|
| Nov. 5. |
527. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. The Lords of the Admiralty wish to be informed as to the instructions which the Lords of Trade wish to give to the Commander of the West Indian squadron. Signed. P. Bowles. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 48.] |
| Nov. 6. |
528. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft instructions for the Commander of the West Indian fleet as to Councils of war and relations with the Governors read. The Lords desire the King's orders as to whether the frigate that takes out Lord Inchiquin shall join the fleet. Colonel Hill's letter of 20 August read (see No. 367). Agreed to lay the petition of the Jamaica merchants for two frigates before the King, as also the memorial of the Spanish commissioner for the Assiento and the Attorney General's opinion thereon. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 287–289.] |
Nov. 7.
Whitehall. |
529. Order of the King in Council. Referring the memorial of St. Jago del Castillo (see No. 369) to Sir John Holt, Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and to the other Judges for report. Signed. William Blathwayt. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 56, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 284–285.] |
Nov. 7.
Whitehall. |
530. Order of the King in Council. On report of Lords of Trade and Plantations, ordered that from the 1st of January next the four and a half per cent. duty raised in Barbados and the Leeward Islands be applied (after the usual charges of those two Governments have been satisfied) to the payment of the Duke of Bolton's regiment. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C. pp. 93, 94, and pp. 107, 108, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 456, 457, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 70, 71.] |
| [Nov. 7.] |
531. Establishment of a company of the regiment of Foot for the Leeward Islands. Three officers, three sergeants, three corporals, two drummers, sixty privates. Rates of pay as in England. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 72.] |
| Nov. 8. |
532. Sir John Berry to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding an account of the ships hired for Newfoundland and the West Indies and of the time for which they are victualled for their respective complements. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 100, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 461, 462.] |
| Nov. 9. |
533. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft instructions for the Commander of the West Indian fleet read and approved. The King to be asked to make him a member of Council of the Leeward Islands. Colonel Codrington's letter of 31 July read (see No. 312) and his draft instructions in relation to the fleet read
and approved. Draft orders to the Colonel of the Duke of Bolton's regiment read and approved. The King to be advised to make Colonel Hill Lieutenant-Governor of all the Leeward Islands. Draft of additional instructions to Governor Kendall read and approved, also a commission for Captain Nicholson to be Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia. The Commissioners for victualling the Navy to attend at next meeting to answer the complaints of the Council of Jamaica as to the victuals. Colonel Sloughter presented a list of stores required for New York. The Commissioners of Ordnance ordered to attend next meeting. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 289–291.] |
| Nov. 9. |
534. Abstract of warlike stores desired by Colonel Hill at Nevis, and of the proportion of stores issued to the Leeward Islands by order of 15 August, 1689. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 88–91.] |
| Nov. 9. |
535. Specification of ammunition and stores required for New York. 4 pp. Endorsed. Recd. from Col. Sloughter. 11 Nov. 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 69.] |
| Nov. 9. |
536. Petition of Matthew Clarkson to the King. For the post of Secretary at New York. Inscribed. Reference of the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. Endorsed. Read 11 Nov., 1689. Annexed, |
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536. I. Certificate, with eight signatures, that Clarkson has lived as a factor in New York for several years and conducted his business well. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 68, 68I.] |
| [Nov. 9.] |
537. Petition of Merchants and Planters of Jamaica now in London, to the King. Several laws were recently passed by an Assembly unduly elected by servants, tailors and disinterested persons. Having joyfully beheld the restoration of this nation to its rights and liberty, we beg that these laws may be disallowed. Sixty two signatures. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Read at Committee, 9 Nov., 1689. Read in Council, 20 Nov. 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 57.] |
| Nov. 11. |
538. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commissioners for victualling the Navy attended and reported that sufficient victuals were collected for all the ships. The report of the Judges as to the memorial of the African Company touching the Assiento, to be laid before the King. Agreed to recommend Thomas Farneley to be Provost Marshal of the Leeward Islands. The officers of Ordnance reported that they had provided the stores asked for by Colonel Hill except the mortars, that the engineers were ready to be sent, and that they were ready to furnish the stores required by Colonel Sloughter. Agreed to recommend Matthew Clarkson to be Secretary of New York. Draft instructions for Lord Inchiquin, Colonel Codrington, and Mr. Richier read. Agreed to recommend the grant of £200 as travelling allowance to Mr. Richier. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 292, 294, and (as to the last item) Vol. XIII., p. 267.] |
| [Nov. 11.] |
