|
| Oct. 1. |
1528. Warrant appointing Mr. Mason to be of the Council of
New Hampshire. Signed, Sunderland. 3 pp. [Col Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXI., pp. 104–106.] |
Oct. 1.
Boston |
1529. Order of the Court of Assistants at Boston. That when
any person shall obtain from the Governor an order for the meeting
of the Court of Assistants, and of a jury, the Secretary before
granting a warrant for summons of a jury shall require the plaintiff
to deposit 10l. as caution money to repay the charges of the court.
Written in the margin. Mem.—I was attached in execution of
600l. because I did not prosecute John Brock, and was forced to get
a special Court.—E[dmund] R[andolph]. Scrap. [Col Papers, Vol.
XLVI., No. 15.] |
Oct. 2.
Hartford. |
1530. John Allyn, Secretary of Connecticut, to [William Blathwayt]. Requests his Honour to give them a conveyance to
Mr. William Harris if he be arrived, but if he be not arrived or
should be dead, to open the "pacquett" and peruse it and improve
it to their best advantage. Endorsed, From the Secretary of
Connecticut about the Narragansett. Recd. 6 Jan. 1680. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
1530. i. Pleas of Right about the Narragansett country.
Calendared under 15th July 1680. 1 p. Copy. |
|
1530. ii. Governor Winslow's certificate that 20 years since, in a
discourse between Plymouth and Rhode Island about
boundaries, the commissioners for that colony, Roger
Williams and Captain Randal Holden, pleaded that
Patucket river between Rehoboth and Providence was
Narragansett river, and New Plymouth has not for many
years past prosecuted any claim beyond that river. Dated
22nd August 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., Nos. 16,
16. i.] |
Oct. 4.
Bay of Bulls. |
1531. A list of the ships under the convoy of His Majesty's
frigates, Assistance and Assurance, under the command of Sir
Robert Robinson. Seventy-one ships, two-thirds of them from
Devonshire ports, and from Barnstaple and Bideford in particular.
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 17.] |
| Oct. 5. |
1532. Richard Wharton and John Saffin to Thomas Lord
Culpeper, Governor of Virginia. Respecting the controversy between
Connecticut and Rhode Island about jurisdiction in the Narragansett
Niantick, and Chesett counties. Property hath by many legal
conveyances from the Indian Sachems been transferred to sundry
of His Majesty's loyal subjects who have by great expense and
hazard of their estates upon encouragement from His Majesty's letter
of 1st June 1663, made new and considerable adventures for settlement of the countries and for adding another colony to the Crown.
By an inadvertent act of some of His Majesty's Commissioners and
the pretensions of Connecticut and Rhode Island to Government,
the plantation was greatly discouraged, and for lack of protection in
the late Indian wars laid desolate. Owing to the Rhode Islanders
sending forth the scum and dregs of their unsettled plantation to
possess our lands and disturb our settlements, we have lately
petitioned His Majesty for a confirmation of Government of the
Province to Connecticut, or that it may be added to New Plymouth,
or that it may, as a distinct province, be privileged like the other
colonies with a charter to the proprietors; also that the King would
commissionate judicious, righteous, and uninterested persons to elect
a Court of Claims in New England, to determine all private claims
and pretensions, and to ascertain the bounds between the colonies.
We beg you to represent our case, a breviate of which is enclosed,
to the King, and to favour our friends, Thomas Deane, John Lewin,
and William Harris, who will wait upon you with your recommendation and good direction. 1 p. Enclosed. |
|
1532. i. Breviate concerning the right of John Saffin, Richard
Wharton, and Elisha Hutchinson to the Narragansett
country:—(1) Purchased those lands from Connonnicus,
the great Sachem of those countries, at the first coming
of the English into these American parts. About nineteen
years since their right was manifested in the presence of
several hundred English and Indians by the free consent
of the under-sagamores and counsellors, who all gave up
their rights, as also by the receipts of money from them
by the sachems and their interpreters at sundry times.
(2) By their instance the Sachems subjected themselves
and people to the King's government, in and by the
united colonies in England, who have approved of their
purchase and right, and in particular by their late letter
and address to the King; their actions about the said
lands were open and not clandestine, deeds and evidences
being registered and remaining in courts of record.
