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1661.
April 1.
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63. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Upon complaint
of Sir James Drax and Messrs. Howe and Diggs that 500l.
was still due to them for the brandy sent to Jamaica, Mr. Froude is
requested to solicit the Lord Treasurer for speedy payment thereof.
The letter for New England to be engrossed by Monday next, so that
it be presented to the King. Mr. Froude to solicit the Lord Treasurer
for payment of 200l. due to several persons in order to the charges
of this Council. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, pp. 24, 25.]
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[April 4.]
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64. Petition of Ferdinando Gorges, son and heir of John Gorges,
who was son and heir of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, to the King. His
grandfather was chiefly instrumental in discovering and reducing New
England to the obedience and government of the laws of England,
and spent vast sums of money therein, whereby he exhausted the
greatest part of his fortune. King Charles I., in the fifteenth year
of his reign, granted to petitioner's said grandfather, his heirs and
assigns for ever, a patent of a considerable part thereof, called the
Province of Maine, containing every way 120 miles, with very
many large privileges and immunities, and long before and since
said grant petitioner's grandfather, at very great charges, sent over
several persons as his deputies to govern the same. That certain
English inhabitants in New England called the Mathethewsits [Massachusetts],
taking advantage of the late rebellion here, have, without
any colour of right, encroached upon the greatest part of the said premises,
and others, who at most were but tenants under petitioner's
grandfather, now claim the same as lords and proprietors, whereby the
said patent, the greatest patrimony left him, will be rendered unprofitable
without his Majesty's assistance. Prays the King to take this
matter into his consideration, or refer the same to the Council for
Foreign Plantations. With reference to said Council for Foreign
Plantations to examine petitioner's title and certify what is fit to be
done therein. 1661, April 4. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No.
31, pp. 7, 8.]
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[April 8.]
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65. Petition of Henry Bernard de Caseres, Henry de Caseres, and
Jacob Fraso to the King. His Majesty having received a letter
from the King of Denmark desiring liberty for the petitioners to
live and trade in Barbadoes and Surinam, and as their residence in
those places will rather benefit than prejudice the inhabitants,
pray for this indulgence and for a pass. With reference to the
Commissioners for Foreign Plantations to certify what they conceive
fit to be done. 1661, April 8. ¾ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No.
31, pp. 8.9.]
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April 8.
Inner Court of
Wards.
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66. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Letter to
[the Government of] New England. Notify their appointment as
a Council for the management of the Colonies. To give notice to
the several Provinces of New England to meet together and consult
on the matters contained in this letter. To proclaim his Majesty in
the most solemn manner, and then apply themselves strictly to that
conformity and obedience to his Majesty, from whence their constitution,
government, and protection is derived, and as they desire to
receive the benefits of his grace especially in the Act of Oblivion,
which restores security to all who have been drawn by misapprehension
into disorder or disobedience to the royal authority.
Complaints having been made that a jurisdiction is exercised beyond
the limits and authority originally granted and contrary to the
tenor thereof, by which some of the King's subjects are withheld
from their just rights and others dispossessed of their freeholds and
estates, and that there are certain rules of government repugnant
to the laws of England ; they are required forthwith to proceed
to such considerations and councils as may collect together such
memorials of the condition of New England, as well the primitive
and fundamental constitution and beginning thereof, as of the
progress and changes which have happened in any material
things among them, that having informed themselves of their own
proceedings, they may be able distinctly and prudently to vindicate
themselves to be a people not unworthy of the large privileges and
concessions bestowed upon and entrusted to them by his Majesty's
predecessors, and of the favour, protection, and encouragement with
which the King is ready to further their growth and increase, as
they are become a great and considerable part of his industrious
subjects. They are directed to send a plain and methodical answer
to the matters here touched upon, and to add a description of the
model and frame of their Government, the extent of the Colony,
and number of inhabitants, the nature of the trade, and the improvements
they are endeavouring. They are also required as very
expedient to appoint and instruct prudent persons interested in
their affairs to represent them whenever any concernments of
New England shall be had in consideration here. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, pp. 25, 26.]
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April 10.
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67. Order of the Privy Council on the Attorney-General's report on
a petition of divers persons for propagating the gospel in America
referred by an order of 14 Nov. 1660 and draught of a renewed
charter of said corporation. Giving power to purchase 2,000l. per
annum, and liberty to transport yearly 1,000l. in bullion or foreign
money upon making entry thereof in the port of London. Lord
Valentia to examine the list of names of the members of said corporation,
and offer same to this board. The Attorney-General to fill
up the blanks in said draught of charter, and to add a clause vesting
all lands, &c. heretofore given or bought to the uses in this charter
in said corporation and their successors, with power to sue for and
recover same and any arrears thereof. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV.,
No. 39.]
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April 13.
Jamaica.
