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July 22. |
Orders to Sir Henry Chicheley to draw out soldiers for relief
of the garrisons. Petitions of Elizabeth Sykes and Richard Carver
considered. The Governor's attention called to the extravagant
meeting of Sir H. Chicheley's Company on 20th July last in the
restoration of Ensign Ross [Rous] to his employment, he though long
suspended having been cleared before the Council and Assembly.
These men by their long stay are not only useless but dangerous,
and the personal differences of Lieutenant Morris and Ensign Ross
have contributed to the evil. His Excellency therefore caused
Lieutenant Morris and Ensign Ross to be brought to the Council
table, and rebuked them, telling them that if they did not lay
aside all personal differences and reform he would be constrained
to dismiss them the service in disgrace. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 49–55.] |
July 16. Plantations General. |
1454. Extract of a letter to the Royal African Company from
its Factors at Nevis. Captains Cope, Hehnes, and Holbital will
give you full account of the proceedings of Thornbury, an interloper,
who on 15th June came to anchor off the fort and there rid four or
five days in sight of all the Island till he had landed all his neg roes
in boats that came off from the shore to him. We waited on the
General [Stapleton] the same day, and asked his help to seize the
negroes and prevent the landing of them, according to the King's
charter. He issued a warrant to the Marshal to seize them, which
was delivered to him that afternoon. The Marshal promised to do
it with all speed, but went out of the way and never did it. Of
this the General was informed. On the 16th, about sunset, about
80 negroes were landed in a sloop in Stanley Bay, where we
attempted to seize them, but were prevented by Mr. Philip Lee,
Speaker of the Assembly, who drew his sword and bid defiance to
any that would seize them. Others also, Mr. Richard Cary, Thomas
Belchamber, Lieutenant John Sockwell, Ensign John Standley,
and one Austerman, all stood with their swords, and some with
their pistols, pointing to our breast, swearing bitterly that they
would kill the man that offered to seize a negro, notwithstanding
that at that very instant was read to them the General's order,
commanding all his commission officers to assist us in the seizing
of those negroes. Whereof they took no notice, but instead of
obeying they, with about twenty sailors and privateers, kept us
with drawn swords from making any seizure, saying that they had
brought them, and would land them if they died for it, and that
what they did they would maintain with their lives and fortunes.
Next day we informed the General of this, who answered that he
knew of no law to punish them, but that he would acquaint the
King thereof. Mr. Lambert, your factor on the George and Betty,
was with us, and saw all that passed, of which he will give you
a fit account, God sending him well to you. 25th July. It
would be a great satisfaction to us that our prosecution of the
interlopers should take some effect. We shall not fail in our duty
therein, and "should be heartily glad to see so much countenance
from England as might discountenance those that countenance
them." We hope that the King's declaration to the petitioners will
somewhat dishearten them. 1¼ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLV.,
No. 57.] |
July 18. Nevis. |
1455. The Agents of the Royal African Company to the Company.
When we had information of the arrival of interlopers about the
island we always asked for the assistance of Sir William Stapleton
in seizing and surprising such ships, and he always granted us
warrants and such other precepts as were necessary, ordering all
officers civil and military to aid us. Signed, Henry Carpenter,
Robert Helmes. Copy. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Oct. 1680. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 58.] |
July 19. |
1456. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Miller's
petition concerning Carolina read. Ordered that copies thereof
and of those presented by Timothy Biggs be sent to the Lords
Proprietors, with directions to attend with their answers on
19th August, and to the Commissioners of Customs with directions
to attend at the same time. Their Lordships expect to receive also
report of the Proprietors and Commissioners on the settlement of
Carolina, required of them on 19th February last. |
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Lord Culpeper's letter from Virginia of 8th July, and Colonel
Spencer's of 9th July (see Nos. 1433, 1434) read. (N.B.—These
letters are misdated in the entry book as of the 8th and 17th
September respectively.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 101–103.] |
[July.] |
1457. The case of Francis Mingham, and his grievances against
Sir Henry Morgan and Receiver General Martyn of Jamaica.
