Journal, August 1724: Journal Book A.A

Journal, August 1724

August 5. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

New York.

Order in Council on representation about Indian Trade Act.

Letter to Mr. Burnet thereupon.

An Order of Council of the 23rd, upon a representation of this Board, of the 14th of the last month, on the petition of several merchants trading to New York, against reviving an Act of that province lately expired, concerning the Indian Trade, directing their Lordships to transmit several papers on that subject to Mr. Burnet, His Majesty's Governor of New York, for his answers and observations, was read; whereupon ordered that the letter, directed the 22nd past, to be writ to Mr. Burnet, with the copies of the said papers, be forthwith dispatched.

Jamaica.

Order in Council.

Draught of additional instruction about continuance of the Revenue Act and other laws for one year.

The copy of an Order in Council of the 30th, approving the draught of an additional instruction, which was laid before His Majesty, with the representation of this Board, of the 29th of the last month, for His Grace the Duke of Portland, Governor of Jamaica, to pass an Act, to continue for one year, from the 1st of October next, the Revenue Act passed there in 1703, and the several laws depending thereupon, was read.

Order on representation for new Councillor.

The copy of an Order in Council of the 23rd, upon a representation of this Board of the 1st of the last month, for constituting Samuel Moore, Esq., of His Majesty's Council in Jamaica, in the room of Captain Morant, deceased, was read.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Leathes about new tax for the canal between Ostend and Bruges.

Their Lordships gave directions for writing again to Mr. Leathes, His Majesty's Resident at Brussels, that if he cannot conveniently come to the Board, their Lordships may have his thoughts in writing, and what account he may have received concerning the new tax, intended to be laid on all merchandize passing between Ostend and Bruges towards deepening that canal, as mentioned in the Lord Viscount Townsend's letter of the 12th, and read the 13th of May last.

Jamaica.

Draught of a letter to Duke of Newcastle about a new bill to be passed for continuing the Revenue and laws.

Their Lordships then made a progress in considering the draught of a letter to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, upon the subject of the Revenue Bill lately passed by the Council and Assembly of Jamaica, and proposing the draught of a new one to be prepared, for settling a Revenue and continuing several laws of that Island.

August 6. Present:—Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

Letter to Duke of Newcastle about Revenue and laws of the Island.

The draught of a letter to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, upon the subject of the Revenue and laws of Jamaica, as mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, was agreed and signed.

Acts read and considered.

Their Lordships then took into consideration the undermentioned Acts, passed in Jamaica, which were read, and several observations were made thereupon.
An Act for the more effectual punishing of crimes committed by slaves, (vide Minutes of 29th January, 1724–5, to be confirmed), passed in 1717.
An Act for the repairing, preserving and maintaining the wall of Port Royal, being now made use of as part of His Majesty's fortifications, (vide Minutes of same date, to be repealed).
Passed in 1717.
An Act for the encouragement of voluntary parties to suppress rebellions and runaway negroes.
Passed in 1718.
An Act to revive such parts of former Acts as relate to any moneys still due to the publick.
Passed in 1719–20.
An Act to prevent the enticing of slaves from the possessors, and for the preventing the transportation of slaves by mortgagors and tenants for life and years, and for regulating abuses committed by slaves.
Passed in 1719–20.
An Act for relief of such persons, as have suffered by piracies and robberies at sea or on the shore, by any of His Majesty's subjects of this Island.
Passed in 1720–21.

Mr. West's report on Acts.

Mr. West's report upon the three last of the said Acts was likewise read.

August 11. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

Trade.

Plantations General.

Letter from Mr. Torriano about sugar, tobacco and rice being carried directly from the plantations to the ports in Europe, southward of Cape Finisterre.

Letter of thanks to Mr. Torriano.

A letter from Mr. Torriano, of the 8th inst., relating to the prejudice our trade and navigation may receive by the permitting sugar, tobacco and rice to be carried directly from our plantations in America, to the ports of Europe, southward of Cape Finisterre, and against restraining the people of New England from building and freighting their own ships, was read; whereupon ordered that the receipt thereof be acknowledged, and the thanks of the Board returned him for the same.

Nova Scotia.

New England.

Mr. Birkhead and other petitioners for a tract of land.

Appointed to attend again with answers to queries about their settlement.

Mr. Birkhead and some others attending, who are concerned in the petition of several officers and soldiers for a tract of land between Nova Scotia and the province of Maine in New England, referred to this Board by the Order of the Lords of the Committee of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, as mentioned in the Minutes of the 20th of May last; their Lordships took the same into further consideration, and appointed the persons above mentioned to attend on Thursday sevenight, with Mr. Coram and such other of the petitioners as shall think fit to come, and to bring an account in writing of the number of persons, who intend to go to America upon this undertaking, how they proposed to settle the said lands, what incouragement they expect, and what they propose to do in return to the Crown; which the said Mr. Birkhead promised accordingly.

