America and West Indies: May 1689, 16-31

Pages 39-57

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

Citation:

May 1689



May 16. New York.	122. Declaration of the Lieutenant-Governor and Council of New York, calling upon the inhabitants to give information against all such as by seditious words and libels attempt to disturb the Government and the public peace. Signed by Francis Nicholson, and by twenty-three others. Certified copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 28 August, 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 5.]
May 16.	123. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order for the Admiralty to announce when the ships for the Colonies will be ready. Agreed to propose that a store of arms be sent to Bermuda, and that Colonel Phillips go as Governor. Agreed to recommend the sending of a Governor to Newfoundland, and that guns be sent for a fort to be built at the mouth of St. John's Harbour. Agreed to advise that the condition of the Proprietary Governments is a subject for consideration of Parliament. List of persons to be recommended. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 216, 219.]
May 16.	124. Lords of Trade and Plantations to King. We recommend that besides a Governor, three hundred muskets with ammunition and stores, and six great guns should be sent to Bermuda. We recommend also that a Governor should be sent to Newfoundland while the war lasts, and that he carry with him the materials for building a small fort at the entrance to St. John's Harbour, their cost not to exceed £3,000. As to Maryland, Carolina and Pennsylvania, we think it worthy the consideration of Parliament whether these proprieties should not be brought into closer dependence on the Crown. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., pp. 50, 51, and (as to Bermuda) Vol. XVIII., p. 216, and (as to Maryland) Vol. LII., pp. 117–119.]
May 16.	125. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Lords of the Admiralty. Asking how soon the hired ships bound for the West Indies will be ready to sail. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 52, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 404.]
May 16.	126. Petition of Robert Ayleway to the King. For an order to the Governor of Virginia to admit him to the office of Auditor General in that Colony, for which he holds King James's patent. Inscribed. Order of Lords of Trade and Plantations, referring the petition to Lord Howard of Effingham for report. The whole, 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 4 May. Read 21 June '89. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 10.]
May 16.	127. Governors proposed to the King for the Colonies. Identical with the paper of 4 May (see No. 109) except that the name of Ralph Gray is omitted for Barbados and that for the Leeward Islands is given the name of Sir James Lesley, with the following Lieutenant Governors:— Colonel Hill for St. Christophers; Colonel Blakiston for Montserrat; Captain Fowkes or Lieut.-Col. Hamilton for Antigua. Also Mr. Savage is named as Lieutenant Governor for Virginia. Rough draft. 1 p. Endorsed. Represented 18 May. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 3.]
May 16.	128. A less complete draft of the preceding. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 4.]
May 16.	129. Copy of a letter from a merchant in Boston to a merchant in London. These Colonies are an epitome of the world, the universe being in confusion. The greater part of Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut are a people that call themselves the true Israel. Nothing will serve their turn but their old charters. Many good men and some of the rising generation are for a general Governor under the laws of England, and of this opinion are the people of Piscataqua, Maine to the East and Rhode Island to the West. In the opinion of ingenuous men the present Government will make this place; the former Government will mar it; for if the charter be revived all the Church of England men must move to New York, or to Piscataqua and Kennebec. New York produces the best flour and good pork; and the two others are the best land in New England and have good harbours, so that they may easily outdo this people. The revolutionary party pray earnestly for the fall of false worship and idolatry among us, and this directly after they have been preaching love and unity, but I cannot make the two hold together. They are exceeding wedded to their own way; a very home-bred people, but exceeding wise and conceited in their own eyes. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 3.]
May 17.	130. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. Forwarding an account of the ships bound for the West Indies, with their guns, crews, and dates when ready to sail. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 404–405; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 53, 54.]
May 18. Whitehall.	131. Order of the King in Council. For the despatch of 300 muskets and six cannon to Bermuda. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 51, and Vol. XVIII., p. 217.]
May 18. Whitehall.	132. Order of the King in Council. That a Governor be forthwith sent to Newfoundland, with materials to build a fort at St. John's, guns and stores. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 51, 52.]
May 18.	133. "The case of Massachusetts Colony considered in a letter to a friend at Boston." In violent changes the people can as well authorise civil as military Government, and meanwhile are not tied to any laws but what agree with present necessity. The Charter of Massachusetts is accounted our Magna Charta; without it we are wholly without law, the laws of England being made for England only, and her common law so uncertain that even the judges vary in construing it. Reassuming the chartered government is the only good thing for us. It is objected that we have no power to do so by law. But have we not declared that the charter was against all law and reason taken from us, and shall we now question its use after the force, which was our only hindrance, is removed? Don't you perceive the unreasonableness of urging the prisoners' [the Governor and the late officials] liberty against reassuming our charter? We have promised that they shall be kept for the Prince of Orange's justice; and remember that till Sir Edmund's time the laws of England were unknown and no habeas corpus granted. Also it is well known that treason and felony are not bailable. The rest of the pamphlet is supported by like arguments. Printed sheet. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 4.]
[May.]	134. Letter from a gentleman in Boston to a friend in the Country. Arguing for generosity to fallen enemies and for reinstatement of the Magistrates and Deputies chosen in 1686 rather than for a new election. Printed sheet. 1 p. Signed. N.N. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 5.]
[May.]	135. The Countryman's answer to N.N.'s letter (see preceding abstract). Combating his arguments and urging a new election without delay. "Instead of insulting over, we heartily pity and pray for our enemies, that they might be brought to a sense of the great dishonour they have brought to the name of God, and of the injuries and oppressions they have loaded us withal." Signed. S. I. Printed sheet, in two columns. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 6.]
