Journal, February 1728: Journal Book E.E

Journal, February 1728

February 2. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Reference and Duke of Montagu's petition considered.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the reference upon the Duke of Montagu's petition for the Island of Tobago, and the other papers upon that subject, mentioned in the Minutes of the last meeting; their Lordships also took into consideration the following papers, viz:—

Extract of a letter from Sir Thomas Lynch, Governor of Jamaica, dated 29th August, 1682 [Jamaica Entries Vol. 2, folio 88].

Extract of another letter from Sir Thomas Lynch, dated the 6th of November, 1682 [Jamaica Entries Vol. 2, folio 112].

An Order in Council of 30th March, 1699, referring to the Council of Trade the petition of Sir William Waller, etc., relating to the settlement of Tobago [Barbadoes A., folio 251].

Representation thereupon [Barbadoes A., folio 268].

Memorial from Mr. Puckle, etc., about settling Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle B., No. 47].

Copies of articles of agreement between Monsieur Blomberg, Envoy of Courland, and Mr. Puckle, relating to Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle B., No. 48].

Grant of King Charles the 2nd to the Duke of Courland of Tobago, taken out of Dr. Conner's 2nd Volume of the History of Poland, in the 10th letter, page 108 [Barbadoes Bundle B., No. 94].

Petition of Captain Poyntz, praying to be heard before a report be made about settling Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle B., No. 50].

Memorial from Captain Poyntz, giving an account of Tobago, from the first settlement thereof by the Spaniards [Barbadoes Bundle C., No. 28].

Memorial from Captain Poyntz, in answer to a letter writ him the 22nd of November, 1699, about Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle C., No. 30].

Memorial from the agents of Barbadoes in relation to Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle B., folio 5].

Representation relating to his Majesty's right and title to the Island of Tobago, and several papers, therein referred to, dated 1699–1700 [Barbadoes Bundle B., folio 15].

Representation upon the petition of Mr. Du Pin and others, relating to the settling of Tobago, and the papers, therein referred to, dated 28th March, 1700 [Barbadoes Bundle B., folio 33].

Order in Council thereupon [Barbadoes Bundle C., No. 50].

Extract of a representation of the Board, giving an account of her Majesty's right to Tobago, dated 2nd of June, 1709 [Plantations General D., folio 318].

A letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope, with extract of one from Mr. Sharpe, at Barbadoes, relating to the French pretensions to the Island of Tobago [Barbadoes H., folio 304].

Letter from the Lord Townshend with the merchants' petition, that Tobago may be inserted in the Governor's commission. [Barbadoes Bundle V., No. 5].

The Board's answer thereto, of 15th February, 1721–1.

Letter from Lord Carteret, with a memorial from Lord Belhaven about granting lands there [Barbadoes Bundle V., No. 63].

The Board's answer, dated the 14th of September.

Letter from Lord Carteret in reply thereto [Barbadoes Bundle V., No. 64].

The Board's further answer of the 4th of October, 1721.

Letter from Lord Carteret, directing an instruction to be prepared about granting lands in Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle V., No. 65].

The Board's letter and instruction of the 17th October, 1721.

Order in Council approving thereof [Barbadoes Bundle V., No. 70].

Letter from Mr. Worseley, and papers about the French disputing his Majesty's title to the Island of Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle W., Nos. 38, 39, 40 and 41].

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle, inclosing copies thereof, January 26th, 1724–5.

Letter from Mr. Worseley, signifying the French have appointed a Lieut. Governor of Tobago [Barbadoes Bundle W., No. 42].

Letter to the Duke of Newcastle with a copy thereof, dated the 14th April, 1725.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle, directing the Board what to write to Mr. Worseley upon the subject [Barbadoes Bundle W., No. 53].

Letter to Mr. Worseley thereupon, dated 29th April, 1725.

Ordered that the Duke of Montagu be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him on Thursday morning next.

New Jersey.

Letter from Mr. Burnet

A letter from Mr. Burnet, Governor of New Jersey, to the Board, dated at New York, the 18th of December, 1727, was read, with.

and an address, sent to the Duke of Newcastle.

An address of the Governor, Council and Assembly of New Jersey upon his Majesty King George the 2nd's accession to the Crown;

And a letter for enclosing the said address to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, was signed.

