Journal, February 1753: Volume 61

Journal, February 1753

Thursday, February 1. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald.

Virginia.

Their lordships pursuant to the minutes of Friday last, took into further consideration the address of the Council and House of Burgesses of the colony of Virginia to his Majesty respecting their revised laws, and Mr. Abercromby attending their lordships had some further discourse with him thereupon and being withdrawn, the draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council thereupon was ordered to be prepared.

Friday, February 2. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Mr. Willard, Secretary of the Massachusets Bay, dated Boston, the 30th of November, 1752, transmitting:—
Minutes of Council of the province from the beginning of September, 1751, to the end of August, 1752.
Minutes of the General Assembly in October and December, 1751, and April, 1752, and in May and June, 1752.
Seventeen Acts, passed in the Massachusets Bay between the 8th October, 1751, and June, 1752.

Ordered that the above-mentioned Acts be sent to Mr. Lamb for his opinion thereupon in point of law.

New Hampshire.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Wentworth, Governor of New Hampshire, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 25th of January, was signed.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty upon the state of New Hampshire so far as regards the difficulties and disputes which have arisen with respect to the Propriety of lands, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 23rd of January, was signed.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from his Majesty's Commissaries at Paris, dated the 24th of January, 1753, acquainting the Board of their having received from the Earl of Holdernesse the memorial in reply to the answer of the French commissaries concerning his Majesty's claim to the antient limits of Nova Scotia and delivered a copy thereof to the French commissaries.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from James West, Esquire, Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, to the Board, dated 25th January, 1753, referring to their lordships' consideration a memorial of the Board of Ordnance praying to be reimbursed £1,148 6s. 4d., by them expended for the settlement in Nova Scotia.

Trade.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Wood, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, dated the 13th of December last (in answer to one from Mr. Pownall) inclosing:—
An account of the value of the exports to and imports from the Island of Jamaica, from Christmas, 1747, to Christmas, 1751, distinguishing each year with the excess.

Trade.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Wood, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, to Mr. Pownall, dated the 23rd of January, 1753, inclosing:—
An account of the imports from the Island of Jamaica distinguishing the particular species of goods for the years 1750 and 1751.
An account of the number and tonnage of the vessels annually employed in the trade between South Britain and Jamaica from Midsummer, 1747, to Midsummer, 1752.

Nova Scotia.

Their lordships took into consideration Mr. Dick's account for the transportation of 1,135 foreign protestants to Nova Scotia in the year 1752, mentioned in the minutes of the 16th of January last, amounting to seven thousand, six hundred and forty-seven pounds, 13s. 4d. and ordered Mr. Kilby, agent for the settlement of his Majesty's province of Nova Scotia, to accept any Bill or Bills which Mr. Dick may draw upon him for the above sum payable the 25th of April next ensuing.

Massachusets.

Nova Scotia.

Read a memorial of William Bollan, Esquire, agent for the Massachusets Bay, and of Samuel Waldo of the same province, Esquire, relative to the opposition and obstructions which the person employed to engage foreign protestants for the said province met with in Germany from Mr. Dick and his agents, and inclosing:—
A narrative of the proceedings of Mr. Joseph Crellius to obtain German protestants to be settled in some of the frontiers of the province of the Massachusets Bay.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit the said memorial and narrative to Mr. Dick for his answer to the said complaints.

Newfoundland.

Read a memorial of several merchants of Great Britain praying to be incorporated into a company with the sole priviledge of carrying on a trade with the Indians in the inland and northerly parts of Newfoundland.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to the petitioners to desire their attendance at the Board on Tuesday the 13th instant.

Tuesday, February 6. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

New York.

Read a letter from the Right Honourable Henry Fox, his Majesty's Secretary at War, in answer to the Board's letter of the 11th of last month, acquainting their lordships that it is the opinion of the Attorney that the mutineers at Oswego in New York may be sent to take their tryal at Halifax in Nova Scotia and desiring that the Board would give directions accordingly.

Their lordships agreed to take the said letter into consideration at another opportunity.

South Carolina.

Read a letter from the Earl of Holdernesse, dated 2nd of February, 1753, signifying his Majesty's approbation of Peter Leigh, Esquire, to be Chief Justice of South Carolina and directing this Board to prepare the draught of a warrant for his appointment.

The draught of a warrant having been prepared pursuant to the said letter, was agreed to, and a letter to the Earl of Holdernesse inclosing the same, was signed.

New Jersey.

New York.

