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May 16.
Barbados. |
243. [? Governor of Barbados] to the Duke of Newcastle. Encloses duplicates of what he wrote by a ship that departed a few days since etc. and of depositions (v. 28th May) by masters of vessels "that constantly trade to St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Dominique for wood, tuttle and corn." Continues:—They are all inhabitants of this island, and best of any acquainted with every part of them, and the truth of their depositions may be depended on. They are concern'd that the French are like to deprive them of that trade, etc. If your Grace will please to observe the contents of the papers inclosed in my last, and the depositions herewith sent, it plainly will appear, that the Parliament, or Board of Trade may stand in need of no petitions or informations from hence in a little while, for should we have a war with France, the first notice from us may be of our total destruction! Are not our fortifications gone to ruin? Do not the French know it? Are not we decreased in people since King William's and Queen Anne's wars? On the other hand, are not the French increased, infinitly increased? Are not the French fortifications more numerous, strong, and regular than ours. Yes, there is no comparison. Are not the French at present notwithstanding the good state of their fortifications repairing and adding to them? and I can assure your Grace, as I think I formerly observ'd, there is not a man of a more enterprizing genius than ye Marquis of Champagn etc. Add to this the settlements carrying on, on Sta. Lucia, St. Vincent and Dominique. If St. Christophers, Nevis and the general condition of all the English Caribbees in the late wars with France be remembred, what have we not now to fear? Observes that the assistance the French gave the Dutch in their first war with K. Charles II was the rise of their afterwards formidable Naval power, the ruin of De Wit, who could never extricate himself from their service, and nigh the utter subversion of the United Provinces etc. No signature or endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 43. ff. 131, 131v.]. |
| May 19. |
244. T. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. It being by the good-natured encouragemt. of the Earl of Westmorland that I undertook to show that a sufficient quantity (to serve Great Britain) of good pott-ash might be made in our own Plantations, etc. as June 5th. Refers to enclosures and continues:—The Planters in Carolina may now be rich if they please, for considering the lumber and plank trade, wch. they are now got into to the islands, the making of pott ash, in which there is very little mistery, and with which the markett here cannot be overcharged, will pay the Planters more than double the expence they are at, in clearing their lands; and this you know will be a great inducemt. to new settlers. Besides the making pott ash will not interfere with the planting rice. The person who made the pott ash mentioned (v. June 5, ii) is a blacksmith by trade, and therefore some allowance is to be made for the colour, etc. Signed, Tho. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 19th May, Read 11th June, 1730. Holograph. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
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244. i. Duplicate of No. 275 ii. |
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244. ii. Extract of letter from Col. Bull, Member of Council, S. Carolina, to T. Lowndes. 24th Dec, 1729. The Marshall's place wants regulations, there being no provision for the subsistance of criminals they are now maintained by the Marshalls and since the disorder in this Governmt. there is not one writt in five that is executed. Signed, Wm. Bull. Copy. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 121–123, 124, 126v.]. |
May 20.
Whitehall. |
245. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Philipps. Enclose warrant for use of new Seal etc. [C.O. 218, 2. pp. 201, 202]. |
May 20.
Whitehall. |
246. Same to Same. Acknowledge letters of Oct. 2, Nov. 25 and Jan. 3 last etc. Continue:—We congratulate you upon the good success you have had both with respect to the Fishery at Canço and to the French inhabitants at Annapolis who have voluntarily taken the oaths to H.M. but we could wish they had done it in more explicit terms as our Secretary will inform you and hope soon to hear that the other French settlements have followed their example. Recommend Mr. Hintze to him and his observance of enclosed Instructions for settling Palatines and other Protestants etc. (v. April 27). Continue:—As to the request made by the French Protestants of having 2000l. issued in paper bills upon land security we conceive that no such thing can possibly be done, till you shall have an Assembly, and even then it is a matter not to be enter'd into without very great caution, bills of this nature having proved of very pernicious consequence in many Provinces. By the copy of Col. Dunbar's Instructions, you will find that he is not made Governor as you imagined of any Province, that part whereon he is directed to make settlements being still under the Government of Nova Scotia: But as it is so far remote from Annapolis Royal H.M. has thought it necessary to appoint somebody immediately to inspect these new settlers, and to proportion the land in proper lots for them, which are afterwards to be confirmed by grants under the Seal of Nova Scotia; and therefore you will do well to give the said Colo. Dunbar all the assistance you are able. As Placentia is likewise very remote from you and as the Government of Newfoundland has frequently been put under the care of the Captains of men of war upon that station, H.M. has thought it convenient to appoint Capt. Osborn, Commander of one of H.M. ships upon the Newfoundland station, Governor of that Island, with power to nominate Justices of the Peace in order to prevent the many outrages and murthers committed there in the winter season. We hope we shall hear from you as often as any occasion offers and that you will transmit to us constant accounts of occurrences within your Government etc. As to the French inhabitants who shall take the oaths, it must be esteemed by them as a mark of H.M. goodness that they have not long since been obliged to quit their settlements in Nova Scotia, according to the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht; not having till now taken the oaths of allegiance to H.M., it is to be feared we cannot much depend upon them in case of a rupture, notwithstanding this complyance, and therefore tho' it might not be amiss that they should take new grants of their respective plantations, there seems to be no reason why they should not in that case pay the same quit rents with the rest of H.M. subjects. So we bid you heartily Farewell and are Your very loving friends and humble servants etc. Annexed, |
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246. i. Copy of Col. Dunbar's Additional Instructions. (v. April 27th.) [C.O. 218, 2. pp. 202–214.] |
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247. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Genl. Mathew. Enclose following, with new Seal. The old seal is to be immediately returned to the Board. Annexed, |
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247. i. H.M. Warrant to Governor George, Lord Forbes, or the Commander in Chief of the Leeward Islands for the time being, for using the new Seal, described. [C.O. 153, 15. pp. 51, 52.] |
May 20.
