Journal, July 1749: Volume 57

Journal, July 1749

Thursday, July 6. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fane, Sir Thomas Robinson.

Trade.

Africa.

Read a letter from the Duke of Bedford, dated the 30th of June, 1749, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that this Board do prepare a scheme for the better improving and extending the trade to Africa, and lay the same before both Houses of Parliament, at the beginning of the next session, pursuant to an address of the House of Lords to his Majesty of the 8th of June, 1749, and inclosing a copy of the said address.

Ordered that the Secretary do write a circular letter to the principal merchants in the Ports of London, Bristol and Liverpool, trading to Africa, and also to the gentlemen trading to and interested in the colonies, and to the African Company, desiring their opinion, with all convenient dispatch, and in as full and explicit a manner as possible, what will be the best method of securing, extending and improving that trade.

South and North Carolina.

Read a memorial of Mr. Henry McCulloch, appointed by his Majesty in 1739 Commissioner for supervising, inspecting and comptrolling the revenues and grants of land in the provinces of South and North Carolina, complaining of several hardships and injustices done to him by the Governor and other officers of the province of North Carolina.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. McCulloch to desire his attendance at the Board to-morrow morning, at eleven o'clock, upon the subject of the said memorial.

Plantations General.

Read a memorial of Sir Alexander Cuming, Baronet, relating to paper credit in the British colonies in America.

New Jersey.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Belcher, Governor of his Majesty's province of New Jersey, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, dated at Burlington, the 21st of April, 1749, to the Secretary,

New Jersey.
inclosing his answers to this Board's general queries relating to the state of that province, sent him by Mr. Hill.
Letter from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, to the Board, dated Burlington, the 22nd of April, 1749, giving an account of the distressed state of that province, occasioned by the riots and disturbances therein.
Letter from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, to the Board, dated the 21st of April, 1749, containing his observations upon several Acts passed in that province, and other matters relative to that government, and transmitting several publick papers, viz.:—
Minutes of Council in Assembly, from the 10th of November to the 15th of December, 1748.
Printed Votes of the General Assembly, from the 6th of July, 1748, to the 27th of March, 1749.
Six manuscript Acts, passed the 16th of December, 1748.

Ordered that the above-mentioned Acts be sent to Mr. Lamb, for his opinion thereupon in point of law, as soon as conveniently may be.

Nova Scotia.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, to the Board, dated May 10th, 1749, inclosing copy of his letter to the French Governor of Canada, in answer to one to him from Mr. Mascarene, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, containing some demands relative to the rights of the Crown of Great Britain.

Trade.

Plantations General.

It appearing to their lordships that several bills of exchange had been drawn upon the Master General or other officers of the Ordnance, by the several Governors, or others employed in carrying on the intended expedition to Canada, for expences incurred thereon, the Secretary was directed to write to the principal officers of the Ordnance for an exact account of such bills, distinguishing what hath been paid, and what may remain undirected to be paid; he was also directed to write to Mr. Aldworth, Deputy Secretary of State, to desire him to move his Grace the Duke of Bedford that a copy of a letter to him from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, dated the 2nd of July, 1748, relative to the service of this expedition, and which will be necessary for their lordships' information, may be transmitted to this Board, as also copies of any other letters or instructions relating to the said expedition.

Friday, July 7th. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Sir Thomas Robinson.

Massachusets.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council, dated the 29th of June, 1749, referring to this Board seven Acts, passed at Boston, in the province of the Massachusets Bay, in June, 1748.

Ordered that the said Acts be sent to Mr. Lamb, for his opinion thereupon in point of law, as soon as conveniently may be.

North Carolina.

Mr. McCulloch attending, as desired, was informed that their lordships intended to transmit a copy of his memorial, mentioned in the preceding minutes, to Mr. Johnston, the Governor of North Carolina, for his answer to the charge against him, therein contained; whereupon he prayed their lordships that Commissioners might be appointed to take the evidence of both parties, and that all such papers, as should be required in support of the charge, might be transmitted under the seal of the province; whereupon he was ordered to withdraw, and their lordships, after some time spent in the consideration of this affair, gave directions to the Secretary to transmit a copy of the said memorial to Mr. Johnston, the Governor of the said province, for his answer thereto, and desired him to return such depositions and proofs in his behalf as he should think proper, giving liberty at the same time to Mr. McCulloch, or any other person concerned, to make affidavits before any judge or other magistrate of what they knew concerning the said complaints, the said proofs and affidavits to be mutually interchanged, and twenty days allowed for reply by affidavits or otherwise, to be likewise interchanged and transmitted to their lordships without loss of time; that he do also enjoin the Secretary to give copies from the records to the complainant, or any other concerned, of any papers required by them to make good their charge, and that all depositions as well as copies of any records be transmitted under the seal of the province; and Mr. McCulloch, being again called in, was acquainted therewith. Their lordships at the same time acquainted Mr. McCulloch that they having received a letter from Mr. Johnston, Governor of North Carolina, dated the 28th December last, wherein he acquaints them, that he had not received the Order of Council, requiring him to transmit over evidence relative to the petition of the representatives of the five northern counties in that province, they desired to know at what time the said Order was transmitted by him to the petitioners; whereupon he said, he hoped their lordships would excuse his not attending on Wednesday the 29th of last month, pursuant to notice given him for that purpose, but that he was prevented by a dangerous illness of his son; that he received the Order from the Council office, the 18th August last, and sent it in the same month, and another copy some time after; that the first miscarried, and he learnt from a letter which he received from North Carolina, dated in January last, that the second copy was but then arrived.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Mascarene, President of the Council of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated at Annapolis Royal, the 28th of April, 1749, inclosing the two following letters, viz.:—
Copy of a letter from Monsieur de la Galissoniére, Governor of Canada, dated at Quebec, the 15th January, 1749, to Lieutenant Colonel Mascarene, containing some demands relative to the rights of the crown of Great Britain in North America.
Copy of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Mascarene to Monsieur de la Galissoniére, dated at Annapolis Royal, the 25th of April, 1749, in answer to the foregoing letter from him.

