America and West Indies: July 1700, 8-10

Pages 398-410

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 18, 1700. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1910.

Citation:

July 1700



July 8.	618. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay. A petition to the Ministers, Wardens, and Vestrymen of the Church of England in Boston, praying that there may be such explanatory Act made to the Act to prevent incestuous marriages, as that the clause, providing that no Minister shall marry any persons but such as one or both of whom are inhabitants or resident in the town where he is settled in the work of the Ministry, may not be construed to prohibit Ministers of the Church of England to marry persons of their own Communion, although they be not inhabitants or resident in the same town that such Minister dwells in, was read. It was decided not to bring in a Bill to provide accordingly, for that the Law as it now stands allows Ministers of the Church of England equal liberty with all other Ministers.
	80l. paid to John Arnold, Prison-keeper in Boston.
	Petition of James Gooch on behalf of the town of Wells, praying some allowance towards the completing a Meeting-house and for the support of their Minister, sent up from the Representatives, whose votes of 6l. and 10l. were concurred with.
	Resolve of the Representatives, that in consideration of the great services done by Mr. Samuel Storer, late of Charlestown, in the war against the French and Indians, 20l. be allowed to his widow, read and concurred with. A Bill in further addition to the Act in addition to the Act for building with stone or brick in Boston and preventing fire, sent up from the Representatives, was read a first time.
July 9.	60l. paid to Captain Anthony Checkley, Attorney General, for his service hitherto.
	Joint Committee appointed to consider the petition of John Usher, late Treasurer of New England.
	Bill for preventing abuses to the Indians, sent up, was read, passed and consented to.
	The House of Representatives sent up a list of the persons nominated by that House for President, Vice-President and 15 Fellows of Harvard College in Cambridge, to be inserted in the Charter for Incorporating the same, which the Court have agreed humbly to address His Majesty for; viz.:—For President, Mr. Increase Mather; for Vice-President, Mr. Samuel Willard; for Fellows, James Allen, Michael Wigglesworth, Saml. Torrey, Nehemiah Hubbard, Peter Thacher, Samuel Angier, John Danforth, Cotton Mather, Nehemiah Walter, Henry Gibbs, John White, Jonathan Pierpont, and Benjamin Wadsworth, Masters of Art, with the two Senior Resident Fellows for the time being. The Council gave in their votes for the aforesaid severally, and agreed with the Representatives in their nomination.
	The resolve past by the Board, June 21st, containing several Articles in order to the settling of the Eastern Indians under obedience to His Majesty was returned by the Representatives with their concurrence. The resolution was: That it's highly necessary speedily to procure and send three able, learned, orthodox Ministers to have their residence among the Eastern Indians and the Indians on Merrimack River, at such places as the Governor and Council shall appoint, to instruct them in the true Christian Religion; that the said Ministers be paid 120l. per annum each; that they be strictly prohibited from trading with the Indians, or receiving anything from them more than their present accommodation; and that they be advised to invite them to embrace the true, Christian religion by extending charity to them from time to time as occasion may present; that the Agents of the Corporation for propagating the Gospel amongst the Indians be applied unto, that the said yearly allowance to the Ministers so employed, or the greater part thereof, may be advanced and paid out of the stock under their management, and that they would improve their interest in the Corporation for obtaining larger allowances towards carrying on the said work; that the neighbouring Colonies and Provinces be applied unto and excited to join their assistance in carrying on so necessary and pious a work; that a trading-house with a suitable fortification be erected in Casco Bay, where the Governor and Council think fit; that a smith be kept at the said trading-house, and that the Indians have their fire-arms and hatchets repaired at a reasonable charge; that 300l. be advanced towards building the said fortification and trading-house; that this Government do support the whole charge of carrying on what is hereinbefore proposed and directed, over and above such assistance as shall be obtained from the neighbouring Governments, and the Corporation for the Indian affair; that His Excellency be humbly prayed to endeavour the like care and provision may be had and made for the Indians within the Province of New York.
	Draught of a Charter for the Incorporating of Harvard College ordered, agreable to the report of the Committee appointed to consider of what is necessary to be done relating to the matters contained in the Address to His Majesty for settling the College. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 388–392.]
