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America and West Indies: December 1666

Pages 428-437

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 5, 1661-1668. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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December 1666

Dec. 2. 1336. Sir Thos. Waltham to Sam. Pepys. Yesterday arrived the fleet from New England and New York, eleven sail, mostly laden with masts for his Majesty's service. Mr. Bendal's [Kendal's?] from New York with sugar, tobacco, and furs was this day cast away on S. Francis Island, the men saved, but the ship and goods lost. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXX., No. 19, Cal., p. 309.]
Dec. 3.
Swansea.
1337. Jo. Man to Williamson. Last week's violent storm drove a Phyal [Fayal]vessel laden with wine, sugar, and Brazil wood upon a sandbank 10 miles away. On Friday night the Exchange of Boston, New England, was driven into this harbour, bound for London, laden with tobacco, sugar, oil, and some beaver skins ; she and 20 others sailed in company about five weeks ago, but were separated by a storm ; their admiral was the Exchange of London, laden with masts for the King's use, and four more with masts, the rest laden with merchants' goods. Another account of Lord Willoughby's loss stating that he had two frigates and nine ships more pressed for the service, that Lord Willoughby was certainly lost, and that when the news was brought to Barbadoes an embargo was laid on all vessels, and such as were fit were pressed to pursue the same design. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXX., No. 34, Cal., p. 311.]
Dec. 3. 1338. Sir Thos. Langton to Williamson. There being no ship bound directly for New England, was obliged to send that packet by way of Virginia, whence it can be sent in 10 days. Enclosing,
Receipt by Walter Morgan, Commander of the Pearl, on Nov. 25, 1666, of packets and letters for Francis Lord Willoughby, Governor, Edward Bowden, his Deputy Secretary, Jas. Wallwyn, merchant, and John Wadloe, all of Barbadoes ; also for Sir Thos. Modyford, Governor of Jamaica ; all which packets he promises to deliver on arrival to Lord Willoughby, or in case of danger from the enemy to throw them overboard. Also like receipt of Dec. 1 by Thos. Butler, of the Diligence, of packets to Lord Willoughby and Sir Thos. Modyford ; and by Nich. Sorey, of the Golden Hand, of packets for Sir Wm. Berkeley, Governor of Virginia, and Col. Richard Nicolls, Commissioner for visiting the New England Colonies. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXX., No. 40, Cal., p. 312.]
Dec. 3. 1339. John Lysle to Williamson. Yesterday arrived the ship Resolution from Virginia, about 200 tons, laden with tobacco, John Foquett master ; she intimates that all is well in Virginia, and several ships are coming home of greater burthen. The Trial, a New England built ketch in the King's service, also arrived from Barbadoes, Robt. Gould, commander, who has brought two packets for his Majesty and the Royal Company, which he has left with the Governor of the Isle of Wight. Great loss in attacking St. Christopher's ; the Coventry frigate lost ; the captain of her took a fort and put out the King's colours, but took them in again and put out the French colours ; a great hurricane destroyed most of the ships ; Lord Willoughby and Captain Reynolds cannot be heard of, as will be understood at large by the packet from thence. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXX., No. 44, Cal., p. 313.]
Dec. 3.
Virginia.
1340. Gov. Sir Wm. Berkeley to Sec. Lord Arlington. Some Scotch gentlemen have desired him to mediate with his Lordship to procure them leave to come from Scotland hither. Would not dare to importune in their behalf if he did not know it was not prejudicial to the King's service ; finding in these dangerous times they have been very useful to us, joins with them in soliciting his Majesty's license, at least as long as these times of trouble last. Annexed,
Petition of Thomas Barlow, of Scotland, merchant, to the King. In the time of the late war with the Dutch, petitioner was very instrumental in supplying his Majesty's Plantations, especially Virginia, with servants and goods, which they stood greatly in need of, though to his great loss by piracy and otherwise ; prays for license for two ships to have free trade to Virginia during his Majesty's pleasure. Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., Nos. 185, 186.]