539. Petition of Isaac Richier to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I beg for fifty soldiers for defence of Bermuda. My predecessor's salary was £400 a year, viz. twelve shares valued at £60 a year, whale-fishing valued at £100 a year, and £240 paid here. The whale-fishing is wholly destroyed and will require time and expense to restore; the shares are not worth above £36 a year. There is no dwelling house and the King's slaves are lost. I beg for £400 a year besides the shares, and I ask for two hundred tons of freight to transport myself and family. The Greenland whale-fishing being lost to us, now is the time to promote whale-fishing. For the grant of a royalty in whale-fishing for a term of years I can promise adventurers who will improve it. 1 p. Endorsed. Read Nov., 89. America and West Indies. 477. No. 22.] |
| [Nov.] |
540. Petition of the same to the same. The clauses respecting the salary only. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 23.] |
| Nov. 11. |
541. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending the appointment of Matthew Clarkson to be Secretary of New York. Draft. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 70.] |
| [Nov. 11.] |
542. Report of the Judges on the memorial of St. Jago del Castillo (see No. 369). Negroes are merchandise. It is against the Acts of Navigation to give liberty to aliens or to alien shipping to trade in British possessions. It is not against law for ships in distress to enter Colonial harbours to replenish and refit. Signed. J. Holt, H. Pollexfen, Edw. Nevile, W. Gregory, B. Lechmere, Tho. Rokeby, Gyles Eyres, Peyton Ventris, Jo. Turton, Jo. Powell. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 11 Nov. Read 14 Nov., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 58, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 285.] |
| [Nov. 11.] |
543. Petition of John Gray to Lords of Trade and Plantations. You appointed the 18th of September for hearing the appeal against me, but Sir John Witham alleged that he was not ready. I beg speedy hearing of the case. ½ p. For date see No. 421. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 18.] |
| [Nov. 11.] |
544. Memorandum of the stores and men sent to the Leeward Islands besides what are specified in the list of August 31 (see No. 393). Against a statement that an engineer and two miners were sent, is written a marginal note: The Engineer and two miners were not sent and are extremely wanted. Draft. ½ p. For date see No. 393. Endorsed. 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 49, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 454.] |
| Nov. 11. |
545. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the King be moved to appoint the Commander of the West Indian squadron to the Councils of Barbados and the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 457.] |
| [Nov. 11.] |
546. Opinion of the Attorney General as to the grant of the office of Provost Marshal of the Leewards to Thomas Farneley. Signed. Geo. Treby. A minute written at the foot of the case submitted to him. The whole, 1 p. Endorsed. Read 11 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 50.] |
| Nov. 11. |
547. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending the grant of the office of Provost Marshal of the Leeward Islands to Thomas Farneley. Draft. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 51.] |
Nov. 11.
Antigua. |
548. Lieutenant-General Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 26th September I sent the privateer ship and my own two sloops to Barbados to be furnished with men and ammunition, and gave them instructions to pick up some French prisoners, especially from Martinique, to give information; but they are not yet returned, which makes me apprehensive as to their success. On the 30th of September the rest of the inhabitants of Anguilla with their goods were brought hither, being too weak to resist the French. They will not only be safer here, but they can have land enough to employ their own labour and increase the King's revenue. On the 6th ult. a French sloop took one of ours in sight of the Island; but one of ours sent in pursuit retook the prize on the following day and the latter as well. The commander of the enemy's sloop was killed. He was an Irishman lately fled from this Island. Four more of that nation captured on board were at once tried by my orders by a Council of War, condemned and executed. The French, who are eighteen in number, I detain as prisoners of war. The intelligence that we obtained from them was that two or three vessels of ours had been taken lately and brought into Martinique, that some ships which passed by us a few days ago were only merchantmen bound for Europe, that there was a French frigate cruising constantly to windward of Barbados to discover either our fleet or their own, and another between Barbados and Martinique to intercept our correspondence with the former Island. This so far they have failed to do, but they took a New York provision-ship in sight of Barbados. We learn also that the French expect a large squadron from Europe and that de Blenac has further designs upon these Islands. The Indians, set on I presume by the French, have lately made several attempts to land on this Island and twice with success, having killed six persons and carried off three. They were ashore in a remote part of the Island for some time before they were discovered. We fear that their periagos are guarded by French cruisers during the day time and are sent in at night to disturb us. This is a great inconvenience, for the Island is so large and so full of little creeks and landing places for these savages, that half the inhabitants are obliged to be on guard every night; and so it will be until our fleet arrives to become, what the French now are, masters of the sea. |
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On the 29th and 30th ult. the sessions of the peace were held and three Irishmen brought from Anguilla were tried for rebellion and treason, condemned and executed. Some weeks ago a vessel arrived at Montserrat from Cork with beef. The master brought strange reports of King James's success in Ireland and of his designs for invasion of England, saying that if he had known we were under King William he would have taken his beef to Martinique. The Governor by my orders has arrested him, but reports that the Irish have not been moved by his speeches but remain quiet and peaceable. A few days ago some negro slaves formerly belonging to the English made their escape from St.