Jamaica.

Memorial from Mr. Stevenson about the bill for an additional salary to the Duke of Portland.

Letter to Duke of Newcastle thereupon.

A memorial from Mr. Stevenson, agent for Jamaica, relating to the deficiency of the present Revenue of that Island, and praying the Board to consider and report upon the Bill lately passed by the Council and Assembly there, for an additional salary to His Grace the Duke of Portland, was read; as likewise the said Bill; whereupon a letter to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle on that subject was agreed and signed.

Barbadoes.

Letter from the Governor.

A letter from Mr. Worsley, Governor of Barbadoes, dated the 13th of June last, was read; and the papers, therein referred to, were laid before the Board, viz:—
Papers therein referred to.
List of persons proper to supply vacancies in the Council.
Minutes of Council of 25th February, 17th and 18th March, 1723–24, and 14th April, 1724.
Minutes of Assembly, from the 16th January, 1723-4, to the 7th May, 1724, both inclusive.
Minutes of the Court of Chancery, from the 22nd of January, 1723, to the 15th April, 1724.
Copys of the Grand Jury's Address to His Majesty, to the Governor and to the Chief Justice.
Account of the business done at the Grand Sessions, held the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of June, 1724.
Copy of an Act for the better settling intestates' estates, and for enabling fathers to dispose of the custody of their children during their minority, passed the 11th January, 1714–5.
An Act for enlarging the time appointed for the election of vestry men in this Island, passed the 26th of November, 1723.
An additional Act to an Act, entituled, An Act for establishing the Courts of Common pleas of this Island, declaring also a manner and method of proceedings both to judgment and execution, which are to be observed in the said Courts.

Letter to Mr. Worsley in answer to those from him.

Acts to be sent to Mr. West for his opinion.

Whereupon directions were given for preparing the draught of a letter in answer to those received from Mr. Worsley since their Lordship's letter to him of the 12th of December last; and ordered that the said Acts be sent to Mr. West, for his opinion thereupon in point of law.

Letter to Mr. Burchet, in answer to one about the behaviour of Capt. Cooper.

To be communicated to Mr. Worsley.

A letter from Mr. Burchet, secretary to the Lords of the Admiralty of the 14th, in answer to Mr. Popple's letter to him of the 7th of May last, relating to the behaviour of Capt. Cooper of His Majesty's ship The Lynn, at Barbadoes, together with an extract of a letter from the said Captain Cooper, were read, and directions given for communicating the substance thereof to Mr. Worsley.

Post Meridiem.

Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Plummer.

Jamaica.

Acts read and considered.

Their Lordships took into consideration the undermentioned Acts, passed in Jamaica, which were read, and several observations made thereupon:—
An Act to empower the Parishioners of the parish of Kingston to erect proper buildings for a Court House and Exchange at the charge of the inhabitants of the said parish.
An Act to suspend a clause in an Act, entituled, An Act for ascertaining, establishing and more speedy collecting Her Majesty's Quit Rents, and for the future ease of the inhabitants of this Island, and better discovering His Majesty's Quit Rents.
An Act for the more easy obtaining of partitions of land, tenements, negroes, and other hereditaments in joynt tenancy, in common and copartnery.
An Act to oblige the several inhabitants of this Island to provide themselves with a sufficient number of white people, or pay certain sums of money in case they shall be deficient, and applying the same to several uses.
All passed in November 1721.
An Act to oblige the several inhabitants of this Island to provide themselves with a sufficient number of white people, or pay certain sums of money, in case they shall be deficient, and applying the same to several uses.
An Act for establishing a perpetual anniversary fast on the 28th of August.
An Act for preventing the frauds and regulating the abuses in trade.
An Act for laying out a road from a place called the Cave, in the parish of Westmoreland, over the mountains to the north east part of the same parish, or the west end of St. James's, as the Commissioners shall think most convenient.
All passed in 1722.

August 12. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Plummer.

Acts read and considered.

Mr. West's report on several Acts.

Their Lordships took into consideration the undermentioned Acts, passed in Jamaica, which were read; and several observations made thereupon; Mr. West's report being at the same time read, upon several Acts passed in 1723.
An Act for settling the north east part of the Island.
Passed in 1722.
An Act for encouraging white people to come over and become settlers in this Island, and for the more easy and speedy settling the north east part thereof.
Passed in 1723.
An Act to oblige the inhabitants to provide themselves with a sufficient number of white people, or pay certain sums of money, in case they shall be deficient, and applying the same to several uses.
Passed in 1723.

Post Meridiem.

Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Plummer.

Acts read and considered.

