America and West Indies: March 1683 | British History Online

Pages 400-415

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 1983



March 1.	981. Minutes of Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Order for each proprietor to pay in 40l. for the rent, the money to be paid to Sir Peter Colleton in discharge of the rent. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 210.]
March 1.	982. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governor and Council of Ashley River. A letter of recommendation in favour of Mr. John Gibbs, and an order to pass him grants for three thousand acres of land rent free. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 11.]
March 1. Mermaid, in York River.	983. Captain Tyrrell, R.N., to the Commissioners of the Admiralty. We arrived here on 16th December, having had extreme bad weather from Traseras to the capes of Virginia, being forced to hull and cry for eighteen days together. We brought several Portuguese from Traseras to Virginia as supernumeraries by Lord Culpeper's request, and he has disposed of them. I hope that he will satisfy the purser for his money out of pocket on this account; he filled the ship as much as if she had been a merchantman, and has been very unkind in several respects. I have one, Robert Aron, who I found had been enticed out to Virginia by the boatswain of a merchantman to be trumpeter to the Governor, but was sold to a planter contrary to his agreement. He belonged to H.M.S. Orangetree, and coming on board me, asked me to entertain him for the King's service. Being short of men, I received him on board, and my lord is very angry. The boatswain is bound in a bond by the boy's friends to bring him home, but he is well satisfied that he is on board a King's ship. Lord Culpeper thinks I enticed him away, but this I would not have done for my hand. We lay in the river twenty-eight days before Lord Culpeper would send for his goods, which was a great hindrance to our getting ready for sea. I often wrote to him, but he put me off week after week, or I might have been at sea some time before this. The country was all in peace and quietness when we arrived, and is so still. Lord Culpeper would not give me my sailing orders for Barbados, so I was forced to sail without them. Signed, Jno. Tyrrell. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. from the Admiralty 22 Oct. 1683.[Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 57.]
March 2. Whitehall	984. Order of the King in Council. Referring petition of Richard Buller, praying for the restoration of certain deer-skins seized and forfeited under an Act of Virginia of which he was ignorant, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed, Francis Gwyn. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 7 March. Read at Committee 8 March 1682. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 58, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXII., pp. 96, 97.]
March 2.	985. Warrant of the Duke of York to Sir George Jeffreys or Sir John Churchill to prepare a deed confirming to the proprietors of East New Jersey the powers granted to Sir George Carteret. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXX., p. 45.]
March 2.	986. The Duke of York to the General Assembly of New York, Recommending to them the new Governor, Thomas Dongan, [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXX., p. 46.]
March 2.	987. Affidavit of John Meane and Richard Jefferies, servants of Samuel Trott. Asserting that when going off to the ship Welcome of London, Captain Edward Clemens, with a shallop full of goods, they were stopped for three hours by John Hubbard, who damaged the boat so much that on going at last alongside the ship she sank, and all the goods with her. They were picked up, and after a dangerous passage landed at St. Ives in Cornwall. 1 p. Certified by. John Hichins, Mayor, borough of St. Ives (see ante, No. 840). [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 59.]
March 2.	988. Duplicate of foregoing, sworn before John Hicks, notary public, of St. Ives. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 60.]
March 2. Whitehall	989. Order of the King in Council. Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations on the petition of Richard Thayre (see ante, No. 834). On consideration of this case we are of opinion that the petitioner's appeal should be heard by you in Council, that the town of Braintree be required to furnish copy of the deed wherein Thayre is concerned, and that the Government of Massachusetts give notice to Thomas Savage and Captain Clapp of this appeal, dated 10th February. Ordered accordingly. The case to be heard at the first council day of next Michaelmas term. Signed, Francis Gwyn. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 169–170.]
March 2. Whitehall.	990. The King to Sir Thomas Lynch. Warrant for the appointment of Colonel John Colbeck to the Council of Jamaica in the room of Colonel Whitfield, deceased. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XXX., p. 120, and Vol. XCIX., p. 196.]
March 2. Whitehall.	991. Order of the King in Council. That the Governors of Jamaica shall henceforth account for all moneys received from the English Exchequer for the maintenance of fortifications in the King's Court of Exchequer. Signed, Francis Gwyn. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., pp. 138, 139.]