Christophers to Nevis, and inform us that there is great scarcity of provisions among the French, that small pox and fever are raging and that numbers die daily. These distempers have been very fatal to us also at Nevis, five hundred whites having died, as I am informed, and two hundred blacks; but of late this mortality is much abated and I hope that shortly the Island will be clear of infection. It has been severest upon those who came from St. Christophers, having swept away a third part of them. Not a commissioned officer is left in the King's Companies, which is a great loss, for we are under-stocked with others of like knowledge and experience. The infection has not yet been in Montserrat and here only in some few plantations, spreading but little. I hear of no deaths from it, and as the cool season approaches I hope we shall not suffer from it. In my last I reported the presence of three strong ships at Barbados, part of a fleet bound for Chili under Captain Hewetson. One of the three which had the greatest stock of arms and ammunition was blown up at Barbados, and Hewetson soon after sailed for Bermuda and from thence arrived in this Island a few days ago. His ship has forty eight guns mounted and can mount more, three hundred and fifty lusty men on board, and is otherwise well equipped. The Captain seems very zealous for the King's service and offered his ship to me for that end, which at present is a great advantage, for his cruising among the Islands will make our intercourse much securer and enable us to do mischief to the enemy. The Barbados regiment is still here, it being now thirteen weeks since they came. They have been constantly encamped and daily exercised to make them the readier for service. By our French prisoners we understand that the force at Martinique is much less than was feared, and that Count de Blenac is discouraged from further attack on our Islands. It was this consideration that made us loth to part with the Barbados regiment, and will make us so until the fleet arrives from England. The expense of maintaining this regiment amounts already to 500,000 lbs. of sugar, which with fitting out of sloops and other charges has necessitated the laying a tax of a million of sugar. This will be a most grievous burden on the poor inhabitants and might have been prevented by timely succour from England. We hope therefore that the King will allow us satisfaction for this sum out of the revenue of the four and a half per cent. duty, and the rather when it is considered that it was granted by this Island for the support of the Government and the defraying of charges, though it has been employed for other purposes. |
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I am sorry to have to represent the Island of Nevis to you as a most turbulent and ungovernable people, who are never content with a Governor for longer than he falls in with their desires, however unjust to the other Islands. Thus because I ordered the people of Anguilla to be transported to this Island and not to Nevis I am censured as partial and unjust, though the poor people could not have earned their bread at Nevis, which here they can plentifully, either by working for others or settling plantations of their own, for this Island is near four times as big as Nevis and yet has not a third of the number of Christians or slaves. Again I am censured because our captured privateer was not ordered to attend to Nevis only, as if they only were to be regarded and the rest laid
aside. Even had I done so I could not furnish her or my own sloops with ammunition. But their greatest outcry against me is that I have refused to send them the Barbados regiment, though they have frequently petitioned me for it. But you will easily see that the small size of Nevis and its few landing places make it defensible with a third of the number of men required for Antigua. Even with the Barbados regiment there are fewer men now in Antigua than there were in Nevis before their losses by small pox and fever. Indeed it would not have been just to send those who came to our assistance out of friendship to so infected a place as Nevis. But, more than all this, Antigua is the most windwardly of these Islands so that I could speedily reinforce them or Montserrat (which latter I conceive to be the greatest danger) on occasion; whereas at Nevis it would be difficult if not impossible to beat up to the assistance of Montserrat or Antigua. In view of the peril to which I conceive Montserrat to be subject in case of attack, and of the great straits to which the poor people of St. Christophers were reduced at Nevis I sent orders for the transport of all those families to Montserrat. They would have been a great and welcome assistance, and in recompense for that benefit would have had a comfortable and inexpensive existence, which the charity of Nevis did not afford to them. But the Deputy-Governor, Council and Assembly thought fit flatly to disobey me, and ordered that none of the inhabitants of St. Christophers should leave the Island until they had given such security as is shewn in enclosed paper, which they well knew the poor people could not possibly afford. I can only call it a most wicked and unchristian contrivance to ravish from these poor creatures what little they have saved from their more merciful enemies the French; for at present they cannot get victuals in Nevis for the work of their slaves, and so are forced to sell part of them at less than half their value to buy bread for themselves and for the remainder. It would be tedious to recount the particular cruelties occasioned to these poor people by this order made at Nevis in contradiction to my express commands. The Deputy-Governor is now sensible of the barbarity thereof and yet dares not redress it but by humble supplication to the Assembly, which, as you will see, was particularly careful not to comply with his request. I have sent them repeated orders as to this particular matter and other irregularities, which they have not thought fit to obey, returning me instead quarrelsome and expostulatory answers, insisting stiffly on justification of their actions and questioning my power to oblige them to amendment. |
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About the middle of last month, as the expense of the Barbados regiment to this Island was great, and Nevis was always begging for it, I wrote to the Deputy-Governor that I was now willing to oblige them therein, being apprehensive of no further designs of the French, after their long inaction, until their fleet should arrive. I announced at the same time that I proposed to give the command of the Militia at Nevis to Sir Timothy Thornhill, as a person whom I esteemed better fit to command than any one else in that Island in case of action. You will find their answer herewith enclosed, which is very different from the submissive style which
