|
| Sept. 1. |
The Governor reported that the condemned prisoners had petitioned him to intercede for their pardon and liberty, but that as they had shown no regard to the Council he had refused; but on the arrival of another petition pleading ignorance, it was resolved that the prisoners be discharged, and that they attend to-morrow to make their submission. Resolved, that non-residence is sufficient to bar a member of Council, and that William Pinhorne shall not therefore be sworn, and that James Graham should be restored to the office of recorder. Order for Frederick Flypse to attend in the Council in respect of the complaint of Jacob Mauritz, and that all concerned in Leisler's rebellion be released from their recognisances. |
| Sept. 2. |
On the Governor's motion it was resolved that John Povey be the Colony's agent in England with salary of £100 a year. The condemned persons were brought before the Governor, admonished and discharged. Order for the accounts from Governor Sloughter's arrival onwards to be presented. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. LXXV., pp. 328–331.] |
| Sept. 1. |
2,425. Minutes of General Assembly of New York. The Representatives attending, the Governor said that he would add nothing to the business already before them except to remedy the decay of trade and the poverty of the people. |
| Sept. 2. |
To quiet misgivings and end unprofitable debates the Council resolved unanimously that the present was a lawful Assembly. Draft of a bill against privateers sent down to the Representatives. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. LXXV., pp. 641, 642.] |
| Sept. 1. |
2,426. Commission to Colonel John Foulks to be Commander in Chief of all forces in the West Indies. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 22; and Col. Entry Book, Vol. C. pp. 257, 258.] |
| Sept. 1. |
2,427. Order of the Queen in Council. That £1,985 of the quit-rents be granted to the college in Virginia; that the net surplusage of the quit rents, after payment of £300 to the Lieutenant Governor, be given for three years to the maintenance of ministers, £100 thereof to be given to the Commissary; that the produce of tobacco collected in lieu of the penny per lb., the lands south of Blackwater and in Pamunkey Neck, and the office of Surveyor General be likewise granted to the College for ever. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 202, 203.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,428. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The merchants of Jamaica and the Commissioners for victualling the Navy attended as to the matter of the ships bound for the West Indies. The Lords agreed on their recommendation. Colonel Beeston's memorial as to his accountability to his successor for perquisites approved. |
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Abstract of Governor Codrington's letter of 11 January and 19 February read (see Nos. 1,993, 2,060). The Agent for the Leeward Islands to be summoned to the next meeting. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 136–138.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,429. Further proposals of Colonel Beeston. As to his salary and as to the Council in Jamaica. Abstracted above. No. 2,400. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 2 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 113.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,430. Abstract of the letters from the Council of Jamaica of 28 January, 27th April and 20–23 June last, and of Colonel Beeston's proposals as to the judges. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 2 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 114.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,431. Memorandum. That Captain Stephen Elliott who bought the news of the earthquake from Jamaica begs permission to sail on the 10th September. Scrap. Endorsed. Recd. 2 Sept., '92. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 115.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,432. Order of the Queen in Council. Permitting six ships to sail in company to Jamaica under the orders of a convoy or, in default of convoy, of the ship Josiah of forty guns. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 110, 111.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,433. Order of the Queen in Council. Permitting the six ships referred to to sail under convoy of the Josiah. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 111, 112.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,434. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord President to obtain liberty for two ships to sail to Jamaica with stores from the victualling office. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 113.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,435. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord President to obtain liberty for the advice-sloop from Jamaica to return with intelligence of the stores that are on their way to the Island. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 115.] |
| Sept. 2. |
2,436. Order of the Queen in Council. That two ships be permitted to sail for Jamaica with stores from the victualling office, and that the Admiralty give orders accordingly. [Board of Trade, Jamaica, 53. pp. 113, 114.] |
| [Sept. 2.] |
2,437. Record of the proceedings of the Court of Exchequer of Barbados, on sundry days from 6 July to 2 September, in the case of John Hallett. 15 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 25 March, 1693. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 88.] |
Sept. 3.
