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| Dec. 4. |
837. Representation of Randall Holden and John Greene to the
King. Recapitulate the title of Rhode Island to the Narragansett
country and complain of the aggressions of Massachussetts,
Connecticut, and Plymouth, and more particularly that in June
last, some of the Massachusetts Magistrates with other of that
colony as Commissioners, have publicly set up in several places of
New England printed papers declaring the Narragansett country
to belong to them with offers to make sale of the lands and do
dispose the Government to Connecticut. Represent this to the
King that he may give some redress to this growing evil. Signed
by Randall Holden and John Greene. Underwritten, "Read in
Council 4 Dec. 1678." Enclosed, |
|
837. i. "An Advertisement touching the Narrhaganset and
Niantick countries." Very pleasant and fertile, fit and
commodious for plantation. The true legal right belongs
to certain gentlemen in New England, the most part
dwelling within the Massachusetts colony by purchase
from the chief Sachems, the sole proprietors, as was
allowed by the Honoured Commissioners of the united
colonies and recorded in the Book of Records for Connecticut, under which government the land lieth. These
are therefore to certify that all Christian people that are
willing to settle themselves in a regular way of townships
on said lands may apply to the subscribers hereof in
Boston who have been chosen by the proprietors a
Committee to act in any of their concerns touching the
premises. Signed by Simon Bradstreet, John Saffin, and
Elisha Hutchinson. Endorsed, "Advertisement concerning the lands of the King's province." Printed.
Boston, 1678, July 30. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos.
149, 149 I.] |
| Dec. 4. |
838. Order of the King in Council on Petition of Randall Holden
and John Greene. That a copy of the printed advertisement be
sent to the Massachusetts agents who are directed to attend His
Majesty in Council on Fridry the 6th instant, and to show by
what authority the claimants pretend to the lands mentioned in
the paper, and also to inform the Board what obedience has been
rendered to His Majesty's letter of 27th April 1678 enjoining the
administering of the oath of allegiance. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX.,
pp. 295, 296.] |
| Dec. 4. |
839. Copy of preceding Order, adding that there have been read
two letters from Sir E. Andros to William Blathwayt of 16th
September and 12th October last, mentioning their unjust pretensions
to New York and enclosing the printed paper. The date of the
King's letter is given as 8th April instead of 27th. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CV., p. 269.] |
Dec. 6.
Whitehall. |
840. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order of
Council of 30th October read (see ante No. 820) and Lord Carlisle's
letter of 14th August (see ante No. 779) being also read. Agreed
to report, That the clause in the Militia Bill whereby the Govern
ment is to act according to powers given by His Majesty's
Commissioners remain unaltered, it being the undoubted right of
His Majesty to dispose of the Militia as he shall think fit. As to
the proposal for a mint to be established in Jamaica, ordered that
it be referred to the officers of the Mint to report what may be
convenient for His Majesty's service. A letter to this effect was
accordingly written to the Warden and Officers of the Mint. |
|
The Agents of Boston attend. Secretary Williamson presents
two letters from Governor Leverett of 25th August and 15th October
intimating that the Governor, Council, and General Court had taken
the Oath of Allegiance enjoined by His Majesty's letters of 8th
April. A return of the Court on William Harris's case, pursuant
to His Majesty's commands of 4th August 1675, being enclosed in
the letter of 15th October, their Lordships think fit that a copy of
this return should be given to the Warwick deputies who are
concerned therein. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 270, 271.] |
Dec. 6.
Whitehall. |
841. Sir Philip Lloyd to the Warden and Officers of His
Majesty's Mint. The Lords of Trade and Plantations have received
a proposal from Jamaica to erect and establish a mint there, with
power to make coins of gold and silver or other convenient metals,
and to set such a value thereon "as shall be thought most agreeable
to the interest and occasions of that island." Their Lordships
desire their report on said proposal, and whether same be convenient
for His Majesty's service, and under what restrictions it may be
safely allowed and regulated. Such coin shall be only current in
that island. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 248, 249.] |
Dec. 8.
Whitehall. |
842. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Stapleton.
Acknowledges receipt of a box with his letters and other papers
(see ante Nos. 741, 741 I.–XVII.), but by reason of this extraordinary
conjuncture no leisure has yet been found for their perusal, but
he will now receive the seal. Concerning the laws, it will be
necessary for him to transmit an entire collection of all laws in
force throughout his Government, and that he affix the seal to
them. His complaint of Captain Haddock has been made known
to His Majesty in Council and referred to the Admiralty. [Col.
Entry Bks., Vol. XLVI., pp. 328, 329, and Vol. CV., p. 371.] |
Dec. 10/20.