Whitehall. |
248. Mr. Popple to Governor Philipps. In explanation of 1st paragraph of No. 246. I am to observe to you that by the words of that oath the French do not promise to be faithful to H.M.; the oath indeed seems intended to have been a translation of the English Oath of Allegiance, but the different idiom of the two languages has given it another turn, for the particle "To" in the English oath being omitted in the French translation, it stands a simple promise of fidelity, without saying to whom, for as the word fidelle can only refer to a dative case and obeirai governs an accusative, King George has not a proper security given to him by the first part of this oath and it is to be fear'd the French Jesuits may explain this ambiguity so as to convince the people upon occasion that they are not under any obligation to be faithfull to H.M., which might have been avoided, if the oath had run in the following terms, Je promets et jure sincerement en foy de Chrestien que je serois entierement fidelle à sa Majesté le Roy George le Second que je reconnois pour le Souverain Seigneur de la Nouvelle Ecosse et de l'Acadie et que je lui obeirais vrayment. Ainsi Dieu me soit en aide. [C.O. 218, 2. pp. 214, 215.] |
May 20.
Perth Amboy. |
249. Governor Montgomerie to the Duke of Newcastle. Acknowledges letter of 22nd Jan. by H.M.S. Solebay and instructions as to cessation of arms etc. Has ordered enquiries to be made whether any prizes have been taken from the Spaniards since 11/22 June, 1728. Acknowledges letter of 2nd March relating to the English Copper Company. Concludes:— I have had several conferences with the Proprietor of the Mines. I find him unwilling to enter into any contract here, and all I can bring him to is to promise, that when his ships arrive in England with the ore, the Company shall have the first sight of it etc. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, R. 8th Sept. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 983. ff. 16, 16v., 17v.] |
May 22.
Perth Amboy. |
250. Governor Montgomerie to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Has had no opportunity till now of acknowledging their letter of July 9, 1729. He was so far from discouraging the late Assembly from addressing the Crown for a distinct Governour, that when he was informed of their secret consultations, he made it known to all that he would not oppose the Council's joyning with them in a dutifull Address and would willingly transmit it. As stated 20th April, 1729, his principal reason for dissolving them was because in their resolves and messages they mentioned no application nor address to the King. Anxiously expecting a reply to his letter of 2nd Aug., he prorogued the Assembly till he could do it no longer, the revenue expiring in Sept. next, so met them on 7th May. He did not in his Speech (enclosed) mention their Instruction for repealing the last clause of the Act for appropriating a part of the interest money because the Act for providing for the incidental charges of the Government (to which use the interest money has always been applyed) is generally the last Act of the Session, and hopes for the Board's answer to his letter of 2nd Aug. 1729, before that. He has conversed with all the Members about it, and has little hopes that they will consent to the sinking of the interest money, for they insist that the bills sink regularly and punctually without it. The Assembly has as yet gone upon no business of consequence, having been obliged to adjourn a week, because of the meeting of the Supream Court, which required the attendance of several of the Members. The Quakers are as numerous in this as they were in the last Assembly. Hopes they will behave better than they did then and do something to deserve the favour of having their bill ratified. Mr. Kinsey, one of their profession, is chosen Speaker and a man of sense and honesty etc. Returns thanks for their report on Mr. Morris junior. His removal from the Council of New York was absolutely necessary, for his whole business has always been to set the Council, Assembly and the Governor by the ears, etc. Set out, N. J. Archives, 1st Ser. V. 268. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, Recd. 12th Sept., 1730. Read 16th June, 1731. 4 pp. Enclosed, |
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250. i. (a) Speech of Governor Montgomerie to the General Assembly, Perth Amboy, 7th May, 1730. H.M. has commanded me to have a strict regard for all your rights and priviledges and instructed me to concur with you in everything that is for the real good of the Province, particularly the encouragement of your trade and manufactures. He expects on your part that you will support his Government by settling upon him a revenue in as ample a manner and for as long a time as former Assemblies have given it to his predecessors etc. |
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(b) Reply of Assembly. Express their "loyalty and gratitude to the best of Kings" and declare their readiness to settle the revenue as above, etc. Signed, John Kinsey, jr., Speaker. |
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(c) The Governor's reply, expressing satisfaction with above. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 972. ff. 209–210v., 217–213v.] |
May 22.