Whitehall. |
2,438. William Blathwayt to Colonel Bayer. Desiring the attendance of the Agents for the Leeward Islands at the meeting of the Lords of Trade and Plantations on the 6th. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 9.] |
| Sept. 5. |
2,439. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for impressment of a sloop to weigh the submerged guns at Port Royal. Order that all perquisites given to the late President John White be transferred to his successor, John Bourden. Order for payment for hire and victualling of the Richard and Sarah, and that bills be drawn on the Commissioners of the navy for the money. Order for Colonel Peter Beckford, commander of the forts at Port Royal, to remain at St. Jago de la Vega. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 212, 213.] |
| Sept. 5. |
2,440. John Usher to the Governor and Council of Massachussetts. My Council and I think it requisite for the King's service that Captain Waer and the soldiers detached from New Hampshire should be returned thither to secure this province from invasion of French and Indians; also that you will lend us seven barrels of powder, for we have none now, and give us such assistance as shall be thought necessary if we be invaded. Copy. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 5.] |
| Sept. 5. |
2,441. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. John Usher presented his Commissions as Lieutenant-Governor of New Hampshire, and the order of the Privy Council for examination of his accounts and payment of what is due to him. Mary Matson's account for lodging and nursing two sick men of her H.M.S. Conception approved. Order for payment of £8 17s. Od. for the erection of a beacon at Boston; and for payment of £15 per annum to James Maxwell as door-keeper and messenger of the General Assembly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 192–193.] |
| [Sept. 6.] |
2,442. Address of the Mayor and Common Council of New York to the King and Queen. Setting forth the iniquities of Leisler, and his arrest on the arrival of Governor Sloughter, and hinting that clemency to his adherents has not proved salutary. The usual lamentations as to the burdens of the Colony and the backwardness of other Colonies to assist her against the French and Indians. Copy. 4 pp. Inscribed. Recd. 6 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 121.] |
Sept. 6.
New York. |
2,443. Address of the House of Representatives of New York to Governor Fletcher. We are sorry that the bright day of your arrival should be clouded by the gloomy condition of the Colony. We are engaged in an expensive war, the revenue is exhausted, the country in debt, the soldiers unpaid, the people much impoverished by the late disorders, and many so disloyal to the Government that they are a disturbance rather than a help. We hope that your coming will influence the malcontents to return to their duty, and you may rely upon our loyal support. We beg that some of the Council may meet us in conference to prepare a joint address to their Majesties, thanking them for your appointment. Signed. Ja. Graham, Speaker. Large sheet. Endorsed. Recd. 27 Jan., 1692/3. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 122.] |
| Sept. 6. |
2,444. Minutes of Council of New York. The accounts brought in as directed, and a copy ordered to be sent to Major Ingoldsby with request that he bring the account of his discharge to-morrow, also the bill of exchange for £100 received from Maryland. Daniel Honan appointed Accountant-General, with allowance of £50 a year, a ream of paper and books. William Churcher, William Laurence, Joost Stoll, John Coe and Richard Ponton were summoned before the board, having a presentment of the grand jury against them for high treason, and were discharged. |
| Sept. 7. |
Petition of Suffolk County for a free port rejected. Order for a letter of thanks to Governor Copley for his warning as to strange Indians travelling in Maryland and Virginia. |
| Sept. 8. |
On receipt of a letter from the Mayor of Albany, ordered that an answer be written to him directing him to warn the Indians that there is no intention of making peace, and inform them that a new Governor is just arrived from England with particular instructions to renew the Covenant with the Five Nations. |
| Sept. 9. |
The Council advised the Governor against a journey to Albany as both troublesome and expensive at this time of year, besides which the fortifications and many other things required attention in New York. |
| Sept. 10. |
The Governor suggested that the news of his arrival at Albany with guns and ammunition might reach the enemy and deter them from attack. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 332–334.] |
| Sept. 6. |
2,445. Minutes of General Assembly of New York. Address of the Representatives to Governor Fletcher, congratulating him on his arrival, and setting forth the unhappy state of the Colony. Joint Committee appointed to draw up an address to their Majesties. |
| Sept. 7. |
Bills to settle fees and for probate of wills read a first time, and the latter bill committed. |
| Sept. 8. |
Bills to raise 220 men and 80 men read and passed. The two bills sent up yesterday were laid aside. Message from the Representatives desiring to be dismissed. Bill against pirates read a first time. |
| Sept. 9. |
Bill against pirates read twice more and passed. Address of the Representatives to the Governor and Council, praying for the
