Journal, November 1717: Journal Book S

Journal, November 1717

November 6. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney.

Barbadoes.

Order of Council.

Act.

George Nicholas.

The copy of an Order of Council of the 29th August, upon a representation of this Board of the 31st July, 1717, for confirming an act passed in Barbadoes in December, 1716, entituled, An act to dock the intail limited on a certain plantation situate in the parishes of St. Peter and St. Andrew's in this island, and to enable George Nicholas Esqr. and Susannah his wife, to mortgage or sell ye same, with the negroes thereto belonging, was read.

Order of Council.

Colleton of the Council.

The copy of an Order of Council, of the 5th September, upon a representation of this Board, of the 29th August, 1717, relating to Mr. Colleton's being appointed a member of the Council of Barbadoes, in the room of Mr. Alleyne, deceased, was read.

Bahamas.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Addison.

Lords proprietors surrender of government.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Addison, of the 23rd of last month, signifying his Majesty's pleasure, relating to the acceptance of a deed to be executed by the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands, for surrendering to the Crown their right and power of government in and over the said islands, was read.

Letter from Mr. Shelton.

Answer.

A letter from Mr. Shelton, Secretary to the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands, dated this day, relating to the said surrender, was read; whereupon an answer to Mr. Shelton, was prepared and agreed.

Plantations General.

Letter to Mr. H. Walpole, Auditor General.

Accounts of the revenue.

The draught of a letter, being ordered to be prepared by the secretary to Mr. Horatio Walpole, Surveyor and Auditor General of his Majesty's revenue in America, for an account of the revenues in each Government, for three years last past, and to have annual accounts thereof for the future; the said draught was agreed and ordered to be sent.

New England.

Plantations General.

References from Mr. Secretary Addison, Low and Borland, patent curing sturgeon.

Two references from Mr. Secretary Addison, of the 14th and 22nd of last month, upon the petitions of Anne Low, widow, and John Borland, merchant, relating to a patent for curing of sturgeon in America, were severally read, together with the said petitions; whereupon ordered that the persons concerned have notice to attend the Board on this day sev'night.

Nevis.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Addison.

d'Iberville's memorial capitulation.

Persons summoned.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Addison, of the 25th September, 1717, referring to the Board a memorial from Monsr. d' Iberville, the late French minister, relating to the capitulation of the island of Nevis in 1706, was read, together with the said memorial; whereupon ordered that Col. Daniel Smith, Mr. Nivine, Col. Jory and Mr. Stephen Duport be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with them or any other gentleman they may think fit, on this subject; on Friday morning next.

Jamaica.

Order of Council.

South Sea company.

Act.

Duty on negroes.

Letter to Mr. Ury.

Duties.

Negroes landed, exported.

An Order of Council, of the 31st October, 1717, referring to the Board a petition from the Court of Directors of the South Sea Company, against an act of Jamaica, for laying a duty on negroes, was read, together with the said petition and a memorial therein mentioned; whereupon a letter was directed and immediately writ to Mr. Ury, Secretary to the said Company, desiring to know what proof the said directors have, that the said duty has been demanded and paid for the negroes landed only for refreshment, and what objections the company have to the paying duties on exporting negroes brought in that island, as the inhabitants do.

Pennsylvania.

Letter from Mr. Attorney General and Solicitor General.

Report.

Earl of Sutherland's memorial.

Three lower counties.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

A letter from Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General, of the 28th October, 1717, inclosing a copy of their report to his Majesty, upon the Earl of Sutherland's memorial, relating to the right of the Crown to the three lower counties adjoining to Pennsylvania; was read, and likewise the said copy of their report; whereupon directions were given for preparing the draught of a letter to Mr. Secretary Addison on that subject.

November 7. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Carkesse and Mr. Martyn.

Accounts.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Carkesse, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, and to Mr. Martyn, InspectorGeneral, to hasten the dispatch of the several accounts desired by the letters from the secretary of this Board to Mr. Lowndes, of the 4th of February, 3rd of April, and 9th of August last.

Jamaica.

Letter from Sir N. Lawes, trade to Hispaniola, pirates.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

Acts.

Letter to Mr. Attorney, Mr. Solicitor and the Advocate General.

A letter from Sir Nicholas Lawes, appointed Governor of Jamaica, relating to the trade carried on between that island and Hispaniola, and concerning the late proclamation about pirates, was read; whereupon a letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, relating to the said trade to Hispaniola, and to the several acts of Jamaica, lately reported, was agreed and signed; and as to that part of Sir Nicholas Lawes's said letter which relates to the proclamation about pirates, directions were given to the secretary, for writing to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General, as likewise to Sir Nathl. Lloyd, his Majesty's Advocate General, for their several opinions in that matter.

Pennsylvania.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

Earl of Sutherland's petition.

Three lower counties.

The draught of a letter, ordered yesterday to be prepared to Mr. Secretary Addison, upon the petition of the Earl of Sutherland, relating to the right of the Crown to the three lower counties adjoining to Pennsylvania, was agreed and signed.

Newfoundland.

Letter from, Captain Passenger.

Irregularites.

Fishery.

A letter from Captain Passenger, Commodore at Newfoundland, dated the 1st of October, 1717, relating to several irregularities committed there, to the prejudice of the fishery, was read.

November 8. Present:—Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney.

Nevis.

Colonel Smith, Jory and others.

Capitulation.