(3) His Majesty allowed and confirmed their rights by
his letters to the colonies of 21st June 1663, commanding
them to defend the Proprietors in their rights against
the injuries done by Rhode Island, terming their irregular
and tumultuous actions a scandal to justice and government. (4) The chief sachems in the time of the late
bloody rebellion of Philip (before they also revolted)
confirmed the grants of the lands, in the 7th Article of
their treaty now in print; nor did the Indians ever
manifest the least discontent at the possession of those
lands by the Proprietors. Assert, in answer to the
statement of John Green and Randall Holden, that the
Narragansett lands were never purchased by any English
but given to King Charles I.,—(1) A great part of the
lands were purchased above 40 years ago by Roger
Williams still living, and by Richard Smith, deceased,
and are possessed to this day by his son Richard; (2) The
subjection of the Indians to the King was no other than
the putting themselves under his protection. Answer to
the objection that His Majesty's Commissioners in 1664
made void all their deeds and evidences on condition of
the Indians paying 1,055 fathom of "Wampampeage,"—(1) That the Commissioners had no right to make void
any title of lands; (2) That the said declaration was
made null by the absence of Colonel Nicholls; (3) If the
validity of the act were granted, the condition, viz.,
paying so much wampampeage, has not been fulfilled, and
so the act is void; (4) Colonel Nicholls and the rest of
the Commissioners, on better consideration, made null
their previous act. Endorsed, Copies of a declaration or
breviate to the King. Abt. the Narragansett country.
Recd. from my Ld. Culpepr. 12 Sept. '81. 3 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLVI, Nos. 18 and 18. i.] |
Oct. 6
Whitehall. |
1533. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Sir Henry Morgan.
Ordering transmission of attested transcripts of the books and
registers of the past Assemblies, and true copies of their proceedings
in future. Signed, Anglesey, Bridgewater, Clarendon, Essex,
Fauconberg, H. Seymour, Sunderland, Worcester, L. Jenkins.
[Col Entry Bk, Vol XXIX., p. 440.] |
| Oct. 6. |
1534. The same to the Secretary of Jamaica. Lord Carlisle
has furnished attested copies of the Council's records to 3rd
September 1678; copies of the proceedings since that date, and
perpetually, are to be furnished by you. Signed as the above.
[Col. Entry Bk, Vol. XXIX., p. 440.] |
| Oct. 8. |
1535. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of
John Wachtendonck read praying for compensation to the Dutch
West India Company for the ship Asia. Sir Richard Lloyd's
report thereon read (see No. 1519). Ordered that Sir Jonathan
Atkins be directed to bring the sum of 300l. with him and a
particular account of the salvage charges. With this Mr. Wachtendonck is satisfied. |
|
Lord Culpeper's letter from Virginia of 8th July read (see
No. 1433), with the laws enclosed therein. Discussion deferred
till next meeting. |
|
The gentlemen of Barbadoes attend, Sir Peter Colleton, Messrs.
Lucy, Scutt, Davers, and others, who declare that the conversion of
their slaves to Christianity would not only destroy their property
but endanger the island, inasmuch as converted negroes grow
more perverse and intractable than others, and hence of less value
for labour or sale. The disproportion of blacks to whites being
great, the whites have no greater security than the diversity of the
negroes' languages, which would be destroyed by conversion, in that
it would be necessary to teach them all English. The negroes are a
sort of people so averse to learning that they will rather hang
themselves or run away than submit to it. Conversion will
impair their value and price, and injure not only the Planters but
the African Company. Upon the whole matter, their Lordships
think best to leave the Governor, Council, and Assembly to find
out the best means for converting the negroes without injury or
danger to property, which is made an instruction to Sir R. Dutton.
Asked about the salaries of ministers, the gentlemen reply that the
old stipend was 1 lb. of sugar per. acre, but since the fall in the
value of sugar the stipend is made up by the vestries to 100l. per
annum, that of the minister of St. Michael's rising to 300l. It is
not in the power of vestries to displace them or lessen their
allowance. Asked as to the reason why laws have of late been
usually made for two years only, Sir Peter Colleton answers that
it was by accident and mistake, not by design of the Assembly.
The gentlemen being withdrawn, their Lordships order Sir R.
Dutton to be instructed to ascertain the stipends of ministers, if it
be not already done. On Sir R. Dutton's proposals, agreed that
the Governor be compelled to show to the Council those only of
his Instructions in relation whereunto the advice and consent of
the Council is mentioned to be requisite. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CVI., pp. 205–9.] |
Oct. 11.
