Journal, June 1709: Journal Book N

Journal, June 1709

June 1. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Miscellanies.

Mr. Attorny and Solicitor General's report about granting lands in forests &c.

Security to indemnity parishes from settlements of poor.

Letters to the Earl of Sunderland and Lord Treasurer about poor German Protestants.

Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General's report in answer to the queries sent them the 30th of the last month, relating to her Majesty's right and power of granting lands in her forests, chaces &c., and the security that may be given to indemnify any parishes from settlements of poor families among them, was read; whereupon the draught of a letter to the Earl of Sunderland [fo. 118], and the like to the Lord High Treasurer in relation to the poor German Protestants lately arrived from the Palatinate, mention'd in yesterday's minutes, were signed.

Mr. Tribbeko. 2nd list of Palatines from Germany.

Abstract thereof.

Mr. Tribbeko attending, presented to their lordships a second list of 1,193 Palatines lately come from Germany [fo. 124, 139], distinguishing their professions, ages &c. And their lordships desiring an abstract thereof, with an account of their health and qualifications, he promised to bring the same to their lordships in a few days.

Trade.

Mr. Campbell.

Memorial from merchants about Treaty of Commerce with France.

Mr. Campbell presented to the Board a memorial from several British merchants, relating to a Treaty of Commerce with France [fo. 118, 124], which their lordships resolved to take into consideration.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Royle and Mr. Lillington.

Order of Council on an address from the Assembly about proceedings of a Court of Grand Sessions against Mr. Walker.

Mr. Royle with Mr. Lillington attending [fo. 173], they presented to their lordships an Order of Council of the 19th of the last month, referring to the Board an address from the General Assembly of Barbadoes to her Majesty, relating to the proceedings of a Court of Grand Sessions held in Barbadoes against William Walker, esquire, who was chiefly concern'd in the oppression of George Lillington, esquire, and others during the administration of Sir Bevill Granville in that government, which said order and address were read.

Copies of the Governor's speech to the Assembly and their answer with minutes of Council.

Other copies of the said minutes to be attested.

These gentlemen likewise presented to the Board a copy of a speech made by the Governor of Barbadoes, to the Assembly there the 22nd of March, 1708/9, together with the Assembly's address in answer thereto; as also the minutes of Councill of that island of the 11th and 19th of March, 1705, attested by Mr. Baron, Clark of the said Councill; and they having copies of the said minutes, desired the same might be examined by the secretary of this Board with those now presented, and by him certified to be true copies, which their lordships were pleased to order accordingly.

June 2. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Plantations General.

letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle.

Representation of the state of her Majesty's pretensions to places possess'd by the French &c.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle, in answer to one from him of the 17th of the last month, inclosing a representation containing a state of her Majesty's pretentions to any Colonies or places in the West Indies which are now in the hands of the French [fo. 117], as also an account of what towns, places or territories they have taken from us in those parts during this present war, or we from them, were both signed.

Barbadoes.

Certificates from Mr. Blathwayt and Mr. Povey about an Act relating to Clerks and Marshals of Courts.

Representation thereupon.

A certificate from Mr. Blathwayt of the 14th of March last, as also another certificate from Mr. Povey of the 2nd instant, setting forth that search having been made in the books of the Councill Office for the Act past in Barbadoes the 5th of September, 1667 [fo. 46, 122], entituled An Act declaring how the Clerks and Marshals of the Court of Common Pleas within this Island shall be appointed, and what fees they shall receive; it does not appear that the said Act has been confirmed or repealed by the Crown, were read, and Mr. Gordon, provost marshall of the said island, desiring that their lordships would please to represent the same to her Majesty; ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared for laying the same before her Majesty, accordingly.

June 3. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Barbadoes.

Representation.

Act about Clerks and Marshalls of Courts.

A representation relating to the Act past in Barbadoes the 5th September, 1667 [fo. 121, 238], intituled An Act declaring how the Clerks and Marshalls of the Courts of Common Pleas within this island shall be appointed and what fees they shall receive, mentioned in yesterday's minutes, was signed.

Miscellanies.

Letter from Mr. Boyle.

Petition of United Governors &c. of the Society for Royal Mines &c. about imploying several poor Germans.

