|
1710.
March 4.
Whitehall. |
147. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report
upon petition of Francis Pouch and Daniel Gashet of Martinico,
for compensation for the seizure of the Society sent as a flag of
truce with English prisoners from Martinico to Antegoa. (v.
Dec. 15, 1709). Concludes: There are several other instances
of an illegal trade carryed on from the Leeward Islands, Barbadoes
etc., by means of such flaggs of truce. We are therefore of opinion
that there is no reason why your Majesty should gratify the
petitioners, and that for the preventing the like illegal practices
for the future, your Majesty's pleasure be signifyed to the several
Governors that, whenever they have occasion to send out flaggs
of truce, no more goods or provisions be permitted to be laden on
board such vessells than what shall be necessary for the voyage.
Set out, A.P.C. II. pp. 617–619. q.v. [C.O. 153, 11. pp. 4–9.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
148. Mr. Sharpe to the Earl of Sunderland. It is with the
greatest sense of joy and gratitude that this wretched place has
received the happy influence of H.M. Royal clemency and goodness in the Order for recalling Mr. Crowe; nor can we ever
sufficiently express the obligations your Lordship's compassion
and protection have drawn upon us in that matter. I humbly
conceive it would have been as much for Mr. Crowe's as the
country's safety had it brought a quietus with it, and put an
immediate stopp to his administration of the Government; for
as it would have put us past all danger of suffering any longer
by his unhappy management, soe would it have freed him from
the temptation of any further disobedience to H.M. by continuing
longer at the helm, which we have very good reason to apprehend
he designs, etc. etc. Signed, Wm. Sharpe. 2pp. [C.O. 28, 43. No. 37.] |
March 6.
Barbados. |
149. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I sent your Lordships duplicates of what went per the
packet by the Mary Gold, Capt. Welsh. This conveyance brings
me none from your Board. I have received H.M. Orders for
returning home, which I shall doe by the first vessell that goes
from hence for England, and I hope fully prepared to answer
all these complaints your Lordps. has been pleased to assigne
against, Signed, M. Crowe. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read 5th
July, 1710. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
149. i. Naval Officer's List of ships entered and cleared in
Barbados, Sept. 25—Dec. 25, 1709. Endorsed, Recd.
July 4. 1710. ¾ p. [C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 29, 29 i.;
and (without enclosure) 29, 12. p. 110.] |
March 6.
Barbados. |
150. Same to the Earl of Sunderland. Acknowledges Order
of recall, Oct. 8, which I should in the same minute have obeyed,
if your Lordp. had been pleased to order by what conveyance.
The Master of the packet reports the Newcastle was a fitting out
at Plymouth to relieve H.M.S. Hector, so I hope your Lordp.
will send directions by her: for here is not any vessell at present
that designs for Europe, but a smal Scotch ship without a gunn
of 90 tunns for Leith, and I cannot think H.M. would expose the
charracter or my papers in a smal packet boat wch. is a prey for
every French privateer sloop which all these Islands are now
infested with, one of them carried the last packet but one into
Martineque, insomuch that Mr. Dummer's Agent here has applyed
himself to me for one of H.M. ships to convoy this to Antigua,
which I could not grant, by reason of two sloops, lying to windward of this Island, who are so dareing as to make an attempt to
land in ye night under the Forts in hopes to surprize some of
them, and so take off what negroes they could gett. I desire
nothing so much as to clear myself of what is alleadged against
me, and I will take the first oppertunity that offers for Europe.
If I had the power to have commanded of one of these men of warr
that attends this Island from their stations, I should not have
troubled your Lordship with this, etc. Signed, M. Crowe. 2
pp. [C.O. 28, 43. No. 38.] |
March 6.
Barbados. |
151. A. Needham to the Lord Chief Baron Ward. Complains
of harsh treatment at the hands of Major Lillington in the matter
of a plantation, etc. Signed, Allen Needham. Addressed.
Sealed. 2½ closely written pp. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 76.] |
March 9.
