Journal, April 1719: Journal Book V

Journal, April 1719

April 1. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Moles worth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Letter to Earl Stanhope.

Spanish wool.

A letter to Earl Stanhope, upon the extract of one from Mr. D' Ayrol, transmitted to the Board with his Lordship's letter of the 23rd of the last month, relating to the importation of Spanish wool into this kingdom from Holland, &c., was agreed and signed.

April 2. Present:—Earl of Holderness, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Maryland.

Order of Council upon Lord Guilfor's petition.

Letter to Colonel Spotswood.

An Order of Council of the 19th upon a representation of this Board of the 4th of the last month, on the petition of the Lord Guilford in behalf of the Lord Baltimore, (a minor), proprietary of Maryland, signifying His Majesty's pleasure that Capt. Hart, the Deputy Governor of that province, may have His Majesty's leave to be absent from thence for the recovery of his health, and that the President of the Council, who is to command in his absence, may give to the Lieut. Governor of Virginia the usual security for observing the Acts of trade, was read, and directions were given for preparing a letter to Col. Spotswood to acquaint him therewith.

Trade.

Letter from Sir Edward Gould.

Leghorn trade.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

A letter from Sir Edward Gould, of the 11th of December, 1718, with his observations on the letter and memorial from Consul Fuller and the Factory at Leghorn, was read with the postcript concerning the port charges there: whereupon directions were given for preparing the draught of a letter to Mr. Secry. Craggs on the subject of the said letters and memorial.

Letter to Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

Herring trade.

The draught of a letter from the Secry. to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh for inclosing to him a copy of the renewed convention with Hamburgh concerning the herring trade, with extracts of two letters from Mr. Wich on that subject, dated the 7th and 24th of the last month, N.S., and of the protocol of the Senate of that city, dated the 8th of June, 1716, was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Massachusets Bay.

Solicitor General's report.

Trial of pirates.

Mr. Solicitor General's report, dated the 5th of the last month, relating to the tryal of some pirates by Col. Shute in the province of the Massachusets Bay, was read; whereupon ordered that a copy thereof be sent with the next letter to Col. Shute, Governor of the said province, and in the meantime another copy to Mr. Dummer, the agent here.

New Jersey.

Solicitor General's report.

Act.

Mr. Solicitor General's report upon an Act passed in the province of New Jersey in January, 1716—17, intituled An Act to naturalize Jacob Arents and his three children, was read.

Pennsylvania.

Acts.

Their Lordships then proceeded in the consideration of the Acts passed in Pennsylvania between the 14th Oct., 1712, and the 27th of March, 1713, whereof the three Acts undermentioned were severally read, viz:—
An Act for limitation of actions.
An Act for establishing Orphans Courts, and
An Act for amending divers Laws therein mentioned.

April 3. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen.

Carolina.

Letter from the Governor and Council.

Pirates.

Letter to Mr. Burchet.

A letter from the Governor and Council of South Carolina, dated the 12th December, 1718, relating to their being insulted by pirates, to the taking of some of them, and to the assistance of a ship of war which that Government desire, was read: whereupon ordered that a copy of the said letter be sent to Mr. Burchet to be laid before the Lords of the Admiralty.

Nova Scotia.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

The draught of a letter, directed the 24th of the last month to be prepared, to Mr. Secry. Craggs relating to the province of Nova Scotia, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

April 7. Present:—Earl of Holderness, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Carkesse.

Double Douzens.

Letter to Mr. Tigh.

A letter from Mr. Carkesse, Secry. to the Commissrs. of the Customs, dated the 3rd instant, in answer to one writ him the 24th of the last month, relating to a distinction in the cocquets and certificates for clothes exported, called Double Douzens, was read: whereupon directions were given for preparing an answer to the letter from Mr. Tigh at Elsinore on that subject.

Jamaica.

Letter from Mr. Carkesse.

Another letter from Mr. Carkesse of the same date with the observations of the Commissioners of the Customs upon the Act passed in Jamaica in 1713—14, intituled An Act for ascertaining the number of Ports of Entry in this Island and obliging Officers to keep Deputies at such Ports and to prevent all clandestine Trade, was read: whereupon directions were given for preparing the draught of a representation to His Majesty in order to the repeal of the said Act.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Wightman, etc.

Herring fishery.

