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Oct. 2.
Whitehall. |
The Council of the State to "Richard Bennett, Esq., in Virginia." Send inclosed some instructions concerning himself, which he is not to open until the country is reduced to the obedience of the Commonwealth. [Ibid., p. 565.] |
| Oct. 6. |
Order of the Council of State. Referring to the Committee for Irish and Scottish affairs, the petition of Benjamin Goslin, master of the Lioness, for a licence to export 40 dozen pairs of shoes to the Caribbee Islands. [Ibid., Vol. LI., p.20.] |
| Oct. 17. |
Similar Order. Referring petition of Martin Noell, for a licence to export shoes to the plantations, to Committee of the Admiralty, to consider of the fit proportion and grant a warrant for same. [Ibid., p. 44.] |
Oct. 19.
On board the Rainbow in Carlisle Bay before Barbadoes. |
37. Sir Geo. Ayscue to Lord President Bradshaw. Sends duplicate of his last letter. From Lisbon the fleet sailed for Cape de Verd Islands, from thence to Barbadoes, where they arrived on 16th present; little winds and many calms having caused the long passage. Has not lost one man by sickness. Made the island of Barbadoes over night, and the next morning surprised in the bay 15 sail, most of them Dutch. Went within half musket shot of the chief fort; very free with their shot, which was as readily answered; but one man slain in all the fleet. They are in a confused trouble manning the prizes. Incloses what has passed with Lord Willoughby. No rational opportunity shall be lost to make "this stubborn island know their duty to the Commonwealth of England." Has received advice that the Governor of St. Christopher's is drowned, and that there is a contest between two persons in the island for the government. Sends copy of letter to the Council there. [This letter and inclosures were reported from the Council of State to Parliament, and read on 17 Feb. 1652. See Commons' Journal.] Incloses, |
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37. I. Ayscue to Lord President Bradshaw. The fleet left Plymouth on 5th present, and proceeded to the mouth of the river of Lisbon to seek for Rupert, according to the commands of the Council of State. On the 16th they were discovered on the shore, and guns were fired from several castles and forts to give the alarm. He had in company seven sail, besides the States fleet. After remaining five days and sufficiently alarming the Portuguese, not being able to force them to fight, proceeded on their first design; the merchantmen having very many of their passengers sick, and a great part of their provisions spent. Will now steer for Cape de Verd Islands to water, and from thence to Barbadoes, "where I shall endeavour to show myself." On board the Rainbow at sea, No. lat. 28º 40'. Aug. 27. [Duplicate.] |
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37. II. Francis Lord Willoughby, Lord Lieut.-Gen. of Barbadoes, to Ayscue. Understands from Capt. Pack that he commands the ships now in the road, and desires that his Marshal may be released. Oct. 16. [Colonial Corresp., 1652, Jan. 10.] |
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37. III. Ayscue to Willoughby. Hopes Willoughby will excuse him if he does not at present satisfy his request, as the Marshal came without any message; in the interim he will be civilly treated. Oct. 16. [Ibid.] |
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37. IV. Ayscue to Willoughby. Parliament anxious that the people of Barbadoes should be sharers in the liberty which has been purchased at the expense of so much blood and treasure, have sent Ayscue with a fleet "to endeavour the same;" expects therefore the present rendition of the island for the use of Parliament. Oct. 17. [Ibid.] |
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37. V. Willoughby to Ayscue. Expected some acts of reparation for hostilities committed upon the ships in the bay and upon the person of his Marshal, and not so strange a demand. Acknowledges no supreme authority but that of the King over England, and is resolved to defend the island for His Majesty. Oct. 17. [Ibid.] |
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37. VI. Sir Geo. Ayscue, Dan. Searle, and Capt. Mich. Pack to the Council of the Council of St. Christopher's. Have been commissioned by Parliament to reduce to their obedience plantations in rebellion against the Commonwealth of England. Understand that the late Governor of the island has been drowned, and that some dispute about the government has arisen. Have no cause to suspect the integrity of St. Christopher's, but desire that an account of the island may be forthwith sent to them, as also in whose hands the government remains. 19 Oct. |
| Oct. 21. |
Order of the Council of State. Directing the Committee for Prisoners to grant a licence for transporting some Scots, prisoners, to the Bermudas, upon the usual security. [INTERREGNUM, Entry Bk., Vol. LI., p. 51.] |
| Oct. 31. |
Similar Order. Appointing the 8th Nov. for receiving the relation of Sir David Kirke in writing, concerning the present state of Newfoundland. [Ibid., p. 79.] |
Oct. 31.
On board the Rainbow in Maxwell's Bay, before Barbadoes. |
38. Sir George Ayscue to Lord President Bradshaw. Has taken, since his last letters, a Dutch hoy and a Dutch vessel of 16 guns, bound to Barbadoes with horses, beer, and other provisions, making in all 14, which if possible will be sold. Incloses copy of declaration of the cause of their coming, sent on shore. If the island continue obstinate, [the Commissioners] have no way to reduce it but by preventing trade and by continual alarms to keep them in arms. It is thought the fleet will not endure to stay long, because of sickness and want of provisions. The strength on shore is too great for the fleet to attempt anything else against them. [This letter and declaration were reported from the Council of State to Parliament, and read on 17 Feb. 1652. See Commons' Journal.] Incloses, |
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38. I. Declaration of the Commissioners for the reduction of Barbadoes, to the freeholders and inhabitants of that island. A copy of the summons which they sent to Lord Willoughby on their arrival before Barbadoes, is inclosed, and they are assured of the willingness of the Commissioners, by amicable ways, to reduce them to their due obedience and establish them in their wonted privileges and immunities. The Commissioners wish to avoid by acts of hostility, the destruction of their "long-laboured-for estates," to prevent them from rashly engaging in a quarrel with the Commonwealth, and that the inhabitants may enjoy the fruits of their industry. The successes of the Parliamentary forces, both by land and sea, are dwelt upon, and the inability of the island to subsist without free trade and protection, which they declare the Commonwealth is both willing and able to do. The inhabitants are called upon to prevent the effusion of blood and the devastation of their property, which must inevitably follow, by accepting timely offers of peace and mercy, not only to decline assisting, but to suppress evil affected persons, and endeavour to effect the reduction of the island, for which encouragements are offered, and indemnity is assured. Oct. 26. Endorsed, "Copy of the declaration dispersed about the island." |