Col. Smith, Mr. Nivine, Col. Jory and Mr. Duport attending, as desired, their lordships had some discourse with them, concerning the capitulation of Nevis, when that island was invaded by the French under Monsr. d' Iberville in 1706; wherein these gentlemen said, that the French had burnt several houses as well between the first capitulation and a second, which Monsr. d' Iberville compelled the inhabitants to sign, as after the second; and Col. Smith acquainted the Board, that his house particularly was burnt after the last capitulation was signed; that according to the first capitulation, several of the said inhabitants delivered the negroes they then had, but declared, it was not in their power to bring in such negroes as had fled in arms to the mountains, the said negroes defending themselves against all persons whatsoever; that the negroes fled of their own accord, and were not sent by the inhabitants to retrenchments, as suggested by Monsr. d' Iberville; that the French attempting to seize those negroes, were repulsed by them; whereupon Monsr. d' Iberville proposed a new treaty, and sent several of the principal inhabitants on board his ships, where they were ill used, and threatened to be sent prisoners to the Spaniards, unless they would submit to Monsr. d' Iberville's second proposals, to avoid which, they signed the second capitulation abovementioned, though, even after that, many horses were killed, and several negroes taken by the French; that no hostages were delivered on either side, but that the French seized by force four gentlemen, whereof one still remains a prisoner at Martinique; that, contrary to agreement, most of the records and public papers of the island of Nevis, were destroyed by the French, and the magazine burnt; that the officers had not the number of negroes allowed them, as first agreed; and several sugar-works, coppers, stills, &c. which could not be taken away, were destroyed.

Four prisoners at Martinique.

In relation to the four persons, who were prisoners at Martinique; these gentlemen said, about £2000 had been remitted for their maintenance, that two of them had made their escapes, one of them died there, and the fourth is still detained by the French; that the force used by the French after the first capitulation, was a departure from the treaty, and that therefore Mr. Erle, the person still detained, as abovesaid, ought to have been set at liberty upon the peace.

Invasion at Montserrat.

Mr. Bunyard.

These gentlemen being asked what they knew of the invasion of Montserrat, they said, they could give no account of it, but Mr. Duport promised to send to the Board one Mr. Bunyard, who, he thought, knew as much of that matter as any person now in England.

New York.

Mr. Basket, laws to be printed.

Mr. Basket, his Majesty's printer, attending, the printed volume of New York laws, was delivered to him, in order to a proof of a new impression to be made thereof.

Bahamas.

Captain Rogers.

Lords proprietors surrender of government.

Captain Woodes Rogers attending, presented to their lordships the surrender made by four of the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands, to his Majesty, of the right of government over the said islands; and at the same time he acquainted the Board, that he did not doubt, but the rest of the said Lords Proprietors would sign the same, when they come to town.

New York.

Act for a supply, &c.

Act.

duty on vessels, sent to Attorney General.

Act for levying duties.

Their lordships taking into consideration an act passed at New York in July, 1715, entituled, An act for a supply to be granted to his Majesty for supporting his government in the province of New York, and for striking bills of credit for that purpose; as also an act passed in the said province in September, 1716, entituled, An act to oblige all vessels trading into this colony, except such as are therein excepted, to pay a certain duty, and for the further explanation and rendering more effectual certain clauses in an act of General Assembly of this colony, entituled, An act by which a duty is laid on negroes and other slaves imported into this colony; ordered that copies of the said acts be sent to Mr. Attorney General, as also copy of the act, entituled, An Act for levying and paying the several duties therein mentioned, passed in July, 1714, referred to in the first mentioned act, for his opinion thereupon in point of law.

November 12. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney.

Virginia.

Colonel Blakiston.

Commissioners of Oyer &c.

Col. Blakiston attending, with Mr. Micajah Perry, in relation to a difference arisen between Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Governor of Virginia, and the Council of that colony, about the appointment of Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer there; Col. Blakiston acquainted the Board with the Earl of Orkney's desire of a copy of the letter which he understands, the Council of Virginia have writ upon that subject; whereupon their lordships agreed to consider thereof tomorrow morning.

New England.

Plantations General.

Letter from Mr. Wachter, Mrs. Lowe, patent-curing sturgeon.

A letter from Mr. Wachter, of this day, signifying that Mrs Lowe, who petitions for a patent for curing sturgeon in America, cannot attend the Board tomorrow as appointed, but that she will be in town in few days, was read.

Jamaica.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Wescomb.

South Sea company.

Act duty on negroes.

A letter from Mr. Wescomb, of the 8th instant, upon what the secretary writ the 6th to Mr. Ury, relating to the South Sea Company's petition against an act of Jamaica, for laying a duty on negroes, was read.

New Hampshire.

Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

A letter from Mr. Vaughan, late Lieutenant-Governor of New Hampshire, dated the 19th July, 1717, was read, and the papers therein referred to, as undermentioned, were laid before the Board, vizt:
Papers referred to.
Lieut. Governor Vaughan's answer to Governor Shute's letter for proclaiming a fast in New Hampshire.
Lieut. Governor Vaughan's speech to the Governor and Council.

Pennsylvania.

Letter from Mr. Keith, with papers.

A letter from Mr. Keith, Deputy-Governor of Pennsylvania, to the Board, dated 27th June, 1717, was read, as likewise his speech at the opening his commission; his speech to the Assembly of that province; as also, copies of their addresses to his Majesty, and to Mr. Keith, with his answer; all transmitted with his said letter.

Letter from him to the secretary.

A letter from Mr. Keith to the secretary of this Board, dated likewise the 27th of June, 1717, was read.