the Deputy-Governor assumed when he addressed the Assembly of the Island, conceiving, I believe, that greater deference was due to them than to the Governor-in-Chief. It rather resembles the style of that high and mighty Assembly itself, who in some of their letters tell me that if I represent the person of the King, they represent that of the Parliament of England (though I presume they have no commission) and plainly insinuate that it is not my commission but their own acceptance of me for their chief governor which obliges them to any obedience or regard to me. Some of them have had the boldness to affirm that they conceive it their right and privilege as representatives of the Island to call their Governors and Councils to account, and to intermeddle with all affairs relating to the Government. Of late I hear that they begin to murmur against me and to resent extremely that I did not take the Government upon me by their desire and at their election. I refused to do so until pressed by the Council and Assembly of this Island, and until I had a legal commission from the Captain-General to act in that station. You will see from this what authority these men arrogate to themselves, and that they endeavour not only to shake loose the reins but to throw off all rule and government; but I shall endeavour speedily to check their insolence lest they increase it and others take example from them, when the result must be confusion and disorder. To prevent this I have given Sir Timothy Thornhill a commision as Major-General of the Militia of all these Islands (which is the rank that he held in Barbados) and shall send him hence in a few days with his regiment to Nevis to take command of the militia there. I doubt not that he will be able to quell all seditious and rebellious proceedings which of late have been too much practised and countenanced in that Island. I intend to give the poor inhabitants in St. Christophers liberty to transport themselves to Antigua (for as we expect the fleet every day and the French are inactive, Montserrat does not now press for them) where they will have land enough to settle in. For their further encouragement the Council and Assembly are preparing an Act to exempt them from all suits for debts for three years, whereby they will be able honestly to satisfy all their creditors, and to save themselves from that ruin which would in a short time be the inevitable consequence of their harsh treatment by Nevis. That treatment shows the charity and the public spirit of that Island to be much upon a pitch, for who but barbarians would deprive so many good families of all chance of settling again ? Without such an Act in St. Christophers also, when it is recovered, it will be the work of many years to people that Island again; and I beg instructions on the subject. Meanwhile it is most necessary that our subjection to and dependence on the Crown of England should be asserted and further explained, for some here have almost the vanity to fancy these Colonies independent states, and attribute to their little Assemblies the power and authority of the Parliament of England. Indeed there is nothing so extravagant that factious and turbulent men will not instil it into people's minds, until a declaration from you banish all such foolish conceits. My
successor will soon be sensible of this. Allow me also to say that the annexing of these islands to the Kingdom of England, allowing us representatives in the English Parliament, would not only fully remedy the inconveniences already related but complete to us many other great blessings. I beg you to represent this to the King and Queen. I hope that you will pardon my mistakes in consideration of my difficulties. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 6–8th November, 1689. Postscript. 11 November.—Since the foregoing was written the privateer and my two sloops are arrived with three French vessels captured near Dominica and manned only by Indians, who escaped. They tried to bring off men from some of the French Islands, but failed owing to the watchfulness of the enemy. The Barbados regiment embarked for Nevis yesterday. 12 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 3 July, 1690. Annexed, |
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548. I. Petition of the Freeholders, late of St. Christophers, to the Council and Assembly of Nevis. Having been driven from our estate we pray that our persons and estates may be free from arrest during our continuance among you, and that we may have liberty to pass and repass anywhere within the limits of this Government, by reason of the prevailing infection. Twelve signatures. Order of the Council and Assembly of Nevis. 3 September, 1689. The petitioners shall have liberty to transport themselves to Antigua or Montserrat, first giving in an exact account of their goods and negroes and giving security not to remove them until they have compounded with their creditors. Copy. 1 p. |
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548. II. Petition of Nicholas Leech to the Deputy Governor of Nevis. Was lately driven from St. Christophers by the French; begs permission to go to New England. On the other side. The Deputy Governor of Nevis to the Council and Assembly. It is a most sad and unchristianlike thing that this poor petitioner, blind with age and unable to relieve himself except by the subscriptions of the charitable to pay his passage, should not transport himself to New England where he has a son and daughter. Yet by the late Act he is forbidden, so must perish. None will be his security, and many more are in like cireumstances. I hope their prayers will not call down God's judgments upon us, and I beg you for God's sake to redress these things. Signed. Jno. Netheway. Copy. ½ p. |
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548. III. Deputy-Governor of Nevis to Lieutenant-General Codrington. I and others are much startled at one part of your letter wherein you say that I shall find Sir Timothy Thornhill a person of honour and a very diligent officer, and that therefore you intend to give him the command of the Militia. I always supposed him to be such as you say and more, but give me leave to say that few Generals degrade an officer without cause, and why you should degrade me who have been here now nearly two years at my own cost and at abundantly more trouble than any previous Governor in six years, I know not. Nor do I
suppose that any reason can be given for it except that it is your pleasure. If any commission or order came from their Majesties for it I should submit, otherwise please call a Council of War and let me answer to what's objected against me. I will trouble you no more except to ask you if Sir Timothy is to command this Island's soldiery as well as the Barbadians, to avoid differences between us. I doubt there are incendiaries who give you occasion to write that you are reflected on by some persons in this Island. I know nothing except the absence of the prize with our men and arms (though we expected her for a guard-ship) that stomachs any here. Signed. Jno. Netheway. Copy. 1 p. All these enclosures are endorsed: Recd. 4. Aug. 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. Nos. 52, 52, I.–III., and (without enclosures) Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 188–201.] |
| Nov. 12. |
549. Instructions to Governor Cadwallader Jones of the Bahama Islands. As to land-grants, the rights of cutting certain woods and seaching for wrecks and for ambergris. Signed. Craven, Ashley, Carteret, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 155, 156.] |
Nov. 12.