Dec.? 1341. Petition of William Willoughby to the King. That petitioner's brother, Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, was by his Majesty constituted Captain-General of the Caribbee Islands, and in consideration of his quitting an arrear of 20,000l. due upon his title under the Earl of Carlisle was granted for three and a half years yet to come the moiety of the revenue of all said islands. That his said brother has plantations in said islands and in Surinam, which if not looked after will soon decay. That he has been at very great expense, and drawn bills upon his factor here, which petitioner must make good for his brother's honour and credit, so that he hath not yet reaped any profit. That in the late unhappy design for regaining St. Christopher's petitioner has just cause to fear that his said brother's person hath miscarried ; that petitioner is only brother to said Lord Willoughby of Parham, to whom the barony, upon his death, must descend, but there is no other estate to support the dignity thereof, his said brother having in his Majesty's service in the West Indies spent his paternal estate to the value of 4,000l. per annum land of inheritance, and is also indebted to petitioner in great sums. Petitioner also receiving good encouragement from the affections of the planters, merchants, and seamen trading to Barbadoes, prays that he may be sent over thither to supply his said brother's government until a further account be given of him. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 187.]
Dec. 3. 1342. Petition of Planters and Merchants trading to Barbadoes and the Caribbee Islands to the King. Having received advice of the unhappy success of Lord Willoughby's attempt for the recovery of St. Christopher's, wherein his Lordship's person is feared to have miscarried, being not yet heard of, and also that the Council of Barbadoes have besought his Majesty to signify his pleasure for the Government there till they receive more certain intelligence of his Excellency, or in case of his loss, pray that Col. Will. Willoughby, brother to his said Excellency, may be appointed to supply that Government, and sent over with all possible speed. Signed by Sir Ferd. Gorges, Henry Drax, Thos. Kendall, Sir And. Riccard and twenty others. Indorsed, 3 Dec. 1666. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 188.]
Dec. 4. 1343. John Clarke to James Hickes. On Sunday a vessel of 120 tons from New England, laden with sugar, tobacco, indigo, and some beaver, by a violent storm was cast away in Plymouth port, and little or nothing of her lading saved. This day the rest of the fleet from New England and Virginia, with some other ships bound for London, set sail under convoy of the Guernsey and Eagle. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXX., No. 71, Cal., p. 318.]
Dec. 5. 1344. Commission appointing Henry Willoughby, William Willoughby, Col. Henry Hawley, and Col. Samuel Barwick in the absence of Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, severally in the absence of either, Governor-in-Chief of Barbadoes and the rest of the Caribbee Islands. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 189.]
Dec. 7.
Barbadoes.
1345. Warrants of Lieut.-Gov. William Willoughby to Rich. Morgan, captain of the Antigua merchant, to transport John Horew to England ; to Edmund Ditty, captain of the Robert, to transport Lewis Perrot and Lawrence Carpenter to England ; and to Rowland Johnson, captain of the St. George, to transport Zachary Deserson, Phillip Luriot, Luke Laplanch, and James Browne to England ; all of them Frenchmen and judged by the Lieut.-Gov. and Council to be dangerous to the peace of the island. Three papers. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., Nos. 190-192.]
[Dec. 7.] 1346. Petition of the Royal African Company to the King. His Majesty by Order in Council of 6th April last, commanded Lord Willoughby, Governor of Barbadoes forthwith, to dismiss the action and bail depending in the Court of Common Pleas there against Capt. Nicholas Pepperell, late commander of petitioner's ship Charles, and transmit the whole case to his Majesty's Privy Council. Notwithstanding Lord Willoughby has refused to order William Kirton, Judge of the Common Pleas, to dismiss or send home the bail-bonds given by petitioner's factors. Pray for his Majesty's second order to said Governor or said William Kirton, forthwith to dismiss said bail and send home by the first ship the bail-bonds. Indorsed, Read in Council, 7th Dec. 1666. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 193.]
Dec. 8.
Barbadoes.
1347. Lieut.-Governor Will. Willoughby to the King. Refers to his letter of October last [see ante, No. 1286]. Account of the French with seven or eight ships landing at Antigua after a short opposition and pursuing the Governor into the woods took him prisoner. Some escaped in boats to Nevis and gave his brother, the King's Lieut.-General there, this account. Received it the 10th Nov., with an earnest direction to send warlike ships to check their proceedings ; but is prevented through want of sufficient ships, arms, and ammunition. Antigua so situated that the enemy will not only hinder all intelligence between Barbadoes, Nevis, and Montserrat, but make the departure of shipping from this island difficult, and the enemy now gives out that they will attempt Barbadoes. Account of the present strength of this island : there are 7,000 men able to bear arms, and of these 2,000 whose interest and honour will engage them to a resolute defence ; the remainder made up of small planters, formerly accounted the strength of the island, freemen and servants, who impoverished and disheartened, and without interest or hope of benefit here, tis much to be doubted whether they will expose themselves to danger, so that the safety of this place as of the rest consists in his Majesty sending speedily ships of force to defend them. Neither will the country be better for the future against an enemy, unless some way be found to give a comfortable livelihood to the meaner sort, supplies of negroes on reasonable terms, restraint of depopulations, and the setting out a portion of land as ten acres in the 100 by the richer to the poorer, these holding it only by doing the duty of others in the militia, will be the best means. Indorsed, Rec. 29 Jan. 2½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 194.]