Justices to be ordered to collect the arrears of taxes, which, if paid, would leave a surplus of £925 towards paying the expenses of the late expedition to Albany. Orders were issued accordingly. Further message from the Representatives as to the more effectual collection of the revenue and avoidance of debts in future; wherein the proposals were approved by the Governor and Council. The Representatives sent up the three bills before them, to be passed by the Council. |
| Sept. 10. |
The three bills were signed by the Governor, who prorogued the Assembly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV. pp., 643–651.] |
| [Sept. 6.] |
2,446. Edward Randolph to Commissioners of Customs. I send a letter from the Attorney General of Maryland to prove the partiality of the Court in the late trial (see No. 2,295). In my last letter I told you of the number of vessels trading illegally, and I learn that since Governor Copley's arrival at St. Maries more than forty have been permitted by him to sail. though Captain Townsend had written to him that he had orders to convoy all the ships from Virginia and Maryland. At my first coming to Jamestown I wrote to Captain Townsend to stop suspicious ships, and have arrested the master of one who had no certificate. I am put to great trouble and expense for want of a good sloop to go aboard these ships. Copy. 1¼ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept. 1692. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 125.] |
| Sept. 6 & 7. |
2,447. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Governor communicated to the Council and Assembly letters from the King and the Earl of Nottingham, and recommended them to debate means for raising money and men against the French. The Assembly brought up a bill to raise a thousand men for an expedition against the French, also an address. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 369–373.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,448. William Blathwayt to the Agents for the Leeward Islands. Forwarding General Codrington's remarks as to the resettlement of St. Christophers, for their observations. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 96.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,449. Representation by the Agents of Barbados of the present state and wants of the Island of Barbados. The Island is in extreme danger both from the enemy and from the negroes, owing to want of men due to the following reasons:—1. The heavy duties laid on the planters, especially those imposed in the last reign, have ruined and dispeopled the Island, so that on this one account it has not half the strength that it formerly had. 2. The great mortality of late in those parts. 3. The despatch of eight hundred men to the Leeward Islands, of whom but one hundred returned. 4. The difficulty of getting white servants in peace and the impossibility of getting them in war. 5. The entertaining of white servants and debtors by the King's ships, contrary to law. 6. The recruiting of men from the Islands by merchant ships, when their own men have been lost by sickness or pressed for the King's navy. These causes have brought about that the Island cannot furnish a militia. The proportion of men formerly sent by a parish
is now greater than the whole number of white men in that parish. The work of guarding the forts is very hard, and while the men are on duty, their wives and families are for a week at a time at the mercy of the negroes. Besides the want of men, there is also lack of arms and ammunition, due partly to the furnishing of the regiment for the Leeward Islands, partly to the fitting out of merchantvessels as men-of-war. We therefore beg that part of the land forces sent to the Plantations may be continued in Barbados for its defence, as in the Leeward Islands; that a thousand small arms and ammunition be sent by next fleet; and that captains of King's ships be ordered not to take men unlawfully off the Island. We would recall that the four and a half per cent. duty in the Island was collected expressly for defraying the cost of its defence. Signed. Edw. Littleton, Wm. Bridges. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Read 7 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 89; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 289–292.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,450. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Ordering that the agents of Barbados attend the office of Ordnance, who will report as to the arms, etc., furnished to Barbados and the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 287, 288.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,451. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the Admiralty give orders forbidding the King's officers to take men from Barbados contrary to local law, as complained off by the Agents of the Island. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 297, 298.] |
Sept. 7.
Barbados. |
2,452. Petition of John Hallett to Governor Kendall, praying for a writ of error against the judgment of the Court of Exchequer of Barbados. Minute of the Governor granting the writ. 7 September, 1692. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 25 March, '93. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 90.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,453. Similar petitions from John Sutton and John Pilgrim Hallett's sureties, with the like minute. [Board of Trade Barbados, 4. Nos. 91, 92.] |
Sept. 7.