May 18. Nevis.	136. The Council of Nevis to William Blathwayt. Your letter of 3 November as to that obnoxious pirate Kidd has duly reached us, and your orders shall be executed. We sent copies of your letter to the Deputy Governors of all the Islands, and have since heard the following news of him. He came lately from Madagascar in a large Genoese ship, and on his way here his men mutinied, and thirty out of eighty of them lost their lives. His ship is very leaky and short of provisions, and several of his men have deserted, so that he had not above twenty or thirty hands. About twenty days since he touched at Anguilla, but being refused succour went on to St. Thomas' and anchored off the harbour for three days, but being absolutely refused provisions, he sailed (as is believed), to Porto Rico or Crab Island. We have sent H.M.S. Queenborough off in pursuit of him, with directions to secure him with his vessel, men, and effects, and bring them all up here, so that no embezzlement can be made. We shall send an account of him to the Governor of Jamaica by first opportunity, so that if he goes further to Leeward he may be taken there. We are watching to apprehend the men who deserted from him. Signed. Wm. Burt, Mich. Smith, Dan. Smith, Jno. Smargin, Rich. Abbott. Copy. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 7.]
May 18. Bermuda.	137. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to [Lord Preston ?] A ship is just sailing for England with 30,000 lbs. of tobacco, and in her our supposed Great Officer that ventured to speak anything at Court even before the people. Captain John Hubbard had a difference with him while acting for the late Company and was condemned unheard. He has converted half-a-dozen already. He is one of those people that no one who could go elsewhere would stay among. I have asked for my recall, not having so much as a house of my own. They will not build, and keep the money from me in the hands of Samuel Trott, whom I turned out many months ago. Signed. Robt. Robinson. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 10.]
May 20. Boston.	138. The President of the Revolutionary Council to the King. Your late glorious enterprise against tyranny and slavery has filled the hearts not only of the three Kingdoms but of the plantations dependent thereon. The glad tidings have reached us to our great rejoicing, and we feel hearty thankfulness, first to God and next to yourself, for casting off the yoke from our brethren of England and from ourselves, who are in as evil case as they, through the deprivation of our charter without hearing or any trial or possibility of having any notice of writ served to us, which had become a grievous and intolerable burden. The people here, excited to imitate your example and being strongly and unanimously spirited to intend their own safeguard, resolved to seize and secure some of the principal persons concerned and most active in the ill management of the evil and arbitrary Government set up over us; and accordingly on the 18th April we seized Sir Edmund Andros and other of his evil instruments and now keep them in custody pending receipt of your royal orders. We also published a declaration setting forth the grounds of our action; and by the good providence of God and the mediation and prudence of some gentlemen, all was effected without the least bloodshed or plunder. The said declaration is herewith enclosed, and proofs of the several articles and charges therein, together with other information, will follow in due time. We beg a share in the universal restoration of charters and English liberties, that we may under the shadow of your crown enjoy our ancient rights and privileges. Signed. S. Bradstreet. Endorsed. Recd. 9 August. Read 10 August, 1689. [Board of Trade. New England. 5. No. 7; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 111–114.]
May 20.	139. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. Forwarding particulars as to the date when the ship Dunkirk, hired for the West Indies, will be ready. Signed. Phineas Bowles. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 54, and Vol. XLVII., p. 406.]
May 21.	140. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Lieutenant Governor proposed that he, the Council and Assembly should send an address to their Majesties, informing them of their proclamation. Copy of the address. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 181–185.]
May 21.	141. Petition and address to King William and Queen Mary from the Council and Assembly of Barbados. Expressions of loyalty, congratulation, and detestation of Popery. Signed by Edwyn Stede and eighteen members of Council, and twenty-one members of Assembly. Large sheet. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Aug. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 4; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 176–179.]
May 23.	142. Lord Howard of Effingham to Lords of Trade and Plantations. As to the petition of Philip Ludwell (see No. 62), I would observe that petitioner was removed from the Council in 1679 for his conduct in Bacon's rebellion, restored in 1683, at my desire, and again removed at my instance for misbehaviour in 1687. As to the repealing of laws by proclamation, the law repealed was itself a repealing law, whereby a former act was restored to validity. The action was equivalent to the royal disallowance of the repealing act aforesaid. As to fees for affixing the Great Seal, the fees are fixed by myself in Council, according to my commission, and do not exceed eight shillings. They are reasonable, and far lower than in the neighbouring Colonies. I have often remitted them to poor people. As to the fee for survey of lands, it is a fee for registration which the Attorneys desired much, and it does not exceed eighteen-pence. The fee of £5 taken by the Escheator General has always been the same, and since land escheated to the King is generally granted to the first petitioner at a nominal quit rent, it is no hardship. Fines and forfeitures were bought by King Charles II. of Lord Culpeper, and I have recovered and applied them according to my own orders. Signed. Effingham. 6 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 27 May 1689; read 31st. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 11; Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 260–265.]
May 24. Antigua.	143. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last I have received the Prince of Orange's letter of 12 January, yours of 19 February reporting the accession of King William and Queen Mary, and the King's of 21 February, all of which I communicated to the Council, and thereupon proclaimed the King and Queen as ordered. I have nothing to add to my last letter, but beg for leave to retire from my government, for I cannot qualify myself for continuance therein. I have no liking for the Romish faith, as you know, and hope to live and die a Protestant; and it is from the doctrines of the Church of England that I learned the scruples which oblige me to ask for my dismission. I shall not presume to argue for my sentiments, nor do I think it needful for obtaining the favour that I request. However mistaken I may be in my views, it is no voluntary mistake, as you may guess, for it cannot profit me; and I hope it will not be censured by you as a crime, for it will be sufficiently my loss otherwise without the addition of so considerable an affliction. Before my coming here my circumstance were very strait and pinching, and are now considerably worse through misfortunes and losses. I hope that this will incline you in justice to obtain for me the salary due to me when I am dismissed from my government. I hope that my letters will have satisfied you that I have been a faithful and active servant here. I shall continue my endeavours in the care of these Islands until some other can be appointed to free me. I should willingly have surrendered my charge on receipt of your letter had any person here being qualified to accept it; but, as there is none, I shall not leave these Islands in such a time of danger without a Governor and in a disunited and divided state; and thereby I hope that I shall show always a hearty affection to my native country. Signed. N. Johnson. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 16 Sept., 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 8, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 106–110.]
