Journal, March 1781: Volume 88

Journal, March 1781

fo. 129.

Saturday, March 3rd. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Sloane.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Nova Scotia.

Mr. Elliott acquainted the Board, that pursuant to order of the 28th of last month he had, on the 1st instant, written the following letters, vizt. To Mr. Lovegrove, acquainting him that this Board cannot give him the relief prayed for by his last memorial.

Trade, Salt.

To Mr. Robinson, acquainting him, for the information of the Lords of the Treasury, with the opinion of the Board upon the papers referred by his letter of the 26th of last month, respecting a reduction on the duty on salt to be used in making a marine acid, etc.

Trade, Russia.

fo. 130.

To the Governor of the Russia Company, desiring his attendance this day with such other of the members of the Company as may think fit.

To Mr. Fraser, requesting a communication of such papers as may have been received by Lord Stormont relative to the application of the Russia Company upon the duties paid on drugs imported from Russia.

St. John's

And to Mr. Stephens, desiring him to move the Lords of the Admiralty for leave of absence to be given to Mr. Williams of his Majesty's ship Danae

Answers to which two lastmentioned letters Mr. Elliott laid before their Lordships, vizt.

Trade, Russia.

Letter from Mr. Fraser to Mr. Elliott, dated St. James's, March the 3rd, 1781, acquainting him, for the information of the Board, that it doth not appear any application hath been made to Lord Stormont by the Russia Company, relative to the duties on druggs imported from Russia.

St. John's.

fo. 131

Letter from Mr. Stephens to Mr. Elliott, dated Admiralty, March 2nd, 1781, acquainting him, that in pursuance of the request of the Lords of Trade for leave of absence to be given to Mr. Williams of his Majesty's ship Danae, the Lords of the Admiralty had directed that leave should be given to him, in order to attend their Lordships.

Trade, Russia.

fo. 132.

Their Lordships being informed, that the four Consuls of the Russia Company attended, they were called in, and having informed their Lordships that the Governor's ill health prevented his attendance, they stated to the Board several particulars relative to the subject matter of their memorial referred by the Lords of the Treasury; and having likewise answered such questions as their Lordships thought fit, they withdrew; whereupon their Lordships resumed the consideration of the said memorial, and the necessity of an attention to the prayer of the memorialists clearly appearing, their Lordships directed Mr. Elliott to write to Mr. Robinson, to acquaint him, for the information of the Lords of the Treasury, that the Board is of opinion, the memorialists should be relieved in the matter complained of, and countenanced in their intention of bringing in a bill to Parliament, for the purpose stated in their memorial.

The said letter being prepared accordingly, it was approved and ordered to be transcribed.

Nova Scotia.

fo. 133.

The draught of a letter to Sir Richard Hughes, baronet, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, directing him to recommend to the Assembly of that Province the passing of an Act, under certain restrictions, for amending and altering the several Acts, imposing duties on rum, etc., imported into the said Province, so far as they may affect those articles imported for the use of his Majesty's troops; acquainting him with the steps taken by the Board with respect to the Act, for appointing Sheriffs, etc., and transmitting copy of the petition of William Lovegrove, mentioned in the minutes of the 20th of last month, stating certain complaints against several of the officers of the Crown in that Province, and requiring him to transmit the answers to the said complaints, having been prepared pursuant to the several orders of the 23rd of January, and 2nd and 20th of February, was approved, transcribed and signed.

Leeward Islands, Nevis.

Read a report of Richard Jackson, esquire, dated 22nd February, 1781, upon an Act passed in the Island of Nevis in November, 1778, for appointing John Stanley, esquire, to be agent for the said Island, etc.

Trade, Sugar.

fo. 134.

Read a letter from Mr. Robinson to Mr. Elliott, dated Treasury Chambers, March 3rd, 1781, transmitting, by directions of the Lords of the Treasury, to be laid before the Lords of Trade for their consideration and opinion, several papers relative to an application of the Sugar Refiners of London, praying that a bill may be brought into Parliament, to admit prize cargoes of sugars to be entered in Great Britain on the common plantation duties, vizt.,
Copy of a memorial of the sugar refiners of London to the Lords of the Treasury.
Copy of a report of the Commissioners of the Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, on the above memorial, dated March 27th, 1780.
Copy of further application of the sugar refiners of London to the Lords of the Treasury.
fo. 135.
Copy of the further representation of the sugar refiners of London to the Lords of the Treasury.