Barbadoes. |
843. Governor Atkins to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Not
one ship from London has arrived from London for twenty months,
which often happens. Has sent all the laws made since he was
Governor according to the time limited of two years. If he has
no advice of His Majesty's resolution, shall we be without laws, and
how will the people be governed? By their laws they are easy and
submissive, but without them the most stubborn, for they have the
arms in their own hands. He has not a soldier in the King's pay,
nor is the King at one penny charge with this island. We are not
without apprehension as you are in Europe. If Monsieur Gabaret,
who, he hears, is coming into these parts, "intend me," doubts not
to give him a greater rap of the fingers than his predecessor had,
for they are well provided for him. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII.,
No. 150; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol VI., pp. 249–251.] |
Dec. 13.
Whitehall. |
844. Order of the King in Council concerning the King's
Province. After hearing Bulkeley and Stoughton, the Massachusetts
Agents, who were directed to show by what authority or title
certain persons within that Corporation have laid claim to the
lands of Narragansett and Nantiack countries, otherwise called the
King's Province, and also Randal Holden and John Greene,
Deputies of the town of Warwick, who by petition had given His
Majesty information of their pretension and of His Majesty's right
both to the sovereignty and propriety of that country, the
Massachusetts alleged their Government do not meddle with this
claim, but only some inhabitants who had purchased their lands
from the Indian Sachems, to which Holden asserts as of his certain
knowledge, having been an inhabitant of that country above forty
years, that never any legal purchase had been made from the
Indians, and that it is contrary to the known laws of all the
Colonies, whereby no man is permitted to purchase any lands of
any Indian without the Colony where he is dwelling without leave
from the magistrates of the Colony within which the lands do
lie. He also presents several papers in support of his arguments.
Whereupon His Majesty ordered that letters be sent to Massachusetts
and all the Colonies in New England, requiring them to leave all
things relating to the King's Province in the same posture it now
is as to the possession and government, and to give them to
understand that the absolute sovereignty and particular propriety
of all that country is vested in His Majesty by the surrender of the
Sachems, and that no further settlement be there made upon any
title whatsoever until those who pretend any claim have made
out their title, and that they send over persons duly instructed
to make the same appear, or in default His Majesty will give
order for the government and settlement of said Province. [Col.
Entry Bks., Vol. LX., pp. 308–311, and Vol. CV., pp. 272–275.] |
| Dec. 13. |
845. Colonel Francis Moryson to [William Blathwayt]. Has
advice that Colonel Rowland Place is lately arrived from Virginia.
He is the gentleman Governor Jeffreys mentions as able to give a
true information of all transactions in Virginia since the Commssioners' coming away (see ante No. 758). He is one of the
Council and a very honest gentleman. Conceives it necessary for
the King's service to have a true prospect into the affairs there
before Lord Culpeper goes. Wishes him to defer giving in the
papers, viz. the Queen [of Pamunkey]'s letter and complaint, the
Governor's deposition concerning the denial of His Majesty's letter
in the case of Bird, and the Interpreter's letter. 1 p. [Col. Papers
Vol. XLII., No. 151.] |
| Dec. 13. |
846. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Proposals
received from Lord Culpeper in reference to the Governor of
Virginia (read on 14th December), "in pursuance of His Majesty's
commands," with marginal notes. Some of the articles are
"Agreed" (see Orders of 14th and 20th December 1678). These
heads were delivered in January 1677(–8) to Mr. Secretary
Coventry and read at the Committee of Foreign Affairs in May
last, but, by reason of my Lord Treasurer's absence, nothing done.
But on the 11th August, after a full debate upon every one, it
was resolved as in the margin, and so set down by Mr. Secretary.
Some lesser points were then also agreed. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII.,
No. 152, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 258–263.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
847. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Letter read
from Colonel Jeffreys to Colonel Moryson of 10th July last, also
a deposition taken in Virginia concerning Captain Bird, with letter
from Colonel Moryson to Mr. Blathwayt of 13th December instant,
to be considered when Colonel Rowland Place, lately come from
Virginia, shall give his attendance on Tuesday next. Secretary
Coventry signifies His Majesty's pleasure that their Lordships take
into consideration Lord Culpeper's despatch, which contains several
heads relating to his Government of Virginia upon which orders
are made, viz. in reference to the Establishment (military) in
Virginia, the building of a fort and towns on each great river,
laws to be sent over, Acts for the Revenue and of Indemnity, the
payment of soldiers, patentees of lands, security of homeward bound
merchant ships, and the drawing up by the Attorney General of a
Proclamation and General Act of Indemnity. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CV., pp. 275–278.] |
Dec. 16.
Whitehall |
848. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Slingesby
attends concerning the proposal for erecting a mint in Jamaica
referred to the officers of His Majesty's Mint, and desires to peruse
entries in the Council Books of 1661 touching a mint for Ireland,
and to be informed of the present state of Jamaica; their Lordships
think fit that Lord Vaughan and some merchants trading to
Jamaica be summoned to attend, and in the meantime Mr. Slingesby
may peruse the entries he desires. |
|
The difference between Colonel Stapleton and the Admiralty of
Holland touching negroes carried off Tobago by the Quaker, ketch,
in Jamaica upon the defeat of the Dutch by the French; letter
from Colonel Stapleton and memorial of the Dutch Ambassador are
read. Counsel on behalf of the Dutch Admiralty and Mr. Freeman
and Counsel on behalf of Colonel Stapleton are heard at length.
