Journal, March 1726: Journal Book C.C

Journal, March 1726

March 2. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer.

Trade.

Africa.

The Company's memorial considered.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the memorial from the Royal African Company, mentioned in the Minutes of the 23rd of the last month, setting forth the several hardships their trade lies under, and resolved to consider further thereof in the afternoon.

Post Meridiem.

Present:—Duke of Newcastle, Lord Townshend, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Trade.

Africa.

Representation from the company of their hardships considered.

Copies ordered to the South Sea Company and separate traders.

A representation from the Royal African Company, in relation to the hardships their trade lies under, and proposing methods for remedying the same, was read. And their Lordships gave directions for sending copies thereof to the South Sea Company and to the separate traders.

Queries ordered to be sent to South Sea Company, African Company, separate traders and West India merchants.

Their Lordships also gave directions for sending the following queries to the South Sea Company, the separate traders, and to the West India merchants, and that they be desired to send their answers thereto on Monday morning next, viz.:
Whether it be for the service of the public that the African trade should be carried on by a company, or laid entirely open ?
Whether it be necessary that the forts and settlements on the coast of Africa should be maintained ?
Whether that expence ought not to lye upon the trade ?
What the present value of those settlements is ?
In what manner the property may be purchased, and how they shall be maintained for the future in the hands of the Crown or otherwise ?

March 3. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Leeward Islands.

Hearing Mr. Smith and Mr. Cust, Patent Secretaries, against Colonel Hart the Governor, papers read.

Dr. Henchman.

Copies of Acts and papers read.

This day being appointed for hearing the merits of the petition and complaint of Wavel Smith and Savill Cust, Esquires, Patent Secretaries of the Leeward Islands against Colonel Hart, Governor of the said islands, which was referred to this Board by His Majesty the 19th, and mentioned in the Minutes of the 26th of February, 1724–5 ; and the said Wavel Smith attending, with Dr. Henchman and Mr. Common Serjeant Lingard, his Counsel, and Mr. North, his solicitor, on the one side, and Mr. Willes and Mr. Bootle, Counsel for Colonel Hart, with Mr. Sharpe, his solicitor, attending also on the other, the aforesaid petition was read, as likewise a letter from Colonel Hart, dated the 20th of July, 1725, in answer to those complaints, together with an address from the Council and Assembly of St. Christophers on the same subject. Whereupon Dr. Henchman opened the several articles of the petition and took notice that by His Majesty's Patent to Mr. Smith and Mr. Cust, which was also produced and read, the offices of secretary and clerk of the Crown of all His Majesty's Leeward Charribbee Islands being granted to Mr. Smith etc., with all fees and profits in as full and ample manner, as any person had formerly held and enjoyed the same, he had an undoubted right to all the several offices in each island, which were enjoyed by any of his predecessors, Secretaries of the Leeward Islands, in proof whereof, and of what had been the usage in the Leeward Islands with respect to the Secretary's office and the sense of legislature relating to the Secretary's right, the several undermentioned attested copies of Acts, records and papers were read viz.:—
Wavel Smith against Colonel Hart.
The Lord Carteret's letter of the 6th of May, 1723, to Colonel Hart.
Part of the Governor's instructions relating to the countenance and incouragement to be given to His Majesty's Patent Officers.
Copy of a commission from the Lord Willoughby of Parham, Governor of Barbadoes, and the rest of the Charibbee Leeward Islands, dated the 5th of May, 1668, appointing Francis Sampson, Esquire, Chief Secretary within the Island of Antigua.
An Act, passed at Antego in 1696, intituled, An Act appointing where the laws of this island shall lodge, and obliging the Secretary and Marshal to give security for the true and faithful performance of their offices.
Another Act, passed at Antego in 1697, intituled, An Act for the better regulating the fees and rewards to be received by the several public officers in the island, and preventing extortions of that kind for the future.
An account of books, records, files and other papers belonging to the Secretary's office in Antego, delivered to Mr. William Blakey, January the 30th, 1674, and
A list of books and papers belonging to the Secretary's office of the said island and delivered by Giles Theyre, Esquire, late Deputy Secretary unto Charles Hedges, Esquire, Secretary of the same, the 16th day of January, 1715–6.
The copies of a list of the records in the Secretary's offices in the Island of Nevis, which were in the custody of Mr. John Smargin, Secretary, the 6th of June, 1712.
And of another list of the records and papers in the Secretary's office of Nevis delivered by Mr. Billingsley to Mr. Griffiths, Deputy Secretary, the 1st of July, 1723.
An Act, passed at Nevis in 1710, intituled, An Act to settle and establish the Secretary's fees of this island.
The copy of an administration at Nevis, signed by the Deputy Secretary there.
The affidavit of Mr. Peter Lee, who had been deputy to Mr. Knight and Mr. Smith.
Part of an Act passed in the Island of St. Christophers in 1715, intituled, An Act for regulating and appointing the fees of the several officers and courts in this island.
Part of an Act passed in St. Christophers in 1724, intituled, An Act for the establishing a Court of King's Bench and Common Pleas, and for the better advancement of justice in the Island of St. Christophers, and for settling certain fees etc.
A certificate from several gentlemen of the Council of Antego, dated the 10th of April, 1724, relating to the character and behaviour of Mr. Smith.