Whitehall. |
1536. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. In reference
to Lord Culpeper's letter from Virginia of the 8th July (ante,
No. 1433). The first proviso repealing former Acts for raising a
public revenue approved, but the last proviso which frees the
Virginia owners of ships from the duties of 2s. per hogshead and
the Castle duties, very much disliked. Resolved that a draft order
be offered in Council for confirming this Act as it was transmitted
under the Great Seal, together with the proviso for repealing other
laws, and disallowing the exemption of Virginian owners, and that
a letter be written by the Committee to Lord Culpeper directing
him to publish the Order and to take care that it be duly obeyed. |
|
Agreed to advise the King to give strict orders to the Commissioners of Customs to furnish the Committee from time to time
with an account of all commodities exported and imported, and by
what ships as well in the out ports of England as the port of
London; also to direct their Collectors in the Plantations to keep
exact accounts of exports, imports, and shipping therein. |
|
Mr. Perrot, Mr. Scutt, and Mr. Pollexfen, agents appointed by the
Western towns to attend the Lords in the business of Newfoundland,
are called in and report that the towns for which they act apprehend
the appointment of a Governor of Newfoundland to be very prejudicial to trade, and can give no other answer. A letter received
from Bideford to the same effect. Whereupon their Lordships
finding no reason to alter their former resolution as to a Governor
agree to proceed further towards preparing rules and provisions in
that behalf. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 209–211.] |
| [Oct. 11.] |
1537. Petition of sundry inhabitants of the Narragansett country
to the King. Petitioners enumerate the disputes between Connecticut and Rhode Island regarding the government of the
province. In answer to the King's commands had instructed the
Agent sent by Connecticut in a rude and hasty address, but the
person and papers thus designed are carried to Algiers. Are so
impoverished by the Indian war and the intrusions and disturbances
of Rhode Island, that they cannot contribute to the collection of
new evidence, and the colony having been long blasted by the evil
influences of Rhode Island, pray that John Lewin and Thomas Deane
may be admitted to spread before His Majesty such petitions, &c., as
they may be furnished with, and that confirmation of their propriety
be granted to them, or, if it should so seem expedient, a Charter of
Incorporation be, granted to them, and that a commission be given
to the Governor of Plymouth and others to constitute a court of
claims to hear and determine all titles in controversy. Signed,
Richd. Smith, Simon Lynde, John Winthrop, Wait. Winthrop,
William Tailer, Richd. Wharton, John Saffin, Elisha Hutchinson,
Joshua Lamb. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Lewin, 11 Oct. 1680.
Read 12th April 1681. [Col Papers, Vol. XLVI., No., 19.] |
| Oct. 12. |
1538. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Carlisle
acquaints their Lordships that the present Revenue Act for Jamaica
will expire in March next, and that the Government will be greatly
embarrassed unless the King grant leave to Sir Henry Morgan to
pass a temporary Bill, and to that end cancels the Order in Council
of 14th January last. His Lordship gave an account of his
endeavours to persuade the Assembly to pass the Revenue Bill
which was sent out from England, giving an account of his arguments against the Assembly's objections. He said also that he had
set licences for taverns on foot before he passed any Bill of Revenue.
Their Lordships resolve to meet again in this business; Colonel
Long and the other Assembly men of Jamaica to attend. |
|
Draft of new instruction to Sir R. Dutton respecting the substitution of another impost in lieu of the 4½ per cent. read and
approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 212, 213.] |
[Oct.]
[Montserrat.] |
1539. Three Acts passed in the island of Montserrat, viz., An
Act imposing a duty of powder on all the growth or manufacture
of sugar, tobacco, or indigo transported from this island, 29th March
1680. An Act restraining the assignment of bonds and bills without consent of parties and session two several times in the year, no
jury to be under one thousand pounds of sugar, 12th October 1680.
An Act for the making restitution for cattle stolen by negroes and
licenses for tap houses in town and country, 12th October 1680.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. L., pp. 239–245, also printed in Vol. LV.,
pp. 35–37.] |
| Oct. 14. |
1540. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Carlisle
produces an entry from the Jamaica Council book of a law passed
by Colonel Doyley and the Council for Public Revenue, and of a
similar law passed by Sir Charles Littleton and Council, both of
which were indefinite. After which Colonel Long and Mr. Ashurst
are called in and asked to state their objections to a perpetual Bill
of Revenue. They answer that they have no other way of making
their grievances known to the King than by the dependence of the
Governor in the Assembly. If a perpetual Bill were passed there
would be no need to summon Assemblies, to which my Lord Carlisle
replies that the necessities and contingencies of the Government
are such that the Assembly must needs be called frequently, even
though the Bill for impost on liquors were perpetual. Their Lordships inform Colonel Long that if the Assembly pass the Revenue
Act indefinitely the King may be induced to settle other perpetual
laws which they shall propose as beneficial to them. The gentlemen
from Jamaica being withdrawn their Lordships debate concerning
the continuance of the two laws made by Colonel Doyley and Sir
Charles Littleton; and it is alleged, with respect to the laws of
England, that they cannot be in force in another country where the
constitution differs from that of England. Agreed to refer to Chief
Justice North two questions. (1.) Whether the King by his proclamation published during Lord Windsor's government, his letter
of 15th January 1672–73, or any other Act appearing by the laws
of England, or of Jamaica, or by any commission or instructions to
his Governors, has divested himself of the power he formerly had
to alter the forms of government in Jamaica? (2.) Whether any
Act of the Assembly of Jamaica or any other Act of the King's or
of his Governors have totally repealed the Acts made by Colonel
Doyley and Sir Charles Littleton for raising Public Revenue, or
whether they are still in force? Mem.—The King being present,
Lord Chief Justice North was added to the Committee. Lord
Vaughan summoned to attend next meeting. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CVI., pp. 214.–16.] |
Oct. 14.