Dec. 11. 1348. Further Articles of Agreement concluded at St. Mary's in Maryland between the Commissioners for Virginia and Maryland for a total cessation of planting tobacco for one year in each Colony as also in Albemarle county in Carolina. Signed by the Commissioners, certified copy by Ludwell. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 195.]
Dec. 12. 1349. Warrant to Thos. Agar, clerk to the Crown. To prepare a commission to Sir James Modyford to the tenor following, viz., Reciting his Majesty's commission of 10th Nov. last to Sir James Modyford to be Lieut.-Governor of Providence Island and giving him power to divide the island into lordships, manors ; to grant letters of incorporation to towns ; and by the advice of his Council, to cause surveys to be taken and recorded of all lands already granted, and to grant the rest of the lands on such terms and at such easy quitrents as he shall think fit, under a common seal. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 196.]
[Dec.?] 1350. Draft of preceding in Williamson's handwriting. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 197.]
Dec. 13. 1351. H. Muddiman to George Powell. News letter. On the 5th nine of the New England and Virginia fleet went into Portsmouth road ; on the 2nd one was cast away near Plymouth fort, ship and goods lost, but the men all saved. Upon request of Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle, the King has declared that he will not allow any more ships to go to the Plantations or the Straits, though upon security, lest contrary winds should detain them at the season when their service will be necessary, and in regard they carry away so many men that the fleet may haply want them the next spring. The resolution about the Scotch rebels is to hang all ministers and officers ; of the common sort one in ten is to be executed, one forced to confession, and the rest sent to Plantations. No further advices have been received of Lord Willoughby, so that it is generally believed he is lost. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXI., No. 97, Cal., p. 343.]
Dec. 15. 1352. Sir Thos. Langton to Williamson. Most of the Plantation ships, above 30 sail in all, sailed some three days since. The Golden Lyon not being able to set forth with the rest by reason of neglect, sent the two packets entrusted with her Commander that concerned Virginia on the Elizabeth, which is gone. Incloses,
Receipt by John Weaver, commander of the Elizabeth, from Sir Thos. Langton, Mayor of Bristol, of two packets of letters for his Majesty's most special affairs for Virginia, one packet for Sir Wm. Berkeley, Governor of Virginia, and the other for Col. Richard Nicolls, Commissioner for visiting the colonies in New England ; promises to deliver them faithfully, or throw them overboard in case of danger from an enemy. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXI., Nos. 118, 118 I., Cal., p. 346.]
Dec.
Whitehall.
1353. Warrant to the Attorney-General. Whereas his Majesty has been informed that Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, Capt.-General of the Caribbee Islands, is lately deceased, but yet cannot be certainly advertised thereof. His Majesty's pleasure is that he prepare a bill to pass the Great Seal, appointing William brother of said Lord Willoughby, to whom his dignity of Lord Willoughby of Parham is descended in case he be deceased, to be Capt.-Gen. of said islands, with all such powers as were granted by Letters Patents of 12 June 1663, to said Francis Lord Willoughby, for the term of 3 years from Xmas Day next, with a proviso that if said Francis Lord Willoughby be living said grant shall be void. See No. 1372. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 198.]
Dec. 18. 1354. Warrant to the Attorney-General. Whereas his Majesty by Letters Patents under the Great Seal of 12 June 1663 [see ante, No. 478], constituted Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, Capt.-General and Commander-in-Chief of Barbadoes and the Caribbees for seven years from Christmas then last past if he should so long live. The remainder is a copy of preceding warrant. 2 pp. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIII., pp. 302, 303.]
Dec. 18. 1355. Warrant for making a seal of the same draught and impression as that made by virtue of his Majesty's warrant of 16 April 1663, for the use of the Governor of Barbadoes and the rest of the Caribbee Islands. ¼ p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIII., p. 300.]
Dec. 19. 1356. Warrant to prepare a seal according to a certain model and draught for Providence Island. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIII., p. 307.]