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68. Col. Edward D'Oyley to the Commissioners of the Admiralty
at Whitehall. Was forced, for want of provisions, to send the ship
Bear home, for if he should not take hold of the season of killing
turtle at Kiemanas, he must have been forced to have laid her up,
and by what extraordinary courses he has maintained her all this
time, the steward general will inform them. Hopes some more
orderly course will be taken in future for the maintenance of the
ships and forces kept here ; for the wants attending this design
have quite tired him, and he should faint did he not hope that relief
was coming, to whom he will resign with much more pleasure than
he has enjoyed the command. Indorsed, "Rec. 17 July 1661."
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 40.]
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April 14.
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69. F. Burghill to Sec. Nicholas. Begs he will once more move
his Majesty in Burghill's behalf for Antigua. The King promised
Lord Berkshire he should have it, and has granted St. Kitts and
Nevis to Mr. Pickes, without taking any notice of Lord Willoughby
[Extract from Dom. Chas. II., Vol. XXXIV., No. 57, Cal., p. 568.]
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April 15.
The Lord
Chancellor's
Chamber,
Whitehall.
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70. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations concerning
provisions for Jamaica to be sent out in the Charity. List of same'
including tools, utensils, oil, biscuit, meal, clothing, and fishing tackle,
for which the 2,000l. designed for perfecting the fort of Cagway and
the platform on the adjacent island is to be expended. Sir James
Drax and Messrs. Noell, Howe, and Kendall appointed a committee
to confer with the Navy Commissioners and inspect their goodness
and quality. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 41.]
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April 15.
The Lord
Chancellor's
Chamber,
Whitehall.
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71. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Duplicate of
the preceding. Also, That Mr. Povey be joined with Messrs. Noell
and Kendall for amending the report on complaints of the misgovernment
of New England. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, p. 27.]
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April 17.
St. John's,
Maryland.
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72. Ten Acts made at a General Assembly held at St. John's, in
St. Mary's county, beginning April 17th, 1661, by Governor Philip
Calvert, Esq., viz. :—1. For encouragement of such soldiers as shall
adventure in the defence of the country. 2. For the appointment of
certain officers. 3. For military discipline. 4. Concerning the height
of fences ; and, 5. The setting up of a mint (2). 6. For conveyance
of all letters concerning the State and public affairs. 7. An explanation
of that clause in an Act made by Capt. Willm. Stone, the
29th April 1658, concerning the secretary and sheriffs' fees. 8. For
the repeal of the Act for customs. 9. Port for duties and masters
of ships ; and, 10. Concerning the killing of wild cattle. Together
9 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 53, pp. 36-45.]
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April 29.
Inner Court of
Wards.
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73. Minutes of the Council for Foreign Plantations. Report of
Messrs. Howe and Noell touching their interview with the Commissioners
and Officers of the Navy who have undertaken to provide
2,000l. worth of commodities on his Majesty's account to be
sent to Jamaica. The letter brought in by Mr. Povey to be sent to
New England to be directed to the Governor and Council of the
Colony in the Bay of the Matsatuchetts (sic), to be communicated to
the other Colonies or Governments in New England in subjection
to his Majesty. Mr. Froude to deliver said letter to the Secretary
of State, as likewise the report on certain petitions and complaints
to this Council concerning New England and the petitions and complaints
themselves. Petitions of Ferdinando Gorges and De Caseres and
others, referred to them by the King, to be considered on 13th May.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIV., No. 59, p. 28.]
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April 29.
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74. Copy of the preceding, but without the names of the Councillors
present. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 41.*]
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[April 30.]
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75. Another copy of the preceding report, though much fuller.
After referring to the complaints and other informations received, the
Council state that they have also informed themselves by sundry
other means of the constitution and alteration of the Government
of New England. They report that the Government of New
England have in these late times of general disorder strayed into many
enormities, and invaded the rights of their neighbours ; they have
exceeded and transgressed their grants and powers by enacting
laws and exercising an administration of justice repugnant to the
laws of England and imposing unequal restraints in matters of
conscience and divine worship ; their trade is no way managed to
the advantage of his Majesty's crown ; they pretend an exemption
to the payment of customs and importing very little to the balance
of their exportation ; that contrary to the policies and restrictions
heretofore observed they have increased a stock of sheep to nearly
one hundred thousand, whereby not only this nation and the manufactures
thereof are become less necessary to them, but they are
likely to be so stored with wool that the Dutch, who trade freely
with them, may supply themselves from thence ; lastly, that a
company of citizens here, as trustees, receive money, purchase lands,
and return the effects to a Corporation of New England, but the
Council cannot get any information either from these or from one
Leveret, hitherto employed as an agent for the affairs of New
England, who says his agency has ceased, and he has no instructions
from thence ; by all which it appears that the Government
there have purposely withdrawn all manner of means for their affairs
to be judged or disposed of in England, as if they intended to suspend
their absolute obedience to the King's authority ; in the meanwhile
hoping that nothing will be done or attempted against them,
while they are yet unheard and in no capacity to make their
defence. This report concludes like the preceding, with the heads
of a letter they have prepared for New England, as they have done
for the other colonies. 4 pp. Inclose,
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I. Petition of divers persons who have been sufferers in
New England to the Council for Foreign Plantations
[see Cal., ante, No. 49].