Whitehall. |
1541. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord
Culpeper. We have received your letters of 2nd May and 8th July,
with copies of the laws. We have disapproved only of the last
proviso in the Public Revenue Act exempting Virginian owners
from the payments under the Act, for we esteem it not only
irregular but inequitable, that ships owned in Virginia should
receive more encouragement than those of others of the King's
subjects. The Act would be frustrated if Virginian owners should
monopolise the Virginian carrying trade. The King has therefore
disallowed the proviso. The King has also ordered all Governors,
jointly with their Councils, to keep a journal which is to be sent
home quarterly, and the Secretaries and Clerks of Assembly to
report likewise. Also, in order to an inspection of all offices in the
Colonies, you will report which should be in the King's and which
in the Governor's gift. You will fill up all places with regard to
merit only and not for gain. You will also order that every
minister be a member of his parish vestry, and no vestry held
without him. 4½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp.
388–392.] |
Oct. 14.
Whitehall. |
1542. Order of the King in Council confirming an Act for
raising a public revenue for the better support of His Majesty's
Colony of Virginia passed by the Assembly of said colony, but
disallowing a proviso in said Act whereby the Virginia owners are
freed from paying the duties imposed by the Act. [Col Entry Bk.,
No. LXXX., pp. 392–394.] |
| [Oct. 15.] |
1543. Copy of three warrants issued by Sir William Stapleton
to the Provost-Marshal of Nevis on complaint of the Agents of the
Royal African Company to search for negroes introduced by interlopers. Dated 30th June, 29th August, and 1st September 1679.
Certified by the Provost Marshal, Cæsar Rodeney. Together, 3 pp.
Endorsed, Recd. 15 Oct, 1680. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 20.] |
| Oct. 16. |
1544. Sir J. Werden to William Blathwayt. Since our
previous correspondence respecting Mr. William Penn's petition
he has represented to the Duke [of York] his case and circumstances (in relation to the reasons he has to expect the King's
favour therein) to be such that the Duke commands me to acquaint
you, for the information of the Lords of Trade and Plantations,
that he is very willing that Mr. Penn's request may meet with
success, that is, that he may have a grant of the land that lies on
the north of Newcastle Colony and on the west side of Delaware
River, beginning at about the 40th degree of latitude, and
extending as far as the King pleaseth, under such regulations as
their Lordships may think fit. Holograph. Endorsed, Read,
21 October: read again 4 Nov. 1680. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XLVI., No. 21.] |
| [Oct. 16.] |
1545. List of all ships that have laden any of the enumerated
plantation commodities in the Island of Barbadoes from 16th April
to 16th October 1680, with names of the masters. Signed by
Sir Jonathan Atkins, and Abraham Langford, Clerk of the Naval
Office. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. X., No. 3.] |
| Oct. 18. |
1546. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Chief Justice
North undertakes to return his answer upon the first question
submitted to him (see No. 1540) at the next meeting, and is
desired to take other of the Judges to assist him. [Col Entry Bk.,
Vol. CVI., p. 217.] |
| Oct. 19. |
1547. President Danforth's letter to the Magistrates of
Maine. Orders them, on Mr. Randolph exhibiting his libel against
one Mr. Nicholls, master of a ketch, for breach of the Acts of
Trade, and laying down 10l., to appoint a time for a special court,
and to order the Secretary to give notice to the magistrates and
send warrants for summoning a jury to the constables of York,
Kittery, and Wells. The jury to be allowed 4s. a day for expenses,
and the magistrates and other officers according as the charge
shall arise; what remains of the 10l. to be delivered back to
Mr. Randolph. Endorsed, Tho. Danforth's esq's. letter to ye
Magts. of ye Province of Maine to pay 10 to Mr. Rush worth.
Copy. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 22.] |
Oct. 19
and 20. |
1548. Minutes of Council of Barbadoes. Bill sent up from the
Assembly for the continuance of certain expiry laws passed; eight
orders for payment of gunners and mattrosses passed.[Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. XI., p. 325.] |
| Oct. 19. |
1549. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Bill to continue the
Act appointing a Committee of public accounts passed; letter from
Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Drax read. Orders, that William
Sharpe draw up an answer against to-morrow morning. |
| Oct. 20. |
Answer to Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Drax read. Ordered,
that it be signed by the Speaker and dispatched. Voted, that the
question of making a present to His Excellency stand over to next
Assembly. Several orders to pay for materials for the fortifications
passed. The Assembly expiring this day ordered that its records
be committed to the care of the Speaker till next election. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 400–404.] |
| Oct. 20. |
1550. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Chief
Justice North's opinion respecting the first question (see No. 1540)
read, Colonel Long, Mr. Beeston, Mr. Ashurst, and other planters
being present. His Lordship's conclusion is that the Act of
Revenue made by Sir Charles Littleton in 1663 is yet in force.