Letter to Mr. Chamberlain about the said Company.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Boyle, of the 1st instant [fo. 108, 125], referring the petition of the United Governors, Assistants and Society of London of and for Royal Mines &c., relating to a provision to be made for the poor German Protestants lately come from the Palatinate, was read, whereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Chamberlain to desire him to make enquiry into the nature of the said Company, and who are the members thereof, and give their lordships an account of the same.

Trade.

Letter from the Earl of Sunderland.

Petition of Sir William Hodges.

His claim from the Portuguese.

Sir William summon'd.

A letter from the Earl of Sunderland, of the 23rd of the last month [fo. 195], referring the petition of Sir William Hodges to her Majesty, together with several papers thereunto annexed, relating to a claim he has of eighteen thousand, one hundred eighty-eight pounds and sixteen shillings from the Portuguese, were read; whereupon ordered [fo. 125] that Sir William Hodges have notice to attend the Board on Thursday morning next.

Miscellanies.

Letter to the Lord High Treasurer.

Salaries.

A letter to the Lord High Treasurer signifying that there was due to this Board at Lady Day last past, one whole year's salary, besides what is incurred since, was signed.

Trade.

Memorial from the Lustring Company.

Mr. Chetwynd's proposal.

Trade with Savoy.

A memorial from the Royal Lustring Company in answer to a letter writ them the 4th of the last month [fo. 78], upon a proposal from Mr. Chetwynd, her Majesty's Envoy to the Duke of Savoy, for settling a trade between this kingdom and the territories of the said Duke for silks &c., was read.

Trade.

Memorial from Lyme Regis about a Treaty of Commerce &c. with France.

Mr. Robert Burridge, a member of Parliament for the town of Lyme Regis, attending [fo. 119, 205], presented to their lordships a memorial from the Mayor and inhabitants of the said town, relating to a Treaty of Commerce with France, which was read.

Newfoundland.

Order of Council on a petition of Mr. Campbell.

His services, sufferings &c.

Mr. James Campbell attending, presented to their lordships an Order of Councill of the 2nd instant [fo. 353, 380], upon the petition of the said Campbell relating to his services and sufferings on account of the trade to Newfoundland, praying that he may be consider'd for the same, was read.

June 7. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Miscellanies.

Mr. Tribbeko.

More poor people arriv'd from Germany.

Mr. Tribbeko attending [fo. 119, 131], informed their lordships that 2,000 more poor people were arrived from the Palatinate in Germany; whereupon he was acquainted that it would be proper for him to present a memorial thereof to a Secretary of State, which he promised to do accordingly.

Dr. Stringer.

Petition of Society for Royal Mines &c.

Their proposals to be under their common seal.

Doctor Stringer attending [fo. 122], the letter from Mr. Secretary Boyle referring to their lordships the petition of the United Governors, Assistants and Society of London for Royall Mines &c., relating to a provision for the poor Germans (mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd instant), was again read; and their lordships inquiring when and by whom the said Society was incorporated, Doctor Stringer acquainted the Board that their Charter was granted by Queen Elizabeth in the 10th year of her reign; whereupon he was directed to procure the proposals of the said Society under their hands and common seal, which he promised to do accordingly.

June 9. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Trade.

Letter from Sir William Hodges desiring time to get proofs &c.

A letter from Sir William Hodges, of yesterday's date [fo. 123, 195], excusing his not waiting on their lordships as he was directed the 7th instant, and desiring time to get authentick proofs to the allegations set forth in his petition relating to the demand he has on the Portuguese, mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd instant, was read.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Pringle about commission and instructions for the Commodore.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland inclosing the said commission &c.

A letter from Mr. Pringle of yesterday's date, relating to the draught of a commission and instructions to be prepared for the Commodore of the Newfoundland convoy now going thither [fo. 65], was read. Whereupon the secretary laid before their lordships the draught of such a commission and instructions; and a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing the same, was signed.

Letter to Mr. Burchet with heads of enquiry.

The secretary also laid before their lordships the usual heads of enquiry for the Commodore of the Newfoundland convoy [fo. 65]; whereupon ordered that the same be inclosed in a letter to Mr. Burchet, to be given by the Lord High Admiral to the said Commodore.

Maryland.

Pennsylvania.

Letter from Mr. Penn. Boundaries.