Resolved, that the said papers be taken into consideration on Monday next, the 5th instant.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from John Dalling, esquire, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated December 31st, 1780, acquainting their Lordships, that they will probably receive with this letter, copies of the proceedings had in the Admiralty and Supreme Courts of that Island, which induced the suspension of the four assistant Judges; and expressing his surprize that an appeal has been allowed them; not doubting, however, that when their Lordships shall be acquainted with the gross errors and ignorance of the said Judges, they will allow him their approbation of his conduct.

Resolved, that the said letter be taken into consideration on Monday next.

fo. 136.

Monday, March 5th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Sloane, Mr. Langlois.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Trade, Sugar.

Their Lordships having resumed the consideration of the memorials and papers transmitted by order of the Treasury relative to prize sugars, it was ordered, that the further consideration be deferred until Wednesday next, and that the Committee of Sugar Refiners, together with the merchants trading to the West Indies, who had been heard thereupon by the Lords of the Treasury, be desired to attend on that day at 12 o'clock.

fo. 137.

Jamaica.

Mr. Elliott laid before the Board the following paper, delivered by the agent to the four Judges of Jamaica, displaced by Governor Dalling, vizt.,
Copy of the proceedings of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the Island of Jamaica relative to the displacing Thomas Harrison, esquire, from the office of Advocate General of the said Island.

Whereupon the Board took into consideration the several papers before them, relative to the four assistant Judges of Jamaica displaced by Governor Dalling, together with the letter from Governor Dalling, mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd instant; But being informed that several other papers upon that matter had been received by the Secretary of State, and would be transmitted for consideration, their Lordships deferred their final deliberation until they shall have received the said papers.

fo. 138.

Trade, Military Stores.

Read an order of the Lords of the Privy Council, dated March 2nd, 1781, referring the petition of James Baillie, praying leave to export to the Island of Antigua, on board the ship William and Elizabeth, a certain quantity of gunpowder specified in the said petition.

Their Lordships being of opinion, that the exportation of the said gunpowder should be allowed; the draught of a report to the Lords of the Privy Council thereupon was prepared, approved, transcribed and signed.

fo. 139.

Tuesday, March 6th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Sloane.

Trade, Sugar.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Trade, Sugar.

Mr. Elliott acquainted the Board, that pursuant to order he had desired the attendance of the Committee of Sugar Refiners on the 7th instant, and that he had written to Mr. Long, desiring his attendance likewise, and requesting him to bring with him such of the merchants trading to the West Indies who were heard before the Board of Treasury upon the application of the sugar refiners. At the same time he laid before the Board, vizt.,

fo. 140.

Letter from Mr. Long to Mr. Elliott, dated March 6th, 1781, acquainting, that he has sent to the several West India merchants who were heard before the Board of Treasury on the application of the sugar refiners, and he hopes they will attend on the day appointed by the Lords of Trade.

Barbados.

fo. 141.