March 3. Jamaica.	992. Sir Thomas Lynch to William Blathwayt. My last was by way of Bristol. I have little to add, except that one of our men-of-war coming from leeward met Vanhorn, who sent his canoe on board; and, from what Coxon could gather from them, he judges they will keep the peace with the English, and that they are trying to unite all the privateers for an attack on Vera Cruz, where it is probable that they may be lost. A vessel from Curacoa four days ago reports the arrival of a new Governor, who had sent to Vera Cruz a Spaniard long embargoed there with one hundred and ten negroes. I heard yesterday that our frigate had reached the Isle des Vaches, but got no news of the pirate. Here we all guess that he is gone to the Virgin Islands to quit the vessel and disperse, so that that coast will be clear. I hope it will be so to leeward too, for Captain Coffin, whom I sent in a sloop with seventy men, killed the captain and seven men, and wounded twenty more men of one privateer, and damaged another considerably; but both got away with oars. He brought in a Frenchman or two who have been executed, and we have one, who was gunner of La Trompeuse, prisoner. Two or three petty insignificant Frenchmen have sent me word that they will spare our nation, and bring in those that do not. So that when our galley has taken one range along the coast and through the Cays, these rogues will be sufficiently awed. I have put my own credit apeak, and striven by means of our own forces to save the King's money, and let the rogues know that we are always strong enough to put down pirates. 2 pp. Recd. 28 May 1683. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., pp. 152–153.]
March 3. Whitehall.	993. The Earl of Sunderland to the Envoy Extraordinary of Denmark. I have to bring to your notice the complaint of the Governor of the Leeward Islands against the Governor of St. Thomas for seizure of a sloop and detention of seven servants (see ante, No. 777). The King, being assured of the King of Denmark's friendship and justice, asks that the sloop and servants may be forthwith restored. Draft. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 61, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 84.]
March 7. Maryland.	994. Certificate by James Conaway, Alexander Dennett, and Robert Jones, that they have taken the latitude of Palmer's Island at the mouth of Susquehanna River at head of Chesapeake Bay, and found it to be 39° 44' N. Copy certified by Lord Baltimore. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 62.]
March 8.	995. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of Captain Talbot read, praying for the appointment of a day for consideration of his proposals concerning Newfoundland, and assuring the Lords that they mean no expense to the King. The Lords having often laid the matter before the King, decline to do so again. Petition of Richard Buller read (see No. 984). Report agreed on (see No. 1009). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVII., pp. 130–131.]
March 8.	996. Opinion of the Attorney-General on the petition of John Totton (see ante, No. 934 I.). In rigour of law the goods seem forfeited, being brought thither by the master, and the owners that entrusted him liable to the master's action in such case. But this appears to be a case of so much hardship, that I think the petition a most proper subject of the King's favour, both for restitution of the King's share and for the royal order to the Governor to restore the residue. Written at the foot of a copy of the petition. Signed, R. Sawyer. Memorandum in Entry Book only, that it was thought best to leave petitioner to his legal remedy. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 63, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXII., p. 95.]
March. New Hampshire	997. Deputy Governor Barefoot to Lords of Trade and Plantations. In the absence of Governor Cranfield I give you an account of the colony. I have lived in the country nearly five and twenty years, and, being connected by marriage with many families, am thoroughly informed of the designs and intrigues of the malignant party which ruled while this province was under the Massachusetts. This party submitted very unwillingly to the change of government, and, although Massachusetts exercises no authority in New Hampshire, it influences things as it pleases. There is a strict confederation of the ministers and church members here and in Massachusetts, and they govern the people as they please. No pope ever acted with greater arrogance than these preachers. They stir up the people to disloyalty and sedition, and censure all who agree not with their principles and peevish humours. Their misbehaviour has given the Governor much trouble, for, owing to the preachers, no good Bill could ever pass the Assembly. The rising, at its dissolution, has been reported to you. Signed, Walter Barefoot. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 9 June 1683. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 64, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 88–89.]
March 13.	998. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Mr. Henry Whiting summoned to appear next Council day. The Council made representations to the Governor that the usual method of summoning juries be followed in the present trials; that Indians should be forbidden to come to town; that the windmill at Greenspring is the best place for the King's stores. Order for all collectors to send in a return of shipping from June 1680 to July 1682. Proclamation for John Haleys, the notorious plant-cutter, to surrender before the 1st April. Minute of the Council requesting the Governor to increase the soldiers by eleven men, and to furnish and equip a vessel of war against pirates. Minute pointing out that the allegations of Thomas Sands are mistaken, and begging the King to take no notice of such petitions as his in future. Proclamation for enforcement of laws respecting presentments of grand juries and the sowing of food-crops by titheable men. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 156, 157, 160, 173, 175.]
March 13.	999. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The joint committee of the two Houses not being ready with their report, the Council adjourned.
