|
Sept. 4.
Whitehall. |
395. Secretary Sir H. Coventry to the Earl of Carlisle, Governor
of Jamaica. It is the King's pleasure that he repair to the Lords
of the Admiralty with all speed, in order to the hastening of his
preparations for his voyage to Jamaica, the ship appointed to
carry his Lordship being also designed to attend upon said island
in the room of the Phœnix, now come home. His Majesty's
command and the present exigency will have such influence upon
his Lordship that he need add no more. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CX.,
p. 115.] |
| Sept. 4. |
396. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. The Governor
summoned the Assembly and told them the King had sent the
Constant Warwick to do service in the island, and not by any
means to impose upon them, and the King's orders were delivered
to the Speaker. He also acquainted the Assembly they had begun
the works to leeward, and propounded Commissioners for paying
the wages of the workmen. Also that he had to give an account
of arms and ammunition sent from the King's stores, that he had
sent for match for which he desired payment, that 1,500 pikes
moved for in England without his orders he should not engage for,
and that they ought to return their thanks to the King for sending
the Constant Warwick. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 296, 297.] |
| Sept. 4–6. |
397. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Orders for payment
of salaries to the gunners of several forts and batteries. Act for
empowering Benjamin Middleton to sell his estate for payment of
his debts read a third time and passed, also an Act for the more
speedy remedy in distresses. Remonstrance of William Walley in
relation to irregular proceedings of John Gibbs, Marshal of the
Court at St. Peter's, to be examined by Henry Quintine, Judge.
Resolved that 300l. be given to Colonel Daniel Searle, "as the
kindness of the inhabitants of this island," who are sensible of his
present poverty, but not to be in any way liable to the demands
of his creditors. Petitions of divers persons in relation to sour
wines recommended to the care of the Treasurer and Major John
Hallett. Letter from the King to Sir Jonathan Atkins, appointing
and sending His Majesty's ship the Constant Warwick, Captain Ralph
Delavall commander, to Barbadoes, to be employed for the security
of the trade and other public services of the island, communicated
by the Governor to the House. |
| Sept. 6. |
Orders upon petitions of Walter Benthall, merchant, Thomas
Doxey, merchant, Josiah Ingle, Richard Bubb, merchant, and
Captain John Johnson praying for remission of duty on wines and
beer turned sour and unsaleable. Act for reviving and continuing
an Act for laying an imposition on wines and other liquors
imported; also an Act to prevent frauds and concealments in the
payment of excise. The Governor communicated to the House
a letter from Colonel Edward Thornburgh, and enclosed copies of
petition of the Gentlemen Planters in England to the King.
Report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King, and
Order of the King in Council thereon (see ante Nos. 231, 259, 264),
in reference to a supply of match, pikes, and small arms for
Barbadoes. Resolved that the 1,500 pikes therein mentioned are
wholly useless to the island, and would be a great and unnecessary
charge, but that a letter of thanks be written to the Lords of
Trade and Plantations for their care and readiness in favour of the
country. That the Governor be moved to employ some one in
England to purchase 1,200 plain firelocks "after the French work,
about the value of twenty shillings each," and two hundred carbines,
with cartouch boxes, &c., for which the Assembly promise to ship
sugars from hence. Ordered that the Commissioners of the Forts
have power to charge the Receivers of the public levies for payment
of workmen, materials, and other incidents and necessaries for
making, repairing, and finishing said forts. Order repealing an
Order of 16th March 1677 concerning the filling up of strong
liquors on shore, and ordering that same be filled up on board ship.
Adjourned to 2nd October. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 265–277.] |
| Sept. 4. |
398. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. The Provost Marshal
brought in the returns of the several elections as follow:—
St. David's, Thomas Ryves and Captain Thomas Fargor.
St. George's, William Nedham and George [Robert] Philipps.
St. Dorothy's, John Colebeck and Theodore Cary.
St. Thomas, Captain Edward Stanton and Clem. Richardson.
Clarendon, Thomas Sutton and Jonathan Ashurst.
St. Andrew's, Samuel Barry and John Barnaby.
St. Elizabeth, Richard Scott and Thomas Raby.
Port Royal, William Beeston, Anthony Swimmer, and Charles
Morgan.
St. John's, Whitgift Aylemore and Richard Oldfield.
St. Mary's, John Fountain and Andrew Orgill.
Vere, Andrew Knight and Andrew Langly.
St. Thomas-in-the-Vale, Fulke Rose and George Nedham.
St. Katherine's, John Bowden, Samuel Bernard, and William
Bragg.
St. Ann's, Richard Hemmings and John Gawden.
