Journal, October 1763: Volume 70

Journal, October 1763

Saturday, October 1. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Bacon, Lord Orwell.

Plantations General.

fo. 225.

Their lordships took into further consideration the draught of the proclamation mentioned in the preceding minutes, and the same having been settled and agreed to, it was ordered, that the Secretary should transmit it to his Majesty's Attorney General for his opinion, whether it is conformable to law and to the general form and tenor of proclamations.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from the Earl of Halifax, dated 27th September, notifying the appointment of Montague Wilmot, Esquire, to be Captain General and Governor in Chief of Nova Scotia, and directing the Board to prepare draughts of a Commission and instructions for him, including therein the Islands of Cape Breton and St. John's, and making such other alterations in the limits, as is proposed in the Board's representation of the 8th of June last.

Their lordships, after consideration of the said letter, ordered that the draught of a Commission conformable thereto should be prepared with all possible dispatch.

fo. 226.

Grenada.

Quebec.

East and West Florida.

The Secretary laid before the Board the draughts of Commissions for the Governors of Grenada, Quebec, East and West Florida, which were read, approved and ordered to be transcribed, and the draught of a report thereupon to his Majesty to be prepared.

Post Meridiem.

Grenada.

The Secretary laid before the Board a draught of general instructions for the Governor of Grenada, and their lordships made some progress in the consideration thereof.

Monday, October 3. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Bacon, Lord Orwell.

Plantations General.

fo. 227.

Read a report of his Majesty's Attorney General, dated this day, upon the draught of a proclamation declaratory of the new acquisitions in America, and the said report having been considered, and some verbal alterations made in the draught, it was agreed to, and ordered to be transcribed, to be transmitted to the Earl of Halifax, and the draught of a letter to his Lordship thereupon was ordered to be prepared.

Post Meridiem.

Plantations General.

Quebec.

East and West Florida.

Grenada.

The draught of a letter to the Earl of Halifax with the draught of the abovementioned proclamation, having been prepared pursuant to order, was agreed to, and ordered to be transcribed; as was also the draught of a representation to his Majesty with the draughts of Commissions for the Governors of Quebec, East Florida, West Florida and Grenada.

fo. 228.

Tuesday, October 4. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke, Lord Orwell.

Quebec.

East and West Florida.

Grenada.

The draught of a letter to the Earl of Halifax with the draught of a proclamation declaratory of the new arrangements in America, having been transcribed pursuant to order, was signed, as was also the representation to his Majesty, with draughts of Commissions for the Governors of Quebec, East Florida, West Florida and Grenada.

Their lordships took into consideration the appointment of new Seals for the Governments of Quebec, East Florida, West Florida and Grenada, and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed for signing.

Grenada.

fo. 229.

Read a letter from the Earl of Halifax, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, dated the 27th of September, 1763, referring to the Board several papers relative to some difficulties, which have arisen in the execution of the definitive treaty in the Island of Grenada, with directions to consider the same, and with the advice of the Attorney or Advocate General or both to report an opinion as to the general rules, which in conformity to the capitulation and the general practice in other countries, may be established, not only for the decision of the points at present in question, but of all others which may occur in the new colonies, inclosing
A list of cases relative to private properties in Grenada.
Extract of a letter from the Duc de Praslin to Monsieur D'Éon, dated 14th August, 1763.
Copy of letter from Duc de Choiseul to Duc de Praslin, dated July 31st, 1763.
fo. 230.
Extract of a letter from the Duc de Praslin to Monsieur D'Éon, dated 14th August, 1763.
Extract of a letter from Monsieur Desmages, dated May 8th, 1763.
Fragment of a letter from Monsieur Dufilhou to Monsieur La Place and Co., dated St. Domingo, April 23rd, 1760.
Copy of a letter from Monsieur La Place and Co. of Bordeaux, to Duc de Praslin, dated July 12th, 1763.
Extract of a letter from the Duc de Praslin to Monsieur D'Éon, dated 4th September, 1763.
Copie de la lettre de M. le Due de Choiseul à M. le Duc de Praslin, à Versailles, le 29 Août 1763.
Copy of a letter from Monsieur Desmages to Monsieur La Place and Co., Grenada, February 23rd, 1763.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Simond to the Earl of Egremont, dated 29th of June, 1763.
fo. 231.
Mèmoire de Bertrand de la Clauzerie, etc. Copy.
Copy of a petition from Monsieur de Laclauzerie to Monsieur Scott, Governor of the Grenadois, etc.
Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Governor Scott to the Earl of Egremont, dated 23rd July, 1763, relating to Monsieur Clauserie's case.
Extract of Governor Scott's letter of 23rd July, 1763, relating to the estates of persons who die, whose heirs are subjects of France.