Their Lordships proceeded in considering the several undermentioned Acts, passed in Jamaica, which were read, and several observations made thereupon:
An Act for raising several sums of money, and altering the duty upon Indigo to be imported, and for applying such sums for several uses. (Expired in November, 1724.)
An Act for fitting out a sloop or other vessel for guarding the sea coasts and better defence of this Island.
An Act for granting an additional revenue to His Majesty, His heirs and successors, for the better support of the Government of his Island.
An Act for dividing the parish of Westmoreland into two distinct parishes for the ease of the inhabitants.
An Act for granting a supply to His Majesty for several uses.
An Act for clearing Rio de Cobre.
An Act for the ease of the inhabitants of the parish and precinct of St. Elizabeth.
An Act for the more effectual suppressing rebellious and runaway slaves, and for regulating parties to be sent out for that purpose.
All passed in 1723.

Connecticut.

Letters from the Governor and Company, about the proposed surrender of their Charter.

A letter from the Governor and Company of Connecticut to the Board, dated the 28th October, 1723, in relation to the proposed surrender of their Charter to the Crown, was read, as likewise a letter of the same date, from the said Governor and Company to Mr. Dummer, their agent, upon that subject, and their Lordships agreed to consider further thereof at another opportunity.

August 13. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

Trade.

Memorial from Mr. Leathes.

Additional tax for the Canal between ostend and Bruges.

Letter to Lord Viscount Townsend in answer to his Lordship's on that subject.

Mr. Chetwynd communicated to the Board a memorandum he had received from Mr. Leathes, His Majesty's minister at Brussels, relating to an additional duty of ½ per cent. on all merchandize passing between Ostend and Bruges, towards deepening the canal there, which was read; whereupon their Lordships took into further consideration the letter from the Lord Viscount Townend, of the 12th May last, and the papers enclosed on that subject, mentioned in the Minutes of the 13th of the same month; and agreed and signed a letter to his Lordship, in answer thereto.

Miscellanies.

Trade.

Plantations General.

Letter from Mr. Vernon, clerk of the Council.

Representation about sugar and tobacco trades irregularly transmitted to the Duke of Newcastle.

The said representation to be sent to the clerk of the Council to be laid before the King.

A letter from Mr. Vernon, one of the clerks of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, to the secretary of this Board, dated yesterday, returning the letter and representation of the 24th of the last month, which were sent to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, relating to the state of the sugar and tobacco trades, and signifying that the Lords of the Council took notice, that according to the Order in Council of the 30th of April last, the said representation ought to have been transmitted to His Majesty at the Council Board, was read; whereupon directions were given for sending the said representation to the clerk of the Council in Waiting as usual, in order to be laid before His Majesty in Council.

Virginia.

Letter from Major Drysdale, Lieutenant Governor.

Papers therein referred to.

A letter from Major Drysdale, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, dated 6th of June last, was read; and the papers, therein referred to, were laid before the Board, viz:—
Extract of the Journal of Council of Virginia, 23rd December, 1720, relating to lands licensed to be taken up in Spotsylvania County.
Copy of Mr. Jones, Mr. Clayton and Mr. Hickman's patent, in trust for Colonel Spotswood, for 40,000 acres of land in Spotsylvania County, dated 22nd June, 1722.
List of land granted by Colonel Spotswood in Spotsylvania County.
List of large tracts of land belonging to Colonel Spotswood.
Queries relating to Colonel Spotswood's exorbitant grants of land.

Papers about exorbitant grants sent to Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General for their opinion.

Whereupon ordered that a copy of Major Drysdale's said letter and queries, as likewise of the said patent to Mr. Jones, Mr. Clayton, etc.; the two forms of bonds entered into by patentees; the Lords Justices' Order in Council of the 6th of August, 1723; an extract of the Act, passed in Virginia in 1710, for settling the title and bounds of lands, etc., referred to in the above mentioned queries; and an extract of His Majesty's Commission and Instructions to the Governor of Virginia, about granting of lands there, to be sent to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General, for their opinion, in point of law, upon the said queries.

August 18. Present:—Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

Nova Scotia.

Letter from Colonel Philips, the Governor, about vessel built and maintained by him for surveying the coast, etc.

Colonel Philips to attend.

A letter from Colonel Philips, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated the 12th inst., on a reference from the Lords of the Treasury, relating to a vessel being built and maintained at his charge, for surveying the coast of that province, and other public services, for which he prays to be re-imbursed, was read; whereupon ordered that Colonel Philips be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him on Wednesday the 2nd of the next month.

Virginia.

Anonymous proposal.

Hemp.

To be considered when application made.

An anonymous proposal for planting hemp in Virginia, and for sending over foreign Protestants for that purpose, was read; but no person having yet appeared in relation to that affair, their Lordships agreed to consider thereof, when proper application shall be made by the author of the proposal, who may explain the same.

Trade.

Mr. Blanch's proposal.

Woollen manufactures.