Ordered that copies of the above papers, and of those received from Mr. Shirley upon the same subject, read yesterday, be prepared, in order to be laid before his Grace the Duke of Bedford, and that the draught of a letter to him be also prepared, to transmit the same.

Bahama.

Read Mr. Lamb's report upon ten Acts, passed in the Bahama Islands, in the years 1745, 1746 and 1747. Dated the 2nd of November, 1748.

And their lordships having taken the said Acts into consideration, ordered the Secretary to write to Mr. Tinker, Governor of the said Islands, to acquaint him, that the Act entitled, An Act for settling and ascertaining the current rates of foreign gold in this Government, is liable to objection, inasmuch as there is no suspending clause inserted therein, nor any proviso that anything therein contained shall not restrain his Majesty from regulating or settling the said coins in any other manner by proclamation or instruction to the Governor; and therefore to desire him to get another law passed for the same purpose, not liable to this objection.

No objection appearing to their lordships against the other Acts, they were ordered to lye by probationary.

Tuesday, July 11. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Sir Thomas Robinson, Mr. Townshend.

Miscellanies.

Mr. Townshend, pursuant to the commission, mentioned in the minutes of the 28th of last month, this day took his seat at the Board.

New Jersey.

Their lordships took into consideration twenty three Acts, passed in the province of New Jersey, in the years 1746 and 1747, mentioned in the minutes of the 28th of May, 1748, and 20th of February last, and after some time spent therein, agreed further to consider the same to-morrow morning.

The Earl of Halifax having acquainted the Board that such of his Majesty's ministers as were members thereof, had agreed to meet to-morrow evening to take into consideration the state of the riots and disorders in the province of New Jersey, their lordships directed the Secretary to give notice to Mr. Partridge, agent for the province and Mr. Paris, agent for the Proprietors, to attend at the same time.

Wednesday, July 12. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend.

New Jersey.

Their Lordships, pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, took into consideration twenty three Acts, passed in the province of New Jersey, therein mentioned.

Ordered that the following Act be sent to Mr. Lamb, and that he be desired to reconsider the same and report his opinion thereupon, viz.:—
An act to oblige the several sheriffs in this colony of New Jersey to give security, and take the oaths or affirmation therein directed for the due discharge of their offices, and to prevent their too long continuance therein.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit the following Acts to the Attorney and Solicitor General, and desire their opinion thereupon, as soon as conveniently may be, viz.:—
An Act for naturalizing Peter Lauderbouch, Catherine, Elizabeth and Barbara, his three daughters.
New Jersey.
An Act for punishing the coiners and counterfeiters of foreign coin passing current, and the counterfeiters of bills of credit of this province.
An Act for avoiding actions of slander, and for stay of proceeding untill the first day of October, 1748, in other civil actions against the late rioters.
An Act for the suppressing and preventing of riots, tumults and other disorders within this colony.
An Act to pardon the persons guilty of the insurrections, riots and disorders raised and committed in this province.

Ordered that the Secretary do give notice to Mr. Partridge, agent for the province of New Jersey, that their lordships intend to take the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council, referring his petition to his Majesty, praying the confirmation of the Acts for issuing £40,000 in Bills of Credit, and of that for regulating of fees, mentioned in the minutes of the 11th of November last, into their consideration on Tuesday next, and desire his attendance thereupon on that day, betwixt eleven and twelve o'clock, and that Mr. Paris, pursuant to the minutes of the 16th of November last, have also notice to attend at the same time.

New York.

New Jersey.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Charles, agent for the province of New York, had desired to be heard against the Act for running the line of partition between that province and the province of New Jersey, before their lordships made their report to his Majesty thereupon, notice was ordered to be given to him to attend thereupon on Wednesday next, and also to Mr. Partridge, agent for the province of New Jersey, to attend at the same time.

Jamaica.

Ordered that the Secretary do acquaint Mr. Sharpe, agent for the Island of Jamaica, that their lordships intend to take the Act, passed there in 1741, for limiting the duration of future Assemblies, mentioned in the minutes of the 24th of November last, into their consideration to-morrow morning, and desire his attendance thereupon.

Antigua.

Ordered that the Secretary do, pursuant to the minutes of the 22nd of July, 1748, acquaint Mr. Paris, that their lordships intend to take Mr. Mathew's reasons for suspending Mr. King from the Council of Antigua into consideration on Friday next, and desire his attendance, and that Mr. Sharp, agent for Mr. Mathew, have also notice to attend at the same time.

Nova Scotia.