Extract of Governor Scott's letter of 23rd July, 1763, relative to Mr. Smith's case.

Ordered, that the abovementioned letter and papers be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, the 11th instant.

Post Meridiem.

Nova Scotia.

fo. 232.

The Secretary laid before the Board the draught of a Commission for Montagu Wilmot, Esquire, to be Governor of Nova Scotia, prepared pursuant to order, and the same having been agreed to, it was ordered to be transcribed, and a draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon to be prepared.

Their lordships made a further progress in the draught of general instructions for the Governor of Grenada.

Wednesday, October 5. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Nova Scotia.

Quebec.

East Florida.

West Florida.

Grenada.

fo. 233.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the draught of a Commission to Montagu Wilmot, Esquire, to be Governor of Nova Scotia, having been transcribed pursuant to order, was signed, as was also a representation to his Majesty, proposing publick Seals for the Provinces of Quebec, East Florida, West Florida and for the Government of Grenada.

Thursday, October 6. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Newfoundland.

Read a letter from the Earl of Halifax, dated the 27th September, 1763, inclosing a memorial of Mr. Robert Traile of New England, in which he prays for a compensation for the loss of his property in the Island of Miquelon, by the cession of that island to France, and signifying his Majesty's commands that the Board should report their opinion thereupon.

fo. 234.

Mr. Traile attending, was called in, and was desired to produce some proofs of the allegations of his memorial, but not being able to produce the original grant of the island, under which he claims to have purchased, and it appearing, that if such grant ever had been made, it was made without any colour of authority whatever, he was ordered to withdraw, and directions were given for preparing the draught of a letter to the Earl of Halifax upon his case.

Plantations General.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that there had been great neglect and omission in several of the colonies in the transmission to this Board of such papers as are required to be transmitted by his Majesty's instructions to all his Governors, it was ordered, that the draught of a Circular Letter to the said Governors on this subject should be prepared.

fo. 235.

Grenada.

Their lordships made a further progress in the consideration of the draught of instructions for the Governor of Grenada.

Friday, October 7. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Newfoundland.

Plantations General.

The draught of a letter to the Earl of Halifax upon Mr. Traile's memorial, mentioned in yesterday's minutes, having been prepared pursuant to order, was signed; as were also letters to the Governors of his Majesty's Colonies, requiring a more regular and punctual transmission of such papers as are directed by his Majesty's instructions to be transmitted to this Board.

fo. 236.

Grenada.

Their lordships made a further progress in the consideration of the draught of instructions for the Governor of Grenada.

Plantations General.

fo. 237.

Ordered, that the Secretary do write to the Secretaries to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury and Admiralty, to acquaint them that his Majesty has established several governments in the lands and islands of America, ceded to his Majesty by the late definitive Treaty of Peace, under the names of Quebec, East Florida, West Florida and Grenada, and has directed a form of civil government to be established therein, similar to what has taken place in the colonies of America under his Majesty's more immediate government; and therefore submitting it to the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury and Admiralty to appoint such officers and make such establishments in the said colonies, as they shall think necessary and expedient.

Post Meridiem.

Grenada.

Their lordships made a further progress in the consideration of the draught of instructions for the Governor of Grenada.

Trade.

Africa.

Read a letter from Mr. Stevens, Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to Mr. Pownall, dated October 1st, 1763, inclosing the following returns of the state of the forts upon the Coast of Africa, taken by Captain Smith of his Majesty's ship Assistance, viz.
State and condition of Cape Coast Castle, 12th of April, 1763.
fo. 238.
Copy of the state of Annamaboe Fort, April 15th, 1763.
State and condition of Dixcove Fort, the 1st of April, 1763.
Copy of a report of the state and condition of Commenda Fort, April 6th, 1763.
State and condition of James Fort, Accra, and Vernon Fort at Prampram, April 19th, 1763.
State of Tantumquery Fort, the 17th of April, 1763.
Copy of the report of the state and condition of Seccundee Fort, April 3rd, 1763.
State of Winnebah Fort, April 15th, 1763.

fo. 239.

Ordered, that the said papers be taken into further consideration on Thursday next, the 13th instant, and that notice be given to some of the gentlemen of the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa, to attend.

Trade.

Austrian Netherlands.

