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Full text of "Colonial Records. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial"

CALENDARS. 



Instructions to Editors. 



The Master of the Bolls desires to call the attention of the Editors of Calendars 
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CL 

(j, T2> Pu \oVv fi.-a.-Vv oti <^ , "X .T. eL , 1 . C-a-U^Vf^ 



C A E N D A R 



COLONIAL SERIES, 
[V\. >^ 

AMEKICA AND WEST INDIES, 

16891692. 



PRESERVED IN THE 



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EDITED BY 

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1901. 



ERRATA. 



Abstracts 1186, 1187, for date Nov. 17 read Oct. 17. 

Abstract 1413, fast line, for William Spencer read Nicholas Spencer. 

Afatract 1955, eighth line,}or Assurance read Assistance. 



PREFACE. 



A preliminary word must be said respecting the references 
to the original documents at the foot of each abstract 
in the present volume. The Colonial Records were 
originally distributed into two series, namely America and 
West Indies and Hoard of Trade. Up to the year 
1088 these two were redistributed into two different series, 
denominated Colonial Papers and Colonial Entry Books. 
Owing, however, to the multitude of references in extant 
literature to the documents as originally classified, it has 
been thought best, from 1689 onward, to preserve the old 
division into Hoard of Trade and America and West Indies. 
Upon what principle that division was made it is impossible 
at this distance of time to say. Frequently a document 
and its duplicate will be found in different series, while 
subjects of precisely the same nature find a place now in 
the one and now in the other. There is abundant evidence 
of red-tape without the slightest indication of order or 
system; so it is probable that no principle whatever under- 
lay the arrangement. Be that as it may, it is in the 
interest of students that this division is retained. 



The present volume is one of exceptional interest, 
1 showing as it does the reaction of the English Revolution 
of 1688 upon the Colonies, a subject which has never 
received the study that it deserves. Of the Revolution 
in England itself there appears little trace in the Colonial 
Records. The Prince of Orange on the 12th of 
January 1689 issues a Circular to all the Colonies to 
continue all officers in their places, though for what 
reason is not stated (8) ; and it is not until the 19th 
of February that the Council of Government orders the 
proclamation of King William and Queen Mary, and that 



viii PREFACE. 

the King repeats his former order (20-22). Meanwhile 
the Committee of Trade and Plantations had been nomi- 
nated on the 16th; and it is interesting to observe in 
it the name of Thomas, Lord Fauconberg (17), the son- 
in-law of Cromwell, who had made himself acceptable 
already at the Courts of the Lord Protector, of King 
Charles II, and of King James II. Barbados seems 
to have been the Colony first reached by the Prince of 
Orange's letter, on the 7th of March (43); but it was 
by no means the first to move in the Revolution. There 
was a vast deal to be done in way of sending out 
Governors, arms and ships in view of a certain war 
with France (60, 69, 102), while the very routes of the 
despatch vessels required to be carefully thought out 
(76-81); but there was one community in particular 
which, whether the King fancied it or not. importuned 
for immediate attention. 
NKW That community, it need hardly be said, was New 

ENGLAND. 

England. Before the King had even been proclaimed, 
there came a letter from a New Kuglund Agent at the 
Hague (11) setting forth that the late King, though cast 
in a trial at Westminster Hall, had taken away the 
Colonial Charters by stratagem ; while a few days later 
(16) two prominent New Kiiglanders, Increase Mather, 
the Congregational Minister, and Sir William Phips, of 
whom we shall see more, likewise represented that the 
Charter had been taken away by illegal and arbitrary 
proceedings and prayed that it should be restored. Both 
statements were untrue, for the Charter of Massachusetts 
had been vacated with perfect legality and for very good 
reasons, as the Committee of Trade and Plantations soon 
discovered ; but none the less, the King was speedily 
advised to grant a new charter, to send a new Governor 
in place of Sir Edmund Andros, and meanwhile to 
despatch two Commissioners with orders that no money 
should be raised in New England by authority of the 
Governor and Council only (28, 37). 



PREFACE. 



Good work of 
Sir Edmund 
Androrf. 



Kevolution 
in Boston. 



Meanwhile from the beginning of the year 1689 
Boston had been full of rumours of the landing of the 
Prince of Orange; but the Governor, Sir Edmund 
Andros, was fully occupied in the reduction of the Indians, 
who had been stirred up to hostility by the French. 
Though no longer a young man, for he had been page 
to the Queen of Bohemia. Andros at the head of a 
handful of men pushed on through forest and swamp 
and snow upon the Indian fastnesses, and reduced the 
savages to such straits that, but for the despatch to 
them of a supply of arms and ammunition by certain 
merchants of Boston (152, 740) they would have been 
brought to abject submission. As it was they were 
severely punished ; and Andros after establishing a line 
of garrisons to keep them in awe, returned to Boston 
in the third week of March. Few men had done 
such excellent work for the security of New England. 

On the morning of the 18th of April Andros received 
reports of a riot in Charlestown, which the Sheriff 
assured him were false. About two hours later Captain 
George of H.M.S. Rose came ashore and was at once 
seized by the populace ; and the mob then assembled in 
arms, drew up a revolutionary manifesto, and installed 
Simon Bradstreet, the last Governor under the late 
charter, as their president. Andros on hearing of the 
tumult retired to the fort, which was soon surrounded 
by armed men; and since he refused to give orders for 
it to be surrendered, Edward Randolph was bidden, 
with a pistol at his head, to inform the garrison that 
it was the Governor's order that they should deliver up 
the fort. Thus this stronghold passed into the hands 
of the revolutionists, while. Andros and with him his 
principal officers were made prisoners. It appears that 
one of the most useful instruments in the hands of the 
revolutionists was the carpenter of H.M.S. Rose, who 
had joined them, apparently, for ambitious ends of his 
own (196, 261, 26 



xjj PREFACE. 

(332, 340). This last document the (Government at 
once published, with a feigned title and seal according to 
Randolph's account, and proceeded under its authority to 
levy large sums of money. Funds were certainly 
wanted in view of the danger from invasion of French 
and Indians ; and not the less, for that some of the inhabi- 
tants had declined to pay taxes (485, 709), while there 
were ominous signs of general discontent (741, 743). 

Having detained their prisoners for several weeks 
after the receipt of the order to send them to England, 
the leaders at Boston at last shipped them off, despatching 
however also instructions to their Agents to press for 
restoration of their original charter (739). In April 
1690 the Agents brought forward the charges, under 
colour of which they had imprisoned Andros and his 
' colleagues. Serious and even vile as these charges were, 
the Agents dared not as much as put their names to 
them, for, though they had been at pains to suborn 
evidence in support of the worst of them (338), they 
knew them one and all to be false. Andros and the 
rest drew up their defence, but since the charges were 
unsupported the Committee of Trade and Plantations 
dismissed them without further ado (828, 844, 846). 
Though Boston was a city of Saints, and one of Andros's 
accusers, Mather, was a minister of the Gospel, it seems 
that not one of them had ever heard of the ninth 
commandment. Andros then drew up his own account, 
in very temperate language, of the Revolution in general 
(90J) and of the cancelling of his military dispositions 
in particular (912), to which latter the Agents returned 
an answer (913), which in the light of other documents 
in the present volume, can only be described as a tissue 
of misrepresentations. 
Naval Meanwhile, in face of the active hostilitv both of 

expedition 

against French and Indians, the position in Massachusetts had 
become so serious that the Provisional Government 
determined upon an attack upon Quebec, so as to cut 



PREFACE. x iii 

off the fountain of trouble at the head. The expedition, 
made up of seven armed vessels and a total force of 
about seven hundred men, under command of Sir William 
Phips, sailed first against Port Royal in Acadia in April 
1690, which fell an easy prey. A journal of the 
expedition (914), with the entries, "We cut down the 
cross, rifled the church, pulled down the altar and broke 
their images. Kept gathering plunder all day," sufficiently 
indicates the spirit in which the operations were con- 
ducted. The expedition then returned to Boston, and 
a plan was arranged with other of the Northern 
Colonies for an advance upon Quebec with some 2,000 
men by land, while Sir William Phips with about the 
same number sailed against it by sea. Accordingly in 
August Phips started with thirty-two ships for the St. 
Lawrence, and after groping his way with great difficulty 
up the river, sent a summons, carefully drawn up by 
the four Congregational ministers with the army, to the 
French commandant to surrender. This having been 
rejected with huge contempt, a part of the force was 
disembarked, while the ships opened a furious fire upon 
the rocks. Finally after a short skirmish and a few 
nights ashore, orders were given for reembarkation ; 
whereupon there appears to have been a panic-stricken 
rush to the ships, in the course of which five field- 
guns were left behind. The losses in killed and 
wounded were slight, but over 400 men died from bad 
food and bad accommodation, and about five hundred 
more were lost in vessels which never returned. Bad 
management had as much to do with the disaster as 
bad luck ; but young Mr. Mather, we are told, accounted 
for everything by the fact that a little chapel of the 
Church of England was still permitted to stand in 
Boston. Sir William Phips's own account of the affair 
(1417) is very ludicrous to read in conjunction with the 
other stories from both sides (128#, 1313, 1314, 1239). 
The expedition by land, for reasons to be presently 



x j v PREFACE. 

explained, was unable to advance further than Lake 
George. 

The New Complaints against the usurpers at Boston meanwhile 

became more violent (883, 884, 899), but the Provisional 
Government was more helpless than ever. Fruitless 
negotiations were opened with the Indians (1472), but little 
attempt was made to defend the country. Large sums 
were levied by taxation, but no one could tell what became 
of the money. The truth was that the dominant faction was 
staking all on the recovery of their former charter, and 
could find no energy to spare for any other object. In 
January 1691 the Agents brought forward their first propo- 
sitions for the New Charter, which was practically for the 
Old Charter, with increased territory and increased powers 
(1276). But the Committee of Trade and Plantations 
was not unmindful of the lessons of past years, and the 
Agents were obliged to give way on point after point, 
until finally it was agreed that both Governor and Deputy 
Governor should be appointed by the Crown, and the 
Council elected by the Lower House subject to the 
Governor's approval (1574, 1606, 1631, 1650, 1669, 1670, 
1806). The Charter was finally passed on the 7th of 
October, the Council was nominated according to the 
suggestion of the Agents, and Sir William Phips was 
appointed to be the first Governor under the New Charter 
(1772, 1806). The Agents tried hard to annex Nova 
Scotia, New Hampshire and Maine, and succeeded in obtaining 
New Plymouth and Maine. But New Hampshire was 
claimed by a former grantee, Samuel Allen, and with success. 
Sir William Phips also endeavoured to obtain liberty of 
coinage (1893) and with singular audacity put himself 
forward, in the face of his egregious failure before Quebec, 
as the leader of a new expedition against Canada (1600, 
1601). He succeeded so far that he obtained a com- 
mission at least as commander-in-chief of all the forces 
in the New England provinces (1916). The results of this 
commission will be seen in the next volume. 



PREFACE. xv 

sir^ William During the same summer of 1691 a small party of 
assumes adventurers from Boston had gone to Port Royal for 

the Govern * 

ment. their own purposes and had one and all been captured 

Jby the French (1857, 1875). What their intentions may 
have been is a little obscure, but they were not regarded 
by their enemies as honourable ; and it is significant that in 
the account of this raid there comes out evidence, apparently 
true, that Boston merchants had been supplying the 
Indians with food and ammunition ever since the war 
began. It may therefore be judged that the news of the 
alteration of the Charter, though a bitter disappointment 
to the dominant faction, was not unwelcome to many 
good men, though the appointment of Sir William Phips 
was not reassuring to those who desired peace and quiet. 
He arrived at Boston in May 1692, but was unable to get 
his commission read before the Sabbath was upon him, 
and obliged him to put off the further reading until 
Monday, lest he should infringe the Lord's day (2283). 
His first business was eminently of a spiritual kind, 
namely an outbreak of witchcraft, which he left to a 
Court of Law for a time, until the accusation of several 
ministers and other prominent persons of the congregation 
warned him to take it into his own hands (2283, 2551). 
We catch a glimpse of the man in a different light, 
however, in his favourable reception of a revolutionist of 
New York (2548), in his quarrel with the New York 
Government over the Island of Martha's Vineyard (2580), 
and in a wrangle with John Usher, late a fellow prisoner 
of Sir Edmund Andros but now Deputy Governor of New 
Hampshire (2563, 2569, 2586), all of which incidents 
will be seen in the next volume to lead to important 
results. 

At this point therefore we leave New England, there 
being nothing further to concern us in Rhode Island and 
Connecticut except a bitter complaint against the dominant 
faction in the latter Colony (2477). The story of the 
Revolution, though from the nature of the case unclean, is 

3233 b 



xvi PREFACE. 

highly instructive, and throws a. vivid light on the 
subsequent revolution of 1774, at which time an account 
of it, not including many of the facts herein set forth, 
was published for the. popular guidance. Indeed if Phips 
had succeeded in his expedition against Quebec I have 
little doubt that New England would have stood out for 
its old charters or for independence, for the people were 
not afraid to say that the Crown had nothing to do with 
them (336). 
NEW YORK. Passing next to New York we find that the violent 

The Bsvolu , , ,. ., 

tion action at Boston produced even worse results than in 

New England itself. The contagion of riot shewed itself 
first among certain disorderly spirits in Long Island, who 
marched against the fort at New York with the osten- 
sible object of securing it for the King. The Deputy- 
Governor and Council took what measures they could, 
but the rioters were speedily joined by the train-bands 
of the city ; and the whole mob of armed men, under 
the command of a Walloon named Jacob Leisler, seized 
the fort on the 31st of May, and took the Government 
into their own hands on behalf of King William and 
Queen Mary. The Council thereupon gave up the 
game and sent the Lieutenant-Governor home with all 
speed to beg for assistance (104, 121, 122, 159-163, 
171-175, 187, 241). 

Leisler The rioters, for it is ridiculous to dignify such a 

usurps the 

Government, rabble with the name of revolutionists, thereupon issued 
a manifesto of their intention to guard the Protestant 
religion (which was not threatened), appointed a Com- 
mittee of Safety (217, 352) with Leisler at its head, 
and proclaimed King William and Queen Mary. 
Herein they were abetted by the Colony of Connecticut, 
represented by two pious gentlemen who allowed them- 
selves to be deceived by manifest lies against the 
Lieutenant-Governor and Council (190, 205, 211, 217). 
They then reported to England the mischief that they 
had done as though it were a very eminent service (221) 



PREFACE. xvii 

and therewith entered upon a reign of plunder, violence 
and terror, which was destined to last for two whole 
years. Of course, one of the first things to be done 
was to collect false affidavits against the powers that had 
been ; and there was no difficulty in making the supply 
answer to the demand (190, 281, 289, 416). But 
when it came to administration, apart from plunder and 
violence, the ignorance and folly of Leisler and his 
followers soon brought them into difficulties. In truth 
Leisler himself seems to have been a tool, while the 
really moving spirit in the anarchy was one Jacob 
Milborne. Unfortunately one of the officials had been 
foolish enough to give them possession of the public 
money (332), which enabled the Committee of Safety to 
carry on business for a time with comparative ease, 
while the hope of speedy aid from England determined even 
those who suffered most to await their deliverance in patience. 
Leister's Unfortunately though the Lieutenant-Go vernor, Nicholson. 

position 

strengthened, had lost no time in reporting the state of affairs at 
Whitehall, the authorities had given him orders as to 
assumption of the government which, in his absence from 
the Colony, were of little value (307). The King's letter 
was taken from the messenger by Leisler, who construed 
it as confirming his provisional rule, proclaimed the King 
and Queen anew, and assumed to himself the titles of 
Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief (630, 637). 
He had already been cunning enough to send home an 
emissary, Joost Stoll, to give his version of affairs to 
Whitehall (567, 568); and he now supplemented this 
by further lying letters addressed to Bishop Burnet, whom 
for some reason he selected as Ihe recipient of hi* wild 
and illiterate dispatches (690). Thus, to the consternation 
of the party of order, this gang of ruffians was more firmly 
installed than ever in authority over the province. " Never 
was such a pack of ignorant, scandalous, malicious, false, 
impudent, impertinent rascals herded together out of hell," 
is the comment of one indignant citizen (720). 



PREFACE. 



Difficulties 
with the 



Mischief 
wrought by 
Leisler. 



The invasion of the Indians and French made the 
situation terribly serious. Albany, the chief stronghold 
on the frontier, had refused to accept the rule of 
Leisler, Eobert Livingstone and other good men who 
were there being anxious only to keep external enemies at 
bay. The destruction already wrought on the borders 
of New England had induced Connecticut to send troops for 
the garrison of Albany; but Leisler, furious that his 
authority should have been rejected by the centre of 
the Indian trade, at the beginning of 1691 sent 
emissaries to Connecticut urging them to withdraw their 
men. The Government of Connecticut refusing to ally 
themselves with him, Leisler sent them an insolent 
message declaring them to be abettors of rebels, and 
actually despatched armed men under Milborne to 
Albany to reduce it to his obedience by force (2760, 
2763, 776, 780). In this dilemma Livingstone wrote 
urgently to Massachusetts, saying that he was ready for 
the sake of peace to make over Albany to Leisler's 
troops, but entreating that some check should be placed 
on his violence or that all would be lost. He further 
suggested, evidently as much to unite the jarring factions 
as to injure the French, an attack upon Quebec (2764, 
2766). 

Meanwhile the mischief wrought by Leisler's inter- 
ference soon bore fruit. By the carelessness of his 
partisans the gates of Senectady were left open, and the 
place was taken and destroyed by the French and 
Indians with frightful slaughter (783, 796, 807, 836). 
Leisler on his side complained bitterly of the slackness 
of New England in furnishing troops, and of other 
obstructions (805), but it is evident that his ignorance, 
folly and brutality constituted far the most formidable 
difficulty with which the Colonists had to cope. His 
commissioners quarrelled with every one, British soldiers, 
Colonial troops and Indians alike (836, 875). In May 
however the provinces of New England and New York 



PREFACE . 



Revolution 
ended by 
Governor 

Sloughter 




contrived to agree as to the contingents that should be 
furnished for the joint expedition against Quebec (865) 
and the old alliance with the Five Nations against France was 
renewed (869). There was, however, great difficulty both in 
New York and Boston in obtaining men and provisions, 
which were only gathered at last by the most arbitrary 
methods (886) ; while Leisler's obstinacy in insisting that 
Milborne should command the forces by land threatened 
ruin to the whole project (878). Fortunately the New 
England provinces stood out for the appointment of 
Colonel Winthrop, who accordingly assumed the command 
(929). In July he moved up to Albany and thence 
made his way slowly inland to Lake George, where the 
whole expedition came to an end owing to want of 
transport. Winthrop returning to Albany was met 
there by Leisler, who with his usual violence imprisoned 
him ; whereupon the Indians promptly released Winthrop, 
and gave Leisler so broad a hint that they had scalping 
knives ready for his own head that he abstained from 
further outrage and returned to New York (1282, 1127). 
So ended the land-expedition to Quebec, even more 
disastrously than Phips's attack by sea. 

Meanwhile, after a full year's delay, the authorities at 
Whitehall were at last about to put New York out of her 
misery. Colonel Henry Sloughter had been appointed 
Governor, and a small body of troops had been collected 
to sail with him, so at length in December 1690 he put 
to sea, with orders to go to Bermuda on the way. There 
he arrived on the llth of January, but was detained by 
damage to his ships for several weeks before he could 
proceed on his voyage, though urgent letters reached him 
from New York to hasten his arrival (1484 i.-m.). The 
troops under Major Ingoldsby reached New York by the 
end of January, but Leisler denied them admission to the 
fort, and actually opened fire upon them in the town. 
At length after a long passage Governor Sloughter arrived 
on the 19th of March, 1691. and Uusler after ivfusinir 



xx PREFACE. 

three summonses to surrender, consented at last to send 
out his chief advisers De la Noy and Milborue to 
negotiate. They were at once seized, and Leisler having 
no brains of his own, and seeing that Sloughter was about 
to attack, surrendered the fort on the following day 
(1347, 1348, 1373, 1387, 1463-1465). The ringleaders 
were tried, and Leisler and Milborne were executed ; but 
the memory of the sufferings which they had endured at 
the hands of these two ruffians so strongly embittered the 
feelings of those who had resisted them, that it was long 
before the resentment between the two factions died out. 
(2460). Nothing indeed is more surprising than the craven 
readiness with which the people of New York bent them- 
selves to the yoke of so paltry a tyranny. 
Expedition Sloughter's first business was to endeavour to unite the 

against the 

French. Colonies for resistance to the French, and to conciliate the 
Five Nations. The former was a hopeless task, his 
appeals being invariably answered in a selfish spirit, as 
shewn by the answer of Rhode Island (1457). The 
Indians, though greatly indignant that the Southern as 
well as the Northern Colonies did not throw in their lot 
against the common enemy, renewed their protestations of 
friendship and promised to furnish warriors for the field 
(1531, 1532, 1552-1555, 1562). This having been done 
in May and June, Sloughter anticipated a French invasion 
by sending an expedition under Major Pieter Schuyler 
against the French posts at Chambly, which accomplished 
its work, as Schuyler's journal shows, with great success 
(1684). Sloughter then sent a second circular to the 
neighbouring Colonies to invite their assistance (1638), to 
which with the exception of Virginia (which sent 100) 
one and all returned an answer of excuse (1593, 1647, 
1673, 1681, 1708). It was the old story. The provinces 
were too much engrossed with their own affairs and 
jealousies to work together for the common weal. 



I 



PREFACE. X xi 

sioughter. Before these answers could be received Governor Sloughter 

CoTon^ th died suddenl y on t he 23rd of July ; and the Council of 
New York, despairing of obtaining help from its neighbours, 
wrote home to urge annexation of Delaware, Pennsylvania. 
Connecticut and the Jerseys, so as to enable the unhappy 
province to bear more easily the burden of defence of the 
frontier (1671, 1691, 1987, 1988). Before the winter of 
1691 was well come, there came news of a great disaster 
to a party of Maqua Indians, which had been cut to 
pieces by the French a serious loss in itself, and the 
more serious for the discouragement which it gave to 
the Indians generally (1968). Again it was necessary to 
call them together and confirm them in their wavering 
allegiance, which was the more difficult since their 
reproaches against the apathy of the Southern Colonies 
were unanswerable (2242, 2243, 2257) ; and the appeals 
to England for the King to order all the provinces to 
contribute to the" general defence became more urgent 
(2247, 2256, 2285). Finally in August 168;2, a new 
Governor, Benjamin Fletcher, arrived in New York, to find 
the whole province in poverty, confusion and despair 
(2459, 2460). 

Arrival of His work for the Colony falls without the scope of 

Fletcher. the present volume, but it is noteworthy that he was 
entrusted with powers to command the militia of New 
Jersey, and to assume the Government also of Pennsyl- 
vania (2296). This latter function brought upon him 
a natural" protest from William Penn, whose indignation 
was extreme (2667, 2668). But the matter is one 
which finds its inception only in the present volume. 

MAUVI.AND. Turning next to the Southern Colonies, we find that 

Disturbances ,. ~ , ,. 

Maryland, the property of a Roman Catholic jx-er. A\US 
naturally that which was most strongly agitated by the 
Protestant Revolution. Late in the previous year there 
had been signs of trouble, but these had disapjK'arcd. 
and an Act had actually been passed for an annual <la\ 



PREFACE. 

of thanksgiving for ever for the birth of the Prince 
of Wales, or as we now call him, the Old Pretender 
(9). As early as March, however, rumours of the 
Revolution were rife, and in March certain unscrupulous 
men tried, not wholly without success, to set the whole 
province in uproar by a false report that the Papists 
had betrayed the whole country to the Indians (56). 
The disturbances were quickly put down without serious 
difficulty (64), but in July the Protestants issued a 
manifesto to justify their appearance in arms (290), the 
leading lioman Catholics fled to Virginia, and a 
revolutionary Government was established under the leader- 
ship of John Coode, an old enemy to the proprietor. 
Addresses from Protestants to the King soon began to 
pour in, and the murder of the King's Collector by one 
of the party obnoxious to Coode made an excuse for a 
great demonstration against Lord Baltimore's adherents 
(405, 406, 566, 644, 707, 785, 787). Nothing very 
serious came of it however, and the Royal answer to the 
addresses, dated 1 February, 1690 (752) was of a soothing 
and conciliatory nature, ordering due respect to be paid to 
the rights of the proprietor. 

This was not at all to the taste of the Revolutionary 
Committee, which, by the arbitrary violence usual in such 
bodies, had already made enemies of a part of the 
population (975, 1204) and seems to have interested itself 
chiefly in the collection of Lord Baltimore's revenues. 
Accordingly Coode and another were sent to England to 
bring the usual charges against Lord Baltimore and his 
adherents (986, 1206). These the Committee of Trade and 
Plantations decided to refer to a new Governor, Lionel 
Copley, who was sent out to the province as the first 
representative of the Sovereign in Maryland. The Com- 
mittee also, with a precision which must have seemed cruel 
to Coode and his fellow-revolutionists, demanded of them 
an account of the revenue which they had received (1278). 



PREFACE. 



xxm 



VIRGINIA 

Peace 

maintained 



Pounding of 
a College. 



The course of the wrangle between Lord Baltimore 
and the Assembly of Maryland may be traced in the 
index ; nor is there more worth noticing in the present 
volume than the fact that Governor Copley became early 
embroiled in a quarrel with the Secretary, who like him 
had been appointed by the Crown, and still more with 
Edward Randolph who, now as ever, was indefatigable 
in enforcing the Acts of Trade and Navigation, hitherto 
much neglected in Maryland (2295, 2370, 2706). The 
course of these disputes however is but begun in the 
present volume, not coming to a head until 1693. Here 
then we leave Maryland, for the first time under a Royal 
Governor. 

In Virginia as in Maryland there was an effort to 
create disturbance by rumours of a Papist plot against 
the Protestants, but the wise measures of the Council 
checked the attempt, and the arrival of the orders to 
proclaim King William and Queen Mary speedily restored 
order and quiet (92, 93). Lord Howard of Effingham 
was on his way home at the time, where that turbulent 
spirit Philip Ludwell was lying in wait with an armful 
of accusations against him, which required to be duly 
rebutted (447, 490). There was at first some idea of 
sending Lord Howard back to his former post, but it 
was ultimately decided to transfer Francis Nicholson 
from New York to Virginia, where he arrived on the 
16th of May 1690. 

Under his wise and tactful direction Virginia seems 
to have lived in great peace, and to have devoted itself 
chiefly to the establishment of a College on York River, 
which in consideration of the Royal bounty was named 
King William's and Queen Mary's College. Full par- 
ticulars as to this institution may be gathered from the 
index, under the head of Virginia. Beyond this, a 
dispute witli the incorrigible Philip Ludwell, who had 
been appointed Lord Culpeper's agent for the property 
of Northern Neck, and also (ioveruor of North Carolina. 



xx j v PKEFACE. 

seems to have been one of Nicholson's principal distrac- 
tions (1023) ; though the invasion of the French and 
Indians was in all provinces the haunting danger. A 
curious journal of the journey of a messenger from 
Virginia to Boston on this business of invasion will be 
found at No. 1164 vn., which throws a curious light on 
the methods of the Boston Government. With the 
appointment of Sir Edmund Andros to the Government 
of Virginia, and his arrival at Jamestown the interest 
in the province comes, in the present volume, to an 
end. 

CAROLINA In Carolina the few documents before us deal 

almost exclusively with the insurrection of the people 
against the rule of Governor Seth Sothell in 1688, 
whom the Proprietors, after appointing Philip Ludwell 
to enquire into the matter, summoned home to answer 
the charges against him (611, 1488, 1496). Ludwell 
was then appointed Governor and Commander in Chief 
of Carolina (1885, 1888), and after his appointment 
there is little interest in the documents in the 
present volume. The province seems to have been 
little moved by the Revolution, for King William and 
Queen Mary were at once proclaimed on the order of 
the Proprietors ; though it is noteworthy that the chief 
of these Proprietors was Lord Craven, Colonel of the 
Coldstream Guards, who had offered to King James to 
defend Whitehall even while the Dutch battalions were 
moving down upon St. James's Park. 

THE From the Continent I turn to the Islands, of which 

BAHAMAS. 

the Bahamas may be dismissed with the simple notice 
that a new Governor, Cadwallader Jones, was appointed 
by the Proprietors, with instructions to rule by a Council 
and Assembly (554, 555). 

BERMUDA. j n Bermuda the earlier documents are concerned 

chiefly with the defencelessness of the Islands and the 
wrangles of the Governor, Sir Robert Robinson, with 
the Chief Justice, Henry Hordesnell, who had served 



PEEFACE. xxv 

under King William in the Low Countries (68), and 
with his Council (30, 32, 114, 471). The new 
Sovereigns, however, were proclaimed apparently amid 
little excitement; and stores and munitions were obtained 
from a passing ship (472), which sufficed for defence 
until the arrival of stores from the Tower (999). The 
quarrels with the Council, however, continued unceasingly, 
as was the rule in Bermuda (794, 945), until in January 
1691 a new Governor, Isaac Richier, arrived in the 
same ship with Governor Sloughter, to relieve Robinson 
(1484). Richier's report on the Islands was much the 
same as that of all his predecessors (1484, 1485), and 
it is hardly necessary to add that in a few months he 
was quarrelling with his Council and Assembly as heartily 
as any of them (1843). Then followed the usual list of 
accusations of oppression against Richier, with such 
specific charges of disloyalty, that the Committee of 
Trade and Plantations at the close of 1692, judged it 
necessary to look to the security of Bermuda (2636, 
2700, 2701). At this point the meagre history of 
Bermuda from 1689 to 1692 comes to a close. 
BARBADOS. Turning now to windward we find Barbados agitated 

Efforts of 

the Catholics. ver y early in 1689 by the arrival of a French fleet at 
Martinique, and by the discovery that two prominent 
persons, Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Mr. Willoughby 
Chamberlayne, were in treasonable correspondence with 
the French Governor and with certain priests in that 
Island. The two were at once arrested and, though there are 
a vast number of documents concerned with them, they may 
be dismissed as two foolish men, who were unlucky enough 
to embrace Papistry, for their own ends, precisely at the 
moment when, had they been Papists, they should have 
turned Protestant. However they served one useful 
purpose, by enabling Licutcnant-Governor Stede to shew 
immense zeal for King William and Queen Mary, and 
thus to cancel the effect of his previous effusive protesta- 
tions of loyalty to King James (3, 14, 15, 26, 33, 34, 
35, 155, 157). 



xxvi PREFACE. 

Proclamation fjjg p r j nce o f Orange's letter was received on the 

of King 

William and 7^ O f ]\f arc h. an( j a t once answered in a becoming spirit 

Queen Mary. 

(43, 47). King William and Queen Mary were duly 
proclaimed, and loyal addresses were duly forwarded 
(103, 141). The clergy alone refused their acquiescence 
and stood aside as non-jurors, so that for two or three 
Sundays there was neither service nor sermon, until Stede 
"with fitting admonitions and other proper and gentle 
means " prevailed upon them to lay aside their mistaken 
sentiments (155). Stede, who understood the art of self- 
advertisement, was careful to send him an account of the 
festivities at the proclamation how the regiments of horse 
and foot "were generously dined, with brave stalled oxen, 
delicate young hogs and sheep, with plenty of the best 
Madeira wine," not very wholesome fare in latitude 
17 North, in the month of May. But Stede knew his 
duties as a Governor and the ruling passion of the ladies 
in the West Indies, so did not end the day without a ball 
in the evening, " excellently well danced," and a " sumptuous 
banquet," which is a very important part of a ball, "with 
the rarest wines and other pleasant liquors fit for ladies 
and such occasions." "The noble stately and nowise 
ordinary sort of proclaiming their Majesties would have a 
little surprised you, had you been there." .... "A good 
place was reserved for the clergy, but only one came." 
Infatuated men ! 

Le1rd Uo But Stede silewed himself an efficient Governor in 
islands. other ways than festivities, for on receiving an appeal 
from the Leeward Islands for help against the French, 
he sent at once three hundred men under Sir Timothy 
Thornhill, whose fortunes shall presently be traced. 
Indeed the story of Barbados is so much bound up with 
that of the operations to Leeward that it will be better 
to state the two or three points of direct interest in 
the Island and pass at once to the scene of fighting. 

rtbeiTa'nd First there must be noticed the appointment of 

the militia Colonel James Kendall to be Governor in July 1689, 

and his arrival on the 12th May 1690 (229, 968). A 




PREFACE. XX vii 

second curious point was that though the King desired 
to release the exiled victims of Monmouth's rebellion 
forthwith, it was found impossible to do so without 
violation of the local law and bringing great hardship 
on the masters who had bought them. Ultimately 
therefore the matter was compromised in a manner 
which can hardly have been satisfactory to the exiles 
(228, 1193 and see Index, Monmouth rebels). The 
dearth 'of "white servants" made the release of these 
poor men more difficult, since no recruits were obtain- 
able for the militia (1034) ; and it is noteworthy, as 
indicating the early tendency to throw the burden of 
Colonial defence wholly on the Mother Country, that in 
1692 Barbados was driven to ask for a garrison of 
regular troops (2449). Nor was the request unreason- 
able, for the application had not reached England before 
the Island was dismayed at the discovery of an extensive 
conspiracy for a general rising of the negroes. The 
sentence on the ringleaders shews the system of terror 
which was employed to avert such risings (2599 I.), and 
that not in Barbados only but throughout the West 
Indies. 

LEEWARD I turn now to Lee ward Islands, the group of British 

Their perilous possessions which was the first to feel the stress of the war 
with France. The year 1689 opened with attacks of 
Spanish pirates upon Crab Island, which they took, and 
upon Anguilla, from which they were gallantly repulsed 
by a little body of twenty men under Deputy-Governor 
Ho well (4, 83). But it appears that even earlier than this 
reports had reached the Governor, Sir Nathaniel Johnson, of 
the lauding of the Prince of Orange ; on which he wrote to 
a friend that he would be more useful to King James in 
England than in Antigua (88). Before further intelligence 
could reach him, the outbreak of war between France and 
Holland was brought home to him by the capture of the 
Dutch Islands of St. Eustatia and Saba at the end of 
March (57, 58). If war should follow between France 



PREFACE. 



and England the handful of British soldiers in the Leeward 
Islands was weak both in numbers and in quality of men, 
besides which their pay was six years in arrear (65). 
Johnson, however, whatever his political opinions, took 
stock of the defensive powers of the Islands and made his 
plans accordingly (83) ; but, apparently at some time in 
May, he received the news of King William's accession, 
and though a Protestant asked leave in manly terms to 
resign, as being a loyal subject of King James (143). He 
continued to do his best for his Government irrespective 
of sovereigns, though in the confusion of the time men 
were already suspicious of him (193). His situation was 
very perilous, for the French in the Islands were ready to 
attack in superior force, and the peril was increased by a 
general revolt, at the instigation of the French, of all the 
Irish " white servants " in St. Christophers and Montserrat, 
who ravaged and plundered in all directions. The suspicion 
against the Governor increased. A perfectly innocent letter 
to the Governor at Martinique was construed as treachery, 
and though the Council at Antigua retained sufficient sense 
and justice to acquit him entirely of so black a crime, they 
recommended him to retire voluntarily from his office 
(200, 203, 212, 215, 237, 255). 

