of government from St. Iago de la Vega to Kingston.
Massachusets.
The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the address of the province of the Massachusets Bay relative to ordnance and ordnance stores.
Jamaica.
The draught of a representation to his Majesty, proposing the remission of a fine imposed upon Terence Williamson Kennedy in the Island of Jamaica.
Barbados.
Draught of a representation to his Majesty proposing Nathaniel Weeks, Esquire, to be of the Council of Barbados in the room of John Gollop, Esquire, deceased.
Leeward Islands.
Letter to Sir Thomas Robinson inclosing copies of one from Mr. Thomas, with the translation of a letter from the Governor of Porto Rico to the Lieutenant-Governor of the Virgin Islands relative to the encouragement given by the said Governor to negroes deserting from the Leeward Islands.
Virginia.
Letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, inclosing extract of one from Mr. Dinwiddie, relating to his proceedings in order to defeat the designs of the French upon the Ohio.
Barbados.
Letter to Sir Thomas Robinson inclosing an extract of Mr. Weekes' letter with the copy of Monsieur Bompar's letter to him and his answer relative to the French vessel driven from Tobago by one of his Majesty's ships of war.
Bahamas.
Letter to Sir Thomas Robinson inclosing extracts of one from Mr. Tinker, with the copy of the declaration of Jean Paris, relative to the designs of the French upon Turks' Island.
Newfoundland.
The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon Lord Baltimore's petition relative to his claim to the province of Avalon in Newfoundland, having been prepared, pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, was agreed, to and ordered to be transcribed.

Massachusets.
Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Shirley, Governor of Massachusets Bay, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Shirley to the Board, dated 10th February, 1754, inclosing:—
Account of the cod fishery at Point Shirley in the Harbour of Boston.
Account of the linen manufacture lately begun at Boston.
Scheme of the linen manufacture at Boston.
Governor Shirley's speech to the Assembly of the Massachusets Bay respecting the revival of their laws, dated January 19th, 1754.
Letter from Governor Shirley to the Board, dated 20th February 1754, acquainting them that he had received intelligence that the French had made a settlement at the head of the River Kennebeck.

Ordered that a copy of Mr. Shirley's letter relating to the settlement made by the French near Kennebeck River, be laid before his Majesty, and that the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, inclosing the same, be prepared.

Connecticut.

Read a letter from Mr. Walcott, Governor of Connecticut, acknowledging the receipt of the Prussian memorial and the Duke of Newcastle's answer.

Jamaica.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated 12th January, 1754, relative to the proceedings of the Council and Assembly, and transmitting:—
Copy of a paper sent to Governor Knowles by the Speaker of the Assembly.
An account of the annual expences of government of the Island of Jamaica, with the yearly value of the produce of the said Island and the taxes raised upon the inhabitants.
State of his Majesty's revenue in the Island of Jamaica on the 27th October, 1753.
Appropriations of the Annual money bills.
A list of ships and vessels arrived in Jamaica from the Coast of Guinea between 22nd September, 1752, and the 22nd December, 1753, with the number of slaves imported.
List of bonds for quit rents due to his Majesty on the 1st of December, 1753.
Extract of the minutes of the Council of Jamaica from the 6th January to the 25th November, 1753.
Extract of the journal of the Council of Jamaica from the 18th September to the 25th November, 1753.
Extract of the votes of the Assembly of Jamaica 1753.
List of ships and vessels entered inwards at Kingston and Port Royal between the 29th September and 25th December, 1753.
List of ships and vessels cleared outwards at Kingston and Port Royal, between 29th September and 25th December, 1753.
Eleven Acts passed at Jamaica in 1753.
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated 14th January, 1754, complaining of the tyrannical proceedings of Dr. Fuller in his capacity of judge.
Letter from Mr. Knowles to the Board, dated February 27th, 1754, desiring a new Commission may be sent him for trying pirates, the old one being hardly legible.

Ordered that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that such orders be given with respect to a new Commission for tryal of pirates as his Majesty shall Judge proper.

Ordered that the aforementioned Acts be sent to Mr. Lamb for his opinion in point of law.