A letter from Mr. Pen, desiring to have a copy of that part of the Lord Baltimore's patent for Maryland, which relates to the boundaries of that province, was read; and directions given that he have a copy thereof accordingly.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to Col. Parke.

A letter to Colonel Parke, Governor of the Leeward Islands, was signed.

New York.

Memorial from Mr. Atwood.

Place of Chief Justice.

A memorial from Mr. Atwood, late Chief Justice of New York [fo. 112, 171], relating to Mr. Mompesson's desire of being continued in that employ, was read.

Sir Henry Ashurst attending, presented to their lordships the three following letters, vizt.:
Connecticut.
Letter from the Governor and Company.
A letter from the Governor and Company of her Majesty's Colony of Connecticut, of the 24th of January, 1708/9, in answer to one writ them the 7th of May, 1707, requiring an account of the state of the said colony.
2nd letter from them.
Negroes from Africa.
A second letter from the said Governor and Company, of the 26th of January, 1708/9, in answer to one writ them the 15th of April, 1708, requiring an account of the number and price of negroes brought to Connecticut directly from Africa &c.
Letter from Mr. Saltonstal, Governor of the said colony
A letter from Mr. Gurdon Saltonstall, Governor of the foresaid colony, of the 19th of February, 1708/9, acknowledging the receipt of their lordships’ letter of ye 14th of May, 1707, inclosing the Acts about coin and trade to America, as also her Majesty's additional instruction relating to the Acts of trade and navigation.

Which letters their lordships agreed to take into consideration at a convenient opportunity.

June 13. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Plantations General.

Order of Council about pirates at Madagascar.

The Marquis of Carmarthen and Mr. Waldron at the Board thereupon.

An Order of Council of the 2nd instant, referring to this Board a memorial from the Marquis of Carmarthen relating to the pirates at Madagascar [fo. 133], and to an intended expedition of Captain Breholt, for that island, was read; and his Lordship attending, he acquainted the Board that he had several witnesses to prove the allegations in the said memorial; and called in Lawrence Waldron, who said that they he came from Carolina on board Breholt's ship to Fial; that they were there seized upon suspicion and make their fortunes, which he interpreted to mean going to Madagascar, to join with the pirates. He own'd he never heard Captain Breholt say so himself; but that he believed Breholt might have heard the crew say so.

Several others at the Board on the foregoing subject, viz. Mrs. Woodstock.

Then my Lord Carmarthen desired Mrs. Woodstock to be called in, who informed their lordships that her son came from Carolina in Breholt's ship, that when Breholt's was seized at Fial her son was carried away in the said ship by the crew to Madagascar, where she supposed him now to be with the pirates; that she has heard Breholt say, he was upon an expedition for Madagascar to fetch the pirates home, and that he was lately about buying a considerable parcel of point of a friend of hers; and thereupon said that if he could have it cheap, he could make money where he was going; she added that she did not know of any ships fitting out for that design.

Mrs. Rupert.

Mrs. Rupert attending, she inform'd their lordships that Breholt told her lately that he was going with the Queen's pardon to fetch the pirates from Madagascar, and to trade for slaves; that there were three ships fitting in the river, one of which was called the Carlisle, and one in Scotland called the Calidonia; she said the same as Mrs. Woodstock in relation to the point aforementioned; she added that he would have had her subscribed 200l., but she refused it.

Mrs. Ramsey.

Mrs. Ramsey attending, she said to the same purpose as Mrs. Rupert had done, and only added that she had heard that my Lord Morton had obtained the Queen's pardon for the pirates at Madagascar.

Mr. Moulder.

Mr. Moulder was called in, who, being asked several questions, said that he knew nothing of Breholt's intended expedition, and that he believ'd there was more malice than truth against him.

Mr. Edgerton.

Mr. Edgerton then attending, and, being asked several questions upon the same subject, he said that the Lord Morton himself, and several others had some while ago petitioned the Queen that they might go with her Majesty's pardon to bring the pirates home, and that they did intend to proceed on that expedition, if her Majesty's pardon was obtained; that they had no design of trading with the pirates; that they intended one ship to trade for negroes at Madagascar, but finding that the East India Company would not allow of their trading within the limits of their charter, the said ship was ordered to be sold, which he believed was done this day. That Breholt was not to command that ship, nor to be the chief commander in that expedition. He added that he has always heard a fair character of Breholt. Then Mr. Egerton being desired, he said he would endeavour to bring the said Breholt to the Board on Thursday morning next.