This day being appointed for taking into consideration an Act, passed in the province of New Jersey in 1746, for ascertaining the boundary line between that province and the province of New York, Mr. Charles and Mr. Paris, sollicitors for and against the said Act attended and moved their lordships to put off the consideration thereof to a further day, their counsel not being able to attend.

Their lordships agreed to take this affair into consideration on Thursday the 15th instant, when the parties were desired to attend.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Charles Knowles, Esquire, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 18th of November, 1752, relative to the present state of that Island and inclosing the following publick papers, viz:—
Copy of a declaration concerning a clandestine trade carried on between Philadelphia and the French sugar colonies.
List of ordnance stores wanting for the use of the Island of Jamaica.
Naval Office certificates anno 1752.

Ordered that an extract of so much of the said letter as relates to the alterations proposed by him in the establishment of the officers of the Customs and Revenue in that Island, and the alterations he proposes to be made in the instructions relative to the observance of the laws of trade be transmitted to the Lords of the Treasury for their directions and opinion thereupon.

Ordered that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared proposing that the ordnance stores contained in the list transmitted by Mr. Knowles be ordered to be sent to that Island.

Georgia.

Mr. Martyn, appointed agent for the affairs of the province of Georgia, attending, was called in and he acquainted the Board that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury had agreed that the sum of one thousand pounds should be advanced to him to discharge any Bills which may be drawn on account of the encouragement allowed to the culture of silk in that province, untill a plan of government shall be agreed upon and settled, and he laid before their lordships the draught of a letter which he had prepared for the President and Court of Assistants in the said colony in consequence thereof, which was approved of by their lordships.

Wednesday, February 7. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

Read an humble address and representation of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to his Majesty relative to the present state of that Island.

Their lordships agreed that the said address should be forthwith laid before his Majesty in Council and the draught of a representation to his Majesty therewith was ordered to be prepared.

Thursday, February 8. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into further consideration the draught of a representation to the Honourable the House of Commons relative to the state of the Island of Jamaica mentioned in the minutes of the 7th of December last.

Nova Scotia.

Ordered that there be prepared and laid before the Board as soon as possible an account of the charges incurred in supporting the settlement of his Majesty's colony of Nova Scotia from the commencement of this service to Christmas last.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the address of the Council and House of Representatives of the Island of Jamaica, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding minutes, was laid before the Board and signed.

Friday, February 9. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Oswald.

New Jersey.

New York.

Mr. Paris and Mr. Charles, sollicitors for and against an Act passed in New Jersey for ascertaining the boundarys between that province and the province of New York, attending, were called in and moved their lordships to put off the consideration of that affair which by the minutes of the 6th instant stands fixed for Thursday next, to the 29th of May, which being agreed to by their lordships, they were ordered to withdraw.

Leeward Islands.

Read a petition of Benjamin King, Esquire, to the Board praying for leave to inspect and to have copies made of certain papers in this office and a proper person to attend with the same upon a tryal at law between him and Thomas Warner, Esquire.

Whereupon the Secretary acquainted the Board that Mr. Wilmot, sollicitor for the defendant in the cause mentioned in Mr. King's memorial, had desired him to move their lordships that no affidavits or copies of any in relation to the affairs between Colonel King and the late Governor Mathew might be delivered out from this office to be made use of as evidence at any tryal at law without notice given to him.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Wilmot and likewise to Mr. Eyre, sollicitor for Colonel King, to desire their attendance at the Board on Wednesday next the 14th instant.

Ordered that Colonel King have leave in the meantime either by himself or his sollicitor to compare any copies of papers relative to this affair which may be now in his possession with the originals in this office.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with an extract of the last letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, relative to the want of great guns for the use of the fortifications and inclosing an account of what other ordnance stores are wanted, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 6th instant, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Virginia.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the address of the Council and House of Burgesses of the colony of Virginia respecting their revised laws having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 1st, was laid before the Board, agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board pursuant to their order:—
An account of the charges of supporting the settlement of Nova Scotia from the commencement of this service in 1749 to Christmas, 1752, distinguished under the several heads thereof.

Tuesday, February 13. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into further consideration the draught of a representation to the House of Commons relative to the present state of the Island of Jamaica, mentioned in the minutes of the 8th instant.

Newfoundland.

The consideration of the merchants' petition relative to the opening a trade with the Indians in Newfoundland appointed for this day, was postponed untill another opportunity and the Secretary was directed to acquaint the petitioners therewith.

Virginia.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the petition of the judges of the general court of Virginia having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 25th of January last, was laid before the Board, agreed to, transscribed and signed.

Jamaica.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, containing the Board's observations upon several Acts passed there in the years 1750 and 1751 having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 7th of December last, was signed.