Their Lordships having taken into consideration the several papers referred by his Majesty's commands, respecting the complaints preferred against James Cuninghame, esquire, Governor of the Island of Barbados, it was ordered, that the draught of a letter to the Governor should be prepared, transmitting copy of the petition of the Assembly of that Island to his Majesty, and directing him, according to the usual practice in cases of the like nature, to prepare and transmit his answers thereto. Their Lordships, at the same time, directed Mr. Elliott to write to Samuel Estwick, esquire, agent for the said Island, acquainting him with the steps taken by the Board with respect to the complaints against Governor Cuninghame, contained in the petition of the Assembly to the King; and that upon receipt of the Governor's answer their Lordships will proceed to hear the complainants by counsel in support of the charges, and also that Governor Cuninghame will, of course, be allowed the same priviledge.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Knox to Mr. Elliott, dated 6th March, 1781, inclosing, by direction of Lord George Germain, the following papers, in addition to those transmitted by his letter of 16th January last, upon the subject of the four Judges who [were] dismissed from their office by Governor Dalling, vizt.,
Extract of a letter from Governor Dalling to Lord George Germain, dated Jamaica, December 5th, 1780.
Memorandum of dismission of four former Chief Justices.
fo. 142.
Extract of a letter from Governor Dalling to Lord George Germain, dated 29th December, 1780.
Extract of a letter from Governor Dalling to Lord George Germain, dated 1st January, 1781.
AA. Extracts from the records in the office of the Clerk of the Crown.
I. Case (Dalling's) with copies of the opinions of the Attorney and Solicitor General.
K. George Ricketts to T. Harrison, 26th January, 1780.
H. Governor Dalling's reasons for the suspension of Thomas Harrison, esquire.
G. Affidavit of George Davis and case.
F. Extract from Governor Dalling's letters to Lord George Germain, 29th December, 1779, and copy of Mr. Clements' to Captain Dalrymple, 15th January, 1780.
C. Copy of Mr. Harrison's to Governor Dalling, 22nd January.
D. Governor Dalling to Mr. Harrison, 22nd January, 1780.
E. Mr. Harrison to Governor Dalling, 22nd January, 1780.
A. Memorial of James Bartlett.
B. Affidavit of James Bartlett.
State of the enquiries of the House of Assembly of Jamaica on the dismission of the Judges and the expedition to Fort St. Juan, extracted from the reports of the Grand Committee for enquiring into the effect of that expedition in regard to the said Island.
BB. Mr. Harrison Retraxet.
Report of the Committee with a number of papers annexed and a list of the same,
List.

fo. 143.

Upon reading the said papers, their Lordships, agreable to their resolution at their last meeting, again took into consideration the case of the four assistant Judges of the Supreme Court of Jamaica, displaced by Governor Dalling, who their Lordships were informed had his Majesty's leave to return to England; and having spent a considerable time in deliberating upon the several matters relative to that subject, it was ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty should be prepared, stating the opinion of the Board upon the various documents before them, and recommending it as necessary to his Majesty's service, and the welfare of the inhabitants of Jamaica, that the said Judges should be restored to the seats from which they have been displaced by Governor Dalling.

fo. 144.

Wednesday, March 7th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Sloane, Mr. Langlois.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Barbados.

fo. 145.

Mr. Elliott having prepared a letter to Mr. Estwick, agent for the Island of Barbados, pursuant to order of the 6th instant, acquainting him that a copy of the petition of the Assembly of that Island to the King would be transmitted to Governor Cuninghame, and that he would be directed to make his answers to the complaints therein contained, which being done, the Board would be ready to hear counsel in support of the charges, and that Governor Cuninghame would also have liberty to be heard by counsel in his defence; which letter being approved was ordered to be transcribed.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, recommending that the four assistant Judges of the Supreme Court, displaced by Governor Dalling, may be restored to their places, having been prepared pursuant to order of the 6th instant, was approved, and ordered to be transcribed.

Trade, Sugar.

fo. 146.

Their Lordships being informed, that several merchants trading to the West Indies, together with the Committee of Sugar Refiners of London attended pursuant to order, they were called in, and the several papers mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd instant, relative to the application of the sugar refiners to admit prize sugars for consumption in this kingdom, having been read, Mr. Long, Mr. Chreighton and Mr. Beckford were heared on the part of the West India merchants; and Mr. Griffin having also been heared on the part of the sugar refiners, they were acquainted that the Board would lose no time in considering the allegations of both parties, in order that they might be enabled to form an opinion upon the subject.

Mr. Long requested that copies of the two last applications of the sugar refiners might be given to him, which was ordered accordingly; and having laid before the Board the following paper, the parties withdrew,
Copy of a memorial from the West India merchants to the Honorable Commissioners of the Customs.

Resolved, that the business abovementioned be considered on Fryday next, and that Mr. Jackson be desired to attend.

fo. 147.

Friday, March 9th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Sloane.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Trade, Sugar.