St. James', Richard Guy and Samuel Jenks. |
| Sept. 6. |
The Assembly attended in a full body except seven, and took
the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. They afterwards chose
William Beeston as Speaker, of whom the Governor approved. |
| Sept. 7. |
The oaths administered to Andrew Knight and Captain Clem
Richardson. Committee sent from the House to return thanks for
the Governor's favourable speech, and said they were resolved to
comply in all things with the Governor's directions to fortify the
island with good laws and forts. They desired the Acts which lay
before the Council. |
| Sept. 8. |
Proceedings on Bills brought from the House. |
| Sept. 10. |
Captain Richard Guy and Captain Edw. Stanton take the oaths
Bill for prevention of lawsuits brought from the House, read three
times, and passed. |
| Sept. 11. |
Oaths administered to Lieutenant-Colonel Whitgift Aylemore.
Bills brought from the House. Captain Anthony Swimmer sworn. |
| Sept. 12. |
Proceedings on several Bills. |
| Sept. 13. |
Debate on several Bills, which are read a first and second time,
and some of them a third time and passed. |
| Sept. 14. |
The Act for preventing damages in Plantations, preserving cattle,
and regulating highways, and the Act for ordering boats and
wherries were passed; also the Act for establi-hing and regulating
several courts of justice. |
| Sept. 15. |
Bills for the sale of Nicholas Hick's estate and for the sale of
Benjamin Whetcombe's estate read a second time and committed. |
| Sept. 17. |
Several Bills, with amendments, brought from the House, read a
second time and committed. |
| Sept. 18. |
The oaths taken by Samuel Jenks. Amendments to Bills brought
from the House agreed to. |
| Sept. 19. |
Proceedings on various Bills. |
| Sept. 20. |
The Speaker, with the whole House, attended when the Governor
signed the Bills enumerated, but declared his confirmation should
not put an end to the Session. |
| Sept. 21. |
Bills read a third time and passed. |
| Sept. 25. |
Conference desired by the House agreed to. Bills advanced a
stage. Petition of John Collett referred to the Assembly. |
| Sept. 26. |
An amendment desired by the House in the Bill for confirmation
of pious, charitable, and public gifts and grants agreed to, and
ordered to be sent down. Proceedings on other Bills. |
| Sept. 27. |
Two letters from the King dated respectively 12th May and
17th May (see ante, Nos. 235, 253) ordered to be entered in the
Council Book. John Ball was accordingly admitted to the Council
and took the oaths. Bills read a third time and passed. |
| Sept. 28. |
The Governor signs several Bills in presence of the Speaker and
the whole House. |
|
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXV. pp. 613–639.] |
| (Sept. 6.) |
399. Representation of William Stoughton and Peter Bulkeley
to the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Their Lordships having
required an account of such places as by the report of the Lords
Chief Justices are without the bounds" of the Massachusetts and
within the limits of no other jurisdiction, the Agents inform them
that between the N. bounds of the Massachusetts as now retrenched
and the S. bounds of Maine adjudged to Mr. Gorges, lies a small
tract of land which (though begun to be planted upwards of 40 years
since) yet, by reason of its scantiness of accommodation, contains
only four plantations or towns, the inhabitants whereof are but few
in number and the generality of mean and low estates; that those
places have never been taken in by any other government but that
of the Massachusetts, under which they have been, to their great
advantage and content, fixed very near 40 years, but if taken off
from that government will be under none, and so at the King's
immediate dispose. The Agents therefore pray on behalf of these
plantations, the minds of the people being very well known to
them, that they may be continued under the Massachusetts govern
ment, whereby the N. bounds of the Colony will be free from
intricacy, many hazards and changes will be prevented, the inhabitants will be gratified, and no injury will be done to any one
claiming propriety in the soil, the determination of which is not
desired to be hereby obstructed. Signed by William Stoughton and
Peter Bulkeley. "Presented 6 Sept. 1677." 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLI., No.59; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol.LX., p. 237.] |
Sept. 6.
Whitehall. |
400. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Agents
of Boston give in a paper declaring the extent of the plantations
without their jurisdiction according to the Judges' report, and pray
that His Majesty would contiune them under the Massachusetts
government for the reasons mentioned which their Lordships read and
lay aside until a fit time for consideration. The Agents, in regard
they are required to stay in England until next spring, desire leave
to go for some short time into the country promising to be ready to
attend upon summons. |
|
The laws of Jamaica having been since May last lying before
Mr. Attorney-General to report his opinion, their Lordships think
fit he be put in mind of them in order to his hastening their return,
see letter 9th October, No. 423. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 109,
110.] |
| Sept. 6. |
401. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Secretary
Coventry delivers a journal of the proceedings of the Assembly of
Jamaica against Thomas Martin, Receiver of His Majesty's duties.
Annexed, |
|
401. i. The Journal of Assembly of Jamaica above referred to.