Read a letter from Mr. James Gerard to the Board, dated Kingston in Jamaica, February, 1754, relative to illicit trade carried on from Scotland to Jamaica.

Jamaica.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit a copy of the said letter to the Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs.

New Hampshire.

Read a petition of the Revd. Timothy Walker, clerk, praying an explanatory or additional instruction to the Governor of New Hampshire for admitting appeals in titles for lands under value where other lands depend upon the same title.

Order that the Secretary do transmit a copy of the said petition to his Majesty's Attorney and Sollicitor-General for their opinion upon it.

Plantations General.

Read the following copies of Orders of Council received from the Clerk of his Majesty's Council, viz.:—
Jamaica.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 28th March, 1754, approving an Act, passed in Jamaica in November, 1752, to enable Thomas Hope Elletson. Esquire, to take up a sufficient quantity of water for turning mills and to convey the same through the lands of divers persons to the plantation of the said Elletson.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 8th April, 1754, approving a report of this Board with a warrant directing the Governor of Jamaica to swear and admit Ballard Beckford, Esquire, to be of the Council in the room of Benjamin Hume, Esquire.
Virginia.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 28th March, 1754, approving an Act passed in Virginia in 1752, to vest certain lands in Henry Washington, gentleman, in fee simple.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 28th March, 1754, approving an Act, passed in Virginia in April, 1752, to confirm and establish an agreement between John New and Benjamin Harrison for the settlement of their respective rights to certain lands, etc.
North Carolina.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 28th March, 1754, upon a representation of this Board relating to the settling a salary of £1000 per annum upon Mr. Dobbs, the present Governor of North Carolina, and referring it to the Lords of the Treasury to consider of a proper fund for the payment of it, etc.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 8th April, 1754, approving a representation of this Board proposing the repeal of twenty-six Acts passed in the province of North Carolina between the years 1715 and 1749.
Leeward Islands.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 8th of April, 1754, approving a representation of this Board for the confirmation of an Act passed in Antigua in 1753, for providing an additional support for George Thomas, Esquire, during his government.
Bermuda.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 8th April, 1754, approving a report of this Board with two additional instructions for the Governor of the Bermuda Islands, relative to the appointment of the Clerk of the Assembly and to the taxing publick bills.
South Carolina.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 8th April, 1754, approving a representation of this Board proposing the repeal of an Act passed in South Carolina in June, 1746, for stamping and emitting the sum of £210,000 in bills of credit, etc. and to let out the same at 8 per cent. per annum, etc.
New Jersey.
Copy of an Order in Council, dated 8th April, 1754, approving an additional instruction empowering the Governor of New Jersey to give his assent to a bill for making current £60,000 in bills of credit.

Leeward Islands.

Read a letter from Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated at Antigua, 31st January, 1754, relative to his having visited the other islands, with a state of those islands and transactions that have happened in them, and inclosing:—
Transcript of the proceedings relative to suspension of Mr. Frye, President of the Council of Montserrat.

Thursday, May 23. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Edgcumbe, Mr. Pelham.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty upon Mr. Knowles's letter desiring a new Commission for tryal of pirates, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Newfoundland.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon Lord Baltimore's petition, having been transcribed pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, was signed.

Jamaica.

It appearing from Mr. Knowles's letter of the 22nd of November last, that Mr. Gregory, one of the Council of Jamaica, had left that island without the Governor's leave, and was come to England, the Secretary was ordered to write to him to desire his attendance at the Board any day next week.

Bahamas.

Their lordships took into consideration the letter from Mr. Tinker, mentioned in the minutes of Tuesday last, and ordered an extract of so much of it as contains his answer to their letter to him of the 7th of June last, together with copies of the papers referred to, to be laid before the Lords of the Committee, and that the draught of a report to their Lordships thereupone be prepared.

North Carolina.

The Secretary pursuant to the Board's order of the 3rd of April, laid before the Board a draught of general instructions and also a draught of instructions relative to the observance of the Laws of Trade for Arthur Dobbs, Esquire, appointed Governor of North Carolina, and part of the said instructions having been read and agreed to, the further consideration of them was postponed untill to-morrow morning.