March 14.	Warrant to Simon Cooper for an advance of 400l. for building the magazine. Order for a penny a letter to be the postage fee within the Island, and for the establishment of a post office, the postmaster to give 500l. security.
March 15.	Order for precepts for holding of Grand Sessions to be published on Sunday, 26th, again Monday, 2nd April, and for the Provost Marshall to agree for the usual house for the sessions. The joint committee brought up its report, and the Assembly brought two Bills for ascertaining parish boundaries and for a committee of public accounts.
March 16.	The latter Bill read thrice and passed, also a Bill for a levy on windmills, and, after amendments, the Bill for ascertaining parish boundaries. The Council recorded a protest against the drawing of the Act for a levy on windmills, or any such unequal method of raising money into a precedent. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 559–563.]
March 13.	1000. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Richard Guy being absent through sickness, Edward Littleton was chosen Speaker.
March 14.	Bill for ascertaining parish boundaries read a second time.
March 15.	The same Bill read a third time and passed. Address to the King reported and passed. Voted that a present of 500l. be made to the Governor, to be raised by an imposition on windmills. Bill to revive Act for Committee of Public Accounts read.
March 16.	Bill for a levy on windmills, for the Committee of Public Accounts read; Bill for ascertaining parish boundaries read with the Council's amendments and passed. Address to the Governor for payment of six months' salary to the Clerk and Marshal, [Col, Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 516–520.]
March 14. Boston	1001. Proclamation of the General Court of Massachusetts, fixing the 10th May as a day of humiliation. Printed. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 4 June 1683 from Mr. Randolph. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 65.]
March 14.	1002. Journal of Assembly of Nevis. The Governor proposed that the impost on liquors which is about to expire be prolonged till some time in September. The Assembly prolonged it at full rates to the end of September, and at half rates for six months longer. The Governor proposed that some allowance should be made for any soldiers that might be maimed in the expedition against the Indians. The Assembly agreed that the wounded should be taken care of by the public, and the maimed granted a pension. Petition of the Assembly to Sir William Stapleton that, in view of the damage sustained by the Island through two hurricanes, long drought, and the Indian expedition, and of the hardships entailed on the remaining inhabitants by guards, the rigidity of the law [respecting guards?] may be relaxed till February next. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 73.]
March 17.	1003. Extract of a letter from the King of Denmark to the Governor of St. Thomas. Rebuking him in the strongest terms for his seizure of a British sloop, and ordering him to restore the ship and the fugitive servants forthwith on pain of arbitrary punishment and loss of life. Any further complaints of violence or injury to the English will assuredly bring this punishment on him. Copy. 1¼ pp. Endorsed. March 17, 1682/3. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 66, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 85.]
March 17. Barbados.	1004. Return of shipping from 17th December 1682 to 17th March 1683. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. IX., No. 6.]
March 19.	1005. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Attorney-General's report on the petition of John Totton read (see No. 996). The Lords, seeing that the ship and goods were seized for breach of the Acts of Trade and Navigation, decide to leave petitioner to his legal remedy.
	Order that Mr. Hannay, Provost Marshal of Barbados, see the papers sent by Sir R. Dutton, and put in writing what he hath to say.
	Report on Chambré's case read and approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVII., p. 132.]
March 20. Nevis.	1006. Sir William Stapleton to William Blathwayt. The accounts of the respective Islands shall be sent to you shortly. I am fitting out men and vessels against the Indians, who are making preparations against us, not only in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Dominica, but also from the Main and from Tobago, which is now deserted by the Courlanders and the Dutch. The Indians are plaguing the Dutch at Surinam, who will have to desert it if not timely succoured. We are as much on our guard on all these Islands as if a French war were actually declared. I embark Thursday next in such small vessels as I can procure. I have written to Sir Richard Dutton for help against these barbarous murderers. They are ninety leagues to windward of us, and only twenty to leeward of Barbados. I write to you instead of to the Lords, since I cannot give any perfect account till I have gathered the detachments of all the Islands together, which I hope to accomplish at Antigua at the latter end of this week. I chose Antigua as the most windwardly island, from which we can fetch any of the islands above named. Necessity compels me to go a hunting Indians, which is worse than hunting miquelets in Catalonia or bandits in Italy, but I judge it better to prevent their design by aggression than to live in perpetual fear, which comes in the night at any hour like a thief and a robber. Many thanks for your information about Billop. Truly, I think my masters at home are more affronted and concerned in his accusation than I, but my only desire is to serve the King. Signed, Wm. Stapleton. Postscript.—I have commissioned Colonel Hill of the Militia Deputy-Governor of St. Christophers. Holograph. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 18 May. Read 25 May 1683. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 67, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 94, 95.]