The Solicitor and Clerk of the Reports having acquainted their lordships that he had received information from the Commissioners of his Majesty's Navy, that the Sarah transport sailed from Liverpool, the 25th of June last, for Nova Scotia, with one hundred and sixteen settlers on board; he was directed to write to the Mayor of Liverpool to transmit to him, to be laid before the Board, an exact list of the persons embarked, conformable to a plan heretofore sent him.

Nova Scotia.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit an account of the proceedings of such of the members of this Board, as were at Portsmouth, to attend the departure of the transports bound to Nova Scotia with the settlers, so far as relates to the conduct of the captains of the said transports, to the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, for the information of that Board.

Post Meridiem.

Present:—The Right Honourable Lord High Chancellor, His Grace the Duke of Newcastle and His Grace the Duke of Bedford, his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, Earl of Sandwich, First Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, The Right Honourable Henry Pelham, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and First Lord Commissioner of his Majesty's Treasury.

Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Sir Thomas Robinson, Mr. Townshend.

New Jersey.

Their lordships took into consideration the riots, disorders and insurrections committed in his Majesty's province of New Jersey, and the following papers, mentioned in the minutes of the 5th and 12th of June and 6th instant, were read, viz.:—
Reference from the Lords of the Committee of Council, dated the 13th of April, 1749, to the Lord's Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, of the petition from the Council of Proprietors of the Eastern Division of New Jersey, dated the 23rd of December, 1748.
Letter from the Council of New Jersey to this Board, dated at Perth Amboy, the 22nd of December 1748, relating to the state of that province.
Copy of a letter from the Council of New Jersey to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, dated the 22nd of December, 1748.
Copy of the humble address of and representation of several of the members of his Majesty's Council for the province of New Jersey, dated at Perth Amboy, 22nd December, 1748.
Letter from the Council of New Jersey to this Board, dated the 28th of March, 1749, inclosing copy of one of the same date, to his Grace the Duke of Bedford.
Letter from Mr. Belcher, Governor of New Jersey, to the Board, dated the 22nd of April, 1749.
A state of the riots and insurrections committed in his Majesty's province of New Jersey, and of the proceedings of the legislature thereon.

And after some time spent in the consideration of these papers, Mr. Paris, agent for the Proprietors of the Eastern parts of New Jersey, and for his Majesty's Council of the said province, who was attending, as desired, was ordered to be called in; and being asked if he had any papers to lay before them, or any method to propose for remedying the disorders, he acquainted their lordships, that he had laid all the papers transmitted to him, relative to this affair, before the Duke of Bedford and this Board; that it had been suggested in the instructions given him by the Council, that if the province of New York and New Jersey were reunited again under the same Governor, the peace of the province might by that means, and by means of the independent companies, be restored; and being ordered to withdraw, their lordships agreed upon another meeting to consider of this affair.

Thursday, July 13. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend.

Jamaica.

Their lordships, pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, took into consideration the Act, passed in Jamaica in 1741, for limiting the duration of future Assemblies, and Mr. Sharpe, agent for the Island, attending, was called in, and being desired to acquaint their lordships what he had to offer thereupon, he observed to them, that it had been the custom, as alledged in the Preamble to the Act, to have frequent Assemblies in Jamaica: that from the year 1664 no Assembly continued more than three years, except one in the Duke of Portland's time, which sat four, and the Assembly which passed this Act, which sat ten, and therefore passed this law to prevent any ill consequence, which might arise from the like continuance; that the Act had been carried into execution, and two Assemblies sat under it, the members whereof were men of figure, had shewn their zeal for his Majesty's service and given all assistance to his Governor; that the repeal of the Act might affect the legality of the present Assembly and the Acts passed by them; that it was not of an unusual or extraordinary nature, Acts of the same kind having been passed in other Colonies and acquiesced under, nor was it within his Majesty's instruction, relative to Acts of an extraordinary nature: neither was it necessary to have a suspending clause, as it was not to take effect untill a distant period, or before the Crown could be apprized thereof; and then being ordered to withdraw, their lordships, after some time spent in the consideration of the Act, ordered the draught of a representation to his Majesty, proposing the repeal thereof, to be prepared.

Massachusets.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to the Duke of Bedford, inclosing copies of letters and papers received from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, and from Mr. Mascarene, Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia, relative to some demands made by the Governor of Canada, respecting the rights of the Crown of Great Britain, having been prepared, pursuant to the minutes of the 7th instant, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Antigua.

Mr. Sharpe having moved their lordships to postpone the consideration of Mr. Mathew's reasons for the suspension of Benjamin King, Esquire, from the Council of Antigua, appointed for to-morrow, until next week, the same was accordingly postponed till Thursday next, and the Secretary was directed to give notice thereof to Mr. Paris.

Friday, July 14. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Lord Dupplin, Sir Thomas Robinson, Mr. Townshend.

Massachusets.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to the Duke of Bedford, inclosing copies of several letters and papers from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, and from Mr. Mascarene, Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia, having been transcribed, pursuant to yesterday's minutes, was laid before the Board and signed.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from the agents in London for the Moravian Brethren in America to the Earl of Halifax, dated June 11th, 1749, inclosing a list of the bishops of their Church, and acquainting him that they would lay the handwritings and seals of their bishops before the Board, as soon as they could get them, pursuant to an Act of Parliament, passed in the present year of his Majesty.