11 pp. |
|
401. ii. Articles exhibited against Thomas Martin by the
Assembly of Jamaica. 1½ pp. |
|
401. iii. Answer of Thomas Martin, one of the representatives
of the Commons of Jamaica. 3 pp. (Nos. II. III. are
included in the preceding Journal.) |
|
401. iv. A true account of what passed between the Assemblyof
Jamaica and Thomas Martin, one of their Members, since
25th May 1677. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLI., Nos. 60,
60 I.–IV., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., p. 110.] |
| Sept. 6. |
402. Journal of the Assembly of Jamaica, Names of the
Members elected,' see ante No. 398. William Beeston chosen Speaker.
Mr. Howser to be desired "to make a sermon" to-morrow and the
Governor to have notice. |
| Sept. 7. |
Their former Clerk chosen. Committee to return thanks to the
Governor for his favourable speech. Mr. Bayley chosen Messenger
of the House. Committee to demand from the Governor the Bills
of the House before Council and the writs and returns of the
elections. Rules to be observed for their proceeding, the last being
that the Speaker and Assembly imprison such of their members as
are disobedient, drunken, or prophanc, that all may be done to the
glory of God. |
| Sept. 7–9. |
Debate on various Acts. |
| Sept. 10. |
Captains Guy and Stanton sent to the Council to be sworn.
Debate on the Parish tax. Various Acts forwarded a stage. |
| Sept. 11–14. |
Lieutenant-Colonels Barry and Aylemore sent to the Council to
be sworn, also Captain Swimmer. Procedings on several Acts.
Conference desired with the Council concerning the amendments in
the bills of fees and enrolments. Moved that the island be fortified
and the survey made of the forts desired by the Governor. Bills
for sale of the estates of Nicholas Hicks and Benjamin Whitcombe
for satisfaction of debts. |
| Sept. 15, 17, 18. |
Debate on various Acts. Major Jenks sent to the Council to be
sworn. The House satisfied with his excuse for his long absence.
In reply to the House the Governor said the Assembly could not
employ a Committee to take oaths, but must send after examination
to the Council to have the parties sworn. Reginald Wilson to
appear before the Committee appointed to make inspection into the
revenue. |
| Sept. 19, 20. |
Debate upon several Acts including the Act for fortifications and
Act of the revenue. Voted that James Barclay, Clerk of the
Assembly, be paid 80l. for his attendance at the former Assembly,
and this, also that Major Yeamans, Provost-Marshal be paid 80l.
for his attendance. Message from the Governor to be present at
the signing of several Acts which are enumerated. |
| Sept. 21. |
Proceedings on various Acts. Voted that Governor Lord
Vaughan have 1,000l. and Sir Henry 300l. Also that a messenger be sent for Major Jenks to make his appearance and answer
his contempt. Committee appointed to examine Acts in which are
fines, and no care taken for the levying. Petition of George
Freeman about his brother's estate. |
| Sept. 24. |
Petition of Captain James Davis read for satisfaction for
services against the rebellious negroes. Committee to enquire of
Colonel Fuller what number of negroes were killed by petitioner
and the satisfaction already had. Petitions of Captain Haughton
and Mr. Ridgeway read; no petitions to be received founded upon
an Order of the Council. |
| Sept. 25. |
Debate on the Act of the Revenue. Conference desired about
the Act of pious grants, committee appointed. Voted that Major
Jenks be fined 3l. Petition of Mr. Ball for Daniel Jordan's real
estate to be sold for payment of his debts. Major Nedham's
petition for satisfaction for a negro executed for rebellion referred
to the Council. |
| Sept. 26. |
Debate on several Acts. Title of the Act of revenue. Petition
of Thomas Martin praying to be released by the House. Another
paper of his read, wherein he questions the power of the former
Assembly to imprison him, which made the House resolve to
proceed no further in this business unless he make his application to
the Governor or a more humble address to the House. Committee
to examine the charge occasioned by the rebellion of the Northside
negroes. |
| Sept. 27, 28. |
Petition of Thomas Martin representing his disability to satisfy
his fine and charges and praying they may be moderated and be
released and the House intercede with the Governor in petitioner's
behalf—carried in the negative. Proceedings on several Acts.
The whole House went to the Council table to be present as the
several bills passed both houses. The Provost-Marshal returned to the
House and desired by the Governor's order that there be no debate
before they waited upon him, [Col. Entry Bk., Vol, XXXVII.,
pp. 186–193.] |
Sept. 6/16.
