America and West Indies: March 1681 | British History Online

Pages 15-25

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 11, 1681-1685. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1898.

Citation:

March 1681



March 7.	35. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Present: his Excellency, Sir Richard Dutton, knight, Henry Walrond, Samuel Newton, Thomas Wardall, John Witham, John Peers, Richard Howell, Edwyn Stede, Thomas Walrond, Francis Bond. Read, his Excellency's Commission as Governor and Commander-in-Chief, a certificate from the Council Board that he had taken the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, also the oath as Governor and the oaths appointed in the Acts of Trade and Navigation. His Excellency thereupon took over the Government, and administered the oaths of allegiance and supremacy to the Council (all members being present except Sir Peter Colleton, Bart., and Colonel Henry Drax) and the usual oath of a Councillor. Each member having then signed the test took his seat at the Council. Ordered, That a Proclamtion be issued declaring the King's appointment of Sir Richard Dutton to be Governor, and empowering all officers, civil and military, to continue in the execution of their duty till further order. The Hon. Henry Walrond produced letters from gentlemen in England, having an interest in the Island, relating to its security, which were read and entered. His Excellency communicated the King's proposals respecting the four and a half per cent. duty, and his power to impart his instructions to the Council at discretion. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 327–328.]
March 7. Barbados.	36. The Council of Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The want of conveyances prevented our returning the last three months' transactions here before the Governor and Council. We have little to lay before you now, but we thought it best to transmit all that was done to the end of Sir Jonathan Atkin's Government, though the period exceeds three months, and begin our next account of affairs from the arrival of Sir Richard Dutton, our present Governor. We send a list of ships entered here, and of goods imported in them, and three Orders in Council, which is all that we have at present to give. Original. Signed, J. Atkins, Richard Howell, Benjamin Knight, Samuel Newton, John Peers, Edwyn Stede, Henry Walrond, Thomas Walrond, John Witham. 1 p. Endorsed: "Recd. 4th June 1681." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 106, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 56.]
March 7.	37. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governor and Council of Ashley River. We have heard by divers letters of others from Carolina of a war you have had with the Westoes, but having no information from yourselves are left to conjecture whether the war was necessary for the preservation of the Colony or simply to serve the ends of individual traders. In the former case we approve it; in the latter we cannot but take it extremely ill that the whole Colony should have been disturbed and endangered to promote the advantage of particular persons. We require you therefore to send us by next conveyance the depositions of the persons as to the matter of fact on which this war was grounded; also the certificate of the interpreters that they have truly interpreted them; also a certified copy of Dr. Woodward's letter, saying that, if trade were not permitted to the Westoes, they would cut all your throats; also the letter from the Spanish Governor of St. Augustine's, wherein he complains that the doctor tried to set the Chichinecas and other tribes at war with the Spaniard, and that if this be not remedied he will apply himself to war also. All these depositions are to be taken publicly, and if any man be charged with a particular action he may take depositions for his vindication. Our trade with the Westoes so far has not been merely out of a design for gain, but with this further object, that by furnishing a bold and warlike nation with arms, ammunition, and other things useful to them, which they could not fetch from other Colonies without great labour and hazard, we should tie them to so strict a dependence on us as to keep all other nations in awe. By protecting our neighbours also from their injuries, we should make them think our settlement near them a blessing, and by them we should so terrify these Indians, with whom the Spaniards have power, that they would never be persuaded by them to play that trick with us, which by their Government's letters they seem to apprehend we were persuading the Chichinecas to play with them, and which, as we are informed, has been their usual practice. We therefore desire you seriously to consider whether it will not be extremely useful for the peace and profit of the Colony to set up some other nation in place of the Westoes (whom we deemed ruined); some nation whose Government is less anarchical than theirs, which should be furnished with weapons by us, though under prohibition to furnish them to other nations, and thus, owing their strength to us, will depend on us for the continuation thereof by supply of ammunition. This would keep your neighbours the more strictly united to you, and deter the Northern and Spanish Indians from daring to infest you. These Indians, again, being by us exalted over their neighbours, will never be able to abstain from insulting over them, and will thus draw on themselves