July 9. Boston	619. Governor the Earl of Bellomont to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Indians about the towns of Woodstock and New Oxford, about 40 families, have lately deserted their houses and corn, and are gone to live with the Penicook Indians, which has much alarmed the English thereabout, and some of the English have forsaken their houses and farms and removed to towns for their better security. That the Jesuits have seduced these Indians is plain. M. Labourie's letter is very plain evidence; he is a French Minister placed at New Oxford by Mr. Houghton, the Lt. Gov., and myself, at a yearly stipend of 30l. out of the Corporation money. There are 8 or 10 French families there that have farms and he preaches to them, and at the same time instructed those Indians, having for that purpose learnt the Indian tongue. I send some memoranda delivered me by Mr. Rawson, a Minister, who writ 'em down from Mr. Sabin's mouth. Mr. Sabin is so terrified at the Indians quitting their houses and corn, that he has thought fit to forsake his dwelling and is gone to live in a town. All the thinking people here believe the Eastern Indians will break out against the English in a little time. M. d'Iberville is lately come to N. York from building forts at Mechisipi in the Bay of Mexico and manning them. I shall not animadvert on his coming to York, but refer you to the L. G's letter. M. d'Iberville came in a 50 gun ship, call'd La Renomée.
	The Assembly is still sitting here, but will break up this week, and I must be gone to N. York to keep touch with the Five Nations, whom I have promised to meet at Albany, Aug. 10, though to little purpose I fear, for having not yet received orders from your Lordships, or any of the Ministers about any of the things I writ of, I am quite in the dark and know not which way to move. If I could have had orders this spring, I would by this time have had a good sod-fort at the Onnondage's Castle, which would have covered that and the rest of the Five Nations from the French, and have encouraged them above all the things that can be thought of, and that for about 1,200l., but the summer is now almost gone, and I am in great fear our sloath and neglect of those Indians all this time will be the loss of them. I thank god I shall be no way accountable for the mismanagement that will probably lose us the Indians, and our Plantations on this whole continent, having given frequent advises home of the condition of the Indians and what I thought would secure their affection to us.
	I have recd. no letter from your Lordships for almost a year, except 3 or 4 lines, which served for a cover to the King's letter. They write me word from N. York that a pink was newly arrived there from London in 8 weeks, who assures 'em that Jeffers to whom Mr. Weaver delivered your packet about March 15 was in the Thames April 23. 'Tis wonderful to me that Mr. Weaver could find nobody to send the packet with but Jeffers, who had complained against me to your Lordships, a crosse, illconditioned fellow, and who hates me. Repeats Robinson's account, No. 581, June 22. It were to be wished in such a conjuncture as this your Lordships would write often, and that your Secretary would take care that all your packets be delivered into honest hands and receits taken for them. And I desire it may be hereafter observed that ships coming to Boston are accounted among the sea-faring men to have the advantage of those bound to N. York at least a 3rd part of the way, tho' in point of distance N. York is but 100 leagues further. I hope you will not suffer Mr. Brenton and Mr. Weaver to loiter any longer in England; their ramble is most unaccountable and not honest: they make very bold with the Ministers at home. I had bespoke 400 wheel-barrows and other tools to be provided for building a fort for the Indians, but, to my great amazement and discomfort, I am not directed in that or anything else. I am sorry there was not a duplicate of your Lordships' packet by Jeffers sent by another ship. Signed, Bellomont. Endorsed, Recd. Read, Aug. 16, 1700. Holograph. 3 pp. Enclosed,
	619. i. Abstract of preceding. 1 p.
	619. ii. M. Laborie to Lord Bellomont. New Oxford, June 17, 1700. The four Indians who returned here are departing to-day for Penikook with 25 others whom they have persuaded, in spite of all my efforts, to accompany them. They gave as a reason that the inhabitants of New Roxbury continually annoyed them, and when I was not satisfied, they said that the religion of the Penikook Indians was more beautiful than ours, for the French gave them silver crosses to wear on their necks; and they added that there was another strong reason which they could not tell but would soon be known. In all they say I can see the activity of the priests and the concealment of some design. Signed, J. Laborie. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 16, 1700. Copy. French. 2 pp.
