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March 1.
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1431. Warrant to the High Sheriffs of London and Middlesex.
To give order for delivery to John Pate or his deputy, to be put on
board the ships bound for Virginia, or other his Majesty's Plantations,
the convicts now in Newgate, viz., Wm. Payne, Edward Evans,
John Ward, Thomas Harwood, Robert Allen, Wm. Allen, Jonas
Sonier alias Somner, Dorothy Bywater, Nicholas Danse, John
English, George Windrewe, Wm. Alexander, Matthew Cotten, Wm.
Kellam, Isaac Oliver, John Coughtland, John Smith, Mathew Jones,
John Sowell, John Rivers, and Nathaniel Hubberte. ½ p. [Dom.
Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIII., p. 373.]
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March 2.
Whitehall.
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1432. The King to William Lord Willoughby, Governor of the
Caribbee Islands. Whereas by order of the Council Board of 13
June 1663, it was ordered that 500l. per annum out of the second
moiety of the profits arising to his Majesty from said islands should
be paid to James late Earl of Marlborough during his life, and then
to his uncle William Ley, Esq., during his life, before any other
assignment on said second moiety. And whereas by Letters Patent
of 29 May 1665 his Majesty at their desire granted said annuity to
Sir George Carteret and John Trethewy during the lives of the said
William Ley and James Carteret, Esq. (sic.,? James Earl of Marlborough).
Said James Earl of Marlborough being since dead, and
said Sir George Carteret become his executor, his Majesty hereby
requires his Lordship forthwith to pay to said Sir George Carteret all
arrears of said annuity in sugars at the lowest rate they shall be
valued at in Barbadoes, and to cause constant payment of said
annuity before all other assignments as aforesaid. 1½ pp. [Dom.,
Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XIV., pp. 128, 128đ.]
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March 2.
Barbadoes.
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1433. Summary of news from Lieut.-Gen. Willoughby, written
in pencil on the back of a letter addressed to John Champante,
merchant, London. Four men-of-war arrived at Barbadoes on the
12 February with Maurice Thompson, and the rest of the Barbadoes
fleet. His Majesty's commission and instructions received
from the Duke of York. The new Commissioners have called an
Assembly and are sending a fleet to the Leeward Isles, the enemy
receiving daily recruits from France and Holland. A Swede bound
to Martinico and St. Christopher's taken by the Norwich frigate.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 25.]
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March 2.
Barbadoes.
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1434. Col. Sam. Barwick to [Sec. Lord Arlington]. Arrival of
four frigates and many merchantmen on the 12th Feb. with a power
for the Governor of the island during the absence of Lord Willoughby,
wherewith the inhabitants are heartily pleased ; has no
notice of any instructions sent with it. The frigates gone forth on
the report of 10 enemies' ships to windward. The Assembly meet
on Tuesday next. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 26.]
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March 3.
Portsmouth.
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1435. Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. All possible haste is made
to ship the soldiers bound for Barbadoes under Lord Willoughby.
The Jersey is added to the ships bound for their transport. The
Fountain is ready to sail with the ships bound for Guinea. Sir Jas.
Modyford is likewise ready to sail in company with Lord Willoughby
for the island of Providence. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCIII., No. 31,
Cal., p. 546.]
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March 5.
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1436. Hugh Salesbury to Williamson. Lord Willoughby will
have aboard all the soldiers this day, and purposes to sail within a
day or two at farthest, having for convoy the Jersey and Indian ;
the Fountain sails at the same time for Guinea, and in company go
several good merchant ships of considerable force. [Dom., Chas. II.,
Vol. CXCIII., No. 44, Cal., p. 548.]
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March 5-8.
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1437. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Names of members
returned this day to the Assembly : Col. Rich. Bayley, Lt.-Col. Wm.
Yeamans, Ralph Fretwell, Capt. John Gibbs, John Holder, Edward
Binny, Jas. Walwyn, Rich. Evans, Hump. Hooke, John Davis, Rich.
Hawkins, Wm. Bate, Capt. John Turner, John Jennings, Constant
Silvester, Henry Odiarne, John Frere, Maj. Nath. Kingsland, Lieut.-Col.
Symon Lambert, Maj. Sam. Tydcombe, Henry Sweet, and Henry
Walrond, who was chosen Speaker, and Henry Arundell, Clerk.