March 20. Virginia.	1007. Lord Culpeper to [Sir Leoline Jenkins?]. I am so pressed for time that I cannot write much. The bearer, Captain Arnold, will tell you everything; he is an understanding man, both by sea and land, and the oldest of our shipmasters, and therefore you may like to bring him to the Committee. Success beyond my expectations has attended my endeavours here, and you need doubt little of peace and quietness here so long as tobacco bears a price, which I hope will be two years at least. I am going to Maryland this day se'nnight to consult with Lord Baltimore on the common interest of both Colonies as to tobaccos, though without taking notice of the King's letter to him or to anyone else, keeping it in reserve against the time when it will be more needful. In Council I have committed three or four tobacco-cutters for treason, who will be tried for their lives next April, and, if the jury find them guilty, will be made examples. Lastly, the Indians are very quiet. One cannot answer for so treacherous a people, but I expect little trouble on that side. I expect the King's customs to rise more this year than they fell last, and that this country will afford fifty thousand hogsheads. All hands are at work, none excepted. Yet there is an evil spirit at work which governed in the time of anarchy, stopped ships, and cut plants, a spirit that cannot well submit to a strict government. Sir Henry Chicheley died on 5th February. Pray prevent any measures for the appointment of another Lieutenant-Governor till you hear from me. I have been so active that I have been over almost the whole country, and I have not misspent my time. Signed, Tho. Culpeper, Holograph. 1½ pp. Endorsed, "For yourself," in Culpeper's hand, and in Sir L. Jenkins's hand, Rec. 5 May '83. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 68.]
March 20. James' City.	1008. The Secretary of Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I send the Journal of Assembly and the Acts of this Session. I suppose that time spent, or rather misspent, in long debates between the Houses on no more important business than the desire of the Clerk and House of Burgesses to join members of Council to their Committee will not pass without animadversion. As the matter represents itself, the Governor and Council may be censured, but I beg leave to explain. Great sums of tobacco were to be raised to pay off the four garrisons, two years in arrear; again, the late disorders had caused great expense. There was no standing revenue to discharge the same, nor other means of obtaining the money than by the ordinary course of the Assembly raising tobacco by the poll. Meanwhile, the peace of the Government was not so firmly settled as to render safe fresh hazards; and the House of Burgesses, making use of this, raised an expectation of gaining their floaty desires. I hope, considering all these circumstances, that we shall gain your favourable opinion. Our great anxiety is to avoid such imposition as this, but it is hardly possible in the absence of a fund to meet current expenses, so we are driven to an Assembly the convening of which brings on the counties expense which often exceeds the whole cost of Government. This was formerly met by a law empowering the Governor and Council to levy a charge not exceeding thirty pounds of tobacco per poll on the people. This law revived, or another law like it, would enable the Governor and Council to carry on the Government without the expense of too frequent Assemblies, and we propose to lay an exact account of the sum so raised and of its disbursement before the next Assembly. The Session over, Lord Culpeper's arrival soon smoothed matters over, and all is now quiet. Signed, Nicho. Spencer. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 21 May 1683. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 69, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXII. pp. 99–102.]
March 21. Whitehall..	1009. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations on petition of Richard Buller. We recommend that the Governor of Virginia be instructed that, if the forfeiture of Buller's goods belong to your Majesty, and it appears that sufficient time was not given to him to become aware of the laws, the goods shall be restored to him, provided that they are still in specie and in your Majesty's power; otherwise the Governor of Virginia shall report on the case. Dated 8 March 1682/3. Ordered accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXII., pp. 97–99.]
March 21. Whitehall.	1010. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Mary Ayres to Sir Richard Dutton for his report. Petitioner complains that Sir Richard, when Robert Smith the appointed executor came to prove the will of her late husband, took from him all the property, saying that he was the father of all orphans. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 185–186.]
March 22. Westminster.	1011. Patent granting to James, Duke of York, his heirs and assigns, "all that, the town of Newcastle, otherwise called Delaware and fort therein or thereunto belonging, situate, lying and being between Maryland and New Jersey in America," and all land &c. within the circle of twelve miles about said town. [Patent Roll, temp. Car. II., pt. 1, No. 24.]