Several persons sworn and examined.

Upon all which the Counsel for the petitioners made several observations, and at their request Mr. Hedges and Mr. Knight, successively late Patent Secretaries of the Leeward Islands, and Mr. Gerrish, who had been a deputy secretary at Montserrat, as also Mr. Featherstonhaugh, late private secretary to Colonel Hart, were severally examined on oath, relating to the manner in which the several branches of the said secretary's office was discharged and executed in their time. And the said Counsel concluded with insisting that Mr. Smith, having exercised all the several branches of his office in one of the islands, he had the same right by the general words of his grant to do it in the other, and though in some of the islands the deputy secretaries may have misbehaved themselves, yet a deputy could not defeat the right of a principal; that they hoped the petitioner's right to the several offices, mentioned in his petition, had been clearly made out, and that their Lordships would report thereupon in his favour.

Hearing adjourned sine die.

It being far in the afternoon, before the Counsel for the petitioners had finished what they had to offer in his behalf, the Counsel on both sides were desired to withdraw, and agree amongst themselves whether to proceed now upon the Governor's answer and the reply, for which the Board declared they were ready, or to adjourn the proceeding to another day. Whereupon they withdrew accordingly, and being returned, they acquainted their Lordships that they were under particular ingagements, and some of them more especially on the circuits, that they could not at present agree what time to desire they might proceed. Whereupon their Lordships resolved to consider further thereof at another opportunity.

March 4. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Jamaica.

Letter from the Duke of Portland.

A letter from His Grace the Duke of Portland, Governor of Jamaica, dated the 2nd of June, 1725, signifying that everything has been quiet in his government since the 12th of April, when he writ last, and mentioning the death of his secretary Mr. Fielding, was read.

Second letter from the Duke of Portland.

A second letter from the Duke of Portland dated the — of December, 1725, was read, and the papers, received therewith, were laid before the Board, viz.:
Papers therewith received.
Queries stated by the Duke of Portland to the Council of Jamaica, concerning the Deficiency Bill, the Council's answer and His Grace's observations thereupon.
Copies of several speeches of the Duke of Portland to the Council and Assembly of Jamaica with their addresses, as likewise of several messages, other papers and proceedings relating to the Revenue Bill and the several laws of Jamaica.
List of persons recommended by the Duke of Portland to be of His Majesty's Council of Jamaica.

Order in Council referring to the Board several reports and other papers about Revenue Bill.

Mr. Fane to attend.

An Order in Council of the 23rd of February, 1725–6, referring to the Board reports from the Treasury, from this Board and from the Attorney and Solicitor General, as also some observations thereupon, and a memorial from Mr. Stevenson, Agent for Jamaica, all in relation to the draught of a Revenue Bill to be passed in that island, as also a draught of the said Bill, was read; and ordered Mr. Fane be acquainted with the Board's desire of speaking with him on Tuesday morning next.

March 8. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer.

Mr. Fane attends.