March 6.—A declaration from the Assembly that they are ready
to lay out their estates for his Majesty's honour and interest, but
desire directions in writing how to improve the occasion to the best
advantage. Letter from the King to the Council of Barbadoes, dated
Whitehall, Dec. 5, 1666. Their letter of Sept. 29, giving account of
the misfortune befallen Lord Willoughby, received but two days ago.
His Majesty's care for their welfare will be seen in the Commission
given to persons well esteemed among them for exercising Lord Willoughby's
powers whilst he shall be absent, "we will not conclude
him finally lost," and in despatching with all possible expedition the
arms and ammunition provided for Barbadoes. Letter from the
Duke of York to Lord Willoughby or, in his absence, to the chief
commander, dated 8th Dec. 1666. This, with a former letter, written
since the news of his misfortune, will come to his hands if his person
be preserved, "as I wish and hope," by some men-of-war sent to
accompany a fleet of merchantmen. The commanders have directions
to follow his orders in attempting to recover what the enemy
has taken ; but if that be too difficult, to send the Colchester to
Jamaica, and take orders from Sir Thos. Modyford, to receive on
board Sir James Modyford and his men, and the rest home with this
laden fleet for their security ; to be despatched with all speed, that
the seamen may be home time enough for his Majesty's service.
Paper sent to the Assembly, that it is the judgment of the Governors
and Council that 10 of the best ships about the island be forthwith
set forth to accompany his Majesty's four frigates to the Leeward
Isles, whereto they desire the Assembly's assistance.
March 7.—Note from the Assembly for raising a million of sugar.
Committee appointed to calculate the charge of the fleet intended
for the Leeward Isles. The Governors agreed to meet at Mrs. Barnes'
house for despatch of business every Tuesday and Friday. Warrant
to Capt. Berry to impress for his Majesty's service against the French
and Dutch at the Leeward Isles the ships Pearl, Constant Katherine,
John and Thomas, William, Companion, and Phœnix. Declaration
of the Assembly : That they have cheerfully voted 1,000,000 of
sugar for setting forth a fleet for the preservation of the Leeward
Isles ; and declare to the world that his Majesty's gracious letter of
5th Dec. last, and the Governors readily confirming their just rights
and liberties, are the foundation of this their cheerful and ready aid.
Declaration of the Governors, Council, and Assembly concerning the
Government : Forasmuch as doubts have arisen as to what laws
would be put in practice, it is hereby declared that all laws passed
in the reigns of Chas. I. and of his present Majesty that stand
unrepealed shall be taken to be the laws in force, and that the inhabitants
shall be governed as heretofore, according to the laws of
England and the constitutions and laws of this island.
March 8.—Order to secure landsmen going on board the ships fitting
for the Leeward Islands without tickets from the Governors, according
to custom. Warrant to impress provisions for his Majesty's service
for victualling the Pearl for 150 men for two months. Also for the
St. Peter, Constant Katherine, Companion, John and Thomas, and
William. Warrant to Col. Richard Bayley to summon the commanders
of all the vessels riding in Speights Bay, to give account of
their men, guns, and ammunition. Several warrants and orders for
pressing ships and mariners, not being servants or inhabitants of
Barbadoes ; also surgeons' chests and fitting a fire-ship. Debate of
the Assembly about victualling the ships so as not to render the
island destitute of provisions ; also that strict orders be given
that no servants or slaves be carried off ; that if any be found on
board they be publicly lashed and sent to gaol ; and that leave
be given to planters and merchants to board any ship to search
for any lost servants or slaves ; also that care be taken for preventing
the running off of debtors. An Act for the better
directing and regulating an equal laying of a present levy within
this island, "recorded in the book of Acts." Commissions to Capt.
Caleb Came to be commander of the ship St. Peter for his Majesty's
service against the French and Dutch at the Leeward Isles ; and to
Captains Collier, Morgan, Thompson, Williams, and Randall for the
other ships. 18 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., pp. 103-119.]
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March 6.
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1438. Capt. Abraham Langford's receipt for 66l. 19s. from Lord
Willoughby for brandy and vinegar for the soldiers on board the
fleet bound for Barbadoes, with certificate from Sir Tobias Bridge,
that he has appointed Capt. Langford Adjutant to his regiment to
receive said monies. Indorsed, Read in Council 13 March 6 6/7.
Ordered the monies to be paid to the Lord Willoughby or his order.
To be sent to Mr. James Halsey at London. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXI., No. 27.]