May 25.	144. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order for the Admiralty to be asked when the fleet will be ready. Agreed to move the King that the present state of Maryland be represented to Parliament. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 220.]
May 25.	145. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lord President is requested to advise the King to move some members of the Privy Council, who are also members of the House of Commons, to bring the relations of Maryland towards England before the House. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 119, 120.]
May 25.	146. William Blathwayt to Lords of the Admiralty. The regiment designed for the West Indies is ready for embarkation, and the Lords of Trade wish to be informed when the squadron will sail, and what number of landsmen the ships will hold. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 55, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 406, 407.]
May 28.	147. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. It is impossible to state when the West India squadron will be ready to sail, as the King has ordered the hired ships to be discharged, except such as were necessary to supply the place of fourth-rates that require cleaning, and for fourth-rates to be employed for the service; some of which are now in the fleet under Lord Torrington. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 55, 56, and Vol. XLVII. p. 407.]
May 28.	148. Lord Howard of Effingham to Lords of Trade and Plantations. In pursuance of your orders I report that the sole power of government in Virginia now resides in the Council, according to my instructions, with the senior member for president. I left copies of my instructions with the Council (see No. 39) and directions to the collectors for securing the customs. I found the military affairs in confusion but have methodised and settled them, as I hope, to the safety and satisfaction of the Country. The Councillors are commanders in the several counties, and every freeholder and house-keeper is enlisted into troops and companies. The numbers are about 3,000 foot and 1,300 horse, for the most part completely equipped. The country enjoys full peace and plenty owing to the treaty with the Indians. I must ask again for instructions as to Edward Davies and other pirates, now prisoners in Virginia. Signed. Effingham, 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 31 May. Read 25 Sept., 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 12, and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 1, 2.]
May 29.	149. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to move the King to appoint a regiment for the West Indies. Mr. Bowles's letter of 28 May read (see No. 147). Alderman Thompson's petition read, and the merchants called in. The Lords agreed on their report (No. 150). Petition of the Hudson's Bay Company read (see No. 116). The Lord President was asked to ascertain the King's pleasure as to granting Letters of Marque. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 221, 222.]
May 29.	150. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. The Admiralty informed us on the 2nd inst. that the Dunkirk, third-rate, five hired ships to be fitted as fourth-rates, and two more as fifth- rates, will be ready in three weeks, being part of the squadron intended for the West Indies. But on the 28 inst. the Admiralty informed us that the hired ships had been ordered to be discharged, with few exceptions, and that the service is to be performed by the fourth-rates of the Royal Navy. We report this, because if the squadron be not despatched to arrive in the West Indies before August, there will be danger of its meeting with hurricanes, and because we apprehend that the King of France will have sent a considerable fleet to those parts before that time. 2½ pp. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 9.]
May 29.	151. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. On the petition of Edward Thompson (see No. 154 I.) we find that the vacancy of the office for which he asks is a matter determinable by law at the instance of your Attorney General, if you think fit. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 65.]
May 29. Common Gaol Boston.	152. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 18th of April last the people rose, some made themselves masters of the fort, castle, and frigate, and imprisoned the Governor and others. I was sent to the Common gaol. Since that time much time has been spent in consulting with the mobile what model of Government to erect, but they have decided to act according to their former charter. Last year some inhabitants of Boston waited on you at Whitehall, and under pretence of grievances and hardships put upon them by the Governor tried to obtain alteration of the Government as then established, and confirmation of the former charter from King James. They insinuated themselves so far into the good opinion of Father Petre and Sir Thomas Powys that, by the assistance of their solicitor, Mr. Brent, they obtained a report from Sir Thomas to the Lords in their favour, that the charter was illegally vacated, with assurance of a charter with larger powers. They have therefore anticipated by force the favour that they would not wait to receive from England. About the year 1678 it was made apparent to the Committee by Sir William Jones and Sir Francis Winnington that the articles against the charter were, if proved, sufficient ground for the King to proceed against it by law. The charges were actually confessed by the Agents for Massachusetts, and Sir Robert Sawyer was instructed to bring a writ of quo warranto against it. They refused to plead, although all favour and time was allowed them for their defence, the charter was vacated and a new Government was established, though there was difficulty in persuading many gentlemen to sit on the Council.