Order of Council about Revenue Bill.

Mr. Fane to prepare a new draught of a Bill.

Mr. Fane attending, as he had been desired, their Lordships took again into consideration the Order in Council of the 23rd of February, 1725–6, mentioned in the Minutes at the last meeting, relating to the draught of a Revenue Bill to be passed in Jamaica, as also a draught of the said Bill, and, after some discourse with him thereupon, their Lordships were pleased to give directions that the said order and the papers, thereunto annexed, be sent to Mr. Fane, in order to prepare a Bill pursuant to the said order, and to the several alterations proposed by Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General.

Trade.

Africa.

Several answers to queries.

The following answers to the several queries mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd inst. relating to the African trade, were read viz.:
The South Sea Company's answer, dated the 4th inst.
Several Virginia merchants' answer inclosed in a letter from Mr. Micajah Perry, dated the 5th inst.
The Royal African Company's answer, dated the 7th inst.
Captain Hyde's answer, dated the 7th inst.

March 9. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Several merchants, who have not answered the queries, to be writ to.

Their Lordships taking again into consideration the several papers relating to the African trade, mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, gave directions for writing to those several merchants, who have not yet made answers to the several queries upon this subject, sent them the 3rd inst.

Trade.

Africa.

Letter to Mr. Carkesse, tonnage of ships and value of exports.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Carkesse, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, for an account of the tonnage of ships employed in the African trade for ten years, from Christmas, 1714, distinguishing, if possible, the Company's ships from those of the separate traders, as also an account of the value of the exports thither for the same time.

Barbadoes.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Mr. Carkesse, account of duty of 4½ per cent.

Letter to him to distinguish from Barbadoes only.

A letter from Mr. Carkesse, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, dated the 8th inst., inclosing an account of the produce of the duty of 4½ per cent. in Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, for nine years since 1715, distinguishing the amount of each year, was read. Whereupon ordered that a letter be writ to him, desiring an account of the same duty for the same term of years, arising in Barbadoes only.

March 11. Present:—Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Trade.

Africa.

Letter from Mr. Lynn for copies of answers to queries etc. Answer.

A letter from Mr. Lynn, Secretary to the Royal African Company, dated the 10th of March, 1725–6, desiring copies for the use of the Company, of the answers given by the several merchants to the queries, sent them by order of this Board, mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd inst., as also proposing the names of several merchants, to whom the Company desire the forementioned queries may be sent, was read. Whereupon ordered that an answer be made thereto.

Mr. Tryon's answer to queries.

Trade.

Africa.

Letter from proprietors of Barbadoes about African Trade.

A letter from Mr. Tryon, dated the 9th March, 1725–6, with his answer to the queries, in relation to the African trade, and a letter from the most considerable proprietors of the Island of Barbadoes to the several persons in Great Britain, interested in the said island, requesting their application to the Honourable the House of Commons, for establishing the African Trade by a joint stock, which letters and answers were read.

Jamaica.

Mr. Fane, Revenue Bill.

Mr. Fane attending, their Lordships had some discourse with him upon the Order in Council, relating to the Bill for settling the Jamaica revenue, mentioned in the Minutes of the 8th inst. to be sent to him, to prepare the draught of a Bill in pursuance thereto. Their Lordships then resolved to consider further thereof on Tuesday sen'night at six o'clock in the evening.

March 15. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Massachusets.

Colonel Shute, order on his petition about his arrears and future salary.

Colonel Shute, Governor of New England, attending, presented to the Board an Order of the Committee of Council, dated the 4th inst., upon his petition, praying payment of the arrears of salary, during his absence from his government, and for settling a certain salary on the Governor for the future, which was read. And their Lordships, after some discourse with him thereupon, resolved to consider further thereof at another opportunity.

Trade.

Africa.

Letter from Mr. Lynn, queries to be sent to several merchants.

A letter from Mr. Lynn, Secretary to the Royal African Company, desiring that the queries, mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd inst., may be sent to the several persons named in his letter, read the 11th inst., was read. And their Lordships were pleased to give directions that the said queries may be sent accordingly.

March 16. Present:—Mr. Docminique, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Pennsylvania.