Barbadoes. |
403. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Has received theirs of the last of May (see ante,
No. 276) with very great satisfaction "I lying before under a
despair to find all my endeavours encounter so many misapprehensions as was signified to me by your former letters." Has not
neglected his duty or oppressed any body, for he has maintained the
King's honour and interest and all that tends to his service. If he
has erred by mistake shall readily incline himself to reform. As
to Sir Peter Colleton's address for 1,500 pikes, wonders no less than
their Lordships that without order from himself the Council and
Assembly any should venture to make such an address to put the
country to charge without their own consents. Reasons why pikes
have become useless, besides their is a worm in the country that
eats the wood that comes from England, wherefore their Lordships
are begged to supercede that order. He had been a very ill
husband for the King if he had sent for any arms upon the King's
account, since the country are obliged to pay for their own arms
and ammunition by the Earl of Carlisle's charter, so has prevailed
with them to send for 1,200 firelocks with cartridge boxes and
girdles, and 200 carbines, for payment whereof they have passed an
Act and beg they may be their own chapmen and permitted to
transport them by their own agents. Will see the Master of the
Ordnance is paid for the match sent for. Complains that merchants
upon the Exchange and of the Guinea Company, and others, take
upon themselves in some measure to be Governors of Barbadoes, so
having so many masters he knows not who to please. And that
the places of profit are given away by patent from England which
was never done before. It were to be wished that Sir Peter
Colleton and those other. gentlemen would move in their own
spheres for the future. Answer to query about the arms and
ammunition sent since the King's restoration, also Artillery, powder,
etc. "three times my Lords already I have given you this account
* * * * the strength and weakness of any place of this
importance ought to be kept secret. And therefore, my Lords, His
Majesty having been pleased to appoint me here his Captain General,
for which I am accountable to him, either with the utmost peril
of my life to defend it or if I neglect my duty to answer it with
my head, and usually those are privacies seldom imparted but to
the officers of the place and that but upon occasion, I beg your
Lordships' pardon that I use these expressions, not having the least
thought of derogating from your Lordships' power, or that I am
ignorant your Lordships are not trusted with greater secrets than
these. But I fear my papers are neglected, that you are pleased to
take no more notice of what I writ before, and that papers of that
kind are made more public than the nature of the thing will admit.
But to show I will disobey your Lordships in nothing, I have sent
you herewith a new list agreeable to your last commands." Complaints made to him on behalf of masters of ships seized by the
French. Has sent the King's frigate to the Governor of the French
islands to demand a reason for these proceedings. Is confident the
Dutch plantations at Tobago and Surinam will come to nothing.
Disastrous design of the Dutch replanting Tobago, most either starved
or dead. Has sent the law against Quakers bringing negroes to
their conventicles necessary for the safety of the island. 4 pp.
Endorsed "Rec. 18 Nov. Read 27 Nov. 1677." Encloses, |
403. i. List of the King's Council in Barbadoes, viz:—
Colonel John Willoughby.
Sir Peter Colleton, Bart.
Colonel Henry Drax.
Samuel Farmer, Esq.
Colonel Henry Walrond.
Thomas Wardall, Esq.
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Newton.
Colonel Simon Lambert.
John Peers, Esq.
Colonel John Standfast.
John Sparkes.
Colonel Henry Hawley, dead. Expects the King's Order
for another in his place. |
Judges
Henry Walrond, Junr., Judge of Austins.
John Wilham, Esq., Judge of Bridge Town.
Edw. Littleton, Esq., Judge of the Hole Court.
Henry Quinto, Esq., Judge of Speights.
John Reid, Esq., Judge of Scotland Court. |
Military Officers.
Sir Peter Colleton, Colonel of Horse.
Samuel Newton, Lieutenant-Colonel.
John Hallet, Major.
Colonel Symon Lambert, Colonel of Horse.
Lieutenant-Colonel James Carter, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Major John Steart, Major. |
Colonels of Foot.
Colonel John Willoughby.
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Colleton.
Major Thomas Jolley.
Colonel Christopher Lyne.
Lieutenant Colonel Lewis.
Major Richard Williams.
Colonel William Bate.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Codrington.
Major Paul Light.
Colonel Timothy Thornbill.
Lieutenant-Colonel Affrick.
Major Helmes.
Colonel Richard Bayley.
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Tidcombe,
Major Foster.
Colonel John Standfast.
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ruddock.
Major Robert Legarde. |
Great Artillery.
Austin's Bay, 25 guns.
Battery within the Bay, 10 guns.
James Battery, 20 guns.
Read's Bay, 12 guns.
Charles Fort, 40 guns.
Willoughby Battery, 13 guns.
The Hole, 13 guns.
Speights Bay, 25 guns. |
|
The Militia consists of 10,000 horse and foot. Between 400 and
500 barrels of powder. Are rebuilding two of the chief batteries
of the island at a cost of 1,500l. and the arms sent for will cost
1,500l. more. Together, 8 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLI., Nos. 61, 61 I.,
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 185–191, and 197–199.] |
Sept. 10.