their hatred. If, therefore, the nation that we shall have set up should misbehave, we shall be able to ruin them by cutting off the supply of ammunition and setting their neighbours at them by a show of invasion. If all that we hear of Dr. Woodward's deportment be true, we can by no means excuse him, but must leave him to the law, to be so dealt with for the future safety of the Colony as the law will permit. We are extremely well pleased to hear that there are already upwards of twenty houses built at Charlestown on the Oyster point, ten more building, and warrants granted for the building of eighteen more, all of which must be built in three months. The allowance that we gave of two years to build was a confinement upon yourselves that you should not have power to grant long time; but if you can oblige people to build in a shorter time you will please us much better, for the town will be the sooner built. As to the dimensions that we presented, of thirty foot long, sixteen wide, and two and a half stories high, we meant them to apply only to those houses that men, who have already one town-lot and have built thereon, shall build on other lots to let as tenements. Our object was to prevent men from taking up lots and building hovels on them, and thus keeping others from building good houses, fit for the receipt of good families, which is what we want. Many people are going to you from hence. We desire you in future to be punctual in your correspondence with us, and to supply us with lists of shipping and of immigrants, and with detailed accounts of the progress of building in Charlestown. Signed, Craven, Shaftesbury, P. Colleton. 3 pp. Subscribed, A copy of this letter was sent by Captain Chambers on the 2nd April. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., pp. 165–168.]
March 9. Council Chamber.	38. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have received from Sir Jonathan Atkins a letter dated 26th October last (see previous volume, No. 1558), reporting a vacancy in the Council through the death of Colonel John Stanfast, and recommending his appointment of Mr. Benjamin Knight for confirmation. We had asked his opinion whether Mr. Francis Bond or Mr. Alexander Riddocke were fitter for the employment, and he answers Mr. Riddocke. Your Majesty has already, in Sir Richard Dutton's commission, nominated Mr. Francis Bond in place of Mr. Knight; there is now another vacancy, to which your Majesty's nomination is required. 1 p. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. VII., p. 101.]
March 9.	39. Instructions to Andrew Percivall and Maurice Mathews from the Proprietors of Carolina. We desire you as soon as you can to establish a beaver trade with the Indians, and if you cannot safely do so with the Westoes, you shall do it with the Chitiah, Savanaes, Coceitanes, or any others. You will endeavour with all your skill to have the trade restrained by Act of Parliament there for as many years as you can to us only, in order to avoid quarrels with the Indians. If you find you can safely trade with the Westoes through a peace with them, you will endeavour, by the treaty of peace, to make the old men security for the good behaviour of the young men. And that they may be the better able to restrain the young men, you will endeavour to get the Government to make it their business to support the authority of the old men. There must be an article, too, forbidding the Westoes, under penalty of a breach of the peace, to go to any plantation but St. Giles or Mepken, and a similar article should be inserted in the treaty with any other nation about the beaver trade. Immediately on your arrival you will take an account of the stock of English goods sent out by us that remains undisposed of by Dr. Woodward, also an account of all skins, furs, &c., which accounts shall be signed by Dr. Woodward and sent to us. You will also give us full accounts of the trade as managed in your absence, and send home the furs and skins obtained by Dr. Woodward. You will report to us the progress of your negotiations. Signed, Shaftesbury, P. Colleton. 1½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., pp. 164, 165.]
[March 9.]	40. Petition of Francis Mingham to the King and Privy Council. Thanks them for their interference on his behalf with the Admiralty Court in Jamaica. Begs appointment of whom His Majesty will to hear his cause, both in respect of the condemnation and sale of his ship and of the proceedings taken against him for appealing to the Board of Trade and Plantations. Inscribed, Read in Council, 9 March 1681. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 107.]
March 10. Treasury Chamber.	41. Henry Guy, Secretary to the Treasury, to William Blathwayt. Transmitting a letter for consideration of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Inscribed and endorsed, "Reference of Mr. Martin's letter of 10 Nov. last." ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 108.]
March 10. Barbados.	42. Return of imports and of shipping from 10th December 1680 to 10th March 1681. Two large sheets. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. X., Nos. 7 and 8.]
[March 10.]	43. Articles of Treaty and Neutrality between the French and English nations "situate in America between the two tropics." Nine Articles in parallel columns, English-Latin. Inscribed, Read 10 March 1680–81. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 109, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 368.]