	619. iii. Memorandum of letter from the L. G. of New York to Lord Bellomont, June 24, 1700. ¼ p.
	619. iv. Memoranda concerning the Indians, delivered to Lord Bellomont by Mr. Rawson, a Minister, June 21–24. Colossians said he and all the other Indians must be gone from Woodstock in three weeks: the Indians cunningly to blind their neighbours bid them farewell and say they have no ill design. as they would not have them frighted nor go into garrisons, but privately tell John Sabin they never will return. As for the war, he could not tell which side might prove strongest, but Sabin should not be endangered. Some said the Governor intended to use dogs against the Indians—they must be dogs that bullets would not enter; they valued little what could be done against them. "We have had wars with the English so long that we see what they can do." They would obtain ammunition from Frenchmen who had married Indian Squaws, and by sacking towns. They would starve the people out of the country, then they would draw off to Europe apace. The Maquas would stand by the Indians, and find quarrel one way or another with my Lord. Corroborative statements by Nenequabben and Keensotuk. Keensotuk, grandchild of the late King Phillip, Sachem of Mount Hope, informed Sabin that the Pennecocks would certainly this summer make war upon Oweneco, the Sachem of the Mohegins, for their discovery of the plot to the English. If the English helped them, then it would draw the war upon them; if not, the Mohegins might privately kill Sabin or some Englishman, and lay it on the Pennecocks, and that would occasion wars betwixt them and the English. Colossians said the Pennecocks were trying to prejudice the Maquas against the Mohegins. Copy. 2½ pp.
	619. V. Account of the stock of the Corporation for the Indian Work, June 1, 1700. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. Nos. 49, 49.i.–v.; and (without enclosures) 38. pp. 170–177; and (ii. only) America and West Indies. New York, 580. No. 23.]
July 9.	620. Memorandum of Lord Bellomont's letter above. ½ p.
	620. i. Extract of letter from the Lt. Gov. of New York to the Earl of Bellomont, June 24, 1700. On Monday last Mr. Hungerford got out of the gaol, nor has he been since heard of, though I have done my part in order to retrieve him. On Wedn. evening came up at once to the watering place a French Man-of-war of 50 guns, the Chevalliere D'Iberville, Commander, who with his second Capt. wer born at Canada. She came from Messasipi and bound for France; their pretence is to wood and water, though I rather believe it is to examine our channel and harbour, as I this minute heard, but I have no proof they have yet been sounding, tho' will take care strictly to enquire by keeping our barge out a cruising every night during their stay, and if find they are, will positively forbid them. I am further told the late King James had made an absolute gift of this Province to the French King and that 'twas thought this ship had orders to touch in here, under the pretence aforesaid to examine our channel and harbour (for 'tis much out of his way home). If this be truth, 'twill be time to reinforce and refortify, for the French are men of too great diligence to slip any advantageous opportunity. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 16, 1700. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 10. Nos. 18, 18.i ; and 54. pp. 374–379; and (i. only), America and West Indies. New York, 580. No. 24.]
July 9. Boston.	621. Governor the Earl of Bellomont to the Earl of Jersey. I am under all the trouble and discouragement imaginable for want of orders from your Lordship and the rest of the Ministers in this conjuncture, which requires all the care, dispatch and vigour that possibly can be used for preserving the Indians in friendship with us, and by that means preserving these Plantations from the French, who by the measures they take and their indefatigable pains, shew they thirst immoderately after these Plantations, as having a right notion of their vast value, which is what we seem to want. I refer myself to the copy of my letter to the Council of Trade. Signed, Bellomont. Holograph. 1 p. Enclosed,
	621. i. Duplicates of Nos. 619. ii. and iv. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. Nos. 50, 50.i.–iii.]