Read a letter from the Mayor of Liverpool to the Board, dated the 22nd of August, 1763, inclosing,
Memorial of the merchants of Liverpool trading to the Austrian Netherlands, relating to the new arrangements made there in the duties upon rock salt.

Ordered, that the said letter and memorial, as also the Earl of Halifax's letter upon this subject, mentioned in the minutes of the 4th of August last, be taken into consideration on Monday morning.

Brussels.

fo. 240.

Read a letter from the Earl of Halifax to the Board, dated the 9th of September, 1763, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that the Board should furnish Sir James Porter, appointed his Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Brussells, with all such papers and documents in their custody, as may be of use to him in his commercial negotiations with that Court.

Ordered, that the Secretary do, upon application from Sir James Porter, furnish him with copies of such papers as are in the office relative to such points of commerce as Sir James Porter may have in command to negotiate with the Court of Brussells.

fo. 241.

Monday, October 10. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Plantations General.

Read an order of his Majesty in Council of the 5th instant, reciting a memorial of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, relating to the prejudice which has arisen to his Majesty's Revenue of Customs in America, and the trade of this kingdom, from the defects and contradictions of the Laws of Trade, and from neglect, fraud and connivance in the execution of them; and proposing that the several Departments of Government should give orders to the officers in America, dependent upon their authority, to be diligent and attentive to their duty in what concerns the said Laws and Revenues.

fo. 242.

Ordered, that the draught of a Circular Letter to the Governors and Commanders in Chief in the several colonies, signifying his Majesty's commands upon the abovementioned memorial, be prepared.

Trade.

Austrian Netherlands.

Their lordships took into consideration the Earl of Halifax's letter of the 15th of July, and the memorial of the merchants of Liverpool, respecting the ordonnance lately published in the Austrian Netherlands, by which a new arrangement is made in the duties upon British rock salt; and Sir James Porter, appointed his Majesty's Minister at the Court of Brussells, being introduced by the Earl of Hillsborough, their lordships had some discourse with him upon the subject matter of the said papers.

fo. 243.

Sir James Porter being withdrawn, their lordships ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty upon this subject to be prepared.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from the Earl of Halifax, dated the 8th instant, signifying that his Majesty, having approved and ratifyed the draught of a proclamation proposed by this Board, in respect to the new arrangements in America, had ordered it to be published, and that it was his Majesty's pleasure, that the Board should transmit printed copies of it to the several Governors in America, and to the Indian agents.

Ordered, that the draught of a Circular Letter to the said Governors, and also to the agents for Indian affairs, for this purpose be prepared; and a letter to the Earl of Halifax was signed, desiring that the New York packet, the mail for which was made up on Saturday night, might be detained until their letters were ready.

Georgia.

fo. 244.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that his Majesty's royal intention of annexing to Georgia the lands between St. Mary's River and the Alatamaha, may be notifyed to the said Governor, and the same established in such manner as his Majesty shall think most adviseable.

Post Meridiem.

Trade.

Netherlands.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty upon the Earl of Halifax's letter concerning the new arrangement in the Austrian Netherlands of the duties upon salt, having been prepared pursuant to order, was agreed to, transcribed and signed; as was also a letter to the Earl of Sandwich inclosing it.

Georgia.

fo. 245.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, respecting the mode of annexing to Georgia the lands between the river St. Mary and the Alatamaha, pursuant to his Majesty's proclamation, having been prepared pursuant to order, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Plantations General.

The draughts of Circular Letters to the Governors of the several colonies in America, and also to the agents for Indian affairs, inclosing printed copies of his Majesty's proclamation concerning the new arrangements in America, and signifying his Majesty's orders upon the memorial of the Lords of the Treasury, concerning the mismanagement in the Revenue of Customs in America, etc., having been prepared pursuant to order, were approved, and letters ordered to be transcribed for signing.

East Florida.

The Secretary laid before the Board the draught of general instructions for the Governor of East Florida, and their lordships made some progress therein.

fo. 246.

Tuesday, October 11. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Plantations General.

Letters to the Governors of his Majesty's colonies in America, and to the agents for Indian affairs, inclosing printed copies of the proclamation declaratory of the new arrangements in America, and containing directions to the said Governors upon the memorial of the Lords of the Treasury to his Majesty, relating to the defective state of the laws for regulating the Plantation trade, and the Revenue of Customs, having been transcribed pursuant to order, were signed.

Massachusetts.

fo. 247.

Read an order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation affairs, dated the 6th instant, referring to this Board, for their consideration and report, sixteen Acts passed in the province of Massachusets Bay in May and June, 1763.

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

Virginia.