March 11. Whitehall.	44. Order of the King in Council. Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have considered Sir William Stapleton's letter of 2nd January (anté, No. 1) reporting that Count de Blenac has received ample powers to include Barbados and Jamaica in the Treaty of Neutrality. We have also received the project formerly settled by this Committee to the same effect, with what formerly passed between Monsieur Barillon and your Majesty's Commissioners thereupon. We would point out that, though it was proper for Sir William Stapleton to negotiate a treaty in respect of the Islands under his government, yet it is now proposed to include territories outside that government, and that your Commissioners have already proceeded so far as to offer a project to the French Ambassador, who has made no objection to it. We think it more expedient therefore that the treaty should be negotiated in this place, and that, in order thereunto, the French Ambassador should be informed of the contents of Sir William Stapleton's letter, and of your Majesty's readiness to proceed to further negotiation of the treaty. Signed, Clarendon, Conway, Craven, J. Ernle, L. Jenkins. Dated 9th March 1680. 2½ pp. Endorsed in Sir L. Jenkins's hand, "Dd. me 7 April 1681."
	Ordered in Council, That Mr. Secretary Jenkins approach the French Ambassador accordingly. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 110, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 458–460.]
March 11.	45. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed, Philip Lloyd. ½ p. Inscribed, Read at Committee, 9th April 1680. Annexed,
	45. I. Petition of Edward Randolph to the King. Petitioner being the King's Collector of Customs made several seizures in New England during the year 1680, and prosecuted the same in the Courts of the Colonies. Though ample proof was adduced, the juries, against all law and evidence, continually gave damages against your Majesty. There being no Courts of Appeal in the Plantations, petitioner appealed to the King in Council, and moved that security should be taken of the defendants for their appearance, but was opposed by Mr. Danforth, who alleged that it was an infringement of liberties granted by charter. Petitioner prays for a trial of the cases before your Majesty in Council, for an examination of his articles against Danforth, and for the trial of Danforth thereon. Inscribed, Read in Council, 11 March 1680, at Committee 9 April 1680. Annexed,
	45. II. Articles of high misdemeanour exhibited against Thomas Danforth, Deputy Governor of Massachusetts and pretended President of the Province of Maine, by Edward Randolph, Collector of Customs there. 1. That Danforth in June last declared in open court in Boston that the Laws of Trade and Navigation and the powers of the Commissioners of Customs were not valid in that Colony. 2. That in divers trials, upon seizures made by Edward Randolph in the King's name, he refused to admit appeals to the King in Council. 3. That he would not suffer Randolph to prosecute any seizures in the King's name till 10l. was deposited to defray Court charges in Boston, and afterwards procured an order to that effect, contrary to the laws of England. 4. That he usurped the government of Maine, introducing the law of Massachusetts contrary to the charter granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and imprisoned one of the inhabitants because he protested against his proceedings, in common with all the loyal party; Danforth having produced no Royal authority for his governing in that province. 5. That he, as President of Maine, arbitrarily compelled Edward Randolph to deposit 10l. at a Court at York to defray the costs of Court before he would proceed to trial, no law or usage of the Province directing him thereto. 6. That, in company with Samuel Noel, Mr. Saltonstall, and Mr. Gidney, magistrates, and a company of pressed soldiers (many of whom were actually in the King's service) he in August last entered Maine, and erected a fort under pretext of defending the same, but in reality to secure the province for themselves. 7. That, going by sea with these magistrates from Boston to Maine, he carried the King's flag at the maintop, fired at a vessel from Virginia, and compelled her to strike. As the evidence to these articles designs shortly to return to New England, a speedy hearing is begged. 1 p. Inscribed, Read in Council, 11 Mar. 1680. Read at Committee, Ap. 9, 1680. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., Nos. 111, 111 I., II.]
March 11. Whitehall.	46. Royal warrant directed to Sir Richard Dutton for the admission of John Byndloss and Simon Winslow, or their deputies, to the offices of Chief Clerk, Register, and sole Examiner of the Court of Chancery in Barbados, and Clerk of the Crown and Peace, which have been granted them by patent. Signed, Conway. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIII., p. 163.]