Mr. Toulson.

Mr. Toulson also attending, said in substance the same as Mr. Egerton had done.

June 15. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Miscellanies.

Letter from the Earl of Sunderland on a proposal from the Marquis of Kent about the Germans.

Mr. Aston at the Board thereupon.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland in answer to his Lordship.

A letter from the Earl of Sunderland of the 11th instant [fo. 124, 137], referring to the Board a proposal from the Lord Chamberlain for settling some of the Palatines lately arrived here, in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, was read. and Mr. Aston, agent, for his Lordship attending, and being asked several questions, he said, that my Lord Chamberlain had in those counties great parcells of land, which lye waste, and that his Lordship would grant a sufficient number of acres to each family for the term of three lives, they paying to his Lordship an annual acknowledgment of a penny per acre, or some such small matter; that he would at present take about 20 or 25 families; that he would give them the land as aforesaid, with timber and lime for building, but he hoped her Majesty would be at the charge of erecting their cottages, and of subsisting them for some time, till they were in a condition to live by their own labour. He added that he was not able to explain any further particulars till he had received answers to letters he had writ into the country, and he hoped to do the same on Fryday, the 20th instant. Whereupon a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, acquainting him therewith, was signed.

June 16. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Plantations Generall.

Earl of Morton and others about pirates at Madagascar &c.

The Earl of Morton, Mr. Edgerton, Mr. Toulson, and Captain Breholt attending, the Order of Council of the second instant, referring to the Board the memorial from the Marquis of Carmarthen, was read [fo. 128, 137]; and Captain Breholt being asked several questions, he said that about five years ago several gentlemen, vizt., the Earl of Morton, Mr. Egerton, Sir John Bennet, Sir David Nairne, Sir James Grey, Mr. William Wallis, Mr. Thomas Hopkins, Mr. Paul Jodrell, Mr. Richard Toulson, and Captain Martin Lacock, join'd together in order to sett out some ships for bringing home the pirates from Madagascar; that they had obtained a Scotch pardon for the said pirates, which is still remaining in the hands of the Earl of Marr, but that they had no pardon from Great Britain; that he had bought a ship in Scotland upon his own account and one in England upon account of Mr. Egerton; that the design was, in case they could obtain a pardon from Great Britain, to go to Madagascar to fetch the pirates home; but, if they did not accept the pardon, then their design was to trade with slaves to Brazill. Then being asked if he had never been accused of piracy, he said that having been out some years ago fishing for a wreck (which he miss'd of) he put into Carolina, to wood and water, that freight being then dear in Carolina, his men demanded of him an increase of wages; which he refusing, they came to a trial, and his men were cast, whereupon some of them accused him of piracy, for which he was tried in Carolina and clear'd. That coming home from Carolina, he put in at Fial, where he with about 20 of his men being on shore were seized upon suspicion of piracy, the Portuguese having had a ship sometime before robb'd, but nothing being proved against him, he was acquitted and returned home; that during his confinement there, the rest of the men on board his ship run away with the said ship to Madagascar.

The Earl of Morton informed their lordships that the reason why the Scotch pardon was not taken out, was that they never intended to proceed on that voyage without a pardon from the Crown of Great Britain; that their design was to bring home such of the said pirates as would accept of the pardon, with their effects, and they intended to make a restitution to all such as should demand it, and prove their losses as far as their pirates’ effects would go. Mr. Egerton and Mr. Toulson said the same. Then they promised to lay before their lordships their proposals upon this matter in writing.

Marquis of Carmarthen about said pirates.

The Marquis of Carmarthen attending, acquainted their lordships that since the last time he was at the Board, he had got some affidavits, and expected some others by Monday next [fo. 313], which plainly charged Breholt with acts of piracy; whereupon being ask'd if he would leave what affidavits he had with the Board, he said he thought it would be as well to bring them altogether on Monday.

June 20. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Pennsylvania.

Letter from Mr. Penn desiring the perusal of some books in this office.

Answer.