Read the following copies of Orders of Council viz.:—
Jamaica.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 2nd of May, 1749, approving a representation of this Board, proposing the confirmation of a private Act, passed at Jamaica in 1747, in favour of Mary Augier, of the parish of Kingston, and several of her family, all free Mulattoes.
Virginia.
Copy of an. Order of Council, dated the 2nd of May, 1749, approving a representation of this Board, proposing the confirmation of a private Act, passed in Virginia in 1746, for docking the entail of certain lands in the county of Gloucester, late the estate of John Smith.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 2nd of May, 1749, approving a representation of this Board, proposing Peter Randolph, Esquire, lately appointed by his Majesty Surveyor General for the Southern district of America, that he may be appointed of the Council of Virginia, in the room of Robert Dinwiddie, Esquire.
Nova Scotia.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 2nd of May, 1749, approving the draughts of a Commission and instructions prepared by this Board for the Honourable Edward Cornwallis, Esquire, Governor of the province of Nova Scotia or Accadie, in America.
Newfoundland.
Copy of an Order of Council, dated the 2nd of May, 1749, approving the draughts of a Commission and instructions prepared by this Board for George Bridges Rodney, Esquire, Governor of Newfoundland.

Trade.

Read a letter from Mr. Wood, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, dated the 12th July, 1749, with copy of the Inspector General's leidger of exports and imports for the year 1746.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Trelawney, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 14th of April, 1749, inclosing his speech to the Council and Assembly of that Island, on the opening of the present session, together with the Assembly's address and his answer.

Read a duplicate letter from Mr. Trelawney, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 17th of November, 1748, with a postscript, dated the 12th of April, 1749, transmitting (besides duplicates of the laws and journals sent with the original letter), Journal of the Assembly, from the 12th of April to the 13th of August, 1748.

North Carolina.

Read a letter from Mr. Johnston, Governor of North Carolina, to the Board, dated Edenton, May 10th, 1749, acquainting the Board with his having sent an answer to the complaints of Peter Payne, etc., against him, and vindicating himself from the accusation of being a Jacobite.

New York.

Read the following letters and papers from Mr. Clinton, Governor of New York, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Clinton, Governor of New York, to the Board, dated the 2nd May, 1749, complaining of the faction in his Government, and transmitting the following papers, relative to their proceedings, viz.:—
Memorial of Edward Holland, one of his Majesty's Council of New York and Mayor of the City and County of New York, to his Excellency, the Honourable George Clinton, Esquire, Governor of the said province, dated the 1st of May, 1749.
The affidavit of Mr. Thomas Doughty, merchant at New York, sworn the 15th of March, 1748–9, as also the affidavit of Brandt Schuyler, Esquire, and George Spencer, merchant, taken the 13th March, 1748–9.
The affidavit of Mr. John Ludlow, merchant in the city of New York, taken the 15th March, 1748–9.

Letter from Mr. Clinton, Governor of New York, dated the 3rd of June, 1749, transmitting the following letters and papers, viz.:—
Copy of the Governor of Canada's letter to his Excellency, Governor Clinton, dated Quebec, 25th August, 1748.
Copy of Monsieur Desligneris the Chief Officer's letter, delivered to Governor Clinton in Council, the 19th of October, 1748.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Clinton, Governor of New York, to the Governor of Canada, dated at Fort George, the 10th of October, 1748.
Copy of Governor Clinton's letter to the Governor of Canada, by Captain Stoddard, dated the 10th of October, 1748.
Copy of a letter from the Governor of Canada to the Governor of New York, dated Quebec, 29th December, 1748.
Copy of a letter from the Deputy Clerk of the Council to Monsieur Desligneris, by Governor Clinton's order, dated 17th March, 1748–9.
Monsieur Desligneris' letter in answer to the Deputy Clerk of the Council, dated 19th March, 1748–9.
Minutes of Council, the 27th March, 1749.
The Deputy Clerk of the Council's letter to Monsieur Desligneris, dated 29th March, 1749.
Monsieur Desligneris' answer to the Deputy Clerk of the Council, 30th March, 1749.
Monsieur Desligneris' letter to Governor Clinton, dated 3rd April, 1749.
Copy of a letter from Governor Clinton to the Governor of Canada, dated New York, April 3rd, 1749.
Minutes of Council, from the 24th February, 1748–9 to the 4th April, 1749.
New York.
Governor of Canada's certificate, relating to the extract of a letter to him from Governor Shirley, dated at Albany, July 29th, 1748.
Extract of a letter from Colonel Johnson to Governor Clinton, dated at Mount Johnson, 28th April, 1749.
Copy of a letter from Governor Clinton, dated the 19th May, 1749, in answer to the foregoing letter.
Copy of a letter from Governor Clinton to Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, dated New York, May 19th, 1749.
Copy of a letter from Governor Clinton to the Governor of Pennsylvania, dated at New York, May 19th, 1749.
Governor Clinton's answer to queries from the Board of Trade, relating to the state of that province, dated 23rd May, 1749.
Letter from Mr. Clinton, Governor of New York, to the Board, dated the 6th June, 1749, inclosing copy of one to him from Colonel Johnson, dated Mount Johnson, 26th May, 1749, relating to his endeavours to prevent the French from drawing off the Indians from their fidelity to the British government, and the exchange of prisoners.

