Journal, December 1753: Volume 61

Journal, December 1753

Wednesday, December 5. Present:—Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Bahamas.

The following draughts of letters having been transcribed were signed, viz.:—
Letter to Mr. Tinker, Governor of the Bahamas.

North Carolina.

Letter to Mr. Rowan, President of the Council of North Carolina.
Jamaica.
Letter to Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica.

Plantations General.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council with draughts of additional instructions for the Governors of several of the colonies relative to appeals from the courts there in cases of error, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 27th November, was signed.

Jamaica.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty, with the copy of a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, relative to the Acts passed there in 1750 and 1751 having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 22nd of November, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Trade.

Letter from William Bollan, Esquire, to the Board, dated the 4th December, 1753, acquainting their lordships with some grounds of suspicion that the Moravians have a design of transplanting into their own country the English art of manufacturing wool.

South Carolina.

Read two reports of Mr. Lamb's upon several Acts passed in South Carolina in the years 1750 and 1751.

Their lordships having taken the said Acts into consideration spent some time therein.

Thursday, December 6. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Oswald.

Nova Scotia.

Read the following letters and papers received from Mr. Hopson, Governor of his Majesty's province of Nova Scotia, viz.:—
Letter from Colonel Hopson to the Board, dated 23rd July, in answer to one from their lordships of the 22nd of December last, inclosing:—
Proclamation for raising the militia, 22nd March, 1753.
Anthony Casteel's deposition relative to his being taken prisoner by the Indians.
Minutes of Council from the 15th May, 1753, to the 18th July following.
Report of the Abigal's beef and pork surveyed.
Report of the weight of 27 barrels of flour from Philadelphia per schooner Prospect, 13th July, 1753.
List of papers relating to the condemnation and sale of the Phebe and Polly's cargo of pease.
Adjustment of the cargo of the ship Damsell, George Lately, master.
Letter from Colonel Hopson to the Board, dated July 23rd, 1753, relative to the state of the fund for the publick expence and inclosing:—
Mr. Bulkeley's explanation of the Governor's memorandum sent to the Lords of Trade relating to the estimate of artificers etc. and likewise other articles.
List of bills drawn by Governor Hopson upon Christopher Kilby, Esquire.
Letter from Colonel Hopson, dated 3rd September, 1753, acknowledging the receipt of the Board's letters of the 9th and 12th July last.
Letter from Colonel Hopson to the Board, dated at Halifax, the 22nd October, 1753, referring to publick accounts and vouchers sent by Captain Rous of his Majesty's sloop Albany and inclosing:—
Abstract of Bills of Exchange drawn by Governor Hopson at Nova Scotia and how expended.
Abstract of the government's cash account with the Treasury at Halifax from August 1st, 1752, to September 30th, 1753.
Abstract of the state of the fund for the expence of Nova Scotia.
Treasurer's vouchers.
Abstract of the general accounts for the publick works at Chignecto.
Paymaster's account current with the Governor.
Account of expences at Lunenberg.
Accounts of the store keeper of the issues of dry and wet stores audited.
Apthorp and Hancock's accounts.
Victualing list of the settlers.
Ditto of Colonel Hopson's Regiment.
Copies of the records of April General Court last.
Naval Office lists of ships entered and cleared in the port of Halifax between Lady Day and Michaelmas, 1753.
Letter from Colonel Hopson, dated 23rd July, 1753, inclosing:—
Memorial of John Burbidge, clerk to the Paymaster of the Public Works.
Letter from Colonel Hopson to the Board, dated the 1st of October, 1753, relating to the state of the province and containing an account of the French forts at Beausejour and Baye Verte.
Letter from Colonel Hopson to the Board, dated the 18th of October, 1753, giving an account of the proceedings of the French upon the River St. John's.

Ordered that an extract be made of so much of Mr. Hopson's letter of the 1st of October as relates to the state of the French forts at Beausejour and Baye Verte to be transmitted to the Earl of Holdernesse and that the draught of a letter to his Lordship therewith be prepared.

Ordered that an extract be made of so much of Mr. Hopson's letter of the 18th of October as relates to the strength and proceedings of the French at the River St. John's to be laid before his Majesty and that the draught of a representation to his Majesty thereupon and of a letter to Lord Holdernesse inclosing it be prepared.

Ordered that Mr. Kilby, agent for the settlement, be desired to attend the Board to-morrow morning.

Plantations General.

