|
July 1.
St. James's. |
495. H.M. Instructions for Governor Hunter. Signed, G. R.
Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 283–301.] |
July 2.
Jamaica. |
496. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to letter of 26th April. On the 3rd of the last
month I receiv'd my new Commission, and am in dayly hopes and
expectations of receiving my Instructions, it not being possible till
then to take measures or call an Assembly etc. Encloses accounts of
exports and imports. Continues:—There ariseing some difficultys
and objections upon proceedings and regulations made here by
Mr. Keith as Surveyor General of the Customs without produceing
his originall powers, or so much as authentick copys thereof when
thereunto required to show his authority for so doing, I think
myself also obliged to give you the trouble of the inclosed account
containing the whole transactions and dispute between us, and
hope that when your Lopps. are appraised of the true state of this
matter I may have the honour of your Lordships' approbation
to my proceedings therein, etc. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed,
Recd. 1st Sept., 1715, Read 17th April, 1716. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
496. i. An account of some disputes between Governor Lord
A. Hamilton and William Keith, Surveyor General of
the Customs. April 26, 1715, Mr. Keith complains
that several vessels have gone out loaded from Port
Royal, without entering and clearing at the Custom
house, and others intend to do likewise. He requests
the Governor to give orders to the Commanding Officer
of the Fort at Port Royal that no ship be permitted
to pass outward, until the master first produce a certificate under the Collector's hand that she has been duly
cleared at the Custom house, etc. After consulting the
Attorney Generals, Edmond Kelly and William Brodrick,
and Mr. Keith having failed to produce his powers and
instructions, which he said he had left in Virginia, or
to take the oaths etc. appointed, the Governor replied,
May 24th, that it would be improper and unsafe for
him to give such an order, which seemed to him intended
to enforce the payment of fees other and greater than
ever paid, or by the laws thought demandable here,
etc. Mr. Keith replied, May 24th, that there was no
complaint about fees, and that such a matter related
to the Officer of the Revenue and was not in the
Governor's sphere, reminding him that he is commanded
to give his assistance to the Officers of the Customs etc.
As to taking the oaths, he had qualified elsewhere, which
was sufficient, his office not being confined to Jamaica.
But he was willing to take the oaths etc., if the Governor
suspected his loyalty and tendered them etc. The
Governor comments upon Mr. Keith's reply, June 20.
Other and much larger fees have been demanded by the
Collectors of the Customs, since Mr. Keith's arrival,
than are allowed by the Act for regulating fees, and as
justification, by his orders, they have cited the Act of
Parliament 7th and 8th William III., etc., etc. Signed
and endorsed as preceding. 42¼ pp. [C.O. 137, 11. Nos.
8, 8 i.; and (without enclosure), 138, 14. pp. 379, 380.] |
July 2.
York. |
497. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. I have little to add
to the duplicates, only to hint what I have wrote at large to the
Secry. of State, about the Indian warr in Carolina. Our Assembly
will do nothing for their reliefe. I am indeavouring to ingage
our Indians in warr with those who attack them if possible,
but their interposition being rejected last year, I shall have
the worse successe in this. I shall however do my best. The
French are debauching our five Nations, contrary to the Treaty
of Peace of wch. I have also complain'd, and sent an expresse
to Canada, to remonstrate the danger of these proceedings, happy
he who has nothing to do with those Colonys, upon the foot they
stand they run a risk of an intire and speedy ruine. Signed,
Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 16th Augt., 1715.
Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1051. No. 1; and 5, 1123. pp.
315, 316; and (extract) 5, 1085. No. 19.] |
July 3.
Whitehall. |
498. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of "Trade and
Plantations. H.M. intending very soon to give his directions in
relation to the garrisons of Placentia and Anapolis Royal, you
are to consider what may be the most regular method of supplying
those garrisons either with provisions or with cloaths, so as they
may not be reduced to such streights, as sometimes hitherto they
have been. You are also directed to consider how farr those
garrisons may be reduced, so as to answer the ends for which
they are establish't, as also what may be the most advantageous
way for H.M. service in those parts of disposing of such troops as
it shall be thought fit to withdraw from those garrisons. H.M.
service requiring all possible dispatch in these matters, you are
directed to report your opinion thereof with all expedition.
Signed, James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read 5th July,
1715. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 126; and 218, 1. pp. 243,
244.] |
| July 4. |
499. Col. Nicholson to Mr. Popple. Encloses following,
and Mr. Walker's letter etc. of March 14, q.v. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. 4th July, Read 7th Dec., 1715. Addressed.
¼ p. Enclosed, |
|
499. i. Thomas Walker to Col. Nicholson. New Providence,
14th March, 17 14/15. Acknowledges letter of July 31
from Piscataqua. Professes his loyalty to the King
and the Lords Proprietors, "whose tenant I am and a
pursuer prosecutor and disturber of all pirats, robers
and vilians that do or expect to shelter themselves in
these Islands," etc. I have rendered an accot. home
of my proceedings, etc. (v. March 14). Signed,
Tho. Walker. Copy. 1 p. |
|
499. ii. John Coleman to Col. Nicholson. Boston, May 9,
1715. Encloses preceding, etc. Signed, John Coleman.
Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1265. Nos. 16, 16 i., ii.; and
5, 1292. pp. 488–491.] |
July 5.
St. Christophers. |
500. Lt. Governor Mathew to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. My duty obliges me to give your Lordships an
account of my arrivall at Nevis, the 30th past, where, on the
reading my Commission of Lt. Genl., and the Attorney Generall's
opinion thereon, the Councill of that Island were unanimously
of opinion, I should receive of Col. Smith the late Commander in
Chief, the Seals, Instructions, etc., as usuall. The next day I came
down hither, where my Commissions of Lt. Generall and Lt.
Govr. of this Island being read, I took posession of this Government. What I have to report upon the little I can have learnt
since my arrivall is, that this Island in great probability will
not be the least considerable part of this Government, the number
of it's inhabitants increase dayly, there remains but H.M. declaring
his pleasure how the French part shall be dispos'd of to engage
very many familys making considerable settlements thereon,
which the present uncertainty deterrs them from. Signed,
William Mathew. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 15th Sept.,
1715. 2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
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500. i. List of persons best qualify'd to supply vacancies in
the Councils of the Leeward Islands:—St. Christophers,
Clement Crook, John Duport, William Woodrop,
Charles Payne, Peter Soulegre, John Bramley. Nevis,
Thomas Butler, James Milikin, James Symonds, Roger
Pemberton, Joseph Symonds, Charles Bridgewater.