Whitehall. |
404. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Colonel William
Stapleton. Acknowledge receipt of five letters from him from
26th April to 22nd November 1676 (all calendared in previous
Volume, see Nos. 902, 954, 990, 1017, and 1150), and "cannot but
acknowledge your great diligence and punctuality in giving us so
frequent and circumstantial accounts of His Majesty's islands under
your government, and the methods you pursue in discharge of
the trust reposed in you." Their Lordships have considered and
selected the matters fit for His Majesty's knowledge, and reported
upon such things as are necessary for the support and encouragements of the Plantations within his care. As to the English being
kept out of their possessions in St. Christopher's, and His Majesty's
sovereignty being disputed; supply of ministers; the recruiting of
the two companies at St. Christopher's, and the establishing a fund
for their pay; the sending to St. Christopher's of 300 malefactors,
"whereby that island may be peopled in some equality with their
neighbours"; the raising of forts, supply of arms and ammunition,
and a frigate to attend the Governor, and the payment of his arrears
in Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment. Relate what His Majesty has
been pleased to order in reference to each of these separate wants,
and also that a commission from the Duke of York as ViceAdmiral will be transmitted to him, as well as a public seal for
settling and assuring the particular interests of the planters, and
countenancing his own authority. Have considered his representation concerning Statia, Saba, and Tortola, and for the reasons
set forth are of opinion that be continue the possession and
posture of these islands as at present, and not admit of any claim
without His Majesty's special directions. Desire him to send the
laws now in force, and so from time to time to receive His
Majesty's approbation; also the names of the Council and Assembly,
and of the civil and military officers and their estates, and copies
of all Acts of Council, and public orders. Likewise account of
warlike provisions transmitted to the Leeward Islands since His
Majesty's restoration, how they were received, disposed of, and paid
for. Signify their satisfaction with his answers to their inquiries.
Expect from him a distinct account of the men, women, and
children, blacks and whites, English, Scotch, and Irish inhabits,
the number that are born, christened, and die, for which purpose
a register must be kept. Also his probable conjecture of the
length, breadth, and circumference of Statia, Saba, and Tortola, as
no survey has ever been made of those islands. 57 men have
been raised to recruit the two companies, and were put on board
the Hospewell 9th August last. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI.,
pp. 241–251.] |
Sept. 10.
H.M.S. Leopard, St. John's, Newfoundland. |
405. Sir William Poole to Lords of Trade and Plantations
Has made the best inspection he can relating to the affairs of this
country, and has conversed with the fishers, the "sackes," and the
planters, and inquired into all their grievances, which he fears will
scarce be composed while left to their own "managery," in that they
are so envious one towards another, and this particular harbour of
St. John's makes more trouble than all the country beside. Has
sent answers at large to every head of inquiry both from inhabitants and fishers, where their Lordships will discover how they
differ, and wherein they transgress the patent which they say
cannot be performed at all points. Sends also account of the
number of men, women, children, and servants inhabiting from
Trepasse to the westward of Cape Race to Cape Bonavista; also
the number of their houses, gardens, cattle, boats, stages, trainfats,
&c, account of the fish ships and by boats, number of men, boats,
stages, and fishing in every particular port or harbour this year;
also of all the sacks, their number of men, tons, and guns in every
port or harbour where they laded their fish, and to what ports
transported, and as near as he could the provisions of all sorts
imported this year, and from whence, as France, Portugal, Western
Islands, New England, New York, and Barbadoes. How the
planters pass away the winter, the quantity of fish they make, and
whether cheaper or dearer than the fishermen, and the quantity
they have also made. Transmits the best account he can of the
French in this country, and how they manage their fishery,
and much outdo our people by taking more and better fish and
running to market before us; their forts, ships with their burthen,
and guns. There is still an ancient animosity between the fishers
and planters. Some fishers grumble the inhabitants live near the
seaside, and some that they are permitted to stay in the country,
notwithstanding they confess and it is very apparent that the
planters are of very great use to them, because they have not all
the flakes next the seaside to dry their fish, and cannot dispossess
them of their storehouses and stages when they please. The next,
which has some reason, is that the planters' houses and stages are
scattered too much about the harbour, that they cannot avoid
mixing one with another, which may admit of many inconveniences, but there is now no separating them without pulling
down the planters' houses and rooms, which will cost them dear to
rebuild, having no wood nearer than three miles. The next cavil
is against the planters' hogs and cattle, which sometimes break
out to their stages and spoil some of their fish, but this is no great
prejudice, the custom of the country obliging a return of the fish
spoilt. Another is the planters' increase, especially in St. John's,
and will do faster when their children marry, and then this place
cannot afford accommodation for all to fish. This must be granted
if they conclude the planters to be immortal, but if succeeding
years produce not more fish than this year, in six years there will
not be ten planters left, for they have not this year caught fish
enough either to pay their servants or the provisions bought.
These are the chiefest grievances, and not very difficult to be
relieved. Describes how the planters are useful to the fishers by
employing their people in the woods to fell trees in the winter to
saw into boards to build boats and make oars against next season,
and to secure in their houses the unused salt till next year. In
cases of sickness there are no other nurseries but the planters'
houses, which are always at their service and their wives to attend
them. But the chiefest use of the planters, as the fishers say, is at
their first coming upon the coast, if by contrary winds they do not
fall in with the harbour they despatch away their boats to take
possession of the harbour, for first come first served, and sometimes
their ships don't atrive for ten or twelve days, in such case what
would become of the poor men at such a cold season if they were
not relieved by the planters. At going the planters will give the
fishers, or take from them, provisions for fish. To remove the
planters six miles into the country is worse than to turn them off,
and to turn them quite off the masters of the fishery cry God
forbid. Assures their Lordships there is room enough and conveniences for all the fishers and planters that are here for this
season; some of both have had more room and more stages than
they have employed, "yet they would fain be injuring one another."