	About the year 1685 the French encroached on English territory and under pretence of sole right to the fishery off Nova Scotia seized eight New England ketches and carried them to Rochelle. Lord Preston, Ambassador in Paris, could obtain no redress, so then it was resolved that the three small colonies of Connecticut, New Plymouth and Rhode Island, together with New Hampshire and Maine, should be made into one government for better defence against invasion. The French also, with the view of engrossing the whole beaver trade to themselves, surprised a party of Indian chiefs of the Five Nations, British subjects, and accordingly Colonel Dongan received orders from England to help the Five Nations against the French; and indeed the Indians would have made an end of the French in Canada had not Colonel Dongan, at the intercession of a Jesuit priest, kept them in Albany for several weeks, thus giving the French Governor time to provision his garrisons. Colonel Dongan's account for his troops at Albany amounts to £6,400, as to which I shall have something to say to you in England. A treaty was made between the subjects of the two Crowns in 1688, which has been observed by us but not by the French. They very much court the Five Nations, and the Jesuits allure them strangely with their beads, crucifixes, and little painted images. A French officer from Canada has settled a fort and garrison on the lakes at the back of Carolina during this truce. About August last, when Sir Edmund Andros went to take up the government of New York, eleven French Indians killed some Indians and English at Northfield and Springfield on the Connecticut river. They fled to Canada afterwards, but though demanded by Sir Edmund Andros have not been delivered. Soon afterwards the Indians, owing to a misunderstanding with the English, fell upon the English towns in Maine, destroyed their crops and cattle, burnt the houses, killed some of the inhabitants, and carried off others. They had a Jesuit priest in their councils. On the Governor's return from Albany to Boston, finding that the Indians continued to spoil the English plantations, it was ordered that a considerable force should be raised, and the command was offered to Major-General Winthrop. He refused, however, as did also others, and the Governor was compelled to take up that difficult fatigue in person in the depth of winter. Though by unusual mildness of the season the men were unable to march after the Indians, as the lakes were not frozen, yet the Indians were restrained from damaging the English towns by forts judiciously posted. At the first post the Governor was out at the head of one hundred and twentymen, marching through dismal and almost impassable swamps, at which time thirty Indian canoes were taken or destroyed. Some time after, a party of one hundred and sixty marched over forty leagues right up into the country in deep snow and burned two Indian forts, recovering divers goods and ammunition taken from the English, destroying and taking thirty-eight canoes and reducing the Indians to bows and arrows. The Indians could have been reduced to beg for terms, had not Foster and Waterhouse, merchants in Boston and chiefs in the late rebellion, sent a ship in the Governor's absence with forty tons of ammunition and other goods to trade with these Indians and the French between Port Royal and Penobscot. The Governor left the forces to the eastward on the 16th of March and arrived in Boston about a week later. As soon as the soldiers heard of the disturbances they seized their officers and sent them home prisoners, so that forty leagues of seaboard is now abandoned to the ravages of the Indians, who have already destroyed many houses and killed many of the people. The French have over four thousand good men in Canada fit for any service. When they hear that the Bostoners have resumed their old Government I expect that they will join the Indians, and take the country lately granted to the French West India Company, when being possessed of our best ports and harbours they will infest the trade of all the British Colonies. It was just to prevent this that all these Colonies were put under one Governor.
	Notwithstanding all the pretence of grievances and the cry of the Governor's oppression, it is not the person of Sir Edmund Andros but the Government that they design to have removed, that they may freely trade; and therefore they urge the necessity for a new charter. Their reasons are:—1. Because since the vacation of their charter they have been kept from breaches of the Navigation Acts, which they used to violate with great profit to themselves; and they are also restrained from fitting out privateers which used to rob the Spanish West Indies. They durst not harbour pirates during Sir Edmund's time. 2. Mr. Richard Wharton was a great undertaker for pirates and promoter of irregular trade. 3. The people have been restrained from trading with the French in Newfoundland, which enrages the merchants much. 4. Their liberty of coining money is taken away, which used to encourage pirates to bring their plate to be minted. Mr. Sewell, who, as well as Mr. Wharton, is now an agent in England, was master of the mint, and a great loser by its abolition. 5. The ministers of religion, who were chief in public matters and in election of magistrates, have been at the head of this revolt. Their present practice since their revolt shows what they intend to do when they receive a charter. They have already libeated seven pirates, who were imprisoned for robbing a large Spanish ship, from the common gaol, and given them permission to sell their stolen goods. Three privateers are now fitting out for the West Indies. Five ministers of Boston, Moody, Allan, Young, Mather, Willard, and Millburn, were in the Council Chamber when I was brought up on the 18th of April, writing orders; they were also authors of some of their printed papers. I am kept very inhumanly, and the Governor worse. All of his letters and mine are stopped and opened by Sir William Phips, who, saying the Governor is a rogue, will not let us have them. I beg that I may not be exposed to the malice of the people, but that they may be ordered to frame their charges against me for me to meet them. I have much of importance to tell you, but all my papers being kept from me, I must defer it. Signed, Edward Randolph. 7 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 3 July, 1689. Printed in New York Documents III. 578. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 8; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 130–141.]
[May 29.]	153. Reasons alleged in the Scire facias for vacating the charter of Massachusetts. 1. For levying money without authority. 2. For coining money. 3. For requiring an oath of allegiance to the Government. Memorandum, as to the annexation of Connecticut, Rhode Island, etc., to New England. Copy. 2¼ pp. Evidently abridged from the preceding letter. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 9; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 141–143.]
May 30. Whitehall.	154. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Edward Thompson to the Attorney and Solicitor General for report. Annexed,
	154. I. Petition of Edward Thompson to the King. For letters patent to erect an office for enrolling servants for the Plantations, so as to prevent "spiriting," or prosecution of persons who have taken servants. His fee to be five shillings for every indenture, and sixpence for registration of each name. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. Nos. 3, 3 I.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 65, 66.]