Montseratt, William Fry, Edward Parsons, William
White, Anthony Ravell, Richard Cook, William Irish.
Antego, Valentine Morrice, John Fry, Barry Tankerd,
Archib. Cockran, John Duer, John Lucas. ½ p. [C.O.
152, 10. Nos. 69, 69 i.; and 153, 12. pp. 339, 340.] |
July 5.
Boston, New England. |
501. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. Encloses Acts and
Minutes of Council of New Hampshire ending 24th June. Continues:—The death of Mr. Secretary Story must be excuse
for anything not in due form I having only a clerck of the council
untill H.M. pleasure is further known. P.S. Col. Burgess is
dayly expected here. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 15th
Aug., 1715, Read 26th June, 1718. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 162;
and 5, 915. p. 145.] |
| [July 5.] |
502. John Graves to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
A scheme of what is required for the garrison of New Providence,
etc. Signed, Jno. Graves. Endorsed, Recd. 5th July, Read 7th
Dec., 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 13.] |
| July 5. |
503. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. Encloses following, etc.
Signed, J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 12th July, 1715.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|
503. i. Mr. Bridger's reply to the charges made against him.
Gives details of his work and that of his deputies, in
marking and saving trees, and copies of testimonials
by Governor Dudley etc. Signed, J. Bridger. 13 pp. |
|
503. ii.–iv. Copies of Governor Dudley's recommendations etc.
of Mr. Bridger Dec. 2, 1714, Jan. 12, 1715, Dec. 29, 1714.
All signed, J. Dudley and endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. |
|
503. v. Merchants trading to New England to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Recommend Mr. Bridger and
the renewal of his Commission. Signed, Wm. Willard
and 26 others. Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 866.
Nos. 48, 48 i.–v.] |
July 6.
Whitehall. |
504. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We
have consider'd an Act of Virginia, Oct. 23, 1705, declaring who
shall not bear office in this Colony. Quote clause referred to June
24, q.v. This Act was intended to encourage people to settle
there, but we are apprehensive it will not answer that end, for
that few persons will be willing to settle there, in prospect of a
place after three years. Whereas were it permitted that persons
arriving there, of characters and capacities for places, shou'd
indifferently with the other inhabitants, enjoy such places as
might become vacant, it wou'd be a temptation and encouragement to them to settle themselves and families there. But
besides this genl. observation, we humbly take leave to represent that the abovesaid clause as it has been lately interpreted
in Virginia, is repugnant to the Act for preventing frauds and
regulating abuses in the Plantation Trade, etc., by one clause
whereof it is enacted that the Lord Treasurer, the Commrs. of
the Treasury and Commrs. of the Customs in England may
appoint officers of the Customs in any city etc. belonging to
any of the said Islands, tracts of land etc. And by another clause
in the said Act, it is declared that all laws of the Plantations
in any wise repugnant to the Laws of England, are illegal,
null and void. Quote case of Keith and Kennedy, v. June 24.
Upon this occasion we have consulted several persons, particularly
Col. Jennings, President of your Majesty's Council of Virginia,
who was there at the passing the foresaid Virginia Act, who have
acquainted us that it was not then understood to restrain any
persons from having offices who were commissionated from hence
by persons having authority from the Crown, and that it was only
intended to restrain the Governors from giving away the best
places to their favourites. Upon the whole, we are humbly of
opinion, that tho' Mr. Kennedy is not in strictness within the
exception of the Virginia Act, not being appointed by your
Majesty, yet it ought to be so understood, he being constituted
by persons in authority from your Majesty, for that and other
purposes, by virtue of the Act of the 7th and 8th of King William
aforesaid. And the Virginia Act being repugnant to this, we
humbly offer that your Majesty be pleased to signify your disallowance and disapprobation of the said law. But as the said
Act, contains several other beneficial clauses, we further humbly
offer, that your Majesty's pleasure be signify'd, that the Assembly
may pass a new Act to the same effect, so it be not lyable to the
abovemention'd objections. [C.O. 5, 1364. pp. 224–229; and
5, 1335. No. 191.] |
July 6.
Whitehall. |
505. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose following. "We desire you will please to lay
the same before H.M. as soon as possible that if H.M. shall be
graciously pleas'd to approve of what we have humbly propos'd,
there may be time for it's being consider'd in Parliament this
Session." Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
505. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. The
furnishing of your Majesty's Navy with Naval Stores
from the Plantations, is a matter of such importance
that the Parliament have thought fit, for the encouragement thereof, by an Act pass'd in the 3rd and 4th years
of her late Majesty's reign, to allow a premium of £4
per ton upon tar and pitch etc. Since which, there
has been considerable quantities of pitch and tar etc.
imported into this Kingdom. And whereas besides
the trees fit for tar, rosin and masts, there are vast
quantities of others in the woods, fit for the building
of ships and houses, wherewith a considerable trade
might be carry'd on between this Kingdom and those
parts; whereby the bullion which we annually send to
the East Country for those commodities, wou'd be kept
at home, were there a proper encouragement given to
this trade. But at present by reason of the length of
the voyage, the freight is so high, that such timber from
America cannot be had so cheap as from the Northern
Crowns. We therefore humbly offer to your Majesty
that such timber as aforesaid, imported from the
Plantations, may be exempted from the duties to which
they are now lyable; for tho' these duties are lower
than those from the Northern Crowns, as will appeare
by the annex'd account; yet when it shall be publickly
known in the Plantations, that timber of all sorts may
be imported from thence into this Kingdom Custom
free, it will be an encouragement to that Trade, and in
some measure alleviate the burthen of the high freight;
and we humbly conceive that an equivalent to be made
to your Majesty instead of this duty, will properly fall
under the consideration of the Parliament, if your
Majesty shall be graciously pleas'd to recommend this
matter to them. We further humbly represent to your
Majesty, that the people on the Continent of America
have very much of late years fallen into the making
of woollen and other manufactures there, to the great
disadvantage of the trade of this Kingdom, and we do
not see how the same can be prevented otherwise than
by turning their thoughts and industry another way;
which we humbly conceive, may be most advantageously
done, by giving encouragement to the production and
importation of Naval Stores from thence. This will
not only be an increase of our Navigation, but will
occasion a great exportation of our woollen manufactures,
to pay for the said timber and other Naval Stores, instead
of exporting bullion to the Northern Crowns, as is
before observ'd. Besides, if this Trade can be once
settled, it will free this Kingdom from a dependance on
the said Northern Crowns for Naval Stores, which has
often proved expensive and precarious, especially in
time of war. In case your Majesty shall be graciously
pleased to approve this our proposal, and that the
duties upon importation of such timber be taken off,
we humbly offer that the pre-emption or refusal of such
timber be offer'd and tender'd to the Commissioners of
your Majesty's Navy upon the landing the same, and
if within the term of 20 days after such tender, the said
Commissioners shall not bargain for the same, the
importers be then at liberty to sell such timber to their
best advantage. Autograph signatures. 3¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
505. ii. Account of the gross duties payable on timber imported
from the Northern Crowns and from America. Signed,
Chr. Tower, D. Coll., May 12, 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 4.
