America and West Indies: March 1692 | British History Online

Pages 605-616

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

Citation:

March 1692



[March 1.]	2,091. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Ordering that Mr. Daniel Cox be advised that his petition will be considered on the 7th of March, and that he and others be directed to attend. Draft. 1 p. Inscribed. 1 March, 1691–2. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 85.]
March 1.	2,092. A corrected fair copy of the foregoing. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 86.]
March 1. Whitehall.	2,093. Order of the King in Council. That Colonel Fletcher's application for a passage to New York be referred to the Lords of the Admiralty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 365.]
March 1. Whitehall.	2,094. Order of the King in Council. For the payment of £100 to Governor Fletcher for presents to the Five Nations of Indians. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 366.]
March 1. Whitehall.	2,095. Order of the King in Council. For payment of £1,747 to Governor Fletcher for the foot-companies at New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 367.]
March 1. Whitehall.	2,096. Order of the King in Council. Enclosing a list of stores to the office of Ordnance that it may provide what is necessary for New York. List of the stores in full. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 368–369.]
March 1.	2,097. Commission to Sir Edmund Andros to the Governor of Virginia. This gives him power to suspend Captains of the King's ships for disobedience or neglect of orders. [Board of Trade, Virginia, 36. pp. 107–118.]
March 1.	2,098. Instructions to Governor Sir Edmund Andros. He is to propose the substitution of an impost on liquors for a levy by poll, and reduce the salaries of members of Assembly. No part of the quit-rents is to be disposed of without the royal sanction except £300 per annum to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. Lord Baltimore's pretensions to the whole Potomac River are not to be regarded. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 120–139.]
March 1.	2,099. Order of the King in Council. Approving the instructions to Sir E. Andros. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 141.]
March 1. Whitehall.	2,100. Order of the King in Council. For despatch of a hundred grenadiers' arms and a ton of shot for small arms to Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 146.]
March 1. Whitehall.	2,101. Order of the King in Council. That the Admiralty provide passage for Sir Edmund Andros and household to Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 147.]
March 1.	2,102. Commission to Samuel Allen to be Governor of New Hampshire. John Usher is appointed Lieutenant-Governor in case of his death or absence. The commission however must not be understood to derogate from Sir William Phips's authority in reference to military matters. The commission was ordered on 11 February to pass the Great Seal and was passed on the 1st of March. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 183–193.]
March 2.	2,103. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Report that a small French vessel, Nathaniel Grubing, master, had lately landed men and plundered Spanish river. Two sloop masters having volunteered to give pursuit of the vessel, ordered that if they capture her they shall have her for sole prize, and £100 besides. Commissions to be issued to the two sloop-masters, and ammunition also. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 146, 147.]
March 3.	2,104. Instructions to Samuel Allen as Governor of New Hampshire. His Council is to consist of John Usher, John Hincks, Nathaniel Fryer, Thomas Crawford, Peter Coffin, — Green, Robert Elliot, John Gerrish, John Ware, and John Love. The quorum on ordinary occasions to be five, but on extraordinary emergencies may be three only. The salaries of members of Assembly are to be moderate. The press is subjected to license. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 194–206.]
[March.]	2,105. List of the Council of New Hampshire, as given in preceding abstract. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 15.]
March 3.	2,106. Commission to Sir Edmund Andros to be Commander-in-Chief of Maryland, in case of the death of Francis Nicholson and Governor Copley. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. pp. 43, 44.]
March 3.	2,107. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Isaac Sandford and Peter King to be brought before the Council for seditious language. Lieutenant Hutchins was reported to be suspected of corresponding with the disaffected party in the country, and it was suggested that he should be moved to Albany. Order for a day of thanksgiving for the victories in Ireland, the victory over the Turk and the safety of Albany. Order for a proclamation prohibiting seditious speeches and pamphlets. A committee appointed to examine certain persons accused of seditious practices. Order for the sheriff to make a partition to prevent communication with prisoners. On report that sundry women revile the ministers of the Government, the Mayor is recommended to provide a cape, ducking-stool and pillory, as in England.
