|
May 15–16. |
249. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. List of "the returns"
according to election for the several parishes. (See names presented
to the Council No. 252.) Said gentlemen then met at the
house of Paul Gwynn, in St. Michaels Town, to choose a Speaker,
and every member present gave in a paper with the name of the
person he desired to be Speaker. William Sharpe chosen, whereupon the House presented their Speaker to the Governor and
Council, and then returned to their own House. Election of John
Higinbotham for their Clerk, and Joseph Withers, Marshal.
Being invited by the Governor to dinner the House adjourned at
three o'clock. |
May 16. |
By appointment of the Governor, John Sparke, a Member of the
Council, came to the House and administered the oaths to John
Higinbotham and Joseph Withers. Here follow the oaths. John
Sparke also administered the oaths of allegiance and supremacy to
the newly elected Members of the Assembly, Samuel Husband,
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ruddock, Captains John Meyricke
and Richard Williams. Orders and Rules for governing the body
of the Assembly in their votes, debates, and other proceedings for
the honour of that House, read, 24 in number, and being put to
the vote were passed nem. con. Adjourned to 12th June 1677.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 253–259.] |
[May 16.] |
250.Mem.—That the Lords of Trade and Plantations were
attended on 16th May by Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Thornburgh, who presented the following paper, desiring their Lordships
to report to His Majesty that pikes are wanted for six regiments
of foot in Barbadoes, most of the pikes there having been destroyed
by the worm and the hurricane. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL.,
No. 82; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., p. 155.] |
May 16. Whitehall. |
251. Secretary H. Coventry to Colonel Moryson. Has particularly represented to His Majesty at the Committee for
Foreign Affairs the hardness of his condition above the rest (of
the Commissioners), both having other employments as LieutenantGovernor and Commander-in-Chief of the ships, and both His
Majesty, His Royal Highness, and the whole Council, seemed
satisfied that his case was very different from his two comrades.
Is commanded to assure him that upon his return there shall be
a full and ample compensation made to him, and "that you relay
upon this promise without making your colleagues acquainted with
it." 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., pp. 193, 194.] |
May. 16. |
252. Journal of the Council of Barbadoes. The Assembly men
for this year elected were presented as follows:— |
|
John Witham, Esq. |
St. Philips. |
|
Richard Pocock, Esq. |
|
Rowland Bulkley |
St. Georges. |
|
Samuel Husband, Esq. |
|
Richard Seawell, Esq. |
Christ Church. |
|
Major Richard Williams |
|
William Sharpe, Esq., Speaker |
St. Josephs. |
|
Captain Edw. Bunny |
|
Colonel William Bate |
St. Michaels. |
|
Colonel Richard Guy |
|
John Maddox, Esq. |
St. Lucyes. |
|
Thomas Dowden, Esq. |
|
Edward Littleton, Esq. |
St. James. |
|
James Walwyn, Esq. |
|
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ruddock |
St. Peters. |
|
Major John Steart |
|
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ruddock |
St. Thomas. |
|
John Davies, Esq. |
|
Thomas Leake, Esq. |
St. Andrews. |
|
John Meyricke |
|
Henry Walrond, junior, Esq. |
St. Johns. |
|
Colonel Christopher Codrington |
|
They presented Colonel William Sharpe for their Speaker. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 294, 295.] |
May 17. Whitehall. |
253. The King to Lord Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica. To
cause John Ball to be sworn a Member of the Council of that
Island immediately on receipt of this letter. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XXVIII., p. 152, and Vol. XCIII., p. 153.] |
May 17. Council Chamber |
254. Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. In
obedience to His Majesty's Order in Council of 9th inst. (see No. 224),
have called before them the Agents for the Leeward Islands and
perused Governor Stapleton's letters. Briefly remind His Majesty of
what is already past, their first representation of 18th June 1675 (see
previous volume, No. 597), but nothing was effected in reference to
His Majesty's orders thereon. After this, on 8th January following
(? 23rd December 1675, see ibid, No. 756), their Lordships
reported on the state of St. Christopher's, and although His
Majesty gave orders to his Ambassador in Paris (8th January
1676 see ibid, No. 774), to solicit a speedy dispatch of justice, no
success attended that negotiation. They then proceeded on 18th
February (? 3rd February, see ibid, No. 808) to offer what they
thought expedient for the security of the Leeward Islands, which,
being read in Council 18th February following, His Majesty did not
think fit to give his orders thereon. Their Lordships crave leave
to repeat their opinions then offered to His Majesty. Understand
that the Lord Treasurer has paid all arrears due to the Companies
of foot and salary due to Governor Stapleton, so offer that for the
greater convenience of future payments a certain fund be settled
to that end. Further represent that besides the foregoing
necessities which daily grow more pressing upon said islands there
is a general want of arms and ammunition, and as Colonel Stapleton has informed them, not one whole barrel of powder in
St. Christopher's, in Montserrat but two barrels and no shot, and
but few arms fit for service in the other islands, for which a speedy
supply is the more requisite, inasmuch as the French upon St. Christopher's are more than four to one in number stronger than His
Majesty's subjects, have good magazines on all their islands out of
which arms and ammunition are delivered and by convenience of
constantly attending frigates are able to unite the whole strength
of their government upon all occasions. And besides the building
a fort upon Cleverley Point, Colonel Stapleton is strongly of
opinion that one strong fort should be built upon each island.