Colonel Long objects that, by a law made in Sir Thomas Modyford's
time, all laws passed by Sir Charles Littleton are declared void for
want of due form; whereupon he and those with him are bidden
to withdraw. Ordered, that the objection be communicated to
Chief Justice North, and that the gentlemen of Jamaica be directed
to be ready with their objections at the next meeting. [Col.
Entry Bk. Vol. CVI., pp. 218, 219.] |
| [Oct. 20.] |
1551. [William Blathwayt ?] to Lord Chief Justice North.
Pursuant to your instructions I acquaint you with the objections
of the Jamaica planters to your report. (1.) They say that the
law made by the Assembly in 1663 is not in force, there being a
law made by Sir Thomas Modyford which declares all laws passed
by that Assembly to be void. (2.) They say that the law made by
Sir Charles Littleton's Assembly is void because Lord Windsor,
whose deputy he was, had power by an instruction to call
assemblies and make laws which were to be in force two years,
and no longer unless confirmed by the King. (3.) They say that
neither the law made by Sir Charles Littleton and his Council, nor
the other made by Colonel Doyley and his Council, are now in
force, since they had no express powers to make laws by their
Councils, and that they, as Englishmen, ought not to be bound by
any laws to which they have not given their consent. The Lords
of Trade and Plantations have appointed them to attend at three in
the afternoon, and desire your Lordship to be present. Draft, with
corrections. Endorsed with date 1680, and the words Oct. 26
erased with the pen. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 23.] |
| Oct. 21. |
1552. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The business
of Jamaica. The King's proclamation in Lord Windsor's time
read, whereon two questions arise. (1.) Were the Acts of Council
by Colonel Doyley and Sir C. Littleton perpetual ? (2.) Whether,
if they were perpetual, they have been annulled by subsequent
laws and proclamations ? The gentlemen of Jamaica entering
divers objections against the validity of these laws, Colonel Long,
Mr. Beeston, and Mr. Ashurst are directed to wait on Lord Chief
Justice North to explain their chief wants to him, whereby they
may be induced to pass an Act for Revenue, to the end that matters
may be brought to an accommodation. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI.,
pp. 219, 220.] |
| Oct. 22. |
1553. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir Jonathan
Atkins, With reference to your report of 3rd March 1679 (ante
No. 914) respecting the ship Asia, we have, on the application of an
agent of the Dutch West India Company, considered the demand
of charges made by you, and could have wished that you had so
specified the same as to enable us to make our award without
further delay. You will, however, on your return home bring with
you the 300l. which are the proceeds of the sale of the ship, and a
particular account of the expenses incurred by you for the care and
salvage thereof, that we may determine how much should be
deducted from the 300l. on that account. Signed, Anglesey,
Radnor, Worcester. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 23, 24.] |
| [Oct. 22.] |
1554. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have
prepared draft commission and instructions for Sir Richard Dutton
pursuant to your Majesty's order of 31st July, and we recommend
further the insertion of a clause making void all patents of offices,
except those of the Secretary and Marshal, unless the patentee
shall reside in the Island, and that no more places be granted under
the great seal, except those that are already granted, but be left to
the disposal of the Governor. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII.,
pp. 24, 25.] |
| Oct. 22. |
1555. Commission to Sir Richard Dutton to be Governor of
Barbadoes and Governor-in-Chief of Barbadoes, St. Lucia, St.
Vincent, Dominica, and the rest of the English Islands to windward
of Guadaloupe. The only reference to the last three Islands is a
clause empowering him to choose a council of twelve members from
the principal freeholders therein. 12 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
VII., pp. 25, 37.] |
Oct. 23.
Nevis. |
1556. Governor Sir William Stapleton to [Lord Sunderland ?].
I have received your command from Windsor in favour of
Mr. Plott. I do not wish him to need my assistance, but shall be
glad to do any service to one bearing your recommendation. His
agent is in quiet possession of his right without further disturbance
than that which the Vice-Admiral of France, who is at Martinique,
gives us in watching and trenching. You will excuse me if I give
no particular account of his promenade as you have it already in
my last letters. Holograph. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI.,
No. 24.] |
Oct. 26.