II. Petition of Lyonell Copley, Thomas Foley, and others
to the Council for Foreign Plantations [see Cal., ante,
No. 50].
III., IV. Petition of Archibald Henderson to the Council
for Foreign Plantations. With state of the injurious
usages, [see Cal., ante, No. 51].
V. Petition of Gyles Sylvester to the Council for Foreign
Plantations [see ante, No. 52].
VI. Information of Edward Godfrey, sometime Governor
of the Province of Maine [see ante, No. 33].
VII. Capt. Thos. Breedon to the Council for Foreign Plantations
[see ante, No. 45]. Together 5 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XV., Nos. 42, 42 I., II., III., IV.].
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1661?
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76. Proposals by John Giffard. Through 20 years' knowledge of
New England has gained the discovery and knowledge of mines
there, not only of silver, copper, iron, &c., but also of precious stones,
of which he gives an account. Indorsed by Sec. Nicholas, "Mr.
Giffard concerning America." 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV.,
No. 43.]
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77. Calculation by John Giffard of the expense of working a
copper mine in New England. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV.,
No. 44.]
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1661?
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78. [John Giffard?] to [Sec. Nicholas]. Towards effecting this
discovery [see previous article] presents for consideration the proceedings
in 1638 that were taken against the Massachusetts Bay
patent, and the proofs showing how it had been violated ; they have
acted repugnant to the laws of England ; they have allowed the
King's coin to be bought and melted down in Boston to be new
coined there, by which means they gain threepence in every
shilling, and lessen his Majesty's coin a full fourth. These mines
have never been looked after. Through the motion of Parson Hugh
Peters, England contributed 900l. per annum to Christianise the
Indians in New England, which money found its way into private
men's purses, and was a cheat of Hugh Peters. If the King will
allow 600l. thereof, and let the other 300l. go towards the first use, it
will in a short time produce effect in this discovery. Indorsed
by Sec. Nicholas, "Concerning Massachusetts Bay in New England,
and Hugh Peters' cheats." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XV.,
No. 45.]
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79. Petition of Capt. Arch. Henderson to the King. Has made
many voyages to the West Indies and is well acquainted with the
designs of such persons as have appropriated large sums of forfeited
money; ships, and goods belonging to the King ; prays for a Commission
to the persons named in the annexed Schedule to "carry on
this business to yor Mates great advantage." Annexed,
I. Names of the twenty-four persons to be inserted in the
Commission above petitioned for. 2 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XV., Nos. 46, 46 I.]
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[1661
April.]
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80. Report of [the Council for Foreign Plantations] to the King.
Have received divers complaints, petitions, and other informations
concerning New England, which they offer to the consideration of the
King and Privy Council, conceiving themselves to be in no capacity to
give any judgment therein, having heard but one side. Recite the
petitions of John Gifford and others, Lyonell Copley and others, Archibald
Henderson, Gyles Sylvester [see ante, Nos. 50-52]. Complaints
from Edward Godfrey, Robert Mason, and others, that the Massachusetts
have unlawfully invaded the Provinces of Maine and Hantshere
[? New Hampshire]. Captain Breedon's narrative [see No. 45]. They
have considered the general state of things in New England, and
have made ready a letter with all possible tenderness, avoiding all
matters which might set the people at a greater distance or stir them
to any fears or distrust that it is not safe for them to submit cheerfully
and wholly to the King's authority and protection, taking
no notice of their adherence to Goffe and Whalley, nor pressing
upon them the Act of Navigation. The Council humbly remit
all these matters to the further resolutions of the King and Privy
Council, but think their letter should be sent speedily to prepare
the people to such a compliance as must be necessary, as they are
an English Colony, which ought not and cannot subsist but by a
submission to and protection from his Majesty's Crown and Government.
Recommend, in case upon further intelligence, the Colony
shall not appear to be settled in their due obedience, the employment
of Capt. Breedon, who hath a good estate and interest there,
and seems to be a person prudent and fit for such a service. The
letter prepared for New England, Capt. Breedon's narrative, and the
several petitions are ordered to be presented with this report to his
Majesty. 2 pp. Draft not signed. On the back of this report are
memoranda in pencil by Sec. Sir Edward Nicholas.
That a patent be prepared for Lord Willoughby to be Governor
of Barbadoes and the Caribbee Islands for seven years, to execute
the charge at his own cost and have half of all the profits, the other
half to go for payment of Earl Carlisle's creditors. Lord Willoughby
owner of Surinam ; if Governor of Barbadoes he might draw all
planters from that island to Surinam and thus in time destroy
Jamaica. It would be best for him to be Gov. of Surinam only.
Liberty of conscience there. If he may be Count Palatine of Surinam.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XV., No. 47.]
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