March 23. New Hampshire.	1012. The case of Walter Barefoot as proved at his trial with Robert Wadleigh upon title of land in New Hampshire. The Massachusetts' Government, having usurped the province of New Hampshire, took upon itself to dispose of the land and about 1664 granted to Samuel Simonds, one of the Massachusetts' magistrates, six hundred and forty acres of land at Lampercel river. Samuel Simonds then granted to his son Harlakenden Simonds three hundred and twenty acres thereof. On 29th September 1664 the said Harlakenden sold his share to Walter Barefoot. Walter Barefoot, finding the Massachusetts' title to be bad, obtained in 1667 a grant by deed of sale from Major Nicholas Shapleigh, attorney to Robert Mason, proprietor, and being in possession of the land spent upwards of 700l. on it. In 1669 he sold the land with its appurtenances to Robert Wadleigh, who, in 1671, released all his right thereto to Barefoot, to whom he was heavily indebted, in consideration of which Barefoot granted him a general release. Wadleigh by favour of the Government of Massachusetts still kept possession, and Barefoot could get no relief. In February 1683 Barefoot brought his action against Wadleigh for recovery of the land and for damages, and produced sundry deeds in support of his title, whereas Wadleigh showed no title and made no defence, but simply said to the jury "I leave my case with you. I hope you believe that I have a title to those lands, for it concerns you all." The jury after several hours consultation found for Wadleigh without any reason given. Barefoot thereupon appeals to the King and Council. Signed, Richd. Chamberlain. Authenticated by the signature of the Governor and by the public seal. 2½ pp. Annexed,
	1012. I. A second statement of the case by the same hand, entering at length into Robert Mason's title. 3 pp.
	1012. II. Copy of the grant of the land to Samuel Simonds by the General Court of Massachusetts. 1¼ pp.
	1012. III. Copy of Samuel Simonds' certificate of his grant of land to Harlakenden Simonds. 1 p.
	1012. IV. Copy of covenant between Simonds and Walter Barefoot for sale and purchase of the land. 1 p.
	1012. V. Copy of power of attorney given by Robert Mason to Colonel Nicholls. 3 pp.
	1012. VI Copy of power of attorney given by Colonel Nicholls to Major Nicholas Shapleigh. 2½ pp.
	1012. VII. Copy of deed of sale of the land from Nicholas Shapleigh to Walter Barefoot. 6 pp.
	1012. VIII. Release given by Robert Wadleigh and Jonathan Thing to Walter Barefoot. 1 p.
	1012. IX Copy of the last named. 1 p.
	1012. X Copy of deed of Robert Mason to Walter Barefoot. 15 Feb. 1683. 4½ pp.
	1012. XI. Routine proceedings with respect to the action. Barefoot versus Wadleigh in New Hampshire. January—February 1683. Copy. 2 pp.
	1012. XII Record of the trial. Barefoot versus Wadleigh, 13 February 1683. 1 p.
	1012. XIII. Copy of summons to Robert Wadleigh to defend Barefoot's appeal to the King in Council. 1 p. 5 March 1683.
	1012. XIV. Letter of attorney from Walter Barefoot to Edward Randolph to prosecute his appeal. 1 p.
	All the above documents certified by Richard Chamberlain. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., Nos. 70, 70 I.–XIV.]
March 23. New Hampshire.	1013. The case and title of George Walton to his land in New Hampshire. Robert Mason on 22nd April 1681 contirmed to George Walton a parcel of land on Great Island formerly granted by his agents. Jeremy Walford and John Amazeen pretended a town grant of the year 1658 for some of the land, though never improved. The jury, being all of them possessed of lands by virtue of town grants derived from the authority of Massachusetts, found against Walton, who appeals to the King in Council. Signed, Rich. Chamberlain. Authenticated by the hand of Governor Cranfield and the public seal. 1½ pp. Annexed,
	1013. I. Record of the trial held at Portsmouth, 13th February 1683. 1 p. Copy.
	1013. II. Summons to Jeremy Walford, John Amazeen, and John the Greek, to defend upon the appeal of George Walton. ½ p. Copy.
	1013. III. George Walton's power of attorney to Edward Randolph to prosecute his appeal. 1 p. The above documents certified by Richard Chamberlain. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., Nos. 71, 71 I. –III.]
March 24	1014. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Hannay's statement and Hanson's second petition read (see Nos. 915 I., 1015). Hanson, being questioned, confessed that while in custody he had been kept in no duress nor discomfort, though Mr. Hannay had refused to let him go drink with his friends in the town. Hanson again moved the Lords not to put in suit the bond of the ship's master who brought him over, but the Lords again refused. The Lords decided that if Hanson have any more to say against Sir R. Dutton he shall produce it within a fortnight, and give security to return to the island to answer the law if the King so decide; to which Hanson agreed. The Lords find no blame in Hannay for Hanson's escape. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVII., pp. 134–135.]
