Journal, March 1732: Journal Book J.J

Journal, March 1732

March 2. Present:—Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Brudenell, Sir O. Bridgeman.

Bahamas.

Sale of the islands.

Mr. Shelton, Secretary to the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands, attending, desired the Board would please to make their report concerning the sale thereof, pursuant to the Order of the Committee of Council, read the 18th of March, 1730–1, and Mr. Shelton being withdrawn, their Lordships took into consideration the report, ordered to be prepared the 25th of last month, and made a progress therein.

March 3. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Brigdeman.

Trade.

Order of the House of Commons, running of wool.

An Order of the House of Commons, dated the 29th of last month, requiring this Board to lay before the House such methods, as have been thought of by them, for preventing the running of wool from England and Ireland for the future, was read, and the draught of a report was ordered to be prepared thereupon.

March 6. Present:—Mr. Docminique, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Brudenell.

Trade.

Report, running of wool, signed.

The report to the House of Commons, ordered to be prepared at the last meeting, about the running of wool from England and Ireland, was agreed and signed.

New Hampshire.

Petition of Mr. Belcher against Mr. Atkinson.

An Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council, dated the 3rd of February, 1731–2, referring to the Board the petition of Mr. Belcher against the appointing Mr. Atkinson to be of the Council of New Hampshire, was read, and the Secretary acquainting the Board that Mr. Dunbar desired a copy thereof, as also that the Board would please to appoint a day for considering the same, a copy thereof was ordered accordingly, and Mr. Dunbar, Mr. Belcher and Mr. Partridge were directed to be summoned for Thursday next.

March 7. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman.

Trade.

Report, Sweden, signed.

The report upon the Swedish trade, agreed the 29th of the last month, was signed, as also a letter, for inclosing the same to the Lord Harrington.

South Carolina.

Representation repealing Act.

Courts of Justice, signed.

The representation ordered to be prepared the 22nd of the last month for repealing the Act, passed in South Carolina in 1726–7, for the better settling of courts of justice, was agreed and signed.

March 8. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman.

Virginia.

Lord Fairfax's grant.

The Secretary laid before the Board the copy of the grant of a tract of land in Virginia to the Lord Fairfax, which was read.

New Hampshire.

Petition against Mr. Atkinson's being a Councillor.

A letter from Mr. Partridge, excusing his attendance on the Board, his nephew Mr. Belcher being out of town, was read, and directions were given for summoning Mr. Belcher and Mr. Dunbar to attend the Board to-morrow sennight, upon the said Mr. Belcher's petition against the appointing Mr. Atkinson to be of the Council of New Hampshire, read the 6th instant.

New Jersey.

Mr. Partridge prays the consideration of Acts.

A memorial from Mr. Partridge, agent for New Jersey, praying that several Acts, passed there, may be laid before the King for confirmation, and the Board taking into consideration the Order of the Committee of Council, dated the 7th of July, 1731, referring to this Board a petition of the said Mr. Partridge, desiring the confirmation of several Acts, passed in the said province, read the 22nd of July last, Mr. Fane's report upon several laws, passed there in 1730, was read, and directions were given for preparing the draught of a representation for confirming the two following Acts, viz:—An Act the better to enable the inhabitants of this colony to support Government, discharge their engagements in the loan offices, and for relieving their other necessities by making current £20,000 in bills of credit. And an Act, prescribing the forms of declaration of fidelity, the effect of the abjuration oath and affirmation, instead of the form heretofore required in such cases, and for repealing the former Acts in the like cases made and provided. And for repealing An Act imposing a duty on persons convicted of heinous crimes, and to prevent poor impotent persons being imported into this province of New Jersey, and for amendment of the law relating to servants.

Bahamas.

Lessees about their lease.

Report

The draught of a report upon the proposal of the lessees of the Bahama Islands to surrender their lease for the sum of 6000 guineas, ordered to be prepared the 2nd instant, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

March 9. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman.

signed.

The report upon the proposal of the lessees of the Bahama Islands to surrender their lease, agreed yesterday, was signed.

Newfoundland.

Letters and papers.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 23rd of November, 1731, was read, and the papers, therewith transmitted, were laid before the Board, viz:—
A letter from Captain Clinton, Governor of Newfoundland, dated there the 1st of October, 1731.
Copy of Mr. Attorney General's report, relating to the power of Justices of Peace in Newfoundland, December the 29th, 1730.
Proceedings of the Governor, Justices of Peace, etc., of Newfoundland, with a scheme of the fishery there in 1731.
The division of the island into districts, and several proceedings of the Justices of the Peace.

A letter from Captain Clinton, dated the 29th of July, 1731, was read, and the papers, therewith received, were laid before the Board, viz:—
Original warrant from two of the Fishing Admirals at Newfoundland, dated the 31st of May, 1731, to apprehend John Jones for not paying his passage in the Willing Mind, brigantine, belonging to Captain John Davis, merchant in Bristol.
Copy of Commodore Clinton's orders to the Admirals at Newfoundland, relating to the obstructions, which the Justices, etc., meet with from those Admirals assuming greater powers and privileges than the Act of Parliament directs, dated July the 12th, 1731.