And he does not now think that less than six Ministers can suffice
to be sent over. Lastly, they represent Colonel Stapleton to His
Majesty as a faithful Governor, prudent, able, and vigilant Commander, and a person fit to be continued in His Majesty's favour,
and for his encouragement and according to his request beseech His
Majesty to give orders that the pay due to him as LieutenantColonel in Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment with incident charges may
be satisfied. Signed by Anglesey, Ormonde, Craven, Fauconberg,
and Henry Coventry. 13 pp. Endorsed, "Rec. 18 May, Read in
Council 23 May 1677." Annexed, |
254. i. Order of the King in Council on the preceding report.
That copy be given to the Lord Treasurer to consider of
the sums of money therein mentioned, and His Majesty
will on Wednesday next take the whole matter into his
serious consideration when the Agents and other persons
concerned are required to give their attendance. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XL., No. 83, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI.,
pp. 200–218.] |
May 18. Whitehall. |
255. The King to Governor Sir J. Atkins. To remove William
Sharpe, Chief Judge of the Bridge Court in Barbadoes, from his said
office and supply his room by some other person qualified by his
integrity and sufficiency for said employment according to his
instructions in such cases. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIII., p. 153.] |
May 18. Whitehall. |
256. Order of the King in Council. The Lords of Trade and
Plantations having reported their opinions that the Planters in
Newfoundland be continued in the possession of their houses and
stages according to the usage of last years until His Majesty's further
order, the Commissioners of the Admiralty are ordered to direct
the Captains of the convoys now going to Newfoundland not only
to make publication of His Majesty's pleasure, but to take care that
nothing be attempted contrary thereto. Said Captains are also to
be directed to return particular answer to several Heads of Enquiry
by the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Annexed, |
256. i. Twenty-seven Heads of Enquiry for Newfoundland
together. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., Nos. 84, 84 I.] |
May 18. Whitehall. |
257. The Secretary to the Lords of Trade and Plantations to
His Majesty's Commissioners for the affairs of Virginia. Transmit
Duplicates of what was delivered by their Lordships order to Sir
John Berry on 12th October last to which they are desired to make
as speedy answer as they conveniently can. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XL., No. 85.] |
[May 18.] |
258. Account of the great artillery, powder, arms, and ammunition in Barbadoes, signed by William Bate, 29th May 1673, with
the following note by Sir Peter Colleton. That said account was
given to him by Colonel Bate, keeper of the magazine there four
years since, but many of the pikes are rotted and delivered out, and
the muskets spoiled in the great hurricane. With mem—That
Mr. Secretary Williamson gave this account to the Committee.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 86, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI.,
pp. 155–156.] |
May 18. Council Chamber. |
259. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King.
Have examined petition of merchants and planters at Barbadoes,
and heard Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Thornburgh on their
behalf, who say that for six regiments of militia in the Island
there are not one hundred pikes, and that a sufficient number is of
absolute necessity for defence against the assault of the enemy.