Friday, May 24. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Pelham.

Massachusets.

The draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, inclosing the copy of one from Mr. Shirley relative to the settlement made by the French at the head of Kennebeck River, having been prepared, pursuant to the minutes of Wednesday last, was agreed to, and ordered to be transcribed.

Bahamas.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Lords of the Committee of Council with the extract of Mr. Tinker's letter and copy of the paper therein referred, relative to the state of the ordnance, etc. in the Bahama Islands, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was agreed to, and having been transcribed, was signed.

North Carolina.

Read a memorial of Henry McCulloch, praying that he may be allowed to set off one thousand and thirty-five pounds due to him from the Crown in discharge of so much quit rents due to the Crown.

Mr. McCulloch attending without, was called in, and their lordships after some conversation with him upon the subject of the said memorial, ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon to be prepared.

Their lordships pursuant to yesterday's minutes proceeded to the consideration of the draughts of instructions prepared for Arthur Dobbs, Esquire, Governor of North Carolina, and having gone through the same, they were agreed to and ordered to be transcribed, and the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon to be prepared.

Georgia.

The Secretary laid before the Board a memorial prepared by the agent for Georgia to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, praying that two thousand six hundred thirty two pounds granted for the service of that colony may be issued to him.

Their lordships took the said memorial into consideration, and were pleased to approve thereof, and to direct Mr. Martyn to present it to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury for their Lordships' directions thereupon.

South Carolina.

It appearing to their lordships that there were five of the members of his Majesty's Council for the province of South Carolina resident in England, their lordships ordered the Secretary to write to the said absent councillors, desiring to be informed whether they have any intention of returning to the said province, and how soon.

Plantations General.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to such of the members of his Majesty's Council in the several colonies as are here in England without leave, forthwith to make the proper application for his Majesty's leave in case their affairs shall require their longer continuance here.

Antigua.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Byam, one of the Council of Antigua, who has remained in England ever since his Majesty's appointment, signifying to him that unless he do acquaint their lordships with his intentions of forth with repairing to the said island their lordships shall think it their duty to recommend another person to his Majesty to supply his place.

Tuesday, May 28. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville.

Georgia.

Their lordships took into consideration the affairs of his Majesty's colony of Georgia, and ordered the Secretary to write to his Majesty's engraver to prepare the draught of a publick Seal for that colony, and lay the same before the Board as soon as possible.

North Carolina.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty upon Mr. McCulloch's memorial having been prepared, pursuant to the minutes of Friday last, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Barbados.

Their lordships took into consideration the draught of a representation to his Majesty upon an Act passed in Barbados in 1717, to prohibit masters of ships and other vessels from landing aliens or foreigners in that island, etc., prepared pursuant to their lordships' orders, and agreed that the said representation should lye by for further consideration.

New Hampshire.

Their lordships took into consideration an Act passed in New Hampshire in 1742, entituled:—
An Act to ascertain the fee of a messuage and tract of land at Portsmouth in the province of New Hampshire, containing about twelve acres heretofore mortgaged by William Vaughan of Portsmouth aforesaid, gentleman, to George Walker of Portsmouth aforesaid, gentleman.

and ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty to be prepared proposing the repeal of it.

New Jersey.

Their lordships took into consideration the two following Acts, passed in the province of New Jersey, viz.:—
An Act for erecting the southern parts of the County of Salem into a separate county, and ascertaining the boundaries of the several precincts therein.
Passed in 1747.
An Act for erecting the upper parts of Morris County in New Jersey into a separate county to be called the County of Sussex and for building a court house and gaol in each of the said counties.
Passed in June 1753.
and ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty to be prepared proposing the repeal of the said Acts.

Virginia.

Their lordships took into consideration an Act passed in Virginia in 1752, entituled:—
An Act to explain the charter and enlarge the privileges of the Borough of Norfolk and for the purposes therein mentioned.

and ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty to be prepared proposing the repeal of it.

South Carolina.