Nos. 10, 10 i., ii.; and (without enclosure ii.) 5, 914. pp.
55, 60.] |
July 7.
Whitehall. |
506. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Reply to July 3rd. As to the supplying of Annapolis
with provisions, refer to letter of 18th May. Contracts should be
made here with some persons of New England etc. But we
apprehend it will be difficult to find credit in New England for
this purpose, unless the bills drawn by those who have hitherto
supply'd that garrison be put in a method of being discharg'd.
As to the clothing, repeat letter of 18th May. It seems therefore
necessary that the Agent for that Garrison or such other person
as shall be thought fit, do immediately provide a proper cloathing
to be there before winter, lest the men should perish with cold.
But as the off reck'nings are ingaged to 1717, we conceive some
money must be advanced for that purpose. As to provisions for
the Garrison of Placentia, while there was a garrison at St. John's
in Newfoundland, during the late wars, they were always supply'd
from the Victualling Office here, and the cloathing was provided
by the Agent, and we are of opinion, that the same methods
ought to be continued, by Agents better vers'd and instructed in
these matters than we find the present Agents are. As to the
reducing of those Garrisons, we cannot give any opinion thereupon,
till we know how H.M. may be pleas'd to settle Nova Scotia as
a frontier, for the greater security and improvemt. of the Fishery
on that coast, and the production of Naval Stores there, as we
represented 17th March; for that the keeping of a garrison even
at Placentia itself, will very much depend upon the settling of
Nova Scotia. Besides wch., as the Indians about Penobscot
and the rest of the French Indians are not inclin'd to submit
themselves to H.M., and that there seems to be a general defection
of the sd. Indians from the British interest on the Continent of
America, by the instigation of the French Missionaries, we
apprehend it may not at present be very safe to reduce the said
Garrisons. As these matters, and several others relating to the
Plantations, are of very great consequence to this Kingdom, and
require some speedy directions, we should be glad of your assistance and of that of the Lords of the Committee of Council, so
soon as conveniently may be. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 244–248.] |
| July 7. |
507. (a) Deposition of Major David Dunbar, formerly in
command of two regiments in Nevis. D'Iberville forced the
inhabitants to agree to the second articles, when the negroes had
escaped to the woods and refused to come in. When he demanded
hostages no one was willing to go, and some joined the negroes
in the woods, fearing to be sent. Whereupon D'Iberville seized
and carried off one Mr. Stanley as a hostage etc. Corroborates
June 15th supra. Signed, David Dunbar. |
|
(b) Deposition of James Butler, of Camberwell. Corroborates
preceding. 8th July, 1715. The whole Endorsed, Recd. Read 28th
July, 1715. 2½ pp. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 61.] |
| July 7. |
508. Thomas Bannister to the Council of Trade and Plantations. An Essay on the Trade of New England, etc. We take
off some hundred thousand pounds' worth of Brittish manufactures yearly, and pay in such commodities, as serve your
necessities, and not one article that increases your luxury, and
unnecessary expence etc. Some difficulties this trade labours
under; (1) The large duty upon our pine boards, masts etc. is
near as much as the prime cost. The East Countrey merchants
purchase all their Norway deals with the curt. money of this
Kingdom, which is certainly a pernicious trade, and tends to
impoverish the Nation etc. If the duty was removed, New
England would send you finer boards, and at a cheaper rate,
[than Norway], and take our pay in the manufactures of the Nation,
etc. (2) The want of a fund for the Bounty money on the importation of Naval Stores. The certificates sell at 45 p.c. discount.
The war in the North, and the disturbance of the navigation of
the Baltic have already raised Naval Stores to an unreasonable
price. Certinly then it behoves us to improve our own, to such a
degree, that it will not be in the power of those Northern Princes,
tho' combin'd in the strictest alliance, to hurt us. For quantities,
it is certin the Plantations are able to furnish of some sorts
the whole expence of Great Brittain and Ireland. One fleet from
New England only has brought 6,000 barls. of pitch and tar to
London; and that Plantation has millions rotting in the wilderness for want of encouragement to collect them. If a fund was
provided, that we might have the bounty as larg as it was
intended, the importation of Naval Stores will increase to the
utmost of your wishes, etc. We were verry dilligent upon the
first notice of the bounty, and began to relax when we heard how
poorly it was pay'd. Mast, certinly, we have the finest in the
world and enough to serve the Nation for ever, if due care be taken
and a propper person appointed to preserve them. Hemp, we
yet raise but little of, and I am at a loss to say the reason, for it's
certin we have soil that will bear it, a climate not unkind, and
the proffit I think would exceed all other labours of the Husbandman, etc. But arguments have been in vain. If therefore
upon application for royal favours, the King would only grant
those people upon condition that such a quantity of hemp should
be raised, they, brought by necessity to taste the sweets of the
proffits, would generally give into it. Our woods afford all sorts
of ship timber and plank, and if cut in a propper time and had a
due seasoning, I believe would prove equal to that of any other
countrey. Of late we build ships verry well, and for beauty and
strength may generally compare with any Nation. We abound
with iron ore, but have not yet got into the way of makeing
enough for our own supply, etc. You will judg what steps may
be taken to invigorate the Parliament to promote their own and
the Plantation's interest in this point also. If some method be
not taken, the Crown is in danger of looseing the beneficial trade
to that Plantation, and the supply of naval stores from thence.