To be considered when Mr. Blanch applies.

A memorial signed by Mr. John Blanch, intituled, Proposals for the improvement of the woollen manufactures of this kingdom, by the clothiers of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, was read; and their Lordships agreed to consider thereof when the said Mr. Blanch shall make application concerning it.

August 19. Present:— Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

Leeward Islands.

Letters and papers from Colonel Hart.

Their Lordships took into consideration the undermentioned letters from Colonel Hart, Governor of the Leeward Islands, which being severally read, and the papers, therein respectively referred to, laid before the Board, directions were given for preparing an answer thereto.

Letter from Colonel Hart.

A letter from Colonel Hart, dated at St. Christophers, 11th March, 1723–4.
Papers therein referred to.
The Governor's speech to the Council and Assembly of Antigua.
The Lieutenant Governor and Council's Address to the Governor.
The Assembly's Address to the Governor.
The Grand Jury's Address to the Governor.
Copy of the Governor of Martinique's letter to Colonel Hart.
Two Acts, one passed in 1723, the other in 1723–4.

Letter from Colonel Hart.

A letter from Colonel Hart, dated at St. Christophers, 16th March, 1723–4.
Papers therein referred to.
Montserrat, Minutes of Council, from the 2nd of March, 1721–2, to 4th March, 1723–4.
Two Acts passed at Montserrat in 1723–4.

Letter from Colonel Hart.

A letter from Colonel Hart, dated at St. Christophers, 25th March, 1724.
Papers therein referred to.
Walter Moore's deposition, master of the sloop, Eagle.
The tryal of Robert Corp and Henry Wynn for piracy at St. Christophers on the 11th March, 1723–4.
Tryal of 14 pirates in St. Christophers on the 11th March, 1723–4.
Two Acts passed in 1723, at St. Christophers.

Letter from Colonel Hart.

A letter from Colonel Hart, dated at St. Christophers the 16th of May, 1724.
Act of Antigua.
An Act passed at Antego, in 1724.

Letter to Sir Wm. Codrington about his return to Antigua.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Sir William Codrington, a member of His Majesty's Council at Antego, now in England, to know whether he intends returning to that Island, and how soon.

Mr. Smith, Secretary of the Leeward Islands, to attend about his deputies.

Ordered that Mr. Smith, patent secretary of the Leeward Islands, be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him on Wednesday the 2nd of the next month, upon what Colonel Hart writes in his said letter of the 16th of March, relating to the incapacity of Mr. Smith's deputy at Montserrat.

Mr. Gerrish to attend.

Ordered that Mr. Gerrish, a member of His Majesty's Council of Montserrat, be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him at the same time.

New England.

Plantations General.

Mr. Armstrong, Deputy Surveyor of Woods.

Letter from Mr. Burniston about the said Woods.

Mr. Armstrong to bring what he has to offer in writing.

Mr. Armstrong, deputy to Mr. Burniston, Surveyor General of His Majesty's Woods on the Continent of America, attending, presented to the Board a letter from the said Mr. Burniston, dated the 4th inst., referring their Lordships to Mr. Armstrong for an account of the said Woods and other matters for His Majesty's service, which was read, whereupon Mr. Armstrong was desired to bring what he had to offer to the Board, in writing, on Thursday the 3rd of the next month.

Barbadoes.

Draught of letter to Mr. Worsley.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Worsley, Governor of Barbadoes, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

August 20. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

South Carolina.

Letter from Lord Bishop of London.

Act about salaries of the clergy.

Mr. West's report on it.

Letter to Lord Bishop of London.

A letter from the Lord Bishop of London, of the 18th inst., desiring the Board would please to despatch the representation upon an Act, passed in the province of South Carolina in June 1722, intituled, An Act for advancing the salaries of the Clergy, was read, together with Mr. West's report upon the said Act, and a letter to his Lordship, in answer to his abovementioned, was signed.

New England.

Nova Scotia.

Mr. Coram and other petitioners for land.

Mr. Birkhead not appearing.

Mr. Coram and some of the petitioners for a tract of land between Nova Scotia and New England attending, but Mr. Birkhead not appearing, nor any of the other petitioners, who attended the Board the 11th inst., and Mr. Coram not having prepared any account in writing of the number of persons who Mr. Coram to bring an account of particulars in writing, about the settlement.
intend to go to America to settle on the said tract of land, how they propose to settle the same, what incouragement they expect, and what they propose to do in return to the Crown; he was desired to prepare and bring such an account in writing on Thursday the 3rd of the next month, which he promised to do accordingly.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to Colonel Hart.

The draught of a letter to Colonel Hart, Governor of the Leeward Islands, was agreed and signed.

Barbadoes.

Letter to Mr. Worsley.

A letter to Mr. Worsley, Governor of Barbadoes, as agreed at the last meeting, was signed.