Ordered that the above-mentioned letters from Mr. Clinton, dated the 3rd and 6th of June, and the papers therewith transmitted, be copied, and that the draught of a letter, for inclosing the same to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, be prepared.

Tuesday, July 18. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Sir Thomas Robinson, Mr. Townshend.

New Jersey.

Their lordships, pursuant to the minutes of the 12th instant, took into consideration the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council of the 29th of October last, referring to this Board the petition of Mr. Partridge, agent for the province of New Jersey, praying for the confirmation of two Acts, passed there in 1747–8, the one for issuing £40,000 in Bills of Credit, the other for regulating of Fees, and Mr. Partridge, agent for the province of New Jersey, attending, as desired by the said minutes, as also Mr. Paris, in behalf of himself and others, creditors of the publick of the said province; and the said order having been read, Mr. Paris observed to their lordships that although the Preamble of the Act set forth specious pretence for a paper credit, yet the interest arising from the loan of such Bills was nowhere applied to the service of government, but left to the pleasure of the legislature to dispose of; that there was already a considerable quantity of paper money outstanding, and exchange at 175, and that it was well known that any new emission always lessens the credit of former Bills; that the direction of this Act, that all contracts already made should be paid in these Bills, was unjust and unreasonable; that by this law counterfeiters of these Bills of Credit in another province made tryable by a jury of two countys in New Jersey, which was contrary to the laws of England, and highly unjust and absurd; that this method of lending the Bills out upon loan was improper, as thereby the burthen of the tax was laid upon the poor, who were the only borrowers, and thereby plunged themselves into greater difficulties, and was an encouragement to debtors to get further into debt; that this method was also contrary to the sense of Parliament, the House of Commons having, in 1729, come to a resolution, that the making Bills of Credit a legal tender was contrary to the Act of the 6th of Queen Anne for settling the rates of foreign coins; that since that, Bills had been several times ordered into the House of Commons for putting a total stop to this practice; for which reasons he hoped their lordships would report for the repeal of the Act.

Mr. Partridge observed to their lordships, that a further paper currency was absolutely necessary in that province as a medium of trade; that all the Bills emitted by former Acts had been regularly sunk, excepting one half of the last 40,000, which would be sunk in 1754; that the Bills of Credit of this colony always kept their credit above those of other colonies, and is better than silver or gold, as they never took any but their own Bills; that at times when the principal is to be paid into the Loan Office, they are obliged to get it up from other colonies, which occasions a large premium upon them, which if no new emission, will arise to 7 per cent.; that the former Acts had been approved of by the Crown; that without this fresh supply, publick services cannot be carryed on or their debts discharged, and that although the interest was not mentioned to be appropriated, yet it must be understood to be so. Mr. Partridge then desired one Captain Ware, who was lately come from that province, and attended without, might be called in, to give an account to their lordships of the state of the province; and he being called in, acquainted their lordships, that everybody in that province was desirous of a paper currency, but such as traded with the province of Pennsylvania and New York; that New York endeavoured to pick up the New Jersey Bills to make an advantage of them at the time of the Loan Office opening, when 3s. advance was frequently given, at which time also he said there was 20 per cent. difference in the price of the produce of the country; that the people there prefer paper money to silver and gold; that the exchange was different in the two divisions, a dollar being worth 27s. in West Jersey, whereas in East Jersey it was worth but 26s., but he did not know the reason for this difference.

New Jersey.

Mr. Paris and Captain Ware being ordered to withdraw, their lordships desired to know if Mr. Partridge had anything to offer upon the Act for regulating of Fees in the province of New Jersey, whereupon he observed to their lordships that the Act was passed with a suspending clause, as a former Act to the same effect had been disapproved of as prejudicial to the officers of the Crown; that the officers had made no complaints of this law, on the contrary were well satisfied therewith, and approved it; that this Act would be of great good to the province, and prevent any oppression of the people by officers taking exorbitant fees, which had been too much practiced, and the great expence of law suits would be thereby lessened, and therefore he hoped their lordships' favourable report for the confirmation of it.

Whereupon he was ordered to withdraw, and their lordships ordered the draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee to be prepared, proposing the repeal of the Act for emitting £40,000, but that the Fee Bill should be confirmed.

Antigua.

Mr. Paris having acquainted their lordships that Mr. Sharpe, who, with him, was ordered to attend their lordships on Thursday, had acquainted him that he could not possibly be prepared by that day, as he intended to be heard by counsel, their lordships agreed further to postpone the said affair until Tuesday the 25th, and notice was ordered to be given to Mr. Sharpe to be ready with his counsel on that day.

Wednesday, July 19. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Sir Thomas Robinson, Mr. Townshend.

New York.

New Jersey.

Mr. Charles, agent for the province of New York, against an Act for running a line of partition between the province of New Jersey and New York, and Mr. Partridge, agent for the province of New Jersey, in support thereof, attending, as desired by the minutes of the 12th instant, as also Mr. Paris, who moved their lordships to be heard in behalf of the Proprietors of the Eastern Division of New Jersey, in support of the said Act; Mr. Charles acquainted their lordships that he had not as yet received full instructions from his constituents relative to this affair, and therefore prayed that a further day might be appointed for the consideration of the Act; whereupon their lordships directed him immediately to write to his constituents, and agreed to postpone the consideration of the said Act untill such reasonable time as he might receive an answer thereto, and that all parties should have notice thereof.

