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[April 1.]
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969. Petition of John Porter, junr., of Salem, for 16 months a
poor prisoner in Boston gaol, to the Commissioners for New
England. Was committed for rebellion against his parents as was
pretended, his sentence first to go to the gallows, there to stand an
hour with a rope about his neck, to be brought back and receive 39
stripes, then to return to prison until he should pay a fine of 200l.
to the country. Has petitioned the court at Boston divers times for
a hearing, but never could be obtained, Capt. Hawthorne being his
accuser, so made his escape. Prays for protection when he comes to
Boston until his case be fully heard. With protection signed by
said Commissioners, requiring petitioner to make proof of his complaints
at Boston on 8th May. Warwick, 8th April 1665. 2 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 42.]
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April 1.
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970. Another copy of preceding certified by Fran. Champernowne.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 43.]
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April 9.
Covent Garden.
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971. M. Geijonbergh, Swedish Resident, to the King. Three
months ago his Majesty promised to give him some hopes that four
Swedish ships might have free trade to Barbadoes during the differences
between England and Holland, since when the trade has
been made free to all nations by his Majesty's proclamation. Begs
that said Swedish ships may be allowed to trade from any
Swedish port to any English plantation. Indorsed, "Read April
1667 [sic]. Laid aside to be considered." 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XIX., No. 44.]
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April 10.
Virginia.
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972. Gov. Sir William Berkeley to (Secretary Lord Arlington)
Refers to his letter by Colonel Moryson (see ante, No. 429), and
joins his acknowledgments with his brother Lord Berkeley for
the high favours bestowed upon Lord Berkeley and upon himself.
Though he cannot beg for himself, "knowing that no seasonable
showers or dews can recover a withered root," yet he does for Col.
Moryson, who he intreats his Majesty will permit to stay two years
more in England to agitate the country's business at the Council
table ; he is faithful and sedulous, and to send another agent would
put the colony to a far greater charge than he does. 3 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 45.]
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973. Petition of Francis Moryson to the King. That he faithfully
served the King and his father in the late wars, and has been
for several years employed as agent for Virginia, without any settled
salary. Prays for the place of solicitor of Virginia, for which service
he conceaves himself enabled by his long residing there in places of
the greatest trust, and also for a grant of 200l. per annum. Salary
for his life to be paid out of the 2s. per hogshead [of tobacco]. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 46.]
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1665?
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974. Petition of Cecilia Moryson to the King. Is sister of Giles
Rawlins, who died possessed of a considerable estate, whereof an
equal share appertains to her ; her husband at the time of her
brother's death was Governor of Virginia, and in his absence her
two sisters shared the estate, leaving her a very unequal proportion ;
prays that the matter may be referred to the Lord Chancellor.
[Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXLII., No. 167, Cal., p. 157.]
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1665.
April 10.
Virginia.
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975. Thos. Ludwell, Secretary of Virginia, to Sec. Lord Arlington.
As it is a duty expected from him as his Majesty's Secretary of
this colony to give a yearly account of the concerns of this
place he shall perform it. Has therefore sent to Col. Moryson,
agent for this country, copies of all laws enacted during the last three
years with the public accounts and the trial of those rebellious servants
who in Sept. 1663 conspired the ruin of this Government.
In obedience to the King's instructions they have begun a town of
brick, and already built enough to accommodate the affairs of the
country and to begin a factory for merchants, and shall increase it
as there shall be occasion. They have fair beginnings of silk, flax,
potashes, and English grain, and hope soon to make great quantities ;
have built several small vessels to trade with their neighbours, and
hope ere long to build such as may trade for England. Should be
in a most flourishing condition but for their neighbours, who of as
much land as all France have not left them so much as Yorkshire.
Difference with Lord Baltimore about bounds ; entreats his favour
for a just decision at the Council table. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XIX., No. 47.]
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April 12.
Jamaica.