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March 9.
(Portsmouth.)
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1439. Wm. Lord Willoughby to the King. Finds there is no
trust in a sea captain's word for departing his port, though Capt.
Carteret and the rest of the officers have been diligent ; now he
has them under sail and hopes to arrive at Barbadoes "despite of
Hans or Monsieur." "Pardon I beseech your Majesty that I put
you in mind of the good breeder (my good wife) I leave behind,
who hath brought your Majesty seven he subjects such as I dare
own ; may the two mares prove as justifiable in their kind, but if
they fail she is resolved to supply your Majesty with a handsome
jade of my breed, but not by her. The God of Heaven bless your
Majesty and prosper your attempts by sea and land, and send you
Princes to command as great territories as I desire to conquer, and
though out of sight I beseech your Majesty forget not the humblest
of your subjects." Has ōrdered the fleet to set sail this day.
Indorsed, 9 Mar. 6 6/7, R. Portsmouth. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXI.,
No. 28.]
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March 9.
New
Plymouth.
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1440. Thomas Prence, Governor, in the name of his [Majesty's
Court of New Plymouth, to [Col. Nicolls]. His good affection in
imparting to Capt. Willett the petition of William Nicarson against
them accepted with much thankfulness. Necessitated to crave
that he would send the petition which contains false and scandalous
charges, or a true copy under the hand of a public officer, whereby
they may have sufficient ground for the conviction of Nicarson and
vindication of themselves. The Commissioners told Nicarson that
unless he would submit to the Court they would not speak in his
behalf, so his fine was remitted, and as large a tract of land granted
to him as though he had legally purchased it. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXI., No. 29.]
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March 10.
Boston.
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1441. Sir Thos. Temple to Sec. Lord Arlington. Received on the
6th inst., his Majesty's letter of the 28th Aug. last, also his Lordship's
with a double of that of Feb. 22, 1666. The Governor and
magistrates have newly received a letter from his Majesty, so that
he found them ready to give their best assistance, but their capacity
is very small, most of their shipping being abroad. Refers to what
they wrote in answer to his Majesty's commands concerning Canada.
Wrote fully concerning affairs in Nova Scotia by Col. Cartwright,
but his ship was taken by a Dutch man-of-war, and all his letters
thrown overboard ; and again wrote by Capt. Scarlett, but he is cast
away in a great storm, seven men being lost, and none of his papers
saved. Sir Robert Carr goes in this ship to Bristol, but Capt.
Martin who brought his Majesty's letters intends sailing in six weeks,
by whom he will fully give account of Nova Scotia, which he
thanks God he has hitherto preserved from the French. 2 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXI., No. 30.]
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March 12.
Whitehall.
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1442. The King to William Lord Willoughby of Parham, Governor
of the Caribbees and Proprietor of Surinam in America. On
petition of Giles Green, an infant six years old, that John Parker
by indenture of 12th June 1663 sold to Giles Green, father of petitioner,
and his heirs in remainder after the death of said Parker's
wife, 4,000 acres of land in Surinam, granted by or purchased from
the late Francis Lord Willoughby, Parker being lately deceased ;
his Majesty considers that petitioner's father's estate was much
weakened by payment of 5,000l. customs to his Majesty, and
recommends the case in very especial manner to his Lordship, requiring
him to direct that said estate be managed to the best profit
and that if said widow shall die the profits shall be answered to
petitioner and his heirs. 2 pp. [Dom., Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol.
XIV., pp. 130-1.]
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March 12.
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1443. Thomas Middleton to Williamson. Enclosed is an account
of the provisions issued out of the King's stores for the use of the
soldiers shipped at Portsmouth for Barbadoes. Begs him to present
his humble service to Lord Arlington, and to procure an order for
delivering them, and to send it as soon as possible. [Dom., Chas. II.,
Vol. CXCIII., No. 102, Cal., p. 558.]
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March 12-15.
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1444. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Order on complaint
of Capt. Thompson against the mate and others of his ship the
Pearl, to seize said persons and proceed against them. Warrant to
Peter Hancocke and others to impress men, horses, boats, shallops,
cattle, beef, fish, and Madeira wine for his Majesty's service. Capts.
George Parris and Morrice Williams to succeed Capts. Thos. Collier
and John Williams in the command of their ships. Proposals of the
commanders of the ships pressed for the King's service in reference
to the security to be given for the hire or loss of their ships, with
the answers of the Council to same.