Resign accordingly he did, making over his duties to 
Christopher Codrington, better known in England as the 
founder of the library of All Souls College, Oxford, than 
for certain exploits which shall presently be narrated. 
Before leaving, however, Johnson drew up his defence, 
one of the most manly, straightforward, and dignified 
documents which I have encountered in these records (256). 
Amid all the craven changes of that mean and pitiful time 
this man remained honest and patriotic, faithful to him 
whom he judged to be his lawful King, yet never 
unfaithful to his country. He retired to Carolina, and 
it is with regret that we part with him. 

st. Kitts On the 25th of July therefore Codrington took corn- 

captured by J 

the French, mand of the Leeward Islands, for the defence of which 



Codrington 
succeeds 
Johnson as 
Governor. 



PREFACE. 



Inhumanity 
of Nevis. 



Codrington's 
raids on 
French 
Islands 



Johnson had sent messages to Barbados for help. But 
on the 18th a French fleet had already appeared before 
St. Kitts and opened fire on Fort Charles. It is true 
that with 970 shots they succeeded in killing only a 
turkey, a dog and three horses (280), but with eight 
hundred Irish against three hundred English in Mont- 
serrat, Codrington's task was already sufficiently difficult. 
In simple but indignant terms he pointed to the fact 
that the two English Companies had received no pay 
for si.x years, and that for three years there had not been 
so much as a frigate in the station ; but having accepted 
the command he did not shrink from the responsibility 
(312). Barbados, as has been said, readily promised 
assistance, but, before it could arrive, Fort Charles had 
fallen after a gallant defence simply from want of 
ammunition, and St. Christophers passed wholly into the 
hands of the French (345, 348, 367). The arrival of 
Sir Timothy Thornhill's regiment from Barbados in 
August, however, secured Antigua, and the French 
having taken Anguilla abandoned further operations 
owing to the hurricane-season (444). 

Nevertheless Codrington had trouble enough with the 
internal administration of the Islands, which were as jealous 
of each other as the American provinces and perhaps even 
more brutal. The people of Nevis seized the opportunity 
to plunder the unfortunate refugees from St. Christophers, 
and the Council and Assembly opposed every action of the 
Governor, actually giving themselves (as was the way in 
the Islands) the airs and graces of an independent state 
(p. 177). It is curious to find Codrington recommending 
that the Islands should send representatives to the British 
Parliament to bring home to them their dependence on 
the Crown. Certainly the inhabitants of the Leeward 
Islands do not show to advantage during this war, any 
more than during the war of 1778-1782 (548). 

Meanwhile Codrington's appointment had been confirmed 
in England (414), and through the close of 1689 and the 



PREFACE. 

spring of 1690 great preparations went forward for sending 
a fleet and troops to Codrington's assistance, under the 
command of Captain Wright of the Royal Navy (625, 626, 
651, 660-662). Codrington in December 1689 sent an 
armed merchantman and the Barbados troops to make 
raids on Mariegalante and St. Bartholomews with fail- 
success ; but a similar raid upon St. Martins nearly proved 
disastrous, the troops being for a time in great danger of 
being cut off from their retreat by a French squadron 
(771, 779, 789). In February 1690 Codrington received 
the alarming news that the French were again in force at 
Martinique both by land and sea, while there was still no 
sign of the British fleet? and, more discouraging still, an 
application to Barbados for further help met with no very 
encouraging reply (789). The next trouble was a violent 
earthquake in April, which did much damage ; and when 
the long expected fleet at length arrived at Barbados in 
May, the arms were found to be bad and the ammunition 
worse, while the newly-raised British regiment, the Duke 
of Bolton's, which from the colour of its clothing was 
known often as the Blue Regiment, had but half its com- 
plement of men (927). 

Recapture of However on the 6th of June Codrington sailed from 
Antigua to Nevis, where the whole force naval and 
military made rendezvous on the 10th, and on the 19th 
sailed for Frigate Bay. There a portion of the troops 
were landed, who making their way over the mountains by 
a very difficult path came upon the French entrenchments 
in rear and quickly mastered them. The landing in 
Basseterre Road being thus secured, the remainder of the 
troops were disembarked, and an advance was made to 
westward where Codrington promptly occupied Brimstone 
Hill a great name in the wars of the West Indies 
which commanded Charles Fort, and by the 16th of July 
forced the French to surrender. He then shipped off the 
French inhabitants to Hispaniola, being determined, as he 
said, that St. Kitts should be an English Island in future. 



PKEFACE. xxx i 

The operations were evidently most skilfully planned and 
executed, and are not unworthy of study by military men 
(977, 988, 1004, 1034:.). Sir Timothy Thornhill was then 
detached to recapture St. Eustatius, which fell after four 
days' siege, and the troops then returned to St. Christophers 
during the hurricane season (1036). 
Codrington's The losses by sickness, however, had been very great, 

troubles with ' 

the troops. an( j ) as the British fleet was under orders to return home, 
Codrington was in despair at the thought of losing 
supremacy at sea, upon which, as he well knew, all 
success in his operations must depend (1101). Then 
came the usual difficulties with an undisciplined army, 
in which the officers of the Colonial troops quarrelled 
violently with Codrington over the division of the spoil, 
and every Colonel complained that his own regiment was 
neglected and illused. The quarrels that grew out of 
all this, and the false, charges that were brought against 
Codrington in consequence thereof may be traced in the 
index under Codrington's name. Codrington's own 
account of the affair is worth reading as the story of 
an honest man struggling with overwhelming difficulties. 
Once again he recommended that the Islands should be 
represented in the' English Parliament, and further that 
their militia should be subjected by Act of the 
Parliament to the same discipline, in time of war, at 
British soldiers in the King's pay (1212). 

Naval The West Indian squadron being under orders to 

Admiral return to England at the end of 1690, there was 
misconduct something like panic in the Leeward Islands, since the 
naval force of the French remained still uninjured (1284, 
1376). Happily before Admiral Wright had left 
Barbados he received directions to remain in the West 
Indies ; and Codrington at once organised a fresh expedition 
against the French Islands, hoping by the capture of 
Martinique to obtain possession of Guadeloupe and 
Mariegalante without a struggle (1382). Governor 
Kendall at Barbados worked zealously for the common 



xxxii PREFACE. 

cause but found Wright singularly backward to seek an 
opportunity against the French fleet at Martinique (1384). 
Finally the British squadron sailed to Antigua, and 
Codrington having by great exertions collected every 
possible man for the attack on the French Islands, a 
detachment sailed on the 21st of March for Mariegalante, 
whither the Governor with the main body followed them 
on the 1st of April. After some skirmishing the 
Island was " totally destroyed and dispeopled " ; and 
then a Council of War, overruling Codrington, decided 
to proceed next to Guadeloupe. There accordingly the 
troops landed on the 21st, and, after several little 
engagements skilfully fought, found themselves before 
the principal fortifications of Basseterre. So strong 
did these defences appear to be, that in view of the 
risk that the French might send relief from Martinique, 
it was resolved on the l$t of May to apply to Barbados 
for reinforcements (1557). Meanwhile Codrington prepared 
his batteries, which opened fire on the 5th ; and all was 
going well, though heavy rain caused much sickness 
among the troops, when news came of the arrival of a 
French fleet of twelve sail. Wright at once recalled the 
seamen on board his ships, and prepared to sail in pursuit 
of the French. On this a Council of War resolved, in 
spite of Codrington's protests, to abandon the attack on 
Guadeloupe by land, lest the troops should be cut off. 
Codrington in vain applied to Wright for a ship to cover 
the invasion ; the Admiral would not listen ; and the con- 
tention soon grew so hot as to lead to much ill feeling 
between them. This was increased during the next few days 
by Wright's evident avoidance of an. action, wherein he might, 
in the opinion of all present, have destroyed the French 
ships and secured the safety of the British Islands. 
Codrington did not know whether to ascribe his 
behaviour to cowardice or to disaffection, but it seems 
certain that Wright let slip a great opportunity. 
Finally Wright returned to Barbados on the 30th of 



PREFACE. 



Resettlement 
of St. Kitts. 



A new fleet 
promised. 



May, keeping his squadron there inactive for over a 
fortnight, until compelled by Governor Kendall to send 
out cruisers. Thus the whole of Codrington's painful 
preparations were wasted ; and in wrath and bitterness 
of heart he wrote home to beg that in future the 
command by land and by sea might be placed in the 
same hand (1617, 1621). 

No sooner was this work done than Codrington 
found a heavy task in the elaboration of a scheme for 
the resettlement of St. Christophers, a matter on which 
there was much difference of opinion; some urging 
that the Island should be left desolate till the end of 
the war, while Codrington urged that resettlement should 
be taken in hand at once. His reports (1756 I., n.) are 
well worth reading, since they show remarkable insight 
into the true nature alike of the strategic and the 
economical situation in the West Indies. " All turns upon 
the mastery of the sea. If we have it, our Islands 
are safe, however thinly peopled ; if the French have it 
we cannot after the recent mortality [for sickness had 
raged for two years in the Leeward Islands] raise men 
enough in all the Islands to hold one of them." It 
was ignorance of this truth which led to all our 
reverses in the West Indies in 1781-1782. 

The year 1692 was one of less activity, for all operations 
were in abeyance pending the arrival of a new fleet with 
fresh troops under Sir Francis Wheeler. The treacherous 
betrayal of an English frigate to the French, and the 
dexterous escape of a weak English squadron from an 
overwhelming force of the French, are the only incidents 
worth remarking (1993, 2110). Codrington was fully 
employed with repelling the attacks of his own discontented 
officers (1613-1616, 2401) and with the general work of 
administration, till Wheeler's squadron should arrive for 
the final expulsion, as was hoped, of the French from the 
West Indies (2360). Here then we must take leave of 
him for the present ; but it is to be hoped that, looking 



xxxiv PEEFACE. 

to the abundant material contained in the present volume 
alone, some competent writer may undertake an account 
of the work, both administrative and military, of Christopher 
Codrington. His figure is by far the most remarkable and 
commanding in our Colonial History during the Seventeenth 
Century. 

JAMAICA. Lastly 1 turn (according to West Indian phraseology) 

Revolution to the lee ward division of the Caribbean Archipelago, where 
accomplished. France had her headquarters in Hispaniola and England 
in Jamaica. Jamaica was still seething in the unrest 
caused by the foolish -rule of the Duke of Albemarle ; and 
it is remarkable that one of the first actions of the new 
King in the Colonies was to reiterate King James's orders 
for the cancelling of the whole of the Duke of Albemarle's 
proceedings (29). The Government for the time being 
was in the hands of the senior member of Council, 
Sir Francis Watson, who favoured the faction which had 
wrought so much mischief under Albemarle, and was not 
inclined to part with power. After a year, however, he 
was gently displaced by the action of his Council (758, 
873), and to all intent the Revolution was little felt in 
Jamaica. 
f or , d . . Abundance of complaints and representations had mean- 

Inchiqum 

appointed while poured into Whitehall (54, 55, 69), on consideration 

Governor. 

of which it was wisely decided to appoint Hender Moles- 
worth, a local magnate who had already administered the 
Government, to be Governor (120, 198). Molesworth, 
however, died before his instructions were complete, and 
the oyal choice then fell upon William O'Brien, Earl of 
Inchiquin (413) who arrived in the Island at the end of 
May 1690 (980). He found great animosity among the 
contending factions, liable to be blown up at any moment 
into an " unquencionable flame " ; and he was soon 
embarked in as hot a controversy as any of his predecessors 
with his Council and Assembly (1698). His reign however 
was short, for he died on the 10th of January 1692, and 
the criticisms that followed on his decease were not favourable 



PKEFACE. xxxv 

(2034, 2035). "No Governor had ever so much money 
in so short a time, nor strove so earnestly to get it " 
(2183). But the planters of Jamaica were never easy to 
please. 

Six months later there came a frightful calamity, which 
shook the eternal spirit of faction for a time out of 
their minds. On the 7th of June there was a great 
earthquake which in ten minutes threw down every solid 
building on the Island. "Two thirds of Port Royal 
were swallowed up by the sea, all the forts and 
fortifications demolished, and great part of its inhabitants 
miserably knocked on the head or drowned." H.M.S. 
Swan was wrecked, and nearly all the cannon of the forts 
submerged, while a party of French marauders seized 
the moment to land and plunder. It is to the credit 
of the planters that in the midst of the general 
desolation they closed at once with the human enemy 
and defeated him, while busied at the same time with 
the foundation of a new capital and with the far more 
difficult work of reorganising a demoralised population 
(2522). In England the Committee of Trade and 
Plantations early took counsel with William Beeston, a 
leading merchant of Jamaica, as to the measures most 
expedient for the safety and restoration of the Island 
(2398) ; and we shall see in the next volume how the 
whole burden of the task was laid on this same 
Beeston, and how nobly he bore it. 

At this point therefore the present volume ends, with 
order at last restored in the American provinces, and 
every West Indian Island waiting in anxious expectation 
of the Great English Armament that was to drive the 
French from the Antilles. The whole story is one of 
war and tumult; and, with the exception of the pro- 
ceedings of the mob in Boston, the chief interest of 
the volume lies in the naval and military operations. 
To the military student the very full accounts of the 
invasion of St. Christophers and Guadeloupe contain much 



PEEFACE. 

that is of value, while the details of naval and military 
preparation contain very striking evidence of the general 
disorganisation of the administrative machinery in England. 
On the whole it is matter for regret that, with such 
material to his hand, Lord Macaulay should have written 
his history of the English Revolution of 1688 with 
so little reference to its effect on the British beyond 
sea. 

J. W. FOKTESCUE. 



COLONIAL PAPEKS. 



1689. 



1089. 
Jan. 6. 1. Edward Randolph to Sir James Hayes. I have not forgotten 

Boston. in y duties towards the Hudson's Bay Company though for nearly 
three years I have had nothing worth the telling. Sir Edmund 
Andros since New York was annexed to this province has sent 
several expresses to the Governor of Canada, the last of them by 
Major Macgregor, late an officer of the French service, who among 
other things can prove plainly that during the Cessation of 
Hostilities, one M. de Loviner, Lieutenant and Aide-Major of the 
French forces in Canada, went up the Great River towards Hudson's 
Bay and settled a garrison of fifty men at one of the places 
belonging to the English (Port Nelson as he believes) and returned 
privately to Quebec in October. Our Governor and Major 
Macgregor had known nothing of it, but that a French officer, one 
of the latter's acquaintance, told it to him for great news. Thus 
the French during the truce encroach on us, as in other places, 
under a notion of converting the Indians, to make themselves sole 
masters of the beaver trade. The truce is of advantage to the 
French but not to the English, for they enlarge their bounds and 
their protections by raising new and repairing old forts ; and 
wherever a Frenchman hunts or sets up a wigwam it gives them a 
title to the land thereabout as far as he chooses to claim ; whereas 
if we were not bound by the truce we should soon bring them to 
order ; and had not Colonel Dongan been wheedled by a French 
priest from Canada, all their forts and towns had been destroyed by 
our Indians before the treaty arrived. The case was thus. One of 
the French forts among our Indians was much distressed for want 
of provisions, and it was not the season for supplying them. Some 
of our Indians had advice of it and begged leave to go a hunting, 
but the priest, before he went to Canada, pretending his fear of the 
Indians obliged Colonel Dongan to forbid the Indians to go abroad 
until the return of Dirick Wessels, who accompanied the priest to 
Canada. The priest and Wessels arrived there and Wessels wished 
to return to Albany, but was pressed to wait for the Governor of 
Canada's coming to town. The Governor meanwhile stayed abroad 
to fit out about three hundred canoes with provisions, which ht 
despatched to the relief of the fort. When all danger of attack from 
Indians was past they sent Wessels home. Colonel Dongan kept 

A. 3340. Wt. 3233/570. 4004/1900. XI. A 



i. COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1639. 

about two hundred Indians at the King's charge in Albany, who 
were much dissatisfied at losing such an opportunity of revenge 
upon the French, who in time of peace had surprised eight and 
twenty of their choicest warriors and sent them in irons to France. 
The Indians complained of this to Sir Edmund Andros at Albany, 
where several of the Five Nations were present to congratulate. 
Among their complaints, that of the capture of their brothers was 
well described. Every nation has its particular speaker, who at 
the conclusion of his discourse lays at the Governor's feet a belt of 
wampum. The speaker of the Senecas told him that the memory of 
their captured brothers was as bright and lasting as the sun, and 
that the wrong would never be forgotten nor pardoned. They 
prayed the Governor to get them restored if he expected them to 
observe the truce ; and so they presented their belt of wampum 
with twenty-seven small sticks of wood fastened to it. So you see 
that only the French profit by the truce, and that if the King would 
give us leave we should soon have them within bounds. Whilst I 
write I receive the sad news with which every vessel is laden from 
England. I heartily pray that all may be in peace and quiet at 
home, and that we may have our fair stroke at the French here, hav- 
ing a thousand Indians and more ready to loose upon them, besides 
ships and men to drive them from America. Some Indians have 
lately fallen upon our eastern parts, and done much damage, 
burning houses, killing, and taking prisoners. A priest was in 
council with them. They drive on their interest hard, but our 
Governor marched thither about two months ago and takes care to 
keep them from their hunting and fishing, and the French are 
ready to starve, since the last article forbids them to trade with 
them. Signed, Ed. Randolph. I do not accuse Colonel Dongan, 
for he is a great officer, so do not show that part of my letter. 
Holograph. 4 pp. {Board of Trade. Hudson's Bay, I. pp. 255-258.] 

Jan. 7. 2. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for a letter to be 
written to Lord Howard of Effingham on behalf of a ship seized by 
Captain Eowe, she having no prohibited goods on board. Copy of 
the letter. Proclamation for all arms to be repaired and put in 
order, and for furnishing lists of the militia. Letter from Lord 
Baltimore dispensing Quakers from taking oaths. Proclamation 
appointing a day of thanksgiving for the birth of the Prince of 
Wales. Address of congratulation to the King. Proclamation of 
6 October 1688, summoning the Assembly for the 12th November. 
Proclamation of Lord Baltimore for encouraging the introduction of 
wares of the manufactures of the colony into any port of the colony 
for sale or export. Dated, 23 July 1688. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., 
pp. 196-203.] 

Jan. 7. 3. Count de Blenac to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. Thank you 

N.S. f or y 0ur letters. If you continue to write I will let you know the 

mique< news from France. You may take it as true that the Prince of 

Orange has been met by so furious a storm that he has lost several 

ships and nearly all his cavalry, and has returned to the Hague 

having accomplished nothing. The States have sent to assure the 

King my master that there was nothing intended. Maastricht is 

besieged by Marshal d' Humieres and by this time is taken ; 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 3 

1689. 

Philipsburg has been taken by the Dauphin, and all the new 
converts in France are disarmed. There are the best of relations 
between the two Crowns. As to your own governor, I long ago 
found out that he did not know what he was doing or saying. The 
King has approved my action towards him. Signed, Le Comte de 
Blenac. Copy, If pp. Endorsed, with a long minute by Governor 
Stcde. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4, No. i.] 

Jan. 8. 4. Deputy Governor Thomas Hill to Lords of Trade and 
st. Chris- Plantations. I have received letters as to the taking of Crab Island 
^ ei ' by the Spaniards, and have forwarded them together with some 
depositions. They have also taken two French ships near 
Guadeloupe. Several of their piratical vessels have lately been 
seen near these Islands, so I have appointed guards, patrols, and 
grand rounds in case of an attack. They assaulted Anguilla by 
night, but were beaten off by Captain Abraham Howell. The two 
companies of the King's infantry are in extreme want of arms, 
clothes, and pay ; their pay by next July will be six years in 
arrear, and provisions are very dear ; beef, mutton, pork, and veal, 
sixpence a pound ; butter, cheese, and bacon, ninepence to a 
shilling a pound. The fort is not furnished, and is in want of 
necessaries, as I have frequently reported to Sir William Stapleton 
and Sir Nathaniel Johnson. I have furnished the poor soldiers as 
far as I can with money or credit, and am now incapable of 
affording them further relief. I doubt not that you will intercede 
for them. Please send us a gunsmith or two with the first recruit. 
America and West Indies. 550. No. 1. [Col. Entry Bk;, Vol. 
XLVII., pp. 895-396.] 

Jan. 10. 5. Proclamation of Governor Sir Edmund Andros. Charging 

Boston. a ii officers civil and military to be vigilant and careful in their 

places, pursuant to King James's orders on the prospect of a Dutch 

invasion. Printed Sheet. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 10 May, 1689. 

[America and West Indies. Massachusetts, 561. No. 1.] 

Jan. 11. 6. The Prince of Orange to the President of Jamaica. 

St. James's. Announcing that he had taken on himself the administration of 
England ; that he appoints Render Molesworth Lieutenant- 
Governor ; and orders all the officers to be restored as they were 
before the arrival of the Duke of Albemarle. All acts of the assembly 
since the Duke's death are cancelled ; no assemblies are to be held 
and no fines or forfeitures to be levied till the Lieutenant-Governor's 
arrival. Countersigned, W. Jephson. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XXXII., pp. 146-151.] 

[Jan. 11.] 7. Petition of Planters and Traders of Jamaica in London to 
His Highness the Prince of Orange. We have lately set forth our 
sufferings under the arbitrary rule of the Duke of Albemarle to the 
King and the illegal election of Parliament, whereupon His Majesty 
indeed issued certain orders to cancel the proceedings of the 
Assembly and to restore things to their former state ; but as the King 
has since withdrawn we fear that these orders may not be obeyed. 
We therefore beg that they may be confirmed by you. 1 p. 
indorsed. Orders issued 11 Jan. 88/9. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, G. No. 1.] 



IT COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

Jan. 12. 8. Circular. The Prince of Orange to the Governors of 
Colonies. Ordering all officers in the Colonies to be continued for 
the present. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 34, 35.] 
To Barbados. [Vol. VIII., pp. 27, 28.] 
To Leeward Islands. [Vol. XLVII.,pp. 388, 389.] 
To Bermuda. [Vol. XVIII., pp. 201-203.] 
To New England. [Vol. LXII., pp. 41, 42.] 
To Virginia. [Vol. LXXXIIL, pp. 233-235.] 

Jan. 19. 9. Minutes of Council of Maryland. The Council of Maryland 
to Lord Baltimore. The journals will show you the heats and 
debates in the Assembly over the oath of fidelity to you, which we 
insisted on the more strongly at this Assembly because it had been 
previously evaded. The Council complied readily, but the Lower 
House refused. Twice they refused to attend the Upper House, but 
at the third summons they came, when the President made them a 
speech and pointed out that to refuse fidelity was to refuse 
allegiance. They still held out for two days and then at last gave 
in, after a speech from the President, and took the oath, except a 
Quaker who was excused. Matters then went on amicably, but they 
would not settle the business about bulk tobacco and seemed 
inclined to diminish your dues of two shillings a hogshead by one 
third ; but the payment of rents and fines in money will be of great 
profit to you ; and indeed if money be made current as 
proposed it will be of great advantage to you. Still the payment in 
kind is convenient, for remitting is a difficulty ; and we await your 
decision on the point. Meanwhile the Lower House will not hear 
of paying rents in money. We forward the Acts, among them one 
for an anniversary day of thanksgiving for ever for the birth of the 
Prince of Wales. Some private addresses to the King are also 
sent, as we thought they should pass through your hands. The 
country is peaceable and quiet. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 
203-208.] 

Jan. 22. 10. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Lieutenant-Governor 
proposed that, owing to the expense, the guards of the fortifications 
should be furnished by the militia, and it was arranged that the 
regiments should take the duty in rotation. Order for writs for the 
election of an Assembly. Order for payment for a great gun, to be 
mounted in Charles Fort. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 109, 
110.] 

Jan. 22. 11. Memorial of Abraham Kick to the Prince of Orange. 
Feb. 1. Congratulations on late successes ; followed by a brief eulogy of the 
Hague. people of New England. The Colony had a patent from King 
James I. which was confirmed by Kings Charles I. and II., but 
upset by a Quo Warrants under King James II. The Colony stood 
a trial at Westminster Hall and cast the King, but the King caused 
it to be brought to a review and by stratagem forced a judgment 
against the patent, took away their privileges and imposed a 
Governor and new laws upon them. I am confident that when 
they hear of your happy success they will appeal to you for restora- 
tion of their liberties. Having for many years corresponded with 
that people, and knowing how much they will suffer unless their 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 5 

1689. 

present Governor be removed I venture to urge thus early the 
restoration of their privileges. Signed, Abraham Kick. One large 
closely written page. Endorsed in Edward Randolph's hand. 
Transcribed from a printed copy brought from Holland. [Board of 
Trade. New England, 5. No. 1.] 

Feb. 2. 12. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for adjournment of 
the Provincial Court to the first Tuesday in April. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LIV., p. 209.] 

Feb. 6. 13. Deputy-Governor Thomas Hill to Lords of Trade and 
St. Chris- Plantations. A duplicate of the letter of 8th January. Signed, Tho. 
topher. ffill ^ pp ^ Endorsed. Eecd. 8 May 89. [America and West 
Indies, 550, Ao. IA, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 397.] 

Feb. 7. 14. J. Mackleburne to Sir Thomas Montgornerie. I have received 
London. several packets from you, some of which I have delivered and some 
not, the great revolutions here not admitting of opportunity. I 
told you of the landing of the Prince of Orange, and the flight of 
the King and Queen to France. The Convention has declared the 
throne to be vacant, and we expect the Prince and Princess to be 
declared King and Queen. Ireland is in a deplorable condition, 
Lord Tyrconnell has an army of forty thousand Papists, and the 
Protestants have collected in the north, awaiting the arrival of help 
from hence. I am very sorry to hear that you have declared 
yourself a Papist and that persons are therefore making interest 
with the Prince for your employment, which I doubt will be granted. 
I have tried to destroy the belief that you are so, but the report is 
so general and positive that I have reason to fear the worst. God 
grant your enemies there may not knock you on the head. I am 
sure your reputation and advantages are much damnified by it, and 
it is thought that your stay in these parts cannot be long. I have 
not heard from your friends in Ireland these two months though I 
have written them many letters. Your last held an enclosure 
from Paul Keiran, which I delivered ; but his thoughts are for 
something in Admiral Herbert's fleet, with whom he has interest. 
Pray let me know how matters stand with you, and what measures 
you think to take if removed. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with a severe 
comment by Lieutenant-Governor Stede. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 
4. No. 2.] 

[Feb. ] 15. Father de la Forest to Sir Thomas Montgornerie. I cannot 
express my thanks for your letters. If I were with you you would 
know how great is my gratitude to you and to all the Catholics of 
Barbados ; and I wish I could go in the ship which carries this, but 
Mr. Lynch thinks it safer for me to wait for the ship by which he 
returned. I fear that I shall be long delayed. We have no news 
from France for three weeks. You have heard of the landing of 
the Prince of Orange and his occupation of Exeter, but there is 
nothing to be alarmed at, for the King's prudence and generosity 
have won the adherence of his subjects so that few have gone over to 
the Prince, and the Dutch not only have won no victory but are 
reduced to great straits. We hope that God will be with his own. 
It is certain that the Dutch will repent their treachery, for the King 



6 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

of France after storming Philipsburg with slight loss and subduing 
the whole of the Palatinate has a hundred and fifty thousand men to 
break the strength and insolence of the Dutch. Everything is over on 
the side of Spain and Italy, for they will have nothing to do with us, 
and the Emperor does not contemplate peace with the Turks. The 
Father Superior begs you to excuse him for employing another to 
make his service to you, as he suffers from a cold which has gone 
from his head to his chest. Meanwhile Father Petre has written 
frequent injunctions to give Father Michael all possible help in 
every way and to forward your business to a successful issue. I 
would gladly write to my good friend Mr. Chamberlayne, but Mr. 
Lynch advises me to do so through you. Tell him that all our 
house is attached to him and myself above all. Signed, Carolus 
de la Forest. Copy, S^ pp. Latin. Inscribed with a long minute 
by Governor Stede. " Without date but came with Andrew Lynch's 
and other Martinique letters " (see May 30, Enclosures II., III.) 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 8.] 

Feb. 14. 16. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King 
having been proclaimed on the 13th nominated his Privy Council. 
Names of the Council. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 191-194.] 

Feb. 16. 17. Order of the King in Council. That the Lord President, 
Marquis of Halifax (Lord Privy Seal), Earl of Devonshire (Lord 
Steward), Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Bath, Earl of Nottingham, 
Viscount Fauconberg, Viscount Mordaunt, Lord Bishop of London, 
Sir Henry Capel, Mr. Powle and Mr. Russell, o*r any three of them 
be a Committee for Trade and Plantations, and meet to prepare the 
drafts of proclamations to proclaim their Majesties in the Plantations. 
[Col Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 195, 196.] 

[Feb. 18.] 18. Petition of Sir William Phips, Kt., and Increase Mather of 
the College of Cambridge, New England, to the King. The charters 
and corporations of the four Colonies of New England were taken 
away in 1684 by illegal and arbitrary proceedings and Sir Edmund 
Andros was appointed Governor. Sir Edmund's commission is now 
determined by the devolution of the Crown upon your Majesty. 
We beg the restoration of our ancient privileges and that Simon 
Bradstreet, Thomas Hinkley, Robert Trant, and Walter Clark may 
be re-admitted to their respective Governments. In the margin. 
Order of the King in Council. Whitehall, Feb. 18 1689. Re- 
ferring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. 
Signed, Shrewsbury. 1 p. [America and West Indies. Massa- 
chusetts, 561. No. 2, and Col Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 
77-78.] 

Feb. 18. 19- Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft proc- 
lamation approved. Agreed to send orders to Jamaica to restore 
the officers put out by the Duke of Albemarle. Mr. Penn and 
Lord Baltimore to attend and receive their proclamations. Draft 
letter to the Governors of Colonies read and approved. Memo. 
19 Feb. The drafts were approved in Council, except those for 
New England, consideration of which was deferred. [Col Entry 
Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 197-199.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 



1689. 

Feb. 19. 20. Circular. The Council of Government to the Governors 
of Colonies. Ordering them to proclaim King William and Queen 
Mary, to continue all officers and to administer the oath of 
allegiance. Signed, Halifax, Winchester, Devonshire, Shrewsbury, 
Bath, Macclesfield, Mordaunt, Delamere, Eobt. Howard, Henr. 
Capel, Hen. Powel, E. Hampden, Hen. Boscawen. [Col. Entry 
Bks., Vol. C., p. 36. Vol. XLVIL, pp. 389, 390. Vol. XVIII., 
pp. 204, 205. Vol. XXII., p. 148. Vol. XXXII., p. 153. Vol. 
LXXXIII.,pp. 236, 237. Vol. VIII., p. 29. Vol. LII.,pp. Ill, 112.] 

Feb. 19. 21. Order of the King in Council. Approving the draft 
Whitehall, proclamations for the King and Queen to be proclaimed in the 
Colonies, except that to New England, which is deferred until 
the business of taking away the Charters can be reported on to 
the King. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. 0., p. 36. Vol. VIII., p. 30. 
Vol. XVIII., pp. 206, 207. Vol. LXXXIII.,pp. 238, 239.] 

Feb. 19. 22. Proclamation of the King and Queen continuing all 
officers of the Colonies in their offices. Forms of oaths of allegi- 
ance. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 37, 38.] Vol. XVIII., pp. 
208-210. Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 239-241. Vol. VIII., pp. 31, 32. 
Vol. XLVIL, pp. 390-393. 

Feb. 19. 23. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The following members 
were returned for the Assembly : 

.-,,.,, j Eichard Elliot. 

Christchurch ij ohn Dempstei , 

i vr- i i' j Eichard Barret, 
bt. Michaels i john g utton . 

,, T , , iJohn Leslie, 

bt. Johns 1 John Bromley. 

. -f ,, j John Waterman. 
St. Josephs } JohnHolder> 

( John Mills. 
St. Andrew | W illiani Dottin. 

(William Allonby. 
St. Thomas j william Eastclmrch . 

, l John Cousens. 
St. Georges j Eobert Ho oper. 

en. -nu-i- . ( Edward Bishop. 
St. Philips jp eterEvans . P 

, T , i John Eeid. 
St. James s { Abel Alleyne . 

, T , i Michael Terrell. 

St. Lucys j Eob e r t Harrison. 

., T, , , I John Berringer. 

St. Peters ] John Bailey . 

The Council decided that there was no occasion to keep more 
militia on duty than already employed. The Assembly presented 
John Eeid as their speaker, who was approved. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XII., pp. Ill, 112.] 



COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

Feb. 19. 24. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Names of the members. 
John Keid chosen Speaker, Eichard Cartwright, Clerk, and William 
Geddes, Marshal. The Assembly sworn. The old rules of the 
Assembly confirmed. Adjourned to 16 April. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XIV., pp. 177, 178.] 

Feb. 20. 25. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Penn, and 
Lord Baltimore attended and promised to order the proclamation of 
their Majesties in Pensylvania and Maryland. Petition of Sir 
William Phips and Increase Mather read. (See No. 18.) 
Petitioners on being called in complained of a flaw in the Scire 
facias. Sir Eobert Sawyer and Mr. Penryn ordered to attend 
next meeting with records of the Scire facias. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. LIX., pp. 199-201.] 

[As to New England. Vol. LXII., p. 78.] 

[As to Maryland. Vol. LII., p. 111.] 

Feb. 20. 26. James Mackleburne to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. I do 
not yet know how things may go with you, but I have not been 
wanting to do you service, and think you may in a short time 
see your adversary Colonel Stede displaced and find yourself in 
power with a new Governor from here. Expect his name by next 
ship, for I am credibly informed that the King has granted his 
warrant to a person of quality, who if he does not soon go himself, 
will send a deputy. The Prince and Princess were not proclaimed 
King and Queen till Wednesday. We shall soon know the names 
of the Judges, for the Convention are turning themselves into a 
Parliament, so that shortly they will fall to the trials of my 
Lord Chancellor and others. Mr. P. Keiran and I drank your 
health this evening. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with a long comment 
by Governor Stede. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 4.] 

Feb. 21. 27. Warrant for continuing the seal of King James for the 
Whitehall, present in Jamaica. Countersigned, Shrewsbury. [Col Entn/ 
Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 163.] 

The same to the Leeward Islands. Vol. XLVH.,pp. 393, 394. 

The same to Bermuda. Vol. XVIII., p. 212. 

The same to Virginia. Vol. LXXXIII., p. 243. 

The same to Barbados. Vol. VIII., p. 32. 