Barbados. |
2,454. Address of the Assembly of Barbados to Governor Kendall. In response to the letters of the Queen and Lord Nottingham, notwithstanding the burden laid on us by the additional duty on sugar and the misfortune of an unfavourable season, we have thought best to raise the new money required of us by a tax on the owners of windmills, and if the sum thus raised be insufficient we will make it up otherwise. Nineteen signatures. Copy. Large sheet. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 39.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,455. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Agents of Barbados attended and made a representation of the state and wants of the Island. The Lords agreed on their recommendations. |
|
Letter from the Council of New York of 30 June read. |
|
Colonel Codrington's proposals as to resettlement of St. Christophers laid before the Agents of the Leeward Islands for their observations. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 139, 140.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,456. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord President to submit Colonel Beeston's draft instructions in Council. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 108.] |
| Sept. 7. |
2,457. The Queen to the President and Council of Jamaica. We have resolved shortly to send a squadron with a considerable number of troops to the West Indies, which we hope will secure them against the French. We are most heartily sorry for your misfortunes in the earthquake, but your people must not be wanting to join us with all their strength, since our measures are such as to promise success. So you will make every preparation, call out the militia, and recall all absent men, for this is a happy opportunity that may never return nor be recovered by any future care for your Island or the other Colonies. Signed. Nottingham. [Board of Trade. Jamaica. 77. pp. 231, 232.] |
| Sept. 8. |
2,458. Order of the Privy Council. Permitting the advicesloop from Jamaica to return thither. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 115, 116.] |
Sept. 10.
"York in
America." |
2,459. Governor Fletcher to William Blathwayt. I arrived at Sandy Point in the Wolf on Sunday the 28th of August, on Monday evening anchored under the fort, and on Tuesday 30th was received ashore by the Council, Mayor and Aldermen, the militia being under arms and the usual ceremony of acclamations and firing, etc. observed. First we went to the Council Chamber in the fort whether the Letters Patent were read, and then to the City Hall where the publication was repeated. I found the Assembly sitting to provide for the security of Albany next winter, and continued it until they had made an end, when I dissolved them. I found the revenue much indebted, several sums taken up at 10 per cent. in the personal credit of the Council, trade much decayed and the inhabitants discouraged by the burden of Albany, which is most unjustly left on their shoulders by their neighbours who take our trade and profit. This is the main cause of all complaints. I have called a new Assembly to get the revenue out of debt, but am much discouraged by the slowness with which former taxes come in, whereof the first are not yet paid. I have issued warrants for the payment of arrears to save our credit and do something for those who have subsisted our forces at Albany. If some care be not taken to save this province I cannot tell what will become of it, nor where to find my own salary. Why Virginia and Maryland are excused from assisting us I cannot think, unless it be the want of true information or pressure of business at home. Signed. Ben Fletcher. One page, much of it torn away. Endorsed. Recd. 27 Jan., 1692–3. Printed in New York Documents III., 846. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 123; and 48. pp. 1–3.] |
Sept. 10.
New York. |
2,460. Governor Fletcher to William Blathwayt. You will see by the papers of the Council and Assembly the state of this province. I find them a divided, contentious, improverished people. My efforts to compose them have not been wanting, but neither party will be satisfied with less than the necks of the others. In time I do not despair of improvement, yet I cannot see how this
single province will be able to support itself for another year under the load of war. I wish we could find a way for carrying on that war more briskly by pardoning and recruiting the people. The Aldborough ketch is a great expense to the King and no advantage to this place. She has neither force to fight nor heels to run. She rides in harbour till worm-eaten. A light fifth-rate would be of great use and answer her cost. I have replaced Mr. Dudley and Mr. Pinhorne as judge and recorder by Mr. Smith and Mr. Graham, as the two former are neither of them residents. Mr. Graham is recorder by charter, but was put out by Mr. Sloughter and kept out by Major Ingoldsby. I have not yet seen Mr. Dudley, but it seems hard to me that men who will help us neither by their advice or their estates should hold offices of some little profit in this colony and spend the money in another. We have news of 2,000 recruits and fourteen ships arrived in Canada. I am relieving our frontier and as soon as I can put things on a method shall start thither myself. I can hardly perceive the difference between Leisler's management and since. The Council complain that Major Ingoldsby has carried things with a high hand, and has received several sums of money without consent of Council, of which money I can get no account. I must not permit such things as Governor Sloughter did, and Major Ingoldsby must act differently than he has yet done. Printed in New York Documents III., 848. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. pp. 16–18.] |
Sept. 10.