Nevis. |
1557. Governor Sir William Stapleton to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. My humble thanks for the ten barrels of powder to
replace the six given to the Deptford ketch. I hear she is to be
sent out again, and beseech you to prevent it, for as I have told
you she is of no credit or profit in a place where the French show
their master's grandeur by a considerable fleet. If I might make
bold I would suggest that all the ships that are sent to Barbadoes,
Jamaica, and the Leeward Islands, together, should attend the
King's service wherever the French fleet are nearest, for three good
frigates with merchantmen may not only offend but defend (sic)
with the strength of the Islands transported to any point that is
attacked. At any rate, they will do better service united than
dispersed, while, if necessary, they can be ordered to their several
stations. Vis enim unita fortior est se ipsˆ dispersˆ. I beseech
you to order the payment of my arrears in Sir Tobias Bridge's
regiment. I am ashamed to mention it so often, but if there be
any desert in a subject for doing his duty I may say, without
vanity, that I deserve that pay as much as anyone. I was
dangerously wounded and taken prisoner after seven hours' dispute
in ascending a cliff at the ill-managed descent upon St. Christophers,
where, if I may modestly say so, I was no ways backward in
imitating Anthonius Primus, though not in beating the French as
he did four legions of the Emperor, nor in running my ensign
(who dropped my colours and went woundless aboard) through the
body. I took up the colours by the half pike and darted at the
Chevalier St. Laurens. The pike was broken, and I was shot
in the hand, but I snatched the silk from one who was about to
seize on it. The French story of the war mentions the killing of
the ensign and the breaking of Colonel Stapleton's arm, but it was
not broken till two hours after. I humbly pray you to pardon
this little vain digression, which is only given to implore you to
obtain for me my arrears, due almost these dozen years, and, as
long since stated, short of my due and contingent expenses. Since
my last of 15th instant, I learn that Count d'Estrées is to remain
at Martinique pending fresh orders from France, and that having
contracted friendship with the Spanish governors, especially at
St. Domingo, the design in that quarter is altered. He can
therefore have no object in this American promenade (as they call
their frequent voyages to these parts) but the English Plantations,
since the ratification of the treaty of neutrality signed, and sealed
by Count de Blenac and myself, is denied by the king of France,
though they first proposed it, and by alleging defect in my powers
obliged me to give supernumerary hostages. His Majesty's
commands respecting the office created and granted to Mr. Blathwayt
shall be obeyed. Inscribed, Recd. 11 Feb. 1681. Holograph.
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 25, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
XLVI., pp. 452–454.] |
Oct. 26.
Barbadoes. |
1558. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Your letter of 6th July last reached me only on the
14th instant. I have since sent by Captain Fen a map of the
island such as I could get, with the rest of the Acts passed, and also
those that were not passed by the Council. Those passed are so
few that I may say to you what I have read was once said in Queen
Elizabeth's time, when, there being a Parliament the Queen asked
Lord Popham (who was of it) what the Parliament had done. His
answer was, they have sat seven weeks, and I may say the same of
our Assembly, they have sat a twelvemonth, though I put a
great difference between this Assembly and the House of Commons.
As to your frequent instances for the laws to be sent to you, I know
of none that I could procure which I have omitted to send. I hope
you will not think me guilty of so much weakness as to put forward
the insurrection of the negroes and other circumstances as reasons
for not transmitting the laws. They were rather reasons why the
Assembly did not meet so frequently as before. As a rule they do
not meet above once a month, nor sit for more than a day, and I
thought it inconvenient to send the laws until there was a considerable number to be sent together. As to my mention of
Virginia and Sir George Ayscough, I thought it not amiss to let you
know in what condition the Governor stands when the King has
no force of his own, and all depends on the people. Not that I
distrust the people in general, though some of them are factious
enough. If I have been mistaken in the circumstances of time of
sending the laws I hope your Lordships will repair it, for it was not
wilfully done. I beg your pardon for it and promise amendment.
I know of no Act for the King's revenue except that for the 4½ per
cent. which was sent to you long ago. I beg your pardon for
repeating what I have so often said before, that the people here will
not obey an Act that is not in being. The Militia Act was near
expiration; many things in the former Act needed reform, but that
Act being a very long one the amendments could not be speedily
effected. The Assembly therefore renewed the former Act and
continued it for a short time only, in order that the new Act might
be presented to His Majesty in a state fit for long continuance. The
account of the Militia to which you refer was sent you soon after
my arrival. I had only taken up the government in the previous
November, and until I had more time to enquire into the matter I
was forced to accept the computation of the President and Council,
which was based, I conceive, on the Militia Act, whereby owners of
land are bound to provide for so many acres a horseman and for so
many acres a footman; adding to the men thus raised the number
of others obliged to bear arms, the total would amount to very near
the numbers given. But there have certainly been great changes
in the past six years. Firstly, numbers of people go from here to
Carolina, Jamaica, and the Leeward Islands, in the hope of getting
land which they cannot get here. Again, fresh supplies of men do
not come to us; the few that do come are bound for at most five
years, and when their time expires they seek a fortune elsewhere.