The importation of New England exceeds their exportation, this
if not ballanced, will bring on this double evil. It will oblige
us to set up manufactories of our own, which will intirely destroy
that branch of trade, and those manufactories will employ the
verry hands that might be at work on naval stores. And then the
Nation may come intirely to depend on the humours and politic
designs of the Russ, the Dane and the Sweed, for leave to set a
fleet to sea. Refers to manufacturies, started 9 years ago when
English goods were sold at about 225 per cent., which put the
husbandmen and householder upon makeing, buttons, stuffs,
kerseys, linsey woolseys, shalloones and flannels, which has
decreased the importation of those Provinces above 50,000 per
annum, etc. Our Fishery is the next thing, and indeed the most
considerable branch of our trade, and if well follow'd would
equal the mines of Potocsi. We are oblig'd to fetch our salt
yearly from the Saltertudos. In war we allowed convoys, or
sent long warlike ships able to defend themselves and small ones
committed to their care. But the Peace has rendred such ships
unprofitable, and the small ones are insulted by the Spanyards
and treated as robbers. On this voyage we have lost more and
better ships dureing the short Peace than we did the whole warr.
This once might have been prevented by speaking. Refers to
Spanish claim and English title to Saltertudos. Asking would
have procured us the liberty to rake salt I suppose, from the
success of our glorious warr. It's of no vallew to the Spaniards,
etc. This I shall be very glad to see cared for as a real benefit
that will extend itself to all the fishing Plantations. We were
made to hope we should supply the whole world with fish after
the delivery of Placentia. But such unhappy managers were
they in this Article, that they have only increased the Nation's
charg by takeing an expensive garrison to maintain, while the
French remov'd to a more happy clime, and better scituation
to annoy us, their fishing ground inlarg'd, and they eas'd of a
great expense, were the only people benefitted by this delivery.
Much of the same nature was our log-wood trade to the Bays of
Campeche and Honduras, where in time of war if taken we were
treated as lawfull enimies, but now as pyrates and thieves. This
trade employs a great number of New England ships, and has
been verry profitable to us and the Brittish Nation, by the great
number of sailors it makes and maintains, all which are generally
left in England, but especially by the vast duty this commidity
pays, etc. This likewise is an important Article forgot or omitted
thro' a crimenal ignorance or pernicious obstinacy, altho the
Nation has so eagerly desired it, for 50 years last past. I find Sir
William Godolphin in his Spanish Embassie had nothing more
perticularly recommended to him in the affair of trade than this
liberty to cut wood in those Bays. I believe the Nation was
generally of opinion that never a better time to ask than in 1710.
It is certain the Spaniard would not cut and bring it to market
if we did not, doubtless therefore a thing of no vallew to them
would have been thrown in to oblige and quiet us. I shall mention
our trade to Surinam by way of prevention, because the Gentlemen of Barbadoes have openly attackt it, representing it as
prejudicial to the English Islands, therefore desired an Act
of Parliament to prohibit it. This trade takes off a great number
of small stores of no use to us and fit for no other market: it
imploys a great number of ships and sailors. The tradesmen feel
the benefit by the merchandize of soap, candles, beer, building of
ships and the great number of casks this trade imploys. The
landed interest shares with them in the export of verry much
hay, oates, onions, apples, pork, beef, staves, boards, butter and
flower. The Fishery by a great export of mackeril and refuse
cod. Other parts of merchandize by shipping thither much
wine and some salt. And the Custome house by the wine aforesd.
exported without a drawback. The return for these is molassus,
which we brew and distil, and thereby raise many good liveings;
And the merchant finds it one of the most profitable trades he
drives, etc. [Barbadoes and the Islands are not injured, because]
we expend all the Barbadoes molassus we can purchase or procure,
and pay 3d. or 4d. per gallon more for it, and it is almost as dear
again as it useth before this trade was opened. We send them
more vessels now than formerly, and such quantities of everything
that their markets will not take them off, but our commodities
lie there and perrish. The grand articles of this trade are unfit
for the Islands, or are in such quantities that we can overstock
both markets. Their endeavours to cut us off from this trade is
rather the effect of picque than any publick interest. I will say
nothing of what may in time be done by pottashes, or sturgeon
if we had the art to cure it, by copper mines of which we have
perhaps the best in the world and near navigable rivers; but
proceed to mention the evil which above all others opprest those
Provinces, and which alone will destroy them, if some method
be not found out to prevent it. The want of money or a propper
medium of trade necessarily arises from the difference between our
importation and exportation. The former exceeding the latter
obliged us to make the ballance in money, when we had it, and
the necessities of the Government calling for a Paper Credit,
which obtein'd a currency amongue us in all purchases and
payments, and made way for the more easy shipping off all our
gold and silver; and those necessities ceasing with the war, the
Treasury of course sinks all the paper and leaves us without a
medium of trade in a helpless and deplorable condition. As
things now stand a man worth £10,000 in land is certainly ruin'd
if he owe one upon bond, because so much land will not answer,
but all must be sold, or so much as will raise the sum due, wch. will
not fetch in such extreamities, five shillings in the pound, and
if some expedient be not found out, will scarce fetch money, on
any terms. To deliver themselves from this big-belly'd evil,
the inhabitants have projected a Bank of Credit founded upon
land security, etc. Urges the granting of a Charter for it, etc. I
am senseable it has been the policy of some Ministers to curb
the forwardness of the Plantations least they should grow too big
for the Kingdomes they belong to. What I have here propos'd
is principally to render the Plantations more service to the Crown
and Nation, and consequently the more flourishing the more
beneficial to both: Certinly the best way to keep them firm to
the interest of these Kingdomes is to keep them depending upon
them for all their necessaries, and not by any present hardships
to force them to subsist of themselves. If they once run into
manufactories, what will they ask from England ? Allow them
to keep the ballance of their trade and they will never think of
manufactories. But if the nature of their trade, or great duties
on their goods, destroy this ballance, of necessity they must make
for themselves, and will, since they have materials to work on.
But the notion is wild and ungrounded of the Plantations ever
setting up for themselves. Different schemes, interests, notions,
religions, customes and manners will forever divide them from
one another and unite them to the Crown. He that will be at the
trouble of reviewing only the Religion of the Continent, and
consider how tenacious each sect is, will never form any idea of a
combination to the prejudice of the Land of our Forefathers.
Proposes a Light House in a propper place in the Massachusets
Bay, which would save great numbers of lives, ships, merchandize,
which are lost yearly, and among the rest the King last fall had
a vessel perished, at our verry doors in dark weather, upon the
spot where the Lighthouse should be set, and every soul perished.
