Journal, March 1728: Journal Book E.E

Journal, March 1728

March 5. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham.

Leeward Islands.

Order in Council.

Lord Londonderry's additional salary.

An Order in Council, dated the 15th of the last month, directing the Board to prepare an instruction for the Earl of Londonderry, appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands, impowering him to receive an additional salary either from the first or second Assembly after his arrival, was read; and the draught of an instruction was accordingly ordered to be prepared.

Antigua.

Letter from Sir William Codrington desiring to be continued in the Council.

Ordered that he be continued.

A letter from Sir William Codrington, one of the Council of Antigua, desiring that he may be continued therein, but excused attending for two years, was read; whereupon ordered that his name be inserted in the Earl of Londonderry's instructions.

New Hampshire.

Letter from Colonel Shute recommending two councillors.

Their names are to be inserted in Mr. Burnet's instructions.

A letter from Colonel Shute, late Governor of New Hampshire, recommending Mr. Samuel Penhallon and Mr. Atkinson to supply two vacancies in the Council of that Province, was read; whereupon ordered that their names be inserted in Mr. Burnet's instructions.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Oxen ford for an account of iron imported.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Oxenford, Assistant Inspector General, for an account what quantity of iron has been imported into this kingdom since Christmas, 1723.

March 6. Present:—Earl of Westmoreland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman.

Plantations General.

Merchants attend.

Order in Council.

Lords of the Admiralty's memorial, woods and naval stores.

Mr. Carey, Colonel Johnson, Mr. Younge and several other gentlemen attending, as they had been desired, their Lordships took again into consideration the Order in Council of the 15th, mentioned in the Minutes of the 20th of the last month, referring to the Board a memorial from the Lords of the Admiralty, in relation to the production of naval stores in America and directing this Board to report to his Majesty, what methods they conceive will most effectually conduce to that end, and had some discourse with them in relation thereto. A letter from Colonel Spotswood, of the 4th inst., upon the same subject, was read.

Draught of a Naval Stores Bill Ordered to be prepared, and a representation.

Ordered that the draught of an Act of Parliament be prepared for the better and more effectual preservation of his Majesty's woods in America, and encouraging the importation of naval stores from thence.

Ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared for laying the said draught before his Majesty.

March 7. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham.

Plantations General.

Draught of the Bill considered.

Draught of the Bill sent to Mr. Fane.

Their Lordships, taking into consideration the draught of a Bill for the better and more effectual preservation of his Majesty's woods in America, and for encouraging the importation of naval stores from thence, directed yesterday to be prepared, as also the draught of a representation thereupon, ordered that the draught of the said Bill be sent to Mr. Fane, for his opinion thereon in point of law.

March 9. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Trade.

Account of iron imported.

The Secretary having received from Mr. Oxenford an account of iron imported into Great Britain in three years, to Christmas, 1726, in answer to a letter writ him the 5th inst., laid the same before the Board, and it was read.

Plantations General.

Representation and draught of the Naval Stores Bill considered.

The Secretary then acquainting the Board, that Mr. Fane had returned the draught of a Bill in relation to naval stores, sent to him the 7th inst., without any objections thereto: their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation upon this subject, likewise mentioned in the aforesaid Minutes, as also the said Bill, and made a progress therein.

March 12. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

St. Christophers.

Letter from Mr. Beake, etc., about complaint against General Matthew.

A letter from Mr. Beake, agent for St. Christophers, and Mr. Meure, agent for General Matthew, signifying their not being able to attend the Board on Thursday next, as they had been desired, in relation to the address of the Assembly of St. Christophers, mentioned in the Minutes of the 29th of the last month, complaining against General Matthew, was read; and their Lordships were pleased to appoint next Thursday sennight for hearing, what these gentlemen have to offer upon this subject, of which ordered that they have notice accordingly.

Plantations General.

Representation, naval stores, considered.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation relating to naval stores, mentioned in the Minutes of the last meeting, and made a progress therein.