A letter from Captain Osborn, Commander of His Majesty's ship the Squirrel at Newfoundland, dated the 28th of July, 1731, was read, and the papers, therewith transmitted, were laid before the Board, viz:—
Copy of a petition to Captain Osborn, Governor of Newfoundland, from the Justices of Peace at St. Johns', dated the 12th June, 1731, relating to the contempt and obstructions they meet with from the Fishing Admirals and other masters of ships there.
Captain Osborn's orders upon the said petition.

A letter from Mr. Benson, of Bideford, dated the 23rd of October, 1731, with a scheme of the fishery at Placentia in Newfoundland, for the year 1731, was read.

Mr. Fane's report, in answer to several queries, relating to the power of Fishing Admirals and civil magistrates in Newfoundland, dated 24th March, 1730–1, was read.

And their Lordships gave directions for acquainting the Lord Vere, Captain Clinton and Captain Osborn with the Board's desire of speaking with them upon this subject on Tuesday morning next.

March 14. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Sir A. Croft.

Newfoundland.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that Captain Clinton and Captain Osborn, whom he had informed of the Board's desire of speaking with this morning, were out of town.

Lord Vere.

Fishing Admirals.

Justices of the Peace.

The Lord Vere attending, as he had been desired, their Lordships had some discourse with him concerning the trade and fishery of Newfoundland, but particularly the disorders there, occasioned by the interferring power of the Fishing Admirals and the Justices of the Peace, as mentioned in the letter from the Duke of Newcastle and the other papers, read at the last meeting, and resolved to considered further thereof at another opportunity.

March 16. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman.

New Hampshire.

Mr. Atkinson.

Mr. Belcher attending, as he had been desired, with Mr. Partridge and Mr. Sharpe, as also Mr. Dunbar with Captain Tomlinson, and some other gentlemen, their Lordships took again into consideration the Order of the Committee of Council, referring to the Board the petition of Mr. Belcher against the appointing of Mr. Atkinson to be of the Council of New Hampshire, read the 6th instant, and desiring Mr. Belcher would inform the Board, whether he had anything to add to his said petition; Mr. Sharpe, in his behalf, submitted to the Board, whether a person, who had refused obedience to His Majesty's instructions (as set forth in Mr. Belcher's petition) was a fit person to be appointed a Councillor; upon which Mr. Dunbar, being called upon, said, that although Mr. Atkinson had refused returning the Custom House Seal to Mr. Belcher, upon his receiving Mr. Belcher's orders for that purpose, yet having a commission from the Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs to act as Deputy Collector in New Hampshire, his place did not become vacant upon the death of Mr. Bacon, who was principal Collector, and therefore Mr. Dunbar submitted to the Board, whether Mr. Belcher had any power to appoint another.

Their Lordships then, after hearing a good character of the said Mr. Atkinson, both with respect to his fortune and abilities, from Captain Tomlinson and Captain Renne, gave directions for writing to Mr. Carkesse, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, to know whether Mr. Atkinson had received any commission from that office.

Plantations General.

The representation, with the draughts of instructions for the several Governors in America against passing laws for the future, whereby the natives or inhabitants of the plantations are put on a more advantageous footing than those of Great Britain, agreed the 18th of the last month, was ordered to be transcribed.

New Jersey.

Representation, Acts.

The representation upon the New Jersey Acts, ordered to be prepared the 8th instant, was agreed.

Trade.

Sweden.

New prohibitions.

A letter from the Lord Harrington, dated the 8th instant, inclosing a translation of the new prohibitions contained in the late placard, published in Sweden, was read, and directions were given for summoning the Swedish merchants to attend on Tuesday next.

March 17. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Sir O. Bridgeman, Sir A. Croft.

New Jersey.

Representation, Acts.

The representation, agreed yesterday, upon the New Jersey Act, was signed.

March 21. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman.

Newfoundland.

Disorders.

Captain Clinton, the late Governor of Newfoundland, attending, the Board had some discourse with him about the disorders committed there, which are attributed to the interfering powers of the Fishing Admirals and the Justices of the Peace in Newfoundland; upon which Captain Clinton informed the Board, that the Justices there had never yet concerned themselves with any matter relating to the fishery; but that the Fishing Admirals often lend money to such inhabitants as have occasion for it, and by their early arrival the next year, becoming Admirals again, exert their utmost power to obtain what they had lent the preceding year, and very often are guilty of great oppression. The Board then desired Captain Clinton would put into writing anything that he might have further to offer upon this subject, which he promised accordingly.

Plantations General.

Address of the House of Lords for papers.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated this day, with an address from the House of Lords, requiring this Board to lay before the House the following papers, viz:—

The Board's report, of the 21st of January last, to his Majesty on the petition of several merchants of London for the more easy recovery of debts in the plantations.

Jamaica.

His Majesty's instructions to his Governor of Jamaica, directing him to recommend to the Assembly the passing a law for the more easy recovery of debts.

Virginia.