Jamaica.

Diharce and de Guardia summoned.

Spanish Belandra.

Ordered that Mr. Diharce and Don Bernardo de Guardia be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with them on Friday morning next, on the subject of their petition, relating to a Spanish Belandra condemned in Jamaica.

Mr. W. Cockburn.

Further ordered that Mr. William Cockburn be desired to attend at the same time.

November 13. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney.

Leeward Islands.

Messrs.

Jory, Duport, Nivine.

Memorial.

Stores of war.

4½ per cent.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes.

Representations.

Col. Jory and Mr. Duport, agents for the islands of Nevis and St. Christophers, attending, presented to their lordships a memorial from themselves and Mr. Nivine agent for Antigua, relating to the want of stores of war for the Leeward Islands, and to the duty of 4½ per cent., arising in the said islands, which was read; whereupon ordered that a letter be prepared to Mr. Lowndes, to desire him to remind the Lords of the Treasury, of the several representations made by this Board on that subject.

Trade.

Wines imported.

An account of wines imported into England from Christmas, 1712, to Christmas, 1716, being received from the Inspector General of the Customs, the same was read.

New England.

Plantations General.

Mr. Borland.

Patent curing sturgeon.

Mrs. Low.

Mr. Borland attending, according to appointment, in relation to his petition, mentioned in the minutes of the 6th instant, for a patent for the sole curing and importing of sturgeon from North America, their lordships had some discourse with him upon that subject, wherein he said, that several persons had followed the sturgeon-fishery in New England for thirty years past, that one of ye principal places where that fish is taken there, is Newberry; that he had sent a person to New England for catching and curing sturgeon, with whom he has entered into articles, and pays him £100 New England money per annum as salary, besides the said person's being concerned a fourth part in the undertaking; that Mrs. Low, who, he understands, has likewise petitioned for the like patent, is daughter to, and as he apprehends, employed by ye person sent by him to New England, as aforesaid. That he, the said Mr. Borland has entered into articles with four fishmongers in London, for supplying them with sturgeon at certain prices; and Mr. Borland promised, as he was desired, to bring the agreements he has made, as well with the said person he has sent to New England, as the fishmongers here.

Virginia.

Letter from the Council, commission of Oyer and Terminer.

Byrd's representation.

A letter from the Council of Virginia to ye Board, dated the 4th of May, 1717, relating to a difference between them and the Lieut. Governor of that colony, chiefly about his joining other persons with them in a commission of Oyer and Terminer, was read; as likewise a representation from Mr. Byrd, upon the same subject, and several clauses of the Charter of Virginia, of the Governor's commissions and instructions, of letters from this Board, and of several acts; whereupon their lordships agreed to proceed further in the consideration of this matter at the first opportunity.

November 14. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New England.

Plantations General.

Mr. Borland, curing sturgeon, patent.

Mrs. Low.

Mr. Borland attending, as desired, produced to their lordships, a deed of partnership for five years certain between himself and George Wensley, dated the 19th Decbr., 1716, for their carrying on a trade in catching and curing of sturgeon in New England, which was read; and he further produced a contract which he said, he had entered into, for furnishing four fishmongers in London with the said fish; whereupon their lordships agreed to proceed further, in considering Mr. Borlands petition for a patent to cure sturgeon in North America, when they shall hear what Mrs. Low has to offer in support of her petition on the same subject.

Trade.

Mr. Martyn summoned.

Ordered that Mr. Martyn, Inspector-General of his Majesty's Customs, be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him on Monday morning next.

Virginia.

Mr. Cock and Byrd summoned.

Ordered that Mr. Cock, Secretary of Virginia, and Mr. Byrd be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with them tomorrow morning.

New York.

Letter and papers from the governor.

The several letters as undermentioned from Brigadier Hunter, Governor of New York, &c. were read; and the papers therein respectively referred to, laid before the Board, vizt.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter, to the Board, dated the 30th of April, 1716.
Papers.
Account of money remitted and raised for building forts at New York.
Copy of the association by ye Governor and inhabitants of New York, the 16th December, 1715, against the Pretender.
Copy of a bill of indictment found at New York against Mr. Clark, merchant, for seditious words.
Copy of a bill of indictment against Mr. Vesey, of New York.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter, to ye Board, dated the 2nd of October, 1716.
paper.
Mr. Mulford's speech to the Assembly at New York, the 2nd April, 1714.
Copy of a letter from the late Bishop of London, to Mr. David Jamison, minister at New York, acknowledging his service to the church there; dated at Fulham, the 24th of October, 1710.
Minutes of Council at New York, from the 3rd October, 1715, to ye 22nd August, 1716.
Minutes of Assembly, at New York from ye 5th June, 1716, to ye 1st September, following.
Seven acts passed at New York in 1716.
List of ships entered inwards from 25th March, to 24th June, 1716.
Naval officer's list of ships cleared outward, from the 25th March, to the 24th June, 1716.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter to the Board dated the 12th November, 1716.
Papers.
Account of the revenue of New York, from July, 1715.
The Treasurer's account, from the 1st of July, 1713, to ye 1st of January, 1714–15, on the importation of wine, &c.
List of vessels trading inwards, from ye 24th of June, to ye 29th September, 1716.
List of vessels trading outwards, from ye 24th of June, to ye 29th September, 1716.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter, Papers.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter to the Board, without date.
The Governor's propositions to the five nations, the 13th of June, 1717.
The Governor's reply to the five nations in Albany, ye 13th June, 1717.
Private conference with ye chiefs of the five nations of Indians, by Brigadier Hunter, ye 13th June, 1717.
The Maguaes, Oneydes, Onondages, Cayouges and Sinekes answer to Brigadier Hunter in Albany, the 17th June, 1717.
The Governor's speech to ye River-Indians in Albany, the 15th June, 1717.
Propositions of the five nations to the Governor, the 15th June, 1717.
Answer of the River-Indians to Brigadr. Hunter's propositions in Albany, the 15th June, 1717.
Brigadier Hunter's proposal to the five nations, relating to Virginia.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter.