March 13.—Lieut.-Gen. Willoughby propounded his readiness to
go to the Leeward Isles, if his brother William might be admitted
to his place in the Government ; whereupon put to the vote whether
the Governors may prudentially appoint any commanders over the
Admiral appointed by the Duke of York, and over Col. Jas. Russell,
Governor of Nevis, and negatived. The Provost-Marshall to give
notice to the Commissioners to sail for the Leeward Isles on Saturday.
Capt. Thos. Collier having submitted is to have his commission
again, and Capt. John Williams to treat with Capt. Morrice Williams
about the surrender of his commission. Declaration for the encouragement
of the seamen in this expedition, as to plunder of vessels
taken from the enemy. Warrants to Thos. Revell to impress five
tons of iron to be cut up for shot, all powder and shot he can find,
saltpetre, and wine. Answer of the Assembly to a message of the
Governors and Council as to the sufficiency of the vote of one million
of sugar to set out the ships for the Leeward Isles, that they will
be ready with further help, yet there is a necessity for maintaining
some ships of war for their own defence, which calls for a speedy
and considerable levy, and they conceive they will too much burden
themselves if they alone bear the whole charge for themselves and
Nevis. The Assembly advise that, in consideration that the attack
by the French and Indians may be attempted by Saturday the 23rd
at furthest, that his Majesty's four ships and those then ready be
despatched, rather than Nevis be lost in the interim.
March 14.—Opinion of the Assembly that if Henry Willoughby
absents himself in this expedition, his brother William may not be
received in his place, and that two of the Governors may act though
the third dissents. Order and warrants concerning the shipping
impressed. Commission from Col. James Russell, Governor of Nevis,
to the Robert of Nevis, to sail immediately for Barbadoes, and deliver
a packet to Lt.-Gen. Henry Willoughby.
March 15.—Orders in reference to powder and arms and to search
for runaway seamen. 15 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., pp. 120-134.]
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March 18.
On board the
Jersey.
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1445. John Scott to Williamson. On the 11th William Lord
Willoughby of Parham weighed anchor in the John and Margaret,
passed the Needles before noon, and on the 12th at 8 in the evening
passed the Lizard. Begs him to mention his name when he
writes to Lord Willoughby. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCIV., No. 45,
Cal., p. 568.]
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March 18-22.
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1446. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Order to William
Birdall to muster all the men in the six ships bound for the Leeward
Isles. Also orders for powder, match, shot, pikes, and matchlocks,
and to search the ships for landmen, so that none be carried
off without tickets according to law.
Mar. 19.—Warrant to impress cannon powder. Instructions for
the Commanders of the impressed ships. The fleet to cruise up and
down till further order. Orders to Capt. Berry to distribute the
French prisoners sent in his fleet, and deliver them to Col. James
Russell at Nevis. Other warrants to impress a surgeon's mate, to
receive and take care of the sick sent ashore from the Vice-Admiral's
ship, and for pikes, firelocks, and other necessaries for the fireships.
Commission for Col. Jas. Russell to be Governor of Nevis,
during the absence of his Excellency Francis Lord Willoughby.
March 20.—Several warrants and orders for arms and ammunition.
Letter from the Governors and Council of Barbadoes to Col. James
Russell : incloses his commission and would be glad of a testimony
of grateful acceptance of what has been done, to publish to the inhabitants
of Barbadoes, who have heartily contributed near three
millions of sugar for their sakes. Instructions for Capt. John
Berry, Admiral of the fleet bound to the Leeward Isles : To use
his utmost to take or sink vessels belonging to the enemies of
England, destroy ships or fortifications, and with the Governor of
Nevis attempt the destruction of St. Christopher's or any other
islands of the enemy, which he is directed to visit, and do his best
to free English prisoners and kill and destroy enemies and their
settlements. Having done his utmost against the enemy and
secured his friends, to return by the 1st June, to obey the Duke of
York's orders for convoying the merchantmen to England. Commission
to Capt. Wm. Freeman to be Capt. of a company of foot
to be raised in any of the Leeward Isles by the appointment of
Col. James Russell in this present expedition. Commission to
William Birdall to be Muster Master-General for the six merchantmen
employed in this expedition.