March 4.	Order for James Berry and Daniel Laurence to be brought before Council for creating a disturbance. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 301–303.]
March 3.	2,108. Proclamation of the Commander-in-Chief and Council of New York. For a day of thanksgiving for the King's success in Ireland. Copy. Large sheet. Endorsed. Read 6 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 87.]
March 3.	2,109. Proclamation of the Commander-in-Chief and Council of New York. To suppress seditious pamphlets and meetings. Copy. Large sheet. Endorsed. Read 6 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 88.]
March 4. Barbados.	2,110. Governor Kendall to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since Captain Wright's departure I have employed the men-of-war to so good purpose that not only have we lost none of our own ships, but we have taken several prizes from the enemy. One of these, the Dromedary, was taken by Captain Maynard of the Assistance, and being full of cables, anchors and masts, proved of extreme value. But for this good fortune, many of the King's ships must have lain here until supplied with masts either from Old or New England. I have also made the mole here convenient to receive any of the fourth-rate frigates, and have actually careened four of the King's ships, without which they could hardly have floated, their bottoms being so extremely defective. On the 16th January the Windward part of this Island was alarmed by Captain Wrenn's fleet, and the Leeward part simultaneously by the appearance of several French men-of-war. On the 17th one of our small privateers brought me several prisoners taken from some of the French Islands, who informed me that the enemy was coming hither with a good squadron, and designed to bombard our town. A few days later Major Crispe arrived from Martinique, whom I had sent thither with prisoners. He reported that he saw ten large men-of-war and several small frigates sail from thence, and that he understood their design was to intercept our fleet from England, they being ignorant of its safe arrival. This news has been confirmed to me from another source. The ships before-mentioned having been seen for four or five days together off the north-east part of this Island convinced me that they were waiting for the arrival of their new general with ships and men (of which I had received information). I therefore called a Council of War, by which it was agreed to take up two merchantmen and four sloops to join the King's squadron, consisting of the Norwich, Diamond, Mordaunt, Mary and Antelope (the Assistance, Hampshire and St. Paul being at the Leeward Islands). Our ships were gunned and manned with all imaginable diligence, and Captain Wrenn had orders to find the French fleet and engage it, if he judged himself able. But having cruised to the North-East for some days in vain, he returned here again. It was then resolved that he should sail with the same ships to the Leeward Islands, taking under his convoy the ships bound thither and to Jamaica, to avoid an action on his way thither, but after his arrival to take the three ships at the Leeward Islands into his fleet and endeavour to find out the enemy. On the 18th of February he sailed, but to my great surprise news was brought me on the 24th that our fleet was returning. On the 25th Captain Wrenn came ashore, who gave me account that on the evening of the 21st he saw sixteen men-of-war and two fireships off the Deseadas, that they sailed all night without any action, although very near each other, that at 2 a.m. he saw the French fleet upon his weather quarter, and at 5 spread his flag at the foretop mast-head. At 6, the French Admiral made signal for a Council of War and to draw his fleet into line of battle; but for the next hour there was little wind, but calms and much rain, which threw our line into disorder. At 8 the French having a gale bore down upon him. The Mary being then bringing up the rear was first engaged, and subsequently the rest of the squadron. The action lasted from 8 till noon, by which time the convoy was clear. The Mordaunt, Mary and England were surrounded by the French but cleared themselves with great bravery and conduct. Thus the French had a great opportunity of destroying our squadron, having fourteen ships of from forty to sixty guns, two from thirty to forty and two fireships against but seven of ours. None the less Captain Wrenn brought in the whole of his ships except the England, one of the fitted merchant-ships, which I expect has made her way to Jamaica.