Trade.

Letters ordered to the consuls.

Ordered that the draught of a letter be prepared to all his Majesty's consuls abroad, desiring them to send an exact account of what duties are payable on any goods of the growth, product or manufacture of Great Britain, imported within their respective districts.

St. Christophers.

Mr. Sharpe in behalf of Mr. Greathead against General Matthew.

Letters ordered to Mr. Greathead and General Matthew.

Mr. Sharpe attending, in behalf of Mr. Greathead, whose petition complaining against Lieut. General Matthew, for having removed him from the office of Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench, etc., as mentioned in the Minutes of the 6th of December last, desired their Lordships would please to direct that General Matthew and Mr. Greathead, and such other persons, as they shall think proper, may make affidavits before any judge or magistrate in St. Christophers, in relation to the charge transmitted by General Matthew against the said Greathead, and that General Matthew and Mr. Greathead do give to each other copies of such affidavits, as shall be made on each side, and that the said affidavits be returned to the Board under the seal of the Leeward Islands, as soon as conveniently may be; and the Secretary acquainting the Board that Mr. Nivine, who appears for Lieut. General Matthew, had agreed thereto, their Lordships gave directions that draughts of letters to Lieut. General Matthew and Mr. Greathead should be prepared accordingly.

Plantations General.

Colonel Dunbar's instructions ordered.

Their Lordships taking again into consideration Colonel Dunbar's observations in relation to the execution of his office of Surveyor General of the Woods in America, mentioned in the Minutes of the 23rd of the last month, gave directions for preparing the draught of instructions for him.

February 6. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

St. Christophers.

Memorial of Mr. Johnson for Copies of General Matthew's reasons for removing him from being a judge.

Copies ordered.

A memorial from Mr. Johnson, lately removed from being one of the Judges of the Courts of King's Bench and Common Pleas, etc., of the Island of St. Christophers, by Lieut. General Matthew, and desiring to have copies of what reasons the said General Matthew may have laid before the Board against him, was read; whereupon ordered that copies be made accordingly.

Letter from Mr. Willett, letters ordered to him and General Matthew.

Their Lordships, taking again into consideration the letter from Mr. Willett, one of the Council of St. Christophers, and the papers, therein referred to, (mentioned in the Minutes of the 26th of the last month), in relation to his being ill-used by General Matthew, gave directions that copies of the said letter and papers should be sent to General Matthew, for him to give his answer thereto, in the same manner as in case of Greathead, mentioned in the Minutes of the last meeting; ordered that a letter be writ in like manner to Mr. Willett.

Representation ordered to confirm the Registry Act.

Their Lordships, taking again into consideration the Registry Act of St. Christophers, mentioned in the Minutes of the 26th of the last month, gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation for confirming the same.

February 7. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

St. Christophers.

Representation upon the Registry Act considered.

Their Lordships took into consideration the draught of a representation, ordered yesterday to be prepared, upon the Registry Act of St. Christophers, and made a progress therein.

Plantations General.

Letter to Mr. Scrope upon a Bill for preserving the woods.

A letter to Mr. Scrope, reminding him of the letter writ to him the 16th of March last, with the draught of a Bill for the better and more effectual preserving his Majesty's woods in America, was agreed and ordered to be sent.

February 8. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Duke of Montagu upon his petition, representation ordered.

The Duke of Montagu attending, as he had been desired, their Lordships had some discourse with his Grace upon the petition, mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd instant, in relation to the Island of Tobago; and gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

St. Vincents.

St. Lucia.

Extract of letters and papers.

One extract and deposition to be sent to the Duke of Newcastle.

His Grace then presented to the Board the extract of two letters to him from Mr. John Bennet, merchant in Barbadoes, dated the 17th of September, 1726, and 30th of November, 1727, with a deposition of John Ridley, of that island, mariner, in relation to the proceedings of the French at St. Lucia and St. Vincent's; which being read, ordered that the draught of a letter be prepared, for enclosing to the Duke of Newcastle the latter of the before mentioned extracts and the deposition.

St. Christophers.

Letters to General Matthew, Mr. Greathead and Mr. Willett, agreed and ordered to be sent.