Wednesday, February 14. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Oswald.

Leeward Islands.

Mr. Eyre and Mr. Wilmot, sollicitors to a tryal at law between Colonel King and Mr. Warner, attending, as desired upon Colonel King's petition, mentioned in the minutes of the 9th instant, their lordships heard what each party had to offer thereupon, and Mr. Eyre moved their lordships to be heard by counsel upon the prayer of the said petition, whereupon it appearing to their lordships upon a consideration of the said petition, that no particular papers were therein specified, Mr. Eyre desired leave to withdraw the said petition which was granted, and he was acquainted that when he should specify what particular papers he wanted, their lordships would take his request to be heard by counsel into consideration.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the extract of a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, relating to the want of great guns and ordnance stores for that Island, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 9th instant, was signed.

Virginia.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the address of the Council and House of Burgesses of Virginia respecting their revised laws, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 9th instant, was signed.

Thursday, February 15. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Mr. Wood, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, dated the 13th of February, 1753 (in answer to one from Mr. Hill), inclosing the following account, viz:—
An account of the species, quantity and value of the exports from England to Nova Scotia from Christmas, 1749, to Christmas, 1751, distinguishing each year.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Wood, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, to Mr. Pownall, dated 13th instant, inclosing:—
An account of ships clearing out from Jamaica to foreign parts of Europe from Christmas, 1739, to Lady Day, 1752.

Their lordships took into further consideration the draught of a representation to the House of Commons relative to the present state of the Island of Jamaica and the said draught having been agreed to, was ordered to be transcribed.

Plantations General.

The Secretary laid before the Board the copy of a letter from the Duke of Newcastle by his Majesty's order to Monsieur Michell, the King of Prussia's Secretary of the Embassy, in answer to the memorial and other papers delivered by Monsieur Michell to the Duke of Newcastle on the 23rd of November and 13th of December last.

Ordered that copies of the said letter be transmitted to the Governors of his Majesty's several American colonies.

Friday, February 16. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Privy Council, dated 5th February, 1753, transmitting copy of a letter from the principal officers of the Ordnance to the Lord President complaining of orders given by Mr. Knowles to take into the fortifications some land at Mosquito Point which was purchased by the Board of Ordnance in 1742, and directing this Board to write to the said Governor of Jamaica to require him immediately to revoke his said orders or to set apart for the Ordnance a like quantity of land in some other place.

Georgia.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Privy Council, dated the 5th of February, 1753, transmitting for the information and government of this Board, a copy of a report of the Lords of the Treasury relative to the encouragement to be given to the culture of raw silk in Georgia untill a new form of government be established in that colony.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to Mr. Martyn, agent for the colony of Georgia, to desire his attendance on the Board on Tuesday next.

Pennsylvania.

Read Mr. Lamb's report upon ten Acts passed at Pennsylvania in 1750, 1751 and 1752. Dated the 1st February, 1753.

Read Mr. Lamb's report upon two Acts passed at Pennsylvania in August, 1752. Dated February 1st, 1753.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit an extract of so much of the Act for regulating fees as fixes the fees of the officers of the Customs to the Secretary of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for their Lordships' sentiments thereupon.

Nova Scotia.

Ordered that the Secretary do transmit to Mr. Hopson a copy of the Board's last letter to him by the ship which is now ready to sail and acquaint him that the Board will write fully to him by the very first opportunity.

Jamaica.

Ordered that the draught of a letter to Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, be prepared conformable to the Order of Council relative to the complaint of the Board of Ordnance.

Tuesday, February 20. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs referring to the consideration of this Board a humble address and representation of the Council and House of Representatives to his Majesty relative to the state of its trade, strength and fortifications, and directing the Board to annex such parts thereof to the state of the Island now preparing to be laid before the House of Commons as they shall think necessary for the information of the House.

Their lordships took into consideration the draught of a report to the House of Commons, ordered to be transcribed by the minutes of the 15th instant, and made some addition thereto.

Georgia.

Their lordships then took into consideration the Order of Council referring to the consideration of this Board a report from the Commissioners of the Treasury relative to a sum of money to be granted upon account for the service of the colony of Georgia, and Mr. Martyn attending, laid before the Board an estimate of the expence of supporting the civil establishment of the said colony from Midsummer, 1752, to Midsummer, 1753; whereupon he was told that in all cases of expences relative to this service he must in the first instance apply to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury.

Bermuda.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty proposing that Thomas Jones, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of Bermuda in the room of Nathaniel Bascome, Esquire, deceased, was laid before the Board, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Jamaica.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, ordered to be prepared the 16th instant, was laid before the Board, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Wednesday, February 21. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Oswald.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from the Earl of Holdernesse to the Board, dated 20th February, 1753, inclosing copy of an address of the House of Lords presented to his Majesty in pursuance of their order of the 13th instant.