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976. Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. Has
received his letter of 17 January. Will observe his Majesty's
directions and endeavour as soon as the materials are prepared to
finish the fortifications at this Point. He shall receive about a
month hence a full account of their condition and intentions towards
the enemy. The privateers "upon my gentleness towards them"
come in apace and cheerfully offer life and fortune to his Majesty's
service. Has only permitted this small vessel to go to advise for
insurances on the Royal Company's fleet. In case the war continues
desires a cypher. ¾ p. Two copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No.
27, p. 6, and No. 69.]
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April 12.
St. Jago,
Jamaica.
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977. Col. Edward Morgan to Sec. Sir H. Bennet [Lord Arlington].
The Court has kept him hitherto so poor that he has not
withal to help himself unless this voyage assist him, but if he should
stick in it, makes no question of his Honor's justice in befriending
his children to get that little which is due to him from the Court.
Has spent near 3,000l. of theirs in his country's service, and should
have had ere this 7,000l. or 8,000l., whereas he shall not leave his
six children hardly 2,000l. if paid them, which he cannot much
doubt, considering how generously he has spent life and fortune in
the service. An abuse to orphans would call for judgment from
heaven, which God bless our kingdoms from. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XIX., No. 48.]
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April 19.
From
Capt. Breedon's
[house at
Boston].
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978. Col. George Cartwright to Col. Nicolls. "I never said nor
thought that you had not work enough ; the bare hearing of impertinences,
without the framing of laws, the ordering of the soldiers,
the gaining of the Dutch, the governing of the English, the regulating
of the trade, and the providing of necessaries, is more than
enough to tire one." Thinks he might have spared, without great
hazard, 18 days from New York (seven days here, and 11 to go and
come in), which would have been sufficient to have helped them
over all those difficulties which he expects here. Cannot believe
the Dutch are so potent now, having had the plague long raging
in their country, as to spare four or five ships hither to regain a
place which never yielded them profit. Cannot deny the reducing
of the Dutch and visiting the English colonies to be two distinct
things. That Nicolls was much mistaken when he wrote, he
should add little to the weight, only to the number of Commissioners,
is so plain, Cartwright need say nothing to it ; and though
they should refuse all three, having a prejudice against them,
Nicolls, whom they respect and honour, might be prevalent with
them, because acceptable to them. This day a Quaker, his countrywoman,
told him before Capt. Breedon, that she had heard
Cartwright was a Papist, and that Sir Robt. Carr kept a naughty
woman, and examined her, if Cartwright had not kept one too.
They declare Mavericke to be their professed enemy. Many
factious speeches fly up and down this day ; here is a secret council,
and all the ministers within 20 miles are called to it. "If these
men will rebel, I can as easily tell the King so, as that they are his
good subjects, and perchance shall sooner be believed by some in
that, than in this." Mr. Winthrop says he will take care that
nothing be done to the prejudice of the Duke's territories. Concerning
his brother Beresford and Mr. Bowles. Came to Boston the
13th, Mavericke the 14th. Sir Robt. Carre not yet arrived, has
all the papers with him in the box, though Cartwright has the key,
or would have sent account of a business in which Willet is concerned.
Is sorry to hear of any difference betwixt the soldiers and
townsmen of Sopes and Albany. Printed in New York Documents,
III., 93, 94. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 49.]
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April 20.
Jamaica.
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979. Governor Sir Thos. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. His
Majesty's catch has just arrived with letters and his Royal
Highness' Commission, so sends her back with the little ship and
the Swallow ketch. Lt.-Col. Morgan sailed five days since on his
design against the Dutch with 10 ships, well manned, and can land
500 men. They are chiefly reformed privateers, scarce a planter
amongst them, being resolute fellows and well armed with fusees
and pistols. Their design is to fall upon the Dutch fleet trading at
St. Christopher's, capture Eustatia, Saba, and Curaçao, and on their
homeward voyage visit the French and English buccaneers at Hispaniola
and Tortugas. All this is prepared by the honest privateer,
at the old rate of no purchase no pay, and it will cost the King
nothing considerable, some powder and mortar pieces. God sending
good success, the Dutch will have no considerable place left them
in the West Indies, and the late kindness and moderation towards
these privateers will be thought well bestowed. Durst not write
before they were well on their way. 1¼ pp. Two copies. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 27, pp. 6, 7, and No. 69.]