The Journal of the Assembly of Virginia, in June, 1730, relating to a clause proposed for the providing of debts by persons living out of that colony.

Plantations General.

They are laid before the House.

And the Act of Virginia, Declaring how long judgements, bonds, obligations and accounts shall be in force for the assignment of bonds, directing what shall be sufficient in such cases, and ascertaining the damage on protested bills of exchange, was read, and copies of the said papers, being laid before the Board, the Earl of Westmorland was desired to present them to the House.

March 22. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Sir A. Croft.

New York.

New Jersey.

Colonel Cosby's instructions.

Their Lordships taking into consideration the draught of instructions for Colonel Cosby, appointed Governor of New York and New Jersey, ordered to be prepared the 13th of January last, made a progress therein.

March 23. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Sir A. Croft.

Plantations General.

Sugar colonies.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated this day, enclosing an address from the House of Lords to His Majesty, requiring this Board to lay before the House the several representations laid before them from the sugar colonies, relating to the decay of the sugar trade and the proceedings had thereupon before the Board, was read, and the said papers being laid before the Board, the Earl of Westmorland was desired to present them to the House.

Jamaica.

New York.

Trade, Northern colonies.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 11th of February last, referring to the Board addresses from the Council and Assembly of Jamaica and of the President, Council and Assembly of New York, relating to the trade of the northern colonies and sugar plantations, was read.

Trade.

Sweden.

New prohibitions.

Mr. Norris attending, with another merchant trading to Sweden, their Lordships took again into consideration the letter from the Lord Harrington, relating to the new prohibitions contained in the late placard, published in Sweden, read the 16th instant, and desiring Mr. Norris would inform the Board how far the said prohibitions would affect the British trade: he said, that the English merchants would not be much affected thereby, because about 3/4 of what they imported from Sweden was paid for there in ready money, and that by much the greatest part of such English manufactures, as were wanted in that kingdom, were purchased here, and exported thither by factors from thence; but although for these reasons the English merchants would not be much affected, yet he conceived British manufactures would, and even the trade in some degree.

Representation ordered.

These gentlemen being withdrawn, the Board took into consideration the 12th Article of the treaty with Sweden, concluded in 1720, and finding the above-mentioned directly contrary thereto, gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

New Hampshire.

Mr. Atkinson.

A letter from Mr. Carkesse, dated the 18th, in answer to one writ him the 16th instant, to know whether Mr. Atkinson had received any commission from the Commissioners of the Customs to be Deputy Collector of the Customs in New Hampshire, was read; and the Board, taking into consideration the Order of the Committee upon this subject, mentioned in the Minutes of the 16th instant, gave directions for preparing the draught of a report for confirming the said Atkinson in the Council of New Hampshire.

March 24. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman, Sir A. Croft.

New York.

New Jersey.

Colonel Cosby's instructions.

Their Lordships taking into consideration the draught of instructions for Colonel Cosby, Governor of New York and New Jersey, mentioned in the Minutes of the 22nd instant, the same were agreed and ordered to be transcribed, as also the instructions, relating to the Acts of trade and navigation.

Trade.

Sweden.

Representation, new prohibitions, signed.

The representation, ordered yesterday to be prepared, upon the letter from Lord Harrington, relating to the new prohibitions, contained in the late placard published in Sweden, read the 16th instant, was agreed and signed, as also a letter, for inclosing the same to the Lord Harrington.

Miscellanies.

Petition of the clerks about their proportion of fees.

A petition from the clerks in this office, signifying their having offered to the solicitor and clerk of the reports an equal share of fees with themselves in every distribution, and praying the Board's approval thereof, was read; and their Lordships were pleased to approve the following proportions, viz:—the Secretary to have 2-5ths of the whole sum given, the deputy secretary 2-5ths of the Secretary's proportion, the solicitor and clerk of the reports 1¼th of the Secretary's proportion, and the clerks to have the remainder equally divided among them.

1732.

March 28. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Sir A. Croft.

New York.

French encroachments.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 23rd instant, relating to some encroachments made by the French on the territories of New York, and directing the Board to consider of and propose proper methods for putting a stop thereto, was read; and directions were given for preparing the draught of a report thereupon.

Miscellanies.

Salary and incidents.

A letter to the Treasury, for payment of incidents and salary, ending at Lady Day last, was signed.

March 29. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe.

Massachusetts.

House of Lords require papers.

New York.

New England.

Virginia.

An Order from the House of Lords, dated the 27th instant, requiring this Board to lay before the House a Journal of the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, held at Cambridge, on Wednesday, the 27th day of May, 1730, and from thence adjourned to Boston, on the 16th of December following. The Acts, passed in New York, New England and Virginia, for preventing the sale of rum to the Indians. Extract of this Board's report in 1721, relating to the trade from New England to the French islands. Extract of the report made by Cadwallader Colden, Esquire, Surveyor of New York, transmitted to the Board by William Burnet, Esquire, deceased, so far as the same relates to the navigation of the river of Canada, was read, and the said papers, being laid before the Board, the Earl of Westmorland was desired to present the same to the House of Lords.