"York in
America." |
2,461. Governor Fletcher to the Earl of Nottingham. I am still in the dark as to the particular circumstances of this Province. The two parties seem implacable, and those who suffered by Leisler's violence are suing those who acted by his commission to their prejudice. Their inveteracy weakens us much and distracts the King's service. I have discharged all recognizances taken in the score of Leisler and superseded all proceedings; yet people who were real sufferers continue to bring their actions, and unless a pardon comes the parties will so weaken each other that we may become a prey to our enemies. I find the people generally very poor and the country much in debt, owing to the mismanagement of those who have exercised the King's power, and the expense of the war. The Indians are a people that I should never employ in arms, but the French employ them, so we must fight them with their own weapons. We hear that 2,000 French recruits and fourteen ships full of stores have been sent to M. Frontenac this summer. I am now marching 300 militia to the frontier; but it seems to me utterly impossible for this single province to support the war another year. I have sent Mr. Blathwayt an account of the money expended by this province for the defence of her neighbours as much as of themselves, for if this province be run down nothing can save the rest. Mr. Joseph Dudley and Mr. William Pinhorne having left the province, I have suspended them the Council till further orders. One of them was made judge and the other recorder, which brings in some few pence; but in my opinion those who bear no part of our burden should eat no share of our bread, and I have appointed Mr. Graham to be recorder and Mr. Smith, one of the Council, to be judge. I
have not yet seen Mr. Dudley, who lives at Boston, four hundred miles from hence. The sloops of war sent by Governor Sloughter are much embezzled; the fort is decaying; and the house out of repair and scarce habitable. Signed. Ben. Fletcher. Holograph. 3½ pp. Printed in New York Documents III., 847. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 124 and 48. pp. 23–25.] |
| Sept. 10. |
2,462. Address of the Council and House of Representatives of New York to the King and Queen. Our humble thanks for the appointment of such a Governor as Colonel Fletcher, and for the consignment of munitions of war. When this country was possessed by the Dutch West India Company it was held to include all the country from the west side of Connecticut River to the lands lying on the west of the Delaware as far as Maryland; but this has been much diminished by grants. The neighbouring Colonies founded in these parts being without all government from the Crown and free of all contribution to the expense of the present war, the people are now leaving this province, whereby its strength is diminished, its trade decayed. and its revenue lessened. Our neighbours also harbour all deserters, so that we lose both the men and the money needed to carry on the war. Albany is a place of such consequence that the safety of Maryland and Virginia depends upon it. The French by the artifices of Jesuit priests have long tried to gain the Five Nations, our friends, to their side. If Albany were lost, these Indians, having nowhere else to trade, would be forced to go over to the enemy, when our scattered settlements would be open to the attack of a barbarous enemy, who in a country of wilderness, forest, and swamp could not be extirpated or reduced to obedience by ten thousand men in many years. The whole burden of maintaining Albany falls on this Colony, and it is more than we can bear. We beg your direct and special orders to the Colonies to assist us. Signed by Ja. Graham, Speaker, and seventeen members of the Assembly, and by eight members of Council. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 27 Jan., 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 125 and 48. pp. 3–7.] |
| Sept. 10. |
2,463. Account of the cost of Albany to the Government of New York since the arrival of Governor Sloughter, 19 March, 1691, to the 10th of September, 1692. Total £10,867. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 27 Jan., 1692–3. Read 8 Feb., 1693. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 126.] |
| Sept. 12. |
2,464. Minutes of Council of New York. Resolved that the Assembly be dissolved. Thomas Statham's petition against Gabriel Leggitt referred to Thomas Johnson and John Laurence. Order for examination of Robert Livingston's accounts. James Graham sworn as Attorney-General and Recorder. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 334, 335.] |
| Sept. 12. |
2,465. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for seven barrels of powder to be lent to Mr. Usher for New Hampshire. The gaol-keeper's account at Boston approved and ordered to be paid. Note. On the 16th the Governor reported that he would sail for Pemaquid that day. [Col. Entry Bk. Vol. LXIV., pp. 193–194.] |
Sept. 12.