	As Captain Wrenn did not think himself in a condition to venture out against so strong a French fleet, I have taken the recruits for the Duke of Bolton's regiment ashore and quartered them in the country. They and the seamen were both so sickly that I had near two hundred sick ashore at once, but by great care (though at vast expense) most of them are recovered. Nevertheless the soldiers are reduced to about two hundred and fifty, of whom fifty are sick. On the 27th of February I received a letter by flag of truce from Count de Blenac and over a hundred sailors belonging to the Jersey, which was basely betrayed by her Captain, Bomsted, to a vessel far inferior to her in strength. From the gentleman in charge of the prisoners we heard that Count de Blenac is made Governor of the French Islands, and as such was on board the fleet and Commander-in-Chief. He arrived at Martinique about a month since with five frigates, including two captured from us, and five hundred soldiers. This makes up their force to a thousand landsmen, with the men already arrived from France this summer. It is much to be feared that all these preparations are designed against the Leeward Islands, which in that case may suffer extremely. I am also in great pain for our three ships there, where they have only a small fort of nine guns to protect them. I have therefore sent a sloop to the Governor to ask him to send them here if he thinks them insecure. They are very good sailers, and if they started away twenty or thirty leagues to northward they will be out of reach of the enemy and may in all probability reach us safely. I have thought fit to give you the earliest account of these matters, so have hired a sloop, an extraordinary sailer, to carry the news. We hope when Sir Francis Wheeler arrives with his squadron we shall be able to look abroad again, but if any accident prevent him coming I fear that our merchant fleet and the Leeward Islands will be in great danger. Lastly, notwithstanding the discouragement I meet with in the money I laid out for the King's service, I have been obliged since to advance more to every ship, or to suffer the sick and wounded to perish. The Commanders and pursers have drawn on the Commissioners of the Navy and I trust that you will take care for punctual payment, or we shall have difficulty in finding credit in future. Signed. J. Kendall. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 75; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 279–286.]
[March 4.]	2,111. Abstract of the foregoing despatch. 2 pp. Endorsed. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 76.]
[March 4.]	2,112. Duplicate of the foregoing despatch. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 37.]
March 8.	2,113. An inventory of the goods captured in the Dromedary, prize, showing what were sold and what were kept. Copy. 3½ pp. Endorsed. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 77.]
March 9.	2,114. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson's letter of 8th [? 13th] November as to next year's ships for Virginia read.
	Daniel Cox's petition read (see No. 2,071 I) and decision thereon taken. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 89, 90.]
March 9.	2,115. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending on the petition of Daniel Cox (see No. 2,071 I) that a temporary commission to the Governor of New York be granted for one year to draw out and command not more than 700 men of the militia of West New Jersey in case of invasion by French or Indians. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 398, 399.]
March 9.	2,116. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Richard Ponton and Robert Bloomer to be brought before the Council for seditious language and for James Berry and Daniel Laurence to be arrested. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 303, 304.]
March 9. Montserrat.	2,117. Lieutenant-Governor Blakiston to [Governor Codrington]. We were alarmed last night about six o'clock by a fleet of ships under Guadeloupe which stood down towards this Island, but this morning appeared to leeward standing towards Nevis and St. Christophers. There might be 'twelve or fourteen sail or more. Signed. N. Blakiston. Extract. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 3 March, 1692 (sic) from Colonel Kendall. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 57.]
March 10. Whitehall.	2,118. Order of the Queen in Council. That a Commission be prepared authorising the Governor of New York to take the Province of Pennsylvania under his government during the King's pleasure, and empowering him for one year to draw not more than seven hundred men of the militia of East and West Jersey for the defence of New York and Albany in case of insurrection. Signed. Rich. Colinge. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 89; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 399–401.]
March 10. Whitehall.	2,119. Order of the King in Council. That the property of Edward Davies and others, pirates, be restored to them, except £300 value which, with a fourth part of the amount in Captain Rowe's hand, shall be devoted to building a College in Virginia or such charitable objects as the King shall direct. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 150, 151.]