Admiralty. |
550. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. Captain Lawrence Wright being ready to sail with the West Indian squadron, you are desired to hasten his instructions for the Lords of Trade, that Captain Wright may have a sight of them if possible before he goes out of town. I enclose copy of Sir John Berry's instructions on his going to the West Indies. Signed. P. Bowles. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 53.] |
| Nov. 12. |
551. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. Captain Wright's instructions will be sent to you to-morrow evening. Draft. ¼ p. [Ibid. No. 54.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
552. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. Forwarding Captain Lawrence Wright's instructions. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 463.] |
| Nov. 15. |
553. Certificate of Richard Povey that he has received pay for the two foot-companies in New England up to 1 Sept, 1688, and no longer, since which date nothing has been paid to them. Signed. Rich. Povey, Agent to the said companies. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 48.] |
| Nov. 14. |
554. Commission of the Proprietors to Cadwallader Jones to be Governor of the Bahama Islands. Signed. Craven, Ashley Carteret, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 151, 152.] |
| Nov. 14. |
555. Instructions to Governor Cadwallader Jones. The Proprietors' deputies are always to be of the Council. An Assembly of twenty elected members is to be called. The Council will be of six freeholders elected by Parlianent and six deputies of the Proprietors. All Councillors are to swear allegiance to the King. Signed. Craven, Ashley, Carteret, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 152.] |
| Nov. 14. |
556. Order of the King in Council. For Colonel Thomas Hill to have a commission as Lieutenant-Governor of all the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade, Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 59, 60.] |
| Nov. 14. |
557. Commission of Colonel Thomas Hill to be Lieutenant-Governor of the Leeward Islands, exerting the powers of the Governor-in-Chief in case of his death or absence. [Ibid. pp. 60, 61.] |
Nov. 14.
Whitehall. |
558. Order of the King in Council, approving of the draft commission to Francis Nicholson as Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia. Copy of the Commission. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 302, 303.] |
Nov. 14.
Whitehall. |
559. Order of the King in Council. For the guns, stores and ammunition of the list hereto annexed (see No. 534) to be shipped to New York. Draft with corrections. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 71.] |
Nov. 14.
Whitehall. |
560. Order of the King in Council. For passing the commission of Henry Sloughter, as Governor of New York, under the great seal. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol LXIX., p. 222.] |
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561. Commission of Colonel Henry Sloughter to be Governor of New York. This includes power to call Assemblies, to levy forces, and to give commissions for martial law at sea. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 204–222.] |
| Nov. 14. |
562. Order of the King in Council. For a frigate to transport Colonel Sloughter and his household to New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 253.] |
| Nov. 14. |
563. Order of the King in Council. That H.M.S. Swan convey Lord Inchiquin from Barbados to Jamaica and remain at the Island, but that another frigate be ordered to carry him from England to Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 307.] |
| Nov. 14. |
564. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. I have received yours of 19 October. I have not communicated it to the Council, finding nothing worthy of their consideration therein, except to the three Councillors whom you named. All concur with me that your only object is to obtain your freedom, whereby you might do us more mischief than good, and that you would encourage the French, by underrating our strength, to attack us. Despite all that you say I believe the French have better reason to be afraid of us than we of them. Your prospect of getting to Martinique was not new to me, having been communicated by Mr. Chamberlayne, your friend, in June last. However often such a Proteus as you change your disguise, you will be recognised. I say this not in displeasure but as a word in season. 1½ closely written pages. Copy. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 19.] |
| Nov. 15. |
565. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. I understood that the Commissioners of Admiralty desire to speak to my Lords about the West Indian squadron. My Lords will meet this afternoon. Draft. ¼ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 55.] |
Nov. 16.
