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Feb. 9.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. Proposition to Serj.-Maj. Hunks, to go to St. Christopher's at the Company's charge. Lord Mandeville admitted to the share of adventure, formerly belonging to Sir Nath. Rich, deceased. The Earl of Holland informs the Company of the progress of the treaty with the Hollanders, concerning Providence, "for the parting from which His Majty was pleased to promise leave to the Company, it proving hitherto a place of charge rather than of benefit." The King having been moved to retain the island, directs the Company to consider how they may be eased in their charge, or recompensed for their adventure; Lord Holland's assistance desired; resolved that propositions be prepared and presented accordingly. A standing Committee appointed. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 290–91.] |
Feb. 10.
Warwick House. |
Minutes as above. Letters by the Hopewell read, and answers agreed to. Mr. Woodcock's proposals for taking his men thither to be considered. Capt. Fowler, recommended by the Earl of Warwick, to be commander of Warwick Fort, of the Council, and have ten servants. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 291.] |
Feb. 11.
Warwick House. |
Minutes as above. Letters from Providence read, particularly the planters' proceedings touching the mutinous petitions to the Gov. and Council. Bill presented by Patrick White for shoes for the island. The Governor having in his letter complained of great want of iron, some quantity to be sent by the next ship. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 292.] |
Feb. 20.
James City. |
40. Act the 20th of the Assembly of Virginia, present Gov. Harvey, Sec. Kemp, Serj.-Maj. Geo. Donne, Captains Thos. Purifye, Henry Browne, John Hobson, Adam Thorowgood, and Mr. William Brocas, together with the Burgesses, for the appointment of an officer, to keep a register of all tobacco and other commodities exported, with a fee of 2d. per cask for tobacco, and after the same rate for other goods. [Certified copy, by Rich Kemp, Sec.] |
Feb. 23.
Trinity House, Ratcliff. |
41. Report of the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the Trinity House to the Privy Council. Have called before them certain merchant traders of Newfoundland, who object to the propositions for convoy and security of their voyages, and much desire to state their reasons to the Privy Council. Are informed that those who attempted to settle there never thrived, as Lord Baltimore, Capt. Mason, [John] Guy, of Bristol, and other men, ingenious, and of excellent parts. The country yields no timber. The Turks have not visited those coasts for six or eight years. Special orders were granted three or four years ago [see p. 174. No. 1.] against robberies and such like; and the western men acknowledge that there are no grievances. |
Feb. 24, 26, 27.
Preston. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Order for discharge of divers bills. Heads of letters for Providence agreed on; also propositions to the King for the Company's encouragement. Divers members undertake to send 100 men by the Mary Hope, for better defence of the island. Proposals of Capt. Fowler; he is advised to stay till the next supply. Mr. Woodcock's request to take away his men and goods from Providence refused; credit for 1,500l. to be given him. Concerning the return of the Blessing and Expectation. Mr. Woodcock to furnish the 100 men with arms and clothes at his own charge. Mr. Gossidge entertained purser of the Mary Hope. Mr. Woodcock's accounts. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 292–94.] |
Feb. 25.
Warder Castle. |
42. Cecil Lord Baltimore to Sec. Windebank. Has further considered the proposition concerning the advancement of the King's service in Virginia, and desired his brother Peasley to acquaint Windebank with it. Is well assured of his own ability to perform, with ample satisfaction, what he undertakes. Proposes a way of moving the King in this business, which is most likely to take effect. Thanks for care of his Newfoundland business. Will really acknowledge his favours. |
| Feb. |
43. Memorial of [Cecil] Lord Baltimore, "touching his right to part of Newfoundland." His father, Sir Geo. Calvert, late Lord Baltimore, having purchased a good part of Newfoundland, obtained a grant from King James [see p. 42, No. 23], and sent over divers colonies of the King's subjects to plant; where he built houses, erected forts, and placed Governors, as Capt. Mason, and Sir Art. Aston. His father afterwards resided there with his family; employed his ships against the French, who then infested the place, and chased them from that coast. Has disbursed more than 20,000l., but was compelled about six years past, through the severity of the weather, to remove, leaving a Governor with the colony, who remained until the death of the memorialist's father. It is reported that some persons of quality have a design to demand customs upon all fish taken or sold in Newfoundland, which must needs trench upon his right. Desires that nothing may be done to his prejudice before his counsel is heard, and satisfaction given. If really for the King's service, will lay his rights at His Majesty's feet, confident that his great charges will be taken into consideration. |
