America and West Indies: December 1689

Pages 186-199

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

Citation:

December 1689



Dec. 2.	611. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Seth Sothell. We hear that the people have risen against you, alleging your injustice. We hope and believe that the allegation is false, but we think fit to suspend you till the matter be fairly tried, and meanwhile have appointed Colonel Philip Ludwell to be Governor, with authority to enquire into the cause of the rebellion. Signed. Craven, Bath for Lord Carteret, P. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 159.]
Dec. 2.	612. The same to Governor James Colleton. You tell us people are inclined to buy their town-lots. We are not inclined to sell them. People who want land must apply to us, for any grant unauthorised by the hand of three of us is void. You must take care to prevent servants and negroes running away to the Spaniards at St. Augustine. We shall take notice of the Governor of St. Augustine's prohibition to the English to come south of St. George's. We hear that you have fined a minister £100 for preaching a seditious sermon and imprisoned him till payment. As we are told that the sum is more than he is worth and that he has acknowledged his error, we would have you remit all fines beyond the power of men to pay. The law does not allow of it, and Parliament has voted it a grievance here. As to the unruly behaviour of your parliament, if it be for the people's good we are content; if not, they will see the inconvenience of choosing such members. We would not have you call another parliament till absolutely necessary, or till the people shew signs of seeing the danger of electing such men. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 160.]
Dec. 2.	613. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor James Colleton. We send a Commission to be lodged in the Secretary's office and to be opened only in case the Governor die. We understand that the ground at Charlestown wears away for want of wharfing. We are content to let every person wharf his own lot and take the profit to himself, provided the wharfs at the end of the streets are kept in repair as free to the public. You will pass no act for raising money unless consented to by the major part of the elected members present in Parliament. If three members protest against an act as contrary to fundamental constitutions, you will proceed as directed in the constitutions. Signed. Craven, Bath, Ashley, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy, John Archdale, for Thomas Archdale. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 161.]
Dec. 2. Whitehall.	614. Order of the King in Council. Approving the instructions for Lord Inchiquin and the Commander-in-Chief of the West Indian squadron, and the additional instructions for Colonel Christopher Codrington and Governor Kendall. Signed. Rich. Colinge. Endorsed. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 63, 1 p.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 464.]
Dec. 2. Whitehall.	615. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of John Hubbard, Deputy-Sheriff of Bermuda, appealing against a verdict obtained against him, to the Attorney General for report. Signed. Richard Colinge. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 292.]
Dec. 3.	616. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. On the report of the coming of the pirate Laurens, ordered that the Island's armed sloop come to Port Royal to join the fleet against Laurens, and that a second sloop be fitted out.
Dec. 3.	Order as to guards in Port Royal, which are left to the discretion of Colonel Bourden. Order for the Colonels or chief officers of every precinct to have power to call their regiments together. On information that several of the transported rebels are endeavouring to get their freedom, ordered that notice be given that no one shall entertain them, but shall send them home to their masters or to the nearest prison. Order for pressing a ship from the fleet against Laurens. Order that the subscribers to the fortifications to windward be desired to send in their subscriptions. Edward Moulder, charged with stirring up sedition among the men of H.M.S. Drake, was remanded. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 3–9.]
Dec. 3. Admiralty.	617. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. Lord Torrington acquaints me that some alterations were made last meeting in the West Indian instructions, and that a further direction would be given as to the transport of Lord Inchiquin. Pray let me know as soon as the matter is decided. Signed. P. Bowles. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 64.]
Dec. 4.	618. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. Forwarding the draft instructions to Captain Wright. Draft. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 65.]
Dec. 4.	619. William Blathwayt to Mr. Lilly, apothecary in Bow Lane. To deliver three chests of medicine to Colonel Bayer to be sent to the Leeward Islands. Draft. ¼ p. [Ibid. No. 66.]
Dec. 5. Admiralty.	620. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. By order of my Lords I have prepared a new instruction to the commander of the West Indian squadron to protect ships, territory and subjects of the States General. Please let me know when it is approved. Signed. P. Bowles. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 67.]