The Secretary acquainted the Board, that he was desired by the parties interested in a private Act passed in Virginia in April, 1761, for vesting certain lands therein mentioned in Philip Johnson, and adding the same to the city of Williamsburg, etc., to move their lordships to lay the said Act before his Majesty, for his royal approbation; and the said Act, together with Sir Mathew Lamb's report thereupon, having been read, it was ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty should be prepared, proposing that it may be confirmed.

Jamaica.

fo. 248.

Read a letter from William Henry Lyttelton, Esquire, Governor of Jamaica, dated August 13th, 1763, acquainting the Board with the death of Edmund Hyde, president of the Council in that island, and recommending Gilbert Ford, Esquire, the Attorney General, to supply the vacancy.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that Gilbert Ford, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of Jamaica, in the room of the said Edmund Hyde, Esquire, deceased.

North Carolina.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that Benjamin Heron, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of North Carolina, in the room of John Rieussett, Esquire, deceased.

South Carolina.

fo. 249.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that [Thomas] Skottowe, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of South Carolina, there being but ten persons appointed by his Majesty to be of the said Council.

Read a letter from Thomas Boone, Esquire, Governor of South Carolina, dated August 17th, 1763, containing an apology for his conduct, in respect to the grants of land made to the south of the Alatamaha river.

Grenada.

It was ordered, that the consideration of the letter and papers from the Earl of Halifax, relative to the difficulties which have occurred in the island of Grenada in the execution of the definitive treaty, should be postponed.

fo. 250.

Thursday, October 13. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Trade.

Africa.

fo. 251.

Their lordships took into consideration the returns of the state of the forts upon the coast of Africa, received from the Admiralty, and Mr. Cust, Mr. Biscoe and Mr. Lewis, from the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa, attending without, they were called in, and being informed of what appeared from the said returns, as to the ill condition of the said forts, they observed, that they were very sensible that they were in a ruinous condition, alleging that they were left so by the late Royal African Company, and that they had applyed the money granted by Parliament, as far as it would go, consistent with other necessary expences, to the putting them in repair, but that such grant was altogether insufficient; and for proof of what they alleged, and as a justification of their conduct in this respect, they referred to and read several resolutions of the House of Commons establishing these facts, when this matter was under consideration of that House.

fo. 252.

The gentlemen being asked some questions with respect to the dispute with the Dutch concerning the Bay of Commenda and the villages of Bushe and Atchumah, and as to the importance of the last of these places, they said, they apprehended that in respect to Commenda, it was agreed to be free to both nations; but that the dispute, as to Atchumah, remained still undecided, and that it was of great importance, being the place from which they got lime, stone and other materials for building. They likewise observed, that the Dutch were attempting to make an establishment at or near Cape Appolonia, which they apprehended would be very prejudicial to our interests, and proposed to lay a state of the matter before the Board.

fo. 253.

They likewise promised, at the request of the Board, to lay before their lordships the establishments of all the different posts upon the Coast of Africa, together with a copy of the instructions to the new Governor of Senegal, (a former copy which they had presented being mislaid), with copies of all such papers as regard the orders given and establishments made in respect to that settlement.

The gentlemen of the Committee being withdrawn, their lordships took into consideration the Earl of Halifax's letter to the Board, of the 7th of July last, mentioned in the minutes of the 15th of that month, in respect to the disputes with the Dutch upon the Coast of Africa; and a letter to the Earl of Sandwich thereupon was prepared, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Massachusetts.

Read a letter from Francis Bernard, Esquire, Governor of Massachusets Bay, dated August 24th, 1763, relating to the intention of the Acadians in that province to go and settle under the French government at the Isle of St. Peter's, and inclosing a resolution of the Council thereupon.

fo. 254.

Ordered, that the said letter and inclosure be copied, to be transmitted to the Earl of Halifax, and a letter to his Lordship therewith having been prepared, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Jonathan Belcher, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, dated August 10th, 1763, transmitting
Estimate of the civil establishment of Nova Scotia for the year 1764.

Ordered, that the said letter and estimate be taken into consideration, when the Board shall have received his Majesty's commands to prepare an estimate for Parliament of the expence of the establishment for the year 1764.

It being represented that persons, possessed of bills drawn by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia upon the agent for the publick services of that colony, have been refused payment, it was ordered, that the agent should attend the Board tomorrow morning at 11 oclock.

Jamaica.

Their lordships agreed to and signed a letter to Mr. Lyttelton, Governor of Jamaica, in answer to one from him, mentioned in the minutes of Tuesday.