New Jersey.

Mr. Partridge at the same time moved their lordships to give directions to Mr. Paris to put his objections to the Act, passed in New Jersey, for emitting £40,000 in Bills of Credit, into writing, for his answer thereto, whereupon their lordships acquainted him, that as there had been a full hearing before them upon the said Act, when he was at liberty to have answered any objection Mr. Paris had made, and to have urged whatever he thought proper in support of it, their lordships could not comply with such request.

North Carolina.

Read a letter from Mr. Johnston, Governor of North Carolina, to the Board, dated at Edenton, the 4th April, 1749, containing his reasons for passing an Act for emitting £21,350 in Bills of Credit, without a suspending clause, and transmitting the following publick papers, viz.:—
Minutes of Council, from the 21st March, 1747–8, to the 15th October, 1748.
Copy of all the laws passed in North Carolina, from November, 1746, to October, 1748.

Ordered that the said laws be sent to Mr. Lamb for his opinion thereupon in point of law, as soon as conveniently may be.

North Carolina.

Ordered that a copy of the above letter from Mr. Johnston, and also an extract of so much of one, mentioned in the minutes of the 14th instant, as relates to his vindication of the charge against him of being a Jacobite, be prepared, together with the draught of a letter for inclosing the same to the Duke of Bedford.

Thursday, July 20. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Sir Thomas Robinson, Mr. Townshend.

Bahamas.

Barbados.

Their lordships took into consideration a letter from Mr. Tinker, Governor of the Bahamas, mentioned in the minutes of the 21st of June last, and also one from Mr. Grenville, Governor of Barbados, mentioned in the said minutes, and ordered the draught of letters in answer thereto to be prepared.

Trade.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from the principal officers of the Board of Ordnance, dated the 18th of July, 1749, inclosing an account of Bills of Exchange drawn by Sir Peter Warren and Governor Shirley, for the purchase of bomb shells and stores for the late intended expedition.

The Solicitor and Clerk of the Reports at the same time acquainted their lordships that he had received from Mr. Aldworth a copy of Mr. Shirley's letter to the Duke of Bedford, ordered to be wrote for by the minutes of the 6th instant, but that Mr. Aldworth had acquainted him there was no other paper in that office relative to the Canada expedition.

New Jersey.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Paris to desire his attendance at the Board to-morrow morning, upon the subject of the papers relative to the riots and insurrections in New Jersey.

Friday, July 21. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin.

New Jersey.

Their lordships took into consideration several papers relative to the riots and disturbances in New Jersey; and Mr. Paris attending, as desired, their lordships had some further discourse with him concerning the best method of putting an end to the said disturbances; whereupon he acquainted their lordships that it was the proposal of his Majesty's Council of that province, that the governments (fn. 1) of New York and New Jersey should be again re-united under the same Governor, and the Governor of New York have a particular Commission and instructions for New Jersey, as before, by means whereof and by his having the four Independent Companies at New York immediately under his command, it would be in his power effectually to stop the riots.

Virginia.

Mr. Paris being withdrawn, their lordships took into consideration several papers relative to a rebellion in Virginia in 1676.

Saturday, July 22. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Mr. Corbett, Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, dated the 21st of July, 1749, inclosing an extract of a letter from the commander of the Scorpion sloop, containing an account of the Sarah transport from Liverpool having been driven in great distress into a port in Scotland.

New Jersey.

Read a report of the Attorney and Solicitor General upon five Acts, passed in New Jersey in 1747–8, ordered by the minutes of the 12th instant to be sent to them, for their opinion thereupon.

Ordered that the draught of a representation to his Majesty, proposing the repeal of the following Act, passed in New Jersey, in February, 1747–8, be prepared, viz.:—
An Act for punishing the coiners and counterfeiters of foreign coin passing current, and the counterfeiters of Bills of Credit of this province.

Ordered that the three Acts, last mentioned in the minutes of the 12th instant, lye by, until their lordships do make their report upon the petition of the Proprietors of New Jersey, relative to the riots and disturbances committed there.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from the Duke of Bedford, dated the 20th instant, desiring to know whether any commissaries were appointed, in pursuance of the 15th Article of the Treaty of Utrecht, and what was the result of their meeting, that he may be enabled to return an answer to the letter from Mr. Shirley and Colonel Mascarene, upon the demands made by the Governor of Canada, relative to the Abenaqui Indians.

Their lordships having taken into consideration the several papers, relative to the appointment and proceedings of the Commissaries for settling the limits in 1719, and also a paper containing the submission of the Indians of the River of St. John's to his Majesty, in the year 1726, ordered the draught of a letter in answer to the above to be prepared.

Bermuda.

Read a letter from Mr. Aldworth to Mr. Hill, dated this day, transmitting, by order of the Duke of Bedford, several letters and other papers from Mr. Popple, Governor of Bermuda, which his Grace desires the Board would consider and report their opinion upon.

Agreed to take the said letters and papers into consideration on Monday next, and the Secretary was ordered in the mean time to write to Mr. Selby and to Captain Fielding, referred to in Mr. Popple's letter to this Board, to desire their attendance on that day.

Tuesday, July 25. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin.