Perth
Amboy. |
251. Governor Montgomerie to Mr. Popple. Excuses himself for not having written oftener, but knew he would see his letters to the Board. Returns thanks "for the great care Mr. Drummond tells me you have taken of every thing that concerned me at the Board of Trade." Will return answers to queries of Dec. 9th, 1729, but some require time. Signed, J. Montgomerie. Endorsed, Recd. 12th Sept., 1730, Read 2nd April, 1731. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1055. ff. 153, 154v.] |
| [May 22]. |
252. Account and certificate of the value of the Swallow and cargo of fish (1526l. 19s. 6d. sterg.) seized at St. Ogne, 30th Sept., 1718. (v. 7th July). Endorsed, Recd. 22nd May 1730. English and French. 4½ pp. [C.O. 388, 93. Nos. 18, 18 i.] |
May 23.
Whitehall. |
253. The Council of Trade and Plantations to the Privy Council. We have had under consideration your Lordsps. Order of the 14th inst. referring to us a petition from the Lord Carteret, setting forth his "right to one full eighth undevided part of Carolina, and also of the arrears of Quit rents, and humbly praying, that his eighth part of the soil may be set out and allotted to him, in such parts of the sd. Province, as shall be agreed upon by such persons as H.M. shall be pleased to appoint for H.M. and such persons as his Lordsp. shall name on his part, to hold the same in severalty to him and his heirs, together with all the same royalties, powers, liberties and privileges (the Governmt. of the said Province only excepted) as far as concerns such eighth part, as he is entituled unto under the Charter of the Province, and the Act of Parliament lately passed for establishing an agreement with seven of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina for surrendering their title and intrest therein to H.M., in case such division or allotment was not or should not be made; and under the like quit rents as are mentioned in the sd. Charter, according to his proportion or eighth part thereof; whereupon the said Lord Carteret proposes to surrender to H.M. his intrest in the Government of the said Province, and to convey, confirm and release to H.M. the other seven parts of the said province." We take leave to represent to your Lordships, that we are of opinion it will be for H.M. service, that the Lord Carteret's property shou'd be separated from that of H.M., wherein he should enjoy whatsoever he is entituled to by the Charter of Carolina and the aforesaid late Act of Parliament; and to prevent any difficulties that may attend the setting out an eighth part of the soil of the said Province, we think the method proposed by the said L. Carteret will be most effectual. Wherefore we have no objection to H.M. appointing some proper persons and impowering them to agree finally with such as shall be appointed by the said Lord Carteret for such a tract of land as they shall deem to be a just proportion for his Lordship's eighth part and upon his Lordship's surrendering to H.M. all pretentions to the Govt, of Carolina, the sd. eighth part of the lands to be set out as aforesaid may be convey'd to his Lordsp. in such manner as H.M. shall be advised by his Council learned in the Law. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 77–79.] |
May 25.
Boston. |
254. Col. Dunbar to Mr. Popple. Abstract. As he has not had one line from any of the offices, fears his letters have either miscarried or been disapproved. By the mast ship lately arrived at Casco-bay, letters from Mr. Waldoe state that he has prevailed at home to put a stop to the settleing the new colony until further orders, and until H.M. title to those lands is determined, which he always apprehended was done before his late Majesty in Council some years ago. Continues:—I have seen a printed state of the proceedings thereupon with an opinion signed by Dr. Pinfold of Doctors Commons. Capt. Coram was one of the petitioners who proved the King's right, and then all the present claims lay dormant, as they did in 1663, when the tract of lands now in dispute was granted by patent to ye Duke of York, it was never worth their while to settle till now they apprehended yt. H.M. was inclined to do it, and if the claims are allowed I will pawn my life it will never be settled etc. Continues:—"The dayly opposition and ill useage I meet with for doeing my duty is not to be creditted, and ye famous Dr. Cook at the head of all, even to the pleading all their causes in the Admiralty Courts," etc., where the Judge is superannuated, and either very ignorant, or partial to the country, or both. The proceedings and decrees will prove it. Describes the objections he made to Dr. Cook's affidavit, which they owned were right, but would not correct it. Continues:— "Dr. Cook now says I have hinder'd him and others from settleing, it is wonderfull they never were induced to attempt it before, as is plain by the whole country is a wilderness, without one house or hutt between the Island of Arrowsick in ye river of Kennebeck and Georges River, where the Province of the Masachusets keep a truck house for ye furr trade with the