Mr. Elliott laid before the Board the following papers received from the House of Commons, vizt.,
An account of the amount of the quantity of sugar imported from the British West India Islands into that part of Great Britain called England in the years 1774, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 1780, distinguishing each year.
fo. 148.
An account of the amount of the quantity of sugar imported from the British West India Islands into Scotland in the years 1774, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 1780, distinguishing each year.
An account of the amount of the quantity of raw sugar exported from that part of Great Britain called England to foreign parts during the years 1774, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 1780, distinguishing each year.
The amount of the quantity of raw sugar exported from Scotland to foreign parts during the years 1774, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 1780, distinguishing each year.
An account of the amount of the quantity of refined sugar exported from that part of Great Britain called England to foreign parts during the years 1774, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 1780, distinguishing each year.
The amount of the quantity of refined sugar exported from Scotland to foreign parts during the years 1774, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 1780, distinguishing each year.
fo. 149.
An account of the quantities of prize sugars which have been been warehoused for exportation since the commencement of the present hostilities with France and Spain, stating the quantities which have been warehoused in each year.
An account of the quantities of prize sugars which have been warehoused in Scotland for exportation since the commencement of the present hostilities with France and Spain, stating the quantitites which have been warehoused in each year.

Their Lordships having considered the said papers, proceeded to a further deliberation on the several matters relative to the applications of the sugar refiners respecting prize sugars; and having spent a considerable time therein, it was resolved, that the further consideration be postponed till Tuesday next.

fo. 150.

Ordered, that Mr. Elliott do write to Mr. Long, desiring his attendance with Mr. Chreighton on Tuesday next at 12 o'clock; and requesting Mr. Long to transmit an account of the average prices of muscovado sugar, for certain distinct periods from 1755 to 1781.

Ordered, that Mr. Jarman and Mr. Griffin be desired to attend on Tuesday next, on the part of the Sugar Refiners.

Barbados.

fo. 151.

Read a petition of Samuel Estwick, esquire, agent for the Island of Barbados, to the Board, stating, that it hath been signified to him by a letter from Mr. Elliott, that a petition of the Assembly of that Island to his Majesty has been by his Majesty's commands referred to the consideration of their Lordships, and that they will lose no time in transmitting a copy of the said petition to Governor Cuninghame; that the said letter has made no mention of a memorial which the petitioner, by the instructions of the said Assembly, had delivered, together with the said petition, to the Right Honourable Lord George Germain, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, containing other complaints against Governor Cuninghame; and therefore praying, that the said memorial be taken into their Lordships' consideration; that a copy thereof be sent to the Governor; and that the same be held and received as part of the complaints against the said Governor.

Ordered, that a copy of Mr. Estwick's memorial to Lord George Germain be sent to Governor Cuninghame, together with the copy of the Assembly's petition, ordered to be transmitted to him by the minute of the 6th instant; and that Governor Cuninghame be directed to transmit his answer to the complaints contained in the memorial, as well as those contained in the petition.

fo. 152.

Ordered, that Mr. Elliott do acquaint Mr. Estwick that a copy of his memorial to Lord George Germain will be transmitted to Governor Cuninghame, together with the petition of the Assembly to the King, agreable to the prayer of his petition to the Board.

Grenada, Tobago.

Read a letter from A. Bacon and A. Richardson, esquires, to the Board, dated March 7th, 1781, requesting to be informed of the reasons which Lieutenant Governor Ferguson has communicated to their Lordships for suspending Messieurs Gilbert and Peter Francklyn from their seats in the Council of Tobago, in order that the said gentlemen may be enabled to offer such reasons for their conduct, as they doubt not will induce their Lordships to take the necessary steps for their being restored to their seats in the said Council.

fo. 153.

Resolved, that the consideration of the foregoing letter be taken up on the day of

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, proposing that James Trower, Lewis Burwell, Martin John Grant, and William Elphinston, esquires, be restored to their seats as assistant Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature in the Island of Jamaica, from which they have been displaced by Governor Dalling, having been transcribed, pursuant to order of the 7th instant, was signed.

fo. 154.

Tuesday, March 13th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Sloane.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Trade.

Sugar.