The letter to General Matthew, upon the complaint of Mr. Greathead, for being removed from Chief Justice of St. Christophers, mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd inst., and upon the complaint of Mr. Willett, for being ill-treated by General Mathew in Council, mentioned in the Minutes of the 6th inst., was agreed and ordered to be sent; as also

The letter to Mr. Greathead, ordered to be prepared the 2nd inst., and

The letter to Mr. Willett, ordered to be prepared the 6th inst.

February 9. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe.

Barbadoes.

St. Vincent.

St. Lucia.

Letter to the Duke of Newcastle, with extract and deposition, signed.

The letter, ordered yesterday to be prepared, for enclosing to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, the extract and deposition, in relation to the proceedings of the French at St. Vincent's and Santa Lucia, read yesterday, was agreed and signed.

Jamaica.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Carkesse to know if Compeachy be an English plantation, answer ordered.

A letter from Mr. Carkesse, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, dated the 8th inst., desiring the opinion of the Board, whether Campeachy is esteemed a plantation belonging to the Crown of Great Britain, was read, and the draught of an answer ordered to be prepared thereto.

February 13. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Representation upon Duke of Montagu's petition considered.

Their Lordships took into consideration the draught of a representation, ordered to be prepared the 8th inst., upon the Duke of Montagu's petition for the Island of Tobago, and made a progress therein.

February 15. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Representation upon Duke of Montagu's petition considered.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition for the Island of Tobago, mentioned in the Minutes of the last meeting, and made a progress therein.

Virginia.

Earl of Ordkney recommends a Councillor.

Representation ordered and signed.

The Earl of Orkney, Governor of Virginia, attending, acquainted the Board that Colonel Harrison, one of the Council of Virginia, was dead, and recommended Colonel William Randolph to supply the said vacancy; and their Lordships observing, by a letter from Major Gooch, Lieut. Governor of Virginia, dated the 13th of December last, now read, that he gives the Board the same information, and recommends the same person; ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared for proposing Colonel Randolph to be of the Council accordingly.

February 16. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

The representation, ordered yesterday to be prepared, for proposing Colonel William Randolph to be of the Council of Virginia, in the room of Colonel Harrison, deceased, was agreed and signed.

Trade.

Letter to the Consuls, duties on British goods.

A letter to all his Majesty's consuls abroad, directed to be prepared the 2nd inst., desiring them to send an exact account of what duties are payable on any goods of the growth, product or manufacture of Great Britain, imported within their respective districts, was agreed and ordered to be sent.

New Hampshire.

Letter from Mr. Wentworth with papers and Acts.

A letter from Mr. Wentworth, Lieut. Governor of New Hampshire, dated the 7th of August last, was read, and the papers, therein referred to, were laid before the Board, viz:—
Minutes of Council in Assembly, from the 25th November, 1726, to the 20th of May, 1727.
Stores of war remaining in his Majesty's Fort William and Mary, the 28th of May, 1727.
Five Acts, passed at New Hampshire in December, 1726, and May, 1727.

Acts sent to Mr. Fane.

Ordered that the said Acts be sent to Mr. Fane, for his opinion thereupon in point of law.

Letter from Colonel Wentworth.

A letter from Colonel Wentworth, dated the 25th of September, 1727, was read.

Answer ordered to the letters.

Ordered that the draught of an answer be prepared to Mr. Wentworth's said letters.

Montserrat.

Duke of Newcastle's letter about negroes being detained.

Colonel Hart Summoned.

Their Lordships, taking again into consideration a letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 16th of November, 1724, mentioned in the Minutes of the 20th of the same month, referring to the Board several papers, in relation to some negroes belonging to Mr. Garret in Guardeloupe being detained by Mr. Molineux in Montserrat, and their Lordships observing that Colonel Hart, late Governor of the Leeward Islands, had not given any account of this matter, as desired by the Secretary's letter to him of the 23rd of November, 1724, ordered that he be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him thereupon on Tuesday morning next.

February 20. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Plantations General.

Order in Council, memorial of the Admiralty, naval stores.

Colonel Spotswood and Mr. Gee's attendance.