March 13. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Palmer to attend upon the Assembly's address against the Governor, and Mr. Sharpe to attend.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that Mr. Palmer, a Barbadoes merchant, desired their Lordships would please to appoint a day for considering a letter from some of the members of the Assembly of Barbadoes, enclosing a petition complaining against Mr. Worseley, the Governor of that island, (read the 27th of the last month); ordered, that he be desired to attend the Board upon this subject on Tuesday morning next.

Ordered also that Mr. Sharpe, agent for Barbadoes, be desired to attend at the same time.

Plantations General.

Representation, naval stores, considered.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation, mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, in relation to naval stores, and made a progress therein.

March 14. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Further considered.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation relating to naval stores, mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, and made a progress therein.

Commissioners of the Navy to attend.

Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy be acquainted with the Board's desire of speaking with them upon this subject to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock.

March 15. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Plantations General.

Sir Jacob Ackworth and Mr. Fawler, naval stores.

Sir Jacob Ackworth and Mr. Fawler, two of the Commissioners of the Navy, attending, as they had been desired, their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation, mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, in relation to naval stores, and desiring these gentlemen would inform the Board whether any, and what, premiums should, in their opinion, be paid upon the importation of naval stores from America; Sir Jacob acquainted their Lordships, that, considering the dearness of labour in the Plantations, and the difference of freight between this kingdom and the Plantations, or from this kingdom and Sweden, he thought it was necessary that premiums should be given thereon, according to the following proportion:—

Letter to the Navy Board, naval stores.

These gentlemen being withdrawn, ordered that a letter be writ to the Commissioners of the Navy for an account of the prices paid for naval stores, for some years before the Revolution, to 1697, and from Christmas, 1716, to as near the present time as may be.

Letter from the officers of Woolwich, hemp.

The Secretary then laid before the Board the copy of a letter from the officers of Woolwich Yard, dated the 27th of October, 1725, approving some samples of hemp made in Virginia by Colonel Spotswood, and the same was read.

March 16. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman.

Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle.

Colonel Philipps continued in his governments.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 13th inst., signifying his Majesty's continuance of Richard Philipps, Esq., in the employment of Governor of Placentia in Newfoundland, and of Captain General and Governor in Chief of Nova Scotia, and desiring that draughts of a commission and instructions may be prepared for him, was read; whereupon ordered that draughts be prepared accordingly.

Plantations General.

Representation, naval stores, considered.

Their Lordships then took again into consideration the draught of a representation relating to naval stores, mentioned in the Minutes of the 14th inst., and made a progress therein.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Oxenford for an account of iron imported.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Oxenford, Assistant Inspector General of the Imports and Exports, for an account of the quantity of iron imported into this kingdom for ten years last past, distinguishing from what parts, as also an account of the duties now payable thereon.

March 19. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Palmer and Mr. Sharpe.

Assembly's letter, etc., against Mr. Worseley.

Mr. Palmer and Mr. Sharpe attending, as they had been desired, in relation to a letter from some members of the Assembly of Barbadoes, and a petition therein enclosed, complaining against Mr. Worseley, the Governor of that island, (mentioned in the Minutes of the 13th inst.), their Lordships, after some discourse with these gentlemen thereupon, gave directions for preparing the draught of a letter to enclose the said petition to the Duke of Newcastle, in order to its being laid before his Majesty.

Plantations General.

Letter from Sir Jacob Ackworth, naval stores.

A letter from Sir Jacob Ackworth, Surveyor of the Navy, dated yesterday, enclosing an account of the prices, that have been, annually given for naval stores, between the years 1717 and 1727, was read.

Representation agreed.

The draught of a representation relating to naval stores, mentioned in the Minutes of the last meeting, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

March 20. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

and signed.