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April 20.
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980. A true Relation of the fight at Barbadoes between the
English and Dutch, under De Ruyter, on April 20th, 1665. About
10 o'clock in the morning De Ruyter stood in with the whole of
his fleet of 14 sail, and attacked the forts and shipping. Account
of the fight every hour. By three o'clock considerable damage had
been inflicted upon De Ruyter's fleet, and the stern of his own ship
was then carried in, that it was so wide as a barn door ; and
after that shot they did not fire any more, "for I do suppose De,
Ruyter was killed," but bore away and came to an anchor outside
where they held a council of war. Four of the vessels were
careened to stop their leaks, and the rest mended their sails. At
six o'clock they sailed away in the "confusedest manner possible.
Three days after they were heard to be at Martinico. 1¼ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 50.]
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April 21.
Whitehall.
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981. Order in Council upon Report of a Committee of the
Council for Plantations. In reference to several Acts passed in the
Caribbee Islands, confirming same, with the exception of one proviso
in an Act of Barbadoes for settling an impost on the commodities of
this island, passed 15 Sept. 1663, exempting certain lands from said
impost, which is hereby disallowed and made void. Annexed,
Antigua.—An Act for the repealing of a former Act made in this
island concerning forestallers and regraders, and for giving
the inhabitants liberty to buy and sell. Passed 30 May
1664.
Antigua.—An Act for settling an impost on the commodities of
this island. Passed 24 May 1664.
Montserrat.—A similar Act. Passed 6 May 1664.
Nevis.—A similar Act. Passed 30 April 1664.
St. Christopher's.—A similar Act. Passed 19 April 1664.
Barbadoes.—A similar Act. Passed 12 Sept. 1663. Together
41 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCII., pp. 285-330.]
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April 21.
Whitehall.
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982. Two copies of the preceding Order in Council. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 50* ; also Col. Entry Bk., No. V., pp. 122,
123.]
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April 22.
Barbadoes.
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983. Henry Willoughby, Deputy Governor, to Sec. Bennet [Lord
Arlington]. Has in the absence of Lord Willoughby in Surinam taken
measures against the Dutch according to his Majesty's letter of the
2nd February by putting the ships into a posture of defence, repairing
the forts, causing a general muster of the forces, and setting watches
in eminent places. On the 20th inst. De Ruyter attacked the place
with a fleet of 14 ships, but was compelled to retire after a few
hours. By God's providence only three men were killed and about
ten wounded. Desires half a score of larger guns, for if they had had
better guns some of the enemy had never gone off. 2½ pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 51.]
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April 25.
Barbadoes.
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984. Henry Willoughby, Deputy Governor of Barbadoes, to Sec.
Bennet [Lord Arlington]. De Ruyter's fleet is supposed to have sailed
to the Manhadas or to the Leeward Islands ; from whence they daily
expect intelligence. Indorsed, "Rec. 19 Jany. by Holland." Incloses,
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984. I. Copy of his letter of 22 April 1665. Together 3 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., Nos. 52, 52 I.]
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1665?
April?
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985. Petition of John Reid to the King. Has served his Majesty
in Spain for certain years, but was lately called home by the Royal
Company of Adventurers trading into Africa to go factor for them to
Barbadoes, whither he is bound with the first ship. Prays to be ap
pointed Sub-Commissioner of the Prize Office in that island. [See
ante, No. 919, Reid arrived in Barbadoes 3 Aug. after 88 days'
passage, see No. 1035.] Annexed,
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985. I. Mem. for Sir Wm. Coventry that John Reid, who is now
factor for the Royal Company in Barbadoes and sub-commissioner
for prizes, be appointed or recommended victualler
of the King' ships there. 2 papers. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XIX., Nos. 53, 54.]