March 11. Whitehall.	47. Royal warrant to the same for the admission of Alexander Riddocke to the Council of Barbados. Signed, Conway. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIII., p. 163a., and Vol. VII., p. 151.]
March 11.	48. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Ordered, That the executors of Colonel William Bate and Lieutenant-Colonel John Codrington, late and present keepers of the magazine, bring an account of the stores of arms and ammunition, of their disposal, and the additions thereto, on the 30th March. Ordered, That the writs for an election of an Assembly be issued, to be published on three Sundays, whereof next Sunday to be one, so that the elections may be held on the 28th instant; that the members of the Council meet on Easterday next at St. Michael's Church, there to receive the sacrament according to law established; that the Committee in charge of the fortifications of St. Michael's take care that the injuries done to Charles Fort by the wash of the sea be forthwith repaired; that the judges be summoned to attend the Governor on Thursday next at 2 p.m.; that blank commissions be drawn up for them against that day. Adjourned to 22nd. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 329, 330.]
March 12. Council Chamber.	49. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Sir William Stapleton. We have received yours of 7th February, 1st April, 18th May, 27th July, 10th August, 26th October, and 15th November 1680. We have particularly considered yours of 2nd January last (ante, No. 1), respecting a treaty of neutrality with the French in the West Indies, and have made the enclosed report (see ante, No. 44) thereon. This the King has been pleased to approve and to give all necessary orders therein, so you may expect to hear by next conveyance how the French seemed inclined in Europe to what they have proposed in America. We cannot but point out to you that we have been long awaiting the Acts of the Leeward Islands, particularly those now in force, which ought to be of later date than those which you have transmitted to us from Antigua. Your Commission limits the duration of Acts to two years unless confirmed by the King, and we have only received some of the Acts of Nevis, which are now under examination. As regards your suggested exchange of St. Christophers, we send you copy of our letter of 12th March 1680 (see previous volume, No. 1324). We have been informed for some time past that the ministers sent by the Bishop of London to the Leeward Islands have not been so well used there as they ought, especially in Montserrat. We commend them to your care, that they may have no further ground of complaint. Signed, Bath, Conway, Craven, J. Ernle, L. Hyde, L. Jenkins. 1½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 456, 457.]
March 12, Council Chamber.	50. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Secretary of the Leeward Islands. We have great reason to complain of your omission to fulfil the orders of our Circular of 14th January 1680 (previous volume, No. 1262) by sending us quarterly accounts of all matters in your office. We shall represent the matter to the King unless it be amended. You will also send us transcripts of all the Council Books. Signed, Bath, Conway, Craven, J. Ernle, L. Hyde, L. Jenkins. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 458.]
March 16. St. Jago de la Vega.	51. Sir Henry Morgan to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Nothing remarkable has happened since my letter of 1st February. The interloping ships trading for negroes contrary to the Charter of the Royal African Company, have been too successful in this Island, four of them having in some fourteen days (His Majesty's frigate being at sea) landed their negroes both to windward and leeward of Port Royal. The factors here had not the least warning whereby to make a timely seizure, before they landed them and dispersed them marked in several plantations. On Tuesday, 14th, the privateers (see ante, No. 16) were tried by a special Commission of oyer and terminer in the Court of Admiralty, when they were convicted of piracy and sentenced to die. But after deliberation, and reflection that the General Assembly was to meet on the 18th following, I thought it not fit to post them to execution lest it should scare all others abroad from returning to their allegiance. I have already asked for the King's instructions herein, and have suspended the execution in the hope of receiving them within a reasonable time. The members elected to the General Assembly are, for the most part, very loyal and good gentlemen, from whom I have hopes of accommodating former differences. Inscribed, Rec. 4 June 1681, per Capt. Ed. Hill, Commander of the ship Charles. Read 14 June. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 475, 476, and Col. Papers, Vol XLVI., No. 112.]
March 21. St. Jago de la Vega.	52. Rowland Powell, Secretary of Jamaica, to Lords of Trado and Plantations. Nothing has happened since Sir Henry Morgan's letter of 16th, except the meeting of the Assembly on the 18th, when the Speaker made the enclosed address to the Governor. They seem to promise fairly an accommodation of former differences, but I fear they will not be induced to pass the Revenue Bill perpetual. ½ p. Enclosure wanting. Inscribed, Rec. June 7, 1681. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 113.]