The representation in relation to naval stores, mentioned in yesterday's Minutes, enclosing the draught of a Bill for the better and more effectual preservation of his Majesty's woods in America, and for encouraging the importation of naval stores from thence, mentioned in the Minutes of the 9th inst., was signed.

Barbadoes.

Letter to the Duke of Newcastle, complaint against Mr. Worseley.

The letter to the Duke of Newcastle, ordered yesterday to be prepared, for enclosing the petition from some of the members of the Assembly of Barbadoes complaining against Mr. Worseley, Governor of that island, was agreed and signed.

Massachusets.

New Hampshire.

Representation and letter with Mr. Burnet's instructions.

Their Lordships taking again into consideration the draughts of Mr. Burnet's instructions for the Governments of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, which were agreed the 17th and 25th of January last, as also the draughts of those, which particularly relate to the Acts of Trade, two representations thereupon to his Majesty, as also a letter, for enclosing the same to the Duke of Newcastle, were signed.

March 21. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Leeward Islands.

Lord Londonderry's instructions agreed, and representation ordered.

The draught of general instructions for the Earl of Londonderry, appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands, and of those, which particularly relate to the Acts of Trade, directed to be prepared the 2nd of January last, were agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Ordered that the draught of a representation thereupon, be prepared, to his Majesty.

St. Christophers.

Mr. Beake and Mr. Meure excuse their attendance, but send letters with papers.

This day being appointed for Mr. Beake and Mr. Meure to attend the Board, in relation to the St. Christophers address, mentioned in the Minutes of the 12th inst., complaining against General Matthew, for not accounting with the Assembly of that island for some money paid him for repairing the fortifications; The Secretary acquainted the Board that he had received the following letters from Mr. Beake and Mr. Meure upon this subject, which were read, and the papers, therein referred to, were laid before the Board, viz.:—

A letter from Mr. Beake, dated yesterday.

Copies of several papers, vindicating the address abovementioned.

A letter from Mr. Meure, dated the 19th inst., with proofs to support General Matthew's answer to the Assembly's address.
Minute of Council touching the reconciliation of Colonel Hart and General Matthew.
Copies of several papers relating to General Matthew's accounts for fortifying Brimstone Hill.
Three affidavits about General Matthew's accounts and the ill usage he met with from the Committee of the Assembly, in relation to the money raised and expended on the fortifications.

Their Lordships then resolved to consider further of this affair at another opportunity.

March 22. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Ashe.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle referring back the representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition.

A letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 15th inst., referring back to the Board their representation of the 27th of the last month upon the Duke of Montagu's petition for a grant of Tobago, was read; and their Lordships taking the said representation into consideration made a progress therein.

March 26. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Bladen, Mr. Ashe, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Antigua.

Letter from Lord Londonderry recommending Major Thomas to be of the Council.

A letter from the Earl of Londonderry, appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands, dated yesterday, acquainting the Board that Colonel Gamble, one of the Council of Antigua, was dead, and recommending Major Thomas to supply the said vacancy, was read; and their Lordships resolved to consider further thereof at another opportunity.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Representation upon Duke of Montagu's petition agreed.

Their Lordships taking again into consideration the draught of a representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition, desiring a grant of the Island of Tobago, mentioned in the Minutes of the last meeting, the same was agreed, and ordered to be transcribed.

Jamaica.

Mr. Henderson's commission for Attorney General.

The Secretary then laid before the Board a commission under the Great Seal of this kingdom, dated the 8th of March, 1727–8, appointing Alexander Henderson, Esq., to be Attorney General for of Jamaica, which was read, and ordered to be entered.

March 27. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Cary.

Montserrat.

Representation, negroes detained by Mr. Molineux considered.

Their Lordships took again into consideration the draught of a representation, ordered to be prepared the 29th of the last month, relating to some negroes, belonging to one Garret of Guadeloupe, being detained by Mr. Molineux of Montserrat, and made a progress therein.

Barbadoes.

Tobago.