As to the French fishery, refers to the answers to heads of inquiry,
"Rec. 16 Oct. 1677." 3 pp. Encloses, |
|
405. i. Answers to the heads of inquiry by several inhabitants
and masters of fish ships in their respective harbours on
the coast of Newfoundland. "Transmitted by Sir Wm.
Poole pursuant to an Order of 17 May 1677. Rec. 16 Oct.
1677." 8 pp. |
|
405. ii. Description of the harbours and coves between Trepasse
and the Bay of Bulls, with the bearings and distance of
the several capes and headlands. "Rec. from Sir Wm.
Poole 16 Oct. 1677." 2 pp. |
|
405. iii. An account of all the harbours and bays to the northward of St. John's. "Rec. from Sir Wm. Poole 16 Oct.
1677." 3 pp. |
|
405. iv. A particular account of all the inhabitants and planters
living in every fishing port or harbour on Newfoundland
from Cape Bonavista to Cape Race, with the number of
boats, stages, trainfats, houses, beach rooms, cattle, &c.,
belonging to them. 2 pp. |
|
405. v. Names of inhabitants, with number of wives, sons,
daughters, servants, houses and lodging houses, gardens,
boats, stages, trainfats, rooms or flaks, horses, cattle, sheep,
hogs, quintals of fish per boat, and names of harbours.
2 pp. |
|
455. vi. Account of all inhabitants or planters from Trepasse to
St. John's; also of houses, &c., as in No. V. 2 pp. |
|
405. vii. Total account of the inhabitants in Newfoundland,
with their boats, stages, &c. "Rec. from Sir Wm. Poole
16 Oct. 1677." 4 pp. |
|
405. viii. A particular account of every fish ship in each day or
harbour, and of every sack ship, and whither bound.
"Rec. from Sir Wm. Poole 16 Oct. 1677." 2 pp. |
|
405. ix. Account of fishing and sack ships from Balene to
St. John's Harbour. "Rec. from and signed by Sir Wm.
Poole." 4 pp. |
|
405. x. Account of fishing and sack ships from St. John's to
Bonavista. The whole account of all the inhabitants in
Newfoundland, with all the fish ships, boats, and sack
ships for the year 1677; also the several sorts of wines
and provisions imported this year only in St. John's
Harbour. Number of men, including housekeepers, their
sons and servants, 1,631; of wives, widows, daughters
and maid servants, 253; total inhabitants, 1,884. The
nearest estimate of fish taken, 180 kintals per boat, which
makes [for 1,229 boats] 221,220 kintals. Usual estimate
of salt, 30 hogsheads of salt per boat, sometimes much
more, which makes 9,217 tons of salt. For every
40 kintals of fish they account one hogshead of train oil,
which makes 5,530 hogsheads of train oil. There is room
enough in this harbour for more boats than fished
this summer without injuring one another. Signed by
Sir William Poole, and received from him 16 Oct. 1677.
4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLI., Nos]. 62, 62 I.–X.] |
|
406. "An account of the Colony and Fishery of Newfoundland
and the present state thereof," with a manuscript map in colours
on vellum of the whole island. Probably compiled expressly for
Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson, whose signature is on the title
page. A manuscript volume of 33 pages bound in vellum and
lettered "Newfoundland." After describing the situation and
discovery, and the four several patents to Sir Humphrey Gilbert
ing 1578, the Earl of Northampton, Sir Francis Bacon, and others
in 1610, to Sir George Calvert in 1620, and to the Marquis of
Hamilton, Earls of Pembroke and Holland, Sir David Kirke, and
others (in 1637), and the commissions granted by "the late Usurper,"
the "account" goes on to say that the fishery "became liable to
several abuses," upon which a commission of inquiry was issued,
and rules and regulations established, and a charter was granted in
1661 to merchants and traders to Newfoundland. Then followed
additional rules and sundry petitions for and against a Governor
upon which the Lords of Trade and Plantations made reports, and
the King issued Orders in Council. In 1670 on petition of the
western merchants additional rules were framed for regulation of
the fishery. The King was then petitioned on the great advantages that would attend the fishing trade by a settlement in
Newfoundland under a Governor, upon which the Lords of Trade
and Plantations made a further report to the King, who approved
of their Lordships' proposition. In 1675 Sir John Berry was
appointed a convoy to the ships trading to Newfoundland, and on
his return he attended their Lordships and urged the necessity of
encouraging a colony or else, he said, the French would take
advantage by the intended removal to make themselves masters of
all the harbours and fishing places. Then come petitions from
John Downing, an inhabitant on behalf of the planters, and the
proceedings thereon in 1676 and 1677, and finally Sir William
Poole's answers to inquiries, and his letter of 10th September 1677,
with enclosures of particulars, some of which are entered in full in
this volume. Also account of the fishing trade in 1615 and in 1677,
and of the French colony and Trade of Newfoundland. "Besides
the English and French there are some few and inconsiderable
ships from Biscay and Portugal that use this trade and keep their
station on the north coast of Newfoundland, and' upon the Bank.