An Order in Council, dated the 15th inst., referring to the Board a memorial from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in relation to the production of naval stores in America, and directing this Board to report to his Majesty what methods they conceive will most effectually conduce to that end, was read; and the Earl of Westmorland, acquainting their Lordships that he had been here yesterday, (having been present at the Council on Thursday last, when the said memorial was agreed to be referred to this Board), and given directions that Colonel Spotswood, late Lieut. Governor of Virginia, and Mr. Gee, should be desired to attend this day in relation thereto, they attended accordingly, and being desired to let their Lordships have, as soon as may be, their opinion in writing upon the said memorial, ordered that the Secretary do give them an extract thereof.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Letter from the Duke of Montagu, desiring that the planters of Tabago may be exempted from the 4½ per cent.

A letter from the Duke of Montagu, dated this day, desiring that the planters of Tobago may be exempted from paying the duty of 4½ per cent. for the space of ten years, and acquainting the Board that in consequence thereof, he was willing to raise fortifications on the said island at his own expence, was read.

Montserrat.

Colonel Hart attends about negroes detained by Mr. Molineux.

Colonel Hart attending, as he had been desired, their Lordships reminded him of a letter writ him the 23rd of November, 1724, whereby he was desired to enquire into the truth of a complaint made by the French Ambassador here, against one Molineux of Montserrat, for detaining some negroes belonging to Mr. Garret of Guadaloupe, but Colonel Hart not having made any return to the aforesaid letter, their Lordships desired he would, as soon as possible, let them have his answer thereto.

February 21. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Antigua.

Earl of Londonderry recommends a councillor (to supply a vacancy) viz., George Thomas Esq.,

The Earl of Londonderry, appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands, attending, acquainted the Board that there was a vacancy in the Council of Antigua, occasioned by the death of Thomas Morris, Esq., and his Lordship at the same time recommending George Thomas, Esq., to supply the said vacancy, the Board agreed to consider further thereof, when his Lordship's instructions, ordered to be prepared the 2nd of the last month, should be laid before the Board.

and Colonel Hart recommends Francis Carlile. Esq.,

A letter from Colonel Hart, dated this day, recommending Francis Carlile, Esq., to supply the aforesaid vacancy, was read; as also

Mr. Byam's petition in behalf of Mr. Carlile.

Mr. Chester summoned.

A petition of Mr. Edward By am in behalf of Francis Carlile, Esq., recommended to be of the Council of Antigua, and desiring the Board to appoint a day for considering a caveat entered in this office against him, their Lordships examined the list of persons recommended to supply vacancies in the Council of Antigua, and observing that Mr. Robert Chester had desired the 21st of October, 1726, to be heard against the said Mr. Carlile, ordered that Mr. Chester and Mr. Byam be acquainted that the Board have appointed next Friday morning for hearing what they may have to offer upon this subject.

Trade.

Representation upon duties laid by the King of Sardinia on our Woollen goods considered.

Merchants summoned.

Their Lordships, taking into consideration the draught of a representation, ordered to be prepared the 17th of March, 1726–7, upon an edict made by the King of Sardinia, laying new duties upon several species of woollen manufactures imported into his dominions, gave directions for acquainting Mr. Loubiere, who attended the Board upon this subject the 6th of December, 1726, and Mr. Jackson, who likewise attended the 28th of February following, that the Board desire to speak with them on Friday morning next.

February 22. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition agreed.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition, praying for a grant of the Island of Tobago, mentioned in the Minutes of the 20th inst., the same was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

February 23. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Trade.

Merchants attend upon the King of Sardinia's edict, duties on woollen goods.

Mr. Loubiere and Mr. Jackson attending, as they had been desired, in relation to the King of Sardinia's edict laying new duties upon several species of our woollen manufactures imported into his dominions, mentioned in the Minutes of the 21st inst., and their Lordships taking the same again into consideration, desired these gentlemen would let the Board have their opinion what measures they thought might be taken, to prevent the inconveniences, that will attend the said edict; upon which Mr. Jackson acquainted their Lordships, that considering the great quantity of thrown and raw silk annually imported hither from Piedmont, he believed a duty to be imposed thereon, large enough to amount to a prohibition, might probably induce the King of Sardinia to alter the aforesaid edict, but if it should not, he apprehended it might be of ill-consequence, because the weavers use great quantities thereof in their manufactures, and cannot have silk from any other place to supply the want of this, which is the finest silk that is produced in any part of the world.