Antigua. |
152. Governor Parke to the Earl of Sunderland. It is
now above four months since I had the honour to receive any
letter from your Lordshipp. I order'd a meeting of a Generall
Councill and Assembly to meet me at St. Kitts Feb. 27, expecting
a packett, but that not comeing I prorogued them to the 20th
inst., and if there comes in no packett, I shall still prorogue them,
for till theire be a determination of the complaint, there will be
nothing done. Mr. Tankerd has basely murdered a poor man,
he waylayd him and pretended to fight him, but before he could
take his pistoll, hee shott him, his brother killed one some time
before. 'Tis my good fortune to have neither of the quarrills
o[n?] the publick differrences, they are both villannous murders,
therefore hopes your Lordship will interpose th[at] no pardons
may be had, they are not to be taken, one is gott off this Island,
and for the other, I know not if he is gott off, or no. Wee have
had a great drougth, but otherwise the Islands are in good health
and prosperity. Seaven privateers landed some men on Mountserrat. I had an account sent me that [the 29th] night. Imediately I pressed a briganteen and a sloope, and put the Queen's
troopes on board, and went to their assistance, but before I came,
they were gone; they return'd on board without doing any
damage, neither they nor we so much as lost a man; the Queen's
shipp (the Diamond) joyned me and for 7 days I followed them,
but could not come up with them. I visited all the Islands of
my Government, and when I secured them after the best manner
I was able, I returned to this. Signed, Daniel Parke. 2 pp.
[C.O. 152, 42. No. 17.] |
March 9.
Antigua. |
153. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Duplicate of preceding. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 7th July, 1710.
[C.O. 152, 9. No. 23; and 153, 11. pp. 39–41.] |
March 10.
Virginia. |
154. Lt. Governor Jenings to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to letter of Jan. 11. (q.v.) I'm sorry to
acquaint your Lordps. that the Enterprize is still absent, and
according to the time of her sailing from New England for this
place in Dec. last, there is reason to doubt of her safety. It has
however happen'd very fortunately that the Captain of the
Enterprize directed a sloop from New York to meet him here.
This sloop arrived about six days agoe, and by comparing the
quality and built of the vessell and the place from which she
came, with certain instructions wch. my Lord High Admiral
was pleased to give last summer for the hyring such a vessell
at New York to be sent hither and man'd for cruising with the
guard ships appointed on this station, there seems no reason to
doubt but that this is the very same wch. my Lord High Admiral
intended for this service. Whereupon considering the danger
to which this countrey is exposed from the enemy's privateers
(wch. are generally most busy on our coast in the spring) and the
uncertain expectation of H.M.S. the Enterprize for our protection,
I have with the unanimous advice of the Council given order for
the immediate fitting out of that sloop for answering the intentions
of my Lord High Admiral in the protection of the trade from
the small privateers of the enemy that lurk within and about the
Capes, as your Lordships may be pleased to observe more fully
in the proceedings of the Council in this matter (enclosed). I am
sensible that the taking on me to fitt out this vessell, and to
appoint a Commander and other officers and seamen on the
establishment of H.M. Navy without particular directions from
my Lord High Admiral is so far out of my power, that nothing
but absolute necessity for H.M. service could excuse the presumption; but as my Lord High Admiral's intentions for
obtaining such a vessell to be employed here at H.M. charge was
very apparent, that accordingly endeavours had been used for
that purpose the last summer at New York, and that now a sloop
is arrived answerable in all respects to the design, and no Captain
of any of H.M. ships here to give any directions concerning her,
I think I should have been as inexcuseable to have sufferred such
a vessell to ly useless, when H.M. service in the defence of the
country did so pressingly require her being imployed, and
especially having so fair an opportunity to man her with the
seamen belonging to H.M. late ship Garland, who have been
subsisted here ever since the loss of that ship at H.M. charge.
I beg the favour of your Lordps. to believe that what I have
done herein proceeds from the sincerity of my intentions for
H.M. service, and I'm well satisfyed your Lordps.' favourable
opinion of me in this particular will justify me very much with
my Lord High Admiral. I am also an humble suitor to your
Lordps. that you will be pleased to interpose with my Lord High
Admiral for his directions to the Commissioners of the Navy and
Victualling offices to provide for this vessell so long as it shal be
thought fitt to continue her in this service, and that in the mean
time care be taken to pay the bills which the Master shall have
occasion to draw for the necessary provision of victualls and
ammunition for the said sloop. Prays for speedy directions in
the business of patenting of land, etc. Signed, E. Jenings.
Endorsed, Recd. May 26th, Read June 6th, 1710. 2½ pp. [C.O.
5, 1316. No. 46; and 5, 1363. pp. 184–187.] |
| March 13. |
155. Sir T. Laurence to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Complains of Mr. William Bladen, etc. cf. following. Signed,
Thomas Laurence. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 13, 170 9/10.
Holograph. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 6.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
156. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Representation upon petition of Sir T. Laurence (v. Jan. 26 and
March 30, 1710). Set out, A.P.C. II. pp. 532–534. q.v.