Letter to Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

A letter from Mr. Wightman and Mr. Drummond, dated the 2nd instant, relating to the herring fishery on the coast of Scotland, the trade for herrings at Hamburgh, together with a clause for an Act to encourage the fishing for herrings in deep water and curing them at sea, were read: whereupon directions were given for sending a copy of the said letter and clause to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and for preparing a letter to the Earl Stanhope, in answer to his Lordship's late letters relating to the herring trade with Hamburgh.

Carolina.

Letter to Mr. Burchet enclosing the letter from the Governor and Council.

A letter to Mr. Burchet inclosing to him, as directed, the 3rd instant, a copy of the letter from the Governor and Council of Carolina relating to the pirates there, and the assistance desired by that Government of a man of war, to be laid before the Lords of the Admty., was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Nova Scotia.

Letter from Colonel Philips.

A letter from Col. Philips, Govr. of Nova Scotia, dated the 1st inst., was read, as likewise the papers undermentioned therewith transmitted, viz:—
Papers.
A letter from Capt. Southack to Col. Philips, dated at Boston, January the 27th, 1718—19.
Instructions from Col. Dudley, Govr. of New England, to Capt. Southack, appointed Commissr. to visit the coast of Cape Sables.
Copy of Col. Dudley the Govr. of New England's order to Capt. Southack to seize all ships, &c., fishing, contrary to the treaty of neutrality made between England and France in 1686, dated 18th April, 1715.
Copy of an Order of Council of 1st February, 1693—94, for a reward to be given to Capt. Southack as an incouragement for his services, &c.
Capt. Southack's memorial to St. Ovide de Brovillian, Governor of Cape Breton, concerning the ancient boundaries of Nova Scotia, September the 11th, 1718, &c.
Journal of remarkable transactions during Capt. Southack's voyage to Cape Breton, made by Order of the Governor of New England, in the Squirrel man of war, dated at Boston, January the 13th, 1718—19, and
Copy of Capt. Southack's memorial to Col. Shute, Governor of New England, dated at Boston, the 22nd of January, 1718—19.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

Whereupon directions were given for adding a postscript to the draught of a letter prepared to Mr. Secry. Craggs relating to Nova Scotia and copies of three papers last abovementioned in order to be transmitted with the said letter.

April 8. Present:—Earl of Holderness, Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Letter from Earl Stanhope.

Passes for 2 Spanish ships.

Mr. Haynes, etc., summoned.

A letter from the Earl Stanhope, dated this day, inclosing a petition from Mr. Savil and other merchants to His Majesty, desiring passes for two Spanish ships to come from Bilboa with their effects, and to return with manufactures of this kingdom, for the opinion of the Board, was read; together with the said petition: whereupon ordered that Mr. Christopher Haynes, Mr. Thomas Bowles, Mr. Wm. Morley and Mr. Edward Rudge, who trade to Spain, be acquainted that their Lordps. desire to speak with them at 10 o'clock on Friday morning next.

Virginia.

Papers relating to the dispute between the Governor and Council.

Letter to Lord Orkney.

Their Lordships then took into consideration the papers from Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Governor of Virginia, and from Mr. Byrd, which were communicated to the Board by the Earl of Orkney the 24th of the last month, relating to the differences between the said Col. Spotswood and the Council of that colony, and the said papers were severally read; whereupon ordered that the Secry. acquaint the Earl of Orkney that the Board desire the favour of speaking with his Lordship to-morrow morning.

April 9. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney.

St. Christophers.

Order of Council.

4 new Councillors.

The copy of an Order in Council of the 15th of the last month, upon a representation of this Board of the 23rd of January last, for appointing four new Councillors in His Majesty's Island of St. Christophers, was read.

Antegoa.

Order of Council.

Colonel Morris.

The copy of an Order of Council of the 4th instant upon a representation of this Board, dated the 19th of the last month, for restoring Col. Thomas Morris to his place in His Majesty's Council of Antegoa, was read.

Mr. Chamberlaine's petition.

Powder office.

A petition to the Board from John Chamberlaine of the island of Antegoa, praying that he may have His Majesty's Commission for the Powder Office in the Island of Antegoa, was read.

Barbadoes.

Report from the Customs.

Duty on sugars.

The copy of a report from the Commissioners of the Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, relating to the duties on clayed and other sugars, dated the 28th of the last month, being communicated to the Board from Mr. Bampfeild, one of the agents of Barbadoes, the same was read.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Captain Scott.