These gentlemen being withdrawn, ordered that Mr. Paul Houssay, Mr. David Martin and Mr. Treguet have notice to attend the Board on Wednesday morning, the 10th of April next, at 11 o' the clock.

Antigua.

Mr. Chester not appearing against Mr. Carlile, and several merchants attending in his behalf.

Mr. Robert Chester, not attending, as he had been desired, nor anybody from him, in relation to a caveat entered in this office by him the 21st of October, 1726, against Mr. Carlile's being appointed of the Council of Antigua; but Colonel Warner, Mr. Tryon, Mr. Yeamans, Mr. By am, and many other gentlemen, attending in his behalf, Colonel Warner acquainted the Board, that he was informed that Sir William Codrington had desired Mr. Chester to enter the said caveat against Mr. Carlile, but that at present he did not intend to prosecute the same.

Mr. Byam's petition to be further considered.

These gentlemen being withdrawn, their Lordships resolved to consider further of Mr. Byam's petition, read the 21st inst., desiring that Mr. Carlile may be appointed of the Council of Antigua, when the Earl of Londonderry's instructions, ordered to be prepared the 2nd of the last month, should be laid before the Board.

St. Christophers.

Representation upon the Registry Act agreed.

The draught of a representation, mentioned in the Minutes of the 7th instant, upon the Registers Act of St. Christophers, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition signed, and letter to the Duke of Newcastle.

February 27. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

The representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition for the Island of Tobago, agreed the 22nd instant, was signed, as also a letter for enclosing the same to the Duke of Newcastle.

St. Christophers.

Representation upon the Registry Act signed.

The representation upon the Act, passed at St. Christophers in 1727, against covinous and fraudulent conveyances, and for a public registry in the Island of St. Christophers, agreed yesterday, was signed.

Barbadoes.

Assembly's complaint against their Governor.

A letter from the members of the Assembly of Barbadoes, complaining against Mr. Worseley, and inclosing a petition to his Majesty upon this subject, was read; and their Lordships observing by the said letter, that some gentlemen in London have directions to attend the Board in relation to this complaint, resolved to consider further thereof, when application should be made to the Board for that purpose.

Trade.

Letter from Lord Townshend with papers.

A letter from the Lord Viscount Townshend, dated the 22nd inst., was read, as also the papers therewith transmitted, viz:—

Wrecks on the Danish territories.

An extract of a letter from Mr. Wich, relating to a regulation proper to be made with respect to wrecks and ships stranded on the Danish territories in the Elbe.

King of Denmark offers to treat thereupon.

The translation of a rescript of the King of Denmark, offering to treat upon that subject.

Merchants summoned.

Whereupon ordered that Sir Peter Meyer and Mr. Hankell be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with them, and such other Hamburgh merchants, as they shall think proper, on Thursday morning next.

Letter from Mr. Tigh with lists of ships, to be answered.

A letter from Mr. Tigh, consul at Elsinore, of 31st December last, with lists of ships passing and repassing the Sound in 1727, was read;

Ordered that the Secretary acknowledge the receipt thereof.

Antigua.

Letter to Sir William Codrington to know if he returns to this island, ordered.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Sir William Codrington, one of the Council of Antigua, now in London, to know whether, and when, he designs to return to that island.

February 28. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

New Hampshire.

Council not Complete, Colonel Shute summoned.

Their Lordships taking notice that the Council of New Hampshire was not complete, ordered that Colonel Shute, late Governor of that province, be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him thereupon to-morrow morning.

Plantations General.

Letter from Mr. Carey, naval stores, merchants summoned.

A letter from Mr. Carey, dated this day, in answer to one writ to him the 20th inst., in relation to the production of naval stores in the Plantations, was read; whereupon ordered that Mr. Carey be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him and the other merchants, mentioned in his letter, on Wednesday morning next.

Antigua.

Letter to Sir William Codrington sent.

The letter directed yesterday to be prepared to Sir William Codrington, one of the Council of Antigua, was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Tigh sent.