[March 24.]	1015. Petition of George Hannay to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Samuel Hanson's original case briefly recapitulated. Hanson, being accused of having divulged a letter addressed to the Governor, was committed to prison, and remained in custody at Hannay's house upon his reputation, there being no gaol in Barbados but a small house taken up for temporary use by Sir Jonathan Atkins after the destruction of the common gaol by a hurricane. Hanson had all the civil and kind accommodation that he could desire, but on 27th November made his escape contrary to his word and promise given to Hannay, and contrary to the law that forbids masters of ships to carry passengers without a license, whereby Hannay is liable to great damages. Sir Richard Dutton thought fit to send Hannay after Hanson to give testimony in the matter, and now awaits your orders in that respect. Copy. 2 pp. For date, see No. 1014. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 72.]
March 24.	1016. Commission of the Governor and Company of Massachusetts to the Agents, Joseph Dudley and John Richards. 1 p. Copy. Certified by the Agents. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 73, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 172–173.]
March 24.	1017. Warrant of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. For the passing of 800 acres each to Mr. Francis Devowsery and Arthur Middleton, though they bring no servants for the same, in consideration of their industry in the growth of wine in Carolina. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 209.]
March 25. James' City.	1018. The Secretary of Virginia to Sir Leoline Jenkins. The country is quiet. The rise of the price of tobacco has quieted the minds of our unthrifty inhabitants, who cannot be persuaded to undertake some new industry, but prefer to live miserably by tobacco. The pleasing thought of a cessation of planting they have for the present laid aside, but when the market is again cloyed with tobacco (as it probably will be in two years' time, for never was greater promise of a crop than this spring), then they will cry out again for a cessation, which, if granted, would only serve to enrich some few and make the generality far more miserable. By my observation I cannot persuade myself that either a cessation or a stint in the number of plants will effect what is intended. The work must do itself; the crop must grow to such vast quantities that no one will come to fetch it, and then the law of necessity will force them to new industries, Last summer I gave you an account of the robberies done by pirates. Five of the actors were afterwards taken by the Government of Rhode Island and sent thence to Virginia with part of the stolen goods, They were committed to gaol well laden with irons, but a little before the time for trial broke prison and made their escapes. Two were retaken, but the most notorious got clear off. The two recaptured were tried and condemned, and the warrant for the execution was signed and delivered to the officer, The day before they were to die they petitioned for two days' respite to prepare themselves, and one, a Polander, desired to be baptised, which was done by the Ordinary. The night before the day of execution they cleared themselves of their irons. Three days later they returned to prison by the same window whence they had escaped and sent word to the sheriff that they were ready to submit to their sentence, and that only the earnest desire to fit themselves for death had moved them to escape. So extraordinary a precedent stirred up many to petition the Lieutenant-Governor on their behalf, and he respited them till the King's pleasure were known. Lord Culpeper was not too well pleased either with the matter or the manner of the thing when he arrived, but he would not alter it.Signed, Nicho. Spencer. 2 pp. Endorsed. Rec. 21 May. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 74.]
	1019. Duplicate of foregoing. Seal in good preservation. Misdated 20th. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 75.]
March. 26.	1020. Journal of the Council and Assembly of Antigua. Message of the President and Council to the Assembly, asking for its concurrence in providing a ship for transportation of Sir William Stapleton on the expedition against the Indians, and in payment of the necessary expenses. Message of the Assembly, agreeing to the proposal, provided Antigua's proportion of the expense be not exceeded. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Mallett, John Lucas, and Stephen Lawler to be the Assembly's members of a joint Committee to make the necessary arrangements. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 81.]
March. 26.	1021. James Martin, a Quaker, to Governor Bradstreet. "To thee Simon Bradstreet Governor, this is to let thee understand that whereas the Lord by his mighty power has raised me up and made me a messenger of true tidings unto you in this town of Boston of what shall suddenly come to pass. This is therefore to desire thee, as thou prizest the welfare of those poor people in this world and also in that to come, that I may be eased of that burthen that lies upon me, having come several hundred miles in love towards you, which I hope I shall manifest to the understanding of every prudent man among you." The writer proceeds to ask liberty to preach, but promises to be orderly and make no disturbance. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 76.]
March. 27. Boston.	1022. Governor Bradstreet to James Martin. I have received your letter wherein you say that you have a message from God to declare to the people of Boston. "Well, were it so, it is meet you should be heard, but forasmuch as I believe the contrary, and that it is but a delusion or a suggestion of Satan," I see no reason to grant your request. I have read the books of some of your leaders and found them most peruicious and heretical, and I should think it as reasonable to let a Jesuit or Popish priest priest preach as you, so I require you to leave this town and jurisdiction without giving us any further trouble or disturbance. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 77.]