A letter from Capt. Scott, Commadore of the Newfoundland convoy, dated the 16th of Nov. last, was read, and the papers undermentioned therein referred to were laid before the Board, viz:—
Papers.
Bonds taken by Commadore Scott from masters of New England vessells not to carry more men than their ship's companies from Newfoundland without leave.
Copy of an order from Capt. Scott, Commadore of the Newfoundland convoy, dated the 20th of September, 1718, requiring the masters of New England vessells to get ready for leaving Newfoundland by a certain day, and
A scheme of the fishery at Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Burchett.

Newfoundland trade.

A letter from Mr. Burchett of the 24th of November last, together with the copy of one from the said Capt. Scott, containing his remarks on the trade at Newfoundland, with a scheme of the fishery there for the year 1718, were read; and their Lordships agreed to take the same with the letter and papers abovementioned, relating to Newfoundland, into further consideration at another opportunity.

Virginia. Maryland.

Letter to Colonel Spotswood.

Security to be given him for the Presidents observing the Acts of Trade.

A letter to Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Govr. of Virginia, for inclosing to him His Majesty's Order in Council of the 19th of the last month, relating to his taking security for the President of the Council of Maryland's observing the Acts of Trade, &c., in the absence of Capt. Hart, Deputy of that Province, was agreed and signed.

Virginia.

Lord Orkney.

New Councillor.

Representation.

The Earl of Orkney coming to the Board acquainted their Lordships that Mr. Berkeley, one of the Council of Virginia, was dead, and recommending Col. Digges to supply that vacancy, who had already been proposed by the Lieut. Govr., ordered that a representation be drawn for recommending the said Col. Diggs to His Majesty accordingly.

Representation.

New Councillor.

A representation proposing Peter Beverly, Esqr., to be a member of His Majesty's Council of Virginia in the room of William Byrd, Esqr., was agreed and signed.

April 10. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Bowles.

Spanish trade.

A letter from Mr. Thomas Bowles, one of the merchants trading to Spain, with whom the Board had desired to speak this morning, signifying that by reason of his indisposition he could not attend, was read.

Mr. Rudge, Mr. Bernard, etc.

Passes for 2 Spanish ships.

Spanish merchants summoned.

Mr. Edward Rudge, Mr. Bernard and another gentleman concerned in the trade to Spain attending, as desired, the petition inclosed in Earl Stanhope's letter, mentioned in the Minutes of the 8th instant, relating to passes for two Spanish ships to bring from Bilboa certain effects belonging to British merchants, and to return with the manufactures of this kingdom, was again read; and their Lordships having some discourse with these gentlemen on the subject of the said petition, they said they were not concerned in the trade to Bilboa themselves, but that they thought such passes would be convenient, if the same were for the general benefit of all the merchants trading to that port, but they observed the said petition was not signed by several eminent traders thither; that they had heard from Malaga, that the Spaniards had refused passes and would permit no more English goods. And that the British trade with Bilboa had of late years been chiefly carried on in Spanish shipping, which was a disadvantage to the British navigation. They added that Mr. John Richards, Mr. John Olmeus, Mr. Mark Wayland and Mr. Longate, being particularly concerned at Bilboa, could give their Lordships a good account of what they desired relating to the trade there; whereupon ordered that the gentlemen last mentioned be acquainted that this Board desire to speak with them at ten of the clock on Tuesday morning next.

Virginia.

Lord Orkney.

Differences between the Lieutenant Governor and Council.

The Earl of Orkney, Govt. of Virginia, then coming to the Board, their Lordships had some discourse with him concerning the differences between Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Governor of that colony, and the Council there, and his Lordship communicated to the Board a letter from Col. Spotswood of the 22nd of December last, with a printed account of some remarkable proceedings in the Assembly of Virginia, anno 1718, which were both read.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

Burgesses' address.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Secry. Craggs in answer to his of the 20th of November last, relating to an address to the House of Burgesses of Virginia, transmitted to an agent of their own nomination, exclusive of the Lieut. Governor and Council, was agreed and signed.

Representation.

New Councillors.

A representation proposing Col. Diggs, Esqr., to be of the Council of Virginia in the room of Edmond Berkeley, Esqr., deceased, was agreed and signed.

Pennsylvania.

Acts.

Their Lordships then proceeded in the consideration of the Acts of Pennsylvania undermentioned, which were severally read, viz:—
An Act for laying a duty or Excise on sundry liquors and hops to answer several exigencies of this Govt.
Passed in the Session in 1712 and 1713.
An Act for establishing the Courts of General Quarter Sessions in this Province, and
An Act for impowering religious societies to buy, hold and enjoy lands, tenements and hereditaments.
Both passed in the Session in 1714 and 1715.