Order approving Major Gordon Deputy-Governor.

An Order in Council of the 11th inst., approving of Major Patrick Gordon to the Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania, [vide folio 66] was read, as also

Declarations of Mrs. Penn and of Mr. Penn about the three lower counties.

A declaration of Mrs. Hannah Penn, dated the 1st inst., relating to His Majesty's right to the three lower counties upon Delaware River, and

A declaration of Mr. Springett Penn, dated the 1st inst., relating to His Majesty's right to the three lower counties upon Delaware River.

New York.

New Jersey.

Letter from the Governor.

Another letter from him.

A letter from Mr. Burnet, Governor of New York and New Jersey to the Board, dated the 24th November, 1725, was read.

A letter from Mr. Burnet to the Secretary, dated the 24th November, 1725, was likewise read, and the papers, therein referred to, were laid before the Board, viz.:
Papers therein referred to.
Minutes of Council of New Jersey, from the 20th April, 1724, to the 23rd of August, 1725.
Votes of the Assembly of New Jersey, from the 25th May, 1725, to the 23rd of August following.
List of vessels trading inwards and outwards at Perth Amboy in East New Jersey, from 29th September, 1724, to the 24th June, 1725.
Six Acts, passed at New Jersey the 23rd of August, 1725.

Whereupon ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared, as desired by Mr. Burnet's forementioned letter to the Board, for proposing Archibald Kennedy, Esquire, to be of the Council of New York in the room of Mr. Thomas Byerley, lately deceased.

March 17. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir John Hobart.

Newfoundland.

Memorial from the Mayor, etc., of Poole, survey of the west and north west parts.

A memorial from the Mayor and other the inhabitants of Poole, desiring the Board will please to recommend a proper person, and propose him to His Majesty, to survey the West and North West parts of Newfoundland, in order to the carrying on a fishery there, was read.

New York.

Representation, new councillor.

A representation for recommending Archibald Kennedy, Esquire, to supply the vacancy in the Council of New York, occasioned by the death of Mr. Thomas Byerley, ordered yesterday to be prepared, was agreed and signed.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Burchet, heads of inquiry for the commondore.

A letter from Mr. Burchet, dated the 15th inst., signifying the Lords of the Admiralty's desire that the usual heads of inquiry may be prepared for Captain Bowler, who is appointed commodore of the Newfoundland Convoy for this year, was read. And their Lordships gave directions that a draught of the said heads of inquiry should be prepared accordingly.

March 18. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer.

Trade.

Spain.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle.

Spanish book of rates, merchants summoned.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 25th of the last month, referring to the Board a new book of rates made at the Court of Spain, was read. And directions were given for acquainting Mr. Charleton Thrup and Mr. Solomon Merit (both merchants trading to Spain) that the Board desire to speak with them thereupon next Tuesday morning.

Trade.

Africa.

Gentlemen from Bristol, answer to queries about African trade.

Sir Abraham Elton and Mr. Erle attending, with some gentlemen, lately come from Bristol, presented to the Board an answer to the several queries, in relation to the African trade, sent them the 2nd inst., which was read.

Mr. Chester's answer to same.

Mr. Chester's answer to the same queries sent him the 15th inst., was likewise read.

March 22. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Trade.

Spain.

Merchants about Spanish book of rates.

Several other Spanish merchants summoned.

Mr. Thrup and Mr. Merit attending, as they had been desired, their Lordships acquainted them that there was referred to their consideration a book of rates lately made in Spain, which their Lordships desired they would consider of, and let them have what observations they may make thereupon. But these gentlemen acquainting their Lordships, that as the duties payable upon goods imported into Spain were different at almost every port, it would be necessary that several other Spanish merchants should be consulted upon this affair. Their Lordships gave directions that the following gentlemen, viz.:—

Should be acquainted that their Lordships desire to speak with them thereupon on Friday morning next at 11 o'clock.

Pennsylvania.

Major Gordon, his securities for observing the Acts of Trade.

A bond to be prepared.