This was the man of war sloop that come to bring us the happy
newes of H.M. peaceable accession etc. There is a necessity that
something be done in this affair here in England, since all remonstrances to the Legislature in New England have been rendred
ineffectual thro' the artifices of designing men. The preventive
officer at Newfoundland being only there a month or six weeks in
the year, occasions illegal trading. A ship may load with Naval
Stores for Newfoundland, there he takes up his certificate to
discharge his bonds. As soon as the Preventive Officer's back is
turn'd, he loads again and runs to Portugal with his naval stores.
The same may be done with any other commodity of the growth
of the Plantations, etc. Signed, Thos. Bannister. Endorsed,
Recd. 15th July, Read 6th Sept., 1715. 18 pp. [C.O. 5, 866.
No. 67; and 5, 914. pp. 129–148.] |
July 7.
Whitehal. |
509. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The enclosed letter having been laid before the King,
etc., it is H.M. pleasure that you do forthwith inquire into the
state of that Province, and under whose direction it is at present,
and report your opinion on these points, as also of what you shall
judge may be the most proper and speedy method of assisting
and supplying them under their present necessity, etc. Refers
to enclosure No. i. for their information, etc. Signed, James
Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 7th, Read 8th July, 1715. 1½ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
509. i. Lt. Governor Spotswood to Mr. Secretary Stanhope,
Virginia, May 27, 1715. It is with a just concern for the
miseries of my fellow-subjects that I presume to lay
before H.M. the advices I received two days ago from
the Governor of South Carolina, that there is a general
revolt of all the Indians bounding on that Province, who
have broke out in open hostility, murdering the inhabitants and destroying their habitations, and with such
numbers as have never been known to combine together
since the English were settled here. The hurry Col.
Craven was in did not allow him time to write me all
the particulars of this event, but the messenger relates
many circumstances very dreadful. In this exigency
Col. Craven has applied to me to assist him with arms
and ammunition, as that which is much wanting, and
I am accordingly dispatching with all speed such a
supply of both out of H.M. stores here, as the condition
of this Colony will allow me to spare; for as there is
some ground to suspect that this heathenish combination may be more general over the main, it is to be feared
that this Colony will have occasion to arm in it's own
defense, however I would not delay this assistance to
Carolina, hoping that according to a letter I recd.
from the Earl of Dartmouth when Secretary of State
intimating that her late Majty. had directed all the small
arms designed for the Canada Expedition to be lodged
at New York and New England for the service of the
Plantations, I shall be supplied out of H.M. stores there,
if the necessity of this Governmt. should require it.
I hope this service of supplying the Government of
Carolina with stores of war on this occasion, will induce
H.M. to grant us a larger supply especially now I have
got the country to build a convenient magazine for
preserving both the arms and ammunition, and that the
neighbouring Colonys may be readily supplied from
hence whenever their occasions require. As I understand that most of the people of South Carolina are fled
into Charlestown, and have no other way to be supplied
with provisions but by sea, I have ordered the man of
war attending this station to repair thither to keep open
the communication with the town, and have likewise
writ to the Governors to the northward advising them
to send likewise H.M. ships in those stations to visit
that place from time to time as the best means to
encourage the people to a vigorous defense, till some
other measures be contrived for their relief. I am now
taking the necessary measures for putting our frontiers
in a posture of defence. And because I have certain
intelligence that there has been of late a more than
ordinary intercourse between the Southern Indians and
the Nations to the Northward, I have sent expresses
to the Governours of Maryland, Pensilvania and New
York to advertise them thereof that they may be upon
their guard, and to keep a watchful eye upon the Indians
in their neighbourhood, as I have upon some just
suspicions of one of the most considerable nations of
our Tributaries, who keep a correspondence with
foreign Indians, found it necessary to have them disarmed, which will be speedily put in execution, etc.
Signed, A. Spotswood. |
|
509. ii. Governor Craven to Lord Townshend. South Carolina,
May 23, 1715. The neighbouring Indians, with whom
we have had a long and continued amity, haveing for
almost these two months last engaged themselves in a
most bloody war agst. this part of H.M. Dominions,
I held myself obliged to give your Lordship a plain
and true account of the present state of this Colony,
being well assured that it will be as soon as possible,
laid before H.M. by your Lordship. I have no necessity
to acquaint your Lordship, that South Carolina is of all
the Dominions belonging to the Crown of Great Britain
in North America, the utmost frontier, having the
Spaniard at St. Augustin or Florida, and the French at
Movill on the great River Mechasipi on the South and on
the South West. St. Augustine is not above 70 leagues
from our settlements, from which place we have reason
to beleive, our Yamasee Indians who first began this
warr upon us, have receiv'd their principal encouragement to attack us. These Yamase's being look'd upon
by other Nations to be the most warlike, have prevail'd
with almost all the rest to become their confederates
and allies, so that we compute that we have at least
8,000 Indians engaged agst. us, all of them till now
entirely in our interest, and with whom we had a constant
trade and commerce. About the middle of last Aprill,
one of the said Yamasee Indians, gave some hint to a
trader or two that liv'd amongst them, of the horred
design they had been sometime contriveing to cutt of
all the English and become sole masters of their fine
and flourishing plantations; this astonished the poor
people, and caused them to begg only so much time as
they could come to me to Charles Town and return
again, and they assured the Indians that anything would
be done to give them satisfaction, with which they
seem'd contented. The two traders made all the dispatch, rideing night and day, to acquaint me with what
had happened; upon which the Council was called, and
we dispatch'd the messengers to let the Indians know,
that some of our chief men should meet them forthwith
at a place appointed, to hear and redress their complaints
and grievances if they had any. The Indians waited
for the return of the messingers, but they had not been
with them above 12 hours, but without more adoe they
were knock'd on the head by the Indians, with several
more white people who were barbarously tortured and
murthered by them. The adjacent settlements were
some of them imediately destroyed by the Indians but
most of the people escaped by wonderfull Providences;
this horrible and amazeing account of several massacres
being brought to me from several hands, I soon mounted
a party of men, and with them together with a small
number of Indians who live among us, I march'd to
attack the Yamasees before they were joyned by other
Indians; it pleas'd God to give us success against a
much more numerous party of Indians; they receiv'd
an unexpected defeat from our handfull of men with the
loss of eleven men kill'd outright and twenty wounded
on our side. The enemy having suffered very much in
this engagement, insomuch that haveing lost several
of their chief warriors and abundance of them being
wounded, they flew from their towns and settlements
and left their provissions and good plunder for our men,
they have not as yet been so hardy as to shew themselves,
but keep in unaccessable swamp and unapproachable
fastnesses. The country is now very active in fortifying
several places, which may hinder the Indians from comeing lower into our settlements, and is so industriously
employed for their deffence that all manner of other
business is laid aside, so that there will be hardly any
rice or other provision planted which will therefore be
much wanted the next year. I take all suitable measures
for the preservation of the Colony, besides white men
(which I am sorry to say it, are but few, being not above
1,500 in the whole Province, and they too at great
distances from one another and dispers'd in several
forts) I have caused about 200 stout negro men to be
inlisted, and these with a party of white men and
Indians are marching towards the enemy; but the
greatest discouragemt. I meet with, is the want of arms
and ammunition, for which I am now sending to New
England, but I am afraid they can't sufficiently supply
us besides I am endeavouring to bring off some of the
confederate Indians and make them our friends again by
presents and by all the most probable waies can be
thought of. It is great pity, my Lord, so fine and
flourishing a country should be lost for want of men and
arms, a countrey so beneficial to the Crown by its trade,
and once so safe to other Colonies by reason of the vast
number of Indians it was in alliance with. I have no
occasion therefore to press your Lordship to consider,
that if once we are driven from hence, the French from
Movill or from Canada or from old France will certainly
gett footing here if not prevented, and then with their
own Indians and with these which are now our enemies
they will be able to march agst. all or any Colony on
the main and threaten the whole British settlements.