July 9. Boston.	622. Governor the Earl of Bellomont to Mr. Secretary Vernon. I write now in the anguish of my soul, being quite dispirited from want of orders from your Ministers. I enclose copy of my letter to the Council of Trade. There came hither two ships from London the last week in May, another four days ago, which brought me not a letter from any of the Ministers. What must the people here and in N. York think, but that either the King and his Ministers have no sort of care or value for these Plantations, not minding whether they fall into French hands or no, or else that I am in disgrace with the King ? I never in all my life was so vexed and ashamed as now; I put the best face I can on it, but I find other people take the liberty to judge of the present conduct of affairs in England. It had been kindly done of the Ministers to have rebuked Mr. Weaver's impertinence in staying all this while in England, where he has no just pretence of business, unless taking his pleasure may be called so. In my opinion he should be ordered peremptorily to come away with the first ship, or be turned out and another capable man sent in his place. Signed, Bellomont. Endorsed, R. Aug. 16, 1700. Holograph. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. No. 51.]
July 9. Boston.	623. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts Bay. Pursuant to a resolve of the General Assembly, June 21, that some meet persons be appointed by His Excellency and Council to find the southernmost part of Charles River and of any and every part thereof, and the southern line of the late Colony of the Massachusetts Bay as anciently run by Nathaniel Woodward and Solomon Saffery, and to make their report to the General Assembly, Elisha Hutchinson, James Taylor, Joseph Prout and William Antram were appointed for that affair.
	Licence granted to Elizar Holyoke to erect a timber building on his wharf by the mill-pond in Boston, on the backside of all his other buildings.
	17l. 10s. paid to Col. Elisha Hutchinson for pine boards by him received from Robert Eliot of Newcastle in 1693.
	53l. 4s. paid to Capt. Cyprian Southack for the wages and subsistance of himself and two men on board the Province Galley, Oct. 26, 1699—March 5, 1700.
	79l. 9s. 7d. paid for the services and billetting of soldiers in the frontier towns, impressed for H.M. service, March 17—April 22, 1700. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 301, 302.]
July 9.	624. Minutes of Council in Assembly of Barbados. A General Thanksgiving for the late deliverance from sickness ordered to be observed on July 25th.
	His Majesty's letter, Feb. 10, 1699, about sending home pirates was communicated to the Board, also a letter from the Navy Board, March 15, 1699, relating to H.M. ships of war being furnished with stores, etc.
	200l. ordered to be paid to Mr. Guy Ball towards completing the house in James Fort.
	Petition of Capt. Gilbert for pay for the sloop Amity employed against the French referred to Committee of Accounts.
	On the Petition of Mary Downes, widow, complaining that one Ellis Smith having surreptitiously married Hannah Rootley, under 11 years of age, barbarously ill used her so that she fled to her grandmother, the petitioner. and having since concealed her refused to let her appear before this Board, ordered that he be arrested and give bail to appear the next Sessions and security for the appearance of his pretended wife at the Council Board this day four weeks.
	Writ issued for a Member of Assembly to serve for St. Peters. Five acres of land in the parish of St. Thomas escheated to the King granted, upon his petition, to William Halstead, senior. Charles Sawyer similarly granted 3 acres and one negro woman in the parish of St. Michael, late in the possession of Elizabeth and Savery Jemotson.
	Ordered that Richard Bowles, Escheator General, lay before the Board an account of all Escheats that have been returned into H.M. Court of Exchequer since His Excellency's arrival to this Government, and in future that he return an account of such escheats every six months.
July 10.	Magnus Popell's proposals for making a harbour between the town of St. Michael and the Bay read, approved and recommended to the Assembly who were desired to prepare a Bill accordingly.
	245l. 15s. 2d. paid to Col. George Peers for fortifications in St. Michael's.
	80l. paid for two years' salary to George Grossart, armourer to the Magazine.
	279l. paid for salaries of Samuel Goodwyn, gunner of Charles Fort, and eleven montrosses.
	Salary of Samuel Goodwyn, gunner of Ormond's Fort, and one mattrosse, ending Sept. 5, 1699, ordered to be paid.
	Salary of Wm. Coates, gunner of Ormond's Fort, and another mattrosse paid.
	John Murrey, gunner of the Battery at the Yacht, and one mattrosse paid 3 years' salary.
	Salary, etc., paid to William Stanley, cooper of the Magazine.
	Two years' salary paid to Thomas Jowell, gunner of Fontabell, and John West, Montrosse.
	Salaries of John Adams, gunner of Oistins, and mattrosses paid.
	Two years' salary paid to Edward Fennell, senior gunner of the Line at the Bay, and Edward Fennell, jun., mattrosse.