[C.O. 5, 727. pp. 171–175.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
157. Mr. Popple to Mr. Lowndes. Communicates Mr. Laws'
Memorial (Feb. 23) relating to Lord Carberry's proposed
surrender of lands in Jamaica, etc. [C.O. 138, 13. pp. 98, 99.] |
March 15.
New York. |
158. Lt. Governor Ingoldesby to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Since my last (July 5), the Assembly of this Province
mett and sett from Aug. 15th—Nov. 12, and past severall Acts,
which I could not send the Secretary and Clark of Assembly
being not ready with there minutes. On Nov. 18 I went to
Burlington to meete the Assembly of ye Jerseys, which satt
untill Jan. 31st. having past tenn bills, which I doe now send,
etc., and 3 others past before, with the Minutes of Councell and of
the Representatives, so that your Lordships will see what has been
done in that province as to the last expedition designed against
Cannada. Refers to Col. Nicholson's account. But as I must
in justice informe H.M. of what the Assembly and people have
done thereon, I beg leave to acquaint yr. Lordships that neaver
people went on more cherfully on any designe then they have
don on this having raised £14000 for the execution thereof and
which will not doe as I am tould by £4000 which I cannot know
presisely untill the accounts are setled. As we are informed
that H.M. has appointed Col. Hunter Governor etc., I shall
not fall into any particulars on any of the Bills, etc. Signed,
Rich. Ingoldesby. Endorsed, Recd. 13th, Read 25th. Oct.
1710. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
158. i. Address of the Assembly of New York to Lt. Governor
Ingoldesby. Compliment his care and prudence, etc.
Continue:—The expedition which was design'd against
Canada, and has now met with a manifest disapointment, has put this Colony to a vast fatigue and expence,
and must have alarmed and awakened the enemy, who
have not only taken some prisoners to informe them of
the withdrawing of the forces from Wood Creek, but
are now well instructed by the lateness of the season
of their security during this winter from all danger by
sea. We have great reason to apprehend that they will
bend their greatest force against our frontiers, where
our forts and fortifications are soe farr out of repair,
that it will hardly be possible before winter to make
any considerable additions to them, and this disappointment and the bad effect it has produc'd amongst the
inhabitants in generall, has rendred it almost altogether
impracticable to reinforce the frontiers with fresh
detachments of the militia. Pray that H.M. regular
troops be posted this winter upon the frontiers of Albany,
etc., our maritine confines being sufficiently defended
by the season, etc. Signed, W. Nicoll, Speaker, Hend.
van Renslaer, Johs. Cuyler, Cornelis Seberingh, Johan.
Hardensoeck, John Hillcock, Abraham Lake(r)man,
John van Hoo, Pieter Harring, Josiah Hunt, Robert
Livingston, Ebenezer Willson, Henr. Beekman, Myndert
Schuyler, Samuell Mulford, Tho. Garton, Joh. Jansen,
Oct. 12, 1709. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 13, 1710. 1 p.
torn. [C.O. 5, 1049. Nos. 164, 164 i.; and (without
enclosure) 5, 1122. pp. 186, 187.] |
March 18.
St. James's. |
159. H.M. Warrant granting John Rayner, Attorney General
of New York, leave of absence for 18 months, provided he appoint
a Deputy approved of by the Governor, etc. Countersigned,
Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 203, 204.] |
March 20.
Admiralty Office. |
160. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Saml. Brice, Mariner,
having represented to my Lords of the Admiralty that he is
negotiating a considerable affair, with the Lords Commrs. for
Trade, that will conduce very much to ye benefit of the Nation
and desireing to be protected for one month to attend thereon,
I desire you will give me an account if there is further occasion
for this mann, and if so, for how long time. Signed, J. Burchett,
Endorsed, Recd. Read 21 March, 170 9/10. Addressed. 1 p.
[C.O. 323, 6. No. 100; and 324, 9. p. 431.] |
March 21.
St. Kitts. |
161. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I came to this Island the 19th inst. to meet the Generall Councill
and Assembly, that were prorogued to the 20th of this month.