Duplicate of a letter from Brigadier Hunter, without date, with a postscript transmitting eleven acts, and minutes of Council.
Minutes.
Minutes of Council at New York, from the 24th August, 1716, to 23rd July, 1717.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter to ye secretary, dated the 13th August, 1717, transmitting naval officers lists, and recommending three new councillors.
Naval-office lists.
List of vessels entered inwards, from 25th December, 1716, to 25th March, 1717.
List of vessels cleared outwards, from 25th December, 1716, to 25th March, 1717.
List of vessels entered inwards from 25th March, 1717, to ye 24th June, following.
List of vessels cleared outwards, from 25th March, 1717, to ye 24th June, following.

November 15. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Virginia.

Mr. Cock, secretary.

Act.

The secretary informed the Board, that Mr. Cock, Secretary of Virginia, attended, as desired and had signified to him that the title of the 24th act in the printed book of Virginia laws, page 15, about criminal causes to be tried at the General Court, was sent to him as an act repealed.

Mr. Byrd, acts.

Commissions of Oyer &c.

He further acquainted their lordships, that Mr. Byrd likewise attended, as desired, and had told him, the acts he referred to, in his representation concerning a court of Oyer and Terminer in Virginia, mentioned in the minutes of ye 13th instant, were only the said 24th act in ye printed book of Virginia laws, the act passed in the Assembly begun in October, 1705, entitled, An act for establishing the General Court, and for regulating and settling the proceeding therein, (2nd Vol. of Laws, 1st part, page 93) and the act passed in 1710, (2nd Vol. of Laws, 2nd part, page 87) to explain part of the act last mentioned; whereupon a progress was made in considering Mr. Byrd's foresaid representation with the letter from the Council of Virginia, about the Governor's joining other persons with them in commissions of Oyer and Terminer; which was likewise read the 13th instant. And their lordships agreed to proceed again in the further consideration thereof to-morrow morning, and ordered that Mr. Byrd be desired to attend.

Jamaica.

Diharce, de Guardia, petition, proofs.

Mr. Diharce attending, with don Bernardo de Guardia, according to appointment, they were asked what proofs they had to support the allegation in their petition, that they were not admitted to the legal claim which they offered to make at the Court of the Admiralty in Jamaica, and that they could not obtain any answer to the petitions and memorials presented to the Governor, &c. Whereupon they said, they were not now prepared to give their lordships an answer, but promised to do it soon.

Mr. W. Cockburn.

Minutes of Council.

Original commission.

Mr. William Cockburn, attending as desired, and being asked what he knew of the proceedings in Jamaica in the affair last mentioned, he referred to the Minutes of Council of that island, whereby, he said, it would appear that the Lord Archibald Hamilton had given several answers to the persons concerned, that his lordship had upon their application appointed a court of delegates to rehear the matter, that monitions had been affixed in publick places, but were torn down by some of the persons supposed to be interested in ye prize; and Mr. Cockburn said, he had seen the original commission for holding the said court of delegates, which he promised to desire of the Lord Archibald Hamilton, might be communicated to the Board.

St. Christophers.

Letter from Mr. Stanhope, restrictions.

Purchasers.

French lands.

Answer.

A letter from Mr. Charles Stanhope to the secretary, dated yesterday, signifying the Lords of the Treasury's desire of an explanation of the 13th article in the restrictions or conditions annexed to the letter from this Board of the 16th of last month, upon the several proposals for purchasing the late French lands in St. Christophers, was read; and an answer thereto agreed, and ordered to be sent by the secretary.

Virginia.

Letter from Colonel Blakiston, commissions of Oyer, &c.

A letter from Col. Blakiston, agent for Virginia, dated this day, desiring a copy of the letter from the Council of Virginia, relating to commissions of Oyer and Terminer, was read; whereupon ordered that he have a copy thereof accordingly.

New Jersey.

Representation, new Councillors.

Upon further consideration of Brigadier Hunter's letter to the secretary, of the 13th August last, ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared, humbly to offer to his Majesty, that the three gentlemen recommended by Brigadr. Hunter in his said letter, be appointed of his Majesty's Council in New Jersey, in the room of those deceased, or unable to attend.

November 16. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Virginia.

Mr. Byrd.

Memorial.

Commissions of Oyer, &c.

Mr. Attorney General summoned.

Mr. Byrd attending, as desired, he presented to their lordships a memorial containing further reasons against the Lieut. Governor of Virginia's joining other persons with the Council of that colony in commissions of Oyer and Terminer, which was read; and after some discourse with Mr. Byrd thereupon; ordered that Mr. Attorney General be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him on Tuesday morning next, or if that time be inconvenient for him, that he will let their lordships know when he can come to the Board.

Mr. Byrd, Council related.

Mr. Byrd likewise presented to their lordships a scheme setting forth how the Council of Virginia stand related to one another.

Mr. Cock summoned.