Trade.

Mr. Haynes and Mr. Morley.

Passes for 2 Spanish ships.

Mr. Haynes and Mr. Morley, both traders to Spain, coming likewise to the Board, as desired, the petition abovementioned for passes for two Spanish ships from Bilboa was communicated to them, who upon discourse acquainted their Lordships that they thought it reasonable to allow such passes for neutral ships, but that it would be a disadvantage to us to admit Spanish ships to come to this kingdom, whilst the Spaniards refuse to allow of British ships going to Spain. They added that during the last war, upon paying an extraordinary duty of 10 per cent called the Habilitation, a trade was allowed in Spain for English goods in neutral but not in English ships. And that the like trade is now permitted at Bilboa paying 15 per cent.

April 14. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Mr. Tatem.

Passes for Spanish ships.

Mr. Tatem, one of the petitioners for passes for two Spanish ships to come from Bilboa, as mentioned in the Minutes of the 10th instant, attending, and desiring to speak with their Lordships in relation to the said petition, he was acquainted that the Board would be ready to hear him and the rest of the petitioners tomorrow morning, and that in the meantime if he had anything to offer he was desired to put the same in writing.

Jamaica.

Representation.

Act.

The draught of a Representation, directed the 7th instant to be prepared, in order to His Majesty's disallowance of an Act passed in Jamaica in 1713—14, intituled An Act for ascertaining the number of Ports of Entry in this Island and obliging Officers to keep Deputies at such Ports and to prevent all clandestine Trade, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Trade.

Mr. Richards.

Passes for Spanish ships.

Then Mr. Richards and two others of the gentlemen trading to Spain attending as desired, the petition abovementioned relating to passes for two Spanish ships to come from Bilboa, was again read; and several questions being asked these gentlemen concerning the said petition and the manner wherein the trade between this kingdom and Spain was carried on during the late war with Spain; They said, that trade, which was then general, was carried on by the joint consent of both Courts, who granted passes on each side respectively, but to Spanish ships only, there being no neutral ships then employed in the commerce. That during the said war, there was no prohibition, but the trade to Bilboa for English goods was allowed upon paying an Indulto of 7 per cent, though they beleived the King of Spain would not grant any passes now. That unless the Spaniards admit our Woollen goods, we shall trade to our detriment. And in relation to the said petition these gentlemen said it would be reasonable that the benefit of the passes desired by the petitioners should be general to all persons concerned in the trade. Mr. Richards, having acquainted the Board that he had one of the Spanish passes in the late war, he was desired to communicate the same to the Board, which he promised.

Pennsylvania.

Act.

Their Lordps. then took into consideration an Act passed in Pennsylvania in the Session of Assembly held there in 1714 and 1715, intituled An Act for corroborating the circular line between the counties of Chester and New Castle, which Act was read, and directions given for comparing the same with the Charter of Pennsylvania, and with Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General's opinion upon the petition of the Earl of Sutherland, relating to the three lower counties adjoyning to Pennsylvania.

April 15. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique. Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Mr. Tatem, etc.

Passes for two Spanish ships.

Memorial.

Mr. Tatem, Mr. Ingoldesby and Mr. Reeve, three of the petitioners for passes for two Spanish ships to come to this kingdom with their effects from Bilboa, attending, presented to their Lordps. a memorial on the subject of their said petition, which memorial was read; and their Lordps having some discourse with these gentlemen thereupon, Mr. Tatem said that he was the chief sufferer by having at present the most effects in the hands of the Spaniards, which without His Majesty's gracious favour of a pass, it would be very difficult for him to get into this kingdome, that his correspondent in Spain advised him to get some others to joyn with him in petitioning for passes here, and gave him assurances of obtaining the like from the King of Spain. That, if they could obtain leave but for one ship, they would be content, and desired not to hinder others obtaining the like favour. Being then asked if the having a passe for a neutral ship, rather than to incourage the Spanish navigation would not answer their intent as well, they said that neutral ships would not be so easily admitted in Biscay, that there would be more risque in trusting their goods in such neutral ships. That Spanish ships in their own ports must always be laden before any others whatever, as was always practised even in time of peace. That they desire to be confined by the said passes to bring their ship or ships directly from Bilboa with wool and iron only, which are of so great use here, and to send back in return the manufactures of this kingdom, or such goods as the government should permit.