Feb. 22. 28. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir William 
Phips and Mr. Mather again attended, when Sir Eobert Sawyer 
gave an account of the prosecution of the charter of Massachusetts. 
Agreed to recommend the despatch of the governor to New England 
in lieu of Sir Edmund Andros with a provisional commission, to 
take charge of the administration till further order ; in which a 
clause shall provide that no money shall be raised by the 
Governor and Council only. Agreed also to prepare a new 
establishment that may be lasting, and preserve the rights of the 
people of New England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 
201-203.] 

Feb. 22. 29. The King to the President and Council of Jamaica. 
Eoger Elletson, Sir Eichard Derham, and Thomas Wait are to 
be removed from their places ; John White and John Bourden 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 9 

1689. 

are to be restored to the Council, Samuel Bernard to the office 
of Chief Justice, Symon Musgrave to the post of Attorney-General, 
Smith Kelly to the post of Provost Marshal, and all other persons 
to the places enjoyed by them before the arrival of the Duke of 
Albemarle. No Assembly is to be called or to sit till the arrival 
of a Lieutenant-Governor ; the methods of Sir Thomas Lynch are 
to be followed ; and all officers under the conditions above-named 
are to continue in their offices. Countersigned, Shrewsbury. 
[Col Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 156-161.] 

Feb. 22. 30. Henry Hordesnell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Bermuda. This Island is not in a position of defence except in name. What 
should help is sold, to put money in the Governor's pocket, 
particularly the two guns taken from the privateer-ship. Powder 
is refused to the Captains for the use of their companies, 
only dangerous persons are protected and supported, and the 
execution of the laws is opposed under hand and seal. Our 
action here looks as if the Island were intended to be a prey to 
another nation. A little care with true loyalty would avert the 
danger, but where money is the god loyalty cannot dwell. I am 
pressed by many of the Council and chief inhabitants to represent 
their condition. I reserve details until my return for which I have 
received permission. It is reported that Colonel Cony comes out again 
as Governor, at which the whole country is amazed, so obnoxious 
is he. I am sorry that this poor Island should be so unhappy and 
give so much trouble, when it could so easily be prevented. 
1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 16 May, '89. \_Arn erica and West Indies. 
477. A T o. 2, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII. pp. 220, 222.] 

Feb. 22. 31. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Deputy- Governor Stede. 

Bermuda. The negro which I sent by my kinsman, though he had been free, 
became a slave to the King in virtue of an Act of Bermuda, 
which obliges all free negroes to depart within a given time or 
to become the King's slaves. The Act was passed chiefly because 
of that negro and his gang, and it would be very prejudicial to 
the Islands if he were not sold. I beg you to return him. The 
Chief Justice, who wrote about him, rather out of malice to me 
and the Government than good will towards the negro, is going 
home shortly. Since I wrote the above I have received your letter. 
I marvel at the long continuance of the embargo, but hope that 
the disturbances at home may turn to the glory of King and kingdom 
and the good of all true Christian believers. I am still fortifying 
the Island against the King's enemies. I have no news, for we 
have nothing here to invite foreigners ; so pray continue your 
correspondence. Signed, Robert Robinson. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Reed. 17 May. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 1.] 

Feb. 23. 32. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Lord Preston. I 
Bermuda, received the King's proclamation of 16th October on the 81st 
of January, and caused it to be published. I have been busy 
fortifying the Island ever since where nature has been wanting, 
which is not in many places. I find the inhabitants not unwilling, 
our militia being in fair readiness, though weak in numbers. 
Chief Justice Hordesnell leaves for England by the first ship, 



10 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

but before he goes I hope to have new instructions and to hear 
that all is quiet at home. I wish I were in England, but await 
the King's permission. I hope I shall never give occasion of 
mistrust but shew myself loyal to my great and good master King 
James II. Signed, Robert Robinson. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 17 
May. [America and West Indies, 477. No. 3, and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. AT///., pp. 218, 219.] 

Feb. 23. 33. Garret Trant to Sir Thomas Montgornerie. I suppose 
that you know how matters stand. The Dauphin has marched 
to Picardy with fifty thousand men. The Duke of Berwick is gone 
to Ireland with fifteen thousand men, a million of money, 
arms and ammunition. Our forces here are mutinous and not 
at all willing to go to Ireland. Lord Arran who opposed the 
crowning of the Prince to be King was set on last night in his 
chair and like to be murdered, but was saved by his chairmen and 
footmen, though wounded in the head and arm. Copy. \ p. 
Endorsed with a long comment by Lieutenant-Governor Stede. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 5.] 

Feb. 24. 34. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Council met in 
consequence of information of the arrival of thirty ships at 
Martinique. Order for hire of two sloops to cruise for intelligence, 
and a committee named to see to the matter. Order for publication 
of alarm-signals throughout the Island, and for ministers to read 
the Act relating thereto in the churches. Orders for the militia 
to exercise once a week and for the Militia Act to be read at the 
head of every troop and company, and for a guard to be furnished 
for Speight's and Oistin's forts. Order for the commitment of John 
Jorden for irreverent language about the Bible. Order for a 
proclamation directing all seamen to repair to their ships. 
Proclamation declaring all papists incapable of any office, military 
or civil, and order for the commitment of Sir Thomas Montgomerie 
and Willoughby Chamberlayne to custody for Popish practices. 
Order for an embargo on all ships. Proclamations enjoining upon 
tavern-keepers to prevent disorder and prohibiting them from the 
sale of liquor after ten at night ; ordering seamen to their ships ; 
directing good watch to be kept in the tower of St. Michaels ; and 
ordering the custom-house officers to see that no one boards a ship 
before she comes to anchor. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 112- 
120.] 

Feb. 25. 35. Orders of the Lieutenant-Governor of Barbados in Council. 
On information of thirty French sail arrived at Martinique and 
that France had declared war against England, two sloops are 
ordered to be hired, to cruise for information. The alarm-signals 
appointed by the Militia Act are to be observed. Guards are to be 
kept at Oistin's and Speight's Bay. Sir Thomas Montgomerie and 
Mr. Willoughby Chamberlayne to be committed to custody for 
having entertained a French Jesuit sent from the Governor of 
Martinique and having Mass said in their houses, they having been 
lately reconciled to the Church of Rome. Roman Catholics 
declared incapable of public employment. 5 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 
7 June 1689. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 6J] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES.. 11 

1689. 

Feb. 26. 36. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord 
Lumley was this day added to the Committee. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. CIX., p. 204.] 

Feb. 26. 37. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade 
and Plantations. We have considered the petition of Increase 
Mather and have heard the proceedings relating to the charters of 
New England. We recommend, in view of danger from the French, 
the immediate despatch of a Governor in Sir Edmund Andres's 
place with a provisional commission and instructions to proclaim 
your Majesty, but that no money shall be raised by authority of the 
Governor and Council only. We recommend also orders for 
preparing as speedily as possible a new establishment for preserving 
the rights and properties of the people of New England. Dated 22 
February 1689. Ordered that the draft of a new charter be 
prepared, that two commissioners be appointed to take over the 
administration, and that the merchants and planters now in 
England attend the Lords to recommend one of the said Com- 
missioners, tiiqned, John Nicholas. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., 
pp. 78-80.] 

Feb. 27. 38. Lord Baltimore to William Joseph and the rest of the 
Deputy-Governors of Maryland. Forwarding duplicate of the order 
of Lords of Trade and Plantations for proclamation of King 
William and Queen Mary, in case the original order may have 
miscarried. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LI/., pp. 124, 125.] 

Feb. 27. 39. Extracts from his instructions left by Lord Howard of 
Effingham with the Council of Virginia. Certified copy. 8'ujncd, 
Effingham. 19pp. [America and }\ est Indies. 636. No. 1.] 

Feb. 27. 40. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Orders for proclaiming a 
day of thanksgiving for the birth of the Prince of Wales, and for 
putting the country into a state of defence. Order for use of the old 
seal of the Colony till parchment and wax can be obtained fit for 
for the new one. Order for proclamation of the Government 
during the Governor's absence on leave. The Governor communi- 
cated the Royal Instructions to the Council. The Council requested 
the Governor to present the revised laws to the King. Colonel 
Nathaniel Bacon begged the Governor to obtain for him discharge 
from his various offices on account of his age. Certain members 
called attention to a mistake in the assignment of their seniority in 
Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 308-314.] 

Feb. 28. 41. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Letters to Lord Howard 
of Effingham as to the sailing of the ships to Europe, 1 February, 
1689, and 14 February, 1689. Order for Henry Darnall to depute 
a naval officer for the county of Somerset. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LIV., pp. 207-219.] 

Mar. 1. 42. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governors of Carolina. 
Forwarding the letter of the Lords as to proclamation of King 
William and Queen Mary, and the forms of oaths. Siyiifd, Craven, 
Carteret, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry HI;., Vol. XXII., p. 149.] 



12 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

Mar. 7. 43. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Lieutenant-Governor 
announced the receipt of a letter from the Prince of Orange. Order 
for a letter of thanks to His Highness. Order for the existing 
guards to be still maintained, and for the hire of another sloop for 
the Island's service. Thomas Browne made depositions as to 
the popish practices of Sir Thomas Montgomerie. Order for dis- 
charge of Mr. Hugh Montgomerie from custody on his finding two 
sureties for his appearance at the next Grand Sessions. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 120-123.] 

Mar. 8. 44. Captain Berry, R.N., to Lord Howard of Effingham. 
H.M.S. As Sir Robert Holmes's agent, I beg for delivery of the plate 

Deptford. taken from Edward Davies and others, pirates, and for trial and 
condemnation of the said pirates. I have power to ask you to release 
them if found fit objects of mercy, being provided with funds 
to ship them to England for the King's pardon. Signed, Tho. 
Berry. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 2.] 

Mar. 9. 45. Lord Howard of Effingham to Captain Berry. In reply to 
your letter of yesterday, I have received Lord Sunderland's orders 
for the trial of the pirates and the delivery of the plate into your 
hands ; but the pirates have since petitioned me for the benefit of 
the amnesty under pretence that they came here to surrender, 
and have petitioned the King also. Therefore, though I believe them 
to be great villains, I do not think it right to try them till the 
King's pleasure be known. I have left orders with the Council 
to proceed in the matter according to the King's orders. Copy. I p. 
[America and West Indies. 636. No. 3.] 

Mar. 11. 46. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for reducing the 
securities to be found by Mr. Hugh Montgomerie. [Col. Entry Bk., 
pp. 123, 124.] 

Mar. 11. 47. Council of Barbados to the Prince of Orange. So remote 
Barbados, are we from the opulent body of which we are members that we 
have had little knowledge of affairs in Europe until we received 
your letter of 12 January last. We have duly obeyed your 
instructions, and we hope that your care for us may save us from 
utter ruin. We have little apprehension of enemies except the 
French who are always encroaching and ill neighbours, and we beg 
for a frigate for our protection. The papists in this Island are few 
and of low estate, being chiefly poor Irish servants ; but Mr. 
Willoughby Chamberlayne and Sir Thomas Montgomerie were lately 
perverted from the Protestant profession by a French Jesuit that 
they invited themselves from Martinique, and they were very insolent 
and troublesome in their new faith, trying to persuade others to 
their superstitions and idolatrous opinions. But they had 
little success, and the priest left for England in January. The two 
proselytes, being suspected of giving trouble to the Island, were 
turned out of their offices by us, having made themselves incapable 
by law of holding them ; and they are now in custody pending 
further instructions. This is a Protestant Island, and the parishes 
are supplied with true, able, and orthodox Protestant divines. We 
trust that your princely nsune may be glorious through all ages. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 13 

1089. 

Signed, Edwyn Stede, Jno. Thomas, Robert Bishop, Richard 
Harwood, Ben. Skutt, Geo. Lillington, Geo. Bushell, Nicholas 
Prideaux, Edw. Cranfield, John Farmer, Richard Salter, Thomas 
Lewis, Tobias Frere, Fran. Bond, John Hallett, Henry Quintyne, 
John Gibbes, Jno. Reid. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 18 June. 
[America and West Indies. 456. No. 1, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol 
VIII., pp. 159-164.] 

May 11. 48. Duplicate of the foregoing. 9pp. Endorsed. Reed. 13 
Aug., 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. Xo. 2.] 

Mar. 11. 49. Petition of John Basset, an infant, by his mother Luce 
Basset, to the King. To be admitted to make out his claim to 
some land in Hamilton's tribe, Bermuda, before the Lords of 
Trade and Plantations. At foot. Order of the King referring the 
petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed, 
Nottingham. Whitehall, 11 June 1688-9. The whole. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Reed. 18 Mar. 1688-9. [America and West Indies. 477. 
Xo. 4.] 

Mar. 12. 50. The Attorney-General of Jamaica to Lords of Trade and 
Jamaica. Plantations. I am ashamed at such a time to trouble you with re- 
mote complaints of grievances and oppression. Of late, men of the 
best estates and qualifications well affected to the King and the Church 
of England have been turned out of all authority and command, 
and their places filled by needy and mechanic men, such as 
tapsters, barbers, and the like. The very seats of justice have 
been altered, the old experienced judges of the Supreme Court have 
been turned out, and their places supplied by the most ignorant, 
indebted, necessitous persons, expressly contrary to the Royal 
Instructions. Nay, some of them have been and are at one and the 
same time judges in one or two other Courts whose errors and 
appeals are to be heard in that same Supreme Court. The Under 
Ministers, such as the Provost Marshal and Deputies, have met with 
the same fate, and others of known unfaithfulness, necessity and 
notorious corruption in their offices have been put in, whereby jurors 
suitable to their purpose have been picked out and returned. Our 
elections for the General Assembly have been unduly and unfreely 
carried and managed by the authority and overawe of Chief Justice 
Elletson and others of our great men, whereby the old freeholders 
that paid scot and lot were outdone by sham new ones, not to be 
found or heard of, servants and convicts introduced and polled for 
freeholders against their masters, horse and foot brought in some 
places to carry it with a high hand, false and perjured returns made 
of the Assemblymen, which were justified rather than redressed, and 
the complaining parishioners rejected and unheard. The best and 
most substantial freeholders of Clarendon were committed to prison 
without bail for a pretended riot, and after some time were tried by 
a packed jury, found guilty, and condemned to unheard of fines. 
I may truly say that myself and many other good subjects have 
been forced to retire into the country and sequester ourselves for 
fear of the snares set to bring us under the law. It is as if Empson 
and Dudley had returned, as the enclosed list of fines will show. Of 
late, contrary to the Royal Instructions, a special Court, never heard 



14 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

of but in case of piracy, has been erected by the Chief Justice and 
other new made Councillors with themselves as judges, in the case of a 
rich Assiento ship called the St. Jago de la Victoria, for breach of 
the Navigation Acts. The ship was forced here by distress, as the 
enclosed account shows, and neither the master nor the King were 
fairly dealt with. It would not be difficult to prove that all or most 
of the judges were concerned in buying of the informer's part before 
judgment, for (as I may call it) a mess of pottage. The King's 
former order for cancelling Colonel Molesworth's recognizance of 
,100,000 is not complied with, nor his orders of 31st November 
and 1st December for restoring the suspended and ousted officers. 
Sir Francis Watson though expressly named President in the King's 
letter, persists in acting as Governor, and has called a Council of 
War and put the Island under martial government, under shelter 
of which the Chief Justice and Colonel Needharn, both much 
indebted here and at home, hope to escape from the Island. As to 
the laws passed in the last Assembly, you may see by the 
perpetuated Bill of Revenue what service they have done to the 
King, since they have tacked all fines, forfeitures, and escheats, 
with which the King has never parted, to the perpetuity. Since 
the proclamation of martial law both frigates have been ordered 
away, the Drake to Hispaniola and the Assistance to take her Grace 
home, without regard to a rich fleet of merchantmen awaiting 
convoy. The King's revenue has lately been lavishly granted to 
favourites, and put to other unwarrantable uses, in particular a sum 
of 400 to an informer in the case of a Dutch prize. Signed. 
Symon Musgrave. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 30 May 1689. 
Annexed, 

50. i. The true state of Captain Thomas Daniell, captain of the 
ship St. Jago de la Victoria. The ship was employed by 
the Assiento, and was bound from Curacoa to Port Velo 
with a thousand negroes as well as passengers. She was 
driven into Jamaica by want of provisions. After some 
stay she sailed away but was brought back by a frigate 
and seized for breach of the Acts of Navigation. A special 
Court was erected for trial of the ship, by what law was 
not specified, and the captain was unable to obtain 
counsel. He appeared, however, and entered a plea 
against the jurisdiction of the Court ; when by corrupt 
evidence and in the face of the captain's defence he was 
found guilty and the ship condemned. Here follow copies 
of the captain's letters and petitions and the answers of the 
authorities at Jamaica. The whole, 7^ pp. [America and 
West Indies, 540, Nos. I, 1 i, and Col. Entry 131;., Vol. 
XXXII., pp. 210-214.] 

Mar. 14. 51. Petition of the Merchants of Jamaica to the President and 
the Council of War. We were ordered to have our ships ready to 
sail on the 25th March under convoy of H.M.S. Assistance and 
accordingly have freighted great numbers of ships. Since then war 
has broken out with France. We beg that the Assistance may not be 
sent to sea till the King's pleasure be known, or that if she be 
despatched sooner she may convoy the merchant ships, for it was a 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 15 

1689. 

great surprise to us to find, after your former order, that the Assist- 
ance is required to sail next Saturday. Added below. This was signed 
by fifty of the most eminent merchants, but being shewn to the 
President he at once adjourned the Council of War then meeting 
and did nothing. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. [America and West 
Indies. 540. Xo. 2.] 

Mar. 15. 52. Sir Francis Watson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Since the death of the Duke of Albemarle on 6th October last I have 
sent several packets but have received no reply. In my last I gave 
you an account of our transactions with Mr. Stephen Lynch, Sir 
Robert Holmes's Agent, a very troublesome and unsatisfied man 
though I have endeavoured my uttermost to please him. You will 
receive complaints of him from other hands. Immediately on the 
Duke's death, Captain Spragge of H.M.S. Drake, by Mr. Lynch's 
direction, sent home his mate with eight of the seamen to give an 
account of affairs to the Chief Minister of State, without acquainting 
me or the Council. I know not how they may have represented matters 
here, but am content with your impartial examination. Upon the 
slightest occasion or surmise that any merchant or other vessel 
trading hither has traded or intends to trade with pirates Mr. Lynch 
sends the frigate after them ; and several have been brought in 
against which nothing can be proved. I also recommended the 
increase of the Council to twelve members, naming Colonel 
Archbold. I have prorogued the Assembly to 22 April next. I 
gave you a long report of the trial of the Dutch ship in my last, 
and you will receive a full account of her trial herewith and of the 
proceedings since condemnation in the minutes of Council. I 
enclose depositions of three sloopmen who were plundered by a 
Spanish periago commanded by one John Nicholas, who said that 
he held a commission from the Governor of Havanna. I shall send 
to ask that Governor for satisfaction by first opportunity, as also 
for the prisoners whom they captured while turtling at the South 
Cays. 

Captain Laurence Wright of H.M.S Assistance now intends 
home, with her Grace and the Duke's corpse, and will convoy a 
large fleet of merchantmen. The Duke's yacht will go with them. 
The sloop Cabaretta has been again taken by French pirates and 
the men barbarously used. M. de Cussy does his best to suppress 
piracy, having hanged up several. By the hands of Major 
Penhallow and several more of Colonel Molesworth's friends I have 
received the two letters from the King, one ordering the removal of 
Roger Elletson, Sir Richard Derham, and Thomas Wait from their 
posts, who were specially commissioned by the Duke of Albenuirle, 
and to substitute for them Samuel Bernard, Symon Musgrave, and 
Smith Kelly (of whose just removal the Duke gave you account), as 
to also to replace John Bourden and John White in the Council ; 
the other directing that the Government should be restored to the 
same state as in Sir Thomas Lynch's time, and cancelling all acts 
of the Assembly since the Duke of Albemarle's death. I therefore 
called a Couucil, but so many members were ill that I could get no 
quorum. Those that attended advised me to delay for some small 
time, as the letters were not accompanied as usual by a letter of 



16 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

your Lordship's or of the Secretary of State, nor was it mentioned 
to be done by the King in Council, all of which gave some serious 
thoughts of the methods of their being obtained, though I am ready 
and willing to obey. On the arrival of these letters the parties 
concerned and several of their friends grew very contemptuous and 
affrontive to the Government, even to my own face, so that in view 
of the danger from French and Spaniards and to secure the peace 
and quiet of the Island, I proclaimed martial law. 

I sent the Drake to the Spanish Governor of St. Domingo to 
claim the prisoners brought from Anguilla and St. Domingo, both 
of which places the Spaniards have plundered, killing many of the 
inhabitants, carrying away the rest in captivity, and destroying and 
burning everything. Captain Bear, an Englishmen who is protected 
by the Spaniards, is a chief in all these villanies, being joined with 
the Biscayans. The Biscayans lately took a New England ship into 
Havanna, robbed it of '3,000 and kept the crew prisoners forty 
days. I hope you will remember these piracies and protect us. 
Captain Spragge has been loitering up and down the Island for the 
last fortnight and seems to decline to obey my orders. If he goes 
home as I expect, I hope that you will take notice of him. Mr. 
Lynch tells me that he is for home, so leaves us to the mercy of 
the French to answer for the money and arms that he took from 
them. Signed, F. Watson. 5 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 6 July, 
1689. Bead 28 August 1689. Annexed, 

52. i. Mons. de Cussy to Sir Francis Watson. Grande Terre, 
Isle of Ash. jp-y*"-; 1689. I have received your answers to 
the two letters of mine to the Duke of Albemarle. In the 
first you tell me of your publication that all the French 
that come to these coasts should present themselves at 
once at Port Boyal to embark with M. le Page, whom I 
had sent there to call them in ; but such satisfaction 
is not complete, nor reciprocal to that which I have done 
and am always ready to do English subjects. As to your 
announcement that all difficulties had been overcome by 
the King's commission to Sir Robert Holmes, who had 
constituted Mr. Lynch his deputy, I quite understand 
that you could not move before orders should come from 
England ; but the French detained in Jamaica are either 
innocent or guilty. If guilty, they should have been 
treated as such ; if innocent, they should have been 
dismissed with their arms and goods. Plainly, therefore, 
the detention of the French had no reference to their 
persons but was due to greed of the profit of their money 
and arms. Detention of these is the treatment of criminals, 
and yet those that they belong to are acquitted and 
released. It is still more surprising that these French 
are disarmed just as we expect a war with Holland, against 
which country we are engaged by the strict union between the 
two crowns. But I have no doubt you have reported this 
to your Court as I have to mine. I must now inform you 
of the recent doings of pirates, English as well as French, 
on this coast. I had advice that a barco longo had arrived 
at the Isle of Ash called d'Orado, heretofore commanded 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 17 

1689. 

by one Coxon, and now by one Lisle, whose company 
numbered eighty English, three French, and five Flemings. 
I at once sent orders to seize her, which was punctually 
done on the 16th of November. A few days later 
thirty-eight men, twenty-four of them English, were 
brought to me at Petit Guavos, several now being left 
ashore miserably wounded. On the way a French vessel 
was met and taken, which had designs to make reprisals 
for her recent detention at Jamaica. She was taken, her 
captain and three others hanged, and three more con- 
demned to the galleys, which will have a good efiect. 
Lisle escaped with perpetual banishment to the galleys, by 
the lenity of the Council ; his companions were likewise 
sentenced to long terms in the galleys. I then sailed for 
the Isle of Ash to enquire into the matter of the Cabaretta. 
On my arrival I heard of a pirate at English Island who 
had captured the Cabaretta among other ships, and sent a 
ship in quest of him, but unluckily without success. If these 
wretches can make up their numbers they will do much 
damage yet, notwithstanding my severity to any that I 
can catch. I can only attribute this to their treatment at 
Jamaica, for which they say they will be revenged. I hope 
you will receive orders to restore the arms and money 
detained from the French, to pacify them a little. I shall 
show no mercy to those that I catch. Signed, De Cussy. 
Translation. 6 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 5 July 1689. 

52. ii. Deposition of Thomas Woodroffe, Jamaica, 8 February 
1689. As to the plunder of his sloop by Juan Nicolas, a 
pirate, at South Cays. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. 

52. in. Deposition of Daniel Cornelius. Same place and date. 
As to similar plunder of his sloop by Juan Nicolas at 
South Cays. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. 

52. iv. Deposition of Thomas Carnaby. Same date and place. 
As to similar plunder of his sloop. 1 p. Endorsed as the 
preceding. 

52. v. Depositions of Robert Tapley and John Parker. As to the 
capture of the sloop Cabaretta by a French pirate. Sworn 
14th and 25th January 1689. 1 J pp. 

52. vi. Copy of Order in Council of 1 June 1688, for confirma- 
tion of the suspension of Colonel John Bourden from the 
Council of Jamaica. p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica. 6. 
Xos. 2, 2, i-vi, and (trithout enclosures) Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XXXII. , pp. 215-222.] 

Mar. 15. 53. Warrant for the apportionment of four hundred acres of 
land in South Carolina to Thomas Smith. Signed, Craven, Carteret, 
P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 150.] 

[Mar. 16.] 54. Petition of the Merchants and Planters of Jamaica, now in 
England, to the King. The late Duke of Albemarle on his arrival 
at Jamaica called an Assembly, which was duly elected, but not 
agreeing to something proposed, which members thought not to the 
good of the Island, and protesting against the arrest of a member 
3233 B 



18 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

for saying Sahts populi supremo, lex, they were dissolved, and one 
member was prosecuted and fined 600. After this another Assembly 
was called of persons irregularly chosen. The right of election 
was subverted, many electors imprisoned for not complying with 
arbitrary orders as to their votes, and great fines were imposed ; 
by which the best of the inhabitants were scared from appearing at 
elections. This assembly made several laws, such as raising the 
value of pieces-of-eight, leaving the money voted for soliciting the 
island's affairs to the Duke's disposal. "We beg that all acts 
passed by this Assembly be disallowed. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 
16 Mar. 1688-9. [Board of Trade. Jamaica. 6. No. 3.] 

Mar. 19. 55. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for repair of the 
arms brought in to Mattapany and elsewhere ; smiths to be pressed 
for the work if necessary. Proclamation proroguing the Assembly to 
the last Tuesday in October. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 
209-211.] 

Mar. 24. 56. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Letter from Colonel 
Jowles to Colonel Digges, reporting that the whole country was in 
uproar over the betrayal of the land to the Indians ; that he had 
given orders to draw out a regiment of militia ; that Digges 
will be joined by the whole country if he stands by the Protestant 
interest ; but that protection against the common enemy is the first 
thing. Answer of Colonel Digges, that he will leave St. Maries to 
join Jowles directly. Copies of depositions as to the betrayal of the 
country by the Papists to the Indians. Letter from Colonel Jowles 
to the Council, reporting the prevalence of the rumour. Answer of 
the Council to Colonel Jowles. All arms that are ready will be 
at once returned to the magazines, together with ammunition; 
but we desire your aid in persuading people to lay aside all heats. 
You will visit the heads of the rivers, and if you find the Indians 
peaceful, you will do your best to preserve the peace, but if 
otherwise, you will suppress them and we will stand by you. Order 
for three of the Council to take upon themselves the duties of 
Colonel Henry Darnall. 

Mar. 25. Letter from Major Niuian Beale to Colonel Darnall, as to the 
supposed movements of the Indians. Answer of the Council to 
Major Beale, detailing the instructions given to Colonel Jowles, 
and adding that if Beale exerts all his authority to preserve the peace 
he shall not be unrewarded. Colonel Darnall is gone to Colonel 
Jowles to vindicate himself of the base charge of treacherous 
confederacy with the Indians. Letter from Robert Doyne enclosing 
copy of the paper which has been circulated as to the league of 
Papists and Indians. Answer of the Council to Doyne, recounting 
the measures that have been taken. 

Mar. 26. Manifesto of Colonel Digges, entreating the people not to trouble 
themselves over the rumoured league of Papists and Indians. 
Letter of Nicholas Gassaway, Richard Hill and Edward Dorsey to 
Colonel Digges, announcing the increase of agitation over the 
rumour. Answer of Colonel Digges, that he is astonished at all the 
alarm, which he has traced to malicious persons who desire the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



19 



1689. 



Mar. 27. 
April 6. 



Mar. 27. 
April 6. 

Mar. 28. 
Whitehall. 



Mar. 28. 

Whitehall. 



plunder of peaceful citizens. Letter from Colonel Darnall to the 
Council. I am doing my best to check this false report, and to 
prevent people from sending to Virginia for help. Colonel Jowles 
is on his way to the Indians to satisfy the people that there is no 
cause for alarm. Answer of the Council to Colonel Darnall. 
Thanking him for his letter and his services ; and reporting that 
the whole disturbance has plainly been roused by bad men for 
purposes of plunder and pillage. Letter from Nicholas Spencer and 
the Council of Virginia, announcing that the false report as to the 
Indians is rife in Virginia, and asking that, to put an end to the 
panic, the Maryland Governor will order the Indians of Stafford 
County to repair to their towns. Answer of the Council of Mary- 
land to the Council of Virginia giving an account of all their 
measures, and asking that no Virginians may be allowed to come 
over to Maryland lest the panic be revived. Copies of depositions 
on which the false rumour as to the Indians was founded. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 211-228.] 

57. Relation of the seige and surrender of St Eustatia, 3rd to 
6th April. 3J p. Signed. N. Vignon, Secretary. [America and 
West Indies. 550. No. 2.] 

58. Articles of capitulation for St. Eustatia. Copy. 2 pp. 
[Ibid. No. 2 A .] 

59. Order of the Privy Council. That the Lords of Trade and 
Plantations report on the petition of the Royal African Company. 
Signed. John Nicholas. J p. Enclosed, 

59. i. Petition of the Royal African Company to the King. The 

late Goveror of Jamaica, the Duke of Albernarle, with an 
Assembly of unqualified persons of ill repute and indigent 
fortunes, have enacted that pieces of eight, though light, 
shall pass for six shillings sterling, whereby petitioners 
will lose great part of the debts due to them in Jamaica. 
These acts have been in force for two years, though 
wanting the Royal Assent and concealed from the King's 
knowledge. Petitioners beg that the proceedings of the 
Assembly since the Duke of Albernarle's arrival be made 
void. 1 p. The whole endorsed. Received 18 March 
1689. [America and West Indies. Vol. 540. Nos. 3, 3. I. 
and (enclosure only). Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
p. 273.] 

60. Order of the Lords of the Council. Referring the petition 
of Micaiah Perry on behalf of Edward Davies and others to Lords 
of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. John Nicholas. J p. 
Annexed, 

60. i. Petition of Micaiah Perry on behalf of Edward Davies and 
others, prisoners in Jamestown Gaol, Virginia. For some 
years the prisoners had been in the South Seas and having 
procured a small quantity of plate and other goods designed 
to spend the remainder of their days honestly and quietly. 
So in May 1688 they arrived at Pennsylvania and after 
some stay procured a pass and took boat for Patuxen 



20 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

river, where they surrendered to Captain Thomas Allen of 
H.M.S. Quaker who gave them a certificate to that effect. 
But they were afterwards taken by Captain Simon Eowe of 
H.M.S. Dumbarton and after being brought before the 
Governor were committed to gaol for piracy. They beg for 
the pardon which they sought when they surrendered. 
Copy. 3 pp. The whole endorsed. Reed. 5 April. Eead 
4 May. [America and West Indies. 686. Nos. 4, 4 i., 
and (order only). Board of Trade. Virginia. 36. p. 49.] 

[Mar. 28.] 61. Value of the goods claimed by (Edward) Davies and his 
companions, i'2316 19s. Od. \ p. See preceding abstracts. [America 
and West Indies. 636. No. 5.] 

Mar. 28. 62. Order of the Lords of the Council. Referring the petition 
Whitehall. o f Philip Ludwell to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. 
Signed, John Nicholas. %p. Annexed, 

62. i. Petition of Philip Ludwell, on behalf of the House of 
Burgesses, to the King and Council. For some time 
passed we have laboured under great oppression through 
exaction of illegal payments. Three succeeding Assemblies 
have represented the matter to the Governor and 
Council, but without effect ; and the last Assembly, in 
April 1688, drew up their grievances in a petition to King 
James, which was presented at Windsor last September. 
We beg you therefore to examine and redress our grievances. 
Here follow copies of the addresses of the House of 
Burgesses to the King and to the Council as to the repeal 
of laws by royal proclamation, the demanding of fees for 
the use of the great seal and for surveys, and the failure to 
account for fines and forfeitures. Copy. The whole 6| pp. 
Endorsed. Received 5 April 89. Eead 4 and 31 May, and 
19 July. [America and West Indies. 636. Nos. 6, 6 i., 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 247-258] . 



April 1. 

Hampton 

Court. 



April 2. 



63. Order of the King in Council. Eeferring the petition of 
Alderman Edward Thompson for a patent to erect an office for 
registering servants sent to the Plantations, to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations for report. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 64.] 

64. Minute of Council of Maryland. Letter from Colonel 
Darnall to the Council 28 March 1689, giving an account of his 
journey through the country and his success in restoring confidence. 
Letter from Edward Pye to the Council, 28 March, describing 
his actions in conciliating the Indians and restoring confidence 
among the people since the panic first began. Letter of the 
Council to Colonel Darnall (?) thanking him for his efforts, and 
telling him to trouble himself no more, unless some new distraction 
should come up. Copies of depositions and certificates as to the 
falsehood of the current rumours as to Indians. Letter from the 
Secretary of Virginia to Colonel Digges. The disturbances are 
dying down, but following your example we maintain patrols of 
horse. Copies of further letters pointing to the origin of the 
disturbances. Judicial business. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV. pp. 
228-239.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 21 

1689. 

April 3. 65. Colonel Thomas Hill to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

St. Chris- i i, ave formerly informed you of the condition of the two companies 

top ers. j n g arr j son here. The officers and soldiers have pressed me to 

petition you. We are making the best preparation we can 

for our defence, suspecting that the difficulty of the times 

may require it. The foundation of the fort being large there is a 

great deal of work for so few as we are to finish it. Even, then we 

shall want guns of all sizes, carriages, ammunition, and a gunner and 

gunsmith or two. Several of the soldiers are too old and decrepit 

for duty and we are in great need of recruits, the French being 

at least two to our one and better armed. Every French ship that 

comes out here is obliged to bring ten buccaneer guns and sell them 

at cost price. The French General sailed on the 24th ult. for St. 

Eustatia, which was surrendered on the 28th. They have set a 

French garrison there. Mons. de St. Laurens, the late Commander- 

in-Chief on this Island, is lately dead. Signed. Tho. Hill. 1 p. 

Endorsed. Reed. 7 June 89. Read 25 June, 1689. Annexed, 

65. i. Petition of the officers and soldiers of the independent 

companies at St. Christophers, to Lords of Trade and 

Plantations. In July next there will be due to us six 

years' pay, for want of which we have lived meanly ; and 

the poor soldiers, not having credit with the merchants 

nor anything else to depend on, have suffered sore penury 

and indigence, so that several of them are ready to perish. 