	Two years' salary of William Kipps, gunner of Willoughby Fort, and of John Babb, mate, paid.
	Two years' salary of Richard Baynes, gunner, and Jeremiah Bird, montrosse, of James Fort, paid.
	Two years' salary paid to John Karvis, mate of Orman's Fort.
	Two years' salary paid to Francis Irking, mate of James Fort.
	30l. sterl. salary paid to Edward Skete, gunner of James Fort.
	Salary, etc., paid to John Chilcott, senior.
	Salaries of John Owen, Tho. Sartain and John Chilcott, junr., matrosses of James Fort, paid.
	25l. paid to John Austin for a negro who was executed for stealing goods. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 515–525.]
July 9.	625. Minutes of General Assembly of Barbados. Resolved that a new election be held for St. Peter's parish, Col. Harrison being dead and there being an equality of votes returned. The House adjourned. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 563, 564.]
July 9. James City.	626. Minutes of Council of Virginia. His Excellency laid before the Council His Majesty's letter of Dec. 26, 1699, appointing Robert Carter and John Custis members of the Council.
	Benjamin Harrison, late Clerk of the Council, could not attend to deliver the books of the Council Office, through indisposition. John Custis attending was sworn a member, after explaining that, living as he did at a great distance on the Eastern Shore, beyond the Great Bay of Cheasapeak, where the passage is very often troublesome, his attendance might be hindered.
	The Order of May 6th, whereby Capt. Passenger was directed to convoy ships off the coast about 50 leagues without the Capes every twenty days, was reconsidered, His Excellency informing the Council that when he went out in the Shoreham with the late Fleet, they found the strength of the current such that sailing outwards 40 or 50 leagues, if they had not had fair winds they might have been two or three weeks before they had recovered the Capes. Ordered that Capt. Passenger, every 20 days or less cruising or convoying, shall go no farther than the soundings. Capt. Passenger ordered to defer the sale of the ship La Paix till the 25th as he proposed.
	Trial of a sloop from Maryland, lately seized by Capt. Passenger, ordered.
	Edward Hill excused attendance by reason of a great indisposition of body.
	Proclamation for the apprehension of pirates ordered.
	His Excellency laid before the Board the list and instructions of the Fleet that sailed from Virginia, June 9th, under convoy of H.M.S. Essex prize, together with a list of the pirates they carried.
	His Excellency laid before the Board the Order in Council, Jan. 18, with letter thereupon, Feb. 16, 1699/1700, concerning denization of aliens.
	Petition of John Jacob Cognan Danze for the grant of escheated land formerly belonging to Peter Craw, decd., an alien, was referred to Mr. Auditor Byrd and Mr. Attorney General. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 481–483; and America and West Indies. Virginia, 638.A. No. 1.iii.]
July 10. Whitehall.	627. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon. We send for your information an extract of a letter from Col. Fox, Nevis, May 18 (q.v.) relating to the protection given to some pirates by the Governor of St. Thomas. Signed, Phil. Meadows, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 46. p. 54.]
July 10. Whitehall.	628. Mr. Yard to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Lords Justices desire that you will lay before them the representation you have received from my Lord Bellomont about preserving the King's timber in the West Indies, and that your Lordships will add such observations and scheme of your own as you judge proper for effecting the same. Signed, R. Yard. Endorsed, Recd. July 11, Read July 24, 1700. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. No. 52; and 38. p. 89.]
July 10.	629. Proposals of the Hudson's Bay Company as to the boundaries between them and the French, (in case of an exchange of places and that the Company cannot obtain the whole Streights and Bay, which of right belongs to them):—(1) That the French be limited not to trade or build beyond the bounds of 53° or Albany River, vulgarly called Checheawan, to the Northward on the West Main or Coast; (2) or beyond Rupert's River to the Northward on the East Main. (3) The English not to trade or build beyond the same bounds of 53° or Albany River, South East towards Canada on any land which belongs to the Company. (4) or similarly beyond Rupert's River. (5) Neither side to extend their boundaries contrary to these limitations or to instigate the natives against either nation. The French may reasonably comply, for so they will have all the country S.E. betwixt Albany Fort and Canada to themselves, the best and most fertile part and much larger than can be supposed to be to the Northward, and the Company deprived of what was always their undoubted right. Unless the Company be so secured it will be impossible for them to continue long at York Fort, should they exchange with the French, nor will the Trade answer their charge. If the French insist to have the limits settled between York and Albany as in the latitude of 55 degrees or thereabouts, the Company can by no means agree. Signed, Wm. Potter, Sec. By order of the General Court. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 22, 1700/1 1p. [Board of Trade. Hudson's Bay, 2. No. 27; and 3. pp. 93–95.]