Indians and those two rivers are about fourty miles asunder, and there are not ten acres of clear land about ye truck house, nor any clear land or settlement anywhere else; I have done more this winter at Fredericksburg than ever was in ye whole province, no part of even the Masachusets can show so much clear land without some wood, and now most part of it under corn and gardens, it is a thousand pittys such a settlement should be baulked to please a number of thankless people, who act herein in pure opposition to his Majesty, and not with any real designe to settle themselves there, but in my humble opinion the scope of land these people already possess is too extensive, and will containe more than enough such subjects as they are etc. If it should be H.M. pleasure that the settlement should go on, desires to be excused in being concerned etc. There would not have been any opposition to this new settlement but that Dr. Cook and Mr. Waldo spirited up the claimants, saying their interest at Court was not to be withstood, of wch. they had a late instance, it is impossible to describe their behaviour since, tho' now that they hear their own Governour is charged with ye 23rd Article in stronger terms than Mr. Burnet was, they express themselves with great resentment and indecency towards him. Most of the people who have the claims sett no vallue upon them and were willing to take new titles under the quit rent reserved, until Dr. Cook and Mr. Waldo said they would not give the King a farthing and undertook to sollicit a confirmation of the titles for one halfe to themselves. I beg it may be rememberd that if the claims are allowed, all those lands will be private property before the year 1690, and there can be no reserve there for the Royal Navy, when I sayd thus to Mr. Westbrook, the present undertaker for the masts, he replyed, the King might go into ye bay of Fundy for 'em, these and many such desrespectfull treatments of his Majesty, I own does so ruffle me that I am weary of my life, and any man yt. behaves anything different from the croud, stinks of the prerogative, this expression is common wth. them, some of them lately upon the arrival of ships from London, gave out for news, that the King and Queen were poysond. and yt. England was in armes divided for the Prince and Duke, late at night many families were waked and alarmd wth. this, the Attorny Genii, has had ye partys bound over, and is resolved to prosecute them, but he tells me he fears the punishmt. will not be corporal nor exceeding 20s. fine; the fines mention'd in the Acts of Parliamt. are construed here to be this currency wch. is not 1/3 sterl., I beg an explanation of yt., tho' I have no occasion as yet, never having received one penny fine, but doubt not to be decreed some upon my appeals home, but then the partys will only go to jail for a little time etc., and not longer for 100 trees than for one. I am more out of pocket upon the prosecutions than I can spare, and have no fund for it. I wish the Advocate and Attorny Genll, were ordered to attend all prosecutions, and to make their demands home, tho' if either of them was Judge of ye Admiralty in lieu of Mr. Byfield, the King would have justice here, and ye fines might not onely pay the charges, but afford some small sallary or travelling charges for them. My Lords will be surprised at proceedings; which are now prepareing for my sending home, by the Attorny and Advocate General, which I hope will be convinceing yt. nobody ought to be a judge in these parts yt. either is a native or interested in the lands or woods; the man of war for this station is dayly expected and it is rumoured that Mr. Belcher was stop'd in England upon the Ministry being made acquainted with his religion and principles, here is a Gentlemn. that heard him say lately in London, when a bible and common prayer book were presented to him bound together, that he would take away the prayer book because it polluted ye bible, the King's friends here are pleased wth. ye hopes of a new Governour, and wish for Collo. Burges or some man of spirit to keep these stubborn people to their duty etc. Please lay this before their Lordships etc. P.S. Here is a report yt. Coll. MtGomery is dead at New York, but I cannot find any grounds for it. Signed, David Dunbar. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd July, Read 28th Oct., 1730. Holograph. 8 pp. Enclosed, |
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254. i. Copy of a Summons to Col. Dunbar to be present at the taking of affidavits against him 23rd May, 1730, by Adam Winthrop, Elisha Cook, Anthony Stoddard, James Bowdoin and Cornelius Waldoe, merchants, of Boston. Signed, Timo. Clarke, Nath. Green. Enclosed, Recd. 2nd July, 1730. Copy, attested, John Darrell, Depty. Sheriff. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 871. ff. 176–179v., 180v.–181v.] |
May 26.
Whitehall. |
255. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. In reply to 12th May, my Lords have no objection to the informer receiving H.M. share of the penalty etc. [C.O. 5, 916. p. 387.] |
May 26.