March 22.	53. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Ordered, on the motion of Mr. Ralph Fretwell that Solomon Eccles, committed to the custody of the Provost Marshal for blasphemy, be admitted to give bail, and that, on finding bail for himself in 1,000l. and two sureties, each in 500l., to appear at the next grand sessions, he be discharged from confinement. Henry Walrond, Henry Quintine, Edward Littleton, John Reid, and Alexander Riddocke, judges of the five precincts, signed the test, took the oaths of allegiance and of office, and received their commissions. The Secretary ordered to furnish the Lords of Trade and Plantations with copies of the transactions of the past quarter. Adjourned to 29th instant. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 330, 331.]
March 26. Oxford.	54. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governor and Council of Ashley River. The bearer, a very worthy gentleman and friend of ours, sails with Captain Chambers direct for Ashley River, Carolina, with his wife and family, intending to settle among you. He has given us assurance that in five years' time from 20th May next to the date hereof, he will bring over the his plantation over forty able persons; and we have therefore thought fit, at his request, to grant him and his heirs for ever a manor of three thousand acres of land, together with the rights and privileges laid down in our constitutions for such lords of manors. But if he shall fail to comply with the agreement to bring over as many persons as prescribed in our letter of 19th May 1679 (see previous volume, No. 992), then it is not to be a manor, and you are at liberty to grant to others so much of the land, taking it proportionately, fronting to the river, as after the rate of seventy acres a person he shall have failed to bring of the number engaged. Signed, Shaftesbury, P. Colleton, John Archedale. The name of the person in whose favour this letter was written is erased. Underwritten, That the same was written in favour of George Warburton, Esq., and, on 10th April, of Paul Grimbal, merchant. ½ p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 169.]
March 26.	55. Commission from Sir Peter Colleton to Robert Wilkinson, appointing him, as is the right of the High Steward of Carolina, Surveyor of the northern part of that province. ½ p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 170.]
March 26.	56. Blank Commission for the appointment of the Lords Proprietors' deputies in Parliament at Carolina.
	Lord Shaftesbury appointed Robert Wilkinson his deputy. John Archdale appointed Daniel Akehurst his deputy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 171.]
March 29.	57. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The several members of Assembly were returned and presented. Mr. Waterman, member for St. Joseph's, refused to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy; Mr. James Carter was absent through sickness; the other gentleman took the oaths. The Assembly acquainted the Governor that they had chosen Colonel Guy to be their Speaker, and his Excellency delivered to them his speech.
March 30.	Ordered, That a former order to ascertain the bounds of the parishes be revived. This day Major John Waterman, who had been suspended from sitting in the Assembly till he should take the oaths, tendered himself ready upon consideration to take them, and was admitted to the Assembly. Ordered, That the executors of the late William Bate prepare an account of all arms and ammunition received by him from the arrival of Sir Jonathan Atkins to the death of the said William Bate. The Assembly presented its address in reply to the Governor's speech (see post No. 59). The Council recommends to the Assembly a law to commute debts due to the country into money.
March 31.	The Assembly presented two Bills and two petitions against the Jews (see under June 9). The Bills for levy of money and labourers for the forts were twice read and committed to Mr. Howell, Mr. Stede, Mr. Thomas Walrond, and Mr. Bond for amendment. The Assembly presented an order for defraying expenses of Sir R. Dutton's reception, which was passed, and a Bill for a Committee of Accounts. This last being read and found not full enough, Mr. Stede was ordered to draw up a Bill to be added to a similar Bill of 1678. Adjourned to 7th April. Mem.—The Council met and took the sacrament on Easterday as appointed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., p. 332–339.]
March 29.	58. Minutes of Assembly of Barbados. Writs having been issued by Sir Richard Dutton, Governor, the following members were elected:—
	Colonel Richard Guy Lieutenant-Colonel John Codrington	St. Michael's.
	Colonel Richard Baily Mr. Richard Morgan	St. Peter's.
	John Davies, Esq. Lieutenant-Colonel James Carter	St. Thomas.
	Major-General Christopher Codrington Mr. John Hethersell	St. John's.
	Richard Seawell, Esq. Major Richard Williams	Christchurch.