Whitehall. |
2,466. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the petition of Sir Matthew Dudley and others to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed, |
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2,466. I. Petition of Sir Matthew Dudley, Bart., and others to the Queen. In King James's time we obtained an order for the Attorney General to prepare a charter for us to work the mines in New England, and after the Revolution we obtained a similar order from the King. We beg that a charter may be granted to us according to the heads annexed. 1½ pp. Copy. The whole endorsed. Read 23 Nov., 1692. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 6, 6–I.] |
| [Sept.] |
2,467. A collection of papers relating to the charter for mines in New England. |
|
2,467. II. Copy of the original petition of the promoters of the charter to King James, presented in March, 1687. |
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2,467. III. Copy of a second petition of the same in March, 1688. 1 p. |
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2,467. IV. Proposals of the same, with an order of Lords of Trade and Plantations in the margin, referring it to the Lords of the Treasury, 14 June, 1688. 6½ large pages. |
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2,467. V. Report of the Commissioners of Customs on the proposals, 26 June, 1688, offering no objection. 1½ pp. |
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2,467. VI. Order of the Treasury, 21 June, 1688, referring the proposals to the Commissioners of Customs; and of the Lords of Trade and Plantations referring the matter to the Attorney General, 19 July, 1688. |
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2,467. VII. First report of Attorney General on the proposals, 4 Aug., 1688. 3 pp. |
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2,467. VIII. Letter from William Blathwayt to the Attorney General, 10 August, 1688, forwarding the proposals to him for report. Draft. 1 p. |
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2,467. IX. Report of the Attorney General on the proposals, raising no objection, 2 Oct. 1688. ½ p. |
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2,467. X. Copy of a grant of mines from James II. to the Duke of Albemarle, 1687. 3 pp. |
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2,467. XI. Copy of a draft charter of King James to Sir Matthew Dudley for mines in New England. 38½ pp. |
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2,467. XII. Copy of a petition from Sir Matthew Dudley and others to King William, praying for a charter. April 1691. 1 p. |
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2,467. XIII. Copy of an Order in Council of 17 March, 1692, approving the incorporation of the promoters, and directing a charter to be prepared. 1 p. |
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2,467. XIV. Copy of an Order in Council of 7 July, 1692, directing a warrant to be prepared for passing of the charter. 2 pp. |
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2,467. XV. Heads of a charter suggested by the promoters. 6 pp. |
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2,467. XVI. Abstract of the heads of the charter. 5 pp. |
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2,467. XVII. Short reasons for granting the promoters their charter. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 6, 6 II. –XVI., and (order and enclosure XV. only); Board
of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 1–8. and (enclosures Nos. V., VI., VII., IX.) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 439–448.] |
| Sept. 12. |
2,468. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Charles Knight produced the accounts, showing a credit balance of £390. Order for sundry payments. |
| Sept. 13. |
Order for the gunners at Point Morant to receive half-a-crown a day. Letter to Lords of Trade and Plantations. (See under date, September 20.) [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 213–216.] |
| Sept. 14. |
2,469. Minutes of Council of New York. Warrants for the new levies for Albany and for collecting arrears of taxes. Resolved that the whole Council pass their personal credit for the payment for provisions for Albany. |
| Sept. 15. |
The Governor proposed Colonel Caleb Heathcote for a vacant seat in Council. Colonels Van Cortlandt and Bayard ordered to examine and report on Peter De La Noy's accounts. Commissioners for assessment of rateable property appointed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 335, 336.] |
| [Sept. 15.] |
2,470. Representations of the Assembly of Maryland to the King. We have received several demands made by Lord Baltimore as to which we answer:—(1) As to the shilling per hogshead on tobacco exported we are willing to confirm the same if Lord Baltimore grant the same conditions of plantation as before the Revolution, or the same as are now in force in Virginia, which we believe to have been the true intent of King Charles I.'s patent. Without easy terms of taking up land, the Colony will decay. (2) As to the fourteen pence per ton on shipping we have searched for the true cause of making that Act, and though the Journals and the original of the Act are lost, yet many who remember it say that it was for providing defence and ammunition for the Colony. The tax is still called Fort duty and not Port duty by the inhabitants, and for these reasons we believe the intention of that law was that the money should go to the Crown, and we beg for the King's assent to an Act to make over the same to the Crown, for it seems to us unfair that the Crown should be at the expense of building forts for defence of shipping while Lord Baltimore receives £800 a year, especially when we consider how large is the revenue still left to his Lordship by the King, for his ancestors were at little expense in peopling the Colony, the inhabitants of Virginia being attracted thither by a fertile soil and pretence of liberty of conscience. (3) As to the fines up to the late Revolution, we conceive that, so far as they are legal, Lord Baltimore ought to have them, but for the future they are the undoubted right of the Crown. (4) As to the demand for waifs, strays, wild horses and wild hogs, that is impossible in this or in any other newly-settled country, such things being very numerous, the country uncleared, and every man's tract of land so big that it cannot be fenced, so that all animals are distinguished only by the owner's mark. By such a grant Lord Baltimore would