We beg you to intercede on our behalf and cause some 

relief to be sent to us, without which it will be impossible 

for us to subsist, and to appoint conscientious persons to 

receive our pay that the charge of remitting it may not be 

unreasonable. Signed. Tho. Hill, Danl. Fogerty, Fran. 

Overtoil, Clement Cooke, and bij ten soldiers. 1 p. Dated, 

St. Christophers, April 1, 1689.' Endorsed. Reed. 7 June 89. 

[America and West Indies. 550. Nos. 8, 8 i., and 

(without enclosure), Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 

412-413.] 

April 12. 66. The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Lords of the Admiralty. 
Order for hiring two ketches manned and victualled for six months 
for immediate despatch to the West Indies. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
C. p. 41.] 

April 12. 67. Henry Hordesnell to the Secretary of State for the 

Bermuda. Southern Province. Pray give enclosed to the Prince of Orange 

and let one of your messengers deliver the other enclosure.' I say no 

more as I hope before long to wait upon you. Signed. Hen. 

Hordesnell. J p. [America and West Indies. 477. Xo. 5.] 

April 12. 68. Henry Hordesnell to the Prince of Orange. Permit me 
Bermuda, humbly to congratulate you. I have been for two years in Bermuda 
and am about returning and I beg you to continue this inconsiderable 
employment to me : the country is pleased with me and I with it. 
The people hope you will relieve them with a new governor. I 
shall not complain of him, but the people are under great slavery 
through his avarice, which has not only destroyed trade but lost the 



22 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

customs in England 3000 per annum or little less. I served under 
you at the battle of Seneff and attended you at the seige of Grave ; 
which I hope will excuse my boldness in addressing you. Signed. 
Hen. Hordesnell. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 14 Aug. 89. [America 
and West Indies. 477. No. 6.] 

April 15. 69. Circular to the Governors of the Colonies. Reporting the 
\vhitehall. King's intention to declare war against France, and ordering them 
to take the necessary measures for defence. A squadron will be 
sent to the West Indies. Signed. Shrewsbury. [Col. Entry Bks., 
Vol. C., p. 39. Vol. XXXII., pp. 164, 165. Vol. LXXXIIL, 
pp. 244, 245. Vol. XLVII., pp. 394, 395. Vol. XVIII., pp. 
213, 214.] 

April 15. 70. Circular to the same effect, but with slightly altered 
wording, to the Proprietary Colonies of Carolina, Pennsylvania and 
Maryland. [Ibid., Vol. C., p. 40. Vol. L1I. pp. 115, 116.] 

April 15. 71. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 
Eeporting the hiring of two ketches pursuant to his orders of the 
12th. Signed. J. Lowther, Carbery, Will. Sacheverell, Tho. Lee, 
M. Wharton. [Col. Entry Hook. Vol. C., p. 41.] 

[April.] 72. Table of particulars to be taken care of in case of war with 
France, embargo on ships, impressment of seamen, general reprisals, 
warning to foreign possessions etc. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. 
Plantations General. 2. No. 1.] 

April 16. 73. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Act as to actions of 
ejectment read and passed. The Governor recommending con- 
sideration of the debts of the country, the Assembly ordered an Act 
to be drawn empowering the Committee to inspect the old arrears. 
Order for absent members to be fined. 

April 17. Vote for recovery of arrears carried, and for imposition of a tax 
negatived. Order for the expenses of the daily sitting to be borne 
in proportion by every member, absent ones to pay as well as 
present. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 178-180.] 

April 17. 74. Colonel Hender Molesworth to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 
Considering the circumstances in which the King's late orders have 
placed me, and that I have been confined by sickness ever since, I 
am obliged to address myself to you in writing. Jamaica is close to 
Tortudos, Petit Guavos, and the Isle of Ash, where French privateers 
abound and can reach it in two days. The safety of Port Royal 
depends much on the vigilance of the officers of the place and the 
commanders of the forts. This latter trust was given by the late 
Sir Thomas Lynch to Lieut.-Colonel Peter Beckforcl, who was well 
qualified ; and when the Duke of Albemarle displaced this officer he 
did him the justice to declare that he turned him out for no fault 
but to make a way for another. Colonel Beckford thereupon 
resigned, returned to England and has remained there ever since. 
A little later on the Duke displaced all the officers of Beckford's 
regiment and put indigent persons in their place ; and since his 
death the President and Council have entrusted the command of the 
fortifications of the regiment to a person of no interest or reputation, 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 23 

1689. 

to the general dissatisfaction of the inhabitants and the hazard of 
the Island. The King having declared his pleasure that all former 
officers, civil and military, should be restored, and Beckford being 
about to return to Jamaica, I propose not only that he should carry 
with him effectual orders for his reinstatement in his former 
command but also a commission under the sign manual for the 
same. The condition of affairs at Jamaica seems to require it for 
securing the Island from sudden attack by the French, who say 
that there never was a better time to take it when so many pitiful 
fellows are in command. Siynrd. Hder. Molesworth. 1J pp. 
Endorsed. Read at the Committee. May 4, 1689. [America and 
West Indies. Vol. 540. No. 4, ami Col. Entry BL, Vol., XXXII., 
pp. 166-169.] 

April 18. 75. Order of the King in Council. That Lord Shrewsbury 
Whitehall. a ft er consulting those most greatly interested in New York, New 
England and the Jerseys submit the names of a Governor and 
Lieutenant-Governor. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 81.] 

April 19. 76. Earl of Shrewsbury to Governor Sir Robert Robinson. I 
enclose notice of the King's declaration of war against France. 
You will send on the vessel with all speed to Virginia. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 215.] 

April 19. 77. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lord Howard of Effingham. I 
enclose notice of the declaration of war with France. You will 
despatch the vessel that bears it forthwith to Maryland. Signed. 
Shrewsbury. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII. p. 246.] 

April 19. 78. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lord Baltimore. I enclose the 
King's announcement of war with France. You will hasten the 
messenger with all speed to Carolina. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LII.,p. 116.] 

April 19. 79. Earl of Shrewsbury to Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson. 
Enclosing the letter announcing the declaration of war, and ordering 
the master of the vessel that bears it to be despatched without 
delay to Jamaica. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 398.] 

April 19. 80. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for a former 
embargo on ships to be removed, and that they be permitted to sail 
on the 20th of May ; such few ships as remain being permitted to 
sail when ready. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 814-315.] 

April 20. 81. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of the Admiralty. One of the 
two hired ketches will go direct to Bermuda and thence to 
Virginia, and Maryland where she will be discharged ; the other will 
go direct to Barbados, thence to Nevis, thence to Jamaica and thence 
to Carolina. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 42.] 

April 20. 82. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. I have received yours of 4 May. I shall inform 
you by my next of the French Protestants who desire to settle here. 
I have also received the commission to settle with the French 
Commissioners the difficulties that shall arise here. I beg your 
decision as to the matter submitted by me in my despatch of 



24 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

2 June last and the representations of the Attorney General, which I 
shall need for the settlement of many matters in dispute. There 
are not above six or seven families in that part of the Island now. 
When I know your sentiments and M. Colbert's as to the construc- 
tion of the treaty of Breda I shall know better what judgment to 
make of their titles. The chief points are three. 1. Does the 
treaty amount to denizenation of all the French who purchased 
land in English quarters, and if so to what extent ? 2. Is a 
Frenchman who purchased from A the lands of B entitled to hold 
the land against B, until B (who never sold) repay the money 
which the Frenchman gave to A? 3. Is the Englishman bound to 
repay the purchase value mentioned in his bill of sale to the 
Frenchman or only the real value which he received '? These points 
have already been passed on from authority to authority until they 
reached the two Kings, so that I earnestly desire instructions. So 
far nothing has been done in the matter of Crispe and Mat-hews, but 
the Attorney General will now proceed with all expedition in the 
King's behalf. As to Colonel Powell's proposals referred to me by 
Order in Council of 15 Feb. 1688, I think that payment of the 
forteers is very reasonable, but I conceive that the matter calls for 
no particular orders from you. The enforcement of the Militia Act 
of Jamaica would be undoubtedly valuable. As to Colonel Powell's 
fourth proposal, I think that the repeal of the Act therein mentioned 
would free the Island from the taxes thereby imposed and fall very 
heavily on individuals, whose slaves might be executed for a public 
example. Again if runaway slaves be freed from the penalty, the 
practice of running away would be so much encouraged as to 
countervail any advantages from saving the expense of compensation 
for slaves executed. Indeed as matters now stand there are not five 
runaway slaves in the Island, as I have ordered such strict pursuit of 
them that they have been killed or brought in. The whole question 
as well as that of the Militia Act is now under consideration of the 
Council and Assembly. 

I have forwarded your letter as to the present made by Nevis to 
Sir James Russell, and have since received a letter from them for 
the King's decision. I hope by this time a frigate is on its way to 
us to preserve us from pilfering pickeroons. Two sloops of this 
Island have lately fallen into such hands, one of them, my own 
property, with a cargo worth 300. The hurricane season is now 
over without any extraordinary storms, but we have suffered much 
from drought. All the Islands complain of dearth, but none so 
much as this. Salt provisions are the support of most of the 
planters, and even those are hardly to be bought ; the poor are in 
great extremity, and unless the weather soon changes we shall be in 
a deplorable condition. We had a few showers lately, but till then 
it cost the daily labour of near twenty slaves to supply me and my 
family with water from ponds eight miles distant. I have also los't 
a daughter, who had married only a few months ago, of the bloody 
flux. My secretary has also died' of the same sickness and fifteen of 
my slaves, so that my house has been like a hospital. Sii/iied. 
N. Johnson. 5J p. So far this is a duplicate of a letter written 22 
October 1688, of tchieh the original teas lost. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 25 

1689. 

Postscript. 20th April 1689. I have mislaid iny copy of the 
letter from Nevis, and the ship that carried the original was lost ; 
but, as far as I remember, the points urged as to the gift to Sir J. 
Russell were as follows : That the donation was never drawn up 
into an Act, and that the consent for passing such an Act was 
obtained from the Assembly only, other formalities being delayed 
till the royal assent were obtained. In any case they conceive that 
the King, whether he disallow the Act or not, has no title to the 
sugar presented. They confess their fault in not following the 
royal instructions, but plead the money that they have spent on 
their own defence. ~L%pp. The whoic endorsed. Reed. 27 July 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 550. A'o. 4 ; and Board of Trade. 
Leeward Islands, 43, pp. 75-87.] 

April 20. 83. Sir Nathaniel Johnson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Antigua. i enclose five Acts lately passed in this Island for the royal assent. 
In that for establishing courts there are several things which in my 
opinion might have been more advantageously framed, but the 
Assembly thought differently, so I assented to it as it is. If you 
recommend it for temporary confirmation the inhabitants will have 
meanwhile the benefit of some rules for their judicial proceedings, 
and may amend it, as experience teaches them, when it is renewed. 
I have formerly reported to you the inconvenience of the said 
judicial proceedings and the uncertainty of our customs, and it would 
be greatly to the benefit of the Leeward Islands if some English 
Counsel would draw up an Act to settle the matter. It would be 
accepted as coming with your recommendation, and the task would 
not be difficult, for I have given you full material, and there are many 
in London who could supply such further information as is wanting. 
With such a foundation it would be easy for the inhabitants to add 
superstructure from time to time as required. I have received no 
answer from you to my letter of 20 February respecting the 
settlement of Crab Island, so refrained from encouraging that 
settlement. Indeed having no man of war I was not in a position 
to give any assistance and did my best to dissuade settlers, but the 
extremity of want induced several parties to hazard the risk, and 
there are now a hundred and fifty men besides women, children and 
slaves there, who have chosen one Pellet for their captain and 
leader. The four depositions enclosed and the letter from the 
Deputy Governor of Anguilla will tell you the disaster that has 
since befallen them. Other depositions will give you your informa- 
tion as to the continued injury done to us in these parts by the 
Spaniards. This damage is a great discouragement to these Islands, 
and could be prevented by a single frigate cruising among them. 
But if the inhabitants were allowed to retaliate they would want no 
man of war to protect them from the Spaniards. And truly since 
we do our best to suppress our pirates, it is hard that the Spanish 
Governors should not do the like for theirs, instead of which they 
encourage them. Our captured vessels are taken into their ports 
and sold. The ships taken at Crab Island were brought to Porto 
Rico and most of the people disposed of as slaves to Hispaniola. I 
have written to the Governors of both to protest, but have received 
no answer, nor expect to receive one. However strict the King of 



26 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

Spain's orders as to pirates, they are of little profit to us since they 
are not respected by his Governors. In fact we have no protection 
against them but in force, as witness their attacks on Anguilla and 
Crab Island. The latter indeed was not under the King's protection 
except as far as the settlers were British subjects, but the former 
has been settled by us for years and the Deputy Governor named in 
my own and my predecessor's commissions. The settlers made a 
good defence, for they are not above seventy or eighty fighting men, 
of which the Deputy Governor could not collect above twenty ; but 
with them, though he speaks modestly enough of the affair, he 
cleared the Island of over a hundred and fifty attackers. Those of 
Crab Island were inexperienced men and conducted by a villainous 
coward, which occasioned their disaster, yet the enemy compassed 
their design by treachery such as honest heathens, Pagans or 
Mahometans, would have been ashamed to practise. But nothing 
better is to be expected of the Spanish in the West Indies, for 
however brave their ancestors may have been, they have degenerated 
into a dastardly and mongrel herd of mulattos, mustees and other 
spurious mixtures, and are now certainly become the very scum 
of mankind. You had an account before of the treatment of Captain 
St. Loe at Porto Eico. I suppose you have heard how the Scipio, 
African, with all aboard of her were used by the same people. The 
ship was bound from Barbados to London, but was taken by the 
Spaniards and the people sold as slaves. She was so long missing 
that she was thought to have foundered. I daresay that many of 
our ships have foundered in the same way. 

I must remind you of the distressed condition of the soldiers at 
St. Christophers, which I have so often brought before you. Some 
have already perished from want, and others will do so unless 
speedily relieved. They are almost on daily duty and so unable to 
earn a penny for their support, yet their pay is six years in arrear. I 
cannot but say that my heart bleeds for them, though I cannot relieve 
them except by bringing their case before you. If anything could 
increase their misery it is that the French soldiers, their neighbours 
in the Island, live in plenty, while they perish for want of bread. 
If ever they are needed, such treatment cannot but abate their true 
English valour and resolution. I enclose a list of names of people 
who desire to be naturalised and to settle among us. I have 
encouraged them to live among us till their denizenations arrive 
from England. I have empowered the Lieutenant-Governor and 
Council of St. Christophers to treat, as often as necessary, with the 
Erench Commissioners, but there has been no negotiation yet, 
for want of instructions, which I have reported to you. The 
Attorney-General has taken process against Mr. Crispe, but his 
answer has not yet been received. Your instructions as to his case 
and that of Mathews will be wanted before the matter can be 
decided. The weather has lately improved, which gives us a 
comfortable prospect for next year, though we still suffer from the 
effects of the drought, and our scarcity is much increased by want 
of our usual supplies from Ireland, the magazine on which these 
Islands principally depend. Beef and pork are double and triple the 
price that they were two or three months ago. My own misfortunes 
still continue. I have lost another near relative and fourteen more 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 27 

1689. 

slaves, and have been very ill myself. I have been a great sufferer 
by coming to these parts, where my expenses and losses far 
outbalance my gains, and I have no satisfaction except in the 
thought that I do my duty. We have had frequent alarms, and our 
news from Europe has been so various and imperfect that we knew 
not well whom to fear as enemies or to affect as friends, until the last 
accounts told us that our only danger was from the French. 
Meanwhile I repaired the fortifications and inspected the arms, with 
which last we are very ill furnished. To amend this I know of no 
system better than that of the French, to make every ship carry a 
proportion of small arms to her burden and sell them to the 
Treasurer for their prime cost in England. I have kept constant 
guards for the past four months and trained the companies. Nevis 
and Montserrat are so well fortified by nature as to be easily defensible 
against invasion, but here we must rely on force, and our only 
advantage will be in ambuscades, for which I have already had 
several paths cut. We have also been at work on an inland fort, 
which we hope to complete in six weeks, as a security for our 
women, children, slaves, and cattle against the Indians, for the 
French constantly bring these heathen allies with them. In this 
Island there are about 1000 fighting men, in Nevis 1400, in 
Montserrat about 900, in St. Christophers but 600 including the two 
companies. I hear that the French in St. Christophers are over 
1500, but I do not know their numbers elsewhere. I am in no 
apprehension except for St. Christophers, which can hardly be held 
in event of war till ships arrive from England. The French are on 
the same ground and triple the number of the English ; we can 
hardly spare reinforcements from the other Islands, and there would 
be great risk in sending them when we have no frigate in these 
waters. What security the Treaty of Neutrality will give us we 
know not. The French seem inclined to observe it, but we cannot 
say what orders may reach them from Europe. You have probably 
heard of the capture of St. Eustatia by Count de Blenac and a force 
of 1200 men. The inhabitants on his landing took refuge in the 
fort, which surrendered without any attack at the first summons, 
though on very poor terms. The French have left a garrison there, 
and I believe mean to fortify it, which will be easy as there are only 
two landing places, one of them already secured by a good fort. A 
month before it was taken I offered the Governor to accept his 
surrender of it to England, as was done in my predecessor's time, to 
secure it from the French ; but he sent me an answer which 
imported greater strength in the Island and greater courage in 
himself than has since appeared. Signed. N. Johnson. 9 pp. 
Kniltrsed. Eecd. 27 July 1689. Annexed, 

83. i. Deposition of Manning Rogers. On the 23rd December 
last, two Spanish ships arrived at Crab Island from which 
a boat came ashore with a white flag and three men, who 
went directly to Captain Pellet and told him they were 
come to see whether the inhabitants were French or 
English ; for if they were French it was at their peril, but 
if they were English they should not be molested. They 
invited Pellet on board and swore on the crucifix that if he 
came he should not be hurt, but that if he refused they 



28 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

would destroy them all. Captain Pellet refused to go, 
saying that they were English, and that if attacked 
they would defend the Island to the death. The men 
went back to the ships, warped them closer in shore and 
fired at the English. Captain Pellet ordered the men to 
lie down, and the Spaniards opened a hot fire. Deponent 
went to Pellet, who was lying down behind a barricade 
with his ej'es shut, and asked him that they might fight, 
but he would not ; and at last many of the men, seeing 
that he would not fight, withdrew to secure themselves. 
They then saw Pellet fly a flag of truce, whereupon one of 
his officers ran to knock him down with the butt of 
his musket. Pellet dodged the blow and asked which of 
them would fight and they all said they would ; but there 
were then not twenty men left that would fight, so the flag 
of truce was again hoisted, and deponent concealed him- 
self in the woods till the Spaniards were gone. Sworn, 
8 Jan., 1688/9. 2 pp. Endorsed. Eeacl 27 July, 1689. 

83. n. Deposition of Peter Simonds, confirming the preceding 
deposition. After the hoisting of the flag of truce the 
Spaniards came ashore to demand the delivery of their 
arms and sent for Pellet on board their ship. They were 
told also to bring their wives, children and slaves, which 
some of them did. Sworn 8 Jan., 1688/9. 2 pji. 
Endorsed as the preceding, 

83. in. Deposition of Edward Noy. Arriving at Crab Island on 
27 December, he for a long time found no one there, but 
at last found Peter Simonds, who told him that the Island 
was cut off by the Spaniards and the inhabitants carried 
away. About forty or fifty persons, black and white, were 
left, whom deponent transported to Anguilla and St. 
Thomas. On same sheet. Deposition of John Price, as 
to Pellet's refusal to fight. Sworn 8 January 1688. l%pp. 
Endorsed as the preceding. 

83. iv. Deposition of John Hilton. As to the capture of his 
sloop by Spaniards off Porto Rico, and detention of some of 
his crew as slaves. Sworn 28 March 1689. Endorsed as 
the preceding. 

83. v. Deputy-Governor Howell to Sir Nathaniel Johnson. 
Anguilla, 31 December 1688. On the '21st our Island was 
attacked by "a sort of people under the notion of 
Spaniards," but there were with them English, Irish, 
French, Turks, mulattos, negroes and others. It was said 
that Captain Bear was with them, but this I cannot tell. 
They landed in a spot where there were few inhabitants, 
took a man and a woman and forced them to pilot them to 
a place called the Road, where about two hours before day- 
light they took some prisoners and wounded two men, who 
broke through them and escaped. One of them then 
caught hold of a woman, called her by her name and asked 
the way to my house, and, while he held her, a negro shot 
her with two carbine bullets in the belly. I have the 
woman now in care, and I hope out of danger. All this 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 29 

1689. 

passed about four miles from my house. About eight in 
the morning I met them with a small party, whereupon 
they retreated and re-imbarked, leaving what prisoners 
they had on shore, together with ten French prisoners, 
taken by them in sundry places, whom we sent to St. 
Martins. One of them who understood Spanish told me 
he heard the captain say he was going to Porto Rico for 
new men and then to destroy Crab Island, giving no 
quarter to any. What we want in these parts is a frigate. 
The people told me they robbed them of about 1500 
value. There were two ships, one of twenty-six the other 
of sixteen guns, and about two hundred and fifty men. 
Our men are so few that we dare trust no visitors, which is 
a great expense of powder. Pray send me a barrel for my 
guns. If they come again I hope to give them a warm 
welcome. Signed. Abra. Howell. 1% pp. Endorsed as 
the preceding. 

83. vi. The same to the same. Anguilla, 6 January 1688/9. I 
must acquaint you with the sad fate of Crab Island. Had it 
been manfully lost it would not have given so much 
trouble to their friends, who grieve over the dishonour to 
the nation. There were men enough to defend it, but God 
gave them not the hearts. Mr. Edward Noy, the bearer, 
has done his .best to save them who were left and carry 
them to other islands. I beg you to be kind to him. The 
Spaniards are reckoned to have carried off two hundred 
and fifty persons, of ail ages. Pray send me a barrel or 
two of powder. It is want of supplies that causes these 
disasters. Signed. Abra. Howell. 1 p. Endorsed as the 
preceding. 

88. vii. A list of persons in St. Christophers who desire letters 
of denizenation, twenty-seven in all. 1 p. Endorsed as 
the preceding. [America and West Indies. 550. Nos. 
5, 5 i- vii., and (without enclosures). Board of Trade. 
Leeward Islands. 43. pp. 89106.] 

April 20. 84. Petition of Henry Fifield to the King. For confirmation of 
the office of Provost Marshal General of Bermuda. At foot. Order 
of the King referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations 
for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. Hampton Court, 20 April 1689. 
The whole 1 p. Inscribed. Read May 4, 89. [America and West 
Indies. 477. A T o. 7.] 

April 22. 85. Sir Francis Watson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Jamaica. My last letter left on the 15th March by the fleet that conveyed 
home the duchess and the duke's corpse, under convoy of H.M.S. 
Assistance. Mr. Stephen Lynch went home in this frigate without 
a ticket, as required by law, and leaving no attorney behind him to 
answer to the old complaints of the French. Complaints will soon 
be made as to some Indians taken out of a vessel belonging to them 
by ships that pretended to be on voyage to the wreck. The Indians 
were sent to Port Royal in a sloop, from which Mr. Lynch took 
them, sold some of them up and down the Island as slaves, 
and left an attorney to sell the rest. This will exasperate not only 



30 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

the French but the whole Indian nation about Boca Drago, which 
though great friends with the English are a warlike people and not 
subject to the Spaniard. For these reasons I have secured part of the 
Indians and given orders to take the rest as they can be found, pend- 
ing your instructions. The duchess was much concerned that Mr. 
Lynch should go aboard a frigate in which she hoped to have sailed 
with the duke's dead body, and spoke to Captain Wright about 
it ; but Mr. Lynch said he was the King's immediate servant and 
threatened Captain Wright if he refused him. Captain Wright said, 
I am told, that he would as soon obey Lynch's orders as mine, 
though I had told him to carry no one without a ticket ; but 
Lynch's presence must be inacceptable to the duchess, for he gave 
much trouble to the duke while he lived. He has stirred up 
irreconcilable enmity with the French, and his inconsiderate 
management has done nothing towards the repression of pirates, 
for not one would come in after his severity and his threats. Over 
a thousand men are now engaged in piracy in various quarters. 
Lynch's oppressive behaviour crippled the execution of the duke's 
commission ; and I beg your attention to the subject, for the 
privateers may combine in despair and fall upon this Island. 

Captain Spragge is returned from Hispaniola with a letter from 

the President, copy of which is enclosed. You will see what kindness 

we can expect from the Spaniards, for they treated Captain Spragge 

very uncivilly, denied him permission to buy any refreshment and 

handed him a letter at the end of a stick. The Biscayan's outrages 

by licence of the King of Spain have already been reported to you. 

As soon as the Drake comes in I shall send her to cruise to 

windward of Port Morant. I have done my best for the defence by 

fortification and drilling the inhabitants. I must press you to fill 

up the Council, which is now diminished by the departure of Colonel 

George Needham. The French have" taken St. Eustatia, putting 

the inhabitants ashore at Nevis. A number under Laurens have 

left Petit Guavos after a wreck, as they give out. S ///<</. 

F. Watson. 3 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 12 Oct. 1689. Annexed, 

85. i. The Governor of St. Domingo to Sir Francis Watson. 

St. Domingo, ^ April, 1689. I have received your letter 

by Captain Spragge, asking for the restitution of prisoners. 

I am sorry that I have 110 prisoners capable of being 

sent to you as you require. There are some prisoners 

taken by the Biscayan squadron at Vieque Island near 

Porto Rico, who had been there six months and had begun 

to settle it, and there are English among them, but they 

can show no commission, so are violators of the peace. 

They have therefore been placed in my custody until the 

King's orders can be received. As soon as the order 

comes for their release they shall be delivered to you. I 

am sorry that I am thus bound to refuse your request. 

Every care shall be taken of the prisoners meanwhile. 

Signed. Andres de Reslus (?) Translation. 1 p. 

Endorsed as the preceding. 

85. ii. Bill drawn by a pirate, Philip Dernesoile, upon Stephen 
Lynch for three hundred pieces of eight taken from him, 
and given to Robert Tapley in payment for provisions 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 81 

1689. 

plundered from him. Copy. J p. Endorsed as tin' 
preceding. [Board of Trade. Jamaica. 6. Xos. 4, 4, i, n] 
and (without enclosures.) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
pp. 316-319.] 

April 23. 86. Edward Oanfield to the Earl of Middleton. Presenting 
Barbados. m 's service on hearing that Lord Midclletou is entrusted with the 
care of the Plantations. Signed. Edw. Oanfield. ^ p. [America 
and West Indies. 456. No. 3.] 

April 24. 87. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for a Committee to 
decide the bounds between Surrey County and Charles City County. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 315, 316.] 

April 25. 88. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson to ? " Dear 

Antigua. Sam," My last was in December, when on hearing of the landing of 
the Prince of Orange I wrote you a letter for the King, saying that I 
might be more useful to him in England than here. If you could 
not get it delivered in England I hope you did in France, whither I 
hear that the King is retreated. I have heard nothing since 
either from England or Ireland, to my great trouble and wonderment 
that you should stop ships which I knew were ready to sail. I have 
written to the King again under cover to the French General, and 
enclose you a duplicate if you can find a secure hand to deliver it, 
for I fear that the French General's packet may miscarry now that 
France and Holland are actually at war. I hope that this piece of 
service will not be prejudicial to you, for I speak only of my loyalty 
and duty to my Prince, whom I shall live and die in just defence of. 
I am no Roman Catholic, but I think the Church of England teaches 
me the doctrine of non-resistance. I have kept the country here 
a long time on duty, the French General having fitted out eighteen 
well-manued vessels, which kept me on my guard ; but what his 
design was is now manifest, for he has taken the two Dutch Islands 
of St. Eustatia and Saba without much resistance. Both the Islands 
are very strong by nature. The French General and I have 
exchanged civil messages, but I think it better not to trust him 
and am still for fortifying these Islands. It is hard that we have 
no men-of-war, but God send better news than I have yet heard. 
The Country Acts are now ready, and an order that you shall be 
their solicitor, but they are too bulky to send by this ship. I long 
for news. Signed. N. Johnson. 1 pp. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 6.] 

April 25. 89. Order of the King in Council. Referring petition of the 
Whitehall. Hudson's Bay Company to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. 
Siijned. Rich. Coling. Anne.red, 

Petition of the Hudson's Bay Company to the King. Recounting 
the history of the Company, the injuries inflicted by the 
French, particularly in 1686 when the French destroyed the 
Company's forts, the artifices of the French Company to evade 
making satisfaction, and the insolence of the French on the 
spot, who threaten to take New York and New England shortly ; 
and begging the King to obtain for them satisfaction. 1J j>j>. 
[Board of Trade. Hudson's Bay 1. pp. 288-386.] 



82 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

April 26. 90. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lords 
agreed to recommend the following points to the King, viz. to send 
ships to disturb the French fisheries and settlements in Newfound- 
land ; to settle a new Governor in New England, New York and the 
Jerseys, to enable the Colonies not only to defend themselves but to 
take the offensive ; to send a Governor and arms to Bermuda ; 
to send a squadron for the protection of the Leeward Islands and 
Jamaica ; and to direct the proprietary Governments of America to 
be put in a state of defence. Alderman Thompson's petition for 
the office of registering servants to the Plantations read and referred 
to the merchants of those parts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., 
pp. 208-211.] 

April 26. 91. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Colonel Richard Lee added 
to the Council. Order for arrest of the ringleaders who spread the 
false reports as to an intended massacre of Protestants, and for their 
conveyance on board H.M.S. Deptford until they can with safety be 
committed to gaol to be tried at the next General Court. Order 
for Captain George Mason, who is suspected of encouraging riotous 
behaviour, to be removed from the Commission of the Peace. Order 
for ammunition to be ordered from England. Order for proclamation 
of King William and Queen Mary. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., 
pp. 316-823.] 

April 27. 92. Nicholas Spencer to William Blathwayt. The Revolution 
James' City, m England had such an effect here that for some time peace and 
nm ' quiet were doubtful, unruly and disorderly spirits laying hold of the 
motion of affairs, and that under pretext of religion. On these false 
glosses they betook themselves to arms, particularly at the heads of 
the Potomac andRappahannock, from the groundless imagination that 
the Papists in Maryland, few compared to the Protestants there and 
in Virginia, had conspired with the Seneca .Indians to cut off all 
Protestants. This was taken from the declaration of an Indian, 
and though groundless took so good belief, being improved by some. 
evil members who desire to fish in disturbed waters, that the 
inhabitants of the North drew themselves together for defence, and 
were ready to fly in the face of the Government. Matters were very 
pressingly leading to a rebellion, but, thank God, speedy care and 
timely remedies quieted them down again. Suspecting the reality 
of the Indian's information I ordered him to be secured, not doubting 
but by re-examination to discover the certainty of the designed 
forgery ; but the notorious persons who set the Indian to work 
prevented a detection of their villainy by privately destroying him. 
The party sent to apprehend him weakly entrusted him to West 
and Harris, who offered to bring him in ; and he has since been 
discovered murdered in the woods .by West, who had best reason to 
know where to find him. He and others are to answer for their 
part in the matter. Lord Effingham will have arrived in London 
to give you full information as to this Colony, so I say no more, 
except that if French men-of-war should attack us, we are very 
short of ammunition. Pray procure us a supply. Since the above 
was written the orders for proclaiming King William and Queen 
Mary have arrived. Signed. Nicho. Spencer. 2 pp. Endorsed. 
Rec d.28 June 1689. '[America and West Indies. 636. No. 7.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 83 

1689. 

April 29. 93. Nicholas Spencer to Lords of Board and Plantations. No 
James' City, sooner had the news of the changes in England arrived than it was 
in the mouths of all the mobile that there was no king in England 
and so no Government here. Then a rumour was spread of a plot 
of Papists against Protestants, which but for the timely measures 
of the Council would have brought about disturbances fatal to both. 
New rumours succeeded to that, and it was feared that the 
difficulties of maintaining order would have remained insuperable 
until we received the news of the happy accession of the Prince and 
Princess of Orange, which has been widely and solemnly proclaimed 
to remove the former cause of tumult, viz. that there being no King 
in England, there was no Government here. Signed. Nicho. 
Spencer. 2 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 28 June 89. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Eecd. 25 Aug. [America 
and West Indies. 636. Nos. 8, 9, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LXXXIII., pp. 3, 4.] 

Apr. 29. 94. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To 
represent to the King the danger of the Leeward Islands and the 
necessity of sending ships and men thither at once. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XLVIII. p. 399.] 

Apr. 30. 95. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for Edward Davies 
and his accomplices to be released on giving security for good 
behaviour,, and to be allowed to go to England ; also that 30 
be allowed them from their goods for the voyage. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 323-329.] 

Apr. 29. 96. Extract of a letter from Bristol, New England, to Mr. 
Mather and others. On the 18th inst. the people of Boston rose 
and seized Captain George of H.M.S. Eose. Thereupon Captain Hill 
brought six or seven of the ancient magistrates to the Council- 
house, while the people imprisoned Sir Edmund Andros's 
officers. About eleven o'clock they read a declaration, and sum- 
moned Sir Edmund to surrender himself and the fort. By three 
o'clock there were twenty companies in arms, and about fifteen 
hundred men at Charlestown, half-a-mile from Boston. Informa- 
tion then came that a boat was sent from the frigate to the Governor 
with arms, but the boat was seized. Mr. John Nelson then 
demanded the fort, and summoned the Governor before the Council, 
who that night was committed to a private house and next day to 
the fort. Four more were committed to the Castle under Mr. Fair- 
weather. Mr. Dudley, who was in the country, was seized by 
twelve young men and brought to Boston. On Friday Sir Edmund 
tried to escape, passed two of the guards, and then was stopped. 
1J pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 2.] 

Apr. 30. 97. Pass for John Perry to go from Boston to Hartford. 
Signed, Is. Addington. Copy certified by S. van Cortlandt. 16 May, 
1689. Scrap. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 2.] 

Apr. 30. 98. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for Captain Simon 
Eowe to be summoned to answer an action against him by Edward 
Davies and his accomplices, and for the depositions to be taken. 
Ordered also that unless the Lieutenant Governor arrive by 31 May 
they shall be permitted to go to England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LXXXIV., pp. 341-347.] 

3233 c 



84 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

May 1. 99. Declaration of the Assembly of Rhode Island. That they 
Newport. assume the Government on the base of the former charter, not 
doubting but that it will be confirmed, the Colony being a small one 
and distinct from the other Colonies. They pray that any 
complaints by ill affected persons to the supreme Government in 
England may not be listened to. Signed. Walter Clarke, John 
Greene, Walter Newberry. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol.LXII.,pp. 109, 110.] 

May 1. 100. William Blathwayt to Mr. Bowles. The Lords of Trade 
wish to know what is come of the two hired despatch boats. (See 
No. 81.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. ., p. 43.] 