Read the following Orders in Council, viz.:—
Jamaica.
Read an Order of Council dated the 28th November, 1753, directing this Board to cause a warrant to be prepared for appointing Edward Manning to be a Councillor of Jamaica in the room of Hampson Needham, Esquire.
Barbados.
Read an Order of Council dated 28th November, 1753, directing this Board to cause a warrant to be prepared for appointing Edward Jordan, Esquire, to be a Councillor of Barbados in the room of James Carter, Esquire, deceased.
Antigua.
Read an Order of Council dated the 28th of November, 1753, directing this Board to cause a warrant to be prepared for appointing Rowland Oliver, Esquire, a Councillor in the Island of Antigua in the room of Charles Dunbar, Esquire, who has resigned.
Bahamas.
Read an Order of Council dated the 28th November, 1753, directing this Board to cause warrants to be prepared for appointing Robert Stewart and Nehemiah Duncombe Esquires, to be Councillors in the Bahama Islands.

The draughts of warrants having been prepared conformable to the above Orders and also the draughts of representations to his Majesty thereupon, they were agreed to and the draughts of representations having been transcribed, were signed.

Friday, December 7. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend, Mr. Stone.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to Lord Holdernesse inclosing an extract of Mr. Hopson's letter of the 1st of October having been prepared pursuant to the preceding day's minute, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

The draught of a representation to his Majesty with the extract of Mr. Hopson's letter of the 18th of October, and the draught of a letter to Lord Holdernesse inclosing the representation having been prepared pursuant to the preceding day's minute, were agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence, President of the Council and Commander in Chief of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated 20th of October, 1753, upon his succeeding to the chief command during Colonel Hopson's absence from that province.

Read a letter from Mr. Collier, dated at Halifax, the 18th of October, 1753, acquainting the Board that Governor Hopson had by their lordships' order appointed him Register of the province and Receiver of his Majesty's rents in the room of Mr. Salisbury.

Read a letter from Mr. Collier to the Board, dated the 18th of October, 1753, inclosing:—
A transcript of the register from the 17th of April to the 18th of October, 1753.

Mr. Kilby, agent for the settlement of Nova Scotia, attending, their lordships took into consideration the estimate transmitted by Mr. Hopson of what sums of money will be necessary for the service of Nova Scotia for the ensuing year, and after some time spent therein their lordships directed Mr. Kilby to prepare the draught of an estimate to be laid before Parliament and an account of the expenditure of the last year's grant.

Ordered that Mr. Kilby do examine the accounts of the storekeeper in Nova Scotia transmitted by Mr. Hopson and make a report thereupon to their lordships.

Read Mr. Kilby's report upon a memorial of Mr. Chauncy Townshend referred to this Board from the Treasury praying payment of £411 3s. 6d. for Custom House duties paid in Ireland upon provisions shipped by him for Nova Sectia pursuant to his contract.

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

Read Mr. Kilby's report upon a memorial of Mr. Chauncy Townshend referred to this Board from the Treasury, praying payment of £492 on account of his having supplyed the settlement in Nova Scotia with a greater proportion of bread than he was obliged to by his contract and also of the sum of £350 to make good the loss sustained by his being charged with bread purchased there at a higher rate there than at which it might have been imported.

Mr. Chauncy Townshend attending, their lordships had some discourse with him upon this subject, and some difficulty arising as to that part of his memorial which relates to the loss sustained by him on account of his being charged with bread at a higher rate than it might have been purchased at, and it appearing to their lordships that the circumstances of this case were the same as of that upon which their lordships made a report to the Treasury on the 5th of February, 1752, Mr. Townshend was desired to talk with Mr. Baker, and attend their lordships again upon it.

Read a letter from Mr. Chauncy Townshend, dated the 28th of November, 1753, relative to the complaint of his having failed in the execution of his contract for victualling the augmentation of Colonel Hopson's Regiment.

Nova Scotia.

Upon reading this letter, their lordships acquainted Mr. Townshend that as this matter was entirely for the consideration of the Lords of the Treasury, and as they were informed he had justified himself to that Board with respect to this complaint, their lordships did not doubt of the facts alledged in his letter.

Wednesday, December 12. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fane.

Leeward Islands.

Read a letter from George Thomas, Esquire, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated the 8th of October, 1753, relating to the present state of affairs in his government and transmitting:—
A general report of the condition of the several forts etc. in Antigua in August, 1753.
A list of the inhabitants of the Island of Antigua, taken in 1753.
Two Acts passed in Antigua in August and September, 1753.

Ordered that the Acts be sent to Mr. Lamb for his opinion upon them in point of law.