March. 27. Barbados.	1023. Sir Richard Dutton to William Blathwayt. As soon as there is a vessel ready which is fit for me I shall start for England. The frigate to my great surprise is not yet arrived, for what reason it is impossible to say, for Lord Culpeper, who is here, cannot account for it. I have sent you two Bills that are passed with the proceedings of the Council for the last quarter. Holograph. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 25 May. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 78, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 186.]
March 27 Boston.	1024. Governor Cranfield to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since Gove's rebellion new troubles have arisen in New Hampshire. Soon after it, several sympathisers with Gove riotously entered my dwelling-house and remonstrated against several things directed in my commission. Whereupon, finding myself very uneasy and not seeing where these matters would end, I sent Gove with a guard to Boston goal to be shipped off to England, and made Captain Barefoot my Deputy-Governor during my absence. And the better to secure the peace of the province I put out of the Council Major Waldern, Mr. Martyn, and Mr. Gilman, all great sticklers for the Boston interest, and appointed Captain Fryer and Mr. Elliott, persons of good estate, in their place. I enclose the grounds and reasons of my proceedings. I found Mr. Moody and his party so troublesome that I believed myself unsafe to continue longer among them, till I had a frigate to support my authority, and full instructions. I am come to Boston where I find the mind and conversation of the people much changed. The General Court is now sitting, and great efforts are used by the faction to continue the Government in their hands, and to that end they have summoned the inhabitants of the Colony to meet in their various towns on the 13th instant and sign a paper. Mr. Randolph brings home a copy of this paper. They stigmatised all who refused to sign as enemies to the Government, but, from my own knowledge, the most eminent persons for estate and some of the considerable freemen utterly declined to sign that address, and, after all, they were so put to it for signatures that they solicited strangers and servant boys to fill up their numbers. I had an opportunity this week of conversing with Mr. Hinkley, Governor, and Mr. Lathrop, one of the magistrates of New Plymouth. I find them weak men and very unfit to be concerned in Government. It is true that the inhabitants are generally low in estate, but their greatest lack is of able men to govern the Colony. Mr. Randolph will give you further particulars as to the different Colonies. Mr. Orchard of this town has attended the General Court and desired to make out the matter of fact laid down in his petition to the King. Failing that, he pressed me to take the affidavits of witnesses, but being outside my Government I refused to take cognizance of it unless he could go to the expense of carrying his witnesses to England. He is not at present likely to recover his cause against this Colony. I received a letter lately from the Deputy Governor of New Hampshire saying that the Council met on 13th instant and, pursuant to instructions, pressed all receivers of public money to send in their accounts since September 1679 to be audited by Mr. Blathwayt's deputy. The receivers, being backed by Captain Vaughan, one of the Council, refused to do so, under pretence that such moneys were raised for the use of the towns and not for the support of the Government, which, indeed, was only a trick to avert the discovery of their malversations. They also refuse to pay any money into the public treasury, but take upon themselves to dispose of it by the hands of their several trustees, instead of by my warrant, as ordered in my instructions. I communicated the clause to the Assembly to the intent that they might also examine the accounts, but I find that they make it their whole business to cavil at any order contained in the King's commission and instructions. The General Court here has been sitting for seven weeks. Its principal business has been to consider whether they should give their agents any further instructions as to the regulation of their Government and deliver up the Province of Maine to the King. I am told by some of the Deputies that after many sharp debates they have carried it in the affirmative, but this, though it looks dutiful, is only to gain time, for they have not yet repealed any one law nor passed one Act tending to the King's satisfaction. Without compulsion the King can expect no obedience, whatever be pretended to the contrary. Signed, Edward Cranfield. 2 pp. Endorsed with a long précis. Recd. 4 June 1683. Annexed,
	1024. I. Reasons for displacing Major Richard Waldern, Mr. Martyn and Captain Gilman from the Council of New Hampshire. Against Waldern.—1. For fining and imprisoning the King's Customs' officers for doing their duty. 2. For words spoken to Captain Pierce of the Newbury in December last. 3. For admitting the ketch George to trade in the province though a Scotch ship. 4. For granting attachments contrary to law. Against Martyn.—1. For refusing appeals to the King. 2. For permitting the ketch George to trade. 3. For saying, that 'twas no end to appeal to the Council Board as strangers could expect no justice there. 4. For keeping silence about Gove's plot of which he was aware, and encouraging Gove. Against Gillman.— For suffering Gove and his party to rendezvous in his house, though himself a captain of a company and justice of the peace. Signed, Edw. Cranfield, 1 p. Endorsed. Recd, 4 June 1683.