Maryland. |
566. John Coode to the President of the Council of Virginia. Several of the King's professed enemies are fled into Virginia, notably Mr. William Joseph and Mr. Nicholas Sewall, with two popish priests, and they have taken away arms and ammunition from the public magazine. I beg you to secure these persons and return them to us or let us follow them, and to let us know your determination as soon as possible. You and your Council are much abused here by the stories of some of the papists, who say that you invited them and promised them protection. Signed. Jno. Coode. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 1.] |
| Nov. 16. |
567. Report of Joost Stoll to the Earl of Shrewsbury. I beg to put forward the following documents in proof of the statements in the address of the Militia (see Nos. 171, 190, 362, 568) which will show the grievous bondage under which New York has groaned through the oppression of wicked Governors. We beg (1) that all that has hitherto been done by the Committee of Safety and the Militia may be approved, (2) that a charter may be granted to New York of like character as the charter of Boston, (3) that loyal and faithful persons may be appointed to the principal offices, civil and ecclesiastical, (4) that if a Governor and Lieutenant-Governor have already been appointed, they may be reviewed before their departure by those who recommended them, that their goodwill to the inhabitants and their loyalty may be ascertained, (5) that the King will grant a commission to the inhabitants of New York and all his subjects in Africa (sic) to capture Canada at their own charge, (6) that New York may be provided with a commission of executing power against all rebels, papists and disaffected persons (7) that, in consequence of the aggressive attitude of the French, these affairs may be examined at once. Large sheet. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 28 Nov., 1689. Printed in New York Documents, III., 629. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 72.] |
| Nov. 16. |
568. Account of the proceedings of Joost Stoll. First I chose three stout and able men of each company of trainbands, told them of the happy success of King William, and bound them to stand by me in bringing about his supremacy without bloodshed. Second, we petitioned Colonel Bayard to fortify the city and arrest papists, who answered that six or seven of us deserved to be hanged. Captain Nicholson also threatened and scolded the ship's master who brought the happy news. Third, seeing what persons we had to deal with, we resolved to master the fort and happily did so. Fourth, I then proclaimed King William and Queen Mary at the fort and also, at hazard of my life, in several other places. Large sheet. Printed in New York Documents, III., 632. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 73.] |
| Nov. 18. |
569. Memorandum of the Bishop of London. Asking that two ministers may be sent out to New York, passage free, and that a sufficient salary may be assigned to them for two years from the revenue, and a sufficient glebe in the parishes of Newtown and Esopus, Long Island. ½ p. Endorsed. From the Bishop of London. Recd. 18 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 74.] |
| [Nov. 18.] |
570. Petition of Christopher Pennington, corporal, and three more soldiers, to the King. We were ordered to New England under command of Captain Francis Nicholson about three years ago and remained there till the end of last summer, when our Governor being seized and ourselves discharged by the people of Boston we returned to England with Captain Nicholson. We have received no pay nor arrears for twelve months; and beg that we may be paid in full. 1 p. On next page, |
|
Sir John Pulteney to William Blathwayt. 4 Nov., 1689. Forwarding the petition for report to Lord Shrewsbury. |
|
William Blathwayt to Sir John Pulteney. 18 Nov., 1689. The account in the petition is true, and the men have not been paid since 1 Sept. 1688. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 49.] |
| Nov. 19. |
571. Commissioners of the Victualling Office to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have shipped the beef for the Leeward Islands, but the rest of the provisions are in several hands and will not be delivered by the contractors without ready money. We ask therefore for £1,530. Signed. Jno. Parsons, Nic. Fenn. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 56; and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 96, and Vol. XLVII., p. 458.] |
| Nov. 19. |
572. William Blathwayt to the Secretary of the Treasury. Forwarding copy of the proceedings for the consideration and speedy orders of the Lords of the Treasury. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 97, and Vol. XLVII., p. 459.] |
| Nov. 19. |
573. Instrument of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Empowering Governor James Colleton, or his successors in case of his death, to grant lands in South Carolina according to the rules presented. Signed. Craven, Bath, Ashley, P. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 154, 155.] |
| Nov. 19. |
574. Instrument of the same appointing John Beresford, Clerk of the Crown and Peace in South Carolina. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 161.] |
| Nov. 20. |
575. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. On the recommendation of the Lieutenant-Governor it was resolved to equip another man of war; and an Act for a levy on negroes to defray the expense was agreed to. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 209–211.] |
| Nov. 20. |
576. Warrant for the grant of five hundred acres of land in South Carolina to John Steward. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, John Archdale, for Thomas Archdale. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 159.] |
| [Nov. 20.] |
577. Petition of Ralph Knight to Lords of Trade and Plantations. For an early hearing as to the laws passed by the late Assembly of Jamaica, as petitioner wished to return to Jamaica. 1 p. Endorsed. Read in Council 20 Nov., 1689. Heard in Council 5 Dec., 1691. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 59; and Col. Entry Book, Vol. XXXII., p. 324.] |
| Nov. 20. |
578. Petition of Philip Ludwell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have been unable to obtain a sight of Lord Howard's answer to my charges. My only object was to find out what were the crimes for which he subjected us to such severity. For the satisfaction of the people of Virginia I beg for a copy of the answer. As the case at present stands no man is sure of his liberty or estate beyond the Governor's pleasure, though it is said that any complaints are due only to malice and that the people are well satisfied with the Government. If my credit be suspected I beg that enquiry may be made into the whole matter in Virginia. Endorsed. 20 November, 1689. Granted. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 21.] |
| [Nov. 21.] |
579. Petition of several traders to Maryland and Virginia to the King. We have suffered much by the capture of eleven capital ships by the French. Maryland and Virginia depend on us wholly for clothing and other necessaries from England. Every ship taken means a loss of from £5,000 to £10,000 to your Majesty. We beg for a convoy. Twenty-five signatures. Inscribed. Recd. 21 and 23 November, 1689. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 22.] |
Nov. 21.