Their lordships also agreed to and signed the following representations to his Majesty, viz.

Representation to his Majesty, proposing that Gilbert Ford, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of Jamaica in the room of Edmund Hyde, Esquire, deceased.

North Carolina.

fo. 256.

Representation to his Majesty, proposing that Benjamin Heron, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of North Carolina in the room of John Rieussett, Esquire, deceased.

South Carolina.

Representation to his Majesty, proposing that Thomas Skottowe, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of South Carolina.

Virginia.

Representation to his Majesty, proposing the confirmation of a private Act passed in Virginia in 1761.

Plantations General.

fo. 257.

Their lordships, upon consideration of that part of the Earl of Egremont's letter of the 5th of May, which directs the Board to report an opinion, what military establishments will be sufficient in America, agreed to and signed a letter to the Secretary at War, desiring an account of the number and establishment of the troops now employed in America, with such information as he might be able to furnish, as to the manner in which the said troops are disposed and distributed.

Trade.

Mr. Woodmass, a merchant concerned in the trade to America, attending without, and having something to propose, he was called in, and moved the Board to take into consideration the giving a bounty upon timber imported from America, and the extending the bounties upon the whale fishery to smaller vessells; and their lordships having desired he would commit to writing his thoughts upon these subjects, which he promised to do, he withdrew.

fo. 258.

Friday, October 14. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Virginia.

Read the following letters and papers received from the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, viz.
Letter from Francis Fauquier, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, dated the 24th of May, 1763, acknowledging the Board's letter of the 7th of February, with a copy of the minutes of the Board upon a petition of the merchants against an Act for emitting paper money, with some reasons for passing the said law, and inclosing,
His speech to the General Assembly, 19th May, 1763.
Virginia.
fo. 259.
Address of the Council in answer to the Lieutenant Governor's speech.
Ditto: of the House of Burgesses.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Fauquier, dated 28th May, 1763, acknowledging the Board's letters of the 9th and 11th of March, with the papers inclosed, apologizes for his letter respecting Mr. Burwell, one of the Council.
Copy of a minute of Council of the 30th of July, 1762, relative to Mr. Burwell.
Letter from Mr. Fauquier, dated June 1st, 1763, respecting the behaviour of the Assembly, with his observations upon three Acts passed the last session, and inclosing,
Address of the Council, the 20th of May, 1763.
fo. 260.
Second address of the House of Burgesses, with the state of the Treasury notes emitted, and the taxes for sinking the same.
Lieutenant Governor Fauquier's answer to the long address of the House of Burgesses.
Second address of the Council, and answer.
Speech at the proroguing the Assembly, the 31st of May, 1763.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Fauquier, dated the 17th of June, 1763, referring their lordships for information respecting the ill usage of Don Pedro de Bermudez, to Mr. Charles Stewart.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Fauquier to the Board, dated 17th June, 1763, inclosing,
fo. 261.
An account of his Majesty's revenue of quit rents for the year 1761.
Ditto: of his Majesty's revenue of 2/- per hogshead, from the 25th of April to the 25th of October, 1762.
Ditto: from the 25th of October, 1762, to the 25th of April, 1763.
Ditto: of his Majesty's revenue of quit rents due from the executors of Philip Grymes, Esquire, late Receiver General, with an account of arrears received since his last account.
Journal of the General Assembly, from the 14th to the 21st of October, 1762, inclusive.
Ditto: from the 2nd of November to the 23rd of December, 1762.
Ditto: of the House of Burgesses from November 2nd to December 23rd, 1762.
fo. 262.
Naval Office lists of ships and vessels entered and cleared at the Upper District of James River, between the 5th of April, 1762, and the 5th of April, 1763.
York River, between June the 24th and December 25th, 1762.
Hampton, between the 29th of September, 1761, and 25th March, 1763.
South Potomack, between the 5th of July, 1762, and 5th of April, 1763.
Rappahannock, between the 29th of September and 25th of December, 1762.
Accomack, between the 5th of January and 5th of July, 1762.
Forty five Acts passed in November and December, 1762, and May, 1763.
fo. 263.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Fauquier, dated the 8th of July, 1763, informing the Board that the Northern Indians very much alarm the frontiers, which is chiefly owing to settling upon their lands; for particular intelligence refers to Colonel Mercer lately arrived.