Mr. Tatem and the other gentlemen with him being withdrawn

Letter from Earl Stanhope.

Herring trade.

Letter to Earl Stanhope and to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

A letter from Earl Stanhope, of the 14th instant, inclosing an extract of one from Mr. Wich, Resident at Hamburgh, of the same date, N.S., with some observations relating to the management of the herring trade to the best advantage, was read, as likewise the said extract, whereupon their Lordships agreed to consider of the draught of a letter to his Lordship and of another to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh on that subject to-morrow morning.

Letter from Mr. Richards.

Passes from King of Spain.

A letter from Mr. John Richards inclosing two passes from the King of Spain for ships to come to this kingdom during the late war, was read, and the said passes laid before the Board.

Pennsylvania.

Acts.

Their Lordships then proceeded in considering the Acts of Pennsylvania undermentioned passed there in 1714 and 1715, which were severally read, viz:—
An Act for the better Recovery of Fines and Forfeitures due to the Governor and Government of this Province.
An Act for the assigning of Bonds, specialties and Promissory Notes.
An Act for acknowledging and recording of Deeds.
An Act for continuing a friendly correspondence with the Indians, and
An Act for better determining of debts and demands under 40s. and for laying aside the two weeks Court in the City of Philadelphia.

Trade.

Letter to Sir Benjamin Ayloff.

Danish trade.

Ordered that the Secry. write to Sir Benjamin Ayloff, Governor of the Russia Company, to remind him of the Board's desire that if the said Company have anything to offer for improving our trade to Denmark, they would send the same in writing as soon as may be.

April 16. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Jamaica.

Representation.

Act.

A representation as agreed the 14th instant, in order to His Majesty's disallowance of an Act passed in Jamaica in 1713—14, intituled An Act for ascertaining the number of Ports of Entry in this Island &c., was signed.

Trade.

Letter to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

Herring fishery.

A letter from the Secry. to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, inclosing two extracts of Mr. Wightman and Mr. Drummond's letter of the 2nd, and Mr. Wich's letter of the 14th instant, relating to the herring fishery and the late convention with Hamburgh for his Lordship's and Royal Burrough's sentiments thereon, was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Letter to Earl Stanhope.

A progress was made in considering the draught of a letter to the Earl Stanhope in answer to those from his Lordship on the same subject.

Letter to Mr. Carkesse.

Account of ships.

Ordered that the Secretary write to Mr. Carkesse to desire him to move the Commissrs. of His Majesty's Customs that this Board may have an account of the ships cleared from England since Christmas, 1714, in the same manner as the last account thereof transmitted to their Lordships.

April 17. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Pennsylvania.

Acts.

Their Lordships proceeded in the consideration of the Acts passed in Pennsylvania in 1714 and 1715, whereof those whose titles are undermentioned were severally read, viz:—
An Act for erecting a supreme or provincial Court of Law and Equity in this Province.
An Act for establishing the several Courts of Common Pleas in this Province, and
An Act for the better ascertaining the Practice of the Courts of Judicature in this Province.

April 21. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Carolina.

Letter from Mr. Burchett.

Frigate.

Letter to the Governor.

A letter from Mr. Burchett to the Secry. dated yesterday, signifying in answer to one writ him the 7th instant, that the Lords of the Admity. intend to send a Frigot as soon as possible to Carolina for the protection of that coast, was read: whereupon the Board agreed that the Governor of Carolina be acquainted therewith in the answer to be prepared to his letter.

Virginia.

Mr. Solicitor's General report.

Proroguing assemblies.

Collating to benefices.

Mr. Solicitor General's report in answer to the letter writ him by the Secry. the 19th of November last, relating to the Governor of Virginia's power of proroguing an assembly under an adjournment before the day of adjournment, and his power of collating to Ecclesiastical benefices, was read, and directions given for preparing a copy of the said report to be transmitted in the next letter to Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Governor of that colony.

Pennsylvania.

Acts.

Their Lordships then proceeded in the consideration of the Acts passed in Pennsylvania in 1714 and 1715, and those whose titles are undermentioned were severally read, viz:—
An Act for raising a supply of one penny in the pound and four shillings a head and for reviving other Acts therein mentioned.
An Act for regulating and establishing Fees.
An Act for laying a duty on Wine, Rum, Brandy, and Spirits, Cyder and Hops imported into this Province, and
An Act for laying a duty on Negroes imported into this Province.