May 2. 101. Order of the King in Council. That, in consideration of 
a report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations of 26 April, the 
Lords consult with the Commissioners of the Admiralty as to 
sending a squadron of ships to the West Indies. {Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol.- XXXIL, pp. 172, 173.] 

May 2. 102. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade 
K Cnrt and P1 . antati o n s dated 26 April 1689. We have taken into con- 
sideration the present state of the Plantations with reference to the 
war with France. It would be of great prejudice to the French to 
disturb their fishery on the Banks of Newfoundland and the passage 
of the fishing ships to and from the West Indes. It would be well 
to send a squadron or at least a strong convoy to disturb the French 
forts and settlements on the Island also, and to fortify St. John's 
Harbour as a refuge for British ships and inhabitants during the 
war. We recommend also the settlement of such a Government in 
New England, New York and the Jerseys as, upon the recall of Sir 
Edmund Andros, will enable the people not only to oppose the 
French with their united forces but to carry on other operations ; 
otherwise the French may easily possess themselves of that 
dominion. We propose also the speedy despatch of a Governor to 
Bermuda, and of arms and stores with him. The Caribbee Islands 
also must be remembered, especially the Leeward Islands. 
Montserrat is chiefly inhabited by Irish papists, and half of St. 
Christophers is possessed by the French, who are more numerous 
and in better condition of defence than the English. Men, arms 
and ammunition should be sent to succour them and to save our 
sugar trade. The northern part of Hispaniola, the Islands of Ash, 
Petit Guavos, and Tortugas are inhabited by the French and harbour 
many privateers. A squadron should be sent to the West Indies 
forthwith. This we conceive to be absolutely necessary, for the 
party superior at sea in those parts will probably prevail on land. 
Lastly we recommend such orders to the Proprietary provinces of 
Maryland, Pennsylvania and Carolina as will secure your interest 
and their defence. 

Ordered, that the Lords of Trade consult with the Admiralty as 
to the sending of ships to the West Indies ; and that they further 
consider as to arms and ammunition for St. Christophers, submit 
names of_fit persons to be Governors of Colonies, and measures for 
the security of the Colonies both royal and proprietary in America. 
Signed. Cha. Montague. 2J pp. Endorsed. [America and West 
Indies. 601. No. 1, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 0., p. 45-47.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 35 

1689. 

May 3. 103. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Lieutendnt 
Governor summoned the Assembly for their concurrence in 
proclaiming King William and Queen Mary, which was carried 
nem. con. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., p. 180.] 

May 3. 104. Declaration of the freeholders of Suffolk,Long Island. Having 
read the declaration published at Boston on 18 April, we, having 
like them at Boston groaned under arbitary power, think it our 
bounden duty to use all lawful endeavours to secure the forts at 
Albany, New York, and elsewhere, pending further orders from the 
English Parliament ; to secure those persons who have extorted 
from us under the said arbitary power, believing that therein we do 
nothing less than what is our duty to God. Added bcloiv. May 
10th. Captains Howell, Wheeler and Platt gone down to demand 
that the fort shall be put into the hands of persons whom the country 
can trust. 1J pp. Endorsed. Reed. 29 Aug., 1689. Printed in 
New York Documents III., 577. [America and West Indies. 578. 
No. 3.] 

May 3. 105. Commissioners of the Navy to William Blathwayt. The 

Navy Office, two ketches received their despatches on 23 April and sailed 24th. 

We hope that by this time they are clear of the Channel. Signed, 

R. Haddock, John Berry, J. Lanthorne. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., 

p. 43.] 

May 4. p. Bowles to William Blathwayt. Forwarding the preceding 
letter. [Ibid. p. 43.] 

May 4. 1Q6. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commis- 
sioners of the Admiralty presented a list of ships hired to serve as 
men of war in the West Indies. The Lords agreed to advise that a 
regiment, arms and a fleet be despatched to the Leeward Islands 
and that the two companies at St. Christophers be disbanded. They 
agreed also on several names to be submitted to the King as 
Governors for Jamaica, Barbados, the Leeward Islands and 
Virginia. The petition of Philip Ludwell with the grievances was 
read and referred. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 212-214.] 

May 4. 107. List of merchant-ships taken up by the Navy Board to 
serve as men of war in the West Indies. Twelve ships in all. 
[Col Entry Bk., Vol C., p. 48, and Vol. XLVIL, p. 400.] 

May 4. 108. Lords of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Eight of the hired ships could accommodate at least seven hundred 
landsmen. Signed, Carbery, Tho. Lee, M. Chicheley. [Vol. C. 
p. 48 and Col. 'Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIL, p. 401.] 

May 4. 109. Persons recommended by the Lords of Trade to be 
Governors of Plantations : for Jamaica, Lord Colchester, Colonel 
Molesworth ; For Barbados, Sir H. Belasyse, Sir P. Colleton, Mr. 
Ralph Gray ; for Leeward Islands, Sir H. Belasyse, Lieut. Colonel 
Gypson ; for Virginia, Lord Howard of Effingham. Rouijh draft, in 
William Blathicaijt's handwriting. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 
601. No. 2.] 



86 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

' May 4. 110. William Blathwayt to Lord Howard of Effingham. For- 
warding the petition of Philip Ludwell (see No. 62) for his reply. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII.,p. 259.] 

May 6. 111. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to re- 
commend that Sir James Leslie's regiment of foot be sent to the 
West Indies. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 215.] 

May 6. 112. The King to the President and Council of Jamaica. 
Eestoring Colonel Peter Beckford to the command of the fortifications 
of Port Eoyal. Countersigned. Shrewsbury. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XXXII., pp. 173, 171.] 

May 6. 113. Order of the King in Council. Approving the recommen- 
Whitehall. dation of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to despatch a regiment 
of foot of seven hundred and eighty men to St. Christophers, 
together with a large quantity of stores, and that H.M.S. Dunkirk 
and seven hired ships be prepared for transport of the same ; also 
that the two companies now at St. Christophers be disbanded and 
drafted into the regiment aforesaid. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., 
pp. 401-404.] 

May 10. 114. Governor Sir Eobert Eobinson to the Lords of the Admir- 
Bermuda. alty. We have heard no news since last November, nothing but 
the Prince of Orange's letter of last January, so that all things stand 
as formerly pending arrival of further orders. We have sent but 
one vessel homeward since I came, until the vessel which bears this, 
and which will also take home Chief Justice Hordesnell. I did not 
think when I asked for a lawyer that I should have a Chancellor and 
a Lord Chief Justice sent to me, for such things he has arrogated in 
these pitiful Islands. What his religion is, the people at home, in Ireland 
and in Tangier know best, for he never used our church. We have 
no news of the war in Europe, so I think it would be safer to send 
us thirty barrels of powder and a hundred more arms, with 
a sixth-rate frigate and fifty soldiers. My stay here can be 
only a disadvantage to me, being bound to this pitiful little 
place away from my family, which cannot live here with me. It is 
so sterile that only an indigent man is fit for it. Since I came 
here I have not had a house, but have been forced to seek lodgings 
from place to place and, for air, to build a small cabin at my own 
expense. I lose 100 a year by the whale-fishing and land, and 
the people keep the small treasure from the Treasurer, so that I am 
certain of nothing for our security. My salary in England is not 
paid. I beg you to procure it for me and to see that a small estate 
which I have at home is not ruined during my absence. You would 
hardly believe that Hordesnell raised a faction here and confused 
the Government, but now in a short time I hope to get all in order. 
I wish a good Protestant had the Government, for some have been 
almost persuaded to turn their coats. Signed. Bobt. Eobinson. 
As to the papers Hordesnell left behind, I have been petitioned by 
many for a Court of a Chancery to relieve distressed people. I shall 
do so, being empowered to it by my instructions ; and in future we 
want no more lawyers or Chief Justices. I beg again for leave to 
return home in order to regain my health and look at my affairs. 
We have had no law suits for many months, nor do we want them. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 87 

1689. 

They cost the people more in one year than for the previous forty 
years, and now they settle things among themselves, which they find 
is easier. I must try to get at the public slaves and the moiety 
that is left unpaid, which last I could not get at while Hordesnell 
was here. Signed. Eobt. Robinson. The whole, 2f pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. January '89. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 8, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 225-229.] 

May 10. 115. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to [Lord Preston?]. A 
repetition of the preceding letter as far as the first signature. 2 pp. 
{America and West Indies. 477. No. 9.] 

May 13. 116. Memorial of the Hudson's Bay Company to the King. 1. 
For Commissions under the royal sign manual and signet as in 
King James's last year, and for Letters of Marque against the 
French. 2. Such Commissions to empower the Governor to enter 
into league with the Indians, and to make offensive and defensive 
alliance with them. 3. For particular commission to two of the 
Company's Captains just about to sail, to attack French ships and 
depute others to do so. 4. For liberty to beat drums to recruit 
seamen for this voyage. Signed. Edward Dering, Dep. Governor. 
2pp. [Board of Trade. Hudson's Bay, 1. pp. 241-242.] 

117. A list of individual Commissions and Letters of Marque 
asked for in the foregoing memorial. [Ibid. p. 245.] 

118. A further list of Commissions required. [Ibid. pp. 249- 

251.] 

119. Copy of a Commission from King James II. to Captain 
George Geyer, in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company. 
Countersigned, Sunderland. 30 May, 1688. 

Copy of another Commission to Captain Andrew Hamilton. 
Same date. 

Copy of another Commission to Captain John Marsh. Same date. 

Draft of a Letter of Marque granted by King William and Queen 
Mary to Captain Leonard Edgcombe of the Company's service. 
[Board of Trade. Hudson's Bay, 1. pp. 259-272.] 

May 14. 120. Reasons offered for sending Colonel Hender Molesworth 
Governor to Jamaica. 1. Such is the King's direction of 22 
February last. 2. It is desired by all the merchants and planters 
concerned in Jamaica. 3. He is a man of interest and estate in the 
Island. 4. He is esteemed by the inhabitants, as is shown by the 
fact that seventeen men came forward to be his security when that 
hardship was put on him by the Duke of Albemarle. 5. He 
proved his fitness in his three years of successful government. 
6. His knowledge of the people makes him better qualified than a 
stranger to select good officers. 7. A popular Governor is wanted 
after the arbitrary rule of the Duke of Albemarle. 8. The trade 
with Spain, which was ruined and destroyed in the Duke's time, 
can only be retrieved by Colonel Molesworth. 9. He knows the 
interests of the French and Spaniards in the West Indies, which 
will be of great advantage at the present time. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Reed, from the E. of Shrewsbury 14 May, 1687. Read 16 May, 
1689. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 6.}. 



38 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

May 15. 121. The Lieutenant Governor and others of New York to 
New York. Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have heard various reports 
about momentous changes in Europe but know nothing for certain. 
Meanwhile the enclosed summons and declaration will show you 
upon what pretence some of the inhabitants of Boston and places 
adjacent have overthrown the Government, set up for themselves, 
imprisoned Sir Edmund Andros with several of his Council and 
officers in close custody, disbanded the militia and, as is reported, 
encourage the rabble to further insolencies. Rhode Island and 
Connecticut have followed their steps and, as is reported, have also 
chosen themselves new Governors ; and only this part of the 
dominion remains in peace awaiting further orders, and would so 
continue were not the seed of sedition already blown into the 
province. In Suffolk County, at the east end of Long Island, the 
magistrates and military officers were first put out and replaced 
by others of the people's choice. Queen's County and West Chester 
followed in their steps ; and not content with that, under pretext of 
zeal for the safety of this city and fort against French aggression, 
great part of their militia have taken up arms. They are now at 
Jamaica, within fourteen miles of us, in order if they can to master 
the fort and plunder (as is feared) the city, or at least such citizens 
as they can expose to the rabble. Several of them with the 
assistance of some disaffected and restless spirits have tried to stir 
up the city to sedition and rebellion. So far we have foiled them, 
but cannot tell how long we may be able to so do. But now a new 
alarm has come from Albany of attack by Indians, stirred up as we 
suppose by libellous statements from Boston that Sir Edmund 
Andros had joined with the French to cut the Indians off. It is 
certain that the Governor of Canada will do all he can to encourage 
these suspicions, and to gain our Indians, which would be the ruin 
of all the English settlements in the Continent. We shall not 
therefore be wanting to remove these suspicions and to hold the Five 
Nations to ourselves. There is also an alarm of war with France, 
which has led us to resolve to refortify the city, the former fortifications 
having been allowed to fall to ruin if they have not been actually 
demolished ; but we were at a loss how to raise the money. At this 
very juncture several merchants began to dispute payment of cus- 
toms-duties as illegally established, so seeing that it was not possible 
to stop them or to put the revenue on the same foot we convened all 
the officers, civil and military, and with their consent ordered the 
proceeds of customs and excise to be devoted to repair of the fortifi- 
cations. The Collector, Mathew Plowman, has been repeatedly 
called on since the 25th March to produce his accounts, and since he 
has delayed to obey our orders we thought it safer to take from him 
and to secure in the fort what moneys he had, which are sealed up 
by himself in a chest. The auditors are now busy with the accounts. 
In all these troubles we have been deprived of the assistance of all 
other members of Council so that all the burden has fallen upon us. 
We have written to Sir Edmund Andros since his confinement, and 
also to Simon Bradstreet and Wait Winthrop at Boston, but have 
received no answer. The course of justice is suspended, for the 
judges are imprisoned at Boston. It has been very fatal to this city 
and province to be annexed to Boston ; indeed, if continued it would 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 89 

1689. 

have been our ruin, but for the present we omit further enlargement 
on this subject. Signed. Fr. Nicholson, Fredaryck Flypse, S. V. 
Cortlandt, N. Bayard. 4 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 6 July, 1689. 
Read 16 July and 29th. Printed in New York Documents III., 574. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 4, and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. 
LXIL, pp. 81-84, and Vol. LXIX., pp. 187-191.] 

May 16. 122. Declaration of the Lieutenant-Governor and Council of 
New York. New York, calling upon the inhabitants to give information against 
all such as by seditious words and libels attempt to disturb the 
Government and the public peace. Signed l>y Francis Nicholson, and 
by twenty-three others. Certified copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 
28 August, 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 5.] 

May 16. 123. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order for 
the Admiralty to announce when the ships for the Colonies will be 
ready. Agreed to propose that a store of arms be sent to Bermuda, 
and that Colonel Phillips go as Governor. Agreed to recommend 
the sending of a Governor to Newfoundland, and that guns be sent 
for a fort to be built at the mouth of St. John's Harbour. Agreed 
to advise that the condition of the Proprietary Governments is a 
subject for consideration of Parliament. List of persons to be 
recommended. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 216, 219.] 

May 16. 124. Lords of Trade and Plantations to King. We recommend 
that besides a Governor, three hundred muskets with ammunition 
and stores, and six great guns should be sent to Bermuda. We 
recommend also that a Governor should be sent to Newfoundland 
while the war lasts, and that he carry with him the materials for 
building a small fort at the entrance to St. John's Harbour, their 
cost not to exceed 3,000. As to Maryland, Carolina and Penn- 
sylvania, we think it worthy the consideration of Parliament 
whether these proprieties should not be brought into closer depen- 
dence on the Crown. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., pp. 50, 51, and 
(as to Bermuda) Vol. XVIII., p. 216, and (as to Maryland) Vol. 
LIL, pp. 117-119.] 

May 16. 125. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Lords of the Admiralty. 
Asking how soon the hired ships bound for the West Indies will be 
ready to sail. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 52, and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XLVIL, p. 404.] 

May 16. 126. Petition of Robert Ayleway to the King. For an order to 
the Governor of Virginia to admit him to the office of Auditor 
General in that Colony, for which he holds King James's patent. 
Inscribed. Order of Lords of Trade and Plantations, referring the 
petition to Lord Howard of Effingham for report. The />/<, 
1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 4 May. Read 21 June '89. [America and 
West Indies. 636. No. 10.J 

May 16. 127. Governors proposed to the King for the Colonies. 
Identical with the paper of 4 May (see No. 109) except that the 
name of Ralph Gray is omitted for Barbados and that for the 
Leeward Islands is given the name of Sir James Lesley, with the 



40 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

following Lieutenant Governors : Colonel Hill for St. Christophers ; 
Colonel Blakiston for Montserrat ; Captain Fowkes or Lieut.-Col. 
Hamilton for Antigua. Also Mr. Savage is named as Lieutenant 
Governor for Virginia. Rough draft. 1 p. Endorsed. Represented 
18 May. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 8.] 

May 16. 128. A -less complete draft of the preceding. 1 p. [America 
and West Indies. 601. No. 4.] 

May 16. 129. Copy of a letter from a merchant in Boston to a merchant 
in London. These Colonies are an epitome of the world, the universe 
being in confusion. The greater part of Massachusetts, Plymouth 
and Connecticut are a people that call themselves the true Israel. 
Nothing will serve their turn but their old charters. Many good men 
and some of the rising generation are for a general Governor under 
the laws of England, and of this opinion are the people of 
Piscataqua, Maine to the East and Ehode Island to the West. In 
the opinion of ingenuous men the present Government will make this 
place ; the former Government will mar it ; for if the charter be 
revived all the Church of England men must move to New York, or 
to Piscataqua and Kennebec. New York produces the best flour and 
good pork ; and the two others are the best land in New England 
and have good harbours, so that they may easily outdo this people. 
The revolutionary party pray earnestly for the fall of false worship 
and idolatry among us, and this directly after they have been preach- 
ing love and unity, but I cannot make the two hold together. They are 
exceeding wedded to their own way ; a very home-bred people, but 
exceeding wise and conceited in their own eyes. Copy. 1 p. [Board 
of Trade. New England, 5. No. 8.] 

May 17. 130. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. Forwarding an 
account of the ships bound for the West Indies, with their guns, 
crews, and dates when ready to sail. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., 
pp. 404-405 ; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 53, 54.] 

May 18. 131. Order of the King in Council. For the despatch of 300 
Whitehall, muskets and six cannon to Bermuda. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., 
p. 51, and Vol. XVIII., p. 217.] 

May 18. 132. Order of the King in Council. That a Governor be forth- 
whitehali. with sent to Newfoundland, with materials to build a fort at St. 
John's, guns and stores. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 51, 52.] 

May 18. 133. "The case of Massachusetts Colony considered in a letter 
to a friend at Boston." In violent changes the people can as well 
authorise civil as military Government, and meanwhile are not tied 
to any laws but what agree with present necessity. The Charter 
of Massachusetts is accounted our Magna Charta ; without it we 
are wholly without law, the laws of England being made for England 
only, and her common law so uncertain that even the judges vary in 
construing it. Reassuming the chartered government is the only 
good thing for us. It is objected that we have no power to do so by 
law. But have we not declared that the charter was against all law 
and reason taken from us, and shall we now question its use after 
the force, which was our only hindrance, is removed ? Don't you 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 41 

1689. 

perceive the unreasonableness of urging the prisoners' [the Governor 
and the late officials] liberty against reassuming our charter? We 
have promised that they shall be kept for the Prince of Orange's 
justice; and remember that till Sir Edmund's time the laws of 
England were unknown and no habeas corpus granted. Also it is 
well known that treason and felony are not bailable. The rest of 
the pamphlet is supported by like arguments. Printed sheet. 1 p. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 4.] 

[May.] 134. Letter from a gentleman in Boston to a friend in the 
Country. Arguing for generosity to fallen enemies and for 
reinstatement of the Magistrates and Deputies chosen in 1686 
rather than for a new election. Printed sheet. 1 p. Signed. N.N. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 5.] 

[May.] 135. The Countryman's answer to N.N.'s letter (see preceding 

abstract). Combating his arguments and urging a new election 
without delay. " Instead of insulting over, we heartily pity 
and pray for our enemies, that they might be brought to a 
sense of the great dishonour they have brought to the name 
of God, and of the injuries and oppressions they have loaded 
us withal." Signed. S. I. Printed sheet, in two columns. [Board of 
Trade. New England, 5. No. 6.] 

May 18. 136. The Council of Nevis to William Blathwayt. Your letter 
Nevis. of 3 November as to that obnoxious pirate Kidd has duly reached 
us, and your orders shall be executed. We sent copies of your 
letter to the Deputy Governors of all the Islands, and have since 
heard the following news of him. He came lately from Madagascar 
in a large Genoese ship, and on his way here his men mutinied, 
and thirty out of eighty of them lost their lives. His ship is very 
leaky and short of provisions, and several of his men have deserted, 
so that he had not above twenty or thirty hands. About twenty 
days since he touched at Anguilla, but being refused succour went 
on to St. Thomas' and anchored off the harbour for three days, but 
being absolutely refused provisions, he sailed (as is believed), to 
Porto Rico or Crab Island. We have sent H.M.S. Queenborough 
off in pursuit of him, with directions to secure him with his vessel, 
men, and effects, and bring them all up here, so that no embezzle- 
ment can be made. We shall send an account of him to the 
Governor of Jamaica by first opportunity, so that if he goes 
further to Leeward he may be taken there. We are watching to 
apprehend the men who deserted from him. Signed. Wm. Burt, 
Mich. Smith, Dan. Smith, Jno. Smargin, Rich. Abbott. Copy. 2 pp. 
[America and West Indies. 550. No. 7.] 

May 18. 137. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to [Lord Preston ?] A ship 
Bermuda, is just sailing for England with 30,000 Ibs. of tobacco, and in her our 
supposed Great Officer that ventured to speak anything at Court even 
before the people. Captain John Hubbard had a difference with 
him while acting for the late Company and was condemned unheard. 
He has converted half-a-dozen already. He is one of those people 
that no one who could go elsewhere would stay among. I have asked 



42 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

for my recall, not having so much as a house of my own. They 
will not build, and keep the money from me in the hands of Samuel 
Trott, whom I turned out many months ago. Signed. Robt. Robin- 
son. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 10.] 

May 20. 138. The President of the Revolutionary Council to the King. 
Boston. Your late glorious enterprise against tyranny and slavery has filled 
the hearts not only of the three Kingdoms but of the plantations 
dependent thereon. The glad tidings have reached us to our great 
rejoicing, and we feel hearty thankfulness, first to God and next to 
yourself, for casting off the yoke from our brethren of England and 
from ourselves, who are in as evil case as they, through the de- 
privation of our charter without hearing or any trial or possibility of 
having any notice of writ served to us, which had become a grievous 
and intolerable burden. The people here, excited to imitate your 
example and being strongly and unanimously spirited to intend 
their own safeguard, resolved to seize and secure some of the 
principal persons concerned and most active in the ill management 
of the evil and arbitrary Government set up over us ; and accordingly 
on the 18th April we seized Sir Edmund Andros and other of his 
evil instruments and now keep them in custody pending receipt of 
your royal orders. We also published a declaration setting forth the 
grounds of our action ; and by the good providence of God and the 
mediation and prudence of some gentlemen, all was effected with- 
out the least bloodshed or plunder. The said declaration is herewith 
enclosed, and proofs of the several articles and charges therein, 
together with other information, will follow in due time. We beg a 
share in the universal restoration of charters and English liberties, 
that we may under the shadow of your crown enjoy our ancient 
rights and privileges. Signed. S. Bradstreet. Endorsed. Reed. 
9 August. Read 10 August, 1689. [Board of Trade. New Eng- 
land. 5. A T o. 7 ; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 111-114.] 

May 20. 139. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. Forwarding particulars 
as to the date when the ship Dunkirk, hired for the West Indies, 
will be ready. Signed. Phineas Bowles. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., 
p. 54, and Vol. XLVIL, p. 406.] 

May 21. 140. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Lieutenant 
Governor proposed that he, the Council and Assembly should 
send an address to their Majesties, informing them of their pro- 
clamation. Copy of the address. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 
181-185.] 

May 21. 141. Petition and address to King William and Queen Mary 
from the Council and Assembly of Barbados. Expressions of 
loyalty, congratulation, and detestation of Popery. Signed \>y 
Edwyn Stede and eighteen members of Council, and twenty-one 
members of Assembly. Large sheet. Endorsed. Reed. 13 Aug. 
[America and West Indies. 456. No. 4; and Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. VIII., pp. 176-179.] 

May 23. 142. Lord Howard of Effingham to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. As to the petition of Philip Ludwell (sec No. 02), 
I would observe that petitioner was removed from the Council in 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 43 

1089. 

1679 for his conduct in Bacon's rebellion, restored in 1683, at my 
desire, and again removed at my instance for misbehaviour in 1687. 
As to the repealing of laws by proclamation, the law repealed was 
itself a repealing law, whereby a former act was restored to validity. 
The action was equivalent to the royal disallowance of the repealing 
act aforesaid. As to fees for affixing the Great Seal, the fees are 
fixed by myself in Council, according to my commission, and do not 
exceed eight shillings. They are reasonable, and far lower than in 
the neighbouring Colonies. I have often remitted them to poor 
people. As to the fee for survey of lands, it is a fee for registration 
which the Attorneys desired much, and it does not exceed eighteen- 
pence. The fee of '5 taken by the Escheator General has always 
been the same, and since land escheated to the King is generally 
granted to the first petitioner at a nominal quit rent, it is no 
hardship. Fines and forfeitures were bought by King Charles II. 
of Lord Culpeper, and I have recovered and applied them according 
to my own orders. Signed. Effingham. 6 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 
27 May 1689 ; read 31st. [America and West Indies. 636. A'o. 11 ; 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIIL, pp. 260-265.] 

May 24. 143. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson to Lords of Trade and 
Antigua. Plantations. Since my last I have received the Prince of Orange's 
letter of 12 January, yours of 19 February reporting the accession 
of King William and Queen Mary, and the King's of 21 February, 
all of which I communicated to the Council, and thereupon pro- 
claimed the King and Queen as ordered. I have nothing to add to 
my last letter, but beg for leave to retire from my government, for I 
cannot qualify myself for continuance therein. I have no liking for 
the Eomish faith, as you know, and hope to live and die a Protestant ; 
and it is from the doctrines of the Church of England that I learned 
the scruples which oblige me to ask for my dismission. I shall not 
presume to argue for my sentiments, nor do I think it needful for 
obtaining the favour that I request. However mistaken I may be 
in my views, it is no voluntary mistake, as you may guess, for it 
cannot profit me ; and I hope it will not be censured by you as a 
crime, for it will be sufficiently my loss otherwise without the 
addition of so considerable an affliction. Before my coming here 
my circumstances were very strait and pinching, and are now con- 
siderably worse through misfortunes and losses. I hope that this 
will incline you in justice to obtain for me the salary due to me when 
I am dismissed from my government. I hope that my letters will 
have satisfied you that I have been a faithful and active servant 
here. I shall continue my endeavours in the care of these Islands 
until some other can be appointed to free me. I should willingly 
have surrendered my charge on receipt of your letter had any per- 
son here being qualified to accept it ; but, as there is none, I shall 
not leave these Islands in such a time of danger without a Governor 
and in a disunited and divided state ; and thereby I hope that I 
shall show always a hearty affection to my native country. Signed. 
N.Johnson. 3pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 16 Sept., 1689. [America and 
West Indies. 550. A'o. 8, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 
43. pp. 106-110.] 



44 

1689. 
May 25. 



May 25. 



May 25. 



May 28. 



May 28. 



May 29. 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



144. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order for 
the Admiralty to be asked when the fleet will be ready. 
Agreed to move the King that the present state of Maryland be 
represented to Parliament. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 220.] 

145. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lord 
President is requested to advise the King to move some members of 
the Privy Council, who are also members of the House of Commons, 
to bring the relations of Maryland towards England before the 
House. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 119, 120.] 

146. "William Blathwayt to Lords of the Admiralty. The regi- 
ment designed for the West Indies is ready for embarkation, and 
the Lords of Trade wish to be informed when the squadron will 
sail, and what number of landsmen the ships will hold. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 55, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 406, 407.] 

147. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. It is impossible to 
state when the West India squadron will be ready to sail, as the 
King has ordered the hired ships to be discharged, except such as 
were necessary to supply the place of fourth-rates that require clean- 
ing, and for fourth-rates to be employed for the service ; some of 
which are now in the fleet under Lord Torrington. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. C., pp. 55, 56, and Vol. XLVII. p. 407.] 

148. Lord Howard of Effingham to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. In pursuance of your orders I report that the sole 
power of government in Virginia now resides in the Council, accord- 
ing to my instructions, with the senior member for president. I 
left copies of my instructions with the Council (see No. 39) 
and directions to the collectors for securing the customs. I found 
the military affairs in confusion but have methodised and settled 
them, as I hope, to the safety and satisfaction of the Country. The 
Councillors are commanders in the several counties, and every 
freeholder and house-keeper is enlisted into troops and companies. 
The numbers are about 3,000 foot and 1,300 horse, for the most part 
completely equipped. The country enjoys full peace and plenty 
owing to the treaty with the Indians. I must ask again for 
instructions as to Edward Davies and other pirates, now prisoners hi 
Virginia. Signed. Effingham, 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 31 May. 
Read 25 Sept., 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 12, 
and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 1, 2.] 

149. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to 
move the King to appoint a regiment for the West Indies. Mr. 
Bowles's letter of 28 May read (see No. 147). Alderman Thompson's 
petition read, and the merchants called in. The Lords agreed on 
their report (No. 150). Petition of the Hudson's Bay Company 
read (see No. 116). The Lord President was asked to ascertain 
the King's pleasure as to granting Letters of Marque. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 221, 222.] 

150. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. The 
Admiralty informed us on the 2nd inst. that the Dunkirk, third-rate, 
five hired ships to be fitted as fourth-rates, and two move as fifth- 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 45 

1689. 

rates, will be ready in three weeks, being part of the squadron 
intended for the West Indies. But on the 28 inst. the Admiralty 
informed us that the hired ships had been ordered to be discharged, 
with few exceptions, and that the service is to be performed by the 
fourth-rates of the Eoyal Navy. We report this, because if the 
squadron be not despatched to arrive in the West Indies before 
August, there will be danger of its meeting with hurricanes, and 
because we apprehend that the King of France will have sent a 
considerable fleet to those parts before that time. 2 pp. [America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 9.] 

May 29. 151. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. On the 
petition of Edward Thompson (see No. 154 I.) we find that the 
vacancy of the office for which he asks is a matter determinable by 
law at the instance of your Attorney General, if you think fit. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 65.] 

May 29. 152. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

OI Bso^ a 1 On the 18th of April last tlie P e P le rose > some made themselves 
masters of the fort, castle, and frigate, and imprisoned the Gover- 
nor and others. I was sent to the Common gaol. Since that time 
much time has been spent in consulting with the mobile what model 
of Government to erect, but they have decided to act according to 
their former charter. Last year some inhabitants of Boston waited 
on you at Whitehall, and under pretence of grievances and hard- 
ships put upon them by the Governor tried to obtain alteration of 
the Government as then established, and confirmation of the former 
charter from King James. They insinuated themselves so far into 
the good opinion of Father Petre and Sir Thomas Powys that, by 
the assistance of their solicitor, Mr. Brent, they obtained a report 
from Sir Thomas to the Lords in their favour, that the charter was 
illegally vacated, with assurance of a charter with larger powers. 
They have therefore anticipated by force the favour that they would 
not wait to receive from England. About the year 1678 it was made 
apparent to the Committee by Sir William Jones and Sir Francis 
Winnington that the articles against the charter were, if proved, 
sufficient ground for the King to proceed against it by law. The 
charges were actually confessed by the Agents for Massachusetts, and 
Sir Robert Sawyer was instructed to bring a writ of quo warranto 
against it. They refused to plead, although all favour and time was 
allowed them for their defence, the charter was vacated and a new 
Government was established, though there was difficulty in persuad- 
ing many gentlemen to sit on the Council. 

About the year 1685 the French encroached on English territory 
and under pretence of sole right to the fishery off Nova Scotia 
seized eight New England ketches and carried them to Rochelle. 
Lord Preston, Ambassador in Paris, could obtain no redress, so then 
it was resolved that the three small colonies of Connecticut, New 
Plymouth and Rhode Island, together with New Hampshire and 
Maine, should be made into one government for better 
defence against invasion. The French also, with the view 
of engrossing the whole beaver trade to themselves, surprised 
a party of Indian chiefs of the Five Nations, British subjects, and 



46 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1689. 

accordingly Colonel Dongan received orders from England to help 
the Five Nations against the French ; and indeed the Indians would 
have made an end of the French in Canada had not Colonel Dongan, 
at the intercession of a Jesuit priest, kept them in 
Albany for several weeks, thus giving the French 
Governor time to provision his garrisons. Colonel Dongan's 
account for his troops at Albany amounts to 6,400, as to 
which I shall have something to say to you in England. A treaty 
was made between the subjects of the two Crowns in 1688, which has 
been observed by us but not by the French. They very much court 
the Five Nations, and the Jesuits allure them strangely with 
their beads, crucifixes, and little painted images. A French officer 
from Canada has settled a fort and garrison on the lakes at the back 
of Carolina during this truce. About August last, when Sir Edmund 
Andros went to take up the government of New York, eleven French 
Indians killed some Indians and English at Northfield and 
Springfield on the Connecticut river. They fled to Canada after- 
wards, but though demanded by Sir Edmund Andros have not 
been delivered. Soon afterwards the Indians, owing to a mis- 
understanding with the English, fell upon the English towns in 
Maine, destroyed their crops and cattle, burnt the houses, killed 
some of the inhabitants, and carried off others. They had a Jesuit 
priest in their councils. On the Governor's return from Albany to 
Boston, finding that the Indians continued to spoil the English 
plantations, it was ordered that a considerable force should be raised, 
and the command was offered to Major-General Winthrop. He 
refused, however, as did also others, and the Governor was compelled 
to take up that difficult fatigue in person in the depth of winter. 
Though by unusual mildness of the season the men were unable to 
march after the Indians, as the lakes were not frozen, yet the 
Indians were restrained from damaging the English towns by forts 
judiciously posted. At the first post the Governor was out at the head 
of one hundred and twenty men, marching through dismal and almost 
impassable swamps, at which time thirty Indian canoes were taken 
or destroyed. Some time after, a party of one hundred and sixty 
marched over forty leagues right up into the country in deep snow 
and burned two Indian forts, recovering divers goods and ammuni- 
tion taken from the English, destroying and taking thirty-eight 
canoes and reducing the Indians to bows and arrows. The Indians 
could have been reduced to beg for terms, had not Foster and 
Waterhouse, merchants in Boston and chiefs in the late rebellion, 
sent a ship in the Governor's absence with forty tons of ammunition 
and other goods to trade with these Indians and the French between 
Port Eoyal and Penobscot. The Governor left the forces to the 
eastward on the 16th of March and arrived in Boston about a week 
later. As soon as the soldiers heard of the disturbances they 
seized their officers and sent them home prisoners, so that 
forty leagues of seaboard is now abandoned to the ravages of 
the Indians, who have already destroyed many houses and killed 
many of the people. The French have over four thousand 
good men in Canada fit for any service. When they hear 
that the Bostoners have resumed their old Government I expect 
that they will join the Indians, and take the country lately granted 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 47 

1689. 

to the French West India Company, when being possessed of our 
best ports and harbours they will infest the trade of all the British 
Colonies. It was just to prevent this that all these Colonies were 
put under one Governor. 