People here are under such a dreadfull consternation
and surprize haveing the most barbarous enemy on
earth to deal with that they are many of them for goeing
off; but I shall take all imaginable care to prevent this
evill and have made them somewhat easy, by giveing
them assurance that his Most Sacred Majesty will send
them a speedy and sufficient supply of everything. I
am perswaded your Lordship will be pleas'd to use
your best offices for the assistance and preservation of
this hopeful Province, which without timely supplies
from the Crown, will be in the utmost danger of being
overrun by the heathen enemy, etc. Signed, Charles
Craven. Endorsed, Referred to the Board of Trade, etc.
2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. Nos. 147, 147 i., ii.; and 5, 1292.
pp. 424–434.] |
July 8.
Whitehall. |
510. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Enclose copy of preceding (July 7) and desire
a conference any morning the next week. [C.O. 5, 1292. p. 435.] |
July 8.
St. James's. |
511. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. We have received letters two days ago from
Carolina, which give us an account of the deplorable condition
H.M. subjects in that Province at present are in, by an invasion
the Indians have lately made upon them, who have exercis'd the
greatest barbarities, in torturing to death most of the British
traders that were amongst them; and the case seems to be the
worse, because it dos not proceed from any provocation given
to them as we are inform'd, but it is the opinion of that country,
that all the Indian Nations amounting to ten thousand in number
have combin'd to ruin, if they are not in time prevented, all the
British settlements on the Continent of America, to which
Carolina is a frontier. We the Proprietors have met upon this
melancholy occasion, and to our great grief find that we are unable
of ourselves to afford suitable assistance in this conjuncture, and
unless H.M. will graciously please to interpose by sending men,
arms and ammunition, we can foresee nothing but the utter
destruction of his faithfull subjects in those parts. The Honble.
Charles Craven Esqr., our Govr. of South Carolina, has behav'd
himself as a man of his quality ought, with the utmost bravery,
and to his conduct is it owing, that the country is not already
taken by the enemy; we wou'd most willingly give at our
Board sufficient security to repay to the Government such sums
of money as shall be expended upon this necessary occasion, if
some of our members, particularly his Grace the Duke of Beaufort,
and the Right Honble. the Lord Craven cou'd by reason of their
minority be bound. Whatever assistance is by H.M. goodness
afforded, we hope may be speedily sent. We retain one ship on
purpose to carry arms, and others shall we procure to go at a
day's warning. We have consulted General Nicholson, who has
commanded forces against these Indians, and he gives in the
following estimate as necessary for the defence of the Province,
vizt. 300 barrels of powder, 1,500 musquets wth. bayonets, 2,000
cutlasses, 40 cohorn mortars with hand grannadoes; Colo.
Nicholson is likewise of opinion, that it will be highly necessary,
that all H.M. subjects in the several Colonies upon the Continent
be by Proclamation prohibited to sell any arms, ammunition
etc. to the Indians, and that the French and Spanish Ministers
may be desir'd to give the same directions to their respective
Colonies in those parts. All which is recommended to your
Lordps'. wisdom, and we intreat your Lordps. to make a report
to the Secretaries of State or Council, as soon as you can conveniently. P.S. Since this was wrote, we have received your
Lordps'. letter, and shall be ready to attend you on Monday
morning etc. Signed, Carteret, Palatin, Ja. Bertie for Beaufort,
J. Colleton. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th July, 1715. 3 pp.
[C.O. 5, 1264. No. 148; and 5, 1292. pp. 436–439.] |
July 9/20.
Rio Essequebe, Fort Kykoverall. |
512. Commandant Vanderheyden Rezen to the Directors
of the Dutch West Indian Company. Signed, Pr. Vanderheyden
Rezen. Endorsed, Read 17th Oct., 1715. Dutch. 4 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
512. i.–xxx. Bills of lading, clearances, list of requirements,
inventories, etc. [C.O. 116, 21. Nos. 15, 15 i.–xxx.] |
July 11.
Whitehall. |
513. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. A proposal having been made to H.M. for the
disposal of the offices of Treasurer and Storekeeper of Barbados,
which, as I am informed, have been some times disposed of by
the Crown, and sometimes by the Assembly of the Island, I must
desire to know of you, how that matter stands at present, and if
you think that it is more for H.M. service in those parts, and for
the good of that Plantation, that the aforesaid offices should be
disposed of by H.M. rather than by the Assembly. Signed, James
Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 15th, Read 20th July, 1715. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 14. No. 42; and 29, 13. p. 311.] |
July 11.
Whitehall. |
514. Mr. Popple to Richard Shelton. The letter of the Lords
Proprietors of Carolina, dated the 8th instant, being receiv'd
but this morning, the Lords Commissioners for Trade will be
ready to confer with them between 10 and 11 of the clock tomorrow, etc. [C.O. 5, 1292. p. 436.] |
July 14.