Dec. 5.	621. Commission to Philip Ludwell to be Governor of North Carolina. Signed. Craven, Bath (for Lord Carteret), Ashley, P. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 157.]
Dec. 5.	622. Instructions of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Philip Ludwell. To find out the reasons for the late disturbances and the imprisonment of Mr. Sothell, and examine any complaints against him, not suffering him to leave the Colony until he has answered such complaints. Signed, as the foregoing. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 158.]
Dec. 5.	623. Instructions to Colonel Christopher Codrington as Governor of the Leeward Islands. The Councils are nominated as follows. Nevis. John Netheway, Thomas Hill, Lieutenant General of the Leeward Islands, Charles Pym, Joseph Grey, Edward Earles, Philip Lee, Samuel Gardiner, Henry Carpenter, Nathaniel King. Antigua. Captain Fowkes, Thomas Hill aforesaid, Rowland Williams, John Barry, Nicholas Rainsford, John Vernon, Francis Carlile, Samuel Winthrop, William Barnes, John Yeomans, Archibald Cockayne, John Lingham. Montserrat. Nathaniel Blackiston, Thomas Hill aforesaid, John Simmonds, John Devereux, Thomas Roche, Nicholas Meade, William Hicks, Thomas Nugent, Edward Rudd. The Governor is empowered to accept a commutation of the four and a half per cent. duty, if the Islands be willing. The ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Bishop of London is affirmed. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 18–45.]
Dec.	624. Draft of two clauses, apparently for Colonel Codrington's instructions, for his guidance in the matter of preserving discipline among the troops. He is authorised to propose to the various Assemblies the passing of an act to prevent mutiny and desertion. In the margin, a Memorandum that if no such act exists in the Colonies its leading provisions might be sent out with the Governor. 2 pp. Endorsed. Lord Forbes's memo. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 68.]
Dec. 6.	625. Additional instructions to Colonel Christopher Codrington. To summon a Council of War on the arrival of Captain Wright and give him directions as to the landing of the regiment of foot with him, but not interfere with the discipline of the squadron. Captain Wright, however, is not to send ships on cruising or convoying duty without informing the Council of War and ascertaining that the ships are not absolutely wanted in the Islands. The Governor is also enpowered to fill up vacancies among the officers in the Duke of Bolton's regiment. [Board of Trade. Leeward Island, 43. pp. 46–50.]
Dec. 6.	626. Additional instructions to Governor Kendall. To take steps for the refreshing of the regiment that sails with Captain Lawrence Wright, and to procure him intelligence of the enemy. After such further supply of men and provisions from Barbados as is necessary, Captain Wright's squadron will sail without delay to Leeward. To correspond with the Leeward Islands and Jamaica so as to be well informed of the enemy's strength. If all the Leeward Islands be in possession of the enemy and the squadron return to Barbados, Kendall will give the naval commander the best advice he can. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 142–144.]
Dec. 8.	627. Commission to Isaac Richier to be Governor of Bermuda. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 230–245.]
Dec. 9.	628. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Orders for the calling together of troops and for their duties. Order for Thomas Ryves, the Receiver-General, to bring in his accounts on the 12th at his peril. Order for sundry payments. Order for the sloops not ready to accompany Captain Spragg against Laurens, not to leave the harbour. Order for a proclamation for the encouragement of search for derelict treasure, calling all searchers to bring the treasure to Jamaica on paying the King's tenths. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 9–12.]
Dec. 9.	629. Order of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina for the apportionment of twelve thousand acres of land in South Carolina to Thomas Smith. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, Thos. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 162.]