Ordered that Mr. Cock, Secretary of Virginia, be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him on Monday morning next.

Plantations General.

Jamaica.

Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General's report, proclamation, pirates.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, instructions to the Governors.

Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General's report in answer to several queries sent them with the secretary's letter of the 7th instant, relating to the proclamation about pirates, was read; and directions were given for preparing the draught of a letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, to know his Majesty's pleasure concerning the instructions mentioned in the said report as fit to be given to to the Governors of his Majesty's several plantations upon that subject.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Carkesse, accounts.

A letter from Mr. Carkesse, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs, dated yesterday, relating to several accounts to be transmitted to this Board, was read.

November 18. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Trade.

Inspector General.

Balance of trade.

Mr. Martyn, Inspector General of the Customs, attending, according to appointment, their lordships desired of him a general account of the balance of trade to all parts for some years past, and as near the present time as he could; whereupon he said, that he hoped in a fortnight's time to furnish their lordships with such an account from the establishment of his office to the year 1715.

Barbadoes.

Memorial.

J. Micklethwaite and others.

Acts.

A memorial from Mr. Joseph Mickelethwaite, Thomas Reynolds and Anthony Cracherode, patent-officers in Barbadoes, desiring the repeal of some acts of that island, relating to their fees, was read.

Plantations General.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, pirates.

The draught of a letter, directed to be prepared the 16th instant, to Mr. Secretary Addison, upon Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General's report, relating to the queries on the proclamation concerning pirates, was agreed and signed.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Mr. Lowther.

A letter from Mr. Lowther, Governor of Barbadoes, dated the 20th July, 1717, was read; and the papers therein referred to, as undermentioned, were laid before the Board, vizt.
Papers.
List of papers transmitted with Mr. Lowther's letter of 20th July, 1717.
Minutes of Council in Barbadoes, from the 21st March, 1716, to the 22nd January following, inclusive.
Minutes of Assembly in Barbadoes, from 26th September, 1715, to 10th January, 1717.
Eight acts passed at Barbadoes, the 31st of May, 30th of October and 18th of December, 1716.
List of christenings and burials in the several parishes of Barbadoes, from ye 24th April, 1715, to the 24th of April following.
Naval Office list of all ships entered and cleared in Barbadoes, from 25th March, 1716, to the 25th June, following.
Naval Office list of all ships entered and cleared in Barbadoes, from 25th June, 1716, to the 29th September following.
Naval Office list of all ships entered and cleared at Barbadoes, from 29th September, 1716, to the 25th December following.
Naval Office list of all ships entered and cleared at Barbadoes, from 25th December, 1716, to the 25th March following.
List of causes determined and depending in the Court of Errors in Barbadoes, from the 17th of April, 1716, to ye 31st July, 1717.
List of causes determined and depending in ye Court of Chancery in Barbadoes, from the 16th of April, 1716, to the 31st July, 1717.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

Whereupon their lordships resolved to take the said papers and letter into further consideration at the first opportunity; and in the meantime ordered that an extract thereof relating to commissions for trying pirates, &c. be sent to Mr. Secretary Addison.

Jamaica.

Lord A. Hamilton, appeal.

Fernando.

Sloop Kensington.

The Lord Archibald Hamilton, late Governor of Jamaica, attending, communicated to the Board the original petition and appeal of Don Manuel Arembura and others, to his lordship against Captain Francis Fernando, commander of the sloop Bennett and his mariners and others, concerning the sloop or vessel known by the name of Neustra Senora de Belen, and formerly called the Kensington, taken by the said Fernando, and condemned at Jamaica, as appears by the sentence of a Court of Admiralty in that island, to which his lordship referred.

Commission.

He likewise communicated to the Board the original commission constituting a Court of Delegates for hearing the said appeal.

Dedimus.

Mr. Thomas Bernard.

his return.

The dedimus impowering Thomas Bernard, Esqr. Chief Justice of the said island to administer the oaths to the other delegates named in the said commission, with Mr. Bernard's return thereupon.

Dedimus.

William Broderick and another, his return.

de Guardia and Diharce.

As also the dedimus impowering William Broderick and William Needham Esqrs. to administer the oaths to the said Mr. Bernard, another of the said delegates, with Mr. Broderick's return thereupon, which petition, powers, &c. their lordships agreed to consider with the petition and other papers from Don Bernardo de Guardia and Mr. Diharce.

November 19. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from General Hamilton, Anguilla.

Letter to Mr. C. Stanhope, Treasury.

A letter from Genl. Hamilton, Governor of ye Leeward Islands, dated the 26th of August last, was read, as likewise a copy of a letter from the Lieut. Governor of Anguilla, therein referred to, relating to the inhabitants of that island removing to Crabb-Island; whereupon directions were given for preparing an extract of what Genl. Hamilton writes in his said letter, relating to the inhabitants of Anguilla; and a letter from the secretary to inclose the same to Mr. Stanhope, for the consideration of the Lords of the Treasury, was agreed, and ordered to be sent.

Letter from General Hamilton, complaints.

Mrs. Assaillie.

Another letter from Genl. Hamilton, dated ye 3rd September, 1717, relating to some complaints against him by Mrs. Assaillie, &c. was read.

Jamaica.

Virginia.

The letters and papers undermentioned from Col. Heywood, Commander in Chief of Jamaica were read, vizt.

Letter from Colonel Heywood.