May 30. Barbados.	155. Deputy-Governor Stede to the Earl of Shrewsbury. We waited ignorant of the turn of affairs in England until the letters of 21 February and other dates reached us, and told us of the proclaiming of King William and Queen Mary. May I present you with my humble congratulations on your appointment to the post of principal Secretary of State? This Island is in a quiet and favourable condition, and the generality of the inhabitants submit to the new rule with great cheerfulness. I proclaimed their Majesties on Ascension Day in the most solemn, splendid and glorious manner that this poor Island could afford. All took part in the ceremony except those whom I least expected to be absent, the clergy; who, all but one, on some mistake or scruple of conscience as to their oath of allegiance to King James, conceived that they could not be absolved from it. So one only attended the solemnity or publicly prayed for their Majesties in the Church for two or three Sundays. During these Sundays we had no service nor sermon. However, in a short time, with fitting admonitions and other proper and gentle means I prevailed on the clergy to lay aside their mistaken sentiments and follow the clergy and laity of England in securing the Protestant religion, our laws and liberties. As they were rather doubting than stubborn, they soon complied and desire to be pardoned for their omissions. I, the Council and Assembly have taken the oath, and all the officers civil and military will I doubt not take it, but the standing out of the clergy might have been a menace to peace if the people were not for the most part loyal and Protestant. I shall find means to secure waverers or Roman Catholics. I have already shut up the ringleaders in custody, who when they were at large left the Island neither peace nor safety. These are Mr. Willoughby Chamberlayne and Sir Thomas Montgomerie, the former a young man born in Barbados and of great estate, but both of them vicious and debauched. I was obliged to bind Chamberlayne over in £1000 to good behaviour, which sum he has forfeited again and again. Sir Thomas Montgomerie I suspended from office. Both turned Papists, and behaved so violently and insolently, corresponding with the Governors, Jesuits and priests of the neighbouring French Islands, from whom they obtained a Jesuit and would shortly have obtained priests and, if that idolatrous superstition had continued, would have turned Barbados into a popish if not into a French Island. Sir Thomas Montgomery went to Martinique, where doubtless great designs were laid for the conversion of this Island and the delivery of it into the hands of the French by the help of poor Irish servants and freemen, who are the only papists here; but in six months they gained not a man of note nor, I believe, more than two men or women, high or low, though Sir Thomas in a letter to Lord Dumbarton, copy of which with many other papers is enclosed, boasts much of many proselytes gained in spite of violent opposition from me. Unfortunately much of his correspondence with Lords Dumbarton, Tyrconnel, Sunderland, Dover, Bellasis, Arundel, and other papists, including Mr. Petre, were lost with a ship in which a Jesuit, Father Michael, was travelling home with a full freight of grievous complaints against me. No doubt this Jesuit was to represent me as an obstinate opponent to the spread of popery, fit to be removed to give place to a popish governor. In the infancy of papistry here they were so bold as to threaten us with fire and faggot, and told us that we must turn, run or burn. To effect this they wrote several letters to the leading men of that religion in England. These unluckily I have not been able to find, but by letters from Garrat Trant to Sir Thomas Montgomerie you will see that these missives arrived too late and were therefore burnt. Mr. James Mackleburne writes to the like effect; Thomas Tryon and his partner Joseph Perkins write likewise to Mr. Chamberlayne that his first packet to Father Petre has been delivered, but that the second arrived too late. If you think fit to send for these people you may learn more of the intrigues of Chamberlayne and Montgomerie. They now hope for an Act of Indemnity to save them from the consequences of their fault, and I shall not complain if they obtain it, but no two men deserve better to be branded with infamy. Sir Thomas has been under sentence of death for murder, but was reprieved and pardoned, and Chamberlayne, but for my binding him over, would have forfeited his life also. His estate will stand the forfeiture of his recognisance and a good fine for his misdeeds. If their Majesties should grant this fine to you I shall be happy to serve you therein. Again, though there are no escheats to the value mentioned by Sir T. Montgomerie in his letter to Lord Dumbarton, yet there may be some to the value of a thousand or fifteen hundred pounds, with other casual fines, etc., which would be worth your having. I doubt not that your interest will easily obtain these casual small revenues, besides which their Majesties have the proceeds of the four and a half per cent. duty on exports, which my care has raised from £500 to £8,000 or £10,000 a year. The casual revenues used to be the Governor's perquisite, but having had orders to account for it as part of the King's revenue, I do so. Yet there is a small branch of revenue over and above this, of which you might obtain a grant.
	I send copies of addresses to the Prince of Orange in reply to his letter of 12 January, and to their Majesties on their accession. It would be a great accession of strength to us if we had some men-of-war to assist us by sea and forty whole culverins for our batteries, for we are now obliged to use less suitable guns. The French have always been and still are very troublesome and encroaching neighbours, and in the time of my predecessors, Sir Jonathan Atkins and Sir Richard Dutton, took great liberties to hunt fish and fowl at St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Dominica, which islands afforded provisions and timber for the fortifications and of Martinique. They then went further and began to make settlements under authority of the Governor of Martinique, but on my representing the matter to king James he ordered me to drive them out, which I did. I had an angry correspondence with the Governor of Martinique, but held my ground, until I received orders from King James to commit no acts of violence pending the settlement of the dispute. Since then the French continue to do what they please in those Islands, and I have no man-of-war to prevent them. I beg you to represent this to the King, for the matter is important. The French in these parts, though not as yet very strong, have collected sloops and other craft, and taken Saba and St. Eustatia from the Dutch, and with the help of ten of the Brest fleet made an attempt on Surinam, but were repulsed with much damage to themselves and trifling loss to the Dutch. Where the ten ships are gone I know not, but I hear of four French men-of-war at the Cape de Verde Islands, and that one of their consorts captured an English ship. Her captain informs me that they gave themselves out to be bound for St. Thomas, but I believe their design to be against the Dutch settlements on the coast of Africa. Two French ships lately stopped a New England vessel, but let him go as his papers were in King James' name, though they told him that, had they been in their present Majesties' names, they would have made prize of him. In the Leeward Islands I hear that the French mean to repudiate the Treaty of Neutrality, in which case they may do great damage to them; but we have no fear of them in Barbados for they have few or no men-of-war, only privateers of fifteen or twenty guns. They have no great number of men, so if you could spare me a few men-of-war and a thousand or fifteen hundred men I could, with the men that I could raise here, capture the French Islands. But the French are generally forward in their actions and make their greatest advantage by surprise. So I expect they will early send men and supplies to defend their possessions and annoy the English. Pray represent to the King the importance of this.