Major Gordon, lately appointed Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania [fos. 60, 73] attending, acquainted their Lordships that Mr. David Barclay and Mr. John Falkner were willing to become securities for his observing the Acts of Trade, which their Lordships approving, ordered that the draught of a bond be prepared for that purpose.

Massachusets.

Order of Committe, petition of Colonel Shute, his salary, draught of representation.

An Order of the Committee of Council, of the 4th inst., referring to the Board a petition from Colonel Shute, Governor of New England, praying that a salary may be settled upon him, mentioned in the Minutes of the 15th inst., was again read, and their Lordships were pleased to give some directions for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

Trade.

Africa.

Answers to queries about the African Trade.

An answer from the separate traders from the Port of London to Africa to the several queries, mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd inst., was read; as were also the several answers from Sir Denis Dutry, Mr. Douglas and Mr. Lassels.

Anonymous letter relating thereto.

An anonymous letter signed T.B. and dated the 21st inst., in relation to the African Trade, was read.

Copies of the answers to be communicated to the Royal African Company.

The secretary acquainted the Board, that Mr. Parsons and some other of the African directors had been with him, to desire copies of the several returns to the forementioned queries, whereupon ordered that copies be made out accordingly.

Post Meridiem.

Present:—Mr. Horace Walpole, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer.

Jamaica.

Mr. Fane.

Revenue Bill considered.

Mr. Fane attending, their Lordships took into consideration and read an Order in Council of the 23rd of last month, mentioned in the Minutes of the 4th inst., referring to the Board reports from the Treasury, from this Board, and from the Attorney and Solicitor General, as also some observations thereupon, and a memorial from Mr. Stevenson, Agent for Jamaica, all in relation to the draught of a Revenue Bill to be passed in that island, as also a draught of the said Bill. Their Lordships then gave some directions to Mr. Fane for amending the draught of the Revenue Bill, and agreed to consider further on this affair on Thursday sen'night at six o'clock in the evening.

March 23. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Plummer.

Trade.

Africa.

Mr. Brereton, answer from Liverpool to queries.

Mr. Bereton, one of the members for Liverpool, attending, presented to the Board the answer from the merchants of that port to the several queries, mentioned in the Minutes of the 2nd inst., in relation to the African Trade, which was read.

March 24. Present:—Mr. Docminique, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Newfoundland.

Representation from Pool, survey of north and west parts.

Captain Taverner, summoned.

Their Lordships taking again into consideration the representation from the Mayor and other inhabitants of Poole, relating to the want of a proper person to survey the north west parts of Newfoundland, mentioned in the Minutes of the 17th inst.; and the Secretary acquainting the Board that Captain Taverner was willing to undertake the same, ordered that he be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock.

New England.

Nova Scotia.

Captain Broadstreet, clandestine trade with the French of Nova Scotia.

Captain Broadstreet attending, presented to the Board a memorial, in relation to the clandestine trade carried on between the people of New England and the French inhabitants of Nova Scotia, which was read.

State of Nova Scotia.

And their Lordships desiring he would acquaint them what were the number of the inhabitants of Nova Scotia, and what was the strength of the French, he said that there are no inhabitants at Canso, besides very few fishermen and the soldiers in garrison there: that there are no English inhabitants at Annapolis, but that there are about 400 French families settled there: that Minas is likewise settled by French inhabitants: that the Indians furnish the French with cattle, and that the inhabitants supply the French at Cape Breton with fresh provisions. This he was certain of, having himself taken a sloop going from Quebeck to Cape Breton, loaden with sheep, and that they had a pass from the French Governor. Their Lordships then asked him what he thought would be the most effectual way of preventing this clandestine trade, to which he said he knew of no other than appointing a small sloop of about 60 tons to cruise upon that coast. Being further asked in what condition the sloop now at Canso was in, he acquainted their Lordships that the hulk was very good, but that the rigging was entirely spoiled. Captain Broadstreet being withdrawn, their Lordships resolved to consider further of this matter at another opportunity.

March 25. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer.

Trade.

Spain.

Several Spanish.

merchants about book of rates.