Mr. Elliott acquainted the Board, that on the 9th instant, he had, in pursuance of the directions given him, written to Mr. Long desiring his attendance this day, together with Mr. Chreighton; and had also desired the attendance of Messieurs Jarman and Griffin. He then laid before the Board the following paper, vizt.,
fo. 155.
Letter from Mr. Long to Mr. Elliott, dated March 10th, 1781, acquainting him, that engagements made it inconvenient to him and any other of the West India merchants to attend the Lords of Trade to-day, but if agreable to their Lordships, they will attend the Board on Friday next.

Ordered, that Mr. Long, Mr. Chreighton, Mr. Jarman and Mr. Griffin be desired to attend on Friday next, at 12 o'clock.

Barbados.

The draught of a letter to James Cuninghame, esquire, Governor of the Island of Barbados, transmitting copies of the Assembly of that Island to his Majesty, and of the memorial of Samuel Estwick, esquire, to Lord George Germain, which are mentioned in the minutes of the 28th of last month, having been prepared pursuant to order of the 6th and 9th instant, was approved, transcribed and signed.

fo. 156.

Nova Scotia.

Their Lordships took into consideration twelve Acts passed in the Province of Nova Scotia in November, 1780, mentioned in the minutes of the 29th of January and the 6th of February last, together with Mr. Jackson's report thereupon, dated 5th March, 1781.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, recommending the confirmation of the Act for raising a sum of money by way of lottery, for building a public school; and proposing the disallowance of the Act for limiting the duration of the Assembly.

Trade.

Woollens.

fo. 157.

Woollens, Cotton, Silk, Linen.

Read a letter from Mr. Robinson to Mr. Elliott, dated March 8th, 1781, transmitting, by direction of the Lords of the Treasury, for the consideration and opinion of this Board, several papers respecting attempts that have been made to procure models of implements and utensils used in the manufactures of this kingdom in order to their being sent abroad; and praying, that steps may be taken for securing the benefit of these inventions to the woollen, cotton, silk, and linnen manufactures, by means more effectual than those which are provided by the Act of the 14th of his present Majesty for that purpose.
Memorial of the merchants trading in woollen goods in the town and neighbourhood of Leeds in the county of York, to the Lords of the Treasury; together with a memorial of the deputies of the manufacturers of woollen, broad and narrow cloths and stuffs in the said county.
The information of John Nicholson of Hunslett in the Borough of Leeds taken upon oath, the 31st January, 1781.

fo. 158.

Their Lordships thinking it necessary to have further information upon the subject of the foregoing papers before they form any opinion thereupon, it was ordered, that enquiry should be made whether any persons are attending in town on behalf of the memorialists.

St. John's.

fo. 159.

Mr. Elliott informed their Lordships, that Mr. Richard Williams of his Majesty's ship Danae had been with him to explain the agreement entered into with Governor Patterson of Saint John's, which was by him transmitted to the Board and is mentioned the 6th of last month; that Mr. Williams supposed the said agreement had been in behalf of, and that the expence of transporting the settlers and providing for their passage was to be defrayed by Government, and under the inspection of the Board; but on Mr. Elliott's informing him that no provision whatever was made for such a purpose, and that the Board could not possibly pay any attention to it, he declared his intentions of proceeding no further in the matter.

Miscellanies.

Their Lordships finding much inconvenience on account of their frequent meetings, for want of proper notice of the days and hour appointed, it was ordered, that in future regular notice should be given them respectively of each day's meeting, and of the hour appointed for the said meeting, and that printed letters for that purpose should be prepared.

fo. 160.

Friday, March 16th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Sloane.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Leeward Islands, Nevis.

Ordered that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, recommending the confirmation of an Act passed in the Island of Nevis in November 1778, mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd instant, intituled, An Act for appointing John Stanley, esquire, agent in Great Britain for the Island of Nevis, and for setting a salary upon him during the time of his agency.

Trade.

Sugar.

Their Lordships having resumed the consideration of the several matters respecting the admission of prize sugars on plantation duties, the following paper received from the Treasury was read, vizt.,

fo. 161.