	Captain Thomas Maycock Captain Michael Terwill	St. Lucy's.
	Edward Littleton, Esq. James Walwyn, Esq.	St. James.
	Richard Pococke, Esq. Captain Thomas Spire	St. Philip's.
	Major John Merricke Captain John Gibbes	St. Andrew's.
	Samuel Husbands, Esq. Major Rowland Bulkeley	St. George's.
	William Sharpe, Esq. Major John Waterman	St. Joseph's.
	The House met at the house of Mr. Edward Sinclair in St. Michael's town. Colonel Richard Guy elected Speaker and presented to his Excellency. Adjourned to the morrow morning at eight o'clock.
March 30.	John Higinbotham appointed clerk, and John Forbes, marshal, who were sworn in by Mr. Edwyn Stede. Rules of debate, in twenty-seven articles, passed. Sir Richard Dutton's Commission read and recorded. His Excellency made a speech to the House. Address in reply voted (see next abstract). Ordered, That General Christopher Codrington, Edward Littleton, William Sharpe, Samuel Husbands, and Richard Seawell be a Committee to treat and agree for a convenient habitation for his Excellency. Ordered that a Bill be prepared to provide labourers for the fortification. Adjourned till next day. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 405–423.]
March 30.	59. Sir Richard Dutton's speech to the Assembly of Barbados. The King my master has ever been very gracious and propitious to me, but never so eminently as when he placed in my hands that inestimable jewel, the government of this Island. I hope he believes that all the treasures of the Indies can never tempt me to do an act that will merit his displeasure. I desire to keep unspotted while I live, but my endeavours must be insipid and ineffectual unless timely and vigorously seconded by your hands and your hearts. I therefore resolved to lose no time in convening you to consider of the best and safest means to secure your own great concerns and those of your posterities. To this end the following measures are essential:—(1) The removal of your magazine to a position not only safer but more central; (2) Repair and completion of your fortifications; (3) The new forming of your militia; (4) The filling of your coffers, which is the soul politic in every government; (5) I must recommend to you the King's gracious intimation of his readiness to commute the four and a half per cent. duty for any equivalent imposition. If you will think of any expedient for raising this equivalent I will forthwith report to His Majesty; (6) I earnestly advise you to consider a law more strictly obliging planters to keep as many white servants as the present law prescribes; Also (7) a law providing that no residents, except councillors and judges, shall be exempt from service as jurors; Also (8) a Bill to restrain bad masters and overseers from cruelty to their Christian servants, and to propose an expedient for the conversion of negroes to the Christian faith; Also (9) the raising of stocks and building of public workhouses for the employment of the poor and of vagrants; And (10) I would leave it to your consideration whether it may not be well to remedy the present difficulties in recovering just debts.
	Answer of the Assembly to Sir Richard Dutton's speech.—We are very sensible of your great care, prudence, and goodness. As regards proposals 1 and 2, we shall cheerfully comply; we shall be ready to consider how to meet your wishes proposed in heads 3, 4, and 5; and we will appoint a committee to provide for heads 6 and 7. As to head 8, we are ready to do anything for the encouragement and good usage of Christian servants, but as to making the negroes Christians, their savage brutishness renders them wholly incapable. Many have endeavoured it without success. If a good expedient could be found, the Assembly and people would be ready to promote it. We are ready to make provision for your wishes in heads 9 and 10. 3 pp. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. VII., pp. 59–62, and Vol. XIII., pp. 418–422.]
March 31.	60. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Bill for further supply of labourers for fortifications read and passed. Message from the Governor and Council recommending the commutation of all debts due to the country in money at the rate of ten shillings per hundred pounds of sugar, provided they be paid by the last day of May next. Agreed that the same be provided for in a Bill. Bill appointing a committee of public accounts read and passed. Ordered, That John Hallett, treasurer, pay out of the old levies of public accounts 42l. 15s. 4½d. to Benjamin Dwight for expenses of his Excellency's reception. Adjourned to Thursday, 7th April. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., p. 423–425.]
March.	61. List of quarterly accounts received from Barbados, first quarter of 1681. Orders of Council, 17th March 1681. Return of imports, 10th December 1680 to 10th March 1681. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 56.]