A letter from Col. Heywood, of the 12th of March, 1716–17, with a postcript of the 10th of May, 1717.
Papers.
Minutes of the Council of Jamaica, from the 6th June, to the 17th July, 1716.
Minutes of the Council of Jamaica, from the 10th November, 1716, to ye 19th February, following.

Two letters.

Two letters from him, of the 6th June and 3rd July, 1717, the latter relating to Bellamy the pirate being cast away.

Letter.

Another letter from him, of the 12th of August, 1717.
Papers.
Copy of a letter from Capt. Beverley of Virginia, to the Governor of Jamaica, dated at Vera Crux the 6th of March, 1716, relating to his being taken prisoner with his vessel and men by a Spanish ship of war.
Copy of a testimonial given by the Lieut. Governor of Virginia to Capt. Beverley upon his voyage to the Bahama Islands, and about the wrecks, &c.
Copy of instructions given by Col. Spotswood to Capt. Harry Beverley, for enquiring into the state of the Bahama Islands, the Spanish wrecks, pirates, &c. dated the 15th June, 1716.
Copy of additional instructions from the Lieut. Governor of Virginia, to Captain Beverley, relating to a person seized on suspicion of having robbed ye Spaniards.
Copy of Captn. Beverley's affidavit of the built and property of the sloop Virgin.
Copy of a declaration upon oath of several of the men belonging to the sloop Virgin, commanded by Capt. Beverley, relating to that sloop, with her men and cargo being taken by a Spanish man of war.

Virginia.

Mr. Attorney General.

Commissions of Oyer, &c.

Letter to him, with queries.

Mr. Attorney General attending, as desired, their lordships had some discourse with him relating to the difference between the Lieut. Governor of Virginia and the Council of that colony, about the joining other persons with the said Council in commissions of Oyer and Terminer in that colony, after which Mr. Attorney being withdrawn, their lordships agreed the draught of a letter with several queries to be sent to him on that subject, for his opinion thereupon.

Barbadoes.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

Extract of Mr. Lowther's, trying pirates, impressing seamen.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Secretary Addison for inclosing to him an extract of that from Mr. Lowther, Governor of Barbadoes, dated ye 20th of July last, and mentioned in yesterday's minutes, relating to the trying of pirates, and the commanders of his Majesty's ships of war impressing seamen upon extraordinary occasions in America, was agreed and signed; and notice was taken in the said letter, that the abovementioned papers relating to Capt. Beverley, are the same as those transmitted to him the 6th of August last from the Governor of Virginia.

Bahamas.

Commission.

Captain Rogers.

The draught of a commission, ordered the 4th of September last, to be prepared for Captain Woodes Rogers to be Governor of the Bahama Islands, being read, the same was agreed, and ordered to be transcribed.

November 20. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

St. Christophers.

Order of Council.

Christopher Stoddard's plantation.

Persons summoned.

An Order of Council, of the 14th instant, referring to the Board the petition of Christopher Stoddard, praying to be re-instated in a plantation lately possessed by him in the Island of St. Christophers, was read; whereupon ordered that the said Stoddard, or those who appear in his behalf, have notice to attend the Board on Wednesday morning next; and that Mr. Rowld. Tryon, Mr. Nivine, Mr. Stephen Duport and Col. Jory be desired to attend at the same time.

Barbadoes.

Mr. J. Micklethwaite, Acts patent-officers.

Mr. Joseph Micklethwaite attending, and desiring their lordships would please to appoint a day for considering the memorial presented by himself, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Cracherode, the 18th instant, relating to some acts of Barbadoes, concerning their fees as patent-officers; their lordships agreed to consider the same on Tuesday morning next.

Act.

Duty on negroes.

Their lordships took into further consideration an act passed in Barbadoes, the 7th March, 1715–16, entituled, A supplemental act to the act entituled, An act for laying a duty on new negroes and other slaves imported this island, which was again read, as likewise the act therein referred to, passed Anno 1705, (Barbadoes written volume of acts, folio 491) whereupon their lordships agreed that the said acts were fit to remain as probationary.

Jamaica.

Act

Duty on goods, &c.

South Sea Company.

An act passed in Jamaica in November 1716, entituled, An act to impose duties on several commodities to defray the extraordinary charge of the government, and applying the same to several uses, was likewise read; whereupon ordered that an abstract be made thereof, to be considered with the complaint of the South Sea Company against it.

Bahamas.

Instructions.

Captain Rogers.

The draught of instructions, ordered the 4th of September last, to be prepared for Captain Woodes Rogers for the government of the Bahama Islands, being read, the same was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Commission.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

Ordered that the draught of a letter be prepared for transmitting the draught of Captain Rogers's commission, mentioned in yesterday's minutes, and the foresaid draught of instructions to Mr. Secretary Addison, to be laid before his Majesty.

Mr. Attorney General, surrender.

Lords Proprietors.

Minors.

Further ordered that the secretary transmit to Mr. Attorney General the surrender made by the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands, of their right to the government thereof mentioned in the minutes of the 6th instant; and that he acquaint Mr. Attorney, that there being six of the said proprietors, and two of them being minors have not signed the said surrender, the Board desire his opinion whether such a surrender without the hands of all, be valid and effectual.

Trade.

Plantations General.

Days for business.

Their lordships for the better and more easy dispatch of the business in this office, have agreed and appointed Mondays for intervening business, that is, for reading letters, petitions, memorials, and other papers that shall be brought in ye preceding week, in order to appointing of days for ye further consideration of the said papers: further agreed that Tuesdays and Wednesdays be set apart for plantations business. Thursdays for trade and Fridays for the laws of the plantations; and ordered that this regulation be fixed up in the office, for the information of such persons as have business here.