Humbly offered to the consideration of the King and Privy Council,
with request that an Order in Council may be issued to bring him
to England for the re-trial of his case. Printed. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 59.] |
[July.] |
1458. Petition of Dorothy Mingham to the King and Privy
Council. Setting forth the story of the troubles of her husband,
Francis Mingham, in Jamaica, and begging for his liberation from
prison. A long story. Signed, Dorithy Mingham. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLV., No. 60.] |
July 21. Whitehall. |
1459. Order of the King in Council on petition of Dorothy
Mingham for the release of her husband Francis Mingham. That
the said Francis Mingham or some other person on his behalf give
security to the Board in the sum of 2,500l., that he will answer the
judgment given against him in Jamaica for that amount in case the
Board see fit to affirm the same, and that Francis Mingham be set
free and allowed to transport himself to England, there to answer
his complaint. Mem.—The security was given to the Board before
the delivery of the order. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX.,
pp. 403–5.] |
July 21. |
1460. [William Blathwayt] to the Earl of Craven. Transmitting
Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations, and petitions, for
communication to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. On the same
sheet. |
The same to Mr. Guy. Transmitting similar papers respecting
Carolina to the Lords of the Treasury that they may give their
orders thereon to the Commissioners of Customs. Drafts. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 61.] |
July 24. |
1461. Minutes of Assembly of Nevis. Nine members present.
Proposed by the Governor that all those who appear in the troop
and keep horses and neglect to look out, having been ordered to
the same, be fined. Ordered by the Governor and Council, nem. con.,
that whosoever hath been obliged to find a horse in the troop and
neglects to send one to the look-out, be fined 500 lbs. of sugar
besides the penalty inflicted by the Articles of War. Proposed by
the Governor and Council that a file of men be added to the
standing guard at Charles Fort (formerly Pelican's point) in consideration of the great number of guns there, and that the 8,000 lbs.
of sugar ordered to the continual look-out, and the fines of those
that neglect the look out, be ordered for the payment of the said
file of men. Proposed by the Governor and Council, but rejected
by the Assembly, that the former Act of fining all those who
refuse building of churches or other public works in 500 lbs.
of sugar be transcribed into the new book of Acts and remain in
force for the future. Agreed on proposal of the Governor that the
battlements at Charles Fort be built with lime and stone.
Ordered that the transactions of the Assembly be sent to the Lords
of Trade and Plantations. The clerk's letter advising despatch of
the same, 31st July 1680. Endorsed, Recd. 12 Oct. 1680. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 65.] |
July 26. Port Royal. |
1462. Sir Henry Morgan to Lord Sunderland. My last was
sent by Captain Knapman of the 2nd instant. Nothing has
happened since beyond the arrival in this harbour of a good
English merchantman, which has been for five months past among
the Spaniards on the Main. She reports a friendly reception of
herself, but great desolation of the maritime towns through the
frequent sacking of the privateers. This cannot be prevented but
by the present force of some small nimble frigates, which not being
here, the privateers are so bold as to keep daily coasting about this
Island, tempting all bad servants, debtors and dissolute persons to
join them, which adds to their strength beyond our power of
prevention without such a force as I have mentioned. Sloops
returned from the coasting on Hispaniola report the arrival of the
French fleet, some say fourteen, some ten, sail. We have no
certain account of their errand, which we partly conjecture, and we
shall be in readiness to receive them in this port, though as yet we
do not believe them to have any such purpose for the present.
Undoubtedly, however, they will call for wood and water, and then
they will see how our defences are improved. |
July 28. |
Mr. Secretary Coventry promised Lord Carlisle copies of the
several treaties by which this Government is concerned with
France, Spain, and Holland, but they have never been received. I
beg that they may be transmitted that I may be able the better to
guide myself on various occasions. Signed. Endorsed, Answd.