March 10.	2,120. Commissioners of Ordnance to the King. On the list of stores for New York we think it better to substitute ten demicannon in lieu of the same number of 24-pounders. Again the Governor asks for 500 firelocks and the Council for 1,000; as our stores will be much exhausted by other demands we purpose to send 500 only. Signed. Thomas Littleton, Wm. Buller, Jno. Charlton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 370, 371.]
March 11.	2,121. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Jacob Leisler the younger again heard. Agreed to report that the elder Leisler and Milborne were justly executed, but to recommend that their estates be not confiscated. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. p. 91.]
March 13. Admiralty.	2,122. Lords of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. If the King think it absolutely necessary to transport Mr. Usher and the stores of war in the ship New England Charity to New Hampshire, we think it fitting that permission be granted accordingly; but if not, we hope it will be remembered that the fleet is still in great want of men. Signed. E. Cornwallis, J. Lowther, J. Priestman, Falkland, Robt. Austen, R. Rich. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 16.]
March 14.	2,123. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Samuel Bernard, Peter Beckford and Nicholas Lawes complained that they had been represented in England as factious and disloyal. The Council unanimously declared that they had never known them of such behaviour. The King's letter of 8 December, 1691. read (No. 1,926). Order for the parishes ef St. Mary, Clarendon and Vere to be permitted to build fortifications for their safety at their own expense. The Queen's letter of 25 September as to the Secretary's office read (see No. 1,784). Resolutions as to the procedure on the arrival of vessels with flags of truce or with packets from England.
March 15.	Order for Smith Kelly to be discharged from his debt to the King on account of bills on the Commissioners of the Navy which are not paid nor likely to be paid. Order for payments for the new line building by Port Royal church. Order for payments. Order that the militia be discharged and that martial law cease on 30th inst. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 67. pp. 147–151.]
March 15. Custom House.	2,124. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have perused the Acts of Virginia for ports and for encouragement of manufactures, and have heard the representatives of the merchants and planters thereon. The Act for encouragement of manufactures provides that all debts, contracted either in money or tobacco, may, upon oath of the debtor before a justice as to his substance in money or tobacco, tender the same in payment and pay the residue of his debt in certain commodities, even though the creditor demand specie. We think that this should be disallowed; for it is unjust to make merchants receive goods which are of no use to them, and that at rates one-third above their true value. Also, by this law servants, houses and lands are exempt from being chargeable for debts, and all process of law prevented by oath before a single justice. Such a method of payment would destroy the credit of the planters with the London merchants and ruin the trade between England and Virginia. How far this proposed law may be practicable among the inhabitants in their ordinary transactions between themselves, we cannot say; but even if it be confined to such transactions only it should be practised with the greatest caution so that it might not operate in debts contracted by English merchants; and we think it would be difficult to make such a proviso that it would not affect the trade and merchants of England.
	The Act for Ports is in two parts. One limits the number of ports for export and import; the other imposes a duty on the export of hides and furs. The first part is desirable enough, but it seems to us unreasonable to compel people to bring goods to places where there is no convenience for their reception and security, and to confine buying and selling to those places only. We enclose copy of a former report on this question, and for the reasons therein stated we think that this Act should not pass, but that the Governor, who is about to set out, should be instructed to see to the building of wharves and quays.
	As to the duty proposed on hides and furs, it is admitted by both parties to be about 25 per cent on the value, which will amount to prohibition of the trade and hinder the export of our coarse woollen manufactures, with which such goods are bought. But as the object of the duty is stated to be the support of the ministry and the advancement of learning, we suggest the reduction of the duty to 7½ per cent., as in New York, for the trade would probably bear it, and we think the experiment might be tried. The clause prohibiting the exportation of any goods until security be given for the return of the produce of these goods to the Colony seems to us unreasonable. Signed. Rich. Temple; Jo. Werden; Robert Southwell; Robt. Clayton; G. Boothe; D. Warde; C. Godolphin. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 24 March, '91–2. Annexed,
	2,124. I. Copy of the Virginian Act for Encouragement of Manufacturers. 1 p.