Are of opinion that the Master of the Ordnance furnish fifteen
hundred pikes to be transported to the island. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XL., No. 87, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., p. 158.] |
May 18. Whitehall. |
260. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Heads of
inquiry concerning the plantation and fishery of Newfoundland
and the state of the French there, recommended to the captains of
the convoys, approved. Account of the islands Statia, Saba, and
Tortola gathered out of the plantation books, and Colonel Stapleton's
letters read. Mr. Secretary Coventry making a difficulty to sign
the Report of the state of the Leeward Islands before the particulars
concerning the Indians (and Colonel Philip Warner) were debated,
that there may be no further delay in representing the posture of
affairs in those parts, their Lordships sign said Report, the clause
touching the Indians being laid aside. Mr. Pepys to dispatch
duplicate of a packet to the King's Commissioners of Virginia by a
ketch in the Downs. Affairs in Newfoundland between adventurers and planters to remain in the present condition till further
order. Letter read from Sir Jonathan Atkins, dated 16th March
last (ante, No. 92), giving a short account of the fight between
the Dutch and French at Tobago, and referring their Lordships to
a more particular relation transmitted to Secretary Conventry which
Mr. Secretary is desired to impart to their Lordships. In the
letter to be forthwith written to Governor Atkins notice to be
taken that he has only asked for match and not for pikes, and that
he be directed to send over a particular account of the stores in
Barbadoes. |
A packet sent to Mr. Pepys, directed to His Majesty's Commissioners for Virginia, duplicate of that delivered to Sir John
Berry on 12th October last, which Pepys is to dispatch by a ketch
in the Downs going to those parts. His Majesty having this day
ordered in Council that affairs in Newfoundland between the
adventurers and planters should remain in their present condition
until further order, and that the convoys going thither give
intimation to that effect, also that they return a particular
answer to certain inquiries prepared by the Committee, said Order
in Council and inquiries delivered to Mr. Pepys to the end the
Lords of the Admiralty give order according. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CV., pp. 45–47.] |
May 22. |
261. Warrant from Anthony Earl of Shaftesbury, one of the
Lords Proprietors of Carolina and of all the Bahama Islands,
appointing Captain John Wentworth his deputy in said islands
during pleasure. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XX., p. 122.] |
May 22. |
262. Lords Proprietors to [the Governor of the Bahama Islands ?].
Have given full power to Captain John Wentworth to demand
and recover from Isaac Rush the estate belonging to— Banker,
and strictly charge him to aid and assist said Captain Wentworth.
Also recommend impartial justice in the case of Colonel Power and
his partner, who complain of very great injuries done by Isaac
Rush, that they may have no reason to complain of their Lordships
as those that shelter ill-men. It is also their Lordships pleasure
that Isaac Rush be discharged from the office of Secretary, and
some other fit person appointed "it being not fit that a person
against whom we ourselves and others have complaints of so high
nature should be continued in that employment." [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XX., p. 122.] |
May 22. Maryland. |
263. Governor Thomas Notley to Charles Lord Baltimore. If
reports be true Sir William Berkeley and the Commissioners
have not well accorded, so that until Sir William left on the 5th
instant nothing was done either to secure the people from the
barbarous Indians or to settle the peace or constitution of the
Courts, and the people still almost as much dissatisfied as ever and
look upon His Majesty's Commissioners as spies and men of no good
intentions. Believes if there were any person courageous enough in
Virginia to venture his neck the Commons would immure themselves in rebellion as deep as in Bacon's time. Whatever the great
men of Virginia may use at the Council Board in England, you
may be sure much, if not every tittle of this, is truth. If Colonel
Jeffreys build his proceedings upon the old foundation neither he
nor all His Majesty's soldiers in Virginia will satisfy or rule those
people who have so little hopes as yet of amendment and are
generally dissatisfied. Colonel Jeffreys through Colonel Spencer has
tendered his service and desired Governor Notley to hold fair correspondence with himself and the Government of Virginia as he did
in Governor Berkeley's time, which he has promised to his utmost
labour to be serviceable to His Majesty's interest. 1¼ pp. [Col
Papers, Vol. XL., No. 88.] |
May. 23. Whitehall. |
264. Order of the King in Council. Approving Report of Lords
of Trade and Plantations of 18th instant (ante, No. 259), and directing
the Mastor General of the Ordnance to provide and deliver to Sir
Peter Colleton or Colonel Thornburgh fifteen hundred pikes upon
such terms and conditions as have been practised in cases of like