Oct. 1680. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 62.] |
July 27. Nevis. |
1463. Governor Sir William Stapleton to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Since my last of 1st July (ante No. 1418) I have
learned from a pen that has seldom erred in its intelligence that
the errand of the Vice-Admiral of France is to demand satisfaction
from the seizure and detention of one of his men-of-war when last
he was here, and to view the coast with the design of some action
against the Spaniards in Cuba and Hispaniola. He is first to
return to Martinique, where he has left 100 soldiers in Fort Royal;
then he is to take the French General, Count de Blenac, and his
intendant with him to inspect the forts at Guadaloupe; thence he
goes to St. Christophers where their lodgings are taken up, and
leaves there 300 men in addition to the two strong companies
already in pay on the spot. Having thus secured the Islands he
will attack the Spaniards to leeward, unless he receives the
satisfaction demanded. I hope this is not given out on purpose to
amuse, and that his design be not upon those Islands, and that he is
not bringing up 1,500 buccaneers to affect his stratagem when he
returns. Nothing troubles me more than that I cannot be at
St. Christophers when they are there, from fear of the dilemma
that I once writ of. If I should go, it must be in a shallop, or long
boat, for I have never a vessel to attend the King's service. What
a dishonour it is I refer to your Lordships' most prudent consideration. Their show, and doubtless in case of a breach their
real design, is always among the Leeward Islands. It is but
accidentally or once in twelve years that they go near Barbadoes
or Jamaica. God of His mercy give us here conduct and courage
to defend His Majesty's interest and grant that I may not survive
the loss of any part thereof. |
P.S., 28th July.—The conveyance not going so soon as I thought
I send the trial of the parties concerned in the death of the man
murdered in the attempt to seize the interloper. I pray you
overlook interlineations and conspurcations, for I write all with my
own hand, as is my duty to superiors, and it (the hand) is lame.
This postscript appears only in the Entry Book. Holograph.
1 p. Inscribed, Recd. 22 Sept. 1680. Read 30 Sept. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 63, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI.,
pp. 432, 433.] |
July 27. |
1464. Warrant to the Commissioners for the Mastership of the
Ordnance from the Lords of Trade and Plantations to deliver five
small carriages shod for brass minions to be shipped for Jamaica.
Signed, Anglesey, Albemarle, Bath, J. Ernle, L. Jenkins, H. London,
Radnor, Worcester, Francis Gwyn. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX.,
p. 398.] |
July 27. |
1465. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Admiralty
Requesting them to ship the five carriages for brass minions to
Jamaica. Signed as preceding, excepting the Bishop of London.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 399.] |
July 28. |
1466. Richard Powell, Secretary of Jamaica, to Lord Sunderland. Having had the honour to attend your Lordship's uncle,
Colonel Algernon Sydney as a young Secretary when he was
Plenipotentiary in Sweden and Denmark, I am encouraged to hope
for your Lordship's favour in the station which I now hold, being
Deputy Secretary of Jamaica, lately Secretary to Lord Carlisle
and now Secretary to the present Governor [Sir Henry Morgan].
I cannot but rejoice that we in this part of the world are in your
Lordship's province, and I hope that the good opinion of your
Lordship's relation my admit me to your favour. 1 p. Endorsed,
"Mr. Powell about himself." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 64.] |
July 29. Nevis. |
1467. Governor Sir William Stapleton to William Blathwayt,
In the black box addressed to the Lords are the last acts of Nevis,
copies of proceedings at a Court of Admiralty concerning a murder
etc. (see ante, No. 1440), copies of warrants granted by me to the
Agents, which I send because the Royal (African) Company has
complained that I do not do my duty as to the Charter and
proclamations (see ante, No. 1394), and four letters from the
respective Councils and Deputy Governors (ante, Nos. 1392, 1400).
If their Lordships observe that I have not signed along with them,
pray tell them it is because the gentlemen have inserted something
relating to me which I thought it not modest nor prudent to sign.