	2,124. II. Copy of the Virginian Act for Ports. 17 pp.
	2,124. III. Copy of a report of Commissioners of Customs. 12 December, 1681 (see a previous volume of this Calendar.) Endorsed. Recd. 24 March, '91–2. [America and West Indies, 637. Nos. 93, 93 I–III; and (without enclosures) Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 162–166.]
March 17. Whitehall.	2,125. Order of the Queen in Council. On the report of the Attorney General of 29 February 1692, in favour of the petition of Sir Matthew Dudley and others for a charter to work mines in New England, order for the preparation and passing of such a Charter. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 448–450.]
March 17.	2,126. Order of the Queen in Council. Referring Governor Fletcher's memorial as to the expense of his journey to New York to Lords of the Treasury for report. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 375.]
March 17.	2,127. Order of the Queen in Council. Approving the report of Lords of Trade and Plantations, judging that Leisler and Milborne were rightly condemned, but recommending that their estates be restored to their families as an act of mercy. Printed in New York Documents III., 827. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 384, 385.]
March 17. Whitehall.	2,128. Order of the Queen in Council. Referring the petition of Jacob Mauritz to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. John Nicholas. ½ p. Annexed,
	2,128 I. Petition of Jacob Mauritz to the King. I and others received a privateer's commission from Jacob Leisler to make war against the French, which accordingly we did, making several prizes at sea, which were duly condemned and sold at New York. I bought one of the ships myself and spent £200 in fitting her out, but it was afterwards confiscated by Governor Sloughter and Mr. Frederick Flypse on the ground that Leisler's commission was void, and Flypse still detains her although he was present when I bought her. I beg that she may be restored to me. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 90, 90 I.; and (order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 392.]
March 17. Whitehall.	2,129. Order of the Queen in Council. Referring the petitions of divers proprietors of land and merchants trading to New York to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. John Nicholas. ½ p. Annexed,
	2,129 I. The Petition referred to. Submitting the names of Richard Merewether, Jacob Harwood, Daniel Cox, Francis Trering, William Cornelison, John Jackson, Gerard van Heythnyste, Tho. Lodwick, Valentine Cruger, Benja. Dejeune for appointment to Council. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 91, 91I.; and (order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 391.]
[Mar. 17.]	2,130. A list of the existing Council of New York, with marginal notes against certain of the names. Joseph Dudley. No estate, very unacceptable to the people, refused to be Governor of Jersey. Frederick Flypse, Stephen Cortlandt, Nicholas Bayard. These two last would not proclaim the King, occasioned many disorders and pressed Leisler to military executions. William Smith. Gabriel Minivell, a Frenchman of ill repute, son-in-law to Mr. John Laurence. Chidley Brooke. William Nicholls, an attorney of bad reputation and little or no estate. Thomas Willett, refused to proclaim the King, stood by King James till Governor Sloughter arrived, and refused to assist against the French. William Pinhorne, no inhabitant nor estate (sic). Thomas Johnson. Pieter Schuyler. Richard Townly, is no inhabitant, has no estate and refused to proclaim the King. John Young. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 92.]
March 17.	2,131. Instructions to Governor Fletcher of New York. The Council is to consist of Joseph Dudley, Frederick Flypse, Stephen van Cortlandt, Nicholas Bayard, William Smith, Gabriel Minivell, Chidley Brooke, William Nicolls, Thomas Willett, William Pinhorne, Thomas Johnson, Pieter Schuyler, John Laurence, Richard Townly and John Young. No printing press is to be allowed with a licence. Printed in New York Documents III., 818. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 340–361.]
March 17. Whitehall.	2,132. Order of the Queen in Council. For the Ordnance Office to supply stores according to an amended list. List given in full. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 372, 373.]