Copy of an account of the sale and yearly prices of his Majesty's muscovado sugars from 1728 to 1738, and from 1750 to 1780, both inclusive. Taken with accuracy from the account of sales, etc., of the 4½ per cent. office, the 22nd February, 1781, signed E. Armstrong pro Rege.

After which the gentlemen who were desired to attend on that business were admitted, vizt., Messieurs Long, Chrichton and Neave, together with Messieurs Jarman, Griffin and Vaughan; and the three firstmentioned having been heared on the part of the merchants trading to the West Indies, and the two lastmentioned, on behalf of the sugar refiners; and Mr. Long having laid the following paper before the Board, they withdrew.
fo. 162.
Comparative state of the price of sugars the last war in the years 1759, 1760, 1761, and 1762, and of the crops in the years 1779 and 1780, together with the rates of freight and premiums of insurance at said times.

Resolved, that the further consideration of this business be postponed till Tuesday next.

fo. 163.

Tuesday, March 20th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Sloane.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Nova Scotia.

fo. 164.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, prepared pursuant to order of the 13th instant, recommending the allowance of an Act passed in that Province in November, 1780, intituled, An Act for raising the sum of £1500, by a lottery for the building a publick school at Halifax; and likewise proposing the disallowance of an Act passed in the said Province in November, 1780, intituled, An Act for limiting the duration of General Assemblies in this Province, was approved, transcribed and signed.

Newfoundland.

Read a letter from Mr. Knox to Mr. Elliott, dated March 15th, 1781, desiring him to remind the Board of the additional instruction, which by their letter to Lord George Germain of the 19th of May last, their Lordships proposed to be given to Governor Edwards.

Ordered, that the draught of an additional instruction to Governor Edwards be prepared.

Bermuda.

fo. 165.

Their Lordships having further considered the instructions to be given to William Browne, esquire, appointed Governor of the Bermuda Islands, and it appearing, that the funds out of which the salary allowed to the Governor was heretofore paid, not being sufficient to make good the same, some other mode of payment has been adopted; and as the 87th, 88th and 89th articles of the late instructions have reference to the former method, and the Governor is thereby vested with authority to receive the same, it appears expedient, that the instructions now to be given should be conformable to the present established mode of payment; it was therefore ordered, that Mr. Elliott do write to Mr. Thompson, desiring him to state this matter to Lord George Germain, that the Board may in course know how the payment is now made, and if necessary receive the King's commands as to the proposed alteration in the said instructions.

Mr. Elliott having prepared the said letter, it was approved, and ordered to be transmitted.

Leeward Islands.

fo. 166.

Read a letter from Lord George Germain to the Board, dated March 16th, 1781, signifying, that his Majesty had been pleased to appoint Thomas Shirley, esquire, to be Governor of the Leeward Islands, in the room of William Mathew Burt, esquire, deceased; and that it is his Majesty's pleasure, that this Board do prepare draughts of a Commission and instructions for the said Governor to be laid before his Majesty for his approbation.

Ordered, that the draughts of a Commission and instructions for Governor Shirley be prepared accordingly.

Leeward Islands, Nevis.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, proposing the confirmation of an Act passed in the Island of Nevis in November, 1778, for appointing John Stanley, esquire, to be agent for the said Island, having been prepared pursuant to order of the 16th instant was approved, transcribed and signed.

fo. 167.

Grenada, Tobago.

Read a letter from Mr. Knox to Mr. Elliott, dated March 16th, 1781, transmitting, by direction of Lord George Germain, for the information of the Board, several papers relating to the suspension of Messieurs Gilbert and Peter Francklyn, two of the members of the council for the Island of Tobago. Vizt.,
Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Governor Ferguson to Lord George Germain, dated Tobago, 5th June, 1780.
Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Governor Ferguson to Lord George Germain, dated Tobago, 24th July, 1780.
Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Governor Ferguson to Lord George Germain, dated September 23rd, 1780.
Minutes of the Council of State from the 23rd day of February to the 11th July, 1780.
Minutes of the Legislative Council from the 10th April to the 7th July, 1780.
fo. 168.
Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Governor Ferguson to Lord George Germain, dated Tobago, October, 16th, 1780.
Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Governor Ferguson to Lord George Germain, dated Tobago, November 12th, 1780.
Copy of a letter from Messieurs Gilbert and Peter Francklyn to Lord George Germain, dated Tobago, November 24th, 1780, inclosing,
Copies of letters from Lieutenant Governor Ferguson to Messieurs Gilbert and Peter Francklyn, dated 3rd November, 1780.
Copy of a letter from Messieurs Gilbert and Peter Francklyn to Governor Ferguson, dated November 10th, 1780.