	Three large ships lately arrived here which left England with the design of making some settlements among the Indians in Chyland [? Chile] in the South Sea, but could not weather Cape St. Augustine, and were driven back here to refresh. Since then a yacht belonging to their squadron has been run away with by some of her crew and some dissolute men of this Island, and it is feared she may have turned pirate. Captain Thomas Hewetson flies the union flag at his topmast head by King James's commission, and claims the same right now, being a protestant, under their Majesties' proclamation. The ships will remain here till July or August, and meanwhile the Admiral privately offers their services to assist British interests in these parts. By the time when he goes we hope to have received a better and more powerful aid from the King. I hope to approve myself a good and loyal servant to him. Signed, Edwyn Stede. Six very closely written pages. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Aug. [America and West Indies, 456, No. 5, and Col. Entry Book, Vol. VIII., pp. 103–119].
May 30.	156. Duplicate of the foregoing. 6 pp. [America and West Indies, 456, No. 6.].
[May 30.]	157. A collection of papers relating to Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Willoughby Chamberlayne, enclosed with the foregoing despatch.
	157. I. Garrat Trant to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. 27 Jan. 1689. Your last came too late. I have burnt your enclosed except the book and money. We hear the Princess of Orange arrived at Harwich yesterday. The King is still in Paris with a great many English, Scotch and Irish that had passes from the Prince. Doubtless the Prince will be crowned in a few days. He is the best friend the Romish have here, every villain in taverns and coffee houses rating at him as unfit to live. There are great preparations against Ireland. Lord Chief Baron Rice and Lord Mountjoy have been sent by Tyrconnel to learn whether to defend Ireland or surrender. Whatever the King commands he will undoubtedly obey. Our troops here seem unwilling to quit England for Ireland or Holland. It is thought that the French King will this spring have 100,000 men in three several armies. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed by Governor Stede. This shows that Sir T. Montgomerie sent his false and malicious packets by many hands. Here follows a tirade in the same vein of ten or fifteen lines. Endorsed further, Recd. 12 Aug. 89.
	157. II. The Lady Superior of the Ursulines at Martinique to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. 10 Feb. 1689. Thanks for your letter. I wish I could have answered it sooner to show my respect for so zealous a servant of the Catholic religion. God speed your pious endeavours and make the Catholic religion flourish in a kingdom which contains persons of such merit. We wish to receive many of the young for instruction in our classes. Signed. Soeur J. M. de St. Basile. Copy. French. 1½ pp. Endorsed as the foregoing with comments by Governor Stede.
	157. III. Andrew Lynch to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. Martinique, 10 Feb. 1689. I have delivered your letter. Father La Forest holds himself in readiness to leave by next sloop. I will send the balance of money due to you by next sloop. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed by Governor Stede. This is an Irishman's letter, a violent papist. Here follow some violent comments.
	157. IV. Father La Forest to Willoughby Chamberlayne. Martinique. 11 Feb. I write for the Father Superior, who is suffering from a violent cold. He thanks you for your letters and gifts. I applaud your zeal and piety, and wish I were with you; I shall go by first sloop. I am ready to undergo all for your welfare. Can you procure a sloop to come for me if I do not arrive within a month? Could I act as I wished I had long ago been with you; but Mr. Lynch tells me that we must await the right time. Would it would come. Signed. Carolus de la Forest. Latin. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with violent comments by Governor Stede.
	157. V. Deposition of John Thompson. 23 Feb., 1689. To the effect that an Irish servant, seeing deponent's Bible lying in his room, damned him for a Protestant dog. ½ p. Endorsed. R. 12 Aug., 1689.
	157. VI. Depositions of John Kelly and John Bowen in confirmation of the preceding, with the addition that the Irishman cut Thompson over the cheek with a sword. Taken 23 Feb., 1689. 1½ pp.
	157. VII. Alexander Plunkett, Capuchin, to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. Virginia, 24 Feb., 1698. Though I have not your acquaintance, the fame of your zeal for the propagation of the Catholic religion has reached Virginia. I feel great inclination to join you and work with you. Pardon my boldness. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with violent comments by Governor Stede.
	157. VIII. Deposition of Thomas Browne. 1 March, 1689. As to a design of Sir Thomas Montgomerie to escape from Barbados secretly. 2 pp.
	157. IX. William Forster to Governor Stede. Speightstown. 2 March, 1689. I have known by common fame of Sir T. Montgomerie's dangerous words against the Government, but I hear now that his brother and some of his accomplices have been arrested; and, knowing where he himself is, I ask your instructions whether I shall apprehend him. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with comments by Governor Stede.
	157. X. Examination of Durant Alford. Endeavoured to hire a boat to leave the Island, but knows nothing of the persons that were to go with him. 2 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XI. Examination of Hugh Montgomerie. Confessing that he was very anxious for his brother to withdraw from the Island. 2 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XII. Deposition of Robert Hatton. As to endeavours of Sir Thomas Montgomerie's servant to hire a boat from him. 2 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XIII. Deposition of M. Walford. As to an offer of one of Sir Thomas Montgomerie's servants to buy his boat. 2 March, 1689. 2 pp.
	157. XIV. Deposition of John Roe. As to an attempt of Sir T. Montgomerie's emissaries to persuade him to sail a boat to Martinique. 2 March, 1689. 1½ pp.
	157. XV. Evidence against James Hanley, accused of speaking dangerous words. 4 March, 1689. 1 p.
	157. XVI. Deposition of Caesar Crawford. As to attempts to convert him to Catholicism. 4 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XVII. Deposition of Martha Cussley. To the same purport. 4 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XVIII. Deposition of John Briefe. As to seditious words about a French invasion spoken by a neighbour. 6 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XIX. Extract from Minutes of Council of Barbados. 7 March, 1689. Deposition of Thomas Browne, servant to Sir T. Montgomerie. As to the reception of Father Michael by his master, his correspondence with Father Petre and Lord Sunderland, and his efforts to thrust himself into high place in the Island. 2 pp.