Representation, Duke of Montagu's petition signed, and letter to the Duke of Newcastle.

The representation upon the Duke of Montagu's petition, desiring a grant of the Island of Tobago, agreed yesterday, was signed, as also

A letter for enclosing the same to the Duke of Newcastle.

March 28. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Trade.

Ireland.

Order of the Committee, clause in and Irish Bill, calicoes and muslins, to have the sentiments of the East India Company.

An Order from the Lords of the Committee, dated yesterday, referring to the Board a clause in an Irish Bill for the further improvement of the hempen and flaxen manufactures, whereby the duty upon painted and stained calicoes is extended to painted and stained muslims, was read; whereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Woolley, Secretary to the East India Company, for the sentiments of the said Company upon this Bill.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Hanbury.

Wrecks on the Danish territories.

Merchants to be heardon this subject.

A letter from Mr. Hanbury, Governor of the Hamburgh Company, dated the 8th inst., in relation to the extracts from Mr. Wich, concerning a regulation proposed to be made with respect to wrecks or ships stranded on the Danish territories in the Elbe, and other papers referred to the Board by the Lord Townshend's letter of the (fn. 1), mentioned in the Minutes of the 29th of the last month, was read; and ordered that Mr. Hankel and Mr. Bulwork, who attended at the same time, be desired to let the Board have, as soon as possible, what they may have to offer upon this subject.

March 29. Present:—Earl of Westmorland, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Sir O. Bridgeman, Mr. Cary.

Montserrat.

Representation, negroes detained by Mr. Molincux, signed and letter to the Duke of Newcastle.

The representation relating to some negroes, belonging to one Garret of Guadeloupe, being detained by Mr. Molineux of Montserrat, mentioned in the Minutes of the 27th inst., was agreed and signed, as also

A letter for enclosing the same to the Duke of Newcastle.

Barbadoes.

Five letters from Mr. Worseley, with papers.

The five following letters from Mr. Worseley, Governor of Barbadoes, were read; and the papers, respectively therein referred to, were laid before the Board:—
A letter from him, dated the 16th October, 1727.
The Assembly's address to the Governor.
The Speaker of the Assembly's speech to the Governor.
Minutes of Council, from the 7th of August, 1727, to the 15th of September following.
Minutes of Assembly of the 8th of August, of the 5th, 15th and 19th of September, and 5th of October, 1727.
The Treasurer's accounts, from the 8th of August, 1725, to the 8th of February, 1726–7.
Acts and draughts of Bills.
Two Acts, passed the 8th August, 1727.

A second letter from him, dated the 26th of October, 1727, about a proclamation being sent to Barbadoes, upon the demise of Queen Anne, for continuing officers in their imployment, etc.

A third letter from him, dated the 21st of November, 1727.

A fourth letter from him, dated the 4th of December, 1727.
The Assembly's address to the Governor, relating to the patent officers.
The Assembly's address to the Governor, recommending Colonel Durousseau to be Storekeeper for the current year.
Minutes of Council of the 24th October, 1727.
Copy of a Bill to exclude the members of the General Assembly from certain offices, civil and military.
Copy of a Bill to regulate elections, manner of accounting, powers and proceedings of church wardens.

A fifth letter from him, dated the 13th of January, 1727–8.

Acts and Bills sent to Mr. Fane.

Ordered that the Acts and draughts of Bills, referred to in the aforesaid letters, be sent to Mr. Fane, for his opinion thereupon in point of law.

Their Lordships then resolved to consider further of Mr. Worseley's said letters at another opportunity.

Miscellanies.

Salaries and incidents.

The Secretary than laid before the Board an account of the incidental charges of this office, from Christmas, 1727, to Lady Day, 1728, amounting to £223 2's. 1d.

Letter to the Lords of the Treasury.

Whereupon a letter to the Lords of the Treasury, desiring payment thereof, as also of the salary due to the Secretary and other officers for the same time, was signed.