nature. [Col. Entry Bk. Vol., VI., pp. 157–159.] |
May 24. Potomac River, Virginia. |
265. Nicholas Spencer to Charles Lord Baltimore. Takes the
opportunity by Captain Quighly of informing him of the state of
this troubled country, which, though freed from open rebellion, "the
putrid humours of our unruly inhabitants are not so allayed, but
that they do frequently vent themselves by unsavoury bitches," and
were they not awed by the overruling hand of Majesty would soon
express themselves by violent acts, for it's not law, but will, and that
the evilest of wills, that they would rule by. But his Lordship is
fully acquainted with the nature of our rabble. Have fair hopes of
peace from our Indians. part of whom have solicited a peace to which
end the great men of Indian nations in open hostility are on 29th
instant to meet our Lieutenant-Governor and Council to treat for a
general peace of which by the necessity of the Indians they hope to
have a good effect, and will be effected before the arrival of His
Majesty's forces. 1½ pp. [Col., Papers, Vol. XL., No. 89.] |
May 24. Barbadoes. |
266. [The Royal African Company's Factors in Barbadoes] to
the Company. Arrival of an interloper belonging to Colonel
William Sharpe, Chief Judge, John Worsam and Major John
Hallett, two of his Assistants (as our Stephen Gascoigne was
informed by Colonel John Stanfast), Philip Cheeke and Roger
Cowley, a Commissioner of Customs, which gives great encouragement to other people to take this liberty, seeing those that sit in
great places and live by the King's Commissions presume to act as
they do. The ship brought but 98 negroes, and but few or no
elephants teeth. Advice of her arrival, came a little too late for
they were twelve miles distant, and the negroes were landed and
carried to Colonel Richard Bailey's plantation, close to the landingplace, about an hour before the factors got there. Acquainted the
Governor with it who sent for Colonel Bailey, and he told him
the negroes were sent for by Judge Sharpe and the other before
named. These men have been very solicitous to turn out the
Company's factors from their offices for doing their duty. "Sure it
would discourage the whole fraternity of interlopers if some of
these be displaced for their disobedience to the King's commands." |
June 16. |
Arrival of an interloper with 120 negroes landed on the back
part of the island before the factors had notice, having been on
board the Company's ship all day selling negroes. Leonard Woodfine was Commander and Richard Bate, Barnard Schenckingh, and
Arthur Middleton, Owners. Impossible for the factors to prevent
the landing, those employed to give notice being beaten and
wounded without any cause given. 1½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL.,
No. 90.] |
May 26. |
267. Warrant of the Commissioners for Virginia. Appointing
Colonel John Epps, James Biss, Captain Nicholas Wyatt, and John
Stith, or any three of them, upon oath to take depositions of
persons appointed by Charles City County to present their
grievances by reason they live so remote from the place of residence of said Commissioners. With memorandum signed by
Herbert Jeffreys, and dated 7th June 1677, appointing the 15th of
June instant for bringing in the depositions abovesaid, His
Majesty's Commissioners being absent. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL.,
No. 91.] |
May. 28. Whitehall. |
268. Secretary Sir H. Coventry to Lieutenant-Colonel William
Stapleton, Governor of the Lee ward Isles. His Majesty thinking
it not fit for his service that Colonel Philip Warner should be any
longer continued in any public employment, has commanded,
according to an Order in Council, that said Colonel Warner be put
out of his government of Antigua, and any other employment or
trust in His Majesty's service. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CX., p. 110.] |
May 28. Whitehall. |
269. William Blathwayt to William Freeman. The King has
thought fit to appoint that copy of the Report of the Lords of
Trade and Plantations concerning the Leeward Isles, read on
Wednesday last (23rd), be given to the Lord Treasurer to prepare
himself to speak on the several heads contained in it on Wednesday
next, when it will again be read in Council. And for the better
understanding the several particulars as the necessity of a fort at
Clevesley Point, &c., the maps are to be ready, and the persons
acquainted with those parts to give their attendance, so that it will
be requisite for Freeman, Colonel Stapleton, and Captain Gorges to
attend the Council at ten in the morning. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XL., No. 92.] |
May 28. Jamaica. |
270. Governor Lord Vaughan to Secretary Coventry. Cannot
find he has omitted anything that has passed relating to His
Majesty's service. Has had no easy part to act, nor is it easy for
those to discern the fittest measures to be taken in so remote an
employment. Refers to his endeavours to suppress privateers and
enforce the Acts of Navigation. It was great joy to hear His
Majesty was well satisfied with his method of proceeding. His
Commission and instructions need revising to do the King service.