Dec 10. New York.	630. Nicholas Bayard to Francis Nicholson. We hoped that our troubles would have been at an end with the arrival of the King's orders by John Riggs, but since Riggs suffered himself to be hectored by that grand robber Leisler and, contrary to his promise to the Council, gave Leisler an opportunity to force the letters from him, the conditions are grown desperate. The robbers are proud as Lucifer and pretend some glimpse of authority from their Majesties, though in reality they have none, simply usurping the authority given to the Council. Leisler is therefore titled Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief by royal authority, which might all have been prevented if the letters had been delivered to the Council; whereby the Government would have been resettled before the Governor's arrival. Most of the people (except a few of his rabble) are sensible of their errors and are inclined to submit to lawful authority, which is now trampled underfoot until the Governor arrives. We were glad to hear of your safe arrival, though Leisler and his crew still deny it, trying to make the people believe that you dare not show your face before the King, and asserting that you were turned privateer and had robbed two Boston vessels near Newfoundland. If you have sent any more letters they are undoubtedly fallen into the hands of the Philistines, who have intercepted all letters and opened them. Mr. Mayor sends you his services, but is too much indisposed to write. Mr. Philips's submission to the irregularities imposed on him by the rabble has done us much hurt, for these villains expected the rest of the Council and Magistrates to do the like and to be regulated by his scandalous submission, to avoid a little trouble and expense. I have composed a brief narrative of the rebellion, and sent a copy to Sir E. Andros for the Secretary of State. But I hope that, before that, the King's orders will have arrived for the subduing and punishment of the chief robbers. Signed. N. Bayard. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 14 April, 1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 633. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 75.]
Dec. 10. New York.	631. Nicholas Bayard to the Earl of Shrewsbury. Since I wrote by Captain Nicholson it is more and more plain to us that the rebellion here was first contrived by Jacob Leisler and a few of his faction, not only in hopes of his own exaltation but to destroy the revenue to the end that in time of trouble he might reap some private advantage. I have written a brief narrative of the various occurences and have sent it to Sir E. Andros for you. Our sufferings should have been ended by the arrival of the King's letters, if Jacob Leisler had not seized them. Since then our condition is grown more deplorable. Our prayers are that the expected Governor may speedily arrive for our relief. Signed. N. Bayard. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 14 April, 1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 634. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 76.]
Dec. 10. New York.	632. Nicholas Bayard to Sir Edmund Andros. I hope that now you are released, your appearance in England will confound your enemies. I have been forced by the like enemies to obscure myself upwards of five months, without any hope of relief except by the arrival of a Governor. I enclose copy of a narrative of the rebellion, which please hand to the Secretary of State or the Plantation office, as you think best. I have also kept a journal, of which part is in Captain Nicholson's hands. You shall have a copy shortly. Our hopes of relief at Riggs's arrival were disappointed by his unfaithfulness in allowing his letters to be forced from him by Leisler, which by clothing him with some authority have made matters worse. Signed. N. Bayard. Postscript. Letters from Maryland say that twenty protestants have been imprisoned as papists and traitors, and are kept in irons on hominy and water. Caspar Hermans and fourteen more were also entered as papists and traitors. Leisler took the Governor's pew yesterday at Church, with a large carpet before him, and young Hendrick the booker in the Council's pew. Henry Cuyler, who betrayed the fort, a silly fool and coward, is now made Major of the regiment, and Gorit, the mason, captain in his room. The rest of his Council, it is said, are Samuel Staets, P. Delanoy, Sam. Edsall and Jacob Milborne, who is also secretary, the Committee of Safety being laid aside. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 14 April, 1689. Printed in New York Documents, III., 635. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 77.]
Dec. 12.	633. Order of the King to Lieutenant-Colonel Holt. To embark his regiment as soon as relieved at Plymouth. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 10, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 73–74.]
	634. Establishment of the Duke of Bolton's regiment. Thirteen companies, including one of Grenadiers, each consisting of Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, (except the Grenadier Company where there are two lieutenants), 2 sergeants, 3 corporals, 2 drums, 60 privates. Rates of pay, as in England, 8d. for privates, 12d. for corporals and drums, 18d. for sergeants. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 108.]
Dec. 12.	635. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order that the known trading sloops and no others be allowed to leave the harbour after the departure of the fleet against Laurens. Thomas Ryves presented his accounts, which were ordered to be entered, together with some exceptions taken to them by the Auditor. Order for committal of Daniel Thornton for saying that the Government was in correspondence with Laurens. Colonel James Walker's accounts for fortifications passed; order for payment of £1,124 to him. Adjourned to Jan. 13th. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 12, 13.]