Notwithstanding all the pretence of grievances and the cry of 
the Governor's oppression, it is not the person of Sir Edmund 
Andros but the Government that they design to have removed, that 
they may freely trade; and therefore they urge the necessity for a new 
charter. Their reasons are : 1. Because since the vacation of their 
charter they have been kept from breaches of the Navigation Acts, 
which they used to violate with great profit to themselves ; and they 
are also restrained from fitting out privateers which used to rob the 
Spanish West Indies. They durst not harbour pirates during Sir 
Edmund's time. 2. Mr. Richard Wharton was a great undertaker 
for pirates and promoter of irregular trade. 3. The people 
have been restrained from trading with the French 
in Newfoundland, which enrages the merchants much. 
4. Their liberty of coining money is taken away, which used to 
encourage pirates to bring their plate to be minted. Mr. Sewell, 
who, as well as Mr. Wharton, is now an agent in England, was 
master of the mint, and a great loser by its abolition. 5. The 
ministers of religion, who were chief in public matters and in 
election of magistrates, have been at the head of this revolt. Their 
present practice since their revolt shows what they intend to do when 
they receive a charter. They have already liberated seven pirates, 
who were imprisoned for robbing a large Spanish ship, from the 
common gaol, and given them permission to sell their stolen goods. 
Three privateers are now fitting out for the West Indies. Five 
ministers of Boston, Moody, Allan, Young, Mather, Willard, and 
Milburn, were in the Council Chamber when I was brought up on 
the 18th of April, writing orders ; they were also authors of some 
of their printed papers. I am kept very inhumanly, and the 
Governor worse. All of his letters and mine are stopped and 
opened by Sir William Phips, who, saying the Governor is 
. a rogue, will not let us have them. I beg that I may not 
be exposed to the malice of the people, but that they may 
be ordered to frame their charges against me for me to meet them. 
I have much of importance to tell you, but all my papers being 
kept from me, I must defer it. Signed, Edward Randolph. 7 pp. 
indorsed. Reed. 3 July, 1C89. Printed in New York Documents 
III. 578. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 8 ; and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 130-141.] 

[May 29.] 153. Reasons alleged in the Scire facias for vacating the charter 
of Massachusetts. 1. For levying money without authority. 
2. For coining money. 3. For requiring an oath of allegiance to 
the Government. Memorandum, as to the annexation of Connecticut, 
Rhode Island, etc., to New England. Copy. 2| pp. Evidently 
abridged from the preceding letter. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 9; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 141- 
143.] 



48 



COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

May 30. 154. Order of the King in Council. Eeferring the petition of 
Whitehall. Edward Thompson to the Attorney and Solicitor General for report. 
Annexed, 

154. i. Petition of Edward Thompson to the King. For letters 
patent to erect an office for enrolling servants for the 
Plantations, so as to prevent " spiriting," or prosecution 
of persons who have taken servants. His fee to be five 
shillings for every indenture, and sixpence for registration 
of each name. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations 
General, 2. Nos. 3, 8 i. ; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 
65, 66.] 



May 30. 

Barbados. 



155. Deputy-Governor Stede to the Earl of Shrewsbury . We 
waited ignorant of the turn of affairs in England until the letters of 
21 February and other dates reached us, and told us of the proclaim- 
ing of King William and Queen Mary. May I present you with my 
humble congratulations on your appointment to the post of principal 
Secretary of State ? This Island is in a quiet and favourable con- 
dition, and the generality of the inhabitants submit to the new rule 
with great cheerfulness. I proclaimed their Majesties on Ascension 
Day in the most solemn, splendid and glorious manner that this 
poor Island could afford. All took part in the ceremony except 
those whom I least expected to be absent, the clergy ; who, all but 
one, on some mistake or scruple of conscience as to their oath of 
allegiance to King James, conceived that they could not be absolved 
from it. So one only attended the solemnity or publicly prayed for 
their Majesties in the Church for two or three Sundays. During 
these Sundays we had no service nor sermon. However, 
in a short time, with fitting admonitions and other proper 
and gentle means I prevailed on the clergy to lay aside their 
mistaken sentiments and follow the clergy and laity of England in 
securing the Protestant religion, our laws and liberties. As they 
were rather doubting than stubborn, they soon complied and desire 
to be pardoned for their omissions. I, the Council and Assembly 
have taken the oath, and all the officers civil and military will I doubt 
not take it, but the standing out of the clergy might have been a 
menace to peace if the people were not -for the most part loyal and 
Protestant. I shall find means to secure waverers or Eoman Catholics. 
I have already shut up the ringleaders in custody, who when they were 
at large left the Island neither peace nor safety. These are Mr. Wil- 
loughby Chamberlayne and Sir Thomas Montgomerie, the former a 
young man born in Barbados and of great estate, but both of them 
vicious and debauched. I was obliged to bind Chamberlayne over in 
1000 to good behaviour, which sum he has forfeited again and again. 
Sir Thomas Montgomerie I suspended from office. Both turned 
Papists, and behaved so violently and insolently, corresponding with 
the Governors, Jesuits and priests of the neighbouring French Islands, 
from whom they obtained a Jesuit and would shortly have 
obtained priests and, if that idolatrous superstition had con- 
tinued, would have turned Barbados into a popish if not into 
a French Island. Sir Thomas Montgomery went to Martinique, 
where doubtless great designs were laid for the conversion of this 
Island and the delivery of it into the hands of the French by the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 49 

1689. 

help of poor Irish servants and freemen, who are the only papists 
here ; but in six months they gained not a man of note nor, 
I believe, more than two men or women, high or low, though 
Sir Thomas in a letter to Lord Dumbarton, copy of which 
with many other papers is enclosed, boasts much of many 
proselytes gained in spite of violent opposition from me. Un- 
fortunately much of his correspondence with Lords Dumbarton, 
Tyrconnel, Sunderland, Dover, Bellasis, Arundel, and other papists, 
including Mr. Petre, were lost with a ship in which a Jesuit, 
Father Michael, was travelling home with a full freight of 
grievous complaints against me. No doubt this Jesuit was to 
represent me as an obstinate opponent to the spread of popery, 
fit to be removed to give place to a popish governor. In the 
infancy of papistry here they were so bold as to threaten us with 
fire and faggot, and told us that we must turn, run or burn. To 
effect this they wrote several letters to the leading men of that 
religion in England. These unluckily I have not been able to find, 
but by letters from Garrat Trant to Sir Thomas Montgomerie you 
will see that these missives arrived too late and were therefore 
burnt. Mr. James Mackleburne writes to the like effect ; Thomas 
Tryon and his partner Joseph Perkins write likewise to Mr. 
Chamberlayne that his first packet to Father Petre has been 
delivered, but that the second arrived too late. If you think fit to 
send for these people you may learn more of the intrigues of 
Chamberlayne and Montgomerie. They now hope for an Act of 
Indemnity to save them from the consequences of their fault, and I 
shall not complain if they obtain it, but no two men deserve better 
to be branded with infamy. Sir Thomas has been under sentence 
of death for murder, but was reprieved and pardoned, and Chamber- 
layne, but for my binding him over, would have forfeited his life 
also. His estate will stand the forfeiture of his recognisance and a 
good fine for his misdeeds. If their Majesties should grant this fine 
to you I shall be happy to serve you therein. Again, though there 
are no escheats to the value mentioned by Sir T. Montgomerie in his 
letter to Lord Dumbarton, yet there may be some to the value of a 
thousand or fifteen hundred pounds, with other casual fines, etc., 
which would be worth your having. I doubt not that your interest 
will easily obtain these casual small revenues, besides which their 
Majesties have the proceeds of the four and a half per cent, duty on 
exports, which my care has raised from 500 to 8,000 or 10,000 
a year. The casual revenues used to be the Governor's perquisite, 
but having had orders to account for it as part of the King's 
revenue, I do so. Yet there is a small branch of revenue over and 
above this, of which you might obtain a grant. 

I send copies of addresses to the Prince of Orange in reply to his 
letter of 12 January, and to their Majesties on their accession. It 
would be a great accession of strength to us if we had some men-of- 
war to assist us by sea and forty whole culverins for our batteries, 
for we are now obliged to use less suitable guns. The French have 
always been and still are very troublesome and encroaching neigh- 
bours, and in the time of my predecessors, Sir Jonathan Atkins and 
Sir Richard Dutton, took great liberties to hunt fish and fowl at 

3233 D 



50 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Dominica, which islands afforded provisions 
and timber for the fortifications and of Martinique. They then went 
further and began to make settlements under authority of the 
Governor of Martinique, but on my representing the matter to King 
James he ordered me to drive them out, which I did. I had an 
angry correspondence with the Governor of Martinique, but held my 
ground, until I received orders from King James to commit no acts 
of violence pending the settlement of the dispute. Since then the 
French continue to do what they please in those Islands, and I have 
no man-of-war to prevent them. I beg you to represent this to the 
King, for the matter is important. The French in these parts, 
though not as yet very strong, have collected sloops and other craft, 
and taken Saba and St. Eustatia from the Dutch, and with the help 
of ten of the Brest fleet made an attempt on Surinam, but were 
repulsed with much damage to themselves and trifling loss to the 
Dutch. Where the ten ships are gone I know not, but I hear of 
four French men-of-war at the Cape de Verde Islands, and that one 
of their consorts captured an English ship. Her captain informs 
me that they gave themselves out to be bound for St. Thomas, but 
I believe their design to be against the Dutch settlements on the 
coast of Africa. Two French ships lately stopped a New England 
vessel, but let him go as his papers were in King James's 
name, though they told him that, had they been in 
their present Majesties' names, they would have made 
prize of him. In the Leeward Islands I hear that 
the French mean to repudiate the Treaty of Neutrality, in which 
case they may do great damage to them ; but we have no fear of 
them in Barbados for they have few or no men-of-war, only privateers 
of fifteen or twenty guns. They have no great number of men, so 
if you could spare me a few men-of-war and a thousand or fifteen 
hundred men I could, with the men that I could raise here, capture 
the French Islands. But the French are generally forward in their 
actions and make their greatest advantage by surprise. So I expect 
they will ea,rly send men and supplies to defend their possessions 
and annoy the English. Pray represent to the King the importance 
of this. 

Three large ships lately arrived here which left England with 
the design of making some settlements among the Indians in 
Chyland [? Chile] in the South Sea, but could not weather Cape St. 
Augustine, and were driven back here to refresh. Since then a 
yacht belonging to their squadron has been run away with by some 
of her crew and some dissolute men of this Island, and it is feared 
she may have turned pirate. Captain Thomas Hewetson flies the 
union flag at his topmast head by King James's commission, and 
claims the same right now, being a protestant, under their Majesties' 
proclamation. The ships will remain here till July or August, and 
meanwhile the Admiral privately offers their services to assist 
British interests in these parts. By the time when he goes we hope 
to have received a better and more powerful aid from the King. I 
hope to approve myself a good and loyal servant to him. Signed, 
Edwyn Stede. Six very closely written pages. Endorsed. Reed. 13 
Aug. [America and West Indies, 456, No. 5, and Col. Entry Book, 
Vol. VIII., pp. 103-119]. 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 61 

1689. 

May 30. 156. Duplicate of the foregoing. 6 pp. [America and West Indies, 
456, No. 6.] 

[May 80.] 157. A collection of papers relating to Sir Thomas Montgomerie 
and Willoughby Chamberlayne, enclosed with the foregoing despatch. 

157. i. Garrat Trant to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. 27 Jan. 1689. 
Your last came too late. I have burnt your enclosed except 
the book and money. We hear the Princess of Orange 
arrived at Harwich yesterday. The King is still in Paris 
with a great many English, Scotch and Irish that had 
passes from the Prince. Doubtless the Prince will be 
crowned in a few days. He is the best friend the Romish 
have here, every villain in taverns and coffee houses rating 
at him as unfit to live. There are great preparations 
against Ireland. Lord Chief Baron Eice and Lord Mountjoy 
have been sent by Tyrconnel to learn whether to defend 
Ireland or surrender. Whatever the King commands he 
will undoubtedly obey. Our troops here seem unwilling to 
quit England for Ireland or Holland. It is thought that 
the French King will this spring have 100,000 men in three 
several armies. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed by Governor Stede. 
This shows that Sir T. Montgomerie sent his false and 
malicious packets by many hands. Here follows a tirade, in 
ilie same rein of ten or fifteen lines. Endorsed further, 
Eecd. 12 Aug. 89. 

157. n. The Lady Superior of the Ursulines at Martinique to Sir 
Thomas Montgomerie. 10 Feb. 1689. Thanks for your 
letter. I wish I could have answered it sooner to show my 
respect for so zealous a servant of the Catholic religion. 
God speed your pious endeavours and make the Catholic 
religion flourish in a kingdom which contains persons of 
such merit. We wish to receive many of the young for 
instruction in our classes. Signed. Soeur J. M. de St. 
Basile. Copy. French. l$pp. Endorsed as the foregoing 
with comments by Governor Stede. 

157. in. Andrew Lynch to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. Martinique, 
10 Feb. 1689. I have delivered your letter. Father La 
Forest holds himself in readiness to leave by next sloop. 
I will send the balance of money due to you by next sloop. 
Copy. 1 p. Endorsed by Governor Stede. This is an 
Irishman's letter, a violent papist. Here follow some 
violent comments. 

157. iv. Father La Forest to Willoughby Chamberlayne. Mar- 
tinique. 11 Feb. I write for the Father Superior, who is 
suffering from a violent cold. He thanks you for your 
letters and gifts. I applaud your zeal and piety, and wish I 
were with you ; I shall go by first sloop. I am ready to 
undergo all for your welfare. Can you procure a sloop to 
come for me if I do not arrive within a month ? Could I 
act as I wished I had long ago been with you ; but Mr. 
Lynch tells me that we must await the right time. Would 
it would come. Signed. Carolus de la Forest. Latin. Copy. 
1 p. Endorsed with violent comments by Governor Stfde. 



52 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

157. v. Deposition of John Thompson. 23 Feb., 1689. To the 
effect that an Irish servant, seeing deponent's Bible lying 
in his room, damned him for a Protestant dog. J p. 
Endorsed. E. 12 Aug., 1689. 

157. vi. Depositions of John Kelly and John Bowen in con- 
firmation of the preceding, with the addition that the 
Irishman cut Thompson over the cheek with a sword. 
Taken 23 Feb., 1689. 1J pp. 

157. vn. Alexander Plunkett, Capuchin, to Sir Thomas Mont- 
gomerie. Virginia, 24 Feb., 1698. Though I have not your 
acquaintance, the fame of your zeal for the propagation of 
the Catholic religion has reached Virginia. I feel great 
inclination to join you and work with you. Pardon my 
boldness. Copy. I p. Endorsed with violent comments by 
Governor Stede. 

157. vm. Deposition of Thomas Browne. 1 March, 1689. As 
to a design of Sir Thomas Montgomerie to escape from 
Barbados secretly. 2 pp. 

157. ix. William Forster to Governor Stede. Speightstown. 2 
March, 1689. I have known by common fame of Sir T. 
Montgomerie's dangerous words against the Government, 
but I hear now that his brother and some of his accom- 
plices have been arrested ; and, knowing where he himself 
is, I ask your instructions whether I shall apprehend him. 
Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with comments by Governor Stede. 

157. x. Examination of Durant Alford. Endeavoured to hire a 
boat to leave the Island, but knows nothing of the persons 
that were to go with him. 2 March, 1689. J p. 

157. xi. Examination of Hugh Montgomerie. Confessing that 
he was very anxious for his brother to withdraw from the 
Island. 2 March, 1689. p. 

157. xn. Deposition of Eobert Hatton. As to endeavours of Sir 
Thomas Montgomerie's servant to hire a boat from him. 
2 March, 1689. J p. 

157. xin. Deposition of M. Walford. As to an offer of one of Sir 
Thomas Montgomerie's servants to buy his boat. 2 March, 
1689. 2 pp. 

157. xiv. Deposition of John Eoe. As to an attempt of Sir T. 
Montgomerie's emissaries to persuade him to sail a boat 
to Martinique. 2 March, 1689. 1 pp. 

157. xv. Evidence against James Hanley, accused of speaking 
dangerous words. 4 March, 1689. 1 p. 

157. xvi. Deposition of Caesar Crawford. As to attempts to convert 
him to Catholicism. 4 March, 1689. J p. 

157. xvii. Deposition of Martha Cussley. To the same purport. 
4 March, 1689. J p. 

157. xvin. Deposition of John Briefe. As to seditious words about 
a French invasion spoken by a neighbour. 6 March, 1689. %p. 

157. xix. Extract from Minutes of Council of Barbados. 
7 March, 1689. Deposition of Thomas Browne, servant 
to Sir T. Montgomerie. As to the reception of Father Michael 
by his master, his correspondence with Father Petre and 
Lord Sunderland, and his efforts to thrust himself into 
high place in the Island. 2 pp. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 53 

1689. 

157. xx. Petition of Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Governor Stede. 

7 March, 1689. Recounts the story of his suspension 
from office, and the arrest of himself and of Mr. "Willoughby 
Chamberlayne for consorting with papists. Avers that he 
was born and means to die a protestant, explaining that 
he only entertained a Jesuit priest because such persons 
were in favour at Court, and argues that he has done 
nothing to deserve imprisonment. 6 pp. Endorsed with 
a long statement by Governor Stedc, beginning, " This 
petition shews the greatest falsehood and hypocrisy." 

157. xxi. Petition of Willoughby Chamberlayne. Confesses 
that he entertained a Jesuit relying on the declaration of 
indulgence, and throws himself on the mercy of the 
Council. Endorsed with comments by Governor Stede. 

157. xxn. Deposition of Samuel Smart. 7 March, 1689. As to 
abusive words spoken by Sir T. Montgomerie of him for 
presenting a Jesuit at Quarter Sessions. 7 March, 1689. 
p. Endorsed with comments by Governor Stede. 

157. xxiii. Deposition of Samuel Donnall. As to violent 
language about a French invasion used by Sir T. Mont- 
gomerie. 8 March, 1689. J p. 

157. xxiv. Deposition of Cuthbert Black. To the same effect as 
the preceding. 8 March, 1689. } p. 

157. xxv. Deposition of Richard Elliot. As to violent language 
used by Sir T. Montgomerie, in discussing the prospect of 
a war in the Island. 8 March, 1689. J p. 

157. xxvi. Deposition of William Rawline. Further evidence on 
the same points. 8 March, 1619. 1 p. 

157- XXVH. Deposition of Isaac Ragg. To the same effect. 

8 March, 1689. 1 p. 

157. xxvni. Deposition of Stephen Chase. To the same effect. 

9 March, 1689. $ p. 

157. xxix. Deposition of John Clancy. As to Willoughby 
Chamberlayne's drinking to the conversion of the King's 
enemies. 10 March, 1689. p. 

157. xxx. List of persons present at Mass at Willoughby 
Chamberlayue's house. Certified 24 March, 1689. 

157. xxxi. Deposition of Robert Webb. That he had frequently 
heard Chamberlayne own himself a Catholic. 10 March, 
1689. p. 

157. xxxn. Deposition of Thomas Wakely. As to Mass at 
Willoughby Chamberlayne's house, and Sir T. Mont- 
gomerie's presence thereat. 10 March, 1689. 1 p. 

157. xxxni. Deposition of Peter Evans. As to words spoken by 
Willoughby Chamberlayne of the prospect of a French 
invasion to help the English against the Dutch. 10 March, 
1689. %p. 

157. xxxiv. Deposition of Dominic Rice. To the same effect as 
No. xxxii. 10 March 1689. $ p. 

157. xxxv. Deposition of Christopher Webb. That he saw a 
Jesuit at Chamberlayne's house often, and heard Chamber- 
layne declare himself a Catholic. 10 March, 1689. J p. 



54 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1689. 

157. xxxvi. Deposition of Michael Poore. To the same effect as 

No. xxxii. 10 March, 1689. p. 
157. xxxvu. Deposition of Thomas Hogan. To the same effect as 

No. xxxn. 11 March, 1689. l%pp. 
157. xxxvin. Deposition of William Legall. To the same effect. 

11 March, 1689. J p. 
157. xxxix. Deposition of Abraham Watson. As to authenticity of 

a letter to him from Willoughby Chamberlayne extolling 

the Church of Eome. 11 March 1688. 2 pp. 
157. XL. Deposition of Philip Price. As to Sir Thomas Mont- 

gomerie's speech of a French invasion of Barbados, and 

of the slightness of the Island's defences. 11 March, 

1689. 2pp. 
157. XLI. Deposition of Charles Collins. To the same effect. 

11 March, 1689. 2 pp. 
157. XLII. Deposition of Samuel Smith. To the same effect. 

11 March, 1689. 2pp. 
157. XLIII. Deposition of Eichard Cartwright. To the same effect. 

11 March, 1689. 1 p. 
157. XLIV. Deposition of John Horton. As to a letter that he 

carried from Ealph Lane to Sir T. Montgomerie. 13 March, 

1689. %p. 
157. XLV. Deposition of William Inglethorpe. As to depositions 

taken of Sir T. Montgomerie respecting Ealph Lane. 

13 March, 1689. I p. 
157. XLVI. Deposition of Edward Bishop. As to having heard 

Willoughby Chamberlayne declare himself a Eoman 

Catholic. 13 March, 1689. p. 
157. XLVII. Deposition of William Murran. As to efforts of 

Chamberlayne to convert him to Catholicism. 13 March, 

1689. J p. 
157. XLVIII. Deposition of Eobert Weekes. To same effect as No. 

XLVI. 18 March, 1689. \ p. 
157. XLIX. Deposition of Thomas White. To same effect. 18 

March, 1689. p. 
157. L. Deposition of John Griffin. That Chamberlayne invited 

persons to Mass at his house. 18 March, 1689. \ p. 
157. LI. Deposition of John Eowe. Further evidence of the 

papistry of Chamberlayne and Montgomerie. 18 March, 

1689. 1 p. 
157. LIT. Deposition of James Pennoyer. Further evidence to the 

same effect. 18 March, 1689. 1| pp. 
157. LIII. Deposition of Benjamin Cryer. Further evidence to 

the same effect. 18 March, 1689. 2 pp. 
157. LIV. Deposition of Isabella Cryer. Further evidence to the 

same effect. 18 March, 1689. p. 
157. LV. Deposition of Abraham Watson. As to a conspiracy 

to liberate Montgomerie and Chamberlayne. 30 March, 

1689. 1 p. 
157. LVI. Deposition of John Eogers. Further evidence as to the 

conspiracy. 5 April, 1689. 1 p. 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 



55 



1689. 



157. LVII. Extract from Minutes of Council of Barbados. Robert 
Gilbert gave evidence as to letters written by Sir T. 
Montgomerie to several noblemen in England, asking 
that a Roman Catholic Governor might be sent out. 17 
April, 1689. 1 p. Endorsed with a violent comment by 
Governor Stede. 

157. LVIII. Deposition of Robert Gilbert, taken 17 April, 1689. 
Confirming the authenticity of the following letter. Sir T. 
Montgomerie to Lord Tyrconnell. 24 March, 1688. I have 
done my best for the King's interest here and I hope 10,000 
may be escheated to his Majesty. I beg for encouragement, 
for I have neither salary nor perquisites. I asked for the 
Commissionership of the four and a half per cent, duty, 
worth two hundred pounds a year. A word from you would 
procure it for me. 2 pp. Endorsed with comments by 
Governor Stede. 

157. LIX. Petition of Sir Thomas Montgomerie to the Governor 
and Council. Asking that no vestry taxes or rates for the 
benefit of the Church of England may be levied on pro- 
fessed Catholics. 1 p. Deposition of Robert Gilbert 
authenticating the petition as Montgomerie's work. 17 
April, 1689. p. In the margin, a bitter comment 
by Governor Stede. 

157. LX. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lord Dumbarton. This 
letter contains violent expressions against the Dutch, 
recommends the bearer, a priest, speaks of the harsh 
treatment of Catholics in Barbados, and declares the West 
Indies lost to the King if the Dutch maintain their as- 
cendency in England. Copy. I p. On the other side. 
Certificate of Robert Gilbert that the original letter was 
written by Sir T. Montgomerie. 17 April, 1689. lp. 
Endorsed with violent comments by Governor Stede. 

157. LXI. Deposition of John Spencer. That he heard Dominic 
Rice say last March, God bless King James, and 
damn the Prince of Orange. 19 April, 1689. J p. 

157. LXII. Deposition of Mary Richardson. As to other strange 
language of Dominick Rice. 22 April, 1689. p. 
Endorsed. A long comment of Governor Stede, to the 
effect that Irish papists are evidently too much exalted. 

157. LXIII. Deposition of Prudence Bryan. In confirmation of 
the preceding. 22 April, 1689. J p. 

157. LXIV. Deposition of James Bradshaw. Further evidence to 
the same effect. 22 April, 1689. 1 p. 

157. LXV. Sir Thomas Montgomery to Governor Stede. " From 
the jayle. 8 May, 1689." Asking that nothing in his 
letters, which have been intercepted, may be made public, 
except so far as they are of public concern, and praying to 
be used as a gentleman. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with a 
comment of Governor Stede. This is a most ingenuous and 
ungrateful letter, for I have meddled with none of his 
letters except those of which I have forwarded copies. 
The whole of the foregoing documents were received on 12 
Aug., 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. A'o*. 7, I-LXV.] 



COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 
May 31. 



May 81. 



May 31. 

New York. 



158. Account of the proclamation of King William and Queen 
Mary at Barbados. The whole cavalcade from Fontabelle to St. 
Michael's was ranked from van to rear, and was very considerable. 
A good place was reserved to the clergy, but only one came. 
Exceeding rich and most brave above all was the apparel of the 
Governor. The noble, stately and no wise ordinary sort of pro- 
claiming their Majesties would have a little surprised you had you 
been there. There was firing from the forts by signal, and firing 
" brave and brisk " from the shipping in the harbour. On the 
return march both horse and foot exercised for two hours in the 
pasture ground close to Fontabelle, the Governor in command. 
After this he dined magnificently, all at his own charge, entertaining 
the ladies and all the company that composed the proceedings and 
twelve hundred men besides. That worthy good lady, his sister, 
entertained about four hundred people at Fontabelle, during his 
absence. There was great and full numbers of various and excellent 
dishes with sweatmeats and fruits, and great plenty of all sorts of 
good wines and other choice liquors; and their Majesties' healths and 
other healths were drunk, the great guns before the house firing, as 
was fit, at the respective healths. Three troops of horse that led 
the procession were generously dined ; and the regiments of foot 
were, for their condition, exceedingly well dined, as with brave 
stalled oxen, delicate young hogs and sheep, with plenty of the best 
Madeira wine. In the evening there was a ball, excellently well 
danced, in Fontabelle great dining room, and afterwards a most 
sumptuous banquet with the rarest wines " and other pleasant 
liquors fit for ladies and such occasions." Finally a stately bonfire 
was lighted and fireworks ; and their Majesties' healths were again 
drunk, with firing of the guns. To dilate upon each particular of 
these passages would be too long for me to write and for you in 
England to read ; but I hope this may suffice to show that we have 
a wise, loyal, and noble-spirited Governor. 2 large pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 12 August, 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 8.] 

159. Minutes of Council of New York. The Lieutenant 
Governor reported that most of the City Militia were in rebellion, 
that his commands were disobeyed, and that he had reason to 
believe that the officers were the instigators. He desired the Mayor 
to convene the Common Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV.,p. 109.] 

160. Declaration of the inhabitants and soldiers belonging to 
the train-bands at New York. Notwithstanding the oppression and 
grievances of Governor Dongan, and of his wicked pensionaries, of 
whom Lieutenant Governor Nicholson is one, we were resolved to 
await our deliverance in patience at the hands of the Prince of 
Orange. But when we were threatened and cajoled by Lieutenant 
Governor Nicholson ; when he presented a pistol at our corporal 
and told Lieutenant Cuyler that he would set the city on fire because 
we did our loyal duty, we then for the safety of the protestants, 
and in view of the daily coming of papist soldiers to Lieutenant 
Governor Nicholson, resolved to live no longer in such danger, but 
to secure the fort ; which we have effected without bloodshed. We 
shall now hold it pending further orders from the King. Copy, f p. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 6.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



57 



1689. 
May 31. 



May 31. 
May 31. 

May 31. 



May 31. 

Whitehall. 



May 31. 



June 3. 



June 3. 



June 3. 



June 3. 



161. Inventory of the stores found in the fort at New York 
when taken by the rebels for the Prince of Orange on 31 May. 
4 pp. [America and West Indies, 578. No. 7.] 

162. A list of the soldiers enlisted under the command of 
Captain Jacob Leisler for the defence of the fort at New York. 
Fully half of them are Dutchmen. [Ibid. No. 8.] 

163. An account of powder taken out of the magazine of New 
York by the store-keeper from 23 August 1688 to 81 May. Entered 
against the latter date, "When the rabble took the fort from us the 
guns was all loaden." Signed. Phillip Smith. 2 pp. Endorsed. 
Reed, from Captain Nicholson 11 Sept. 1689. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 9.] 

164. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The 
Commissioners of the Admiralty summoned to attend on the 3rd 
June. Agreed to advise the immediate shipping of provisions for the 
troops in the West Indies. Lord Howard of Effingham and Colonel 
Ludwell attended, and both parties were heard on Colonel Ludwell's 
petition. Agreed to refer the article as to repeal to the law-officers. 
The second and third articles also discussed. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. CIX., pp. 223-225.] 

165. Order of the King in Council. Order for provisions for a 
regiment of 780 men to be put on board the ships bound for the 
West Indies. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 56, and Vol. XLVIL, 
p. 408.] 

166. William Blathwayt to Lords of the Admiralty. Desiring 
the attendance of some of them at the Council Chamber on 3 June, 
with a list of ships intended for the West Indies. [Col. Entry Bks., 
Vol. C., p. 57, and Vol. XLVIL, pp. 408, 409.] 

167. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commis- 
sioners of Admiralty attended and gave an account of the fleet. 
Memorandum of documents received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., 
pp. 226-228.] 

168. William Blathwayt to the Attorney and Solicitor-General. 
Forwarding the state of the case respecting the repeal of an Act by 
Royal proclamation, for their opinions. (See No. 232.) [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXXXIIL, p. 265.] 

169. List of ships presented by the Lords of the Admiralty for 
the squadron bound to the West Indies. Eight ships ; to be ready 
in fourteen days. [Col. Entry Bka., Vol. C.,p. 58, and Vol. XLVIL, 
p. 409.] 

170. Abstract of the report of the Lords of the Admiralty as to 
the state of the ships destined for the West Indies. The report was 
presented on the 6th June, and it was ordered that all diligence be 
used in setting out the hired ships. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., 
p. 62, and Vol. XLVIL, pp. 409-411.] 



58 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

June 3. 171. Declaration of the Militia of New York. That their 

New York, intention is only to safeguard the Protestant religion until the 

arrival of ships from the Prince of Orange, when the orders thereby 

brought will be promptly obeyed. Copy. \ p. [America and West 

Indies. 578. No. 10.] 

June 8. 172. Printed copy of the preceding, as also of the declaration 
of the Militia of 81 May, and Henry Cuyler's deposition of 10 June 
(see Nos. 159, 190). Printed at Boston. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 
28 Nov., 1689. Duplicate of the above. Endorsed. Reed. 
10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 11, 12.] 

June 3. 173. Minutes of Council of New York. A message from Captain 
Lodowick that an express was come from Long Island reporting 
the arrival of five ships, but the express never appeared. Captain 
Leisler therefore gave the alarm in the fort. Captain Lodowick 
asked Colonel Bayard to issue his orders to the captains to appear, 
as none would do so without his orders. Colonel Bayard declined 
to appear in arms except as a private, while the Government was 
defied by the seizure of the fort. The Council however insisted that 
he should give orders as commanding officer. 

June 4. Colonel Bayard reported that part of five companies had mutinied 
yesterday and joined Leisler, that two messengers from Barbados 
had been arrested and that preparations had been made to seize two 
more messengers from England and from Boston ; that Leisler had 
grossly insulted him and had set the mob against him. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 109-118.] 

June 5. 174. Lieutenant Governor Stede to Lords of Trade and 
Barbados. Plantations. Repeating substance of the letter of May 30. (See 

No. 155). Signed. Edwyn Stede. Three closely written pages. 

Endorsed. Reed. 13 Aug., 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. 

No. 9, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 165-175, and pp. 180- 

190.] 

June 6. 175. Minutes of Council of New York. Resolved that the 
Lieutenant Governor leave for New England at once and pray for 
immediate relief ; and that the Common Council be consulted as to 
a protest against the various actions of the mutinous captains. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 113-115.] 

Duplicate copy of the Minutes from the 27th April to the 6th 
June, 1689. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 192-219.] 

June 6. 176. Sir Francis Watson to the King. I have duly received 
Jamaica. y Our Majesty's pleasure of 22 February (see No. 29), with which I 
have complied. I also received a letter from the Lords of the Council, 
and at once summoned a Council of War and proclaimed your 
Majesty with all possible ceremony. The frequent depredations of 
French and Spanish pirates, and apprehensions of the strength of 
the French to windward, obliged me to put the Island in a state of 
defence under martial law, pursuant to the late King's orders of 
16 October ; the French grounding their piracy on the proceedings 
of Sir Robert Holmes under a commission of the late King for 






AMEKICA AND WEST INDIES. 59 

1689. 

suppressing pirates. But on receipt of your orders I directed 
martial law to cease. Besides the two Councillors restored by your 
order I have been obliged to take in two more, that were formerly 
suspended, to make a quorum. All is quiet here, and there is no 
apprehension of danger. I await your royal orders, having served 
for near forty years under the Lord General Monk and their late 
Majesties. Signed. F. Watson. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 
540. No. 6.] 

June 6. 177. Sir Francis Watson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Jamaica. Though I have frequently addressed your Lordships since the Duke 
of Albemarle's death I have received no answer, so that I greatly 
1 suspect my letters have been detained, and the feelings of the people 
misrepresented by men of a contrary bias to the good of the Island. 
(I send copy of an address sent home by his late Grace through 
Major Knight, which sets forth the true and genuine state of the 
inhabitants' grievances.) And I am confirmed in my opinion by the 
directions of his late and present Majesty in undoing all the work 
done since the death of the Duke of Albemarle, which was in accor- 
dance with his Grace's methods ; whereby the memory of so great 
and good a man is eclipsed. He was generally lamented here, 
especially by the planters, and he procured a perpetual Revenue Bill 
such as no Governor before him had been able to procure. I have 
recalled my proclamation of martial law in obedience to the King's 
orders. I must observe that the Session of the Assembly after the 
Duke's death was not illegal as is alleged ; it was called by writ in the 
late King's name and sat according to precedent. There were but three 
Roman Catholics in the Militia, who at once quitted their commands. 
I have also laid aside the title of Governor in obedience to the King's 
orders, though I assumed it in accordance with every precedent to 
Colonel Doyly's time and by advice of the Crown's law-officers. The 
Council is so diminished by sickness that I was forced to take two 
suspended Councillors, Colonels Walker and Ivy, back into it. On 
Colonel Molesworth's arrival I shall readily submit the government 
to him, though I think that my forty years of service might plead 
somewhat for me. Signed. F. Watson. Endorsed. Reed. 23 Aug. 
Read 28 Aug., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 5, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 222-226.] 