Whitehall. |
515. Council of Trade and Plantations to Wm. Pulteney,
Secretary at War. Desire, by to-morrow morning, copies of
the Establishment of Annapolis Royal and Placentia, and the last
accounts received of the effective men and clothes in store there.
[C.O. 218, 1. p. 250.] |
July 14.
Whitehall. |
516. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Having been this day with the Lords of
H.M. Cabinet Council, it was agreed by their Lordships, that we
shou'd send you the inclos'd queries, to which we must desire
your Lordships' answers in writing to-morrow morning at the
[sic] of the clock, and that you will favour us with your company
at the same time. Annexed, |
|
516. i. Queries put to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. (1)
What orders their Lordships have given to the Governor
of Carolina for the defence of that Government. (2)
What dispositions they have made here, toward the
present supplying that Province with arms and
ammunition and provisions. How many ships they
have resolv'd to send from hence thither, their burthen
and strength, and how soon they will be ready to
sail. (3) In case H.M. shou'd be dispos'd to send some
men from any of the garrisons in North America, whether
their Lordships will supply shipping and provisions for
their transport. (4) What, and how much mony, they
require of the Government to be advanc'd for their
assistance, and how they propose to repay it ? (5)
Whether such of the Lords Proprietors as are not minors,
are willing for themselves to surrender the Government
to the King, and what provision will or can be made in
the Colony for supporting the Government thereof,
without any new charge to H.M. [C.O. 5, 1292. pp.
440–442.] |
July 15.
St. James's. |
517. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. Reply to preceding. (1) We have given orders
to the Government of South Carolina, immediately upon the
receipt of our letters, to imploy such goods and effects as our
Receiver has in his hands (wch. we conceive may amount to near
£2,000) towards procuring arms and ammunition for the defence
of that Government. (2) The Assembly did send in May last to
the value of £2,500 to New York, New England, etc., for the
purchasing of arms and ammunition, to inable them the better
to defend themselves against their Indian enemys. Whatever
effects we have from thence lately receiv'd, shall be, as soon as
may be, dispos'd of and the produce thereof apply'd to the
publick use of the Province; there is a vessel lying in the River
and now ready to sail with our orders, of about 100 ton burthen,
and others will be sailing in a very short time after. (3) If H.M.
shall be graciously pleas'd to send his Royal orders for any men
from H.M. garrisons in North America, we do not doubt but the
Governmt. of Carolina will send ships and provisions for their
transportation. (4) It is humbly submitted to H.M. great
wisdom, what sum of money H.M. will be pleas'd to grant for our
assistance, and great care shall be taken, when the Province can be
resettled, that the same shall be repaid, from the effects and
produce of the country as soon as may be. (5) If the Lords,
who are not minors, shou'd surrender for themselves, that wou'd
give the King no better title than he has already, for the title of
the Minors wou'd still subsist. And in case the money advanced
as aforesaid by H.M. shall not in a reasonable time be repaid, we
humbly conceive H.M. will have an equitable right to take the
Government in to his immediate protection. The Proprietors
have continually supported and defended the Government when
attack'd by the French or any other enemy; neither H.M. nor
any of his predecessors have ever been at any charge for ye
supporting or defending the Province of Carolina from the first
grant thereof to the Proprietors, which is above 50 years; and
the Proprietors hope when this war is over, H.M. will never have
any further trouble for any charges and expences whatsoever.
Signed, Carteret, Palatin, M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th July, 1715. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1264.
No. 149; and 5, 1292. pp. 442–445.] |
July 15.
Whitehall. |
518. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. It being necessary for us on several occasions, to
consult ye maps of the Plantations, in order to our having not
only a true idea of those parts, but also of the matters before us,
we have made all the inquiry possible for such maps, and can find
but few here that are to be depended on; And therefore we think
it for H.M. service, that H.M. Minister at the Court of France, be
desir'd to direct some person there, to make a collection of the
best maps of America, that can be had, whether general or
particular maps of Islands, Provinces and Settlements made by
any Europeans there; not doubting but good maps may be found
there in print, or in the hands of private Pattentees or Adventurers; and that the same be transmitted to us as soon as
conveniently may be. [C.O. 324, 10. pp. 74, 75.] |
| [July 15.] |
519. Accounts of cloathing of garrison of Annapolis Royal
to Oct., 1714. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Shirreff) Read 15th
July, 1715. 6 pp. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 128.] |
July 15.
Virginia. |
520. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I must not ommitt informing your Lordships of
the extraordinary events in these parts of H.M. Dominions. The
Province of South Carolina hath been lately attack'd by many
powerfull Nations of Indians combin'd together for extirpating
H.M. subjects there; and this combination so secretly carry'd
on that (tho' some of the Indians pretended to be uneasy on the
account of some hardships in their trade) the blow was struck
before any one suspected their intentions, whereby many of the
inhabitants of that Province were surprized, and cruelly butcher'd
by the enemy, and many more forced to desert their habitations,
and leave their houses and effects a prey to the Heathen. In this
their distress, the Government of that Province applyed hither
for an immediate supply of arms and ammunition. Whereupon
I without delay dispatch'd away H.M.S. Valeur with 160 musquetts, and some powder and ball out of H.M. Magazine here.
And upon that Governt's. sending Commissioners hither soon
after, to beg assistance of men, to enable them to defend the
small territory which is yet preserved from the ravages of their
enemys, the Council concurr'd with me in a resolution of raising
300 men for that service. And I used such diligence therein,
that there pass'd but 15 days from the arrival of the Commissioners
here to the time of their sailing hence with 118 of that number.