Antigua.

Their lordships, pursuant to the minutes of the 18th instant, took into consideration Governor Mathew's reasons for the suspension of Colonel King from the Council of Antigua, and Mr. Sharpe, solicitor for Governor Mathew, in support of the said reasons, attending, as desired, with Mr. Joddrel, his counsel, and also Mr. Paris, attending in behalf of Colonel King, with Mr. Hume Campbell, his counsel, the following papers were read, viz.:—
Bundle 2, 16.
Letter from General Mathew, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated the 24th May, 1748.
17.
Minutes of Council of Antigua, of the 27th of November, 1747.
18. And Minutes of Council of Antigua, of the 19th May, 1748.

Antigua.

Mr. Hume Campbell then moved their lordships that a memorial, which Mr. Mathew refers to in his above mentioned reasons laid before the Council for the suspension of Mr. King, might be read, but the said memorial not having been transmitted by Mr. Mathew, the counsel were ordered to withdraw, and it appearing to their lordships that this memorial was the chief foundation of the suspension of Colonel King, they were of opinion, that Mr. Mathew had been guilty of great neglect and a breach of his instructions in not transmitting the said memorial to the Board.

The counsel being again called in, their lordships acquainted them, that this memorial appeared to them to be a very material evidence in this affair, as it was the foundation of Mr. Mathew's suspension of Mr. King, and that the Governor was very blameable in not having transmitted it, but that they were ready to hear, what they had to offer for and against the other articles of Mr. Mathew's charge against Colonel King. Whereupon Mr. Joddrel moved their lordships that this affair might be put off for a longer time, and that Mr. Mathew might be directed to send over a copy of the said memorial with all possible dispatch, which being agreed to by their lordships, the counsel were acquainted therewith and ordered to withdraw. And the draught of a letter to Mr. Mathew was accordingly ordered to be prepared, in answer to the several letters received from him since the Board's last letter, and directing him to send over a copy of the aforementioned memorial and all other papers, proofs and evidences in justification of his charge against Mr. King.

Wednesday, July 26. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin.

New York.

The draught of a letter to his Grace the Duke of Bedford inclosing copies of letters and papers from Mr. Clinton, Governor of New York, relative to a dispute with the Governor of Canada about exchange of prisoners, ordered to be prepared by the minutes of the 14th instant, was laid before the Board, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

New Hersey.

Read the following extracts of letters of New Jersey received from Mr. Paris, viz.:—
Extract of a letter from Mr. Morris, Chief Justice and one of the Council in New Jersey, to Mr. Paris, dated the 4th of June, 1749, relating to the riots and disturbances in that province.
Extract of a letter from the Committee of his Majesty's Council in New Jersey, to Mr. Paris, dated the 5th of June, 1749, containing a proposition for suppressing the disturbances there and restoring the peace of that province.

It appearing to their lordships that it would be very difficult to fix another meeting with his Majesty's ministers for the further consideration of this affair before the adjournment of the several offices, proposals with regard to the disturbances in the said province of New Jersey were ordered to be drawn up, in order to be transmitted to the several Lords and others, who met at this Board on the 12th instant.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, proposing the repeal of the Act of Jamaica for limiting the duration of future Assemblies, having been prepared, pursuant to the minutes of the 13th instant, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, in answer to one from him, mentioned in the minutes of the 22nd instant, concerning the demands made by the Governor of Canada, relative to the Abenaqui Indians, having been prepared, pursuant to the said minutes, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Ordered that the draught of a letter to Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, be prepared, acquainting him with the above mentioned demand of the Governor [of] Canada, and that copies of the letters from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, and Mr. Mascarene, Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia, relative thereto, be prepared, to be transmitted with the said letter.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Chauncy Townsend, contractor for supplying the settlers in Nova Scotia with provisions, to desire his attendance at the Board on ……, and that Mr. Kilby be desired to attend at the same time.

Thursday, July 27. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend.

North Carolina.

The draught of a letter to the Duke of Bedford, inclosing copies of two letters from Mr. Johnston, Governor of North Carolina, ordered to be prepared by the minutes of the 19th instant, was laid before the Board and signed.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to the Duke of Bedford, in answer to one from him concerning the demands of the Governor of Canada, relative to the Abenaqui Indians, having been transcribed, pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, was laid before the Board and signed.

Leeward Islands.

Read the following letters and papers received from General Mathew, Governor of the Leeward Islands, viz.:—
Letter from General Mathew, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated at Antigua, the 25th of March, 1749, transmitting:—
Account of the Indigo works in Montserrat, December 1st, 1748.
Minutes of Council of Montserrat, between the 24th of June and the 29th of September, 1748.
Minutes of Assembly of St. Christopher's, from the 27th of July to the 16th of November, 1748.
Minutes of Assembly of Nevis, from the 18th of August to the 11th of November, 1748, and from 23rd November, 1748, to the 31st January, 1748–9.
Two Acts, passed at Antigua in January, 1748–9.
Two Acts, passed at Nevis the 1st of March, 1748–9.
Two Acts, passed at Montserrat the 25th Feburary, 1748–9.
Leeward Islands.
Letter from General Mathew, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated at Antigua, the 22nd of April, 1749, transmitting an original Act, passed at Montserrat the 20th of April, 1749, to raise a levy or poll tax upon the slaves, and to tax the houses in the town of Plymouth, and parts adjacent.