July 10. Whitehall.	630. William Popple to John Sansom. The Council of Trade and Plantations being now about preparing a Commission and Instructions for Capt. Bennett, appointed L.G. of the Bermuda Islands, and considering that since the first draught of Instructions prepared by the Commissioners of H.M. Customs, in pursuance of several laws relating to Trade and Navigation, which have been hitherto sent to the Governors of H.M. Plantations in the same terms, mutatis mutandis as they were frst drawn, there have been other laws made here relating to the same matter, desire you to propose unto the Commissioners of H.M. Customs, whether it be not convenient to enumerate any such late laws or make any other alterations in the Instructions relating to Trade that are now to be given to Capt. Bennet. And also that a new draught, corrected as the Commissioners of the Customs think fit, be sent to their Lordships that it may be a standing form for the future, at least until some new law shall require further alterations. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 30. pp. 33, 34; and Plantations General, 35. pp. 305, 306.]
July 10. Whitehall.	631. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Upon consideration of Capt. Bennet's Commission and Instructions, it being observed that there have been new Laws made relating to Trade, the Secretary was ordered to write to Mr. Sansom to know whether the Commissioners of the Customs do not thereupon think fit to make any alterations in the draught of those Instructions by enumerating therein such late laws, or otherwise.
	Letter to Mr. Secretary Vernon, enclosing extracts of Col. Foxe's letter, signed and sent.
	Remainder of papers referred to in Lord Bellomont's letter, May 25th, read. Copy of paragraph relating to pirates and pirates' goods sent home by Rere-Admiral Bembow ordered to be sent to the Secretary of the Admiralty. [Board of Trade. Journal, 13. pp. 111–113; and 97. No. 123.]
July 10.	632. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Robert Carter, after offering to the consideration of the Council the distance of his habitation and the fact that he was then Speaker of the Assembly, was sworn a Member.
	Warrants signed for sundry payments.
	Letter from Henderson Walker, May 31st, North Carolina, laid before the Board.
	Mr. Auditor Byrd and Attorney General ordered to consider of a more proper method for collecting quit-rents and H.M. Revenue of 2s. per hhd.
	It was resolved to reward the inhabitants of Accomack County who seized the condemned pirates John Hoogling, Cornelius Franc, and François Delaunee, who had escaped from the Custody of Major John Thorowgood, late Sherif of Princess Anne County.
	His Excellency laid before the Council Board the letter of the Lords Commissioners of Trade, Jan. 4, 1699/1709. The paragraph concerning the Public Seals was referred to a fuller Council. It was resolved that the paragraph concerning the Indians' Lands should be transmitted to the several Courts appointed to settle claims in Pomonkey Neck, etc. The passage dealing with defective titles was recommended to the Committee for the Revisal of the Laws. That relating to the Western Indians was referred to the next meeting of Council. The passage referring to the North Carolina Boundaries was referred to Mr. Auditor Byrd and Mr. Attorney General. The first part of the paragraph relating to the revisal of the laws, being of great moment, was referred to a fuller Council; the second part was recommended to the Committee for Revising the Laws.
	104l. 11s. 2d. paid to His Excellency.
	Commission of Dionisius Wright to be Clerk of the Council read and signed.
	His Excellency laid before the Council a letter signed Robert Collson, June 8, 1700, relating a conference he had had with the Emperor of the Piscatoway Indians. Also a letter from Lt. Col. Geo. Mason on the same subject. Also a letter from the same, June 18, 1700, giving relation of a barbarous and horrid murder committed upon a man, a woman and six children in Stafford County by Indians.