Whitehall. |
256. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Committee of the Privy Council. Reply to Dec. 18th, 1729. We have discoursed with the merchts. and planters concern'd in [the Leeward] Islands, and find they are of opinion that the said Islands cannot afford to grant additional salary to their Govr., but if we may be allowed to judge of their ability, from what they have already given to former Govts., we think that they might allow a summ not exceeding 2000l. sterl. But the merchts. having refused to give us any information with respect to the proportion each island ought to pay of this summ, we do not think ourselves sufficiently enabled to ascertain the same. We are the rather inclined to believe, these Islands may without difficulty come into this contribution, because the summes given by them to the Lord Londonderry, were much larger, and yet when disputes arose before this Board upon the acts by which those summs were granted, the merchts. complaint was not against the summ given to his Lordship, but against the manner of collecting only. Considering the dearness of provisions and the manner in which H.M. Governor should live, to support the dignity of his employment in the neighbourhood of the French and other foreign nations, we conceive that less than 2000l. sterling in addition to the salary paid by H.M. will not be sufficient. We apprehend, the fees and perquisites of this Government to be of small consequence, Col. Hart having informed us that he offered, when he was Govr. of the Leeward Islands, to farm them at 2000l. per annum, and the said perquisites were then more and more considerable than they can be now, the French lands on St. Christophers being since that time disposed of, for the benefit of the publick: But we think it our duty to acquaint your Lordships, that from the disposition which the people of these islands seem to be in at present, we apprehend there is very little reason to expect they will make any additional provision for a new Govr. [C.O. 153, 15. pp. 53–56.] |
| May 27. |
257. Mr. Popple to the Officers of the Board of Works. The rails before this Office being in a very ruinous condition, desires they will give directions for repair etc. [C.O. 389, 37. p. 310.] |
| May 27. |
258. Merchants trading to S. Carolina to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pray that the laws relating to the execution of Justice, particularly that for altering the manner of serving process etc. may be amended, (v. April 17). Signed, Ste. Pet. Godin, John Hewlett, Richd. Lambton and eleven others. Endorsed, Recd. 27th May, Read 4th June, 1730. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 105, 106v.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
259. Mr. Popple to Col. Williamson. My Lords Commissioners being informed that Mr. Hintze has received the money from the Treasury, but remains privately in town etc., desire you will let them have what information you can get of this matter, their Lordships being very much concern'd to find a person you so strongly recommended act in this manner. [C.O. 218, 2. p. 216.] |
May 28.
Barbados. |
260. [Governor of Barbados]. Encloses duplicates of 16th May and refers to enclosures. Concludes :—Something must be done against the exorbitant, and surprizing increase of the French in these parts, and amongst other things nothing seems more reasonable, expedient and necessary than that the English should have St. Lucia, the French Dominique, and that St. Vincent be possessed only by native Indians and free negroes that are on it. If the French will not come into this, surely they have a premeditated design to circumvent and overrun us. I am now to request of your Grace, that you would please to let my letters be punctually answered, or their receipt acknowledg'd by your Secretary, etc. for otherwise I may be sometimes in suspence and great incertainty. No signature or endorsement. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
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260. i. Deposition of Mark Waters, merchant, Barbados. 14th May, 1730. Deponent is very well acquainted with Sta. Lucia. For some years past several Frenchmen have come over from Martinique and settled in all parts where there is any conveniency of landing. They are encouraged and have permissions from the General of Martinique. Deponent is well satisfied that he gives them leave to settle at Dominique and St. Vincent as well. When he was last at Sta. Lucia there were at least 200 French families inhabitants there and more were daily coming on. He hath often heard it reported by the French there that they soon expected to make it a French settlement. If speedy care be not taken, the French will soon become very strong on said Island. Signed, Mark Waters. 1 p. |
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260. ii. Deposition of Samuel Clay, master of the sloop Elizabeth, owned by Mark Waters, 14th May, 1730. On 24th March last deponent touched at Dominique for water and ballast at the S.E. part of that island, where he found several French inhabitants settled. He was received by several Frenchmen who required him to go to their Captain for a permission, which he refusing to do, they told him he must go to their Captain for that he was put in by the Marquis of Champagnie (who is general of the French Islands), and that said Champagnie had reviewed them and found their body to consist of 500 effective men. They offered to buy goods off him if he would get permission from their Captain to trade, which deponent refused to do, saying that he knew no right the French had to that island etc. One Caleb Sudbury belonging to Barbados was lately at St. Vincent and told him that St. Vincent had likewise a French Captain appointed there. If timely steps be not taken, the French will soon be masters of Sta. Lucia, Dominique and St. Lucia, etc. Signed, Saml. Clay. 1 p. |
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260. iii. Deposition of Richard Crawdon, master of the sloop Industry, owned by John Ridley, Barbados. 15th May, 1730. On 25th March deponent landed at St. Vincent to cut timber, when one Monsr. Ja'true endeavoured to prevent him. On deponent making answer that he would in spite of him, Ja'true immediately offered a hogshead of rum and a hogshead of wine to the native Indians and negroes to come down and burn his sloop. Deponent was forced to send and bribe them to prevent it, but believes they would have done it, had not another English sloop, commanded by one Daniel Daniel (on board of which was Caleb Sudbury) been there and agreed to stand by one another. Ja'true told him that he was sent by order of the General of Martinique to cut timber for the fortifications at Martinique; and that the said General had given orders to suffer no Englishman to come ashore there or at Sta. Lucia, to cut wood or timber, and also said they expected both the said islands would be made French settlements very soon. There is one M. Pecherea at St. Vincent which the Frenchmen told deponent was sent by the General of Martinique to reside there as their Capt. Deponent has used the said island near 7 years, and there is at least 500 French families settled there besides 1000 negroes etc. At Sta. Lucia there is not less than 250 or 300 French families settled, and several of them have from 20 to 50 slaves each, and once in six months a person comes from Martinique sent by the General to take an account of the number of the inhabitants. Signed, Richard Crawdon. 1¾ pp. |
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260. iv. Deposition of Caleb Sudbury. Deponent has been employed to build sloops for the French inhabitants at Sta. Lucia etc. Corroborates preceding. 14th May, 1730. Signed, Caleb Sudbury. 1½ pp. |
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260. v., vi. M. Godart to Caleb Godart. Ste. Lucie, Feb. 2nd and 11th April (N.S.) 1730. Engages him to come and build a sloop for him. Signed, Marm. Godart. French. 2½ pp. |
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260. vii. Deposition of John Barnes, master of the Good Intent, Barbados. 15th May, 1730. A Frenchman named Tremblant, armed with pistols and cutlash prevented deponent's people from cutting timber on St. Vincent, 11th March, 1728. They said they were sent to cut timber for the fortifications by the General of Martinique and had orders from him not to suffer any Englishman to come ashore to cut wood or timber. They ordered deponent to begone and that night boarded his sloop and searched for him and when they found him next day, made several strokes with their cutlashes to have cut him down etc. Corroborates No. iii. Signed, John Barnes. 3 pp. [C.O. 152, 43. ff. 132, 133–137, 138–139v.] |
| May 28. |
261. Mr. Popple to Mr. Fane. Encloses, for his opinion in point of law, an act of Antigua for cutting off the entail of lands of John Bradshaw decd. etc. [C.O. 153, 15. pp. 56, 57.] |
May 28.