The answer directed to be prepared to Mr. Tigh's letter, mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, was likewise agreed and ordered to be sent.

Massachusets.

New Hampshire.

Order in Council.

Mr. Burnet's salary.

An Order in Council, dated the 15th inst., directing the Board to insert a clause in the draught of instructions, ordered to be transcribed the 17th of the last month, for Mr. Burnet, appointed Governor of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, in relation to his salary in each Province, was read, whereupon ordered that the draught of a clause be prepared accordingly.

New Hampshire.

Letter to Mr. Wentworth.

The letter to Mr. Wentworth, Lieut. Governor of New Hampshire, directed to be prepared the 16th inst., was agreed and ordered to be sent.

St. Christophers.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle considered.

The Assembly's address about money raised to build a fortification.

Their Lordships then taking into consideration a letter from the Duke of Newcastle, of the 31st of January, mentioned in the Minutes of the 23rd of February, 1726–7, referring to the Board an address from the Assembly of St. Christophers, desiring that Lieut. Governor Matthew may give them an account of the money raised by an Act, passed in that island, to build a fortification for the defence thereof, as also

Letter from General Matthew in answer to the address.

Colonel Hart and Mr. Meure summoned.

A letter from Lieut. Governor Matthew, dated the 31st of May, 1727, and mentioned in the Minutes of the 19th of October following, in answer to the aforesaid address; their Lordships ordered that Colonel Hart and Mr. Meure, agent for General Matthew, should be acquainted with the Board's desire of speaking with them to-morrow morning.

February 29. Present:—Earl of Westmoreland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman.

Trade.

Merchants attend upon Lord Townshend's letter and papers about wrecks in the Elbe.

Mr. Hankell and Mr. Bulwork, merchants trading to Hamburgh, attending, as they had been desired, their Lordships took again into consideration the letter from the Lord Townshend and the papers, therein referred to, relating to wrecks and ships stranded in the Elbe, mentioned in the Minutes of the 27th inst.; and these gentlemen desiring to have copies of the said papers, their Lordships agreed thereto, and ordered that copies be likewise sent to Mr. John Hanbury, Governor of the Hamburgh Company, and that they be desired to consult with what persons they think proper, and let the Board have their sentiments upon this subject, as soon as possible.

New Hampshire.

Colonel Shute attends about Councillors.

Colonel Shute, late Governor of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, attending, as he had been desired, their Lordships shewed him their list of the Councillors of New Hampshire, and desiring he would inform the Board, whether the said Councillors were now alive in the Province, and that he would give the Board a list of persons proper to supply what vacancies may happen in the said Council; he desired the Board would give him a copy of the said list, and promised, in a day or two's time, to let their Lordships have his remarks thereon.

Colonel Shute being withdrawn, ordered that the list of Councillors of New Hampshire, and of those persons, which are recommended to supply vacancies therein, be sent to him.

St. Christophers.

Colonel Hart and Mr. Meure attend upon the Assembly's complaint against General Matthew.

Colonel Hart, Governor of the Leeward Islands, attending, as he had been desired, as also Mr. Meure, in behalf of General Matthew, their Lordships took again into consideration the letter from the Duke of Newcastle, and the other papers, mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, relating to the address of the Assembly of St. Christophers, complaining against General Matthew, for not having accounted with them for some money raised in that island for building some fortifications on Brimstone Hill.

Mr. Beake summoned.

But Colonel Hart acquainting their Lordships, that Mr. Beake, agent for that island, might possibly give their Lordships some light into this affair, their Lordships deferred the consideration thereof till this day fortnight, and ordered that Mr. Beake have notice to attend accordingly.

Montserrat.

Letter from Colonel Hart about negroes detained by Mr. Molineux.

Representation to be prepared.

A letter from Colonel Hart, of the 24th inst., relating to some negroes, belonging to one Garret of Guadaloupe, being detained by Mr. Molineux of Montserrat, and inclosing an account of the losses, given in upon oath, of the inhabitants of Montserrat, sustained by the attack made by the French in the year 1712, was read; and their Lordships, after some discourse with Colonel Hart upon this subject, gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation in answer to the Duke of Newcastle's letter upon this subject, dated the 16th and read the 20th of November, 1724.