	157. XX. Petition of Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Governor Stede. 7 March, 1689. Recounts the story of his suspension from office, and the arrest of himself and of Mr. Willoughby Chamberlayne for consorting with papists. Avers that he was born and means to die a protestant, explaining that he only entertained a Jesuit priest because such persons were in favour at Court, and argues that he has done nothing to deserve imprisonment. 6 pp. Endorsed with a long statement by Governor Stede, beginning, "This petition shews the greatest falsehood and hypocrisy."
	157. XXI. Petition of Willoughby Chamberlayne. Confesses that he entertained a Jesuit relying on the declaration of indulgence, and throws himself on the mercy of the Council. Endorsed with comments by Governor Stede.
	157. XXII. Deposition of Samuel Smart. 7 March, 1689. As to abusive words spoken by Sir T. Montgomerie of him for presenting a Jesuit at Quarter Sessions. 7 March, 1689. ½ p. Endorsed with comments by Governor Stede.
	157. XXIII. Deposition of Samuel Donnall. As to violent language about a French invasion used by Sir T. Montgomerie. 8 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXIV. Deposition of Cuthbert Black. To the same effect as the preceding. 8 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXV. Deposition of Richard Elliot. As to violent language used by Sir T. Montgomerie, in discussing the prospect of a war in the Island. 8 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXVI. Deposition of William Rawline. Further evidence on the same points. 8 March, 1619. 1 p.
	157. XXVII. Deposition of Isaac Ragg. To the same effect. 8 March, 1689. 1 p.
	157. XXVIII. Deposition of Stephen Chase. To the same effect. 9 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXIX. Deposition of John Clancy. As to Willoughby Chamberlayne's drinking to the conversion of the King's enemies. 10 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXX. List of persons present at Mass at Willoughby Chamberlayne's house. Certified 24 March, 1689.
	157. XXXI. Deposition of Robert Webb. That he had frequently heard Chamberlayne own himself a Catholic. 10 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXXII. Deposition of Thomas Wakely. As to Mass at Willoughby Chamberlayne's house, and Sir T. Montgomerie's presence thereat. 10 March, 1689. 1 p.
	157. XXXIII. Deposition of Peter Evans. As to words spoken by Willoughby Chamberlayne of the prospect of a French invasion to help the English against the Dutch. 10 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXXIV. Deposition of Dominic Rice. To the same effect as No. XXXII. 10 March 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXXV. Deposition of Christopher Webb. That he saw a Jesuit at Chamberlayne's house often, and heard Chamberlayne declare himself a Catholic. 10 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXXVI. Deposition of Michael Poore. To the same effect as No. XXXII. 10 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXXVII. Deposition of Thomas Hogan. To the same effect as No. XXXII. 11 March, 1689. 1½ pp.
	157. XXXVIII. Deposition of William Legall. To the same effect. 11 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XXXIX. Deposition of Abraham Watson. As to authenticity of a letter to him from Willoughby Chamberlayne extolling the Church of Rome. 11 March 1688. 2 pp.
	157. XL. Deposition of Philip Price. As to Sir Thomas Montgomerie's speech of a French invasion of Barbados, and of the slightness of the Island's defences. 11 March, 1689. 2 pp.
	157. XLI. Deposition of Charles Collins. To the same effect. 11 March, 1689. 2 pp.
	157. XLII. Deposition of Samuel Smith. To the same effect. 11 March, 1689. 2 pp.
	157. XLIII. Deposition of Richard Cartwright. To the same effect. 11 March, 1689. 1 p.
	157. XLIV. Deposition of John Horton. As to a letter that he carried from Ralph Lane to Sir T. Montgomerie. 13 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XLV. Deposition of William Inglethorpe. As to depositions taken of Sir T. Montgomerie respecting Ralph Lane. 13 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XLVI. Deposition of Edward Bishop. As to having heard Willoughby Chamberlayne declare himself a Roman Catholic. 13 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XLVII. Deposition of William Murran. As to efforts of Chamberlayne to convert him to Catholicism. 13 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XLVIII. Deposition of Robert Weekes. To same effect as No. XLVI. 18 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. XLIX. Deposition of Thomas White. To same effect. 18 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. L. Deposition of John Griffin. That Chamberlayne invited persons to Mass at his house. 18 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. LI. Deposition of John Rowe. Further evidence of the papistry of Chamberlayne and Montgomerie. 18 March, 1689. 1 p.
	157. LII. Deposition of James Pennoyer. Further evidence to the same effect. 18 March, 1689. 1½ pp.
	157. LIII. Deposition of Benjamin Cryer. Further evidence to the same effect. 18 March, 1689. 2 pp.
	157. LIV. Deposition of Isabella Cryer. Further evidence to the same effect. 18 March, 1689. ½ p.
	157. LV. Deposition of Abraham Watson. As to a conspiracy to liberate Montgomerie and Chamberlayne. 30 March, 1689. 1 p.
	157. LVI. Deposition of John Rogers. Further evidence as to the conspiracy. 5 April, 1689. 1 p.
	157. LVII. Extract from Minutes of Council of Barbados. Robert Gilbert gave evidence as to letters written by Sir T. Montgomerie to several noblemen in England, asking that a Roman Catholic Governor might be sent out. 17 April, 1689. 1 p. Endorsed with a violent comment by Governor Stede.
	157. LVIII. Deposition of Robert Gilbert, taken 17 April, 1689. Confirming the authenticity of the following letter. Sir T. Montgomerie to Lord Tyrconnell. 24 March, 1688. I have done my best for the King's interest here and I hope £10,000 may be escheated to his Majesty. I beg for encouragement, for I have neither salary nor perquisites. I asked for the Commissionership of the four and a half per cent. duty, worth two hundred pounds a year. A word from you would procure it for me. 2 pp. Endorsed with comments by Governor Stede.