June 6. 178. Sir Francis Watson to the King. I have punctually 
complied with your orders of 22 February, and taken off martial law, 
which I had proclaimed for reasons already reported. Signed. 
F. Watson. l| pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 6.] 

June 6. 179. The Dutch Ambassadors to the King. I learn that 

Hampton George Needham, one of the judges concerned in the unjust seizure 

' urt ' of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria, has arrived at Plymouth with a 

large sum of the ship's money. I beg that he and the money may 

be secured pending the submission of a further memorial to you on 

the subject. Signed. Arnout van Citters. N. Witsen. 1 p. 

Endorsed. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 7, and Col. Entry 

Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 318.] 

June 6. 180. An account of the late revolutions in New England. " I 
Boston. believe no part of the English America, so powerful and united as 



60 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

New England was, could have endured half as many abuses as we 
have been harassed with, with a tenth part of our patience ; but 
our conscience was that which gave metal to our peace and kept us 
quiet." This sentence shows the tone of this little pamphlet. The 
author tries to insinuate that Sir Edmund Andros kindled the Indian 
War to coerce the New Englanders, that H.M.S. Rose was about to 
take him to France, and the like. Signed. H.B. The whole 6J pp. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 10.] 

[June.] 181. An answer to the account of the Revolution at Boston. 
Having read the declaration of the inhabitants I cannot forbear to 
review the same seriously, to see if there be therein any true 
ground for a rebellion, for so the action should in truth be termed. It 
is true that about eleven years ago there was a damnable popish 
plot in England, but why should that plot frighten us ? especially 
since the measures taken by the Prince of Orange to secure our 
, liberties and religion. We should have been content with that. 

And the vacating of our charter was no result of the plot, since the 
plot was discovered and defeated in 1678 and the charter vacated in 
1684. And it must be confessed that our malversation and abuse of 
our liberties deserved that vacation, so that there is no occasion to 
calumniate Westminster Hall. I was an eye and ear-witness to the 
Commission which appointed the President and Council for the new 
Government, and which was an authority equal to the former 
charter. I and several others found no fault therein, except that the 
representatives of the people were not consulted as to imposing 
taxes and making laws ; but we are not statesmen enough to know 
the reasons for this, and we submitted without cavil. Why another 
Commission should not be granted to another person by the same 
authority and he not expect obedience, I cannot think. So far as I 
know there is no complaint or imputation against the person of Sir 
Edmund Andros, while he and his Council have worked well and 
unceasingly for the welfare of the country. It could not be expected 
that those who gave themselves such irregular liberty in trade 
should not have met with some loss and inconvenience from the 
change ; but the law being on the other side there should have 
been submission rather than resentment ; for obedience is better 
than sacrifice. As there are good men and bad men in all govern- 
ments so here perhaps there might be men who asked more 
than their just fees ; but redress for such grievances should 
be sought in a court of law, for no laws are more severe to 
punish such offenders than our own. My nearness to the 
men of Ipswich has made me familiar with the troubles and 
disturbances there, but how they and their like at Plymouth have 
been proceeded with I do not know so well. If the records shew 
that it was in a legal and judicial manner, we ought to be satisfied ; if 
not, redress should be sought in the courts of law. Expressions are 
charged in the Declaration as used in Court and Council which are 
decried and may possibly be difficult to prove ; but granting them to 
be true, we must judge not by inconsiderate expressions but by 
actions, nor ought a whole Government to be condemned on no 
further ground. General reflections against prominent or particular 
persons in the eyes of judicious men prove only the unworthiness of 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 61 

1689. 

the writers. Again in the matter of refusal to grant a writ of habeas 
corpus, the penalty for such refusal is a fine of 500 ; so that grievance 
might also have been redressed by law. The declaration again says 
that people have been fined most unrighteously with a jury and 
without a verdict. The law gives ample means for redress in such 
cases, but indeed I have never heard of any persons committed 
without cause shewn. As to the cavil about the mode of swearing, 
which has given some trouble in our civil and judicial proceedings, 
I cannot find that swearing with uplifted hand was enjoined by any 
law, but was simply a matter of practice. The laws of England, 
under which we now are, by far older usage or practice require the 
person sworn to touch some part of the Bible. This is the only 
legal oath therefore, as I understand, though if some other mode were 
appointed by law it would be alike to me. There being so much law and 
reason in favour of the practice, therefore it can be no great grievance. 
Next as to the titles of lands. Before the change of Government 
I heard from men well skilled in such matters that there often were 
mistakes and omissions in granting the titles of lands for want of 
observing the directions in our charter, and I am forced to regard 
the power granted by the King to ascertain as certain estates, and 
mend defective titles to be as act of special grace. But I would 
gladly see the same procured on easy terms as might be done here, 
so I would not have my countrymen spoil a sheep for a 
halfpenny worth of tar. I am deeply concerned over the 
Indian insurrection to eastward, but from what I can hear it was 
brought about when Sir Edmund Andros was in the south, and when 
forces were sent from Boston to the east before his return ; and I 
cannot see what pleasure or profit it could be to His Excellency to 
expose himself and our countrymen to the hardships and danger 
of the service. He should rather be admired for the tender regard 
which he shewed for our safety, and his success should be an 
argument for us to unite together in the bond of peace against a 
heathen enemy. Had we truly regarded our Country and the 
enterprise of the Prince of Orange we should have remained satisfied, 
and not have anticipated by force and violence what might have 
been given to us with mildness and justice. I would not have my 
countrymen boast themselves too much of their own strength and 
value themselves too much on the success of the late action, where 
possibly bloodshed was averted chiefly by the prudence of those 
in place. Men who stand firm rather than forsake their trust 
ought to be rather esteemed and should be regarded not 
with anger, but with justice. I think it equally dangerous and 
unwarranted to overthrow our Government and revert to that under 
the old charter, for that charter is void and our privileges cannot 
be restored without a new one ; which the King has ordered to be 
prepared and passed without fee. What moved my countrymen so 
rashly and violently I cannot yet learn, but think it very fortunate 
that so many prudent and able men interposed to prevent worse 
results from a giddy and enraged mob. Signed. C.D. Copy. 5i 
closely written pages. [Board of Trade, New England, 5. No. 11. ] 

182. Address of the President and Revolutionary Council of 
Massachusetts to the King. Congratulations on accession and 



62 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

rejoicings over liberty restored us in address of May 20. 
[/See No. 138.] In our address of May 20 we reported the revolu- 
tion among us, since which revolution, as no orders have been 
received from you, the universal desire was that the Governor, 
Deputy-Governor, and assistants chosen and sworn, in 1686, according 
to charter, should assume the Government. It was not, however, 
thought agreeable to our constitution to fall into the full exercise of 
charter-government ; but the officials aforesaid then resident in the 
country agreed to accept the Government according to the rules of 
the charter, and to conduct it until further directions should arrive 
from England ; when we hope to be restored to the full exercise of 
our charter as formerly, though we have for a time been most 
unrighteously and injuriously deprived of it. That charter it was 
which encouraged our predecessors to found this setlement, which 
long flourished exceedingly, though, of late, greatly impoverished by 
the oppressions and hardships put upon us. We beg for a favour- 
able interpretation of our late action and for restoration to our 
undoubted rights. Signed for the Council and Convention, S. 
Bradstreet. Large sheet. Endorsed. Reed. 9 August. Read 10 
Aug., 1689. {Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 12, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 114-117.] 

June 6. 183. Address of the General Court of New Plymouth to the 
King and Queen. Congratulations and protestations of rejoicing and 
of loyalty. On the first intelligence of what was done by the Parlia- 
ment of England we, with the greatest joy and solemnity, proclaimed 
your Majesties, and then proceeded to the election of a Governor and 
assistants, according to the form of our old charter, which we 
enjoyed for sixty-six years, and conceived we have good title to by 
prescription, according to Coke, that oracle of the laws, until in 1686 
it was taken from us by the illegal and arbitrary Government of Sir 
Edmund Andros. This being now brought to an end by the seizure 
of his person and other evil instruments, we felt that it would not be 
unpleasing to you if we resumed our former Government. We now 
beg, as the oldest Colony in America, the confirmation of our former 
rights and liberties. Signed. Tho. Hinckley, Jun. Large sheet. 
Endorsed. Reed. 9 Aug., 1649. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 13, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 117-121.] 

June 6. 184. Order of the revolutionary government of Boston, for the 
Plymouth, removal of Sir Edmund Andros from the port to the Castle. Signed. 

Tho. Danforth. Copy. Signed. " Your humble servant, Wm. 

Hodson." Addressed to John Povey, Esq., Plantation Office, 

Whitehall. Endorsed. Reed. 29 July, 1689. [Board of Trade. 

New England, 5. No. 14.] 

June 7. 185. Memorandum of the moneys in a chest in James Fort 
stopped by the Captains of Militia. Total i'773 12s. 6d. 
Signed. Matt Plowman. Endorsed. Reed. 29 Aug., 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 13.] 

June 7. 186. Clerk of Council of Barbados to William Blathwayt. 

New York. Forwarding proceedings of Council and returns of imports. Signed. 

Jno. Whetstone. p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 7.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 68 

1689. 

June 9. 187. The Council of New York to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 

Barbados. Within the last week we have received from Barbados and Boston 
the certainty of the happy news that the Prince and Princess of 
Orange have been proclaimed King and Queen of England, and we 
were in daily hopes of receiving orders to solemnise the same here. 
But before we could do so, all manner of government here has been 
totally overthrown, as in Boston, by the contrivances of some dis- 
affected and dangerous persons. The state of this city, which 
depends wholly on trade, is become very desperate. No person is 
safe in person or estate, and the place will be ruined unless speedily 
relieved. On the 31st May Fort James was seized by the rabble, 
while the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and civil and military 
officers, except Captain Leisler, were met at the city hall to consult 
for the common safety and the suppression of the rebellion. We 
send you herewith the Minutes of the Council and of the General 
Assembly of the Council, Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council, and 
Military Officers, whereby you will be informed of what has passed 
since we last wrote. We cannot hear that hardly any person of 
sense or estate countenances any of these ill and rash proceedings, 
except some who are deluded and drawn in by mere fear, and hope 
for an Act of oblivion. But it is certain that unless exemplary 
punishment be established, every Act of the Government in future 
that does not agree with the temper of these ill people will bring 
about the same results. If the King's order should arrive for the 
continuance of the present Government, we are sure they would not 
be obeyed. We have therefore thought it advisable that the 
Lieutenant-Governor, Captain Nicholson, should leave by the first 
ship for England to give an account of the deplorable state of 
things here, and we beg you on receipt hereof to represent the same 
to the King. Signed. Frederyck Flypse, S. V. Cortlandt, N. Bayard. 
4 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 81 Aug. and 2 Sept., 1682. Read at the 
Committee, Oct. 8, 1690. Printed in New York Documents III. 
585. Copy of foregoing. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. 
Nos. 14, 15, and Col. Entry Bk.. Vol. LXIX., pp. 200-202, and 
pp. 270-272.] 

[June 10.] 188. A collection of documents sent by Captain Nicholson with 
the foregoing letter. 

188. i. Report of Edward Randolph on the repairs needed in the 
fort at New York, 4 October, 1688. Signed. Ed. Randolph. 
J p. Endorsed. Reed, from Captain Nicholson, 11 Sep- 
tember, 1689. 

188. n. Survey of the King's boats and valuation thereof, pur- 
suant to order of 16 October, 1688. 1 p. Same endorse- 
ment. 

188. in. Warrant for the above survey. 16 October, 1688. Copy. 
1 p. Same endorsement. 

188. iv. Certificate of Matthew Plowman as to the use of the 
King's boat. Scrap. Same endorsement. 

188. v. Protest of Joseph Nicolls, Town Clerk, against the re- 
fusal of Jacob Leisler to deliver up to him the King's 
money from the fort, pursuant to order of the Council, 
Copy. 2 2 } P- Same endorsement. 



64 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

188. vi. Deposition of Hendrick Jacobse as to Lieutenant 
Governor Nicholson's interview with Lieutenant Cuyler, 
and his threat to shoot deponent if he did not leave the 
room, saying, " Get you gone ; I did not send for you." 
Sworn before S. van Cortlandt, 5 June, 1689. 2 pp. 
Same endorsement. 

188. vn. Deposition of John Ditchington as to the borrowing of 
his sloop by armed men, who carried him before Captain 
Leisler, by whom he was given printed proclamations from 
the London Gazette. Sworn 5 June, 1689. 1 p. Same 
endorsement. Printed in New York Documents III., 586. 

188. vin. Deposition of Philip French as to his arrest by armed 
men on his arrival from Boston, when he was carried 
before Captain Leisler, and his letters examined. Sworn 
7 June, 1689. 3 pp. Same endorsement. Printed in 
New York Documents III., 587. 

188. ix. Memorandum of Stephen van Cortlandt, 7 June, 1689, 
that he was disturbed by the watch at midnight, who 
knocked at his door and asked for information as to two 
men who had arrived in a canoe from Albany. J p. 
Same endorsement. 

188. x. Deposition of Casperos Teller. As to his arrest, on 
arriving at Albany on the 7th June, by armed men, who 
took him before Hendrik Cuyler and seized his letters. 
Sworn 8 June, 1689. 1 p. Same endorsement. 

188. xi. Deposition of John Tudor. As to money paid by Henry 
Cuyler for release from his commission as Captain of a 
company at Albany, that he might move to New York. 
Sworn 10 June, 1689. 1 p. Same endorsement. 

188. xn. Deposition of Serjeant Davy Thomas. That two soldiers 
of Captain Brockholes's company had been taxed with 
readiness to swear, if paid, that Brockholes and Mac- 
gregory intended to bring the French and Indians into the 
country. Sworn 10 June, 1689. 1 p. Same endorsement. 

188. xin. Deposition of Brande Schuyler. As to the appropria- 
tion of some powder belonging to himself and Robert 
Livingston by Captains Depeyster, de Browne, Lodowyck 
and Leisler. Sworn 10 June, 1689. 1 p. Same endorse- 
ment. 

188. xiv. Certificate of the Clergy of New York. That Stephen 
van Cortlandt and Nicholas Bayard are good protestants. 
Signed. Henricus Selyus, James Kersbye, Pieter Jacob 
Marius. Latin. 1 p. Same endorsement. Printed in 
New York Documents III. 588. [America and West Indies. 
578. Nos. 16 i-xiv.] 

June 10. 189. Minutes of Council of New York. The Lieutenant 
Governor announced his intention of going to England. Order for 
sale of the King's barque, which is decaying. Two letters were 
prepared for the Lieutenant-Governor to take to England. The 
Lieutenant-Governor thanked the Council for their loyal service. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 115-118.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



65 



1689. 
June 10. 






June 10. 

New York. 



June 10. 



June 10. 

St. Christo- 
phers. 



190. Deposition of Lieutenant Henry Cuyler. That on the 
30th of May last, while commanding half a company of train bands 
in the fort, he ordered one of his corporals to post a sentry at a 
certain sallyport, which corporal presently returned saying that the 
corporal of the troops in the King's pay would not allow it. 
Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson, afterwards sent for deponent in that 
fort, where deponent went, and his corporal, Hendrick Jacobse, with 
him. As soon as the Lieutenant-Governor saw the corporal he flew into 
a passion and said to him, "You rascal, what do you here ? " The 
corporal answered that he was come to act as interpreter, where- 
upon the Lieutenant-Governor took down a pistol, threatened to 
shoot the corporal and drove him from the room. He afterwards 
said to deponent that there were so many rogues in the town that he 
was almost afraid to walk in the streets, and that before it should 
go longer on in this manner he would set the town on fire. Copy. 
$ p. Printed in No. 172. [America and West Indies. 578. ^0.17.] 

191. Deposition of Hendrick Jacobse, corporal. In confirmation 
of the forgoing deposition, so far as relates to himself. Copy. \ p. 
[Ibid. No. 18.] 

192. Deposition of Serjeant Albert Bosch, of Lieutenant Cuyler's 
company. In confirmation of the two foregoing depositions, having 
heard the Lieutenant-Governor's words outside the window. Copy. 
p. Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 
[Ibid: Nos. 19, 20.] 

193. Joseph Crispe to Colonel Bayer. We are dreading every 
day to hear news of war with France, which will mean ruin to our 
estates if not a total loss ; for at the first alarm we must betake 
ourselves to a fort, which of late we have worked hard to build, in 
the hope of maintaining ourselves till we are helped from home, or 
from the neighbouring islands. It is vain for us to think of 
meeting the French in the field ; they are twice our numbers, better 
disciplined, better officered, armed and ammunitioned, and so 
jealous of us since the proclamation of King William that they are 
all hands upon their guard every night. We are obliged to do the 
like, which tires our men out, so they will be unfit for service when 
they do come to it. I hoped, when I saw the petition which you in 
England presented to the Prince of Orange in reference to the 
scarcity of these naked Islands, that before now we should have been 
encouraged by the sight of a squadron, but we see no sign of one 
yet, and fear none is intended. If so, and if there be war, all is 
lost. I doubt not that you, and all who are interested in us, are 
solicitous at Court to procure us assistance, for though this Island 
is most exposed of all, no other can hold out long when this is 
lost. It is but a small matter to secure us. Five hundred men 
sent timely will suffice, and I believe the Island would pay them 
half their wages. Besides the French we have a still worse enemy 
in the Irish Catholics, who despite the law to the contrary, remain 
in command among us and openly exercise their religion ; even our 
fort, our one safeguard, is often under command of an Irish lieutenant 
of the King's companies, who may surrender it either to the French 



66 



COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 



June 10. 



June 11. 



June 12. 

Boston. 



or to the Irish. The general also is a bad man, and I believe will 
harm us all he can before he leaves us. The sooner he goes the 
better, as I believe he is now contriving how to surrender the 
Islands to King James, as may be seen from a letter intercepted 
from Count de Blenac in answer to one of his. Sir Nathaniel's 
letter was to ask conveyance of letters to King James, as you may 
read by the enclosed translation. I shall send home the original 
later. It is what I have always believed of him, and if he be 
not prevented, I am persuaded that he will let the French or Irish 
in among us. He is of mercenary and arbitrary principles, and his 
Irish counsellor will do all the ill he can. The weather has been very 
favourable of late, but foreign provisions and ammunition are very 
scarce. The Dutch privateer-sloops in these parts are very brisk 
against the French, and keep, in a manner, all recruits from coming 
to them. What provisions the French have they buy from us, and 
there is no preventing it. A French provision-ship was 
taken a week ago, and the Dutch sent us all the letters 
to satisfy us that up to the 5th of May no war was 
declared between England and France. I hope that it 
may not be till next spring, and that the Court meanwhile 
will have compassion on us. A few French men of war have lately 
arrived. I wish them the same success as against Surinam. 
M. de Laurens' successor is arrived, M. Gitto by name. The French 
still hold St. Eustatia, but they cannot take Saba, which is still 
held by fifty Dutchmen. Copy. 3 pp. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 10, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIL, pp. 418-422.] 

194. Extract from a letter from Nicholas Spencer, of Virginia. 
The inhabitants of Maryland, mostly Protestants, are ragingly 
earnest for proclaiming King William and Queen Mary. They will 
not believe that the order has not arrived and that the Government 
is not concealing it. Sometimes they are positive that they will 
proclaim their Majesties without the order, which will unsettle the 
whole Government. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 120.] 

195. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. But one member 
present, who waited until 8 o'clock in the afternoon. Adjourned to 
9 July. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., p. 185.] 

196. Captain George, R. N., to the Secretary of the Admiralty. 
This is my first opportunity of writing to you since January, when 
I gave you an account that H. M. S. Rose was so much injured 
by the worm that she could not remain on the station without 
considerable repair. These last five months this place has been full 
of rumours from England of the Prince of Orange's landing, of the 
flight of the King to France and of his death there, after which 
King William and Queen Mary were proclaimed ; but no confirmation 
arrived before two ships came in with their Majesties' proclamation 
on the 26th and 29th May. None the less, on the 18th of April, 
the people, pretending dissatisfaction with Sir Edmund Andres's 
government, rose up in arms , seized me fir st and run me into the common 
gaol, by the instigation of Robert Small, my carpenter, who had absented 
himself from his duty and joined the rebels some days before. Some 
hours after the Governor's coming down to the Council, there was a 
pretence that he designed to deliver the Government to the French, 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 67 

1689. 

and Small spread a report that Sir Edmund intended to fire the town 
at one end and I at the other, beat the rest down with the frigate's 
guns, and escape in the smoke to France. The fort being 
surrounded by about fifteen hundred men was surrendered, and 
Small traversed several guns against the frigate and would have 
fired them if he had not been prevented. He proposed several ways 
of taking and burning the ship, which were not followed. Next 
day the Governor was committed prisoner to the fort and myself 
to Colonel Shrimpton's house, who was very kind to me through all 
the affair. The same day the Castle surrendered. I was sent for 
by the Council of Safety (as they called themselves), who asked me 
for an order to my lieutenant to surrender the frigate. I said it was 
not in my power, being a prisoner, that I could not give such an order 
and that my lieutenant would not obey it if I did. They told me 
my commission was of no force, and urged me to take one from them 
and serve the country. I told them my commission was still good 
until invalidated by one from the crown of England, that I could not 
accept a commission from them and did not believe they dared 
give me one. They still persisted in their resolution to take the ship 
by force, but I advised them not, as there would be a great slaughter 
before she was taken and that the King's ships never did surrender. 
I told them too that if they would let her ride without molestation 
there would be no danger from her, for the Lieutenant had no orders 
to move and would not until orders came from England ; but while 
they were thus discoursing with me they sent two or three men 
aboard who persuaded the lieutenant and crew to strike yards and 
top-masts and declare for the Prince of Orange. They acquainted me 
with this, and remanded me to my confinement. On the 22nd the 
Council sent an order aboard for delivery of the sails, which are 
now in their custody. Nor was the carpenter yet quiet, for he 
procured a Marshal to be sent abroad by the Council to bring ashore 
several men to bear witness against me. This being refused by the 
lieutenant, the carpenter sent messages advising the men to come 
ashore by force if necessary, as the Council would take it 
kindly and would secure them their wages. On the 1st of May, at 
five in the morning, they left the ship and went to him, when he got 
them to sign a paper saying I was going to France. Such a thing 
never entered my thoughts, but the paper was received with much 
favour by the Council though I was unable to obtain a copy of it. I 
represented to the Council the mischief that might happen to a King's 
ship by such disorders, and pointed out that the King's Navy being 
governed by Act of Parliament was wholly independent of any Govern- 
ment ashore. They then advised the men to go on board their ship 
and submit to their officers, which they did, excepting the carpenter 
and half a dozen more. On the 6th May, there was a fire at the 
north end of Boston, and the carpenter spread a report that 
I had caused the town to be fired, and raised a concourse of 
people, who broke open the doors of my lodgings and carried me 
prisoner to the fort. At the same time the carpenter sent two or 
three armed boats to the frigate, fetched away the lieutenant and 
the men that would not side with him ashore, and put them into the 
common gaol, where they lay three days until the Council sent them 
on board again. The carpenter's design in this last action was to 
get a commission from the Council to command the ship, which he 



66 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

declares was promised to him. Two days afterwards I was released 
from the fort and acquainted the Council that unless the carpenter 
were secured the King's ship would not be safe; but they objected. 
I have since been assisted by Colonel Shrirupton in moving for 
the sails, but without success. On the 7th inst. an order was sent to 
the lieutenant to send sixteen men on shore to give evidence 
against me. The lieutenant sent the paper to me for my directions, 
and I answered that if I were aboard I should not take the 
responsibility of parting with men on such an order. I then went 
to the Government and said I should rather have expected the return 
of my sails, but they answered that they should not be returned with- 
out orders from England. What more they mean to do I know not. 
They threaten to dismantle the ship still further, but I hope that they 
will be stopped by orders from England. There are several ships in 
harbour which dare not sail for fear of pirates. I enclose copies of 
letters which have passed on the subject. Many of my men have 
deserted ; and the gunner and boatswain have both declined their 
duty since the troubles began. Signed. Jo. George. 2J pp. 
Endorsed. Eead, 10 August, 1689. Annexed, 

196. i. Proposals of sundry merchants of Boston to the Revolu- 
tionary Government, respecting H. M.S. Rose. The danger 
anticipated from H.M.S. Rose being over, the frigate should 
be restored and the Captain replaced in authority, for the 
following reasons : 1. The coast is infested with pirates. 
2. All who are concerned in shipping are satisfied with 
Captain George's loyalty for the defence of British subjects. 
8. We ought to avoid revival of the old scandals over 
the Acts of Trade and Navigation. 4. The ship's stores, 
which are of great value, are now in danger of embezzle- 
ment, for which you must consider where the responsibility 
will lie. 5. There are several ships outward bound, the 
loss of which would be due to nothing less than stupid 
negligence, when the remedy lies in our own hands. 6. 
The merchants are willing to proffer such assurances as 
are necessary to allay any alarm in the Country. Signed 
by Samuel Shrimpton and twelve more. Copy. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Reed. 9 August, 1689. 

196. ii. Captain George, R.N., to the Revolutionary Government 
at Boston. When I received the King's commission to 
command H.M.S. Rose, I was ordered hither to secure 
the King's subjects in these seas from pirates and to enforce 
the Acts of Trade and Navigation ; but since the late 
troubles, not only have I been put under restraint ashore, 
but my ship has been disabled by taking the sails from on 
board and countenancing the men in mutinous behaviour 
towards me. I now learn that there are several pirates on 
the coast who have plundered several vessels and wait to 
do further mischief. I therefore desire your assistance 
and your orders for the restoration of my sails, that I may 
do my duty against these privateers. Copy. 1 p. En- 
dorsed. Reed. 9 Aug. 1689. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. Nos. 15, 15 i., n. and (without enclosure) Col. 
Entry Book, Vol. LXII., pp. 121-126.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 69 

1689. 

June 18. 197. Robert Chaplin to William Blathwayt. Asking for copies 

St. SwitHn's of the depositions concerning Willoughby Chamberlayne. Signed. 

Lane. Robert Chaplin. p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 8.] 

June 18. 198. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Whitehall. The King has appointed Hender Molesworth Governor and Com- 
mander in Chief of Jamaica, and would have you prepare his 
despatches. Signed. Shrewsbury. J p. Endorsed. Reed. 16 June, 

1689. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 8, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII. pp. 177.] 

June 16. 199. Account of the public slaves in Bermuda ; about twenty in 
all, chiefly women and children. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 17 Nov., 

1690. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 11.] 

June 17. 200. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson to Lords of Trade and 
Antigua. Plantations. The Lieutenant-Governor of St. Christophers writes 
to me that the French are very jealous of a breach between us, and 
have doubled all their guards, which obliges half the English on 
that Island to be on duty every night. One Captain Robinson, who 
arrived here two days ago, said that war with France is actually 
declared, and the same is confirmed from Barbados. That Island is safe 
enough, but in these Islands the inhabitants are in no small danger. 
Unless the Treaty of Neutrality stead us, I do not see how the loss 
of St. Christophers can be prevented. I am at present extremely 
ill of a flux, but as soon as I am tolerably recovered I shall go to 
Nevis and get in readiness all that can be spared from thence to her 
neighbour Island, in case of attack. We can reach them in three 
hours, if there be no French men-of-war to intercept us, and for 
some months there have been signals agreed on to indicate an 
attack. I doubt not that you are mindful of these Colonies, and 
that there will be no slackness in expediting all things needful for 
their security and safety. Signed. N. Johnson. 1J pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 16 Sept., 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 11 ; 
and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. Ill, 112.] 

June 20. 201. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Com- 
missioners of Admiralty reported that the fleet could not be ready 
for three weeks. Lord Roscommon, attending, reported his willing- 
ness to go to the West Indies, but that his officers and men would 
hardly go thither. Memo. On the 22nd Colonel Luttrell's regi- 
ment was appointed. 

June 21. Mr. Ayleway's petition read and referred to the Attorney 
General. Mr. Perry's petition on behalf of the pirates in Virginia 
read and referred to Lord Howard of Effingham. Letter from 
Lord Shrewsbury that Colonel Molesworth's commission as 
Governor of Jamaica was to be prepared. [Col Entry Bk., Vol CIX., 
pp. 229-231.] 

[June 21.] 202. Petition of Robert Ayleway to Lords of Trade and Plan- 
tations. Lord Howard of Effingham has reported in my former 
petition, objecting nothing to the legality of my patent of Auditor- 
General, but saying that the office is considered one which should 
be held by a resident of good estate. I am advised that I have good 



70 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 



June 21. 



June 22. 



June 22. 

New York. 



June 22. 



right to the office, and I beg to be heard that I may prove my fitness 
for it. 1 p. Endorsed. Bead 21 June, '89. [America and West 
Indies. 636. No. 18.] 

203. William Blathwayt to the Attorney General. Forwarding 
copy of Eobert Ayleway's petition and of his patents for report. 
[Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 5.] 

204. Colonel Molesworth's proposals as to the Government of 
Jamaica. (1) As the senior member of Council succeeds to the 
government in case of the Governor's death, care should be taken to 
appoint a fitting person. (2) It would be well to empower the 
Governor to appoint a deputy rather than to appoint a Lieutenant- 
Governor yet, with liberty to add three or four to the Council. 
(3) It would be well to ascertain how far Assiento ships may sell 
trifling goods without infringing the Acts of Navigation. (4) It 
should be laid down that members of Council who have sat on a 
case in an inferior Court shall not act on the same case in the Court 
of Appeal. (5) It is much desired that there should be an appeal to 
the King in Council against fines exceeding 200. (6) Instructions 
are needed as to a clause, which the Assembly will not pass, to make 
the killing of negroes a felony. (7) It would be well to sell the old 
King's house and build a new one at Spanish Town. (8) There is a 
fine spot of Crown land by Port Eoyal suitable for a careening wharf 
for the King's ships. The expenses could be paid out of fines and 
forfeitures. (9) There is great need of powder and ammunition ; 
and (10) of about two hundred regular troops. (11) Instructions 
are wanted as to the Great Seal ; and (12) as to the law, not yet 
confirmed, that transported rebels of Monmouth's rising should 
serve ten years. In the matter of Admiralty, instructions are 
needed on the following points. (1) How offences committed 
ashore by officers and men of the Eoyal Navy shall be punished. 
(2) How Commanders shall succeed in cases of death, and how the 
orders on the point shall be enforced. (3) To adjust the Governor's 
power so as to admit of no dispute with captains. (4) How ships 
shall be supplied with stores and by whose credit, in case of failure 
of supply from home. (5) Frigates for the service of Jamaica should 
be good sailers to enable them to beat to windward. (6) As to a frigate 
for transport of the Governor and of stores to Jamaica. 2 pp. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 22 June, 1689. Eead 3 July. [America and 
West Indies. 540. No. 9, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
pp. 178-182.] 

205. Order of the Eevolutionary Government for the proclama- 
tion of King William and Queen Mary. Copy. J p. [America and 
West Indies. 578. No. 21.] 

206. "Copy of John Burrowe's narrative sent to Lord Not- 
tingham by Mr. Henley of Bristol." A short assortment of hearsay 
statements against Sir Nathaniel Johnson ; that he had openly 
declared his intention to give up the Island to the French ; that his 
son-in-law was a papist in disguise, and so forth. 1J pp. Endorsed. 
22 June 1689. Eecd. 25 June, '89. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 12.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 71 

1689. 

June 23. 207. Information delivered to Simon Bradstreet and the Magis- 
trates of Massachusetts against Lieutenant John Jordan of New 
Dartmouth. Thomas Jent, ensign of Militia at New Dartmouth, 
complains that Jordan violently assaulted him without provocation. 
William Wilcott complains that Jordan tried to impress his only yoke 
of oxen, and assaulted him violently on his refusing. Henry Mills, 
constable, of New Dartmouth, complains that Jordan violently 
assaulted him because he, in virtue of his office, thought himself 
excused from a summons to arms. John Towers complains that 
Jordan tied him up by his thumbs for a full hour, for only lifting 
up his hand to parry a blow from an officer. Eichard Hodges, 
serving as a soldier at Dartmouth, complains that he, being falsely 
accused of breaking into the stores, was hung up for two hours by 
one hand, with the other hand tied behind him to one of his legs, 
and a stake fixed under the naked foot of the other leg. Jordan also 
tied complainant neck and heels and put him to other devilish tor- 
ments. Other complaints speak also of Jordan's cruelty and 
tyranny. When Major Savage left the fort, Jordan asked the men 
of Dartmouth if they would be true to him and defend it against the 
Boston dogs. They asked if he had any ammunition, and he 
answered, more than they knew of. But one hearing of a plot to 
carry this ammunition to New France or New York, the complain- 
ants rose and seized Jordan. The complainants now beg Governor 
Bradstreet to keep Jordan in durance. 4 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 
4 Nov. 1689, from Capt. Nicholson. [America and West Indies. 
578. No. 22.] 