November 21. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Antigua.

St. Christophers.

Messrs Nivine, Duport, Tryon.

Stoddard's petition.

Leeward Islands.

Governor's house rent.

Mr. Nivine, agent for Antigua, Mr. Duport, agent for St. Christophers, and Mr. Tryon coming to the Board, they acquainted their lordships, that they could not conveniently attend on Monday next, as had been desired, in relation to the petition of Mr. Stoddard, &c. against General Hamilton, Governor of the Leeward Islands, and therefore took the liberty of waiting now on ye Board; whereupon their lordships appointed these gentlemen to attend again on Wednesday morning next, and ordered that the said Stoddard have likewise notice to attend at the same time. In the interim, their lordships inquiring of Mr. Nivine and Mr. Duport whether the Island of Antigua, or any of the three other principal Leeward Islands, had given no directions concerning proportion to be born by the said islands of the allowance given by Antigua, in lieu of the Governor's house rent; they said, they had received no orders to move for any allowance or proportion on that account.

Instruction.

Ordered that the draught of an instruction, directed the 4th of September last to be prepared, relating to an allowance for house-rent to the Governor of the Leeward Islands, be laid before the Board on Wednesday morning next.

Plantations General.

Governors.

Accounts of grants.

Ordered that by the next letters to the Governors of his Majesty's respective plantations, they be desired to transmit half-yearly to this Board an account of the several grants they pass, particularizing the conditions, and the persons to whom they are made.

Madera wines imported.

Further ordered that the said Governors be desired to send to this Board annual accounts of the Madera wines imported into their respective governments for three years last past, and that the said accounts be likewise transmitted every six months for the future.

Bahamas.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, commission and instructions.

Captain Rogers.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, for inclosing ye draughts of a commission and instructions for Captain Woodes Rogers for the Government of the Bahama Islands, was signed.

New Jersey.

Representation.

Three councillors.

The draught of a representation, ordered the 15th instant, to be prepared, for proposing to his Majesty three new Councillors for the province of New Jersey, was agreed and signed.

Jamaica.

Trade.

South Sea Company.

Act duty on negroes, letter from Mr. Wescomb, directors answer.

Then their lordships took into further consideration the petition of the South Sea Company against an act passed at Jamaica, which lays a duty on negroes, mentioned in the minutes of the 6th instant, which was read; as likewise a letter from Mr. Wescomb, with the answer of the directors of the said company to the letter writ to Mr. Ury by Order of the Board, upon the subject of the said petition.

Sir Nicholas Lawes's memorial.

A memorial from Sir Nicholas Lawes, appointed Governor of Jamaica, on the same subject was likewise read; and their lordships resolved to proceed in the consideration of this matter at the first opportunity.

November 22. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Nevis.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, d' Iberville's memorial, capitulation.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, in answer to his of the 25th September, (mentioned in the minutes of the 6th instant) upon a memorial from Monsr. d' Iberville, the late French Envoy relating to ye capitulation of Nevis, was read, and a progress made in the consideration thereof.

November 23. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New Jersey.

Letters and papers from the Governor and others.

Their lordships taking into consideration several letters and papers some time since received relating to the province of New Jersey ye letters undermentioned were read, and the papers therein respectively referred to were laid before the Board, vizt.

Letter from Mr. Gordon.

Colonel Anderson.

A letter from Mr. Gordon, a member of the Council of New Jersey, dated the 21st of March, 1712–13, with several certificates relating to his own and Col. Anderson's characters, which Mr. Henderson had injured.
Certificates.
Certificate from Mr. Innes, relating to the character of Col. John Anderson, recommended to be of the Council of New Jersey.
Certificate from Mr. Watts, of New York relating to the character of Col. John Anderson.
Thomas Gordon, Esquire.
Certificate of Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Haliday relating to the character of Thomas Gordon, Esqr. a member of the Council of New Jersey.
Certificate of the Revd. Mr. Aeneas McKenzie, minister of St. Andrews on Statten Island, in the province of New York, in behalf of Thomas Gordon, Esqr.
Certificate of the Revd. Dr. Innes, minister of Monmouth County, in East New Jersey, relating to the character of Thomas Gordon, Esqr. a member of the Council there.

Letter from Mr. Morgan.

A letter from Mr. Joseph Morgan, of Monmouth County, in the East Division of New Jersey, of the 5th August, 1714, inclosing a scheme for the improvement of navigation.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter, another from him.

A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Governor of New Jersey, &c. to the secretary, dated ye 1st May, 1716, with two of the Quakers' speeches at an election in the Jerseys, relating chiefly to Mr. Cox.

A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Governor of New Jersey, &c. dated the 30th of April, 1716.
Papers.
Copy of the indictment against ye Chief Justice of the Jerseys.
Copy of the indictment against the President of the Council in the Jerseys.
Minutes of Council at Burlington, December the 22nd, 1715.
Brigadier Hunter's speech to the Assembly of New Jersey, at Perth Amboy, April the 4th, 1716.

Observations.

Acts.

And upon the last mentioned letter; ordered that Brigadier Hunter's former observations, with the acts, &c. which he refers to, be looked out to be laid before the Board.

Miscellanies.

Letters to Board of Works, repairs in the office.

Their lordships gave directions for writing to the principal officers of his Majesty's Board of Works, in order to some repairs, which are necessary for preventing damage to the books and papers in the office.