April 22. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New York.

Act.

Memorial from Governor and Council.

Mr. West's report.

Petitioners summoned.

Their Lordships proceeded to consider the act passed at New York in December, 1717, intituled An Act for paying and discharging several debts, due from this colony to the persons therein named and for raising and putting into the hands of the Treasury of this colony several quantities of Plate to be applyed to the publick and necessary uses of this Colony, and to make Bills of Credit to the value of 41,517½ ounces of plate for that purpose, which was read, as also the petition and representation of several merchants, mentioned in the Minutes of the 6th May. 1718, against the said Act, with a copy of a memorial from the Governor and Council of New York to this Board in answer to the merchants' objections, and Mr. West's report upon the same Act: whereupon ordered that the petitioners against the Act be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with them at 10 of the clock on Tuesday morning next.

Barbadoes.

Massachusets Bay.

Letter to Mr. West.

Ordered that the Acts of the Island of Barbados and of the province of the Massachusets Bay, which have not been considered, be sent to Mr. West, for his opinion thereupon.

April 23. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Miscellanies.

Clerks not to keep papers.

Ordered that none of the clerks in the office do for the future presume to take any papers whatsoever out of the Secry's. or Deputy Secry's. room without their directions, and that they do not keep any of the papers or books belonging to the office in their desks at nights, but that they deliver such books or papers to the Secry. or Deputy Secry. before they go away.

New York.

New Jersey.

Letters from Brigadier Hunter.

Their Lordships took into consideration the following letters from Brigdr. Hunter, Governor of New York and New Jersey, which were severally read, and the papers therein respectively referred to were laid before the Board, viz:—
A letter from Brigdr. Hunter, Governor of New York, &c., to the Board, dated the 7th of August, 1718.
List of the Palatines settled in New York Province.
The Assembly of New York's address in Lord Cornbury's Government to Her late Majesty, relating to Coin.
Revenue of New York from July, 1715, to August, 1718.
Revenue of New Jersey from 23rd June, 1715, to 23rd Sept., 1718.
A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Govr. of New York, &c., to the Board, dated the 11th of August, 1718.
An Account of grants of land during Brigadier Hunter's government at New York.
A letter from Brigdr. Hunter, Governor of New York, &c., to the Secretary, dated the 27th of August, 1718.
List of Acts passed at New York in 1718.
A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Governor of New York, &c., to the Secry. dated the 13th of October, 1718.
Representation from the General Assembly of New York, &c., with their sentiments on the Act amending clauses in Revenue Acts.
A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Governor of New York, &c., to the Board, dated the 3rd of November, 1718.
Memorial from the Governor and Council of New York, relating to the Caveats against the Act for the Payments of the Publick Debts.
Copy of the examination of Dennis Downing.
Affidavit of Gabriel Ludlow, concerning printing the votes of Assembly.
Assembly's address to his Excellency concerning the Grand Jury's address to his Excellency.
General Assembly's address concerning the Mayor's Sloop.
Minutes of Council of New York from the 19th of April, to the 29th of September, 1718.
Minutes of Council from the 19th of April, 1718, to the 1st of November following.
Minutes of Assembly from 20th August, 1717, to 16th October, 1718.
Journal of the General Assembly of New York the 24th Sept., to the 16th of Oct., 1718.
A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Governor of New York and New Jersey, to the Secry. dated the 3rd of November, 1718.

April 24. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to General Hamilton.

A letter to General Hamilton, Governor of the Leeward Islands, was agreed and signed.

New York.

Mr. West.