Their lordships took into consideration that part of Mr. Thomas's letter which relates to some of his Majesty's subjects having been seduced from England by one Skerrit, conveyed to the Island of St. Croix claimed by the Crown of Denmark and detained there, and Mr. Fleming, Lieutenant Governor of the Leeward Islands, attending, was called in and being asked whether he had taken any depositions relative to this affair as mentioned in Mr. Thomas's letter he acquainted their lordships that he had not, nor could he give any circumstantial account of it.

Ordered that the draught of a letter to Mr. Thomas be prepared.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury upon Mr. Townshend's memorial praying payment of £411 3s. 6d. for Custom House duties in Ireland upon provisions supplyed the settlers in Nova Scotia having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 7th instant, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Pennsylvania.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs, dated the 4th instant, referring a petition of Messrs. Penn, Proprietors of Pennsylvania, praying that that part of their former petition which relates to the settlement of the western and southern boundaries of that province may be postponed and that Commissioners may be appointed to mark out the meridian line in the eastern part and the northern limits without the conjunction of Lord Baltimore.

Their lordships taking the said Order of Reference and also the Order of Council referring Lord Baltimore's petition, mentioned in the minutes of the 14th of November last, into consideration, ordered the Secretary to write to the respective agents for the Proprietors of Maryland and Pennsylvania to attend the Board on Wednesday next, that a day may be appointed for hearing what they may have to offer thereupon.

Trade.

East Indies.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council, dated the 20th of November, 1753, referring to the consideration of this Board an account of the East India Company's exports from the Port of London between the 29th of September, 1752, and the 29th September, 1753, to be examined and reported upon.

Pennsylvania.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs, dated the 4th of December, 1753, referring to the consideration of this Board an Act passed in the province of Pennsylvania on the 18th of August, 1750, entitled An Act for the continuance of An Act of Assembly of this Province, entituled An Act for preventing the Exportation of Bread and Flour not merchantable, and for the new appointment of officers to put the said law in execution.

Ordered that the Act be sent to Mr. Lamb for his opinion upon it in point of law as soon as possible.

Nova Scotia.

Mr. Chauncy Townshend attending, acquainted their lordships that he had applied to Mr. Alderman Baker in consequence of their lordships' directions upon the affair mentioned in the minutes of the 7th instant, and that Mr. Baker declined any conversation with him upon it, but said he would upon notice attend the Board if required.

Ordered that Mr. Alderman Baker be desired to attend the Board on Wednesday next.

Thursday, December 13. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to the Lords of the Treasury upon Mr. Chauncy Townshend's memorial, mentioned in the preceding minutes, having been transcribed, was signed.

Leeward Islands.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 28th of November, was signed.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding day's minutes, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

South Carolina.

Read a letter from Mr. Glen, Governor of South Carolina, to the Board, dated in April, 1753, with his observations on his Majesty's general instructions to him, in answer to the Board's letter, dated the 3rd of June, 1753.

Tuesday, December 18. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Oswald.

Leeward Islands.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of Thursday last, was signed.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, to the Board, dated 22nd of October, 1753, relating to the state of that province with respect to the French and Indians and transmitting:—
Letter from Pierre Gounon to Governor Shirley, dated August 25th, 1753.
Extract of Governor Shirley's letter to the Indians by the Commissioners, dated September 18th, 1753.
Extract of a letter from Captain Handfield at the fort at Annapolis Royal in Nova Scotia to Colonel Mascarene, dated September 2nd, 1753.
Letter from Father Germain, priest of St. John's River, to an inhabitant of Annapolis Royal without date.
Extract of a message from the House of Representatives to Governor Shirley, September 11th, 1753.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Shirley, Governor of the Massachusets Bay, to the Governor of Canada, dated 22nd of October, 1753.

Ordered that an extract be made of so much of Mr. Shirley's letter as relates to the proceedings of that government with the Penobscot Indians, and also copies of the papers referred to in it, and of Mr. Shirley's letter to the Governor of Canada, to be transmitted to the Earl of Holdernesse and that the draught of a letter to his Lordship be prepared.

Ordered that an extract be made of so much of Mr. Shirley's letter as relates to the strength and proceedings of the French in Nova Scotia, and also a copy of the letter from the Jesuit missionary at St. John's River to the inhabitants of Annapolis Royal to be transmitted to the Earl of Holdernesse and that the draught of a letter to his lordship be prepared.

Wednesday, December 19. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Pitt, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

Georgia.