Again, since people have found out the convenience and cheapness
of slave-labour they no longer keep white men, who used to do all
the work on the plantations. Moreover, as I have explained, white
servants do not come here, though for their own safety the planters
would willingly embrace them. Further, it has pleased Providence
to send a great mortality among us these two years past which
hath swept away many of our people and our slaves. We have
lost six members of Council, four Colonels, two LieutenantColonels, and many considerable officers of the Militia, so that it is
small wonder if the Militia be abated. Besides there is a considerable
number of Anabaptists, Quakers, and other dissenters who have got
considerable estates, and will neither serve themselves, nor send
their servants as the law requires. This has occasioned some
strictness in law for the Militia extraordinary, but these people are
under no severer penalties than the best of the King's subjects. I
did not include the lifeguard in my last account of the Militia. It
is a thing uncertain, sometimes they are fifty, sometimes sixty,
sometimes a hundred strong, according as the merchants and
tradesmen that compose it come and go. Again, all overseers, under
overseers, and many other servants of that kind are exempted by
the Act from attendance at public musters, though they are bound
to serve in case of alarm for the general defence of the country, and
would make one of our best regiments. So also all judges, their
assistants and servants, all clerks and officers of Courts, Justices of
the Peace and their servants, lawyers attending the Courts, and
officers in Commission of the Militia are allowed a man by the Act.
They never attend public musters though they are bound to come
with horse and arms upon all alarms. Considering all these things,
your Lordships will I hope see that the present numbers do not
really fall so far short of the former computation. |
|
As to the general account of the population, I gave you what
was given by the Council to me; but my last account was, I
thought, according to your orders. I conceived that I could not
give you a better return than that made by the churchwardens
who went through every parish and certified the number of
inhabitants. It is an invincible difficulty to furnish you exactly
with the numbers of all in the Island, men, women, and children.
So nearly as we can calculate they may amount to near the
number formerly given to you. The list of ships again I gave to
you as it was given to me out of the Naval Office, who have no
reason, and would not dare, to give me a false account. Possibly
that account fell out at a time when few ships were here, for they
carefully observe the time of the crop, and the crop being both late
and short of expectation, most of the sugar has been shipped off
since. The enclosed further account of what has been since
shipped off may give you further satisfaction; an account of
imports is also enclosed. As to exports neither I nor my Council
can think of any way to satisfy your Lordships but by the entries
in the office of the 4½ per cent. duty, which must at best be a very
fallible one, as my Council will certify to you. |
|
As to the confirmation of Colonel Drax and Sir Peter Colleton
to act on behalf of the Island, not long before Colonel Drax
resolved to go to England the Assembly presented to me and the
Council an order for thirty butts of sugar to be consigned to Sir
Peter Colleton for the payment of any extraordinary expenses
incurred by their service for the benefit of the Island. This was
agreed to. Shortly after a paper was presented to the Council
containing instructions for Colonel Drax. Of these all were
rejected except the two first. One of the latter was, that he should
endeavour to procure a commutation of the 4½ per cent. duty
according to a clause in the last lease. Upon several complaints
made to me that the manner of collecting that duty was very
troublesome to them, when the term was to be let I acquainted
the Assembly that now was a fit time, if they thought it would be
to the good of the country, to propound and offer for the term.
Of this they took no notice. But suddenly, when Colonel Drax
was resolved upon his journey, they promised themselves that
much might be done in these and other imaginary things, wherewith they pleased themselves and gave instructions accordingly;
but I told them they had mistaken their business, and that was all
the approbation I gave to that affair. The second instruction was
to endeavour to overthrow the patent of the Guinea Company, and
to that I told them I could not Join with them, for that I acted
daily by the King's patent, and in that particular by both his
patent and express orders as well as your Lordships'. But their
hopes went high. I told them that if they offered me anything to
the good of the country, I was very ready to join with them,
and in that particular had never failed them. Some overtures
have been made by Colonel Drax and Sir Peter Colleton in the
matter of the 4½ per cent., but with little encouragement for their
success. They sent a letter to the Assembly saying how serviceable
they had been to the country by saving them from being put
under the Irish system of Government, from the grant of power to
the Governor to make and displace Councillors, and from some other
small things which when well inquired into cannot prove to be of
much advantage to them. For this the Assembly wrote them a
letter of thanks with a number of new instructions which was at
last presented to the Council, which unanimously rejected it as
factious, as not for the good of the country, and as encroaching on
the royal prerogative. Hereby they refused to allow any such
authority to be given to these gentlemen, and suspended the power
(if any) that was given to them before. I respect the two gentlemen themselves, but I am afraid that they take wrong measures,
though they mean well. A copy of the intended letter to them
was sent to Mr. Secretary Coventry, and I now send a duplicate.