Dec. 13.	636. Narrative of the chief occurrences in New York from April 27th to December. A long and rather rambling statement containing nothing that is not already given in abstract of other documents. Signed. N. Bayard, Printed in New York Documents, III., 636. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 162–189.]
Dec. 13. New York.	637. Stephen van Cortlandt to Edward Randolph. Five months I have been obliged to absent myself from the hand of the oppressor, and I should not have returned now had I not heard of Riggs's arrival with letters from England. Leisler took these letters from Riggs although Mr. Phillips and I demanded them as sent to us in Captain Nicholson's absence, but he insisted on taking them, and thereupon again proclaimed the King and Queen. He gives himself the title of Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief, nominated a Council and gives the Mayor and Aldermen of New York commissions. He sent yesterday for the seal of the province. Jacob Milborne is Secretary, and they have opened the Secretary's office and taken possession of all. They accuse me of having betrayed the people in sending the records to Boston. This has greatly incensed the people against me, though I tell them that I learned nothing of it before I received your letter about it. No excuse is accepted; but you and Sir Edmund will see that my true character is known at home, so that false reports against me may not be believed. The Lieutenant-Governor at his departure made me your attorney in his place for receiving fees etc.; but it would be better to take a lion by the beard than to demand money of this incensed people. If you knew all that is said you would marvel that there should be folks of so much speech and so little truth. Riggs will tell you of it; he was detained four days, Leisler having shut up his guide for sending a letter from Rhode Island in a ship sent by Governor Bradstreet to him. Signed. S. van Cortlandt. Copy. 1 p.
	Duplicate of the foregoing. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 78, 79.]
	Extract of the first half of the foregoing letter. ½ p. [Ibid. No. 80.]
Dec. 13. New York.	638. Certificate of Stephen van Cortlandt and Frederyck Flypse, that on the arrival of John Riggs with the King's letters, Jacob Leisler sent for him, and took the letters from him despite their protests. Signed. Frederyck Flypse, S. v. Cortlandt. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 81.]
Dec. 15.	639. Instrument from the Bishop of London, constituting James Blair his commissioner in Virginia. Copy. Latin. 1¼ pp. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 28.]
Dec. 15.	640. Commission for Captain William Dobbyn to be Lieutenant Governor of Antigua. Memo. on p. 63, that Captain Fowkes had asked to be excused. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 64].
Dec. 16. New York.	641. Order of Jacob Leisler. For the enforcement of the Act of 1683 for defraying the expenses of the Government. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 20 Feb., 1690–1, with a letter from Capt. Leisler to the Bishop of Sarum.
	Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 82, 83.]
[Dec. 16.]	642. Declaration of the Freeholders of New York. That the Act of Assembly of 1683 was never approved by King James either as King or as Duke of York, and that the imposition thereof is contrary to Magna Charta and the liberties of English subjects. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 20 Feb, 1690–1 with a letter from Captain Leisler to the Bishop of Salisbury.
	Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 84, 85.]
[Dec.]	643. Order of the Governor of New York in Council, 29 August, 1688, for enforcement of an act for collection of revenue. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 86.]
Dec. 17. Maryland.	644. John Coode to Lords of Trade and Plantations. All possible pains have been taken to represent to you our condition by several channels. The Protestant addresses from every country have been prepared, and six of them will be sent at once, though not so full of subscriptions as they would be if more time had been given. We daily expect invasion of the French, but are in a good posture of defence against them and the Papists here. The chiefest of the latter have fled to Virginia, where we have asked the Government to secure them, fearing complications with our Northern enemies, if they fly further. Pray lay our condition before the King. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 151–153.]
Dec. 17.	645. Petition of William Ivy, John Towers, Francis Blackmore, Charles Bouchier, and James Banister to the King. For enquiry into the circumstances of the election for Clarendon district, Jamaica in 1690, when they were heavily and unjustly fined for riot. 1 p. Endorsed. Order of the King in Council, referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. Recd. 19 Dec., read 28 Dec., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 62, and (order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 325.]