I went from Island to Island with the man of warr to take on
board the Councill and Assembly of each Island, the Councellours
all came with me, so did the members for Mountserratt, but those
from Antigua and Nevis not comeing, I was oblieg'd to prorogue
them to the 23rd inst., at which time I hope they will meet,
but I cannot promise myselfe they will either repeale the badd
Laws, or make any new ones, for I don't expect they will do
anything till there is a determination of the complaint, but I
have called them that I might not be wanting in my duty; had
I justice done me in that they would soon come to a better
temper. About a month ago a passenger that came in a
Leverpoole man publickly reported that I had got the better
of the complainants, the very next day severall of them sent to
me to begg pardon, which I freely granted, and had that news
been confirmed by this packett, by this time we had all been
reconciled, for I will forgive all that have done me any injury,
and when this is done. I have no doubt but to bring all those
Islands under as good a Government as any of the Queen's Collonys,
for hitherto they have been under no manner of method. The
former Generalls used to governe as arbitrarilly as Bashas, and
my proceedings according to the Laws of England and putting
their Assemblys on the same foot (as near as the circumstance
of the place will admitt) with the House of Commons in England
makes them angry at present, but hereafter they will thank me
for it. If I have Justice done me, by degrees they will be brought
to reason, if not, they will be the same with the next Governour
that comes, expecting to gett him out by claymour. Repeats
account of attack on Mountserrat. Imediately I impressed a
sloope and brigantine, and with what troopes I could gett, went
to their assistance, they haveing chaced the boat that brought
me the advice, and not takeing her, they concluded I would soon
be with them with the forces of the Islands, which made them
think fitt to retire. By good luck I mett with the man of warr,
andd went on board her and being also joined by two of our
privateers pursued them till I dispersed them and after I had
vissited all the Islands and left them safe, I returned to Antigua.
The Treasurer of Antigua refused to pay for the hire of the two
vessells, and provisions put on board for the men, so that for
ought I see. I must pay it myselfe. Had the vessells been lost,
I should have had £2000 to have paid, etc. I must informe your
Lordshipps of a very extraordinary proceeding of the Speaker
of Antigua Assembly. Just as I was stepping into the boat, he
and Mr. Chester and Col. Fry (two other members) brings me a
paper signed by himselfe as Speaker and at the topp was writ
the Address of the Gentlemen of the Assembly to the Generall,
wherein after haveing asserted severall things that the records
makes appeare false, they tell me if I will call them then together
they wou'd pass Laws as other Islands do they would not say
they would allow the Queen a negative voice. I told them there
being a Generall Councill and Assembly called all particular
Assemblys were dissolved in course, but if they had let me have
knowne as much sooner, I would have called them together, but
that the Proclamation was already writt for their dissolution,
but when the Generall Assembly was over, I would call another
for Antigua, and then I should see if they would allow the Queen
a negative voice or not, but that I wondred to see an Adress
from the Assembly signed by their Speaker when the Assembly
had not mett, that their meeting at the election of Generall
Assembly men were but as so many private men, and that it was
their being unacquainted with the constitution of the House of
Commons made them run into these errors; but I thought it was
yet more extraordinary for them to indeavour to stopp me when
I was just going on board with the troopes to protect one of the
Queen's Islands which was actually attacked by the enemy, and
should I stay to call a Councill for ought I knew it might occation
the loss of Mountserratt. As soon as I had made an end, I went
on board and sett sayle, the people of Mountserratt were so
sensible of the obligation that the Councill and Assembly unanimously agreed upon the inclosed Adress, and presented it me
in a full body at my comeing there to call for their Councill and
Assembly men and withall told me (if I pleas'd) every man in
that Island would signe it. I heare one Parson Field and one
Col. Thomass claymours very much against me, there are very
strong circumstances to believe those two were the contrivers
of my assassination and stole away the night before I was shott,
for fear of the negroe that did it, or Captain Otto that was with
him should be taken and confess who sett them to worke.
Inclosed I send a petition delivered in Councill by one Parson
Buxton against Field. I hope what such a profligate wretch
(as Field) shall say will find no creditt. I have sent affidavitts
of all that ever went in the Flaggs of Truce, by which your
Lordshipps will see how farr I have been concerned in tradeing,
had I winked at that trade, I had had fewer enemies then I
have, and the affidavitts sent I hope will cleare what is layd to
my charge about Mr. Chester. The reason of their mallice to
that poor woman is because she sent me word of a designe that
was layd to murder me some time since; this poor woman is in
a deep consumption, and has been so for this two yeares, and wants
a nurse more than a gallant, and has the fate to be marryed to a
cruell madd man and a foole who turned her out of doores twice
before I arrived. She was an orphan and has no relations to
protect her, which is the reason she is made a sacrifice in hopes to
throw dyrt on me. 'Tis strange that I am to be attacked thus
in the darke, what affidavitts I take are done in publicke in the
Court House before the Lt. Governor and Councill, and everyone
has liberty to take coppys of them; their affidavitts are soe
secrett I can't yet heare but of one, and she that made that I
have proved perjured, and don't doubt but to do the like by
all the rest, if I had them sent me. I desire no favour in this
affair but common justice. P.S. March 27th I send the Minutes
of the Genll. Assembly to this day. Signed, Daniel Parke.
Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 9th June, 1710. 4 pp. [C.O. 152,
9. No. 18; and 153, 11. pp. 21–27.] |
| March 22. |
162. Council of St. Christophers to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. Certify that Lt. Governor Walter Hamilton
is a gentleman of courage, experience and good conduct in military
affairs, and best fitted to command as Lt. General, in case of the
death or absence of the General, etc. 8 Signatures. 1 large p.
[C.O. 152, 42. No. 16.] |
| [March 22.] |
163. Lt. Governor Hamilton to the Queen. Prays to be
appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands, in succession to
Governor Parke. No date or signature. ¾ p. [C.O. 152, 42.
No. 15.] |
| [March 22.] |
164. Memorial by R. Tryon, in behalf of Lt. Governor
Hamilton. setting forth his services in expeditions against the
enemy (St. Kitts 1689, Martinique 1692, St. Kitts 1702, Guarda
loupe 1703), and as Lt. Governor of St. Kitts, and supporting
preceding petition. Signed, Rowld. Tryon. 2 pp. [C.O. 152,
42. No. 14.] |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
165. Mr. Solicitor General. Encloses Act of
Jamaica for regulating fees, for his opinion in point of law, especially upon the clauses obliging lawyers to take retaining fees, and
for qualifying of writing clerks, etc. I have given notice to Mr.
Baber and the other Patentees here who oppose the Act, as also
to such gentlemen of Jamaica as appear for the Act, that they
may attend you when you shall desire it. [C.O. 138, 13. p.
100.] |
March 23.
Craven House. |
166. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Tynte.
Enclose letter etc. from the Board of Trade (Jan. 19 q.v.) relating to
illegal trade. We require you to make a strict scrutiny into the
several matters of fact alledged, and to cause such persons as
have been any ways concern'd in such illegal trade to be prosecuted
according to law. We think it highly necessary that care be taken
that in case any flags of truce arrive at our Province, that they be
not permitted to trade during their stay there, or to go on shore
to examine the strength and condition of the place, etc. Signed,
Craven Palatin, Beaufort, Craven for Ld. Carteret, M. Ashley,
Holleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 1.] |
March 23.
Craven House. |
167. Same to same. Warrant to the Governor and Surveyor
General to set out 100 acres of land, free of quit rent for 10 years,
and thereafter to pay 1d. yearly per acre, to as many poor
Palatines as shall arrive in Carolina. List of 7 families of
Palatines going thither (Mandorf, Stanser, Stark, Jansen, Fried,
Steinman and Kraft). Signed as preceding. [C.O. 5, 290.
pp. 2, 3.] |
March 24.
Whitehall. |
168. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Recommend for confirmation Acts of Jamaica, 1709, for securing
Port Royal, and appointing way wardens, regulating wharfage,
and buoying out the Channel between Port Royal and Kingston.
[C.O. 138, 13. pp. 101, 102.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
169. The Earl of Sunderland to Col. Jones. The Queen
having received several complaints of the great male administration and violent proceedings of Governor Parke, and that
several officers and soldiers of your Regiment being encouraged
thereto by him have for a considerable time committed very
high outrages upon the persons of many of the complainants,
H.M. has commanded me to express to you her displeasure
that the troops she always designed to be employed for the
protection and defence of her subjects should be made use of as
instruments of their oppression, and to signify her commands
that you examine and enquire into the truth of any complaints
of this nature which shall be made to you against any of [the]
officers and soldiers under your command, that if you find any
of them guilty, you inflict such punishment upon them as the
nature of their offence shall deserve, and let them know how
much H.M. is dissatisfyed with those proceedings, and that she is
resolved to make such offenders feel the effects of her displeasure,
and that you use all other proper methods and ways to prevent
such disorders, which especially at this time might interrupt the
course of justice in the examinations of the several complaints
agst. Colonel Parke. You are to send me an account from time to
time of your proceedings in this matter. Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 204, 205.] |
March 25.