Read a memorial of Mr. Benjamin Martyn, agent for the province of Georgia, praying the Board's orders to pay Bills to the amount of £1243 4s. 6¾d. drawn upon him on account of that province.

Ordered that Mr. Martyn do pay the said Bills out of the money issued to him from the Receipt of his Majesty's Exchequer.

Nova Scotia.

Mr. Kilby, agent for the settlement of Nova Scotia, laid before the Board a petition prepared by him to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury praying that £11,179 3s. 9d. may be issued to him to discharge certain demands on account of that settlement. Their lordships were pleased to approve thereof, and to direct Mr. Kilby to present it to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury for their Lordships' directions thereupon.

Maryland.

Pennsylvania.

Mr. Hammersley and Mr. Paris, agents for the Proprietors of Maryland and Pennsylvania, attending, as desired, the Orders of Council of the 26th of July and 4th of December last, mentioned in the minutes of the 14th of November and 12th instant, referring the petitions of the said Proprietors were read, and both parties desiring to be heard by their counsel their lordships appointed…… for taking the said petitions into consideration.

New York.

Read the following letters and papers lately received from New York, viz.:—
Letter from James Delancy, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of New York, to the Board, dated 15th October, 1753, acquainting their lordships with the death of Sir Danvers Osborne and with his having taken on himself the administration of government and inclosing:—
Copy of a minute of Council of New York of the 10th October, 1753, on Mr. Clinton's delivering to Mr. Delancy his Majesty's Commission of Lieutenant Governor.
Copy of a minute of the Council of New York, dated 12th October, 1753, appointing a committee to enquire of the death of Sir Danvers Osborne.
Copy of an Order of the Lieutenant Governor and Council of New York to secure the effects, etc., of Sir Danvers Osborn, deceased.
Attested copy of the inquisition taken 12th October, 1753, concerning the death of Sir Danvers Osborn.

Read a letter from Thomas Pownall, Esquire, Secretary to the late Sir Danvers Osborn, to the Board, dated 25th October, 1753, inclosing a duplicate of his letter of the 14th of the same month and copies of the papers therewith sent.

Letter from Thomas Pownall, Esquire, to the Board, dated 14th October, 1753, acquainting their lordships with the death of Sir Danvers Osborn and with his having delivered the Commission and general instructions to Lieutenant Governor De Lancey in Council, and inclosing:—
Extracts of the minutes of Council of New York in 1691, 1709, 1731 and 1735–6 being proofs and precedents of his Majesty's Commission and instructions to his Governor having been delivered on their death to the Lieutenant Governor and President of the Council for the time being.
Copy of a minute of the Council of New York of 12th October, 1753, requiring Thomas Pownall, Esquire, Secretary to the late Sir Danvers Osborn, to deliver Sir Danvers's general instructions to the Lieutenant Governor.
Address of mayor, alderman and commonalty of New York to his Excellency, Sir Danvers Osborn, Governor of New York, with his Excellency's answer.

Letter from Thomas Pownall, Esquire, Secretary to the late Sir Danvers Osborn, to the Board, dated 30th October, 1753, transmitting the following papers:—
Minutes of General Assembly from 24th October to 11th November, 1752.
Minutes of General Assembly from 30th May to 9th July, 1753.
Copy of a letter from Colonel Johnson to George Clinton, Esquire, late Governor of New York, dated 24th September, 1753, inclosing an account of what passed at a meeting of the Six [Nations] Indians at Onondaga, in July last.
Memorandum by Dr. Shuckburg of what passed at the meeting held by Colonel Johnson with the Six Nations at Onondaga in July, 1753.
Letter from James De Lancey, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of New York, to the Board, dated 2nd November, 1753, relative to Indian affairs and inclosing:—
Copy of a letter from Colonel Johnson to Mr. Clinton, late Governor of New York, dated 24th September, 1753, inclosing a copy of his proceedings at a meeting of the Six Nations at Onondaga in July last.
Copy of the address of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature of New York to James De Lancey, Esquire, on his advancement to the government of that province and of Mr. De Lancey's answer.
Copy of the address of the rector and inhabitants of the city of New York to Mr. De Lancey on his advancement to the government of that province with a copy of Mr. De Lancey's answer.
Copy of the address of the ministers, elders and deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Churches of the city of New York to James De Lancey, Esquire, on his advancement to the government of that province, with a copy of Mr. De Lancey's answer.
Copy of Mr. De Lancey's speech to the Council and Assembly of New York, 31st October, 1753.