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

The Secretary having acquainted the Board, that he was desired by the merchants of London trading to Virginia, to move their lordships for a copy of the abovementioned address and report of the Assembly of Virginia to Mr. Fauquier, upon the resolution of this Board concerning the paper currency, it was ordered, that the same should be copied for the merchants, and that the Secretary should signify to them, that their lordships shall be glad to receive their sentiments upon the said address.

fo. 264.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary acquainted the Board, that he had, pursuant to their order of yesterday, sent notice to the agent of Nova Scotia to attend the Board today, but that the said agent was not in town.

Massachusetts.

Their lordships then took into consideration fifteen Acts passed in the Province of Massachusets Bay in 1763, together with Sir Mathew Lamb's report thereupon; and the said Acts and report having been read, and no material objection or observation occurring upon them, it was ordered, that such of them, as are not expired by their own limitation, should lye by probationary, until the further effect and operation of them shall have been known.

fo. 265.

Monday, October 17. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Massachusetts.

The draught of a letter to the Governor of Massachusets Bay, in answer to his of the 24th of August last, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Quebec.

Montreal.

Read a letter from the Honourable Major General Gage, Lieutenant Governor of Montreal, to the Board, dated July 31st, 1763, informing them that he had appointed a day of publick thanksgiving to be observed; that some persons from New England had attempted to make settlements on the King's lands near Lake Champlain, and that the Indians in the province continued peaceable.

fo. 266.

New Hampshire.

Ordered, that the draught of a letter to the Governor of New Hampshire be prepared, directing him to put a stop to any surveys, which may be made by persons under his government, of any lands upon Lake Champlain, until his Majesty's pleasure in known.

Quebec.

Trois Rivières.

Read a letter from Colonel Burton, Lieutenant Governor of Trois Rivières, to the Board, dated August the 2nd, 1763, acquainting them that a day of publick thanksgiving had been observed on account of the peace.

Nova Scotia.

fo. 267.

Read a memorial of Joshua Mauger, Esquire, agent to the General Assembly of Nova Scotia, praying for a continuation of the Protection Act to settlers; that the Bills passed in June last, laying a duty and excise upon spirituous liquors, may be approved of, and that the reservation to the Indians of certain lands in that province made by Lieutenant Governor Belcher, may be revoked.

Their lordships, upon full consideration of the said memorial, came to the following resolutions, viz.

That the draught of a letter to Governor Wilmot should be prepared, desiring him to enquire into the circumstances of the case respecting the persons alleged to have come into the province under the sanction of the law passed in 1758, concerning foreign debts not being pleadable in that province, and to report to the Board whether he thinks it would be either necessary or expedient any longer to continue the protection of that law to such persons.

fo. 268.

That consideration shall be had to what Mr. Mauger proposes, concerning the reservation of lands to the Indians, in preparing the instructions for the Governor.

That the Acts, for laying duties of impost and excise upon distilled spirits, shall lye by probationary, until the further effect and operation of them shall be known.

New Jersey.

Their lordships then took into consideration two letters from the Governor of New Jersey, dated the 10th of May and 27th of June last, mentioned in the minutes of the 4th of August last, and ordered the draught of a letter to the said Governor, in answer thereto, to be prepared.

New York.

Their lordships read and considered twenty six Acts, passed in the Province of New York in December, 1762, together with Sir Mathew Lamb's report thereupon.

fo. 269.

New York.

New Jersey.

Ordered, that the Acts of New York and New Jersey, for submitting to his Majesty the method of determining the controversy between the two provinces, concerning the boundary line, be taken into consideration on Friday next, and that the Secretary do write to Governor Monckton to desire his attendance.

There not being any material objection to or observation upon the rest of the New York Acts, it was ordered, that such of them, as have not had their full effect or expired by their own limitation, do lye by probationary, until their further operation shall be known.

Grenada.

Their lordships took into consideration the method of disposing of lands in the Islands of Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent's and Tobago, and ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon to be prepared.

fo. 270.

Thursday, October 20. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Plantations General.

East Florida.

Read an Order of his Majesty in Council, dated the 29th of July, 1763, referring to the Board a memorial of Monsieur Gilbert, relating to the settling a colony of French Protestants in North America, and directing the Board to report their opinion thereupon.

fo. 271.

Monsieur Boutiton, agent in behalf of a number of the said French inhabitants now at Plymouth, for whose transportation to South Carolina the Treasury had entered into engagements with Mr. McNutt, attending, was called in, and acquainted the Board that, upon further consideration, the said Protestants had expressed a desire of being settled in East Florida upon the River St. John's, instead of Carolina; that this proposal had been communicated to Lord Halifax, who had approved thereof, and had signified to them that measures would be taken for that purpose; Monsieur Boutiton being asked, whether he had any or what terms to propose, in consequence of such destination, he said, it was hoped that they should be transported at the publick expence, supplied with tools and implements of husbandry, and with provisions so long as they should be in necessity thereof; whereupon he was desired to reduce his propositions into writing, and to attend the Board tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock.

fo. 272.