	His Excellency stated that he had informed the Governor of Maryland of this murder, who by letters to Capt. Phillip Hoskins and Mr. Wm. Dent had used all means for the detection of the murderers. Whereupon the Council returned hearty thanks to His Excellency of Maryland, and prayed for the continuance of such good intelligence and correspondence betwixt the two Governments, which they believed would very much conduce to the safety and preservation of His Majesty's subjects in both Governments; and, to render it more effectual, Lt. Coll. Mason was ordered to continue the Rangers in Stafford County. This to be communicated to the Governor of Maryland, recommending to him and the Council of Maryland that H.M. Advice-boat Messenger be sent to lie in the freshes of the Potomack River near to the Indians, which "will in some measure cherish and encourage His Majesty's subjects, be a terror and dread to the Indians, a safety to herself from the worm and most likely to answer the end of her coming hither." Lt. Col. Mason, Commander in Chief of the militia in Stafford County, ordered "to raise out of the lower parts of the County twelve good and able freemen, who are noway incombred with the cares of a family" with two officers, to go out and range six at one time and six at another. Their proceedings to be communicated by expresses to Col. Addison and through him to the Governor of Maryland. The expenses to be laid before the Assembly.
	Proclamation, proroguing the Assembly till Oct. 23rd, signed.
	Hancock Custis was recommended to His Excellency as fit to be Naval Officer in the Eastern Shore district.
	The Naval Officers were ordered to appear at the City of Williams-burgh at the next sitting of Assembly, to make up their accounts.
	In order to prevent frauds in parish and in County titheables and levies, the Magistrates of the County ordered to require a full return of individuals titheable, etc., and of pious donations and endowments, to be made and laid before the Assembly. This Order to be published in every Court, Church and Chapel.
	In the case of any new elections of Burgesses, the Sherifs ordered to take especial care that they be held in accordance with the laws.
	All claims for public service rendered ordered to be legally certified in the County Courts and sent to the Assembly by the respective Burgesses.
	His Excellency and ye honble Council seriously considering how much it will conduce to the service and honour of his most sacred Majesty and ye care and benefit of all His Majesty's good and loving subjects inhabiting this his ancient and great Colony and Dominion of Virginia, yt ye Capitol be erected and built with all possible expedition in such manner as is by law already directed, ordered yt new proposialls issue throughout this Colony and Dominion to invite all persons yt are willing to come and undertake ye same either in ye quality of an undertaker, overseer or workman in any part of the said building. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 484–498.]
July 10.	633. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay. A resolve of the House of Representatives was sent up,—that 220l. per annum be paid out of the Public Treasury to the President of Harvard College; that the person chosen President of Harvard College shall reside at Cambridge; that a Committee of both Houses wait on the Rev. Mr. Increase Mather and acquaint him that this Court has chosen him President of Harvard College, and desires him to accept of said office, and so expects that he repair to and reside at Cambridge as soon as may be; the said Committee to make report of the President's answer. This resolve was read and concurred with.
	Account of John Usher referred to a Committee of both Houses.
	James Taylor, Treasurer and Receiver General, paid 200l. salary.
	Draught of a Charter for incorporating Harvard College, read a first and second time and sent down.
	The Board read and consented to a Resolve of the Representatives that the Committee, appointed to inspect claims for wages due during Sir E. Andros' Government, be empowered to grant debentures, to be paid by the Treasurer, to all such creditors as to their satisfaction shew forth their claims to be just and due; that all claimers of debts shall, if the Committee see meet, be put upon swearing before them, what they have received already, either as wages or of the Commissary; that the Committee have power to make such deductions and alterations as upon further information there may be reason for; that the Committee shall receive claims from persons in the Province for the space of half a year, and from such as are out of the Province till next May Session of this Court and no longer, which the Committee are to signify in their advertisements.
	Report of Committee, that the building of a bridge over Taunton great river at the south part of Taunton, will be of very great use and benefit to the public, and in a special manner to the southerly parts, and in particular to the towns of Taunton, Freetown, Tiverton, Little Compton and the chiefest part of Dartmouth, together with the vote of the Representatives that the towns mentioned be apportioned to bear the charge of rebuilding it, was read and agreed to.
	A Bill in addition to the Act for due regulation of weights and measures, sent up from the Representatives, was read a first and second time, and a concurrence passed with that House that it be engrossed.