Then Mr. West coming to the Board, their Lordships proceeded to consider the following Acts passed at New York in July and October, 1718, which Acts were severally read, viz:—
Acts.
1. An Act to prevent small stallions running at large and to geld all horses under the size therein mentioned.
2. An Act for an allowance to a Representative of the Township of Schenectady in the County of Albany.
3. An Act for granting to the freeholders and inhabitants of the precinct of Catskill and Coxhacky, in the County of Albany, the priviledge of choosing yearly a Supervisor.
4. An Act for reviving and continuing an Act for licensing Hawkers and Pedlers within this Province.
5. An Act for naturalizing Nicholas Caron, &c.
6. An Act for reviving an Act for the better settling the militia of this Province and making it more usefull, &c.
7. An Act for establishing Pilotage.
8. An Act for encouraging the returning of lost cattle and sheep to their owners.
9. An Act repealing that part of an Act for restraining the taking extravagant Usury, whereby Interest was reduced to 6 per cent. per annum.
10. An Act for reviving an Act for the easier Partition of Lands in joint Tenancy or in Common and making the same more usefull and effectual for the purposes therein mentioned.
11. An Act for explaining certain clauses in an Act for a Supply to be granted for supporting the Govt., and for striking Bills of Credit for that purpose, passed in 1715, and in another Act, passed in 1716, to oblige all vessels trading into this Colony (except those therein excepted) to pay a certain Duty: and for further explaining certain clauses in an Act by which a duty is laid on Negroes imported.
12. An Act to enable the Treasurer of this Colony to remit Ambrose Philips, Esqr., the sum of 187½ ounces of Plate.
13. An Act for paying 53½ ounces of Plate to John Van Zant and 12½ ounces to Willempie Mylden Borgat, widow, and
14. An Act for settling the Boundaries between the lands granted to Cornelius Coel, &c., in the County of Ulster, commonly called the Town of Hurley, and the lands granted to Henry Beckman, &c., Trustees for Marble Town in the County of Ulster.

whereupon ordered that the Acts intituled
An Act for reviving an Act for the easier partition of lands in joint Tenancy or in Common and making the same more usefull and effectual for the purposes therein mentioned, and
An Act for explaining certain clauses in an Act for a supply to be granted for supporting the Government and for striking Bills of Credit for that purpose, passed in 1715, and in another Act, passed in 1716, to oblige all vessells trading into this Colony (except those therein excepted) to pay a certain duty, and for further explaining certain clauses in an Act by which a Duty is laid on Negroes imported;
Letter to Mr. West.
be sent to Mr. West for his particular consideration and report, and their Lordps. agreed to let the other Acts aforesaid lye by probationary.

Trade.

Letter to Earl Stanhope.

Passes for Spanish ships.

A letter to the Earl Stanhope, in answer to their Lordships' of the 8th inst. mentioned in the Minutes of the same day, upon the petition of Mr. Savil, Mr. Tatem and other merchants, praying to have passes for two small Spanish ships to come to this kingdom from Bilboa, was agreed and signed.

Massachusets Bay.

Representation.

Act.

A representation proposing the repeal of an Act passed in the Massachusets Bay in May, 1718, intituled An Act for granting unto His Majesty several Rates and Duties of Impost and Tonnage of Shipping, was agreed and signed.

April 28. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New York.

Mr. Lodwick, &c.

Act.

Mr. Lodwick, Mr. Low, Mr. Baker, Mr. Stork and Mr. Chabot, who signed the Petition referred to this Board by the Order of Council of 23rd of April last, and read the 6th of May following, against an Act passed at New York in December, 1717, intituled An Act for paying and discharging several debts due from this Colony &c., attending according to appointment, as also several other merchants, who had not signed the said Petition, they were asked whether they were inhabitants of the Province of New York or only traders thither, and what further they had to offer concerning this Act or any particular hardships to complain of in relation to themselves. To which first question they severally answered that they were traders to the said Province, that they had lately received fresh accounts from New York of the inconveniences of the said Act contained in an anonimous paper, which was read, as likewise the copy of an Order issued by Brigdr. Hunter in November, 1717, to the Justices of the Peace relating to a Petition to His Majesty and (as these gentlemen alledged) pretended tumults on that account. And these gentlemen alledged that Capt. Downing (who, they owned, was in London, though they did not think fit to produce him to be examined) had lately been taken up at New York for having signed the first mentioned Petition of the merchants. They further proceeded to shew the general hardships of the Act upon the inhabitants of New York, that the issuing new bills of credit had altered the value of silver there from 8s. 3d. per ounce, which the former bills passed at, to 9s. 3d. which is now the rate of all their bills of credit, and that these bills will not be taken in the Province of New Jersey. That the said Capt. Downing was forced to take these bills for his freight. That the exchange from New York, which three or four years ago was at 150l. that country money for 100l. sterling, is now raised to 160 and 175 for 100l. sterling. That being asked how this Act was prejudicial to trade in general they said the imposition on wines, which is continued by the said Act, is a hardship on the trade of this kingdom, and that the Govr. by his instructions is forbid passing such laws. That by means of so much paper credit most of the money is carried out of the Province. Upon which last point, being asked whither the money was carried, they said it was chiefly carried to Great Britain, and as to the instruction abovementioned they were acquainted that the Act was passed before the said instruction could reach the Governor's hands. Mr. Lodwick said that by his agents at New York, he had, before the passing this Act, put in a claim for some money due to him from that province, which was not allowed, though other claims of the same nature as his are allowed by this Act. Upon which their Lordships desired Mr. Lodwick to let them have an account of what he alledged to be due to him from the Province of New York, that they might consider thereof. Mr. Mulford being present, acquainted the Board that Col. Livingston, who pursuant to a former Act of New York had been paid 500l. in full of all publick debts due to him from the Province, had notwithstanding 1400l. allowed him by the present Act, though his claim for this last sum had been formerly disallowed. Upon the whole these gentlemen were asked whether the repeal of the Act now under consideration would not be of worse consequence to trade than the continuance of it, to which they gave no answer, but desired the like inconvenience might be remedied for the future.