Dec. 19. Whitehall.	646. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of the merchants trading to New York to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed,
	646. I. Petition of several merchants, traders to New York, to the King. We thank you for the appointment of Colonel Sloughter to be Governor of New York, but we would urge the necessity of sending also a considerable number of men with arms, and ships of war. Twenty-one signatures. Copy. 1 p.
	646. II. Reasons for the recommendations in the foregoing. 1. The French in Canada have corrupted many of the Indians of the Five Nations against the English. 2. They have already taken much of the beaver-trade, and if they debauch the whole of the Five Nations, will take the whole. 3. New York is the centre of all the American Colonies, and if lost will become a nest of French pirates. 4. The Colonies of New England, the Jerseys and Pennsylvania will gradually fall into French hands, which will be the ruin of our West Indian Islands. For prevention of which it is recommended (1) that a platform be erected at Sandy Hook to protect the entrance to the Hudson River; (2) that the fort of New York be repaired and fifty guns mounted; (3) that the fort at Albany be also repaired; (4) that a new fort be built at Senectady; (5) that a new fort be built at Niagara or other suitable place on the lake, as the most important pass for the beavertrade; (6) that four hundred carbines and a thousand small arms, with accoutrements, be sent for the Militia of New York, the Colony refunding the cost of the cavalry-equipment; (7) that the Governor of New York be given power to raise volunteers; (8) that two fifth-rate men of war be appointed to cruise on the coasts. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 88, 88 I. II.]
[Dec. 17.]	647. Petition of John Towers to the King. Petitioner in February, 1687, asked leave of absence from the Assembly of Jamaica, to run a horse race against a horse of the Duke of Albemarle. Some of his friends observing pleasantly that the business of the house should come first, petitioner answered indeed that Salus populi est suprema lex. The words were garbled by Colonel Nedham and petitioner was tried for using seditious words. Three times the jury refused to find him guilty but they were sent back by the judges, Nedham and Ralph Knight, till they brought in a special verdict, on which petitioner was fined £600. Prays remission of the fine. 1 p. Endorsed. Order of the King in Council referring the petition to the Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. Recd. 19 Dec., read 28 Dec., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 61, and (order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 324.]
Dec. 19. New York.	648. Stephen van Cortlandt to Sir Edmund Andros. Since my last an order has been issued from the fort that all arrears of customs and other revenues are to be paid to Peter Delanoy, and that those who import goods from England must pay the customs before they can have the goods. I cannot give you an account of my expenditure in the fort here and at Albany. The cost of materials and workmanship will amount to a considerable sum; and I shall send the details as soon as I can. I have victualled the garrisons here and at Albany from August, 1688, to June 1689, and the garrison at Albany goes on still. I doubt not that you will intercede for me to gain me the Collector's or at least the Auditor's place with a fixed salary. Please order your letter of attorney to be renewed if necessary. I wish you a good voyage and a full justification. Signed. S.v. Cortlandt. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 14 April, 1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 649. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 87.]
Dec. 20. New York.	649. Order of Jacob Leisler. Forbidding, in consequence of the tearing down of his order of 16 Dec. (No. 643), the defacing of the official papers affixed to the door of the Custom-house, and the affixing of any papers without authority. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 20 Feb. 1690–1 in a letter from Captain Leisler to the Bishop of Salisbury.
	Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 89, 90.]
Dec 21.	650. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. I have received your undated letter, written presumably to-day, and though unaddressed presumably intended for me. I am glad that your parents are alive and well, and despite the assertions of your friends in the letters that I now send to you, my action towards you is dictated not by malice but by duty. Certain expressions in those letters oblige me to keep the originals. Liberty to have fresh air has never been denied you, so far as I know, consistently with your safe custody. Mr. Chamberlayne's testimony in writing of your hatred towards this Island is not favourable to you. It was not by my single order that you were committed but by the Council's, so I cannot discharge or bail you; but we expect orders concerning you from home very shortly. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 20.]
Dec. 23.	651. A list of the West India squadron. Thirteen men-of-war and five hired ships, with their present port and the port to which they are ordered. 1 p. [Endorsed. America and West Indies. 601. No. 20, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 102.]