But no other nation has been known to frequent this fishery."
The petitions, reports, Orders in Council, and other papers referred
to are abstracted under their respective dates in the previous
volumes of this Calendar. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVI.] |
| Sept. 11. |
407. Petition of Richard Booth, Samuel Story, Samuel Chaphamson, and William Paggen, of London, merchants, to Lords of
Trade and Plantations. That certain goods laden on board the
Richard and Eliza, Nicholas Pryn commander, were seized on
their arrival in Virginia, upon supposition that they belonged to
William Hunt, to whom one fourth part only was consigned, who
was concerned in the rebellion there, though he was never
convicted of any crime. Pray for an order to have same
delivered to petitioners, or if embezzled or disposed of, that the
Governor and Council in Virginia have directions from His
Majesty to be aiding and assisting in the recovery of same.
Annexed, |
|
407. i. Certificate sworn before their Lordships by petitioners
of the truth of their statements. 11th September 1677.
"Read 9 Oct. 1677," Two papers. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLI., Nos. 63, 63 I.; also Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXX., pp. 180–182.] |
|
407. ii. Order of the King in Council on Report of the Lords of
Trade and Plantations on above petition. Approving
same, and directing that letters be written to LieutenantGovernor Jeffreys that the goods so taken be delivered
to petitioners or their agent, and in case they be disposed
of, that said agent be assisted in the recovery of same.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 183–186.] |
| [Sept. 11.] |
408. Petition of Thomas Martin, of Jamaica, and Leonard
Compeare, of London, merchants, to the Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Recite former petition (see ante, No. 327). That
Compeare has received advice that Governor Lord Vaughan not
only continues to oppose Martin but has cast him into prison
without bail, "being done out of a mere malice, with a design utterly
to ruin him." That petitioners are informed the Earl of Carlisle
is designed to succeed Lord Vaughan. Pray their Lordships to
interpose with His Majesty on petitioners' behalf to recommend
them to the care and favour of Lord Carlisle, and that in meantime Martin be released from imprisonment. "Read 11 Sept.
1677. Ordered to be reported." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLI., No. 64,
and Col. Entry Bks., Vol XXIX., pp. 135–138, and Vol. CV.,
p. 112.] |
| Sept. 11. |
409. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King
on preceding petition. That by reason the Earl of Carlisle is not
ready to depart for his government of Jamaica, His Majesty would
immediately grant petitioner his letters to Lord Vaughan, directing
him not only to release petitioner from prison, but to permit him
quietly to enjoy the right of His Majesty's patent without
molestation. Draft and fair copy. Two papers. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLI., Nos. 65, 66.] |
| Sept. 11. |
410. Order of the King in Council. Approving preceding
report, and directing Secretary Coventry to prepare for His
Majesty's signature the letter therein recommended to Governor
Lord Vaughan. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 138, 139.] |
|
411. Twenty Acts in Jamaica (9th April and 6th September)
1677. The first an Act for the celebration of the 10th May (1655,
"the conquest of this His Majesty's island by the English
forces,") is ordered by the Lords of Trade and Plantations to be
abolished. 44 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLI. No. 67, and Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 115–119.] |
Sept. 11, 12.
Whitehall. |
412. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Secretary
Coventry acquaints their Lordships that Lord Carlisle is hastening
by the King's order to Jamaica, and Lord Culpepper to Virginia,
to take upon them their respective governments, and delivers a
book of new laws made at St. Jago de la Vega, 9th April last, but
before further progress be made in their examination, ordered that a
letter be written to Mr. Attorney-General, in whose hands the old
laws remain, that he give his attendance if his health permit, or
send them to their Lordships. Debate concerning the manner and
circumstances of enacting laws in Jamaica. Thought fit that no
Assembly be called thenceforward without His Majesty's special
directions, that no law be consented unto by the Governor until
it be first approved by the King, and that no Assembly be called
at the pleasure of the Governor but upon emergency, first to
acquaint His Majesty by letter with the necessity of calling an
Assembly. |
Sept. 12 to
Nov. 10. |
Secretary Sir Henry Coventry reads letter from Lord
Vaughan of 26th June last (see ante, No. 313) transmitting Acts
already made, and mentions others which will be ready next
session. Their Lordships enter upon reading and taking said
laws into consideration. After several meetings, extending to
10th November following, their Lordships, upon the whole
matter, agree to report to His Majesty that these laws be
sent over to Jamaica in the form and method proposed to be
there received by the Assembly, and that for the future all laws
be made in Jamaica as the laws of Ireland in the manner prescribed by Poyning's laws. Ordered that a copy of the Minutes
taken upon reading the foregoing laws be sent to Sir William
Jones, Attorney-General, with their Lordships desire that he
frame accordingly a body of laws which they will offer for
His Majesty's approbation (see No. 423). [Col. Entry Bks.,
Vol. CV., pp. 110–127, and pp. 149–151; also Vol. XXIX.,
pp. 143–153 and p. 157.] |
Sept. 14.