April 29. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney.

Nova Scotia.

Letter from Captain Doucet.

A letter from Capt. Doucet, Lieut. Governor of Annapolis Royal, in Nova Scotia, to Col. Philips, Governor of that Province, dated 13th December last, being communicated to the Board by Col. Philips, the same was read, as likewise the undermentioned papers therein referred to, viz:—
Papers.
1. Letter from the Governor of Canada to Capt. Doucet, Lieut. Govr. of Annapolis.
2. Letter from Capt. Doucet, Lieut. Governor of Annapolis, to the Governor of Canada &c., desiring them to direct that the French at Annapolis, who do not become subjects to King George, may retire to Canada &c.
3. Letter from the marquiss de Vaudreuil, Govr. of Canada, to Lewis Allain, &c.
4. Another letter from the said marquiss to the said Lewis Allain.

Whereupon a postscript was added to the letter prepared to Mr. Secry. Craggs, relating to Nova Scotia, and the said letter signed.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Tigh.

Book of Rates.

A letter from Mr. Tigh, Consul at Elsinore to the Secry., dated there the 25th of April, 1719, N.S., was read, and the translation of the Book of Rates of the Sound Customs, now in use in the King of Denmark's dominions, inclosed in the said letter, was laid before the Board.

Virginia.

Letter from Colonel Spotswood.

Letter to Mr. West.

A letter from Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Governor of Virginia, to the Board, dated 22nd December last, was read, and the papers, therein referred to, were laid before the Board, viz:—
Papers.
Proceedings in Council on the Bill declaring who shall not bear Office, &c.
The Burgesses' address to the King with articles against the Governor, &c.
The Lieutenant Governor's messages and speech to the Assembly.
Addresses to the Governor disowning the Burgesses against him.

Whereupon ordered that the two Acts of Virginia, intituled An Act for settling the titles and bounds of lands and for preventing unlawful shooting and ranging thereupon passed in 1710, and An Act declaring what shall be accounted a sufficient seating, planting, cultivating and improving of lands already granted or hereafter to be taken up and patented, passed in 1713, referred to in par. E. of the said letter, be sent to Mr. West, and his opinion desired whether lands, granted before the making the former of the said Acts, be subject to the penalties of those Acts.

Virginia.

Letter from Colonel Spotswood.

A letter from Col. Spotswood to the Secry., dated the 5th of Feb. last, was read, and the account therein referred to, of some remarkable proceedings of the Assembly of Virginia in 1718, was laid before the Board.

Carolina.

Letter to Colonel Johnson.

A letter to Col. Johnson, Governor of Carolina, was agreed and signed.

April 30. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Nova Scotia.

Letter from Colonel Philips.

A letter from Col. Philips, Govr. of the Province of Nova Scotia, dated this day, was read.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs.

A letter to Mr. Secry. Craggs, relating to the said Province of Nova Scotia, was signed.

Trade.

Plantations General.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes.

Pitch and tar.

Ordered that the Secry. write to Mr. Lowndes to desire him to move the Lords of the Treasury, that as soon as the Act of Parliament passed this last Session, wherein is the clause relating to plantation pitch and tar, is printed, this Board may have 50 copies thereof, to be sent to the Governments where those commodities are produced.

Virginia.

Letters from Colonel Spotswood.

Letter to him.

Their Lordships took again into consideration several letters from Col. Spotswood, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, and gave directions for preparing the draught of an answer thereto.

Letter to Mr. Lloyd.

Postage.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Lloyd to know if the Post Master General have anything to offer upon the letter writ to the said Mr. Lloyd the 22nd of August last, by Order of this Board, relating to the postage of letters in Virginia.