Dec. 23.	652. Warrant of Lords Proprietors of Carolina for the apportionment of one hundred and forty acres of land in South Carolina to Daniel du Thais. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, John Archdale. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 162.]
Dec. 23.	653. Warrant of the same for apportionment of eighteen hundred acres to James le Bas. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 163.]
Dec. 25.	654. Account of the tobacco exported from London from 25 December, 1688, to 25 December, 1689. Total 5,156,676 lbs., which drawing back 4½d. per lb. amounts to £96,687 13s. 6d. 16 pp. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 29.]
Dec. 26. Antigua.	655. Instructions of Colonel Christopher Codrington to Captain Thomas Hewetson. To sail with his three ships and two sloops to Mariegalante and reduce it, securing the plunder for himself and his fellow adventurers and proprietors. He is empowered to enforce the articles of war. 2¼ pp. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 69.]
Dec. 26.	656. William Blathwayt to the Attorney General. Enclosing him the act concerning rebels transported in 1685, and the late King's letter on the subject, and asking him to discourse with Mr. Speaker as to the charter of Maryland. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. C., p. 114.]
Dec. 27. Admiralty.	657. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. I send a list of the squadron designed for the Leeward Islands, Barbados and Jamaica. I presume the ships will sail with Admiral Russell on his arrival. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 101.]
Dec. 27.	658. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The laws as to the transported rebels of Monmouth's rising to be referred to the Attorney General. The Attorney General is desired also to discourse with Mr. Speaker as to Lord Baltimore's patent. Petition of William Ivy and others read. Order for the ships to convey Colonel Sloughter to be got ready at once. Mr. Richier attended respecting the grant of officers to Mr. Fifield. Mr. Richier's instructions read and approved.
Dec. 28.	At the Bishop of London's memorial, agreed to advise the King to set apart glebe in Newtown and Esopus for ministers. Petition of George Hannay (No. 663) referred to Colonel Kendall. The Virginian Council's letter of 22 October read (see No. 505). Agreed to recommend the confirmation of Colonel Cole as Secretary. Lord Baltimore, Mr. Darnall and others from Maryland attended. Copies of two addresses from Maryland were read (see Nos. 405, 406). Agreed to recommend a letter approving the proclamation of their Majesties and empowering them to continue the administration of the Government for the present. Colonel Nedham attended as to the petition of William Ivy and others. Agreed to refer the matter to Lord Inchiquin for report. Colonel Sloughter's list of the Council of New York approved; Matthew Clarkson to be Clerk of Council only. The Attorney General reported on the Acts of the West Indies concerning transported rebels. Agreed to advise their repeal. Additional draft instructions to Colonel Codrington read and approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 302–306.]
Dec. 27.	659. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the petition of John Towers and others complaining of fines imposed on them, George Nedham and Ralph Knight are ordered to attend the Lords on the 28th. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 63.]
	660. Memorandum for my Lord Nottingham. Sir Henry Goodrick represents the necessity for sending firelocks with the regiment designed for the West Indies, matchlocks not being used owing to the danger of setting fire to the cane fields. ½ page. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 21, and Col. Entry Bk. Vol. C., p. 106.]
Dec. 28.	661. Warrant for firelocks for the Duke of Bolton's regiment about to proceed to the Leeward Islands under Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Holt. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 106.]
Dec. 28.	662. Warrant for the issue of firelocks to the regiment for the West Indies in lieu of pikes and matchlocks. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 72, 73.]
[Dec. 28.]	663. Petition of George Hannay to the King. For continuance in his office of Provost Marshal of Barbados. In the margin. Order of the Lords of Trade and Plantations for Colonel Kendall to report thereon, 28 December, 1689. Inscribed. Read with Colonel Kendall's report 11 Jan. 1689–90. 1 p. Endorsed. A minute by Colonel Kendall, recommending that the petitioner's prayer be granted. Signed. J. Kendall. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 27.]