St.
Christophers |
262. Governor Mathew to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I waited so long for the publick papers I was to transmitt to your Lordships that I apprehended I might at last be blameable for not sending those I had already receivd (even tho' the series of them is very incoherent) having so good an oportunity by Mr. Gordon, who promises to take care of them etc. Sends five great packets to the Secretary etc. The lists of births and burials I find impracticable to get as compleat as required. Several parishes have from time to time been without an incumbent. The Church Wardens have been very negligent in those intervals in keeping a due register, and where a foreign clergyman has been call'd upon in the vacant parish to bury or christ'n, he has omitted making the entrys in that parish register. As fast as I can get in more of these, I shall carefully transmitt them home. In one of the bundles are several acts pass'd by His late Excellency, that I got at last from his Executor, whether these be originals or duplicates I can't tell. Among them are but two acts of my passing. One in Montserat for raising a levy, in the usual form. The other an act made in Antigua for continuing their Court act for one year longer. They deferr'd till almost the last day providing a new act to regulate and establish the Courts of Justice; their old one being just expiring, and then hurry'd up this short one, else the currt. of the law would have been stop'd. Probably during the year's continuance of this a new act will be provided, which is to contain some alterations and amendments on the former, and preparing such a bill is generally the task of the Members of the Assembly that are of the law. There are many transcripts of Minutes of Council and Assembly. But these too are incoherent, and are, some of them, brought me but this very morning that the ship sails. So that I have not time to examine strictly what spaces want filling up, but will immediately sett about it, and call in for what are wanting in order to transmitt them to be laid before your Lordships. By the lists of papers I now send, your Lordships will find the respective officers have been duely called upon by me for all the several accots. I am order'd to get in. Tho' but few of them are yet come to hand etc. I will not be wanting I assure your Lordships in extortting this duty from the several officers, and if I fail compleating this service before Lord Forbes's arrival, I will put into his Lordship's hands your Lordships' orders and an accompt how farr I have been able to obey them etc. I hope no complaint will come to your Lordships against me for rejecting an Act of the Island of Antigua for continuing their present Agent three years longer, which I did, for that the present act expires not till the beginning of next year. Therefore there was no immediate danger of that island suffering for want of an Agent, and because, as 'twas for the present unnecessary, I would not anticipate any oportunity of Lord Forbes's giving that Island good laws, or having the full exercise of his power. I am very much at a loss how to send the latitude and longitude of evry island in this Government, which (the Virgin Islands included) are a very great many. I want instruments proper for that purpose, and am so little us'd to such observations, that I could not depend on my own exactness. I had got Colonel Phipps to go down to Leeward, and with such artists as are to be found here to do it as well as could be. But he has been prevented by illness that has stop'd his voyage these two months. I intend to propose it to the Captain of H.M. ship of warr on this station etc. Our Assembly here has often met, but done little business of late. They are taken wholly up in bringing Wavell Smith Esq. from the Council Board to the barr of their House, to accompt to them for misbehaviour in his Secretary's Office, alledg'd in general terms against him, as extorting unlawfull fees etc. They have pressd me strongly by an address and at a Conference to suspend him from his seat in Council on these suggestions only, and for a contempt they charge him with in harsh words in not attending a Committee of their House according to order, and a good deal of paper has been us'd on both sides between him and them. It must conclude by the 11th June, for then this Assembly expires, and if I find it necessary, I shall pray your Lordships' leave to lay the whole before you and wait your determination therein. At present I am intending this, being unwilling to give from my own judgement a precedent that concerns so much the priviledge and independance of both Houses. But as there is to be a meeting on Monday next when this matter will probably be brought again on the tapis, I wait till after that day to resolve what to do in it for my own safety from complaints and to gratify each House. It's pity such expedients are so often found to avoid doing the Islands more eminent and more necessary service. Signed, William Mathew. Endorsed, Recd. 10th July, Read 13th Oct. 1730. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 152, 18. ff. 9, 10, 11, 12, 12v.] |
May 28.