Has preserved all things hitherto in a very quiet posture. Gives
account of the late transactions of the Council and Assembly who
met on 9th April, and lays before him for consideration his private
Judgment in matters of near concern to His Majesty's interest, and
necessary for his service. Refers to the laws he transmitted in
1675, mostly the same as were made by Sir Thomas Lynch. Had
reason to surmise trouble in the next Assembly, and describes how
he discovered and prevented what was in agitation—obstruction
of the Council to the Act of the Militia. Complains of his having
no positive power without them, and not being able to "suspend
any on misbehaviour or unfaithfulness without their consents."
Seven of the eleven Councillors "voted it quite out," and openly
asserted His Majesty's Commission was no law to them, whose
names are given. They moved against having His Majesty's last
instruction proclaimed in favour of the Royal African Company.
Foresees he shall be forced to refuse several Bills this session.
Explains that all the reward he is likely to have for his service is
his salary in England. His Majesty's interest cannot be secured
here but by a Governor whose dependence is only from England,
and who has no private interests in Jamaica. And since the
Council are so wholly interested here, and have no dependence in
England, it should be in the Governor's power to suspend them.
Observations on what more might be done under several heads.
The Council, most of them, "old standers and officers of Cromwell's
army." No forces in pay, and inexperienced in discipline. The
privateers very numerous, and perpetually supplied with runaway
servants and others from the island. Let him send what orders he
will about privateering, there are almost none to execute them but
who are one or the other interested. These practices so long
settled it is no easy matter to suppress them. Both Council and
Assembly alike interested, so nothing left but the Governor's
negative voice to deny what they demand, and so little power in
the Governor, and so much given to the people that when they
will they may do what they please. Presumes to mention some
considerations towards effecting the necessity of the firm settling
His Majesty's authority upon a lasting foundation. Doubts not if
he had leave of absence for seven or eight months he could well
satisfy His Majesty in all the interests and advantages of this
island. Is satisfied as long as he serves His Majesty well he shall
not lose the government. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 93.] |
May 28 to July 14. |
271. Observations of Wentworth Greenhalgh in a journey from
Albany to the Indians westward begun 28th May and ended 14th
July 1677. The Maques have four towns: Cahaniaga, Canagora,
Canajorha, Tionondogue, and one small village, about 110 miles from
Albany. Cahaniaga is double stockadoed, and has four ports about
four foot wide apiece, contains about 24 houses, and is situate upon
the edge of a hill, about a bowshot from the river side. Canagora is
only singly stockadoed, with four ports and 16 houses on a flat, a
stone's throw from the water side. Canajorha is singly stockadoed,
and the like manner of ports and houses, as Canagora, about two
miles from the water. Tionondogue is double stockadoed, with
four ports, 30 houses, on a hill a bowshot from the river. The
small village is without fence, with about 10 houses, close by the
river on the north side as all the former. The Maques pass in all
for about 300 fighting men; their corn grows close by the river
side. The Onyades have but one town, 130 miles west of the
Maques, 20 miles from a small river which comes out of the hills
to the southward and runs into the lake Teshiroqué, and 30 miles
from the Maques river, which lies to the north; the town is newly
settled, doubly stockadoed, but little cleared ground, so that they
are forced to send to the Onondagos to buy corn, with 100 houses;
they are said to have about 200 fighting men, and their corn grows
round about the town. The Onondagos have but one town, very
large, with about 140 houses, not fenced, on a large hill, the bank
on each side extending at least two miles, all cleared land, whereon
the corn is planted; they have likewise a small village two miles
beyond with 24 houses; they lie to the southward of the west
about 36 miles from the Onyades, and plant abundance of corn
which they sell to the Onyades; they are in number about 350
fighting men, and lie about 15 miles from Teshiroque. The
Caiongos have three towns about a mile from each other, not
stockadoed, with 100 houses, 60 miles south of the Onondagos;
they intend next spring to build all their houses together and
stockade them, have abundance of corn, lie within two or three
miles of Lake Tishero, pass for about 300 fighting men. The
Senecques have four towns, Canagaroh, Tiotehatton, Canoenada,
Keint-he; Canagaroh and Tiotehatton lie within 30 miles of Lake
Frontenacque and the others four or five miles to the south of these,
have abundance of corn, none of their towns are stockadoed.