A letter from Mr. Penn, of the 17th instant, desiring that his agent may have the perusal of the books in this office, in relation to the affairs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, and have copies of such papers as he shall have need of, was read; whereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Pen, to acquaint him that it is not proper the whole books should be inspected by his agent, and therefore their lordships cannot allow thereof; but, if he will particularly specify what the papers are he is desirous to see, their lordships will consider thereof.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Newman about English slaves at Algiers.

A letter from Mr. Henry Newman, of this day's date, inclosing one to him from Mr. James Kirkwood, dated at Ferrygate in North Britain, the 6th of this instant, relating to several of her Majesty's subjects being taken by the Turks and Algerines, and sold for slaves, contrary to the treaty between this kingdom and those people, was read.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Major Lloyd.

A letter from Major Lloyd, late commander of the garrison at St. John's in Newfoundland, dated at Placentia the 15th of February last, desiring to be exchanged pursuant to the chartel settled in those parts, was read; and a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing a copy thereof, was signed.

Plantations General.

Marquis of Carmarthen about pirates.

The Marquis of Carmarthen again attending in relation to the pirates at Madagascar, mentioned in the minutes of the 16th instant [fo. 133, 144], he desired that he might be heard before their lordships should make their report on the proposals of the Lord Morton; whereupon he was acquainted that so soon as the Board had received the said proposal, they would consider of what he offer'd.

Miscellanies.

Lord Chamberlain's additional proposal about Germans.

Then their lordships agreed to take into consideration to-morrow morning an additional proposal of the Lord Chamberlain [fo. 131, 138], for settling several families of the poor Germans lately come from the Palatinate, mentioned in the minutes of the 15th instant.

June 21. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Miscellanies.

Mr. Aston.

Lord Chamberlain's additional proposal about the poor Germans.

Mr. Aston attending from the Lord Chamberlain [fo. 137], his additional proposal mentioned in yesterday's minutes, was read; whereupon their lordships observed that the sum of fifteen hundred and fifteen pounds and fifteen shillings, proposed to be allowed by her Majesty towards the settling of 20 families of the poor Germans, was so great that, if the rest were to be settled upon the same foot, it might amount to above 150,000l.; besides that the intention was not to settle these people here upon a better foot than our own; but only to give ‘em such employment as they may subsist thereby, and therefore their lordships desired Mr. Aston to offer to the Lord Chamberlain's consideration the employing of the said Germans in improving his lordship's uncultivated lands, as his servants, and for his own profits, he allowing them food, clothing and lodging, and her Majesty to be only at the charge of conveying them to the said lands; besides that this method appear'd to the Board more practicable than the proposal, and even more advantagious to his lordship himself; it would not be any restraint to his lordship's good intentions to the said Germans, for, after they should have improved the said lands, he might, as he found any of them deserving, take such of them as he thought fit for his tenants; upon which Mr. Aston said he would acquaint the Lord Chamberlain therewith, and give the Board an answer in a few days.

Lists of Germans arrived and accounts of disbursements for their use.

Mr. Ruperti attending [fo. 119, 140], presented to their lordships lists of the Germans that arrived here the 2nd and 11th instant, and an abstract thereof, and of two former lists, was read. He also presented to the Board four accounts of the disbursements of the money they have received by her Majesty's order, for the use of the said Germans.

June 23. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Miscellanies.

Memorial from Mr. Tribbeko &c. praying some persons may be join'd with them to take care of the Germans.

A memorial from Mr. Tribbeko and Mr. Ruperti [fo. 139], signifying that by reason of the great increase of the number of the poor Germans, they were no longer able, without further assistance, to take care of them, and to distribute her Majesty's bounty to them, and therefore praying that some other persons may be joined with them, was read; whereupon a letter was writ to the Lord Treasurer, inclosing a copy of the said memorial, and proposing Mr. Ludolph and Mr. Sherer, as recommended by Mr. Tribbeko, to be joined with them.

Memoriall from Dr. Stringer about poor Germans.

A memorial signed by Doctor Stringer and several other gentlemen [fo. 125], relating to the imploying of the poor Germans in some mines in Wales and elsewhere, was read.

Her Majesty's warrant for paying mony for the poor Germans.

Copy of her Majesty's warrant to Mr. Compton, dated the 4th of June, 1709, directing him to pay 24l. a day to the poor Germans over and above sixteen pounds per day by a former warrant, was read.

Another warrant for paying mony to the said Germans.