I have now 40 or 50 more ready to embark in two or three days
time, and am preparing the remainder, with 30 of our Tributary
Indians against the return of the Valeur; so that I hope the whole
complement of men from hence will be in Carolina within a
month at farthest, and well armed out of H.M. stores here;
but tho' I judg'd it necessary to succour H.M. subjects of South
Carolina in their present danger, in hopes thereby to extinguish
the flame before it reach'd hither, yet I cannot help representing
how unprovided this Colony is of arms, notwithstanding ye
supplys sent in by Her late Majesty. We have a large extent of
frontier to defend, and don't want a numerous Militia for that
purpose, but so wretchedly arm'd that they are perfectly useless,
and the laws of the country are so very defective that it is
impossible to bring ye Militia to a better regulation. Yet such
is the unaccountable humour of the Assembly that I could never
prevail with them to sett it on a better foot. Wherefore my
humble request to your Lordps. is, that you would be pleas'd
to intercede with H.M. for a further supply of arms to be lodg'd
here; not only to serve the occasions of this Colony, but to
supply any other of H.M. plantations which may happen to be
in distress, this being the most convenient repository, as lying in
the center of H.M. Dominions on this Continent, and to which
they may send with the greatest ease, and I have lately prevailed
with the Assembly to build here a convenient magazine for keeping
such arms, and to settle an annual sallary to an armourer. That
I may the better provide both for the defence of this Colony, and
the succour of our distress'd neighbours, I have called an Assembly
to meet the 3d of next moneth, and shal ommitt no arguments
to move them to suitable resolutions. I shal then have occasion
to write to your Lordps. more at large, etc. Signed, A. Spotswood.
Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 15th Sept., 1715. 2 pp. [C.O.
5, 1317. No. 10; and 5, 1364. pp. 245–248.] |
| [July 15.] |
521. Thomas Bannister to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to some queries by the Board. Cf. No. 508. (1) Prefers
that a private rather than a public Bank should be established in
New England. (2) As the people of New England have earnestly
sought the taking off the duty on boards, no doubt it will be
sufficient encouragement to them to ship them. (3) The country
between Casco and Annapolis Royal is healthfull, temperate, a
rich soil, abounding with naval stores, fine rivers, incredible
quantities of fish, wild fowl, and runs naturally into English grass,
which formerly bread the largest and fattest neat cattle. The
south-west side of Kennebeck River is the best, but is claim'd
by Proprietors who with the Dog in the Fable will neither serve
themselves, nor let others be serv'd. But I rather think the
design'd settlement will be to the north-eastward, where the King
is sole Proprietor, and where they haveing once obtain'd a Charter,
can have no disputes but with Indians, which I now come to
consider, etc. (4) The Indians were salvage, but not so extreamly
barbarous as not to improve since our settlement amongue them.
We have untaught them the genuine dictates of Nature and that
wild innocency and simplicity wch. was verry remarkable at our
arriveall, and instead thereof implanted our own vices and follies.
If I mistake not, Breach of Faith Hypocrisie and Drunkenness are
no older amongue them than the English Settlements, tho' I
must own the last mention'd vice seems so natural that I take
sobriety before our arrival amongue them to be rather a necessity
than a virtue because they had not strong liquors. Their quarrels
and warrs were not for ambition, empire or blood thirstyness,
but to defend their property and bounds. Therefore when a
subject of a neighbouring Dominion trespassed by pursueing a
dear or bear over the boundarys, it was esteem'd a sufficient
ground for war. But so easily were they appeased that upon
resigning the offender into their hands, or doeing publick justice
on him, the war together with their animosities ceased, which
shows there was no natural inveteracy. The inveteracy therefore
which now appears I take to be the effect of repeated injuries
and provocations, and the instigation of French Priests. Their
injuries have been verry great; as divesting them of their land
by force or fraud; first makeing them drunk and then to sign
they knew not what. And no wonder, since Dominium temporale
fundetur in gratia, serv'd both for our civil and religious, and so
forsooth the Natives had no title to their bread and water, without
leave from the Saints, who had the fee simple of their whole
countrey, and therefore frequently asserted in their courts, that
the native Indians had no better title to the soil than a bear or
dear. No wonder then that they have conceiv'd an opinion
that our design is wholly to exterminate and destroy them; and
to this our faithlessness in Treatys has verry much concur'd, one
instance of which, will live with them to latest posterity, and
equally in their memories and resentments. I mean the time when
in friendship and pretended benevolence we invited them into
an Isthmus, and while full of other expectations, butchered a
number of them. This was done upon the Eastern Indians
who have since been our most inveterate enimies, and will neither
heartily forgive, nor trust us. This their just indignation has
been improv'd, by the pious frauds of French priests, who have
taught them, that the Virgin Mary was a French woman, Our
Saviour born in France, and the English the Jewes that crucify'd
him. Ad to this, our inhumanity to them whenever in time of
peace they doe come amonge us. We villifie them with all manner
of names, and opprobrious language, cheat abuse and beat them,
sometimes to the loss of limbs, pelt them with stones, and set
dogs upon them. From this short view your Lordships will see
what difficulties they have to struggle with, that shall attempt
a new Plantation. They must sit down strong enough at first,
that the salvages be not enticed by their weakness to crush them.
They must verry early perswade them, that they have no design
to rob them of their land, that they don't justify the older
Plantations in their proceedings; that they shall find them
another sort of people than those in New England: that they will
at all times comfort and assist them; and accordingly, make due
lawes and see them executed, to redress the wrongs and injuries
of the Indians at least with as much care as they doe English.
To shew as little distrust and jealousy as possible, tho' always
upon a prudent guard. They must undersell the French and take
especial care the Indians are not cheated in the prices of their
furrs. These in time, I believe, would beget trust and confidence
and at last an intire friendship. Above all they must be most
religiously exact in their Treaties which is a point the more early
Plantations have failed in. I have been present when an Article
of the Peace has run in one sence in the English, and quite
contrarie in the Indian, by the Governour's express order, and this
has brought unnumbered mischiefs upon them. As for the
Religion of the Natives, tho they are bred Roman Catholics, I
never could perceive they spent many thoughts about it, however
ours obliges us to doe them whatever spiritual service we can,
but this must be by perswasion not compulsion. (5) Capt.
Southac's maps of New England are undoubtedly the best. (6)
There is no certin computation to be made, but I recon [the
number of inhabitants in New England] about 160,000, of which
the town of Boston conteins about 14,000. (7) As to the vallew
of Brittish manufactories they yearly import, I differ widely
from the honourable Mr. Cook. It was impossible for him by the
utmost industry to make a judgement by the Custom house
books, but rather to be misled. The first computation is, that
the Toun of Boston consisting of 14,000 inhabitants, and some
few hundreds, expend(s) yearly in Brittish manufactories £7
sterling each one with another. This amounts to £100,000. The
Countrey cloathing much with their own manufactures, I will
allow to spend yearly but ⅓rd of what a Boston man does, which
makes £328,500, etc., etc. Signed, Thos. Bannister. Endorsed,
Recd. 15th, Read 29th July, 1715. 13 pp. [C.O. 5, 866. No.
53; and 5, 914. pp. 66–78.] |