Barbadoes. |
413. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to [the Clerk of the
Council]. Encloses the Acts of Assembly passed since his arrival
which will be delivered to him by Robert Chaplin, and desires
him to present them to the Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Annexed, |
|
413. i. Titles of the (22) Laws enacted at Barbadoes from
14th January 1675 to 11th July 1677. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. VI., p. 91 and pp. 200–202.] |
Sept. 21.
Whitehall. |
414. Order of the King in Council. That the six ministers
going to the Leeward Islands be allowed 20l. each to defray the
expenses of their transportation, and the Lord Treasurer is to
pay 120l. to the Bishop of London for their use without account,
clear of any fees, for which an additioned 6l. is allowed. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 251, 252.] |
| [Sept 21.] |
415. Petition of Richard Payne to the King. That petitioner,
as Deputy to Sir Ernestus Byron, Bart., Escheator-General for the
Caribbee Islands, seized the estates of James Defield, an alien
Frenchman, John Downell, and Anne, his sister, who died without
heirs, and Francis Adgate, who hanged himself, but Colonel Henry
Walrond pretending a right by purchase to Defield's estate, procured the imprisonment of petitioner by Samuel Farmer, Judge
of Common Pleas in Barbadoes, where he remained upwards of
three years. Prays that said Farmer may be sent for home to
answer his contempt to His Majesty, or be ordered to give
security to answer what the law shall adjudge here to petitioner.
"Read in Council, 21 Sept. 1677." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLI.,
No. 68.) |
Sept. 28.
Newmarket. |
416. The King to Lord Vaughan, Governor of Jamaica. |
Right trusty, &c. Besides the discouragement you put upon our
trusty and welbeloved Thomas Martin, Esq., Receiver of the duties and
impositions payable unto us within our island of Jamaica, by requiring
too great a security from him, whereof we take notice in our letter to
you of July the 14th last past, we are again informed by the humble
petition of the said Thomas Martin that he is not only obstructed by
you our Governor there in the execution of the said office, but that he
is also cast into prison, and kept there without bail or mainprize,
praying us that he may be relieved from those hardships which he now
lyes under. We having considered the premises cannot but declare
ourselves very much displeased with the manner of the proceding of the
Assembly at Jamaica in fining and imprisoning the said Thomas Martin,
and with you also in permitting them to do so towards an officer so
qualified by our great seal. We do therefore require that he be forthwith discharged of his imprisonment, and also of the fine imposed on
him by the said Assembly, of which Our command all Our officers and
ministers there whom it may concern are to take notice and yield
obedience thereunto; and from you we expect a further account
touching the extraordinary proceeding of this whole affair. And so we
bid you farewell, &c. Countersigned by Secretary Coventry.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol., CX., p. 116.] |
Sept. 29.
Newmarket. |
417. The King to Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes.
Complaint has been made to His Majesty by petition of Richard
Payne, Escheator of Barbadoes, that according to the duty of his
office he caused a jury to be summoned to inquire into the estate
of James Defield, an alien, John Donnell (sic), and Anne, his sister,
dying without heirs, and Francis Adgate, that hanged himself,
whose estates are escheated to the Crown, by virtue of several
offices thereupon found, and several negro slaves of said Defield,
were seized to the King's use, but that this Payne's diligence in
His Majesty's service hath met with very severe usage from
Samuel Farmer, Judge of the Common Pleas of St. Michael's, who
caused petitioner to be closely imprisoned on account of Colonel
Henry Walrond pretending a right to Defield's estate, as in said
petition herewith sent is more at large expressed. If the matter
be as alleged His Majesty cannot but think it a huge piece of
injustice, besides the invasion of his right and contempt of his
authority. But that His Majesty may be better informed, has
thought fit to require Governor Atkins to examine petitioner's
complaint, and with all speed report to the King in Council,
as vell how he finds the same in its several particulars, as
also how the law of Barbadoes stands in petitioner's case, that
when His Majesty hath considered same, he may give further
order therein agreeable to Justice. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CX.,
p. 117.] |
Sept. 30.
Tobago. |
418. The conditions of the Dutch for the encouragement of
the planting of Tobago. "From Sir Jonathan Atkins, 20 Dec.
1677." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLI., No. 69.] |