St.
Christophers. |
263. Same to Mr. Popple. Refers to packets sent by Mr. Gordon etc. ut supra. Signed and endorsed as preceding. (Recd, from James Gordon Esq.). Holograph. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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263. i. List of public papers sent under the care of James Gordon etc. Endorsed as preceding. 4½ pp. |
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263. ii. Docket of fees of the Marshall, St. Christophers. Endorsed, Recd. 10th July, 1730. 1 p |
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263. iii. List of inhabitants of St. Christophers, 1729. By parishes. Totals :—Christian Men, 1117; Women, 994; Children, 1586. Slaves, 14,663. Same endorsement. ½ p. |
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263. iv. List of inhabitants of Nevis, 1729. By parishes. Totals :—Christian Men, 373; Women, 390; Children, 533. Slaves, 5646. Same endorsement. ½ p. |
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263. v. Birth and Burials in the parish of Christ Church, Nichola Town, St. Kitts, 1721–1730. 3 pp. |
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263. vi. Births and Burials within the parish of Trinity, Palmeto Point, St. Kitts, 1721—1730. 2 pp. |
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263. vii. Births and Burials within the parish of St. George, Basseterre, 1721—1728. 2 pp. |
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263. viii. Baptisms and Burials in the parish of St. Thomas, Middle Island, 1722—1730. 2 pp. |
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263, ix. Mr. Moore to Governor Mathew. Encloses No. viii. Signed, John Moore. Mar. 25, 1730. 1 p. |
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263. x. Baptisms and Burials in the parish of St. John Cabesaterre, 1721—1730. ? p. |
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263. xi. Baptisms and Burials in the parish of St. Mary Cayan, 1721—1730. Signed, Archibald Cockburn. 3 pp. |
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263. xii. Births and Burials in the parish of St. Anns, Sandy Point, 1724—1730. Signed, Dr. Bethune, Rector. 1 p. Nos. v.–xii. endorsed, Recd. 10 July, 1730. |
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263. xiii. List of Secretary's fees, St. Christophers. Same endorsement. 2¼ pp. |
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263. xiv. List of White inhabitants of Antigua. By divisions. Totals :—Men, 1337; Women, 1096; Children, 1655. Same endorsement. ? p. |
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263. xv. List of Secretary's fees, Montserrat. Same endorsement. 3 pp. |
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263. xvi. The Political Anatomy of St. Anthony's district, Montserratt. Gives names and quality of freeholders and their possessions, Totals:—Houses, 104; wind-mills, 12; water-mills, 1; cattle-mills, 27; men, 138; women, 155; children, 183; white men servants, 48; white women servants, 14 ; Negro men, 1178 ; negro women, 1044; negro children, 1006; numbers in family, 470; acres cultivated, 3029; uncultivated, 2334 ; sugar acres, 2775 ; indigo acres, 12 ; cotton acres, 2 ; ginger acres, 0. Horses, 226 ; mules, 209 ; cattle, 759; sheep, 175; hogs, 83; goats, 130; fire-arms, 222 ; swords, 81. l½ large folded p. |
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263. xvii. Political Anatomy of St. Patrick's or White River District, Montserrat. Names of Planters etc. Totals:—Houses, 33 ; Windmills, 2 ; cattle mills, 6 ; women, 42 ; men, 53 ; children, 105 ; white servants, 2; negroes, 722; number in family, 194; acres cultivated, 650; uncultivated, 1904; sugar acres, 408 ; indigo, acres, 13 ; cotton, acres,33 ; horses, 94 ; mules, 45 ; cattle, 148 ; sheep, 106 ; hogs, 46 ; goats, 106; firearms, 74. ¾ large folded p. |
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263. xviii. Political Anatomy of St. George's, or Windward District, Montserrat. Names of planters. Houses, 64 ; windmills, 7 ; cattle-mills, 13 ; men, 52 ; women, 48; children, 100; white servants, 14; negroes, 1223; number in family, 163; acres, cultivated, 1338; uncultivated, 471½; sugar, acres, 1482; indigo, acres, ¼ ; horses, 97 ; mules, 156 ; cattle, 127 ; sheep, 114 ; hogs, 69, firearms, 71. ?rd large folded p. |
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263. xix. Political Anatomy of St. Peters, or Northward District. Names and trades of inhabitants. Houses, 55; windmills, 2 ; watermills, 2 ; cattle-mills, 6 ; men, 51 ; women, 39 ; children, 87 ; white servants, men, 6 ; women, 6 ; negroes, 682 ; number in family, 167 ; acres, cultivated, 841 ; uncultivated, 1321 ; sugar, acres, 629; indigo, acres, 11 ; cotton, acres, 18; horses, 55; mules, 49; cattle, 286; sheep, 255; hogs, 93; goats, 39; firearms, 59; swords, 27. Endorsed, 10th July, 1730. 1 large folded p. |
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263. xx. Account of stores and condition of forts and fortifications of Montserrat. Signed, Charles Pilson, Gunner. Same endorsement ¾ p. |
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263. xxi. List of baptisms in the parish of St. Anthony, Montserrat, 5th March, 1722—23rd Nov., 1729. 4 pp. |
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263. xxii. List of burials in same. 2½ pp. |
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263. xxiii. List of baptisms in the parish of St. George, 3 pp. |
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263. xxiv. List of burials in same, ¾ p. |
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263. xxv. List of baptisms in the parish of St. Peters. 2 pp. |