	157. LIX. Petition of Sir Thomas Montgomerie to the Governor and Council. Asking that no vestry taxes or rates for the benefit of the Church of England may be levied on professed Catholics. 1 p. Deposition of Robert Gilbert authenticating the petition as Montgomerie's work. 17 April, 1689. ½ p. In the margin, a bitter comment by Governor Stede.
	157. LX. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lord Dumbarton. This letter contains violent expressions against the Dutch, recommends the bearer, a priest, speaks of the harsh treatment of Catholics in Barbados, and declares the West Indies lost to the King if the Dutch maintain their ascendency in England. Copy. 1 p. On the other side. Certificate of Robert Gilbert that the original letter was written by Sir T. Montgomerie. 17 April, 1689. 1 p. Endorsed with violent comments by Governor Stede.
	157. LXI. Deposition of John Spencer. That he heard Dominic Rice say last March, God bless King James, and damn the Prince of Orange. 19 April, 1689. ½ p.
	157. LXII. Deposition of Mary Richardson. As to other strange language of Dominick Rice. 22 April, 1689. ½ p. Endorsed. A long comment of Governor Stede, to the effect that Irish papists are evidently too much exalted.
	157. LXIII. Deposition of Prudence Bryan. In confirmation of the preceding. 22 April, 1689. ½ p.
	157. LXIV. Deposition of James Bradshaw. Further evidence to the same effect. 22 April, 1689. 1 p.
	157. LXV. Sir Thomas Montgomery to Governor Stede. "From the jayle. 3 May, 1689." Asking that nothing in his letters, which have been intercepted, may be made public, except so far as they are of public concern, and praying to be used as a gentleman. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with a comment of Governor Stede. This is a most ingenuous and ungrateful letter, for I have meddled with none of his letters except those of which I have forwarded copies. The whole of the foregoing documents were received on 12 Aug., 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. Nos. 7, I–LXV.]
May 31.	158. Account of the proclamation of King William and Queen Mary at Barbados. The whole cavalcade from Fontabelle to St. Michael's was ranked from van to rear, and was very considerable. A good place was reserved to the clergy, but only one came. Exceeding rich and most brave above all was the apparel of the Governor. The noble, stately and no wise ordinary sort of proclaiming their Majesties would have a little surprised you had you been there. There was firing from the forts by signal, and firing "brave and brisk" from the shipping in the harbour. On the return march both horse and foot exercised for two hours in the pasture ground close to Fontabelle, the Governor in command. After this he dined magnificently, all at his own charge, entertaining the ladies and all the company that composed the proceedings and twelve hundred men besides. That worthy good lady, his sister, entertained about four hundred people at Fontabelle, during his absence. There was great and full numbers of various and excellent dishes with sweatmeats and fruits, and great plenty of all sorts of good wines and other choice liquors; and their Majesties' healths and other healths were drunk, the great guns before the house firing, as was fit, at the respective healths. Three troops of horse that led the procession were generously dined; and the regiments of foot were, for their condition, exceedingly well dined, as with brave stalled oxen, delicate young hogs and sheep, with plenty of the best Madeira wine. In the evening there was a ball, excellently well danced, in Fontabelle great dining room, and afterwards a most sumptuous banquet with the rarest wines "and other pleasant liquors fit for ladies and such occasions." Finally a stately bonfire was lighted and fireworks; and their Majesties' healths were again drunk, with firing of the guns. To dilate upon each particular of these passages would be too long for me to write and for you in England to read; but I hope this may suffice to show that we have a wise, loyal, and noble-spirited Governor. 2 large pp. Endorsed. Recd. 12 August, 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 8.]
May 31.	159. Minutes of Council of New York. The Lieutenant Governor reported that most of the City Militia were in rebellion, that his commands were disobeyed, and that he had reason to believe that the officers were the instigators. He desired the Mayor to convene the Common Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 109.]
May 31. New York.	160. Declaration of the inhabitants and soldiers belonging to the train-bands at New York. Notwithstanding the oppression and grievances of Governor Dongan, and of his wicked pensionaries, of whom Lieutenant Governor Nicholson is one, we were resolved to await our deliverance in patience at the hands of the Prince of Orange. But when we were threatened and cajoled by Lieutenant Governor Nicholson; when he presented a pistol at our corporal and told Lieutenant Cuyler that he would set the city on fire because we did our loyal duty, we then for the safety of the protestants, and in view of the daily coming of papist soldiers to Lieutenant Governor Nicholson, resolved to live no longer in such danger, but to secure the fort; which we have effected without bloodshed. We shall now hold it pending further orders from the King. Copy. ¾ p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 6.]
May 31.	161. Inventory of the stores found in the fort at New York when taken by the rebels for the Prince of Orange on 31 May. 4 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 7.]
May 31.	162. A list of the soldiers enlisted under the command of Captain Jacob Leisler for the defence of the fort at New York. Fully half of them are Dutchmen. [Ibid. No. 8.]
May 31.	163. An account of powder taken out of the magazine of New York by the store-keeper from 23 August 1688 to 31 May. Entered against the latter date, "When the rabble took the fort from us the guns was all loaden." Signed. Phillip Smith. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. from Captain Nicholson 11 Sept. 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 9.]
May 31.	164. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commissioners of the Admiralty summoned to attend on the 3rd June. Agreed to advise the immediate shipping of provisions for the troops in the West Indies. Lord Howard of Effingham and Colonel Ludwell attended, and both parties were heard on Colonel Ludwell's petition. Agreed to refer the article as to repeal to the law-officers. The second and third articles also discussed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 223–225.]
May 31. Whitehall.	165. Order of the King in Council. Order for provisions for a regiment of 780 men to be put on board the ships bound for the West Indies. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 56, and Vol. XLVII., p. 408.]
May 31.	166. William Blathwayt to Lords of the Admiralty. Desiring the attendance of some of them at the Council Chamber on 3 June, with a list of ships intended for the West Indies. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 57, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 408, 409.]