November 25th. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

Barbadoes.

James Lowther, act.

A trustee.

Mr. James Lowther having been acquainted that an act passed in Barbadoes in 1716, to confirm and make more effectual certain deeds or indentures, &c. between Robert Lowther of Meaburn, &c. Katherine Viscountess Lonsdale and James Lowther of Whitehaven, in the County of Cumberland (the gentlemen first mentioned), &c. is before the Board for their consideration; Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Pelham and Mr. Bladen were pleased to signify that Mr. Lowther said, he supposed himself named only as a trustee, and that he had nothing to offer thereupon.

New England.

Plantations General.

Mrs. Low.

patent-sturgeon.

Ordered that Mr. Wachter, who is concerned for Mrs. Low, a petitioner for a patent to cure sturgeon in North America, be reminded of the Boards desire to speak with her on the subject of her said petition.

Jamaica.

Mr. Secretary Addison's reference.

Mr. Cockburn's petition.

Profits.

Secretary's office.

Page's receipt, &c.

Letter to Attorney General.

Rehearing.

A reference from Mr. Secretary Addison, of ye 21st instant, upon the petition of William Cockburn, Esqr. relating to a decree in the Court of Chancery of Jamaica against him, for the profits of the Secretary's office there, whilst he officiated in Mr. Page's, Mr. Congreve's deputy's absence, was read, together with the said petition; and Mr. Cockburn attending, produced to their lordships a copy of the said decree, Mr. Page's original receipt, and other papers; whereupon directions were given for preparing a letter to Mr. Attorney General, to transmit to him a copy of the said petition and other papers, for his opinion whether his Majesty may not fitly direct a rehearing of this cause in Jamaica.

November 26. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Sir Charles Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Bladen.

New Jersey.

New York.

Letters from the Governor.

Mr. Cox.

Mr. Talbot.

Two letters from Brigadier Hunter, Govr. of New Jersey and New York, both dated the 29th May, 1716, one to the secretary of this Board, the other to the agent of New York, relating to Mr. Cox and others being expelled the Assembly of New Jersey; to Mr. Talbot and the Bishop of London's commissary there, were read.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter.

A letter from Brigadier Hunter, Governor of New Jersey and New York to the Board, dated ye 6th June, 1716, was read; and the papers undermentioned, therein referred to, were laid before the Board, vizt.
Papers.
Brigadier Hunter's speech to ye Assembly of New Jersey, the 19th May, 1716.
Copy of an address from ye Council and Assembly of New Jersey, to his Majesty upon ye defeat of ye rebels, &c.
Copy of an address from the Assembly of New Jersey, to Brigdr. Hunter, relating to their speaker, whom they expelled.
Minutes of Assembly in New Jersey, from the 4th April, 1716, to the 1st June following.
Minutes of Council in New Jersey, from ye 7th November, 1715, to the 2nd June, 1716.
Brigadier Hunter's speech to the Assembly of New York, June the 5th, 1716.
Copy of an address from the Council and Assembly of New York, to his Majesty, upon the defeat of the rebels, &c.

Mr. Phillips's memorial, dormant commission Mr. Harrison of the Council.

A memorial from Mr. Phillips, agent for New York, signifying Brigadier Hunter's desire of a dormant warrant for Mr. Harrison to be of the Council of New York upon the first vacancy that shall happen therein, was read.

Letter from Brigadier Hunter.

Mr. Harrison.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

A letter from Brigadier Hunter to the secretary, dated the 28th of September, 1717, wherein he recommends the said Mr. Harrison, was likewise read; whereupon the draught of a letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, for inclosing a copy of Mr. Phillips's said memorial, and proposing that Brigadier Hunter have a power in this particular case, for the reasons alledged, to appoint Mr. Harrison to supply the first vacancy in that Council accordingly, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed (Memdum. This letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, was not signed. Vide letter to Brigadier Hunter of 25th Febry., 1717–18).

Barbadoes.

Micklethwaite and Cracherode.

Acts.

Attorney General.

Mr. Joseph Micklethwaite and Mr. Cracherode attending, as appointed, their memorial, mentioned in the minutes of the 20th instant, was again read, as were likewise the four acts of Barbadoes, whereof they complain, contained in the printed volume, and numbered 41, 42, 108 and 145; and directions were given for sending a copy of their said memorial, with the said acts, to Mr. Attorney Genl. for his opinion thereupon.

Jamaica.

Trade.

South Sea company.

Act.

Duty on negroes.

Sir N. Lawes and others summoned.

Upon consideration of the memorial and other papers from the directors of the South Sea Company against an act of Jamaica, whereby a duty is laid on negroes; ordered that Sir Nicholas Lawes, Mr. Onslow and Col. Long be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with them or any other gentlemen they shall think fit to bring with them on Thursday morning next.

Trade.

Orders of Council, East India company's exports.

Two Orders of Council, dated the 12th of November, 1716, and the 12th instant, the former referring to this Board an account of the East India Company's exports from Michaelmas, 1715, to Michaelmas, 1716, and the latter the like account from Michaelmas, 1716, to Michaelmas, 1717, were severally read; whereupon their lordships resolved to take the same into further consideration at another opportunity.

Leeward Islands.

Nevis.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Addison.

d' Iberville's memorial.

Capitulation.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Secretary Addison, mentioned in the minutes of the 22nd instant, in answer to his of the 25th of September, upon a memorial from Monsr. d' Iberville, relating to the capitulation of Nevis, being agreed, was transcribed and signed.