Spanish Town. |
170. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The great mortallity yt. we have had here of all sorts of
people both white and black, I gave you acct. of in my last,
since which time we have had ye acct. of ye Laverdecrous Fleet
being sailed from the Havannah, which sailed about Jan. 7
to ye number of 16 or 17 ships and vessells, being all very illmann'd and ye ships very much out of order, by their being so
long in these parts, and had no other convoy but 3 letter of
marque men, two of wch. was French and one Spaniard. I hope
some of our cruisers or other ships may meet with them before
they get home, our men of war here in number 5 are in a very
miserable condition for want of men, 2 of which cannot goe to
sea except a third or fourth part of their compliment be soldiers
out of H.M. Regiment, which I am affraid in a very little time will
destroy the remainder of ye regimt. We have been sadly pestured
by our enemy privateers, who have taken severall ships and vessells
in sight of the Island, for which reason the Assembly is now
fitting out two vessells to cruse round the Island, etc. By our
last advice from Carthergena, the gallion is still in that Harbour,
which has on board a vast quantity of money, as also another
a French ship which they say is very rich and incapable of goeing
to sea. We also hear there is 2 French men of warr come into
these parts, the one of 44 gunns, and the other betwixt 30 and
40, the one of which was an Englishmann of war, the Dymon
frigatt. Two Dutch privateers abt. 10 days agoe brought in a
French ship loaden with negroes to ye number of 380, which
they took off of Cape Debrown, they also met with this Dymon
frigat abt. 10 leagues off of this Harbour, and exchanged severall
broad sides, but ye French run away, on board of which they
report there is near 500 men, which to me seemes to be extraordinary, therefore I am apprehensive that that number of men is
with a designe to man the gallion, or to take the money out of her
and to steale away with it as the Laverdecrous Fleet has done,
in case the Spaniards will admitt of it, which they seem to be
resolved not to do, they supposeing yt. they will cary it to France.
The great misfortunes that has attended us here is by our great
loss of men occasioned by ye disputes that has happen'd betwixt
ye Collector of ye forrain dutys, and the captures of ye privateers.
Refers to enclosures and prays the Board to lay Address before H.M.
The Assembly and Councill haveing requested of me to stop the
Elton gally for Bristoll, who was for saileing upon Satterday
morning, till Wednesday following when they resolve to have the
Address and everything ready to send with her, the Capt. of her
was very unmannerly and told me that his owners would complain
to H.M. in Councill, etc., so yt. in case such a complaint should
happen, I hope H.M. as also yr. Ldships. will consider ye necessity
of doeing it, and yt. it has always been my study to encourage
as much as lay in my power all tradeing ships. Our trade with ye
Spaniards is very dead, tho' we have always sloops and vessell(s)
upon that coast, but all their advantage, as they tell me, is that
they gett a new penny for an old. The Assembly has been
sitting since the first of this month, and I hope in 10 days they will
finish what they have to doe. Our privateers has taken 5 French
privateers, and we are endeavouring all we can to destroy them,
they being so prejudiciall to us, and are in swarms round us;
they have also taken two or three small prizes with cocoe, tobacco,
etc., but ye dutys being one half more then they are worth, after
their condemnation they ly rotting in the Harbour. The
Attorney Generall being dead, Mr. Percivall who had H.M. Privy
Seale has succeeded him accordingly. The Clark of ye Patents
and Chancery haveing refused to act any longer, I have appointed
Mr. Arnold Brown to supply his place till H.M. pleasure is known.
The Island is at present pritty healthy except the small pox,
by which in some places severall dye. Signed, Tho. Handasyd.
Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 4th May, 1710. 2½ pp. Endorsed, |
|
170. i. ii. List of prize goods and duties demanded on them
in Jamaica, with particular instances of hardships,
referred to in following. Signed, by Order of the House,
March 28, 1710, Jer. Collins, Cl. Assembly, and,
by Order of the Council, Richd. Rigby, Cl. Council.
Endorsed as preceding. 24 pp. |
|
170. iii. Address of Governor, Council and Assembly of
Jamaica to the Queen. We being sensible that our safety
and preservation through this bloody and perillous
war is (under God) entirely owing to your Majesty's
care and protection, etc., now in our extream necessity
and low condition to which our misfortunes have
reduced us, and the impending danger which seems to
threaten us, venture to prostrate ourselves at your
Royal feet, etc. We humbly presume your Majesty
must have been already inform'd of our many losses
sustain'd of late from the enemy, and of the great
desertion of our seafaring men, in whom consisted our
best defence, and we have reason to fear, those which
remain will continue to desert, unless your Majesty
extend your bountiful relief to us in what we humbly
conceive to be the cause of our misfortunes, etc., which
we take to be the demand of duties upon prize goods
by colour of the Act for encouraging the trade to America,
most of which very much exceed the intrinsick value
of the said goods themselves, to the unspeakable
prejudice of the merchants and others concern'd in
fitting out private ships of war. Refer to the preceding.