March 22.—Report of the value of the pinnace pressed from the
Swede. Warrant to press seamen not being servants in the island,
arms, ammunition, and boats. Request of the Assembly to address his
Majesty ; if the Council approve will appoint a committee to prepare
it. They also request that a proclamation of 15 Feb. for settling
military and civil officers may be taken into consideration, that the
regiment known by the name of "American Brittan," which is a
grievance to the people, may cease to be ; to know what arms and
ammunition belonging to the island have been taken by the fleet,
and that what remains be put in places of security ; that two or
three nimble ships ply about the island ; what ought to be done in
fortification, and that ships for England may take goods in exchange
for powder and shot for the public use. 18½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. XI., pp. 135-153.]
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March 23.
Bristol.
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1447. Sir Thos. Langton to Williamson. Formerly acquainted
him that there are three Frenchmen sent hither prisoners from Barbadoes,
and intreated him to obtain directions from Lord Arlington
for their disposal ; they are very mean, poor, and sickly ; requests
him to once more remember Lord Arlington thereof, that order may
be sent for their enlargement or otherwise. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol.
CXCIV., No. 128, Cal., p. 581.]
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March 26.
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1448. Proclamation of Gov. Sir Thos. Modyford. For the renewal
of the sittings of the Courts of Common law as fully and amply as if
said Courts had not been adjourned in manner herein expressed : Provided
that during the continuance of the guards no officer or soldier
shall be arrested for debt while on guard or directly going to or from
the same, or on the days of their exercise. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. XXXIV., pp. 166-168.]
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March 26, 27.
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1449. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. A paper sent to the
Assembly, entitled An Act for the further continuance of the fortifications,
&c., to which the Assembly answer, that they will be ready to
finish any works begun by Francis Lord Willoughby with the concurrence
of the late Assembly ; which Assembly was forward to have
accomplished what was begun, that there was no need of making
that illegal ordinance, and should they make it into an Act and
thereby punish those who in vindication of their laws and liberties
have not obeyed it, they would be betrayers of the rights and liberties
of those they represent. The Assembly desire that two of the nimblest
ships of force be victualled, manned, and armed for guarding the
coasts of the island ; and that if there be any ships of war they may
be also employed.
March 27.—Warrants to impress provisions for victualling the
Samuel and Ann for 100 men for one month ; also to impress great
guns, arms, and ammunition, and boats and victuals for the Charles
for 80 men for one month. 3½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., pp.
153-156.]
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March 28.
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1450. Advices, being memoranda from letters. Plymouth, March
24 : a London vessel of 400 tons and 18 guns arrived from, Virginia
in five weeks, her lading tobacco. The Governor has forbidden the
planting of tobacco for the ensuing year. Several ships are arrived
there from London and Bristol, but there is no account of the last
fleet bound thither from hence. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCV., No. 59,
Cal., p. 592.]
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March 29.
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1451. Chr. Maynard to Sir Thos. Clifford. Is anxious to obtain
a passport for a vessel to transport goods of his now in France.
Pleads his losses in the war, and fears yet greater losses, since news
from Barbadoes saith that the Governor has stopped all merchant
ships, and keeps the men and the best ships and sets them out for
the King's service ; one of his ships, of which he wrote to him long
since, may thus go into the King's service, for she has 16 guns and
will carry 22. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCV., No. 68, Cal., p. 394.]
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March 30.
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1452. Henry Muddiman to Sir Edw. Stradling. News letter.
From Barbadoes comes further account that four French ships had been
almost within gun shot of the forts, the islanders conceiving them to
have been English till they were past the point ; they bore away to the
Leeward ; 'tis supposed they came to view the forts. Three or four
of their privateers coasted about the island for a month and took
three or four ships going thither. The French have disposed their
biggest ships in those parts, and M. de la Barre, their Viceroy, is gone
with four of them to Cayenne, a place inhabited by the French and
very sickly. Virginia is so stored with tobacco that they have resolved
to plant no more this year ; the like resolution is taken in Maryland,
Carolina, and some other places for two years, that they may clear
their hands of the present store before they raise more. [Dom., Chas.
II., Vol. CXCV., No. 89, Cal., p. 597.]
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March.
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1453. Order from [Hugh] Salesbury to deliver to Abraham Langford,
Lord Willoughby's Commissary, certain stores for transporting
soldiers to Barbadoes, dated Feb. 25, with note, by Comr. Middleton,
of their delivery. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXCV., No. 118, Cal.,
p. 603.]
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