engross the whole stock of the country. Unmarked stock were made over to him by Act to avoid disputes, and that Act constitutes the sole ground for the present claim. (5) As to the demands for all documents concerning Lord Baltimore's land, all warrants for land which have been executed should be delivered to him, but not unexecuted warrants, nor such records as show the proprietor's titles to their lands. Signed by Kenelm Cheseldyn, Speaker, and thirty-two members. Large sheet, damaged. Endorsed. Referred by Order in Council of 15 Sept. 1692. Recd. 19 Sept. 1692. |
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Copy of the foregoing. Endorsed. With Mr. Solicitor's report of 2 Nov. 1692. Read 23 Feb. 1692–3, and agreed to. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 81, 82; and 8. pp. 55–59.] |
| [Sept. 15.] |
2,471. Petition of the Representative Assembly of Maryland to the King. In obedience to your orders we have duly sent home the proceeds of the shilling per hogshead duty; but before the arrival of Governor Copley we had disposed of £940 of this year's revenue of that duty, whereby he is debarred from a great part of the revenue; and he has now learned that at least twenty-five ships left the province in 1690 without clearing or paying the duty. We beg therefore that the impost due by these ships may be received here by Governor Copley for his use, in consideration of the money used by the country before his arrival. Signed. Kenelm Cheseldyn, Speaker. 1 p. Endorsed. Referred by order 15 Sept., 1692. Recd. 19 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 83; and 8. pp. 69, 70.] |
| [Sept. 15.] |
2,472. Governor Copley to [the Earl of Nottingham?]. It is morally impossible for anyone in my situation to serve the King without calling forth complaints from Lord Baltimore. But I answer his objections. (1) It is urged that Colonel Darnell, Lord Baltimore's agent here, petitioned for many things to be delivered him. I answer that I put him in immediate possession of his Lordship's houses and estate. Other more public matters I referred to the Assembly, which has given its opinion in writing. (2) It is objected that I allowed ships to go home otherwise than in a fleet. I did so on the request of the masters, and on their proof that they would not be defenceless. (3) It is objected that I passed an Act to bring in money, contrary to my instructions. I answer that there is a special clause saving the King's revenues. The Assembly could not have passed the other Acts for support of Government if I had denied this, and it continues but for three years. (4) It is objected that I refused to swear Mr. Frisby. He was represented to me generally as disaffected, and many instances were given to me. He was one of the ringleaders of the disloyal party; and he was about to leave the Colony with his family. (5) It is objected that I stopped his agents from receiving the fourteen-pence tonnage. The Assembly declared that it was never intended for Lord Baltimore and has now transferred it to the Crown. The proceeds have been remitted to England to await the King's pleasure. |
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Propositions humbly offered to the King. (1) Pennsylvania is an unsettled state and should be brought under the Crown. It is so near to this Colony that it encourages illicit trading here. Moreover
the Jacobite party, of which Penn is known to be the head, will involve this Colony in trouble. Many think it would be well to join it to this province. (2) To prevent illicit trading all masters of ships should be required to give bond at their ports of clearing to pay all duties, and a bond here to carry my receipt for their certificates. Here the bonds often miscarry, as they give no surety but two planters, who generally prove to be insolvent when the bonds are sued. (3) The number of navigable rivers here makes illicit trading so easy that a frigate is necessary, the more so as French privateers are encouraged to annoy our ships, for want of a frigate. (4) There will never be peace and quiet here till Lord Baltimore's interest is redeemed by the Crown. (5) There should be no strict embargo here in future, or the small traders in the West of England will be ruined. Their ships come and go and pay the King's custom in full. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 15 Sept. 1692. Abstract of the proposals read 19 Sept. 1692. Unsigned. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 84, and (proposals only) 8. pp. 76–78.] |
| [Sept. 15.] |
2,473. Copy of proposal No. 2 in the preceding. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 85, and 8. p. 81.] |
| Sept. 15. |
2,474. Earl of Nottingham to Lords of the Treasury. Ordering them to write to the Governors of New England and New York to furnish the West Indian Squadron and troops with provisions, if required, and to draw bills for the same. Copy. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 23; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 292.] |