	1024. II. Duplicate of the foregoing. 1 p. Endorsed. [Copy in Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 90, 91.]
	1024. III. Affidavit of Edward Cranfield as to the words spoken by richard Martyn that there was no justice at the Council Board. Sworn at Boston before Peter Bulkeley. 30 March 1683. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 4 June 1683.
	1024. IV. Similar affidavit respecting words spoken by Richard Waldern to Captain Pierce of the Newbury. ½ p. Same endorsement.
	1024. V. Similar affidavit as to words used by Joshua Moody respecting the ketch George. ½ p. Same endorsement. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., Nos. 79, 79 I. – V., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 85–88.]
March 27./April 6. Martinique.	1025. Orders of the Chevalier St. Laurens, Commander-in-Chief of the French possessions in America. For the warning of the Governors of all Dutch, Danish, and English possessions, that the French have orders from their King to confiscate all foreign vessels dropping anchor in his ports. 2 pp. French. Endorsed and inscribed. Recd. 24 Feb. 1683–84. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 80.]
March 27. Barbados.	1026. The Secretary of Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding quarterly return of the proceedings of the Council from 7th December to 7th March. Signed, Edwyn Stede. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 24 May 1683. [Col. Papers, Vol.L., No. 81, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 187.]
March 28. Whitehall.	1027. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have considered the petition of Mons. de Chambré and the answer of Mr. Freeman. The case, we find, is one that was remitted to decision of your Majesty and the French King. We recommend therefore that, as soon as the French ambassador here shall receive power to treat of and determine the differences pending in relation to the Leeward Islands, you would appoint Commissioners for the same purpose, according to a former report of 3rd December 1675. A copy of this should be sent to Lord Preston, your ambassador at Paris, that he may make the necessary arrangements. Meanwhile the Governor of the Leeward Islands should be instructed not to disturb De Chambré's possession of the estate, nor to oblige him to pay further taxes than are imposed by the law of the country pending a final decision. Dated 10 Feb. 1682–83. Ordered accordingly. Signed, Francis Gwyn. 2 pp. Endorsed. [Col Papers, Vol. L.., No. 82, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol XLVII., pp. 74, 75.]
March 20.	1028. Warrant of Governor Cranfield to Thomas Joules, master of the ship Richard of Boston, to transport Edward Gove, lately sentenced to death for high treason, to England, to be executed there according to the King's order. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 83.]
March 29	1029. Depositions of Richard Paine and Nehemiah Partridge, Respecting the refusal of Richard Chamberlain to furnish copies of Edward Gove's trial until it had been laid before the King. Signed by the deponents and two witnesses. ¾ p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 85.]
March 29.	1030. Warrant to Thomas Joules, of the ship Richard, to transport edward Gove to England and keep him till demanded by warrant of a Secretary of State. Signed, Edw. Cranfield. ½ p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 83.]
	Copy of foregoing. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 84.]
March 30. Boston.	1031. Governor Bradstreet to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I received the King's orders respecting Mr. Mason in November. On the 26th January I received a letter from Mr. Mason, which I submitted to the General Court and answered according to its direction (see ante, No8. 803, 955). Since then Mr. Mason has been in Boston when a court was sitting, but has made no further motion in his business. There is no denial or delay of justice to Mr. Mason in this affair. Signed, S. Bradstreet, Gover. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from Mr. Randolph, 4 June 1683. [Col. Papers, Vol. L., No. 86.]
March 31. Boston.	1032. The Governor and Company of Massachusetts to the King. Profuse congratulations on the preservation of the King's life, and thanks for the extension of time granted to the agents. We are assembled in General Court to carry out your gracious command, and it is a grief to us beyond expression that by any proceedings and delays we should have been so offensive to you. Our agents will tell you what we have done respecting the Acts of Trade. We beg you not to improve our past errors to vacate our charter. We will carry out your regulations and give willing obedience, and we have empowered our agents as you required. Signed, Simon Bradstreet. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 12 June. Inscribed. Recd. 8 June. [Col. Papers, Vol L., No. 87, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 171–172.]
March 31. Boston.	1033. Laws made at the General Court of Massachusetts, held 31st March 1683. Law to prevent all deceit by opening mines, &c., that the King may have his due. Law to amend the law for the erection of a naval office. Laws to amend the shipping law, and the law respecting freemen. Commissions of military officers to be altered where not according to law. Printed. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. from Mr. Randolph, 4 June 1683. [Col.Papers, Vol. L., No. 88.]