Whitehall. |
580. Order of the King in Council. For an engineer and two miners to be sent to the Leeward Islands by the office of Ordnance. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 92, and Vol. XLVII, p. 455.] |
| Nov. 21. |
581. Order of the King in Council. That Lord Shrewsbury prepare a warrant appointing Lawrence Wright, the commander of the West Indian squadron, to be a member of Council of Barbados and of all the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 95, 96.] |
Nov. 21.
Whitehall. |
582. Order of the King in Council. On report of the Law officers of the Crown, ordered that the Attorney General proceed by Scire facias against the former grant of the office of registering servants for the plantations. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 4, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 110.] |
Nov. 21.
Whitehall. |
583. Order of the King in Council. That the Earl of Inchiquin have instructions to redeem British subjects kept prisoners in New Spain. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 287.] |
| Nov. 21. |
584. William Blathwayt to Mr. Bowles. The Lords of Trade and Plantations will meet next Saturday to hear any objections of the Admiralty to the draft instructions for Captain Wright. Draft. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 57.] |
| Nov. 22. |
585. Commission of Lieutenant-General Codrington to Thomas Hewetson to be commander in chief of all vessels fitted out in the Leeward Islands. 2 pp. Copy. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 58.] |
| Nov. 23. |
586. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to advise the King to add the Earls of Pembroke and Torrington, and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain to the Council. (Memo. This was done on the 28th inst.) Petition of merchants of Virginia and Maryland read (see No. 579). Agreed to represent the matter to the
King. The Commissioners of the Admiralty presented amended instructions to the commander of the West Indian fleet. The King's pleasure to be taken thereon. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 295, 296.] |
| Nov. 25. |
587. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Inchiquin's list of the Council of Jamaica read and approved. The Lords agreed to recommend that Lord Inchiquin should draw at the rate of £1,000 from the date of his commission until his arrival, and then £2,000 a year, and £500 a year to Sir Francis Watson, to the date of the Earl's arrival. Captain Nicholson to draw half salary likewise as Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia till his arrival and then the full salary of £1,000 a year. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 297, 298.] |
| Nov. 25. |
588. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the commissioners provide transport for Captain Fowkes and his household to the Leeward Islands, he having been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Antigua. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 455.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
589. Order of the King in Council. For the preparation of a warrant appointing Captain Lawrence Wright to the Councils of Barbados and of each of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 457.] |
| Nov. 26. |
590. Commissioners for Victualling the Navy to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Renewing their request for payment of £1,530 due for provisions shipped to the Leeward Islands (see No. 571). [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 98, and Vol. XLVII., p. 460.] |
| Nov. 26. |
591. Protest of Sir Robert Robinson against Richard Jennings for seditious behaviour, requiring him in the sum of £5,000 to answer for the same. Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 24.] |
| Nov. 28. |
592. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The representation of Joost Stoll presented (see No. 567). Captain Nicholson ordered to attend next meeting on the matter. Letter from the Victualling Board read and referred to the Treasury (see No. 590). Agreed to recommend Thomas Farneley to be Secretary and Mr. Houghton as Provost Marshal of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 299.] |
| Nov. 28. |
593. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the King be moved to add a new instruction to Captain Wright, bidding him act in matters pertaining to land service according to the direction of the Governor of the Leeward Islands and the Council of War; and in matters of sea-service with their advice. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 463, 464.] |
Nov. 28.
Custom
House. |
594. Michael Wicks to Sir Robert Southwell. It is impossible to tell you exactly what tobacco has been imported into London for the three last years without more time, but at a rough estimate we may set it down at— |
|
1687, 12,050,000 lbs. |
|
1688, 11,840,000 lbs, |
|
1689. 11,646,600 lbs. |
|
Signed. Michael Wicks. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 23.] |
Nov.28.