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April.
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986. Particulars of our voyage (in Capt. Reynolds' ship) on the
Coast of Africa. Arrived at the Isle of Goree on Oct. 2, 1664, and
found Capt. Stacy Governor, where they landed Capt. St. George
with great pomp. It is a pretty island, three miles round, with two
castles and a very commodious harbour. Were mounting great guns
and mending the breaches made by Capt. Holmes, when the De Ruyter
arrived on the 11th Oct. with 13 sail and demanded the island and
the Company's goods in the ships. Were resolved to fight, but Capt.
Taylour going on board Capt. Reynolds' ship, the Dutch boarded her,
forcing them to accept articles of surrender of the Company's goods
and island, and letting his Majesty's ship go. Set sail together on
27th Oct. ; the Dutch disabled the English factory at Satalone. In
the interim there bred a mutiny on Capt. Taylour's ship, which was
pacified by Capts. Thornburgh and Griggs. Arrived on the 26 Nov.
at Cape Mount, and at Cape Mountserrat on the 30th, and at Cœstus
3 Dec., a very convenient place for trade, having a factory up the river
at the King's town, and the factor, Bayly, is a very fit man, having
the blacks under such command. Arrived at Cape Palmas 20 Dec.,
when the De Ruyter came up to them again. Anchored at the Castle
de Mine. On 25 Dec. the Dutch went against Tacorady with great
store of men, but were repulsed by 10 English and negroes, upon
which, with 1,000 negroes from their factory, they burnt the town
and blew up the castle, stripping the English naked. At Commenda
the factor was preserved by the negroes. On the arrival of a ship
from Holland on New Year's eve the Dutch made prize of all, Capt.
Griggs having a narrow escape. The English expected Prince
Rupert, and the Dutch John Vincampius. Sailed on 25 Jan. 1665
for Cape Coast, but went to leeward to Moree, where they took in
soldiers to help against Cormantin, and next morning De Ruyter,
thinking with 700 men and 1,000 negroes from De Mine to have
landed, was repulsed by John Cabessa, a negro. Anamabo was blown
up, and the Dutch took down the Royal Company's colours. The
Dutch making agreement with the Fantees, giving them, as it was said,
50,000 pieces of eight, marched with 10,000 men to Cormantin, and
went with three ships to batter the castle. John Cabessa and his
men made good his retreat into the castle, which did little in its own
defence, who when he saw the English hang out a flag of truce, cut
off one of his men's heads, and with his own hanger cut his own
throat. The English yielded up the castle without any articles, but
the Dutch gave quarter, put out the Prince of Orange's colours, and
blew up John Cabessa's house. John Cabessa was truer to the
English than any of his Majesty's subjects there ; he had formerly
preserved the castle from many dangers, and intended to have come
and seen his Majesty in England. Great reward was offered to whoever
should bring his head to the Dutch, but the blacks buried him
at Old Cormantin. On Jan. 30 the De Ruyter hanged out his
Majesty's colours, and five of the Royal Company's, and brought the
agent Sylvan (? Selwyn) aboard. They hanged the goods they had
taken on the rigging, left 80 men with a Governor in the castle, and
arrived at De Mine, mustered their men, and found 49 wanting.
They pulled the old Victory to pieces, and made a fire-ship of Capt.
Thornburgh's ship, but could not corrupt the negroes of Cape Coast.
There was in the castle of Cormantin a tried lump of gold in the wall
of 105 lb. weight which was brought aboard the De Ruyter. Set
sail towards Barbadoes on 17 Feb., and on 19th April espied the
island. Next morning the De Ruyter went in first and gave strict
charge to every one of the fleet to follow, and gave a brave onset,
but our ships there being ready for them, paid them off as well as
may be, and in the evening they departed to Martileno, where De
Ruyter left his prisoners. Indorsed, An account of De Ruyter's
barbarityes in Guinea in 1664. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX.,
No. 55.]
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