Ordered that the several papers and accounts required by the said address be prepared with all possible dispatch.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to the Paymaster General of his Majesty's forces for an account of the expence of the military establishment of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia.

Ordered that the Secretary do write to the Lieutenant General and principal officers of his Majesty's Ordnance for an account of the expence of the military establishment of Nova Scotia as far as regards the Ordnance stores.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into consideration the address of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica relative to the state of that Island, mentioned in the preceding minutes, and ordered an extract of so much of it as relates to the complaints of the seizures made by the Spaniards to be forthwith made out, and also copies of the examination relative to the said complaint annexed to the said address, in order to be transmitted to the Earl of Holdernesse, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, and the draught of a letter to his Lordship having been accordingly prepared, was laid before the Board, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Thursday, February 22. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

The draught of a report to the House of Commons upon the state of Jamaica having been transcribed, was laid before the Board and signed, and Mr. Pitt was desired to present the same to the House.

Georgia.

Read a memorial of Mr. Martyn, agent for the province of Georgia, relative to a provision for the salaries of the several officers established there and other services presented by him to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury and referred by them to the consideration of this Board.

Their lordships took the said memorial into consideration and Mr. Martyn attending was called in, and being asked if all the officers contained in the state annexed to his memorial were actually established by the Trustees in Georgia at the time of their surrender of the Trust, he said they were.

Ordered that the draught of a letter to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury be prepared.

Friday, February 23. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Georgia.

The draught of a letter to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury upon Mr. Martyn's memorial, mentioned in yesterday's minutes, having been prepared, was laid before the Board, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from the Earl of Holdernesse, dated February 21st, 1753, signifying his Majesty's pleasure that this Board do lay before the House of Commons the printed Acts of Assembly of the Island of Jamaica from 1681 to 1737 inclusive pursuant to their address to his Majesty of the 19th instant.

The printed collection of laws mentioned in the said address having been laid before the Board, Mr. Pitt was desired to present the same to the House of Commons.

Tuesday, February 27. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Oswald.

Nova Scotia.

Read the following letters and papers lately received from Mr. Hopson, Governor of Nova Scotia, viz:—
Letter from Colonel Hopson, dated the 6th of December, 1752, relative to the present state of affairs in that colony.
Letter from Colonel Hopson to the Board, dated at Halifax, the 10th of December, 1752.
Letter from Monsieur Duquesne, Governor of Canada, proposing a cartel to Governor Hopson, dated at Quebec, the 30th September, 1752.
Copy of a letter from Colonel Hopson in answer to Monsieur Duquesne, Governor of Canada, dated at Halifax, the 8th November, 1752.
A printed copy of a cartel for the exchange of deserters, published at Halifax, the 8th November, 1752.
Copy of a survey of a quantity of salt pork in his Majesty's stores, supplied by Messrs. Apthorp and Hancock of Boston.
Memorial of the officers of the several corps doing duty in Nova Scotia to Governor Hopson, setting forth the hardships they labour under for want of allowance of baggage money, of provisions for their servants, and of fuel and candle.
List of Bills drawn by Governor Hopson on Christopher Kilby, Esquire, agent for the province of Nova Scotia, in the month of November, 1752.
List of victualling rolls and certificates of victualling Governor Hopson's regiment from No. 8 to 14.
List of victualling rolls and certificates of victualling the settlers from 23rd September, 1751, to the 23rd August, 1752, from No. 1 to No. 6, inclusive.
Abstract of several intercepted letters from settlers who have deserted to Louisbourg, to settlers residing at Halifax.
Vouchers second originals from No. 182 to No. 313 for the payment of money amounting to £18,035 11s. 11¾d.
Account of provisions due by Chauncy Townshend, Esquire, on his contracts for victualling settlers.
Letter from Colonel Cornwallis to the Board, dated 17th October, 1752, giving advice of his having drawn on Christopher Kilby, Esquire, £100 in favour of John Taggert.
Letter from Colonel Cornwallis to the Board, dated Halifax, 19th October, 1752, giving advice of his having drawn on Christopher Kilby, Esquire, for £100 in favour of Malachi Salter, Esquire.
Copies of the records of the general Court of Assize and Gaol Delivery held at Halifax in October, 1752.
Minutes of Council, from the 10th August to 4th December, 1752, inclusive, containing the treaty of peace concluded with one tribe of the Micmac Indians.