Dec. 28. Common Gaol, Boston.	664. Edward Randolph to Anthony Brockholes. I find from your letter that your rebels are no changelings, and that Leisler and his crew fulfil the proverb, Put beggars on horseback and they will ride to the devil. Our people are much concerned to know what to do with us. They know if they send us home they have nothing against us. They meet, and in two or three days adjourn without doing anything as they ought. They are at their old trade of wheedling at home and delaying us here in hopes of getting their charter. They expect all gentlemen, even the Lords of the Council who were formerly for vacating their charter, to be put out of their places. The Governor expects to be sent home soon, but they have embargoed the two or three ships that are here. Captain George is under orders for England. I fear he will have trouble with his men when he cannot keep them aboard. Those who made them mutiny before are as ready as ever to do it again, or to do still greater damage to him and to his ship. God send us well home. 1 p. Endorsed. Copy of an intercepted letter from Edward Randolph to Major Brockholes. Recd. 10 April, 1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 664. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 91.]
Dec. 28.	665. A list of the Council of New York as proposed by Colonel Sloughter. The Collector, Frederick Flypse, Stephen van Cortlandt, William Nichols, Nicholas de Meyer, Nicholas Bayard, Gabriel Minviell, Francis Rombouts, William Smith, Thomas Willett, John Haynes. 1 p. Endorsed with date. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 92.]
[Dec.]	666. Another list, omitting the name of William Smith and substituting that of William Pinhorne. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 93.]
[Dec.]	667. List of the Council of New York, with comments against the names. Anthony Brockholes (a papist); Frederick Flypse; Gervais Baxter (a papist); Stephen van Cortlandt; John Sprag (in England); Nicholas Bayard; John Palmer (in custody at Boston). Members formerly proposed. Matthias Nichols (superannuated); James Graham (in custody at Boston); William Smith (the last Mayor of Tangier, known to Lord Torrington and Colonel Trelawny as a good man); Gabriel Minviell (an Alderman and a good man); Francis Rombouts (not well affected and an unsteady man); Nicholas de Meyer (very old, an ill man, was indicted for extoring); William Nichols (son to Matthias, a lawyer and an understanding man); John Lawrence (senior alderman, has been long at New York, a good man, father-in-law to Minviell); Paulus Richards (alderman and a good man); Johannes van Cortlandt (brother to Stephen and a good man); Peter Schuyler (Mayor of Albany, rich and a very good man); Brant Schuyler (his brother, lives at New York, a very understanding man); Paulin (lives at Esopus, rich and a good man); Charles Lodowyck (whom it is supposed the secretary will make his deputy; a leader of the faction now in power). Nicholas Bayard was secretary to the Dutch Government and is the fittest man for the place. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 94.]
Dec. 30. Whitehall.	668. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. My Lords desire the Admiralty to direct that the ship, ordered by order in Council of 14 November for transport of Colonel Sloughter to New York, may be forthwith got ready; and hope that the greater speed will be used therein as New York is at present without any settled Government. Draft. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 96.]
Dec. 30. Admiralty.	669. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. This office has received no such order as you speak of, for the transport of Colonel Sloughter to New York. Signed. P. Bowles. ¼ p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 97.]
Dec. 30. From the Downs.	670. P. Reverdy to the Bishop of London. The two ministers, Mr. Ware and Mr. Boiceau have been here for a great while awaiting convoy for Virginia, and have now an opportunity. The French certainly have designs upon New York. Will you procure the King's orders to Captain Jacob Leisler to secure all who are against the King, and to fortify the place until the arrival of the new governor. There are two hundred French families about New York, who will be put to the torture if the French take it. Pray have pity on our condition, for my family is one of them. If the King's letter take too long to procure, Colonel Sloughter's would do much good. I shall take horse from my first landing-place in Virginia to carry such an order. Colonel Sloughter will not be ready before April, by which time the mischief will be done. Signed. P. Reverdy. 1 p. Printed in New York Documents, III., 650. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 95.]
Dec. 31. New York.	671. Deposition of Andries Greveraet and George Brewerton. On returning from Virginia in February 1689, Greveraet was asked by Captain Nicholson for news, and told him of the landing of the Prince of Orange. Nicholson flew into a violent passion and said that Salisbury Plain was burying place enough for the Prince and the people with him. He also forbade Greveraet to divulge this news. A week later Nicholson sent several times to him to set down what he had said in writing, and threatened to run him through and cut off his ears. Sworn before Jacob Milborne. 1 p. Printed in New York Documents, III., 660.
	Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 98, 99.]
[Dec.]	672. Anonymous letter to Jacob Leisler. It is not enough for you to seize the fortress, but you have without the least colour of justice imprisoned good subjects, and in particular Philip French and Peter de Key, whom you keep so close that probably you intend to murder them. You are warned that if a hair of their heads be hurt, every one that wears the hated name of Leisler shall shortly receive the reward of your crimes by poniard, poison, or pistol. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 100.]
Dec. 31. Plymouth.	673. Captain John Leech to the Earl of Shrewsbury. On my arrival at Nevis I was detained for service on a man-of-war. The fall of St. Christophers was due entirely to want of ammunition, and the rest of the Island will fall for the same reason unless speedily supplied. I understand that no assistance has yet been sent to them, so I make bold to ask how things go in those parts, the French having eleven men of war at Martinique besides privateers in Petit Guavos and elsewhere. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed. Received from My Lord 4 Jan. 89/90. Read 7 Jan. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 70.]
Dec. 31.	674. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. On the suggestion of the Lieutenant-Governor it was agreed that two of the hired men-of-war be paid off. The question of the Excise adjourned to next sitting. A present of £200 voted to the Lieutenant-Governor. Address to the Lieutenant-Governor asking for funds to be supplied to the Treasurer to supply the cellars of Fontabelle with six pipes of the best Madeira wine, two tuns of good ale and a thousand weight of sugar, against Colonel Kendall's arrival. Adjourned to 21 January. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 211–213.]
	675. Petition of Jeremiah Dummer on behalf of Benjamin Pemberton. For leave of absence for Benjamin Pemberton, naval officer at Boston. [America and West Indies. Massachusetts, 561. No. 5.]
Dec. 2.	676. Report of the Attorney-General on the case of John Usher, Treasurer of New England. Copies of the instructions given to the Governor and Treasurer of New England in relation to the revenue, and case put whether John Usher was not justified in collecting and receiving taxes continued by the Governor under his commission. Opinions of the law officers 2 December 1989, saying that he was justified and could be liable to no action for his behaviour. Signed. Geo. Treby, J. Somers. 2 December 1689. Copies. The whole, 6 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 50, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 252–254.]
	677. Form of a royal warrant for one Maden, a loyal Irishman, to live in the Leeward Islands. Draft. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 71.]
	678. Petition of Robert Nelson to the King. My brother Sir Thomas Temple was by letters patent made Governor of Nova Scotia and Acadia, and expended large sums on the country. The King of France offered often to buy him out, but on the royal order the country was surrendered without any payment. I beg for letters of reprisal. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 51.]
	679. Draft Act for restraining and punishing privateers and pirates. 2½ pp. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 23.]
	680. Account of a country for which a patent is desired in North America. The country lies in the centre of the Northern part of America between the degrees of 36½, the northern boundary of Carolina, and 46½, the southern boundary of Canada, having to the east the western bounds of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and to the west the Pacific or South Sea. In this country there are two vast lakes, the least of them six thousand miles in circumference and navigable as the ocean. Innumerable rivers run into them; both lakes and rivers are full of fish. Between the lakes North and South runs a great river navigable with great ships almost 1,500 miles from the sea, but the navigation is interrupted by many great falls. The river immediately below the cataract is more than a mile broad and ten fathoms deep. By annexing this country, the following advantages will be gained. The French will be deprived of some of the richest branches of their commerce, for the fur trade which is worth at least fifty thousand pounds to them yearly would be cut off from them if the English settled on this side the cataract. There are infinite numbers of Pesikions or Sibils, an animal unknown to Europeans till lately, whose hair is of the nature of Spanish wool and fit for divers manufactures. There is great mineral wealth, the iron being better and more easily worked than in England; and there is also cinnabar. There are several sorts of dyeing woods. The cochineal fly could be raised, also silk worms; there are vast quantities of cotton and flax growing wild; innumerable birds and beasts as well as fruits and timber. 2 pp. Endorsed. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 22.]