Resolved, that the said papers be considered on some future day.

fo. 169.

Trade.

Woollens.

Mr. Elliott acquainted the Board, that he had not yet been able to make out whether any persons were attending in town in support of the memorials of the merchants and deputies of the manufacturers of Leeds, mentioned in the minutes of the 13th instant.

Trade.

Military Stores.

Read an order of the Lords of the Privy Council, dated 13th March, 1781, referring the petition of John Coutts, praying leave to export from Liverpool to Londonderry, on board the ship Elizabeth, certain ordnance therein mentioned, for the purpose of arming and fitting out ships.

fo. 170.

Read an order of the Lords of the Privy Council, dated 17th March, 1781, referring the petition of William Matthews, praying leave to export to Tunis, on board the neutral ship Confidenza, certain military stores therein mentioned, for the use of gentlemen and for fowling.

Their Lordships beings of opinion, that the exportation should be allowed; the draughts of two reports to the Lords of the Privy Council thereupon were prepared, approved, transcribed and signed.

Trade.

Sugar.

Read a letter from Mr. George Griffin. one of the Committee of Sugar Refiners, to Mr. Elliott, dated March, 1781, containing observations upon the several matters which had been urged by the West India merchants relative to the admission of prize sugars, etc.

fo. 171.

Their Lordships then resumed the consideration of the memorials of the sugar refiners, mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 13th and 16th instant; and having spent a considerable time in deliberating upon the various matter before them relative to the said memorials, it was ordered, that Mr. Elliott do prepare a letter to Mr. Robinson, acquainting him, for the information of the Lords of the Treasury, with the opinion of the Board thereupon.

fo. 172.

Friday, March 23rd. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Sloane.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Trade, Sugar.

fo. 173.

Their Lordships being informed, that the Committee of Sugar Refiners attended to offer some further remarks relative to their application for the admission of prize sugar, they were called in; and Mr. Griffin and Mr. Vaughan, having been again heared upon that subject, it was directed, that some alterations and additions should be made to the letter ordered to be written to Mr. Robinson, and that it should be laid before the Board on Tuesday next for approbation.

Trade.

Woollens.

fo. 174.

fo. 175.

Mr. Elliott acquainted their Lordships, that in further pursuance of their orders, he had found that Mr. Hibdin and Mr. Clapham of Leeds were impowered to attend on behalf of the subscribers to the memorials of the merchants and deputies of the manufacturers of Leeds, mentioned in the minutes of the [13th] instant; and that the said persons were now waiting their Lordships' commands; upon which Mr. Hibdin and Mr. Clapham were called in, and having offered several reasons in support of the allegations contained in the said memorials, and answered such questions as their Lordships thought proper to put to them, they withdrew; and their Lordships, having taken the said memorials into their consideration, were of opinion, that an amendment of the Act of the 14th year of his present Majesty for preventing the exportation of utensils made use of in the cotton, linnen, woollen and silk manufactures, should be recommended, inasmuch as the proceedings directed in the said Act against persons offending, seem to be ineffectual for the intended purpose; and that other defects in the said Act appear, in that the penalties do not extend to models and plans, on which the preservation of the manufacturers to these kingdoms depend; or to press papers, which are represented to be essential in the finishing certain species of woollens; but that it must be left to the wisdom of Parliament to determine whether it will be expedient to comply with the wishes of the memorialist as to the mode of punishment proposed in their memorials, or whether the ends may not be attained by means less objectionable than by extension of the penal laws.

Mr. Elliott was thereupon directed to write to Mr. Robinson, acquainting him, for the information of the Lords of the Treasury, with the opinion of the Board upon the said memorials; and the said letter having been accordingly prepared, was approved and ordered to be transmitted.