Copy of another warrant to Mr. Compton, dated the 14th instant, directing him to pay forty pounds per day more for the poor Germans, over and above the 40l. per day by former warrants, was also read.

Pennsylvania.

Maryland.

Mr. Penn about extracts out of the journals.

Mr. Penn desiring that he might have extracts out of the journals of this office of the 2nd of September, the 8th and 17th of October, 1685, relating to (fn. 1) hearings in Council between him and the Lord Baltimore, ordered that he have copies of the said extracts accordingly.

June 27. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Jamaica.

Trade.

Mr. Way, Mr. Broughton and Mr. Bernard.

Letter from the Earl of Sunderland.

Petition of Mr. Onslow, &c.

Debt due from the Assiento Factors.

Mr. Way, Mr. Broughton, and Mr. Thomas Bernard attending, a letter from the Earl of Sunderland of the 23rd of May last, referring to this Board the petition of Thomas Onslow, Benjamin Way &c., relating to a debt of 86, 014 peices of eight due to them from the Factors of the Assiento, was read, together with the said petition and the papers thereunto annexed; whereupon these gentlemen being asked what it was they desired from her Majesty, they said that they were sensible nothing could be done for them at present; but they hoped that when a treaty should be set on foot, between her Majesty and the King of Spain, that her Majesty would then be graciously pleased to give directions to her Ministers for demanding satisfaction for the said debt; and till such a treaty should be enter'd upon they desired their lordships would please to let the matter rest here; and they added that in the meantime they would endeavour to get the proofs of their debt authenticated from Jamaica.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Mr. Sharp, Walker and Beresford.

Complaints against Mr. Crow.

A letter from Mr. Sharp, Mr. Walker and Mr. Beresford, three of the members of her Majesty's Council in Barbadoes, was read, complaining that Mr. Crow had not yet reinstated them in Council, nor given directions for swearing their witnesses to the complaints against him, notwithstanding his having read her Majesty's order in that behalf [fo. 34, 155], and the following papers therewith transmitted were laid before the Board, vizt.:
Papers therewith transmitted.
Minutes of Council of the 12th of May, 1709, relating to an address from the Assembly of Barbadoes to Mr. crow, desiring he would not restore Mr. Sharp &c. to the Council till her Majesty's further pleasure therein be known.
Memorial from Mr. Sharp, Mr. Walker &c. to Mr. Crow, praying that witnesses may be examined before Judge Beckles or others, to prove the allegations in their representation against the said Crow, dated the 12th of May, 1709.
Copy of Mr. Crow's answer to ye memorial of Mr. Sharp, Mr. Walker &c., of the 12th of May, 1709, praying that witnesses might be examined before Judge Beckles or others &c.
A certificate from Mr. Skeen that Mr. Sharp, Mr. Walker &c., did make oath before him, that the papers annexed to the said certificate are true copies of what they delivered to Mr. Crow, relating to the examination of witnesses &c., and praying copies of the Assembly's address to the Queen against them, as also of the affidavits relating thereunto.

June 29. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Monckton.

Bahama Islands.

Letter relating to the French and Spaniards seizing those islands.

Their cruelties &c.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland with a copy thereof.

Mr. Graves attending, communicated to their lordships a letter he had received from Mr. John Crofts, dated in Virginia the 4th of April last, and gave their lordships a copy thereof, which was read, giving an account that the French and Spaniards had possess'd themselves of several of the Bahama Islands [fo. 145], and committed great cruelties and barbarities on her Majesty's subjects there; whereupon a letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing a copy of the foresaid letter from Mr. Crofts, was sign'd.

Plantations General.

Letter to the Marquis of Carmarthen.

Breholt pirates.

Ordered that the Marquis of Carmarthen have notice that their lordships will be ready on Friday next [fo. 137, 150] to hear what he may have further to offer in relation to his memorial concerning Breholt and the pirates at Madagascar.

Virginia.

Letter from Col. Jenings.

Letter to Mr. Burchet. Guardships.

A letter from Colonel Jenings, President of the Council of Virginia, dated the 31st of March last, relating chiefly to the want of a guardship for that province, was read; and thereupon ordered [fo. 146] that so much of the said letter as relates to the guardship, be sent to Mr. Burchet, to be laid before the Lord High Admiral.