Ordered that the said Acts be sent to Mr. Lamb, for his opinion thereon in point of law, as soon as conveniently may be.

Read a memorial of Wavell Smith and Savill Cust, Esquires, patentees of the Secretary's offices of the Leeward Islands, against an Act, passed in Nevis in 1748.

The draught of a letter to General Mathew, Governor of the Leeward Islands, in answer to the above letters, and several others before received from him, desiring him to send over proofs of his charge against Colonel King, suspended from the Council of Antigua, and to use his endeavours to get a law passed for reinstating the patentees of the Secretary's offices in the execution of that office, having been prepared, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

New Jersey.

The draughts of proposals with regard to the disturbances in New Jersey, ordered to be prepared by the preceding minutes, were agreed to and ordered to be transcribed, as was also the draught of letters, inclosing the same to his Majesty's ministers, who met at this Board, for their opinion upon them.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, concerning the demands of the Governor of Canada, relative to the Abenaqui Indians, having been prepared, pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Bahamas.

Barbados.

The draughts of letters to Mr. Tinker, Governor of the Bahama Islands, and to Mr. Grenville, Governor of Barbados, having been prepared, pursuant to the minutes of the 20th instant, were laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

New Jersey.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, proposing the repeal of an Act, passed in New Jersey, for punishing the Coiners and Counterfeiters of foreign coin passing current, and the Counterfeiters of Bills of Credit of this Province, ordered to be prepared by the minutes of the 22nd instant, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Townshend, who was ordered to attend on Friday last, was not in town, notice was ordered to be given to his agent to attend on Tuesday next, the 1st of August.

Bermuda.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Selby and Captain Fielding to desire their attendance at the Board to-morrow morning at twelve o'clock, upon the subject of Mr. Popple's letters, referred to the consideration of the Board by the Duke of Bedford.

Friday, July 28. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend.

Bermuda.

Their lordships took into consideration the several letters from Mr. Popple, Governor of Bermuda, referred by his Grace the Duke of Bedford to this Board, to consider and report thereupon, and Mr. Selby and Captain Fielding attending, as desired, their lordships had some conversation with them upon the subjects of the said letters; and Mr. Selby being asked if he had anything to propose, by which it might appear to them that Mr. Popple could, in his present situation and disagreement with the people, carry on the government there, he prayed time of their lordships to put the same into writing, which was agreed to, and he was ordered to lay the same before the Board, as soon as possible.

New Jersey.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the petition of the agent of the Province of New Jersey, praying for the confirmation of two Acts, passed there in 1747–8, having been prepared, pursuant to the minutes of the 18th instant, was laid before the Board, agreed to, and ordered to be transcribed.

The following papers having been transcribed, pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, were laid before the Board and signed, viz.:—
Letters inclosing proposals with regard to the disturbances in New Jersey to such of his Majesty's ministers as were present at this Board the 12th instant.
Representation to his Majesty proposing the repeal of an Act, passed in New Jersey, for punishing the Coiners and Counterfeiters of foreign coin passing current, and the Counterfeiters of Bills of Credit of this Province.
Leeward Islands.
Letter to Mr. Mathew, Governor of the Leeward Islands.

Monday, July 31. Present:—Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend.

Bermuda.

Mr. Selby and Captain Fielding attending, were called in, and presented to the Board a paper entituled:—
Articles offered by Mr. Selby and Captain Fielding to the consideration of this Board for the better governing the Bermuda Islands.
which said paper was read, and their lordships, after some discourse had with Mr. Selby and Captain Fielding thereupon, agreed to consider the same at another opportunity.

New Jersey.

Read a petition of the President and Committee of the West New Jersey Society, on behalf of themselves and the rest of the members of the said Society, complaining of the riots and disturbances in that province, and praying relief therein.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Sir William Gooch, Baronet, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to the Board, dated at Williamsburg, the 13th of May, 1749, inclosing the account of his Majesty's revenue of 2s. per hogshead, etc., arising within that colony, from the 25th of October, 1748, to the 25th April, 1749.

New Jersey.

Read a letter from Mr. Partridge, agent for the province of New Jersey, to the Board, dated the 25th July, 1749, putting them in mind of his late memorial, and praying them to report upon an Act, passed in that province, entituled, An Act to oblige the several sheriffs of that Colony to give Security and take the Oaths and Affirmations therein directed, etc.

Agreed to consider the said Act, when Mr. Lamb shall have made his report thereupon.

Leeward Islands.

Read a letter from Gilbert Fleming, Esquire, Lieutenant General of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated at St. Christopher's, the 22nd of January, 1747–8, with his and Mr. Ottley's protests against the Tax Act, lately passed in that Island.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Fleming to desire his attendance at the Board on Thursday next, the 3rd of August, upon the subject of his said letter.

The following letters and representation, ordered to be transcribed by the minutes of the 26th and 27th instant, were laid before the Board and signed, viz.:—
Barbados.
Letter to Mr. Grenville, Governor of Barbados, in answer to one from him.
Bahamas.
Letter to Mr. Tinker, Governor of the Bahamas, in answer to one from him.
Jamaica.
Representation to his Majesty, proposing the repeal of the Act, passed in Jamaica in 1741, for limiting the duration of future Assemblies.