This we look upon to be the fountain and source of
our misfortunes, which are the more sensible to us, when
we reflect upon the happy effects that Act of Parliament
seem'd to promise; at its first publishing great numbers
of seafaring men from all parts resorting to us, and
abundance of private ships of war fitted out, which did
very great service against our enemies. Your Majesty
will be concern'd to hear that by an interpretation of
an Act made for the encouragement of Trade, Trade is
decay'd amongst us; what was intended for the benefit
of private ships of war has prov'd the ruin of several
persons concern'd in them, and that what was design'd
for the strengthning your Majesty's Colonies and
destruction of your enemies, has in effect dispeopl'd
this your Island, and given your enemies and opportunity
of triumphing over us. And whether your Majesty's
ships here have not suffer'd in their proportion by
desertions occasion'd in great measure by the aforesaid
demands, we leave to be represented to you by your
Majesty's late Admiral here and other your Majesty's
Commanders. Wherefore we humbly hope your
Majesty will be of opinion that this is an unnatural
construction of an Act of Parliament, etc., and that
the duties intended to be paid by that Act are such only
as always have been paid for the support of your
Majesty's Government of this Island, without which we
have not means to support it; and that your Majesty
will be graciously pleased to give directions that no
further or other duties be demanded on prize-goods, and
what has been exacted to be restored, etc. Signed,
Tho. Handasyd, Richd. Rigby, Cl. Concil., Pe. Beckford,
Jr., Speaker. March 28th, 1710. Same endorsement.
Copy. 3 pp. [C.O. 137, 8. Nos. 80, 80 i.–iii.; and
(without enclosures) 138, 13. pp. 108–114.] |
March 27.
St. Xphers. |
171. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I here send your Lordshipps the Minutes of the Generall
Councill and Assembly to this day. I shall use my utmost
indeavours to perswade them to do what may be for the Queen's
service and intrest of these Islands. I hope I shall do my
duty, though 'tis difficult to guess what they will do. Signed,
Daniel Parke. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th June, 1710.
1 p. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 19; and 153, 11. p. 28.] |
March 28.
Whitehall. |
172. Mr. Secretary Boyle to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following. Signed, H. Boyle. Endorsed,
Recd. Read March 30, 1710. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
172. i. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Mr. Secretary
Boyle. Admiralty Office, March 24, 1709/10. As to what
is proposed by the Report [of the Council of Trade and
Plantations] towards lessening the freight of pitch and
tarr from North America (v. Feb. 14), protections are
always given to such ships as proceed to the Plantations,
when their owners or masters desire the same, but it has
been customary for the Captains of H.M. shipps to take
their men from them, when they arrive in England, and to
put the like number of their own men in lieu, to sayl
them to the ports where they are design'd to unload, for
without doing this, the greatest part of those men,
if not all, would be intirely lost from H.M. service,
etc. There is not only the Law relating to the colliers,
but another also which forbids the taking men from
tradeing ships or privateers in the Plantations, so that
the men are thereby effectually secured in those parts,
but then it is attended with this ill consequence to H.M.
service, that when by death or sickness the Queen's
ships in the Plantations are rendered incapable to
proceed to sea, their Commanders dare not use such
methods as formerly to supply themselves with men;
insomuch that severall ships have remain'd intirely
useless, as at this time at Jamaica two of H.M. ships
of the fourth rate have layn long in harbour for want
of men to bring them home; and several others
cannot, for the same reasons, proceed on those services
which are necessary, as well for annoying the enemy,
as the security of the trade. Besides, it is reasonable
to believe that this restraint from pressing men in the
Plantations does induce many seamen to runn from
H.M. service, and betake themselves to the privateers.