Friday, October 21. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Nova Scotia.

New Hampshire.

New Jersey.

The draughts of letters to the Governors of Nova Scotia, New Hampshire, and New Jersey, having been prepared pursuant to order, were agreed to, transcribed and signed.

New York.

New Jersey.

Their lordships took into consideration the Acts passed in the Province of New York and New Jersey, for submitting to his Majesty the method of deciding the controversy between the said provinces respecting the boundary line; and General Monckton attending as desired, their lordships had some discourse with him upon the subject matter of the said Acts.

fo. 273.

Ordered, that the said Acts be taken into further consideration on Tuesday next, and that notice be given to the agents for both provinces to attend.

East Florida.

Monsieur Boutiton, agent for and in behalf of the French Protestants, who are going to settle in America, attended pursuant to order, and presented a memorial containing several propositions in respect to the establishment of those people in East Florida, and the lands to be granted and other allowances to be made to them.

East Florida.

fo. 274.

Their lordships having discoursed with Monsieur Boutiton upon the several propositions contained in his memorial, he withdrew, and Mr. Pownall was ordered to write to the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, to desire he would acquaint that Board with the new proposition made in behalf of these people in respect to the place of their destination, and that this Board do not think proper to report any opinion to his Majesty, until they shall receive the sentiments of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury upon it.

Monday, October 24. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

New York.

New Jersey.

It was ordered, that the consideration of the Acts of New York and New Jersey, concerning the boundary line, appointed for tomorrow, should be put off to Friday next, and notice given to the agents.

fo. 275.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from the Right Honourable Wellbore Ellis, Esquire, Secretary at War, to the Board, dated 19th October, 1763, inclosing a list of battalions appointed for the defence of North America and the islands, and their destination, and an extract of a letter from Sir Jeffery Amherst to the said Secretary, containing his sentiments with respect to the defence of North America.

Trade.

Africa.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following papers, received from the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa.
Letter from Mr. Poirier, Secretary to the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa, to Mr. Pownall, dated 19th October, 1763, inclosing
Extract of a letter from the Governor of Cape Coast Castle, dated the 24th of December, 1762, relating to Atchumah and Cape Appolonia.
fo. 276.
Instructions to the Governor of Senegal.
Estimate of £7,000 for the support of Senegal for one year.
Plan of Fort St. Louis in the River Senegal, and a description of the Forts of Podor and St. Joseph at Galam; also of the River Senegal and the countries adjacent.
Establishment of the several forts upon the Coast of Africa, exclusive of Senegal.

Their lordships, taking into consideration that part of Mr. Bell's letter to the Committee of the 24th of December, which relates to the intentions of the Dutch to make an establishment at Appolonia, ordered the Secretary to write to the Committee for all such information as they can collect, of the nature and extent of the British trade to this place, with their opinion of the importance of it, and whether any establishment is, for the present, expedient to be made there.

fo. 277.

Ordered, that the papers concerning the establishments at Senegal be taken into consideration on Thursday sennight, the 3rd of November.

Plantations General.

Read a memorial of Pendock Neale, dated September 27th, 1763, relative to a quantity of hemp and indigo seeds, of an excellent kind, now in his possession, which, upon suitable encouragement he will deliver to any person appointed by the Board.

Ordered, that the said memorial do lye by to be further considered, when the memorialist shall make application upon it.

Massachusetts.

fo. 278.

Read a letter from Francis Bernard, Equire, Governor of Massachusets Bay, dated the 13th of August, 1763, relative to the number of the Acadians, and the expences of the colony in supporting them; and acquainting the Board with the receipt of a letter from M. Robins, advising the Acadians to settle at Miramichi, with his own design of making potash on the Island of Mount Desert, and his solemn proclamation of the peace.

Ordered, that an extract be made of that part of Mr. Bernard's letter, which regards the Acadians, to be transmitted to the Earl of Halifax, and that the draught of a letter to his Lordship, inclosing it, be prepared.

Virginia.

South Carolina.

Read a memorial of the agents for Virginia and South Carolina, signifying their intention of applying to Parliament for leave to import salt from foreign ports into those provinces.

Jamaica.

fo. 279.