March 17.	2,133. Minutes of Council of New York. Orders for sundry payments. Colonel van Cortlandt reported that he could not continue to subsist the two foot companies after the 28th inst., and hoped that some others would do so till orders arrived from England. Frederick Flypse, Colonel Minivell, and Chidley Brooke thereupon made offer which was accepted, and warrants were ordered to be given to them for the amounts. Orders for patents for land to Andrew Gibb and Thomas Barker. Robert Livingston's accounts were presented for audit. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 304–305.]
[Mar. 18.]	2,134. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord President to lay the Commission of Governor Fletcher of New York before the Queen for approval. An additional clause with regard to Pennsylvania is in preparation. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 321.]
March 18.	2,135. Commission of Benjamin Fletcher as Governor of New York. Memo. The Great Seal dated 18 March, 1691/2;. Printed in New York Documents III., 827. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 322.]
March 18. [Barbados.]	2,136. Abstract of Governor Kendall's letters to William Blathwayt, 5th, 12th, 14th and 18th March. The Island remains very sickly and in want of white servants. The forts and entrenchments are nearly finished; the militia is constantly exercised, and it is wished that the French would attack Barbados instead of the Leeward Islands. Colonel Codrington has heard nothing of the French fleet, but is preparing to receive it. The frigates have taken a few French prizes. The Attorney-General being dead Mr. Hooper has been appointed to succeed him, and Mr. Fullerton has been appointed Solicitor-General. Governor Kendall has paid various sums for the ships; the Dromedary is an invaluable prize. The Hampshire and St. Paul have arrived at Barbados, but will be sent to the Leeward Islands to meet the French fleet. Unfortunately all the crews are very sickly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 299–302.]
March 19.	2,137. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order that Colonel Bacon's executors produce his books to the Board, to ascertain the amount due by him to the King, and that a copy of the statement be sent to Mr. Blathwayt. Resolved, in view of the fact that ships are constantly sent home from Maryland, that all ships cleared before the arrival of the fleet from London be allowed to sail. Captain Finch ordered to take up his station and examine all ships that come in. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 643–646.]
March 19.	2,138. Minutes of Council of New York. On the news from Albany of alarm of the inhabitants at fresh loss of Indians, and the prospect of losing one company on the 28th of March and two more on the 1st of May, order for £225 to be sent to Albany for payment of the men, and that as many as possible be persuaded to enlist in the two remaining companies. Order for a proclamation forbidding the inhabitants of Albany to desert. The Committee as to the fortifications reported that the repairs would cost £200 and that guns and ammunition were wanting. Order for Colonel Bayard to have the management of the revenue from the weighhouse. Order for grant of land to Ellis Duxbury. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 306, 307.]
March 19. New York.	2,139. Proclamation of the Commander-in-Chief and Council of New York. Ordering all inhabitants capable of bearing arms who have deserted Albany to return within a fortnight, and forbidding the departure of others without leave. Copy. Large sheet. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 93.]
March 21. Custom House.	2,140. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We forward a memorial signed by most of the principal merchants and ship-masters trading to Virginia and Maryland asking for the prohibition of export of tobacco in bulk. We are of opinion that this will be advantageous to trade and to the revenue, and we advise that the Governors be instructed to recommend the same to the Assemblies. Signed. Rich. Temple, G. Boothe, Jo. Werden, Robert Southwell, Robt. Clayton, C. Godolphin. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 24 March, '91–2. Annexed,
	2,140 I. Petition of the principal merchants and traders to Virginia and Maryland to the Commissioners of Customs. We beg for the prohibition by law of export of tobacco in bulk. The law, though once rejected in Virginia through misunderstanding, will now be recognised as advantageous. Our names are annexed. Seventy-two signatures. Large sheet.