Canagorah lies on the top of a great hill much like Onondago, with
150 houses, 72 miles north-west of Caiongo. Here the Indians
were very desirous to see us ride our horses, which we did;
the Indians made feasts and dancing, and invited us, that when
all the maids were together, both we and our Indians might
choose such as liked us to lie with. Tiotehatton lies on the
brink of a hill, has not much cleared ground, is near the river
Tiotehatton (which signifies bending), lies west of Canagaroh
30 miles, with 120 houses, the largest they saw, the ordinary being
50 or 60 feet and some 130 or 140 long, with 13 or 14 fires in one
house; they have good store of corn growing about a mile west of
the town. Being at this place 17th June, there came 50 prisoners
from the south, of two nations, some whereof have few guns, the
other none at all; one nation is about 10 day's journey from any
Christians and trade only with one great house not far from the
sea, the other trade only, as they say, with a black people; two
women and a man were burnt on that day and a child killed
with a stone; at night there was a great noise as if the houses had
fallen, but it was only the inhabitants driving away the ghosts of
the murdered. On the 18th, going to Canagaroh, overtook the
prisoners; when the soldiers saw us they stopped each his
prisoner and made him sing, and cut off their fingers and slashed
their bodies with a knife, and when they had sung each man
confessed how many in his time he had killed; that day at
Canagaroh there were most cruelly burnt four men, four women,
and one boy, the cruelty lasted about seven hours, when they were
almost dead letting them loose to the mercy of the boys, and taking
the hearts of such as were dead to feast on. Canoenada lies about
four miles south of Canagorah, with about 30 houses, well furnished
with corn. Keint-he about four or five miles south of Tiotehatton,
with 24 houses, well furnished with corn. The Senecques are
counted in all to be about 1,000 fighting men. The French names
of the Indian tribes. The towns are called Chappells. 3 pp.
Printed in New York Documents, Vol. III., pp. 250–252. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XL., No. 94.] |
May 29. [Va] |
272. Articles of Peace between King Charles the Second and
the several Indian Kings and Queens, assentors and subscribers
hereunto, made and concluded at the Camp at Middle Plantation,
29th May 1677. Signed by the Queen of Waonoke, the Queen
of Pamunckey, Captain John West, her son, the King of the
Nottoways, and the King of the Nancymond Indians. Certified
copy by Thomas Ludwell, Secretary. Also Memorandum signed by
Sir John Berry and Colonel Moryson. That said Articles of
Peace were read and expounded to the several Indian Kings and
Queens by sworn interpreters, and that the King of the Appomatucks, who earnestly desired to be admitted to sign this Peace,
was not allowed to partake of the benefit of the same until he
should clear himself of the suspicion of some murders on His
Majesty's subjects. Annexed, |
272. i. Reference, signed by Secretary Coventry, of the above by
His Majesty's orders to the Lords of Trade and Plantations,
to report their opinion, in order to the printing of the
same and sending copies to Virginia. Whitehall, 23
Sept. 1677. 6pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 95.] |
May 29. |
273. Printed copy of the preceding. Twenty-one Articles of
Peace with several Indian Kings and Queens. London: Printed
by John Bill, Christopher Barker, Thomas Newcomb, and Henry
Hills, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty, 1677. 18 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 96.] |
|
274. Most humble Proposals on behalf of the Indian Kings
and Queens now tributary to your most sacred Majesty within
your Colony of Viriginia. That seeing the late peace with the
neighbour Indians, and that they all own to hold their crowns
immediately of His Majesty, that His Majesty bestow small crowns
or coronets on the same tributary Kings and Queens to be made
of thin silver plate, gilt, and adorned with false stones of various
colours, &c., and that they may also each have a purple robe of
strong cloth. With list of the names of each King or Queen, their
characters, and the presents to be given; the whole charge will not
exceed 120l. Signed by. Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis
Moryson. 8. pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXXI., pp. 264–271.] |
May 29. Falmouth. (Autigua). |
275. Orders of the Governor and Council of Antigua. In
reference to bonds and securities for shipping the productions of
this Island in accordance with instructions from His Majesty's
Commissioners of Customs in London. That in regard several
members of the Assembly are deceased since the last adjournment,
ordered that there issue forth from the Governor writs for electing
others in their room, to meet on Thursday, 7th June, at Falmouth.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXV., No. 55*.] |
May 31. Whitehall. |
276. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Atkins.