Dec. 19.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1357. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Ordered : that if any regiment march from their habitations, they take with them their men negroes ; that three horse of Lt.-Col. Hope's troop attend night and day at the three rivers to receive notice of any enemy from Coll. Freeman, and despatch same to Port Royal ; that if Col. Freeman see the enemy pass his quarters for the Point, he march thither with his regiment and troop. Resolved, that it is imprudent to attempt the French at Tortuga and Spaniola, in regard,—There is nothing to be got by it ; the French are leaving Tortuga as unhealthy ; it is not worth keeping, and if they should attempt and fail, it would prove of very ill consequence, the settlements on Hispaniola are too many and mean to destroy them all : and fruitless attempts on them would but teach those needy desperate fellows to revenge it on our seaside plantations. In regard the commissions against them cannot be called in until orders from his Majesty, it is advisable to give the Commanders of the men-of-war these moderate instructions : To give fair quarter when desired ; to send all their prisoners hither ; to receive into their ships all buccaneers of the Protestant religion, and others who will take the oath of fidelity to the King ; to be industrious to disable them of all barques, boats, and vessels whatsoever. That the General second his declaration in favour of the buccaneers, and put the whole fault and miscarriage on Ogeron. How civilly he answered the message sent him by Thomas Clark. How ill M. Ogeron construed it, that Ogeron is an agent of the Royal Company of France, who intends to keep them from trade with any but their ships ; that notwithstanding all who bear affection to this Government shall be received, especially those of the Protestant religion. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXXIV., pp. 151-155.]
Dec. 20. 1358. Patent to Sir James Modyford, Lieut.-Governor of Providence Island, in the terms of the warrant of 12th Dec. last [see ante, No. 1349]. Patent Roll, 18 Chas. II., p. 4, No. 3.]
Dec. 20. 1359. The King to the Governor or Commander of the Isle of Tobago. Having granted the Isle of Tobago to the Duke of Courland, his heirs and successors, to be by him planted and maintained for the equal benefit of his Majesty's subjects and his own, his Majesty requires possession to be delivered of said island to such person as the said Duke shall empower to receive the same. All exercising authority in his Majesty's islands and colonies in America to perform all friendly offices to said Duke's subjects fitting from one ally to another. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II. Vol. XIV., p. 113.]
[1666.] 1360. Daniel Clarke, secretary, by order of the General Assembly at Connecticut, to [Col. Nicolls]. His letter to the Governor has been again recommended to the consideration of this Assembly, who would be sorry that anything should expose them to the censure of neglecting any means of maintaining his Majesty's interests. They conceived that the bounds concluded by his Honor with their Committee had been to his content, and are ready to defray the charge of any letters his Majesty shall direct to their colony, or they transmit to his Honor ; and the like they conceive reasonable to be done by himself and the other colonies. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 199.]
[1666.] 1361. Col. R. Nicolls and Sir Robert Carr to Mr. Dyre. Have taken his of the 1st April, with the papers he delivered to the Commissioners at Rhode Island, into serious consideration, as well as his petition to the General Assembly in the case between Mr. Coddington and himself. As to his second charge of injustice against the Assembly for concurring with the vote of a former jury and Assembly, against which he appealed to the Commissioners, they cannot resume a cause into their cognizance which has passed a jury and two General Assemblies, without violating the King's charter to Rhode Island, unless convinced that they have acted directly contrary to the laws of England. In all other cases they must say "Currat Lext fiat justitia" (sic). 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 200.]
[1666.] 1362. List of provisions necessary to be sent for 300 soldiers, nine commission officers, two surgeons, a storekeeper, and a marshall, who were designed to be kept in pay but nine months, and now have been continued two years, and yet must continue 12 months longer at the least. This list includes : shirts, shoes, cravats, stockings, drawers, waistcoats, hats, cloth, canvas, fustian, sheep and lamb skins for pockets, collars, and belly pieces, gloves and ribbon ; amounting to 1,600l. ; also powder, bullets, a surgeon's chest, and, to encourage the soldiers, two tuns of brandy. Indorsed, Colonel Cartwright's proposal for goods to be sent to Col. Nicolls, &c. By this note shirts are at 6s. apiece. I was offered shirts at the White Horse in Cheapside, made of ossen briggs, for 3s. 6d. apiece. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 201.]
1666. 1363. Mem. in the handwriting of Under Sec. Williamson. That shortly after the Bermudas or Somers Islands were discovered, certain persons got a grant of them and were incorporated by King James. They planted a colony, raised forts and mounts for defence, settled a government, magistrates, ministers, and all at their own charge. The Earl of Manchester is Governor, 1666. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCII., p. 347.]