Their lordships took into consideration the following Acts passed in South Carolina in 1750, 1751 and 1752, viz.:—
An Act for the erecting and supporting of a beacon near the Bar and Harbour of Charles Town, and for placing buoys on or near the said bar for the use of ships and other vessels coming to the Port of Charles Town.
An Act to appoint and establish new lists of jury men to be drawn by ballott in this province, and to impower the courts of law to draw jurors in cases therein mentioned.
An Act granting to his Majesty the sum of Twenty five thousand pounds for the building a state house in Charles Town for the service of this government, etc.
An Act for dividing the parish of St. Philip, Charles Town and for establishing another parish in the said town by the name of the parish of St. Michael and for appointing commissioners for the building of a church and a parsonage house in the said parish, etc., etc.
An Act for laying buoys and erecting and supporting beacons or land marks near the bar of the Harbour of George Town Winyaw and for building and repairing one or more pilot boat or boats to attend the bar of the said harbour, etc., etc.
An Act for appropriating the duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandizes imported into and exported out of the port of Beaufort Port Royal for the term therein mentioned towards building and keeping in repair a pilot boat or boats to attend the bar of the harbour of the said port, etc., etc.

Ordered that the draught of a representaion to his Majesty be prepared, proposing the repeal of the said Acts.

Newfoundland.

The Secretary laid before the Board a letter from Captain Aldridge, Captain of a company of Colonel Hopson's regiment doing duty in Newfoundland, communicated to him by Colonel Hopson, complaining of unjust and illegal proceedings of one Keen, a justice of peace in that island; ordered that the Secretary do write to Captain Bonfoy, Governor of Newfoundland, to desire his attendance at the Board some day before his departure for that island.

Wednesday, May 29. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Edgcumbe.

Virginia.

Mr. Dobbs, Mr. Hanbury, Mr. Smith, in behalf of the Ohio Company.

Mr. Randolph, Mr. Athawes, in behalf of the Assembly of Virginia.

Their lordships took into consideration the petition of the Ohio Company to his Majesty praying for an enlargement of their grant and also the address to his Majesty from the House of Burgesses of Virginia praying that the settlers to the westward of the mountains may be exempted from payment of rights and quit rents for ten years, which said petition and address were referred to this Board by the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council, mentioned in the minutes of the 5th of April last, and the parties interested in the said petition and address attending without, they were called in, and their lordships having heard what they had to offer upon them, they withdrew and their lordships agreed further to consider of them to-morrow morning.

Thursday, May 30. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Edgcumbe, Mr. Pelham.

Georgia.

The Secretary laid before the Board the draught of a Seal for the colony of Georgia, prepared by the king's engraver, pursuant to their lordships' order, which being approved of, the draught of a representation to his Majesty therewith was prepared, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Virginia.

Their lordships pursuant to the preceding minutes, took into further consideration the petition of the Ohio Company and the address of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, mentioned in the said minutes, and ordered the draughts of reports to the Lords of the Committee of Council thereupon to be prepared.

Georgia.

Their lordships took into consideration the draughts of a Commission and general instructions for a Governor of Georgia, prepared pursuant to his Majesty's Order in Council, dated the 5th March, 1754.

Friday, May 31. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville.

Georgia.

Their lordships proceeded in the consideration of the draught of a Commission and instructions for a Governor of Georgia, and made some progress therein.

Virginia.

The draught of reports to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the petition of the Ohio Company and upon the address of the House of Burgesses of Virginia having been prepared pursuant to the preceding minutes were agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Newfoundland.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Captain Bonfoy, Governor of Newfoundland, who was wrote to, to attend the Board, pursuant to the minutes of the 28th instant, was gone down to his ship at the Nore, the Secretary was ordered to send him a copy of Captain Aldridge's letter, mentioned in those minutes, and to desire he would upon his arrival in Newfoundland enquire into that affair, and if the found Mr. Keen had acted illegally and arbitrarily in the execution of his office, to take away his Commission.

Jamaica.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that he had received a letter from Mr. Gregory, one of the Council of Jamaica, who was desired to attend the Board this week, signifying that he was unable to attend this week being confined to his room by illness but would attend as soon as he was able.