Have received his letters of the 6th December and 8th February,
and his last of 6th March. The Virginia fleet being happily
arrived, express to him their satisfaction for the prudent diligence
he has used for His Majesty's service in that particular. Desire
to be informed of the resolutions of the Dutch to maintain, plant,
and defend Tobago against the French, which by its neighbourhood seems very much to affect his government. The Master of
the Ordnance has been directed to deliver the match requested "to
the person you employ." Very much wonder to find that after his
inquiry into the stores of his Government without complaint of
any further want that the Merchants and Planters of Barbadoes
have set forth to the King in Council the unprovided condition of
the island, especially in small arms and desired a supply of 1,500
pikes as absolutely necessary for defence, and although such
representations should come from the Governor alone, still in
consideration of the present posture of affairs their Lordships have
offered their opinions to His Majesty, that said number of pikes
be furnished from the Tower to Sir Peter Colleton or Colonel
Thornburgh, and His Majesty has given the necessary orders. To
prevent any future address of this kind, he is requested to send
an exact account of artillery, arms, and all other stores. Also to
send list of the Council and Assembly, and all officers, civil and
military. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 97; also Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 171–173, and Vol. CV., pp. 48–49.] |
[May.] Received. |
277. "Extracts of letters from Barbadoes" [in Sir Peter Colleton's
handwriting]. An error in a judgment given by Judge Sharpe
in the Bridge Court, which would have overthrown all the judgments given in that Court since Judge Sharpe's sitting there.
Sharpe voted by the Assembly an unfit man to be a Judge, the
reasons given that he said he had as good blood in his veins as any
Charles Stuart, and other objections (of a most blasphemous nature).
1676, December 9, and 1677, January 23. Annexed, |
277. i. Account of Judge Sharpe's fraudulent proceedings, in
reference to a deed he was employed to draw by Conset
withdrawing the trust of his estate, one of the best
in the island, from one Turner, and to place it in
Christopher Codrington, then Deputy Governor of the
island. |
277. ii. A shorter account of the preceding, but with additions.
That Conset's wife dying left her estate to LieutenantGeneral Henry Willoughby, who, arriving at Barbadoes,
was invited to supper by Codrington, who had taken
possession of the estate, and went from Codrington's
house well at night, but after he got to his lodging fell
into a violent burning of the stomach, and died the next
morning at seven o'clock. In 1674 Sharpe persuaded
the Assembly, which he said equalled the House of
Commons, to deny the Council any power over bills for
money, which occasioned great disputes. In 1675 he
appeared with and abetted rioters against the Royal
Company's factors, who were seizing negroes landed by an
interloper. In 1676 to remedy the confusion caused by
the reversal of so many of Judge Sharpe's judgments
the Governor was forced to have an Act of Assembly,
which was not completed in December last. Together
5½ pp. Endorsed, "A relation of some actions of Judge
Sharpe. Rec. May 1677." [Col. Papers, Vol. XL.,
Nos. 98, 98 I., II.] |
May 31. Whitehall. |
278. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. It being
proposed to appoint some time to consider the present state
of the affairs of New England, Secretary Williamson acquaints
their Lordships that the two papers, delivered to the Committee by
Mr. Bridgman on the 21st, containing several articles drawn up by
Mr. Randolph, were referred by His Majesty in the Council of
Foreign Affairs to their Lordships, as papers relating to His
Majesty's Plantations. Their Lordships order that the Lords,
Chief Justices be desired to hasten their report on the pretensions
of Mason and Gorges, and that they be informed that their delay
puts a stop to a considerable part of His Majesty's affairs
relating to New England. The merchants who petitioned concerning the irregularity of trade in New England ordered to
attend the next meeting. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 50–52.] |
May. |
279. Estimate of the charge of three months' provision to be
sent to Virginia for 1,000 men. Endorsed, "Estimate of the
charge of the victuals to be sent to Virginia." 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XL., No. 99.] |