1666? 1364. Petition of the Royal African Company to the King. Since the applying of their ships last year to the King's more necessary service, their stock hath been exhausted by losses of goods and seats of trade on the African coast ; are not capable to proceed further without the King's assistance and protection. Are willing to adventure all that remains in their power to recover the trade, but that is only the goods last year unladen at Portsmouth by the King's order, which are a sufficient cargo to be sent at once for the supply of the Gold Coast market ; but cannot hope to find freedom of commerce there or security without a sufficient force of ships of war. Pray therefore for such a convoy of the Navy Royal as in the King's wisdom shall be thought competent and reasonable. [Dom. Chas. II. Vol. CLXXXVI., No. 1, Cal., p. 394]
1666? 1365. Petition of Merchants, Owners, and Commanders trading to Barbadoes and the Leeward Isles, to the King. Have been induced by the King's promise of protection to fit out several ships for the Plantations, laden with English manufactures, provisions, and liquors, many of which goods are of a perishable nature ; these ships might have been by this time well on their voyage, but have given bond not to depart from the convoy, and so are detained. In regard of the small number of ships that went last year and the plenteousness of the crops, there remained behind great quantities of sugar and other goods, more than double what the ships now going can load, whereby their return will be so quick that they may return again in time to serve the King in next summer's expedition. If they do not proceed, besides loss to petitioners, the Plantations will be frustrate of necessary supplies, and many merchants and planters undone. Pray therefore that the ships may proceed and a convoy be appointed for them. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXVI., No. 5, Cal., p. 395.]
1666? 1366. Petition of Sir Anthony Desmarces, Bart., Lawrence Dupuy, and their associates, to the King. For a grant for seven years of the management of all lotteries in Scotland, Barbadoes, and the Plantations, with prohibition to all others. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXVI., No. 26, Cal., p. 397.]
1666? 1367. Petition of Col. Guy Molesworth to the King. Has received 25 wounds in the King's service with faithfulness acceptable to the late King ; suffered 14 years' sad banishment, and was totally ruined for his loyalty, in Barbadoes in 1650, as has appeared to the House of Peers, and was testified by Lord Willoughby of Parham. Was commanded into Portugal, and at his return promised that good should be done him, but now wants after three years' attendance [see ante, No. 461] ; and his unprofitable voyage has engaged him and his family in great necessity. Prays the King in compassion for relief or employment whereby he may subsist, and to enable him to return to Virginia, so that his miserable calamity may not be public. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXVI., No. 78, Cal., p. 403.]
1666? 1368. A description of the Caribbee Islands. Trinidad. The chief town St. Joseph being settled by about 100 Spaniards, where in 1646 the English planted a colony, but finding it unhealthy they deserted it within two years. Tobago. Settled by the English about 1642, but deserted in consequence of the trouble given by the Indians ; in 1646 it was again settled "by myself and partners," by commission from the Earl of Warwick, but deserted about 1656 ; again settled by the Duke of Courland, and again deserted ; and is now possessed by the Dutch. Barbadoes. Settled by the English about 1625, not then being inhabited ; in 10 years was brought to great perfection ; as many tons of goods are shipped from thence as from the two famous empires of Mexico and Peru ; the King is therefore entreated to take into consideration the hardships of those industrious planters. Grenada and St. Vincent's. Inhabited only by Indians. St. Lucia. Settled by the English about 1640, who were smoked out of their fortification by the Indians with dried red pepper ; since then part of it possessed by the French. Lord Willoughby now sending 500 English to settle there. Dominica. Inhabited wholly by Indians. Martinique. The French have a colony there, and intermarry with the Indians. The Virgin Isles and Guadaloupe. Inhabited by the French. Deseada. Uninhabited. Montserrat. Chiefly inhabited by Irish, and some English. Antigua. Settled about 1625 or 6, where there are now about 2,000 people. Barbuda. Of little value, inhabited by some few English. Nevis. A considerable English colony. St. Christopher. Settled about 1622 or 3 by the English, who have a large colony in the centre, on both sides there being French. Saba and St. Eustatia. Inhabited by the Dutch. St. Martin. The Dutch were driven from thence by the Spaniards, who have since deserted it. Anguilla. Inhabited by a few English. St. Croix. Settled about 1646 by the Earl of Marlborough, who was shortly after beaten out by the Spaniards. "The rest of the islands belong to the Spaniards, except Jamaica." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 202.]
1666? 1369. Copy of the preceding. 6 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCII., pp. 183-188.]
1666? 1370. Notes for Williamson ; among others one to swear Mr. Temple of the Council in Virginia. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXXXVII., No. 78, Cal., p. 420.]