Trade.

Military Stores.

fo. 176.

Read an order of the Lords of the Privy Council, dated March 20th, 1781, referring the petition of John Schoolbred, praying leave to export to Canada, on board the ship Garland, a certain quantity of gunpowder therein mentioned, for killing deer and for fowling.

Their Lordships being of opinion, that the exportation should be allowed; the draught of a report to the Lords of the Privy Council was prepared, approved, transmitted and signed.

Leeward Islands.

The draught of a Commission appointing Thomas Shirley, esquire, to be Governor of the Leeward Islands, having been prepared pursuant to order of the 20th instant, was approved, and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was signed.

fo. 177.

Tuesday, March 27th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Sloane.

Grenada.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Tobago.

Their Lordships read and considered an Act passed in the Island of Tobago in July, 1780, for raising a sum of money for the use of Edmund Lincoln, esquire, etc. mentioned in the minutes of the 28th of February last, together with Mr. Jackson's report thereupon, dated March 20th, 1781.

fo. 178.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, recommending the Act beforementioned for confirmation; and the said draught having been prepared accordingly, was approved, transcribed and signed.

Bermuda.

Their Lordships read and considered nine Acts passed in the Bermuda Islands in June, 1777, January, 1779, and September, October and November, 1780, mentioned in the minutes of the 20th, of February last, together with Mr. Jackson's report thereupon, dated March, 1781.

Resolved that the said Acts be further considered on the day of.

fo. 179.

Read a letter from . . .

Newfoundland.

The draught of an additional instruction to Governor Edwards, prepared pursuant to his Majesty's commands signified in the foregoing letter, and agreeable to order of the 20th instant, was approved, and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was signed.

Resolved, that the several papers relative to the Province of Quebec mentioned in the minutes of the 2nd of February, be considered on Fryday next; Ordered, that Mr. Jackson be desired to attend.

fo. 180.

Friday, March 30th. Present:—Lord Grantham, Mr. de Grey, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Gibbon, Mr. Sloane.

The minutes of the last Board were read, approved and signed.

Trade.

Sugar.

fo. 181.

The letter from Mr. Elliott to Mr. Robinson, acquainting him, for the information of the Lords of the Treasury, with the opinion of the Board upon the papers transmitted in Mr. Robinson's letter of the 3rd instant, relative to the application of the Sugar Refiners of London, for the admission of prize sugars for home consumption, having been prepared pursuant to order of the 20th and 23rd instant, was considered, and approved, and ordered to be transmitted.

Africa.

Read a letter from Mr. Rutherford to Mr. Elliott, dated African Office, March 26th, 1781, transmitting, by direction of the African Committee, for the information of the Board,
Copy of a letter from the Governor and Council at Cape Coast Castle to the Committee, dated 8th October, 1780.
Copy of a letter from the Governor and Council at Cape Coast Castle to the Committee, dated 31st October, 1780.

fo. 182.

Quebec.

Read a letter from Mr. Knox to Mr. Elliott, dated March 28th, 1781, transmitting, by direction of Lord George Germain, for the information of the Board,
Extract of a letter from Governor Haldimand, dated Quebec, October 25th, 1780, respecting the conduct of Mr. Allsop, one of the Council of that Province.

Mr. Elliott acquainted the Board, that agreeable to directions given him on the 27th instant, he had on the 28th written to Mr. Jackson, desiring his attendance this day, to give his opinion in point of law on several matters contained in the Quebec papers now under consideration.

fo. 183.

Quebec.

Mr. Jackson attending, accordingly, their Lordships proceeded to take into consideration the several matters contained in Governor Haldimand's letter to Lord George Germain of the 25th of October last, and in the papers therewith transmitted, which are mentioned in the minutes of the 2nd of February last; and having spent some considerable time therein, Mr. Elliott was directed to prepare two questions for the opinion of Mr. Jackson, as to the power of the Legislative Council of Quebec to fix the prices of wheat and flour; and how far they could compel the sale of those articles at the prices so fixed? and to transmit the same to him with all possible dispatch.