Mr. Bernard, one of the members for the city of London, attending, as he had been desired, with Mr. Earle, one of the members for Bristol, as also Mr. Thrup, Mr. Merit and several other Spanish merchants, their Lordships took again into consideration the letter from the Duke of Newcastle of the 25th of the last month, mentioned in the Minutes of the 18th inst., referring to the Board a Spanish book of rates, and desired these gentlemen would please to consider thereof, and let their Lordships know what they may have to offer thereupon. Mr. Bernard then acquainted their Lordships that he daily expected an account of this affair from a correspondent of his in Spain, and that, when he had received the same, he would wait upon their Lordships again.

Trade.

Africa.

Letter to Mr. Lynn for account of the Company's forts.

Ordered that a letter be wrote to Mr. Lynn, Secretary to the African Company, for an account of the nature, number, strength and situation of the Company's forts and settlements on the coast of Africa.

Pennsylvania.

Letter to Mr. Scrope of the Treasury, bond for Major Gordon.

Acts of Trade.

The letter to Mr. Scrope, secretary to the Lords of the Treasury [folio 6–81], with the draught of a bond to be entered into by Mr. Barclay and Mr. Falkner, the two securities proposed by Major Gordon for observing the Acts of Trade, directed to be prepared the 22nd inst., was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Newfoundland.

Captain Taverner, survey.

To put his proposals in writing.

Captain Taverner, attending, as he had been desired, their Lordships had some discourse with him in relation to the survey of Newfoundland and desired he would put into writing what proposals he had to make upon this subject.

Heads of inquiry for the commodore.

Letter to Mr. Burchet therewith.

The draught of the usual heads of inquiry directed to be prepared the 17th inst. for Captain Bowler, appointed commodore for this year's convoy to Newfoundland, was agreed to, and ordered to be sent to Mr. Burchet, to be laid before the Lords of the Admiralty.

1726.

March 29. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Massachusets.

Draught of representation, Colonel Shute's salary, agreed.

The draught of a representation, upon an Order of the Committee of Council, mentioned in the Minutes of the 22nd inst., (directed to be prepared the same day), referring to the Board a petition from Colonel Shute, Governor of New England, desiring a salary may be settled on him, and his arrears paid for the time he has been absent from his government upon His Majesty's service, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Newfoundland.

Captain Taverner's proposals about a further survey.

Captain Taverner, attending, as he had been desired, presented to the Board his proposals for undertaking the survey of the west and north west parts of Newfoundland, which were read; and their Lordships gave directions for preparing the draught of a letter to the Duke of Newcastle thereupon.

March 30. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Colonel Hart.

A letter from Colonel Hart, Governor of the Leeward Islands, dated the 6th of January last, was read.

Representation.

new councillor in Antigua.

A representation proposing George Lucas, Esquire, recommended by Sir John Hobart, to be of the Council of Antego, in the room of Captain John Hamilton, was agreed and signed.

Massachusetts.

Representation, Colonel Shute's salary, signed.

A representation upon an Order of the Committee of Council, mentioned in the Minutes of the 22nd inst., referring to the Board a petition from Colonel Shute, Governor of New England, desiring a salary may be settled on him, and his arrears paid for the time he has been absent upon His Majesty's service, agreed yesterday, was signed, as also

Newfoundland.

Captain Taverner's proposals survey.

Letter to Duke of Newcastle.

A letter to the Duke of Newcastle, ordered yesterday to be prepared, upon Captain Taverner's proposals for undertaking the survey of the west and north west parts of Newfoundland.

March 31. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Plummer, Sir John Hobart.

Jamaica.

Revenue Bill.

Draught of representation.

Their Lordships, taking again into their consideration the Order in Council, dated the 23rd of the last month, and mentioned in the Minutes of the 4th inst., in relation to the draught of a Revenue Bill to be passed in Jamaica, as also a draught of the said bill, gave directions for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

Trade.

Africa.

Directors of the Company, account of their forts.

Sir Thomas Sanderson, with some of the directors of the African Company, attending, presented to the Board an account of the nature, number, strength and situation of their forts and settlements on the coast of Africa, which was read, as also

Mr. Gee's answer to queries.

Mr. Gee's answer to the queries sent him relating to the African trade.