1 p. Holograph by Stapleton. Endorsed, Recd. 4 Oct. 1680.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 65.] |
July 30. Barbadoes. |
1468. Edwyn Stede, Secretary of Barbadoes, to Lords of Trade
and Plantations. Transmitting Quarterly Returns from the Councils
and the Secretary's Office pursuant to Circular of 14th January
(ante, No. 1262). 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 9 Feb. 1680–81. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 66, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 54.] |
July 31. Windsor. |
1469. Lord Sunderland to Lords of Trade and Plantations
The King having thought fit to recall Sir Jonathan Atkins from
Barbadoes and appoint Sir Richard Dutton to be Governor in his
stead, would have you forthwith consider and prepare the
necessary Commission, Instructions, and other despatches. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 67, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII.,
p. 10.] |
July 31. Nevis. |
1470. Clerk of Assembly of Nevis to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Transmitting copy of the Journals of Assembly.
Signed, Tho. Thorne. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 433.] |
July 31 to Sept. 29. Newfoundland. |
1471. Papers respecting damage done to the French at
St. Mary's. Declaration of Johanis Ducarrett of damage done to
his beach or rock at a place called Collonett in St. Mary's. "They"
(he does not specify who) "have destroyed me two new shalloways
and three shallops, also they have burned my cabin and other things."
I hereby empower George and Thomas Perriman to recover the
said goods for me. Copy, dated Trepassy, 31st July 1680. On
the back, Declaration of George Perriman empowering George Kirke
to demand the stolen goods above mentioned. Dated 31st August
1680. |
1471. i. Examinations of Samuel Wood 22nd August 1680, and
of John Wallis 24th August 1680, taken on board H.M.S.
Assistance. Showing how they were driven to take
Ducarrett's boats, but never damaged his cabin. 3 pp. |
1471. ii. Bond of Christopher Polliard and John Rolson to John
Ducarrett in Satisfaction of the damage done to him.
Dated 30th September 1680. Copy. 1 p. |
1471. iii. Declaration of Aaron Browning and Robert Fishley
respecting the damage aforesaid. Dated 27th September
1680. Copy. 1 p. |
1471. iv. Sentence against Francis Knapman, William Couch,
Samuel Wood, and John Wallis to be "duck at the main
yard arm" of H.M.S. Assistance for the damage aforesaid,
and be liable also to pay satisfaction in money. Dated
29th September 1680. Signed by Robert Robinson
and three others. Copy. 1 p. All five papers endorsed,
Recd. 29 October 1680. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLV.,
Nos. 68, 68 I.–IV.] |
[July.] |
1472. An Account of the Islands of Statia and Saba. Saba lies
three leagues, and Statia ten leagues, to leeward of St. Christophers. They were first settled by the English, taken from them
in the first Dutch war, and retaken in the last war by Sir William
Stapleton. They are important from their situation. While the
Dutch had them they diverted very much of the plantation
trade from England, and, if the French were to take them
their power would be much increased owing to their nearness
to the English islands. The Lords of Trade and Plantations were
aware of this, and too sensible that the only reason why the Dutch
(from whom they were last taken) had not demanded them upon
the conclusion of the peace with England, was an apprehension
that the islands would fall into the hands of the French with
whom they continued at war. Their Lordships therefore directed
Sir William Stapleton, by letter of 6th September 1677, to comply
with no demand of restitution from the Dutch without special
orders. After the conclusion of peace between the French and Dutch,
Van Leeven, the Dutch ambassador, addressed a memorial, dated
11th October 1679 (ante No. 1143), to the King, praying him to
order the islands to be restored pursuant to the Sixth Article of
the late Treaty. The Lords reported to the King on the subject
on 30th October 1679 (ante No. 1168), and the report having
been approved on 6th November 1679, orders were addressed to
Sir William Stapleton to give an account of the islands, which he has
supplied in his letter of 18th May (ante No. 1358). Here follows
an abridgment of that letter. 4½ pp. Unsigned, and in two
different hands, seemingly a draft appended to a fair copy. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLV., No. 69.] |