	2,140 II. Reasons for prohibiting export of tobacco in bulk—
	A. In regard to the King's interest. 1. Bulk tobacco is the only tobacco sold by seamen. 2. Under cover of bulk tobacco considerable quantities have been smuggled into the kingdom and exported. 3. It leads to the employment of thrice the number of Customs officers. 4. It is privately shipped from Virginia to foreign parts. 5. Bulk tobacco keeps various craft busy smuggling. 6. Owing to waste and shrinkage it brings in 25 per cent. less revenue than cask tobacco. 7. It prevents a master from giving a true return of his cargo, or keeping his men from smuggling. 8. It diminishes shipping to Maryland and Virginia by one-sixth, for tobacco in cask would fill far more ships. 9. It causes false swearing and loss to the customs. 10. It causes great damage to the tobacco itself from the neglect of seamen, and the injury often done to the ship. 11. It causes loss of many ships by causing them to put into ports with hope of smuggling.
	B. As regards the governments of Virginia and Maryland. 1. Bulk tobacco defrauds the Government of the 2/- per hogshead. 2. It prejudices the Government in the port charges of one ship in every six. 3. By diminishing shipping by one-sixth it hinders the sale of provisions to that extent. 4. It leads to much illicit export. 5. It makes it impossible for a master to know what tobacco he has on board. 6. It defrauds the Government of the export duty of a penny a pound.
	C. As to navigation and shipping. 1 and 2. Already specified under other heads. 3. It leads to constant quarrels between officers and seamen. 4. It leads to constant lawsuits owing to the facility which it affords for fraud. 5. Bulk tobacco has frequently set fire to ships.
	D. In its relation to merchants. 1. Bulk tobacco being much of it freight-free is undersold. 2. It is inimical to fair trade. 3. It gains the early markets to the loss of planters and merchants. 4. It fosters ungenerous to the prejudice of generous traders. 5. It causes loss, for other tobacco is seldom sold till the bulk is disposed of. 6. By delay of shipping and loss of market it injures merchants sometimes to 30 or 40 per cent. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 24 Mar., '92. [America and West Indies. 637. Nos. 94, 94 I., II.; and (without enclosures) Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 175.]
[Mar. 22.] Virginia.	2,141. Report of a Survey of the bounds of Carolina. On the 9th of March I took my first observation and found the latitude of the mouth of Weyonock river to be 30° 5' N. The course of the river observed from that place is W. 40° or 50° N. I went on the 11th to Summerton, Nancymond County, and found its latitude to be 36° 27' N. An east line from Weyonock will include Summerton and also the North of that line in this government. On the 16th of March I took the latitude of Cowper point, Corotuck, and found it to be 36° 28' N. A west line from there left the greater part of Knot's Island to Southward, and by the help of my assistant I ascertained that it runs over part of Chase's point and crosses North West river almost three miles from the mouth. I came home on the 22nd. Signed. Tho. Milner. 1¼ pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 95.]
March 27.	2,142. Minutes of Council of New York. Resolved that Colonel Cortlandt and Mr. James Graham go on board Captain Hicks, and demand delivery of one of the crew to answer for disorderly behaviour ashore, to prevent like behaviour of the crew in future. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 307.]
March 31.	2,143. Minutes of Council of New York. Order transferring the management of the revenue of the weigh-house from Colonel Bayard to the Mayor and Corporation for repair of the fortifications. Order for administration of the appointed oaths by justices of the peace. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 308.]
March 31. Whitehall.	2,144. Order of the Privy Council. That the Ordnance Office provide 1,000 hand grenades and 120 grenadiers' hatchets to be sent to New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 374.]
March 31.	2,145. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Treasury being unable to reward Symon Musgrave for his frequent attendance at the prosecution of criminals on the King's behalf, he was authorised to apply for reward to England. Order for payment of expenses for taking runaway Spaniards back to St. Jago or Cuba. Order for the case of George Reed, now in custody, to be heard. Order for payment of a sum to Henry Ward in compensation for his losses in furnishing supplies to the King's ships. Order permitting a fort to be built at Port Maria, St. Mary's. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 151–153.]
[March ?]	2,146. Petition of Tobias Frere to Lords of Trade and Plantations. To be appointed to the Council of Barbados in which he formerly sat. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 78.]
[March].	2,147. Representation of the state of the Colonies in America and the West Indies as gathered from the last despatches received. Royal draft. 5 pp. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 15.]