Custom
House. |
595. Sir Robert Southwell to Robert Povey. I enclose Mr. Wicks's letter (see preceding abstract). The computation for the last year is exact, and you may reckon the quantity received at the other ports of England at one third more. So taking 11,646,600 for London, add one third or 3,882,200 for other parts. The total is 15,528,800, which at fivepence a pound makes £323,516 13s. 6d.; but how much of this has been exported and so drawn back 4½d. out of the 5d. does not easily appear. Signed. Robert Southwell. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 24.] |
Nov. 28.
Whitehall. |
596. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantation, 23 Nov. 1689. On the petition of the merchants trading to Virginia, we recommend that a convoy be granted. Ordered accordingly. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 15, 16.] |
| Nov. 28. |
597. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending the confirmation of the appointment of William Cole to be Secretary of Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 16.] |
Nov. 28.
Whitehall. |
598. Order of the King in Council. That a salary of £500 a year be paid to Sir Francis Watson from the day of the Duke of Albemarle's death to the day of Lord Inchiquin's arrival, and that Lord Inchiquin shall enquire whether Sir Francis deserve more. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XXXII., pp. 303–305.] |
| Nov. 28. |
599. Order of the King in Council. For a fourth-rate frigate to convey Lord Inchiquin, his lady and most necessary servants to Barbados, the rest of his retinue and goods to follow on board H.M.S. Swan. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 308.] |
| Nov. 28. |
600. Commissioners for Victualling the Navy to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We beg again for payment of the £1,530 asked for in ours of the 26th (see No. 590). The tradesmen will not part with any of the goods until the money is paid; and meanwhile the troops cannot be despatched to the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 99, and Vol. XLVII., p. 460.] |
| Nov. 28. |
601. William Blathwayt to the Secretary of the Treasury. Forwarding copies of the preceding letter and of that of the 26th (see No. 590) for consideration of the Lords of the Treasury. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 99, and Vol. XLVII., p. 461.] |
| [Nov.] |
602. Memorandum. That Captain Fowkes desires passage for himself, wife and six servants and freight for two tons of goods to Antigua. Scrap. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 59.] |
Nov. 29.
Admiralty. |
603. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. As to the passage of Captain Fowkes with his wife and household to Antigua, as also of an engineer and two miners to the Leeward Islands; are only the engineers to be victualled or Captain Fowkes also? Signed. P. Bowles. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 60.] |
| Nov. 30. |
604. Petition of Philip Ludwell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Begs the hastening of their report on his complaints, as he is anxious to return to Virginia. 1 p. Endorsed. Read. 30 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 25]. |
| Nov. 30. |
605. Petition of the Merchants trading to Maryland and Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Praying for a protection for their men, for which no order was issued to the Admiralty when the convoy was ordered. ½ p. Inscribed. Recd. 30 Nov. 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 26.] |
| Nov. 30. |
606. List of ships bound to Virginia and Maryland. Thirty-nine ships of from 150 to 400 tons. 1¼ pp. Endorsed. Presented by the merchants and read 30th Nov. 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 27.] |
| Nov. 30. |
607. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Sloughter testified to the fitness of Matthew Clarkson to be Secretary of New York. Agreed to alter Colonel Hill's title from Lieutenant-Governor to Lieutenant-General of the Leeward Islands. Draft instructions to Captain Wright amended, so that he be directed to stay at Barbados for as short a time as possible, and to attend Councils of War as often as distance permits him. [Col. Entry Bk, Vol. CIX., pp. 300–301.] |
Nov. 30.
Whitehall. |
608. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. In reply to yours of 29th, Captain Fowkes will receive such usage as is usual for Lieutenant Governors. General Sgravenmoer complains that no transport has been supplied for his horses. Draft. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 61.] |
| [Nov. 30.] |
609. Instructions to Captain Lawrence Wright, commanding the West Indian squadron. To take on board the Duke of Bolton's regiment and stores and proceed to Bardados, and with as little delay as possible to the Leeward Islands, where he will put himself under orders of Lieut.-General Codrington. Draft copy with corrections. 9 pp. Endorsed. Read 30 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 62, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 466–472.] |
| [?Nov.] |
610. Memorial of the Spanish Ambassador. The person in charge of the negotiations respecting the introduction of negroes into America is ready to start for Jamaica, but he cannot start nor fulfil his duty without previous solution of the existing differences as to the purchase of negroes in the British dominions, and their free transport in his own vessels to the dominions of Spain. I beg therefore to remind you of the matters already brought before you, and since they cannot be settled as soon as could be wished, I would ask the King at least to permit the practice which has already existed more than twenty years to continue for the time until these difficulties are decided, and that he will give orders to the Governors of Jamaica and of the other Colonies not to trouble St. Jago del Castillo nor his dependents in the execution of their duty. Copy. French. 2½ pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 60.] |