As to what is further proposed, that good and regular
convoys may be appointed twice in each year for the
aforesaid trade, we do humbly represent to H.M. that
ships of war are constantly appointed every year to
convoy merchant ships and vessells to the Plantations,
and when they arrive, either those very ships, or such
as they relieve in those parts, bring the Trade from
thence, so that the ships for pitch and tarr may have
opportunitys of going and returning with them. And
if it shall be H.M. pleasure that two convoys be
particularly appointed in each year, to attend on the
aforesaid pitch and tarr ships, we cannot conceive that
the advantages, which may arise from that trade will
ballance the charge of such convoys. It is further
proposed by the Council for Trade that the commanders
of the convoys to the Plantations may be strictly
enjoin'd to sail from thence at the time which shall
be first prefixt by them; to which we do humbly
answer, that it has been always usual to fix a number of
days, at the desire of the merchants for their stay in
those parts, but in regard of accidents by bad weather
or otherwise, by which the merchant ships might be
interrupted in taking in their loading, it has been
frequently left to the Commanders in Chief of the
Convoys, to stay some few days longer in case the
Governors of the Plantations, or the merchants there,
should represent it to be necessary, otherwise the ships
of warr appointed for the good of the trade in generall,
might return to England with the smallest part thereof.
Signed, Orford, G. Byng, Geo. Dodington, P. Methuen.
Endorsed, Recd. Read March 30, 1710. 3½ pp.
[C.O. 388, 12. Nos. 92, 92 i.; and 389, 21. pp. 98–101; and (enclosure only) S. P. Naval, 8 under date.] |
March 30.
St. James's. |
173. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation
of March 14 concerning Sir T. Laurence. Instructions are to
be given to the new Governor of Maryland to use his utmost
endeavours with the Assembly there that a law be passed for
regulating Ordinaries without limitation of time, and that the
benefit of the licences be thereby appropriated to the use of the
Secretary, and that they compensate Sir T. Laurence for the loss
of the same since 1704, etc. Set out, A.P.C. II. pp. 532–534. q.v.
Signed, Wm. Blathwayt. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 19th April,
1710. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 7; and 5, 727. pp. 175, 176; and
5, 11. No. 7.] |
March 30.
St. James's. |
174. Order of Queen in Council. Confirming 2 Acts of
Jamaica, for securing Port Royal, and appointing way wardens,
etc. of. Feb. 24. Signed, William Blathwayt. Endorsed, Recd.
Read April 5, 1710. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 137, 8. No. 79; and 138, 13.
pp. 105–107.] |
March 30.
St. James's. |
175. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, William Blathwayt. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 17, 1710. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
175. i. Petition of Alexander Skeene to the Queen. Governor
Crowe refuses to restore petitioner to the office of
Secretary of Barbados. Prays that H.M. Order (Ap. 28
and May 7, 1709) may be enforced. Copy. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 24, i.; and 29, 12. pp. 104–106.] |
March 30.
St. James's. |
176. Order of Queen in Council. Approving of Representation upon petition of Francis Pouch and Daniel Gashet,
and ordering accordingly as to flags of truce etc. Set out, A.P.C.
II. pp. 617–619 q.v. of. March 14. Signed, Wm. Blathwayt.
Endorsed, Recd. 17, Read 19 April, 1710. 3½ pp. [C.O. 152,
9. No. 16; and 153, 11. pp. 17, 18.] |
March [ ].
Antigua. |
177. Extract of letter from Jonathan Dickenson to John
Askow in London. The Caribbee Isles are so much troubled
with the French privateers from Martinico, that no vessells
can pass in or out for them, Monserat they attempted to attack
with six sail of their privateers, but were repulsed on their
landing; they have plundered the Dutch Island named Stacia:
about two months since a small galley belonging to Leverpoole,
the evening before she made Antigua, a French privateer sloop
came up with her, lay by all night, and about 5a.m. attack'd
the galley with a design to board her, but the Leverpoole man
having provided broken glass bottles with which he covered his
decks, and retiring to his close quarters, as the privateer came
up, he so levelled his chase guns upon him, that he made a lane
fore and aft on the French man's decks, who still advanced and
boarded him, but finding it impossible to keep the galley decks
by reason of their warm fire from their close quarters, powder
chests, etc., they were obliged to retire, etc. This is the more
remarkable because almost every week since I have been at
Antigua, we have heard of our vessells being taken and carried
into Martinico. Fr. Pinnel from Bristol was taken into Martinico,
he came in a flag of truce to Antigua, and going from thence to
Nevis, was again taken by another privateer, and sett on shoar
at Barbuda, whence in a small boat he got to Nevis. We have
certain advice from Martinico that 4 sloops, and our late West
India Packet boat taken in Oct. last, are fitted out to cruize
this summer on the coast of Virginia, Pennsylvania and New
York, and the French in Hispaniola intend two sloops for the
same coast; they also threaten the River Delaware, and they
will be on that coast from this month untill Sept., unless they are
disturbed. Endorsed, Recd., from Mr. Penn. 17th, Read 19th
July, 1710. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 27.] |