The parties being withdrawn, their Lordships, after debate, resolve
to report to His Majesty that six months be allowed Colonel
Stapleton to make answer to the Dutch claim to the negroes which
His Majesty granted him in free gift, and in the meantime that
Colonel Stapleton's agent give 1,500l. security in the High Court of
Admiralty to answer further process and to make good the negroes
claimed, and that their Lordships may be ordered to write
immediately to Colonel Stapleton thereon, and require his speedy
answer. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 279–282.] |
| [Dec. 16.] |
849. Papers concerning the difference between Governor
Stapleton and the Admiralty of Holland about certain negroes
carried from Tobago to the Leeward Islands. The King's grant of
his right and title to said negroes to Governor Stapleton, and that
he may dispose of them as of His Majesty's free gift. Westminster,
1678, April 12. Annexed, |
|
849. i, John Van Wachtendonck, Commissary for the United
Netherlands, to the King. Encloses Memorial from the
Ambassador of the States General, of 28th March last,
and prays for a speedy answer. |
|
849. ii.The above Memorial to the King. (See ante, No. 638.) |
|
849. iii. Depositions of Jan Hessen and Daniel Rosens in
reference to the taking of said Negroes at Tobago, and
their being conveyed to Nevis by the Quaker, ketch.
1678, April 12. Together three papers. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLII., Nos. 153 I., II., III., and Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XLVI., pp. 330–334.] |
Dec. 17.
Whitehall. |
850. The King to Thomas Lord Culpeper, Governor Herbert
Jeffreys, Lieutenant-Governor and the Council of Virginia. To
permit Ralph Williamson or his assigns to land and dispose of fiftytwo convicted persons of Scotland, sentenced to be transported to
our English plantations and such others as shall be convicted in
Scotland and sentenced to be transported and delivered into
Williamson's custody, without hindrance or molestation, any law,
order, or custom of Virginia to the contrary notwithstanding. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 166.] |
Dec. 20.
(Whitehall). |
851.Order of the King in Council. That the Earl of Danby,
Lord High Treasurer, forthwith take care that an establishment be
made for the Lord Culpeper and others employed in the Government of Virginia, as also for the two foot companies in the like
manner and proportion as is already settled for Jamaica, and that
his Lordship provide a fund for same. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX.,
p. 263.] |
Dec. 20.
Whitehall. |
852. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. In reference
to a report to be presented to His Majesty upon the several heads
of Lord Culpeper's paper about the establishment in Virginia "it
being a Colony of greater extent (than Jamaica) and more advantage in point of the customs and yearly revenue to the Crown;"
the quitrents of Virginia; the settlement of towns upon each great
river; the laws agreed to be immediately transmitted to Virginia;
the payment of soldiers; the patents granted to Lords Arlington
and Culpeper; and the departure of ships from Virginia. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 283–285.] |
| Dec. 20. |
853. Petition of Randall Holden to the King. Was about
40 years since, with divers others of Rhode Island seised upon by
the Massachusetts and carried captive to Boston, where he was
committed to prison and most barbarously used, being laid in irons
a whole winter, and there made to work for his living, and when
that government had nothing to lay to his charge he was banished
out of their jurisdiction, as appears by the annexed order of their
Court. Being on return home, and not knowing but that by
distress of weather and other exigents he may be forced into the
Massachusetts jurisdiction, prays the King to command the said
magistrates to repeal the order of banishment. Signed. Endorsed,
"Read in Council 20 Dec. 1678." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII.,
No. 154.] |
Dec. 20.
Whitehall. |
854. Order of the King in Council on above Petition of Randall
Holden. That Petitioner and all others banished with him receive
the King's pass and protection with the signification of His
Majesty's displeasure for the proceedings of the Massachusetts
against them, and his orders for repealing the order of banishment
passed at the General Court of Boston against Holden and the rest
of that Company. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX., pp. 312–315, and
Vol. CV., pp. 285–286.] |
Dec. 21.
Whitehall. |
855. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. That
Lord Culpeper propose to the Committee such heads as he shall
think fit to be inserted in his Commission and Instructions. And
that in the mean time a draft of such Commission and Instructions be prepared for their Lordships' view, and the Commission
and Instructions formerly given to the Governors of Virginia, as
also those to the Earl of Carlisle be made use of as far as it is
proper herein. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 286, 287.] |
Dec. 24.
Whitehall. |
856. Order of the King in Council. Approving Report of Lords
of Trade and Plantations, of 16th December last (see ante, No. 848)
and directing William Freeman to give security for 1,500l., to be
entered in His Majesty's High Court of Admiralty; also that their
Lordships write to Governor Stapleton requiring his answer and
proofs within six months allotted him for his defence. Also,
The Letter from the Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor
Stapleton above referred to. Whitehall, 1679, January 24. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 155, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI.,
pp. 335–340.] |