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263. xxvi. List of baptisms in St. Patrick's parish. ½ p. |
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263. xxvii. List of burials in same. ½ p. |
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263. xxviii. List of marriages in same. ¼ p. |
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263. xxix. List of marriages in St. Anthony's parish. 1½ pp. |
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263. xxx. List of marriages in St. George's parish. 1¾ pp. Nos. xxi.—xxx, endorsed, Recd. 10th July, 1730. |
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263. xxxi. Treasurer's receipts and payments of revenue in Montserrat, 8th March, 1722—13th Nov., 1729. Signed, John Roynon, Treasurer. Endorsed as preceding. 14 pp, |
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263. xxxii. Account of negro-slaves imported into Montserrat, 25th March, 1721—25th Dec., 1729. Total, 3,210. Signed, Nath. Webb, Coll. Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
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263. xxxiii. List of inhabitants of Nevis, 1729. By parishes. Totals :—Christian men, 373 ; women, 390 ; children, 533 ; slaves, 5646. Endorsed, Recd. 10th July, Read 13th Oct., 1730. ¼ p. [C.O. 152, 18. ff. 13, 14–16, 18v.–20, 21v;., 22, 23v, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39–42, 43–47, 48, 49, 49v., 50–51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61–63, 64, 65, 66, 66v., 67v.–73, 74v., 75v–77, 78v.] |
May 29.
Virginia. |
264. Lt. Governor Gooch to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have lately had the honour of your Lordships' letter of 6th Nov., with the new seal etc., and shall by the Biddeford man of war, now ordered home return the old one etc. I have also received the letter with queries etc., and am preparing an answer, which shall be transmitted with all possible dispatch. The General Assembly mett the 21st instant, and that your Lordships may be apprised of the subject of their consultations, encloses Speech and Addresses etc. Continues :— As by these it will appear there is a perfect harmony amongst us, so I have no reason to doubt of its continuance and good effect on their future proceeding; That which at present requires my chief attention is the framing of a bill for improving the staple of tobacco, agreable to the scheme I formerly laid before your Lordships; the Burgesses have already made some progres, and though it costs me a great deal of pains and application, and it may be impossible to reconcile their different notions and interests, which perhaps may make some alteration in my project, yet I hope to accomplish the principal design by ascertaining the weight so as to prevent that abuse of running the tobacco in Great Britain, and thereby defrauding H.M. of his Customs. And they are now in the House of Burgesses reading the third time a bill for repealing the last law, which confined the planters to 6000 plants, etc. Signed, William Gooch. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Aug., 1730, Read 12th May, 1731. Holograph. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
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264. i. Speech of Lt. Governor Gooch to the Council and Assembly. The miserable circumstances their staple is reduced to, render the present a suitable opportunity for considering his scheme for improving it. "And since whatever acts you prepare, will have no long continuance, if they are disagreeable to the British trade, it is with great satisfaction that I acquainst you, the scheme I now recommend has been already approved at home" etc. Lays before them two Instructions. "One concerns the honour of Almighty God not yet by law sufficiently secured, etc.; the other relates to bankrupts in England having no estates in this country."Suggests new bill, without the objectionable clauses, in place of the act limiting suits on judgments and obligations repealed etc. They are experiencing all the felicity they hoped for under the government of so amiable a monarch etc. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Aug., 1730. 3¼ pp. |
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264. ii. Address of Council in Assembly to Lt. Governor Gooch. Return thanks for above speech and agree with it. May 22nd, 1730. Signed, in the name of the Council, Mann Page. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 1 p. |
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264. iii. Address of the House of Burgesses to Lt. Governor Gooch. Return thanks for above Speech. Welcome the Peace with Spain, and will do all in their power to put their trade under such a regulation as may remove from it those mischeifs which are now become a burthen intolerable etc. Will imitate the Lt. Governor's calmness and disinterestedness etc. Signed, Jno. Holloway, Speaker. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Aug., 1730. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1322. ff. 140, 140v., 141v.–145v.] |
May 29.
Marten's
Lane,
Cannon
Street. |
265. B. De la Fontaine to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of 11th Aug. etc. 500 Palatins have now come to Rotterdam. He and Mr. Missing have shipping to take them to the British Plantations. 500 more are coming. Will endeavour to persuade them to go to Carolina, if the Board think it is for H.M. service and if anything is settled for their encouragement etc. Signed, Benja. De la Fontaine. Endorsed, Recd. 29th May, Read 11th June, 1730. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 113, 114v.] |