Read a letter from William Henry Lyttelton, Esquire, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated July 9th, 1763, recommending some persons to be of the Council; stating the inconveniences arising from an oath taken by the Clerk of the Assembly to keep the secrets of that House; desiring the Board's instructions as to the legality of that oath, and his right to have the minutes delivered whenever he demands them; and inclosing,
Answers to the Board's heads of enquiry relative to the state of the Island of Jamaica.

Ordered, that an extract be made of so much of the said letter, as relates to the Assembly's swearing their clerk to secrecy, etc., to be laid before his Majesty, and that the draught of a representation thereupon be prepared.

fo. 280.

Bermuda.

Read a letter from William Popple, Esquire, Governor of Bermuda, to the Board, dated August 5th, 1763, relative to a proposal of the Assembly, that the surplus of the money arising from the sale of the King's lands should be laid out for the contingent charges of the government, and inclosing,
His speech and the addresses of the Council and Assembly, and his answer; and minutes of a Committee of Council and Assembly of the 4th and 5th of August, 1763.
Two Acts passed the 22nd of January, 1763.

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

fo. 281.

Wednesday, October 26. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Yorke.

New York.

New Jersey.

It was ordered that the consideration of the Acts of New York and New Jersey concerning the boundary line, appointed for Friday, should be put off to some further day, and notice given to the agents.

Jamaica.

Massachusetts.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, inclosing an extract of a letter from Governor Lyttelton, concerning the Assembly's swearing their clerk to secrecy, and of a letter to the Earl of Halifax, inclosing an extract of one from the Governor of Massachusets Bay concerning the Acadians, were agreed to, transcribed and signed.

fo. 282.

East Florida.

Their lordships took into further consideration a draught of general instructions for the Governor of East Florida, mentioned in the minutes of the 10th instant, and the same having been agreed to, it was ordered to be transcribed, and also a fair transcript to be made of the instructions usually given to governors of the Plantations for the observance of the Laws of Trade.

Thursday, October 27. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke.

Grenada.

fo. 283.

Dominica.

Read a memorial of John Henderson and William Ebell of London, merchants, praying for a lot of ground in a convenient part of Dominica to erect a dwelling house for their factory, and sufficient to build a store upon.

Ordered, that the said memorial be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, the 1st of November, and that notice be given to the memorialist to attend.

Trade.

Read a memorial of William Bailey, acquainting the Board, that he has made considerable improvements in the machines made use of in the manufactures of linen, woollen, silk and cotton, particularly with respect to a loom invented by him, and praying for their lordships' favour.

Ordered, that the said memorial do lye by for further consideration at another opportunity.

fo. 284.

Maryland.

Read a letter from Horatio Sharpe, Esquire, Deputy Governor of Maryland, to the Secretary, dated 2nd of August, 1763, informing him, that as soon as the Acts of that province, which are preparing for the press, shall be printed, he will send copies of them to the Board.
Lists of ships and vessels entered inwards in the Port of Annapolis, between the 5th of January and 5th of April, 1763.
Ditto: outwards in the Port of Annapolis, between the 10th of October, 1762, and 5th of January, 1763.
Ditto: outwards in the said port, between the 5th of January and 5th of April, 1763.

Massachusetts.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following publick papers received from the Secretary of the Province of Massachusets Bay, viz.
fo. 285.
Receiver General's account of his Majesty's Revenue from the 26th of May, 1762 to the 25th of May, 1763.
Minutes of Council from the 1st of June, 1762 to the 24th of May, 1763.
Journal of the House of Representatives from the 25th of May to the 26th of June, 1763.
Sixteen Acts passed in May and June, 1763.

fo. 286.

Friday, October 28. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke, Mr. Gascoyne.

Quebec.

Their lordships took into consideration the reports of General Murray, Gage and Burton of the state of Canada, and several minutes were taken, from which it was ordered, that a draught of instructions for the Governor of Quebec should be prepared.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from William Bollan, Esquire, to the Board, dated May 23rd, 1763, respecting the great care that ought to be taken in the new intended grants of land in America for the preservation of his Majesty's woods, and inclosing,
Copy of a letter from Mr. Bird to Brigadier Waldo, October 21st, 1755.

fo. 287.

Monday, October 31. Present:—Earl of Hillsborough, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Yorke, Mr. Gascoyne.

Plantations General.

Their lordships took into consideration that part of the letter from the late Earl of Egremont of the 14th of July last, mentioned in the minutes of the 15th of the last month, which directs the Board to consider and report an opinion, what may be the most frugal and reasonable method of settling the new colonies with useful and industrious inhabitants; and, after some time spent therein, it was ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty upon this subject should be prepared.