As to the filling of the vacancy in the Council, Mr. Francis Bond
is an ingenious young man, but most of his fortune depends on
the life of a widow whom he hath married here; whereas
Mr. Alexander Ruddock is a solid man, hath a good estate, and is
free from debt. I therefore conceive Mr. Ruddock to be the fittest
man. There was no vacancy in the Council till now, by the death of
Colonel John Standfast, who died very lately. There was a vacancy,
but Captain Thomas Walrond, by what procurement I cannot tell,
obtained a Privy Seal to be one of the Council, and was accordingly
sworn. By my commission I have power when the Council falls
below nine in number to appoint a member, subject to the King's
confirmation, and I accordingly appointed Mr. Benjamin Knight, a
man without exception, both for estate, credit, and prudence.
I beg His Majesty's confirmation of this appointment.Endorsed,
Recd. 11 Feb.1680/81. Read, 10 March 1680/81. 7 closely
written pages. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 26, and Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 89–101.] |
| Oct. 27. |
1559. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Chief
Justice North reports that the gentlemen of Jamaica are prepared
to grant the King a perpetual Bill for the payment of the
Governor, and another Bill for the payment of contingencies, for
seven years. Provided that they be restored to their ancient form
of passing laws, and may be assured of such of the laws of England
as concern their liberty and property. Ordered, that Sir Henry
Morgan be directed to pass a temporary Bill for the Revenue in
Jamaica, with consent of the Assembly, or in case of its refusal by
the method pursued by former Governors. On reading the petition
of the inhabitants of Jamaica to be restored to their ancient
method of making laws, ordered that their Lordships meet de
die in diem till the question be settled. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CVI., pp. 220, 221.] |
| Oct. 27. |
1560. Petition of planters, traders, &c., of Jamaica to the King.
The Island was in a most flourishing state until your Majesty
altered the Government by your commission to Lord Carlisle, since
which time a fatal stop hath been to its prosperity. Many of the
inhabitants have withdrawn their estates and persons from the
Island, and more will do so unless your Majesty be pleased to shine
upon them with favour. The Council and Assembly have already
pleaded for return to the ancient form of Government, which is
likewise the prayer of the petitioners. Eighteen signatures,
including those of Samuel Long and William Beeston. Inscribed,
Read in Council Oct. 27, in Committee Oct. 28, 1680. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 27, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX.,
pp. 442, 443.] |
| Oct. 28. |
1561. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. After consideration of divers documents their Lordships agree that the
present method of making laws in Barbadoes, as laid down in
Sir R. Dutton's Commission, be applied to Jamaica; and that the
Assembly may be more readily induced to grant a revenue, their
Lordships think that the King's quit-rents and the tax on wine
licenses, as well as all existing levies, should be appropriated solely
to the support of the Government. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI.,
pp. 222, 223.] |
| Oct. 30. |
1562. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel
Long and the other gentlemen of Jamaica called in and acquainted
with the Lords' resolution to recommend for them the same method
of making laws as in Barbadoes, with which they express
themselves very well satisfied. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. CVI.,
p. 223.] |
| Oct. 30. |
1563. Instructions to Sir Richard Dutton, Governor of Barbadoes.
He is empowered to permit the 4½ per cent, duty to be commuted
for some equivalent impost; ordered to enforce the Bishop of
London's recommendations (ante, No. 1488) to endeavour to pass
a law to prevent inhumanity of masters to their Christian servants,
and to find out the best means for the conversion of negroes. In
all 48 clauses.[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 37–53.] |
| Oct. |
1564. Petition of the General Assembly of Maine to the King.
Were necessitated owing to the failure of those betrusted by him
who was the chief lord proprietor, and by the unruliness of
turbulent spirits and the rage of heathen natives, to crave the
succour of the Massachusetts Government, who did not spare blood
or treasure in their defence, having furnished supplies of clothing,
ammunition, provision and money to the amount of 7,000l., and
have never taken one penny tax either in peace or war except
what was to be distributed among the inhabitants of the province.
The Massachusetts Government being owners by a late purchase from
the heirs of Sir Ferdinand Gorges, His Majesty's Lieutenant and their
chief lord proprietor, and having notified the oath of allegiance to
them, none refusing to accept it except Quakers and some with
them, and having settled a Government according to Gorges'
charter, petitioners pray that the accusations and suggestions of
any representing sinisterly their estate and condition may not
prevail to bring on further alterations. Signed by 16 burgesses.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 28.] |
| [Oct. ?] |
1565. Report to the Committee about Mr. Penn's boundaries [by
William Blathwayt?]. I have examined Mr. Penn's petition for
the grant of a tract of land in America and the patent of New
York granted to His Royal Highness [the Duke of York], and find
that the latter is sufficiently distinguished from the grant desired
by Mr. Penn. But I am further to offer to your Lordships that
there are several Dutch and Swedish plantations which have been
long under the English Government, that lie scattered on the
westward of Delaware river, some of them perhaps within the
bounds of Mr. Penn's petition, and have for a long time either
acknowledged the protection of the Duke of York or of Lord
Baltimore, near whose borders they are settled. Draft, with
correction in Blathwayt's hand. Endorsed as above. 1½ pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 29.] |