[June.] 208. Answer of Lieutenant John Jordan to the charges against 
him. I was sent up to New Dartmouth under orders from Sir 
E. Andros on 7 November 1688. In answer to the complaint of 
Thomas Jent, I struck Jent because he refused to obey the order of 
his superior officer, Lieutenant Taylor, to help one of the inhabitants 
to remove his cattle. William Wilcott had the management of the 
cattle in the town ; and I struck him because he could not provide 
a yoke of oxen. Henry Mills refused to take up arms to assist his 
fellow-townsmen, on pretext that he was constable, so I struck him 
once and made him go. John Towers disobeyed Lieutenant Taylor's 
order to get under arms, and when the Lieutenant struck him, Towers 
struck him back and broke his gun on him. I therefore ordered 
him the punishment of which he complains, and the same punish- 
ment on another occasion when he strayed from the fort contrary to 
orders. I punished some of the Governor's servants in the same 
way for the same fault. Men had been killed before by so straying. 
As to Eichard Hodges, I found that during my absence for a few 
days on distant duty the storehouse had been three times broken into. 
I called the men together and told them that this was a capital matter, 
but promised to pardon them all if the culprit would confess. No 
one confessed, so I told them that if ever I discovered the offender 
I would prosecute him to the death. Thereupon several men confessed 
that they had received biscuits from Hodges during my absence, 
and more than had ever been issued to him, whereupon he was 
punished as he said. I find that he has been repeatedly whipped 
for theft, that he was once pardoned for presenting his musket at 



72 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

his corporal, and that he has even robbed a comrade. The other 
charges of cruelty are malicious lies. I was more careful of 
their corn and cattle than they themselves. They were afraid 
to go abroad and look after them, till I made them ; and I em- 
ployed the soldiers to thresh their corn for them. My constant care 
was to preserve them and their estates, but their carriage towards 
each other was so boorish and malicious that one would not lend a 
handful of hay to another, if he had got it home before his 
neighbour, without my command, not even to keep his cattle from 
starving. I was obliged to compel them before they would cut down 
the bushes and trees round their houses, from which the Indians 
would have shot them at their doors. When I came I found their 
men, who had been killed eleven days before, still unburied, their 
cattle dead and untouched, and themselves crowded in the fort, in 
a worse condition than Indians and stinking with nastiness, having 
given up all hope of relief. They were so cowardly that they 
durst not open the gate except at a small hole like a gun-port. 
There was no place to lodge the King's forces, and I was obliged to 
nail hides over my ammunition to shelter it. After the women and 
children were gone, I used such planks as had been left unburned by 
the Indians to build a storehouse, which they begrudged more than 
all that had been destroyed by the Indians. They thought it a 
hardship to work at their own fort, though I fed them with bread 
from the King's stores. In return for all my care, after the 
Eevolution at Boston, comes an order on the 27 of April for me to 
be dismissed and sent to Boston. Four officers of militia brought it, 
and all my men revolted to them ; but I called the townspeople 
together and still offered to defend them while I had a biscuit left. 
Shortly afterwards they seized me in my bed, and out of two 
innocent letters in my pocket fabricated this plot that I intended to 
go to New France. They then tied my wrists together with a cod- 
line so tight that they were like to burst, and eventually brought 
me to Boston, where I was put in the common gaol, and still remain 
a prisoner. 4 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. from Col. Nicholson, 4 
November, 1689. Annexed, 

208. i. Orders of Sir Edmund Andros to Lieutenant Jordan, 81 
October, 1688. To embark his detachment from 
Dartmouth and take command of the port, ship the women 
and children away, arm the men, do his best to secure 
their property for them, and maintain strict discipline. 
Copy. Ip. Same endorsement. [America and West Indies. 
578. Nos. 23, 23 i.] 

June 25. 209. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Hill's 
letter of 3 April, read (see No. 65), also the narrative of John 
Burrowes (see No. 206). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 232.] 

June 25. 210. Eeport of the Attorney General on the petition of Eobert 
Ayleway. I have read the patent grants of King Charles II to peti- 
tioner, and conceive it to be a good grant in law, and that petitioner 
may execute the office by a sufficient deputy [see No. 20'2, June 21] . 
Signed. George Treby. Endorsed. Eead 2 July, 1689. [America 
and West Indies, 636, No. 14, and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 5.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 78 

1689. 

June 26. 211. Nathan Gold and James Fitch, Deputies of Connecticut, to 
Jacob Leisler. You and your fellow-captains sent to us for advice 
and assistance as need might be, which letter was presented to our 
General Assembly at Hartford on the 18th inst. The Assembly was 
extremely ready to consider what might be best for the King's 
service, and for your encouragement in securing these parts from 
French and other enemies. We were therefore deputed to come 
to you and to promise assistance according to our ability and your 
necessities. Our instructions bid us give a full account of the late 
motions in New York and your reasons for securing the fort ; and 
when we came here we found with amazement the truth of what we 
had heard, viz., the fort out of repair, most of the great guns unfit 
for service, few platforms for guns, and of fifty barrels of powder 
the most part unfit for service. We learned too that Captain 
Nicholson had left the fort and passed away privately to Colonel 
Dongan and other papists to Cornwall, where there seem to be 
considerable gatherings of such, as also that there were many ill- 
affected persons in the city. We must, therefore, do you the 
justice, noble and loyal Captain Leisler, to acknowledge your good 
service to the King, the country and the protestant religion, and we 
now proceed to give you our advice. (1) That you continue as you 
have begun and maintain the fort pending the receipt of the King's 
orders. (2) That more may be spent on repair of guns and fortifi- 
cations. (3) That no papist be allowed in the fort ; for you must 
not forget the warning given on the day of the King's proclamation. 

(4) That no known papist be suffered with arms in his house. 

(5) That any persons who have embezzled arms or ammunition 
from the fort be seized. (6) If you are in danger from intestine 
or foreign enemies we shall be ready to help you. Copy. Certified 
by Edward Eandolph. 1J pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 23 Feb. '89 -'90, 
in a letter from Mr. Eandolph of 28 Oct. Printed in New York 
Documents III. 589. [America and West Indies. 578. No 24.] 

June 27. 212. John Netheway to the King and Queen. The French at 
Nevis. St. Christophers, already numerous, have been strengthened by the 
revolt of an hundred and thirty armed Irishmen, which compels 
Colonel Hill to retire with his few Englishmen to a small fortifica- 
tion, which, if besieged, cannot long subsist. The Irish in Montserrat, 
who are three to one of the English, say openly that they will desert 
their allegiance and give up the Island to the French. I implore 
you to help us with speedy relief. Men, arms, and ammunition are 
sadly wanting here, and even otherwise defence would be difficult 
against so potent an enemy. \ p. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 18. Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIL, pp. 427, 428.] 

June 27. 213. John Netheway to Colonel Bastian Bayer. I hear that 

Nevis. most of the Irish, both inhabitants and King's soldiers, are fled to the 

French with their arms and ammunition. They have also risen in 

Montserrat. Please press for relief to be sent to us. [America and 

West Indies. 550. No. 14.] 

June 27. 214. John Netheway to Joseph Martyn. To the same effect. 
Encloses a letter to the King to be delivered with all speed. [Ibid. 
No. 15.] 



74 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

June 27. 215. Archibald Hutcheson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Nevis. The Governor would have been here before now, but for his sickness. 
He has instructed his Deputy-Governor upon notice of any attack 
on St. Christophers to send down four hundred men to their assist- 
ance, and despatch a sloop to Antigua to bring assistance also from 
thence. I arrived here late on Tuesday night and was surprised to 
find the Island in a tumult over a letter from Count de Blenac to 
Sir Nathaniel Johnson, which was taken in a sloop by a Dutch 
privateer, and brought here ten or twelve days ago to the Deputy- 
Governor. He never acquainted Sir Nathaniel of the fact, who 
might have removed the suspicion thereby caused of his being in 
the French interest, and all the trouble and inconvenience likely to 
result from it, not only here but in the other Islands. I have not 
myself seen the letter, but have heard its contents in conversation. 
They give reason for suspicion, and indeed no censure would be too 
severe for Sir Nathaniel had he ever written anything to 
occasion such a letter ; but no man can hinder another from writing 
what he thinks, and it is evident that this letter of Blenac's has been 
written on purpose to create suspicion and disturbance. I have had 
some conversation with the Deputy-Governor and some of the 
Council, who seem to be satisfied with my reasons for this 
view, first, because of the probability that the French would employ 
such a contrivance, and next, because of the improbability that Sir 
Nathaniel would be capable of so base and treacherous a design. He 
has always been esteemed a man with a regard for his reputation 
and honour ; and as he has shewn that he will not prostitute them to 
his interest and advantage, it is hard to think that he would forfeit 
them for the sake of ruin and disgrace to himself and his family. 
As far as a negative can be proved, it is impossible that 
he should write a letter such as to provoke such an answer 
from Count de Blenac. Had the Deputy-Governor reported 
early the suspicions caused by the letter to the Governor's disadvan- 
tage, they might easily have been removed, but now they have sunk 
too deep to be easily razed out. I am sure nothing on the Governor's 
part will be wanting, if he be not obstructed by the imprudence 
of the people, to fulfil his undertaking of maintaining the govern- 
ment faithfully till he be relieved. Colonel Hill writes that most of 
the papists on St. Christophers have run to the French, and that 
the French refuse to deliver them up, as persons in sanctuary upon 
score of religion. Most of the women and children have left that 
Island for this. I have represented to the Deputy-Governor the 
necessity for sending the reinforcements ordered by the Governor 
and for sending a sloop to Antigua, but I see no sign of his executing 
the former order, though four or five hundred men could reasonably 
be spared, which, with the like number from Antigua, would put the 
English on pretty equal terms with their enemies, and yet leave 
each of the Islands strong enough to repel an attack. I have 
represented this to the Deputy-Governor, but with what success I 
do not know. I am doubtful if the Island can be saved without this 
reinforcement, but with it I believe that it may. Sir N. Johnson's 
family embarks for England to-day. Signed. Arch. Hutcheson. 
4 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 16 Sept., '89. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 16, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 48. vv. 
118-118.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



75 






1689. 

June 28. 216. Abstract of Colonel Nicholas Bayard's Journal from 11 
June to 28 June. 11 June. The Lieutenant-Governor left the city 
on his way to England. 12th June. The Custom House officer going 
as usual on board an incoming ship was stopped by a file of 
musketeers. The Mayor protested but was told it was by order of 
the Colonels of the fort. The soldiers wanting drink went to the 
west ward and took it from certain persons. 13th June. The 
soldiers attempted to force money from me and next day 
took it forcibly from others. 14th. Captain Brockholes landed 
with a packet for the Lieutenant-Governor but was taken to the fort. 
Hoping that it was the proclamation of King William and Queen Mary 
I sent for it, but on the 19th I heard that the proclamation was not 
come. 22 June. The Common Council met to arrange about the 
proclamation, which was made by the soldiers at noon. The 
mutinous captains refused to come to the Council, and the Mayor was 
grossly abused by Leisler. Five or six soldiers came before Anthony 
Farmer's house and dared him to come out, calling him Papist and 
one of Bayard's crew. 23 June. News that several gentlemen had 
been assaulted by Leisler and others of his faction. 24 June. Hear- 
ing that King William had been proclaimed by the soldiers, it was 
thought advisable that the proclamation should be again made in 
due form, as well as publication of the order confirming all Pro- 
testants in their places, but the proclamation was refused by one of 
the Committee of Safety ; whereupon the Aldermen and Common 
Council made proclamation from the City hall. 25 June. The Council 
met, dismissed Matthew Plowman and appointed five Commissioners 
of Revenue, myself being one ; whereupon Leisler appeared shortly 
after with eighteen or twenty armed men and after abusing us took 
away the resolution of the Council. Two hours later Leisler again 
came in and after a long altercation with Wenham, Ensign Stoll 
seized Wenham, one of the Commissioners, and pulled him into the 
street, where he was beaten and wounded to danger of his life. Two 
or three more gentlemen, who protested, were also nearly murdered, 
whereupon the rest of us resolved to escape ; but the mob at once 
stopped me and assaulted me, and Stoll at last ran at me with a 
dagger and would undoubtedly have murdered me if the 
spectators had not rescued me into the next house, where they stood 
hammering at the door and threatening vengeance, which made me 
escape further. June 26. I resolved to go to England, for I was 
told that Leisler's rabble had sworn to have me alive or dead. 
June 27. My brother was threatened with imprisonment by Leisler, 
and John Crooke was cruelly assaulted and wounded in the street. 
June 28. The people at the fort declared themselves a Committee 
of Safety. I left for Albany this night and arrived on the 5th 
of July. Copy. Attested by N. Bayard. Printed in New York 
Documents III. 599. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 184-146.] 

June 28. 217. Commission of the revolutionary leaders, appointing Jacob 
New York. Leisler, Captain of the Fort. Signed, Richard Ponton, The : Roelofsse, 
Jean de Marest, Daniele di Clerke, Johannes Vermilse, Samuele 
Edsall, P. D. Lanoy, Mathias Harvey, Thomas Williams, William 
Lawrence. Copy. 1% pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 
25.] 



76 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

[June?] 218. Form of an Association proposed by the Committee of 
Safety of New York, to protest against the holding of office by any 
under King James's Commission, and binding all good protestants 
to stand for King William and Queen Mary. Copy. Zpp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 20 Feb., 1690-1, from Capt. Leisler in a letter to the Bishop 
of Salisbury. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 26, 27.] 

[June.] 219. Declaration of the Committee of Safety against all persons 
holding commissions from King James. Apparently an earlier form of 
the preceding, \ p. Endorsed. Reed. 20 Feb. 1690-1, with a 
letter from Captain Leisler to the Bishop of Sarum. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 28, 29.] 

[June.] 220. Proclamation for all gentlemen soldiers who have listed 
themselves to repair to the port of New York, before Captain Leisler's 
door, for further orders ; and for any persons objecting against 
those enlisted to appear and give their reasons. Copy. % p. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 80.] 

[June.] 221. Address of the Militia of New York to the King and Queen. 
We rejoice over your happy deliverance of England. We too have 
lately groaned under the like oppression, having been of late governed 
mostly by Papists, who have in a most arbitrary manner subverted 
our ancient privileges. We were prepared to wait in patience, but 
invited by your royal declaration we resolved to secure ourselves to 
save us from betrayal to a foreign enemy. We have therefore secured 
the fort, though we should not have presumed to do so but for our 
dread of being betrayed by Sir Edmund Andros, and but for Captain 
Nicholson's threatening to shoot a corporal of our soldiers and to 
fire the town. We hold the fort and the country only till your orders 
arrive. Copy. 2J pp. Endorsed. Reed. 29 August, 1689. 
Printed in New York Documents III., 583. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 31, 32.] 

July 3. " 222. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Request 
that the officers of Ordnance will report as to the arms for Bermuda 
and Newfoundland. Colonel Molesworth's commission and his 
proposals (see No. 204) considered. Agreed to represent to the 
King, that power to execute martial law has been included in 
commissions hitherto, that many people in Jamaica desire power of 
appeal against fines to the King in Council, that there is great want 
of ammunition, that soldiers also are wanted, and that instructions 
are needed as to Monmouth's rebels, and as to the Assiento. 
Colonel Molesworth ordered to furnish the list of the Council. 
[Col. Entry BL, Vol. CIX., pp. 238-235.] 

July 3. 223. Memorandum of business to be reported to the King. 
Letter from the Government of New York praying for the King's 
orders for a settlement, together with a narrative of the late proceed- 
ings in New England. The King's pleasure to be taken as to ships 
to transport the Governors of Barbados and Jamaica. J p. 
Endorsed. 3 July, 1689. [America and West Indies, 601. No. 5.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 77 

1689. 

July 8. 224. List of Governors proposed to the King for the Colonies. 
Barbados, Sir P. Colleton, Mr. Kendall ; Leeward Islands, Bermuda 
and Virginia as in list of May 16th (see No. 127). Lord Monmouth 
is suggested as an alternative Lieutenant-Governor for Antigua, and 
Lord Lumley for Virginia. Draft. 1 p. Endorsed. 8 July, 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 601. No. 6.] 

July 8. 225. Order of Lords of Trade and Plantations. For the office 
Whitehall, of Ordnance to report as to the progress made in executing the 

orders as to Bermuda and Newfoundland (see Nos. 181, 132). 

[Col. Entry Bk., Vol C., pp. 58, 59.] 

July 8. 226. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have 
received the petition of Eobert Ayleway (see No. 126). The law- 
officers report that his grant is good in law, in case you think good 
to admit the petitioner's request. Memorandum. The King declared 
that if petitioner agreed to reside in Virginia the Governor should be 
directed to admit him to office ; otherwise petitioner should be left 
to the law. [Board of Trade. Virginia 36. pp. 6, 7.] 

July 3. 227. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Desiring the King's pleasure as to Nos. 3, 5, 6, 9, and 10 of Colonel 
Molesworth's proposals (see No. 204). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XXXII., pp. 182-184.] 

July 4. 228. Order of the King in Council. Referring the three last 
proposals of Colonel Moles worth (see No. 204), to the Lords of 
the Admiralty for report. Signed. Ricd. Colinge. 

Memo, that on this day the King approved of the three 
first articles submitted by the Lords of Trade, and ordered 
the law concerning transported convicts of Monmouth's rebellion to be 
repealed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 184.] 

July 5. 229. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
The King has appointed James Kendall to be Governor of 
Barbados. Signed. Shrewsbury. p.- Endorsed. Read 8 Jidy, 
1689. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 10, and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 64.] 

July 6. 230. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. John Bromley chosen 
speaker. The Lieutenant-Governor informed the House of the declara- 
tion of war with France. The Militia Bill read twice. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 186, 187.] 

July 8. 231. Lord Howard of Effingham to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. As to the petition of Edward Davies and others (see 
No. 60), the late King sent me his orders of 22 Jan., 1688, to 
assist Sir Robert Holmes to suppress pirates, which orders were 
distributed to my officers and to the man of war. When Captain 
Rowe arrested these prisoners I sent one of my Council to examine 
them, when they stood on their justification that they came by their 
money and goods lawfully. I then examined each one strictly in 
Council and offered them pardon if they would confess themselves 
pirates ; but they always refused. Then on the 15th of August they 
sent me a petition claiming the King's pardon as pirates, surrendered 
under the Royal proclamation, which I refused, as they had declined 



78 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

it at first, but said that I would forward their petition. Their pass 
from Maryland was only a certificate that they were not runaway 
servants, and they never saw Captain Allen till long after their 
arrest, nor ever had a certificate from him. Signed. Effingham. 
2 pp. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 15 ; and Board of 
Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 50, 51.] 

July 8. 232. State of the case as to the repeal of the Act of Virginia for 
repealing an Act concerning attorneys. The King's commission to 
the Governor of Virginia provides for the publication of the King's 
allowance of Acts passed in the Colony. In 1680 an Act was passed 
concerning attorneys, but before it was confirmed or disallowed by 
the King, was repealed by a new Act passed in 1682. The King, 
disapproving the Act of repeal, in 1683 directed his disallowance of 
that Act to be signified, which was done by Lord Howard in 1684. 
Query : whether the first Act of 1680 is hereby revived ? Minutes 
of the Law Officers. I conceive the first (supposing it were a law) 
to be revived by the King's disallowing the Act of repeal. Signed. 
Geo. Treby. July 8, 1689. If the Act of 1680 had the force of law 
before it was confirmed by the King, I conceive it to be revived by 
the disallowance of the repealing Act. Signed. J. Somers. The 
whole, 2 pp. Endorsed. 25 July '89. Read, 16 Aug. 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 636. Ao. 16, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LXXXIIL, p. 266.] 

July T V 233. The Dutch Ambassador to the King. Begging him to ap- 
Westminster. point a day for hearing of the case of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria, 
unjustly confiscated at Jamaica, to cite George Nedham to be 
present, and to annul the confiscation. Signed. N. Witsen. 1 p. 
French. Endorsed. Eead in Council 8 July, 1689. [America and 
West Indies. 540. No. 10.] 

July 8, 234. Order of the King in Council. For a warrant to pass 
Kempton Colonel Molesworth's commission as Governor of Jamaica under the 
Court. Great geal> signed. Rich. Colinge. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XXXII., p. 185.] 

[July 8.] 235. Petition of George Nedham to the King. I have lately 
heard of an order to appear before your Majesty in Council upon a 
complaint as to the Dutch ship St. Jago de la Victoria. I am 
willing to comply though I have not been served with the order, but 
I am instructed to represent to you the true state of affairs in 
Jamaica, which have been much misrepresented by some who, I 
believe, have endeavoured to have me arrested to prevent me from 
telling the truth in relation to them. I beg leave to appear before 
your Majesty. Signed. Geo. Nedham. 1 p. Endorsed. Read in 
Council July 8, 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 7.] 

[July 9.] 236. List of the Council of Jamaica. Sir Francis Watson, 
Thomas Freeman, Thomas Ballard, Thomas Fuller, John White, 
James Walker, John Bourden, William Ivy, George Nedham. Noted 
against this last name A great promoter of the irregularities com- 
mitted in the late Government, one of those chiefly concerned with 
the Dutch ships ; a person much indebted, who left the Island against 
the will of his creditors and without giving security as the law 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



79 



1689. 



requires. Councillors to be added: Peter Beckford, Charles 

Penhallow, Whitgift Aylemore, Fulke Eose. 1 p. Endorsed. 

Eec. from Colonel Molesworth, 9 July, 1689. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. No. 8.] 

[July 9.] 237. John Netheway to the King and Queen. I send a copy of 
my letter of 27 June. It is a pity that so rich an Island as St. 
Christophers should not be wholly under your government, and not 
shared by another nation and that so treacherous a nation as the 
French, who never abide by their promises. There is a Treaty of 
Neutrality for peace between the two nations here, whatever the 
disputes in Europe, but the French have violated it by enter- 
taining the Irish rebels and deserters. The French, though their 
Governor disowns them, burn, ravage and plunder and transport 
all that they can lay their hands on, under pretence that the English 
are rebels and that the subjects of King James deserve protection 
from them. The English far out-number the Irish and could easily 
have quelled them, had they not feared the French (who are many 
more in number) joining with them and falling on us. An order 
to this effect is daily expected if it be not prevented by timely aid 
from you. I have presumed to beat drums for volunteers in this 
Island to go to their assistance, wherein I found the people very 
free and forward. Only the Assembly opposed my design, though 
the Council favoured it. I send them down a very good company 
of men, exceeding good shots and well armed, and as we hope 
that Barbados will help also, the French forbear the spoil they 
resolved on. I shall do my best, but I beg for men, arms and 
ammunition. I have given protection to over three thousand souls 
from St. Eustatia and other Islands, which is a great trouble and 
charge. I send a remonstrance of what passed at St. Christophers 
and an affidavit from the Governor of the Island. Signed. Jno. 
Netheway. Endorsed. Reed. 23rd Aug., 1689. Enclosed, 

237. i. A short remonstrance of the sufferings of the poor 
inhabitants of St. Christophers. Since the proclamations of 
your Majesties, many malicious people of the Irish nation 
have assembled in a rebellious and tumultuous manner, 
assisted by the French, seizing and taking prisoners 
several English on their way to the French quarters. 
They then invaded the windward district, and have burned, 
sacked, and utterly destroyed the same to the value of 
150,000 sterling. They have made attempts in the 
leeward district also, insomuch that we are forced to quit 
our estates and take refuge in the fort. 1 p. 
237. n. Deposition of Darby Considine. To the effect that he saw 
the Irish flying colours, which they called King James's 
colours, in St. Christophers, and saw a Frenchman at the 
head of the Irish ; also that he himself was disarmed by 
one of the rebels. Sworn, 29th June. 1 p. [America 
and West Indies. 550. Nos. 13, 13 i. n., and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol XLVIL, pp. 428-433.] 

July 9. 238. John Netheway to Colonel Bastian Bayer. Giving the 
same account and imploring his interest to procure the despatch 
of men, arms and ammunition. [Ibid. No. 14.] 



80 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

July 9. 239. John Netheway to Joseph Martyn, giving the same 
account of his doings. 1 pp. [Ibid. No. 15.] 

July 9. 240. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. But two members 
present, who after waiting till three o'clock in the afternoon 
adjourned for four weeks. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., p. 185.] 

July 9. 241. Stephen van Cortlandt to Governor Andros. Yours 

New York. O f 21 June received. I am sorry that the people of Boston would 
not let you come here, as I doubt not that your presence would 
have checked the Revolution here, which is all grounded on 
notorious falsities. The pay for the two foot-companies is not yet 
received, the Collector having trusted the merchants for his customs, 
who now refuse to pay. The fort was only repaired according to 
your directions so far as the weather permitted, and the work would 
have been completed but for the unhappy troubles. On the 1st of 
March we heard news of the Prince of Orange's landing in England, 
which we kept private at first, but we took care to secure the 1,100 
or .1,200 in Mr. Plowman's hands. On the 26th of April we heard 
of the revolution in Boston, and called the Aldermen, Common 
Council and militia officers together to take care for the quiet 
and safety of the Country. We also wrote to several of the military 
officers and summoned also the nearest members of Council, but 
only Major Smith, Walter Claxton and Walter Newbury took any 
notice. On the 29th the Council and Common Council resolved to 
fortify the city, and on the 3rd of May, the places for platforms 
and guns were fixed. On the 4th of May we heard of the re- 
volution at the east end of Long Island, and wrote to Colonel Young 
and Major Howell to pacify the people as best they could. On the 
6th there was news that the French were invading us with a number 
of Indians, which caused great uproar, but in the afternoon a sloop 
came in from Albany with contrary news. On the 9th the men 
employed in the late expedition at Albany were all in arms in Suffolk, 
King's and Queen's Counties, clamouring for pay. We resolved to 
pay the private soldiers in full and the troopers 6 apiece, which 
quieted them. On the llth came the report of the suspicions in 
Long Island. We sent to all the Counties to send a man or two to 
join us, but none came. On the 12th came news that the Indians 
were growing suspicious owing to false reports, and a letter was sent 
to Albany to contradict those reports. Meanwhile the work on the 
fortifications went on, though De Peyster who had bought 
the land where the old fortifications lay would not have the new 
works made there. On the 18th of May Mr. Wedderburn 
arrived with your instructions, but Colonels Young and Hamilton 
did not think it prudent to go to Boston. On the 24th we wrote 
fresh letters to Albany forbidding any aggression on the part of the 
Indians. On the 31st Captain Nicholson informed the Magistrate 
and offiicers that divers of the inhabitants were very factious and 
rebellious, and that most of the city militia were in rebellion. 
Captain Nicholson also had (as is alleged) an altercation with 
Hendryk Cuyler, using sharp language, unusual in so civil a man, as 
also to Abraham de Peyster. We tried to quiet them, but it was 
too late. The drums beat and the town was in uproar. I ran to 
Jacob Leisler's door and tried to sooth the people, but in vain. They 
marched to the fort, where Cuyler admitted them, and in half an 
hour's time the fort was full of armed and enraged men, crying out 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 81 

1689. 

that they were betrayed and that it was time for them to look to them- 
selves. Presently about twenty armed men came up to the room 
where the Magistrates were, crying out for the keys of the fort ; and 
seeing resistance to be useless we advised Captain Nicholson to give 
them up. On the 3rd of June, at the news that four or five ships 
had arrived, Leisler raised an alarm, and all the people meeting 
before the fort deserted their officers and ran to join Leisler. On 
the 6th Captain Nicholson, after telling us of the stopping of 
messengers and letters by the people in the fort, resolved to go to 
England. He left very privately thinking to sail to England in Col. 
Dongan's brigantine, but Colonel Dongan was so sea-sick that he came 
back to be set ashore, and Captain Nicholson did not finally sail till the 
24th of June. On the 22nd of June, Major Gold and another came 
from Connecticut, from whom Leisler obtained copy of a proclamation 
to proclaim King William and Queen Mary ; so had the drum beaten 
and proclaimed them. In the afternoon he sent for me and asked 
me whether I would not proclaim the King and Queen. I said it 
was done already. He answered that if I wouldn't do it he would 
do it at the Town Hall. I told him he might do as he pleased, which 
put them in a passion and made them abuse me and call me papist. 
The Connecticut gentlemen then urged me to go to the Town Hall 
where they would make proclamation. I sent for the Alderman 
who resolved that we would wait upon them. At the Town Hall 
Leisler came and would have me proclaim the King. I answered 
" He that read it before the fort can read it here ; I have no clerk." 
He called me traitor and papist and made the people just ready to 
knock me on the head, so I was forced to say I did not hinder the 
proclamation. We then went all to the fort, where the sheriff was 
badly treated but I was let go without harm. On the 24th I 
received their Majesties' printed proclamation of 14 February, 
confirming all Protestants in their offices, and proclaimed it, which 
made them very angry. We then appointed four Commissioners 
of Revenue, but they were turned out with violence by Leisler and 
his crew, Colonel Bayard barely escaping. Leisler put Peter de la Noy 
into the Custom House. The 2nd of July was a Mayor's Court 
whereupon Leisler said that the people would hale the Magistrates by 
the legs, and he would not hinder them, so we adjourned the Court. 
They have appointed a Committee of Safety of eighteen, which has 
raised sixty men. Leisler has carried off the planks I had provided 
for platforms. There is in the fort 773, raised for the expedition 
to Albany. This they have taken for repairs of the fort and payment 
of the soldiers, to whom they promise forty five shillings a month 
without victuals. I cannot get the money to pay the two Companies, 
but Plowman has promised me a list of debts of the merchants 
which I shall try to collect. I beg for a Commission and orders 
from England. Si<ie<1. S. V. Cortlandt. Endorsed. Reed, from 
Mr. Randolph. 2 'Nov. 1689. Printed in New York Document* 
HI., 590-597.] Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 148-160. 

July 10. 242. Extracts from two letters sent to Mr. John Usher. New- 
port, 7 July, 1689. Walter Clark, Newberry, and John Greene 
have, I am told, drawn up something and sent it to Whitehall in the 
name of the whole people. Pray make enquiry and oppose it, for it 

3233 * 



82 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

is false. The people know nothing of it, and these men are not their 
agents but do it out of their own heads, as they do everything. You 
know how they rose in opposition to the Government here, and 
reassumed the Government without any legal consent of the people. 
They are ready to devour me for opposing them. New England is 
still in the greatest confusion. 

A second Extract. Boston, 10 July, 1689. Since your depar- 
ture we have found out the effect of the vast overthrow of the 
Government and imprisonment of Sir Edmund Andros. Dockowando, 
the Sachem, who was undoubtedly coming in to submit, seeing the 
Governor in prison and the land in confusion, has turned our enemy, 
and many of the Pennycooks with him. A large body of Indians 
has attacked Cochecha, in the Piscataqua, and killed Major Waldern, 
his son, and son-in-law, besides a score of others, and carried off 
many more as prisoners. They have since killed many at Saccade- 
hock and Saco. I am afraid that the inhabitants will abandon the 
east of Piscataqua to the French Indians. It is a question 
whether 100,000 will replace the damage. The cries of the 
distressed will doubtless reach England. Now each tribe, by which 
I mean each Colony, stands on its own bottom. The Eastern parts 
used to be under protection of New York, which is not now in a 
position to protect them the people have stirred up the Yorkers 
to cast off the Lieutenant-General, and up jumps hot-brained 
Captain Leisler into the saddle and has his hands full of work. 
Thus New England, which yesterday was united and formidable, is 
divided into about ten little independent kingdoms, each acting as if 
it knew no superior power. 1 pp. Endorsed. Reed, from Mr. 
Usher, 30 Sept., '89. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 16.] 

[July 10.1 243. Petition of Sir Timothy Thornhill to Lieutenant-Governor 
Stede. For re-admission to the Council, having paid the fine imposed 
on him and kept the peace and good behaviour. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 10 July, 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 10A.] 

July 11. 244. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
Whitehall. Ralph Lane to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. 
Rich. Colinge. p. Annexed, 

244. i. Petition of Ralph Lane to the King. I have been detained 
in prison, in Barbados, for over twenty months, and still 
continue there among felons and slaves by order of Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Stede, who refuses me appeal to your 
Majesty or copies of the records of the Court of Justice. 
I beg that I may be allowed to appeal, that my case may 
be laid before you, and that I may have liberty to collect 
evidence in this Island and to prosecute my case in person. 
244. n. State of the case of Ralph Lane. One large page. [America 
and West Indies 456, Nos. 11, 11. i. n., and (order only) 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 133.] 

[July 11.] 245. Reasons offered, to prove that the imprisonment of Ralph 
Lane by Lieutenant Governor Stede was for no other cause than 
his appeal to the King. 1. Lane being a planter is not liable to 
arrest or imprisonment in any civil case. 2. In a criminal matter 
the Governor should have brought him to trial long ago. 1 2>- 
[America and West Indies. 456. No. 12.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 83 

1689. 

[July 11.] 246. The illegal proceedings of Lieutenant Governor Stede 
against Ralph Lane. In denying his appeal to the King, prosecuting 
him for his petition to appeal, and in other points. Seven heads in 
all. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 13.] 

July 11. 247. Statement of the passage between Admiral Hewetson and 
the Eev. Mr. Bowerman. John Bowerman, in his prayer before 
sermon on board the Lion, used the words, " Compose their 
differences, remove their jealousies, and unite their hearts," for 
which he was cited before the Admiral and two captains, and 
reprehended. The chaplain pleaded that the words conformed to 
the Word of God, and that he knew of no reason why they should 
give offence ; for which speech he was commanded before the mast ; 
but went down to his study, where he locked the door, and with some 
tears condoled his own misfortunes. Captain Curtis, who was 
disbanded some three weeks before, knocked at the door, which 
being opened he said, " Mr. Bowerman, you shall never want. We'll 
set up for ourselves one of these days." The chaplain reported 
these words to the Admiral, and then ensued the passage as to 
praying for King James. At Tobago the Admiral received the news 
of King William's accession, but ordered the chaplain still to pray 
for King James, which he daily did, not daring to the contrary. On 
arrival at Barbados the chaplain again applied for instructions to the 
Admiral, but was again bidden to pray for King James ; and when 
he preached ashore the Admiral said that he believed the Governor 
had precipitated himself, and that the prayer should still be for 
King James. Sworn before Edwyn Stede, 11 July, 1689. 1 p. 
[America and West Indies. 456. No. 14.] 

July 11. 248. Copy of the foregoing. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 13 Aug., 
1689. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 15.] 

July 11. 249. Order of the King in Council. That the Duke of 
Hampton Schomberg provide certain powder and ammunition (specified) for 
Court - the use of the Colony of Jamaica. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
p. 206]. 

July 11. 250. Order of the King in Council. Permitting Robert Ayleway to 
appoint a deputy as Auditor-General in Virginia. [Board of Trade. 
Virginia, 36. p. ] 

July 11. 251. William Blathwayt to Mr. Shales. Enquiring how soon 
the Duke of Bolton's regiment will be shipped for the West Indies. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 63, and Vol. XLVIL, p. 411.] 

July 11. 252. Estimate of cost of powder and ammunition to be furnished 
to the Colony of Jamaica. Total 2,810. Siyncd. Cha. Middelton, 
T. Gardiner, Tho. Townsend. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 9, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 208, 209.] 

July 11. 253. The Governor and inhabitants of St. Christophers to 
Charles Lords of Trade and Plantations. Begging the presentation of 

st F chris- enclosed remonstrance to the King, and for intercession with him to 
topher. send speedy succour, as the Island is in a deplorable condition. 
Signed by Tho. Hill and six others. J p. 



84 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

253. i. Petition of the aforesaid to the King and Queen. The Irish 
have revolted and under the protection of the French have 
destroyed property to the value of ,150,000. Signed as the 
letter. 11 July, 1689. Large sheet. 

253. ii. A short remonstrance of the sufferings of the poor people 
of St. Christophers. This is practically a repetition of 
No. 237 n. with the additional fact that the Irish 
have set up a red flag with four white balls and J.E. 
thereon, and threaten to kill all who will not declare 
themselves for King James. Signed and dated as the covering 
letter. 1J pp. All three documents endorsed. Reed. 
23 Aug. 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. Nos. 17, 
17 i. ii., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 426, 427, 
pp. 431, 432, and pp. 438-40.] 

July 13. 254. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft commis- 
sion to Colonel Kendall read and approved. [Col. Entry Book, 
Vol. CIX., p. 237.] 

July 14. 255. Council and Assembly of Antigua to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. On the 4th inst. we received a letter recited in the en- 
closed resolution made by us, and a letter in French, with translation, 
from Count de Blenac to Sir Nathaniel Johnson. We have no time 
in these moments of danger for lingering debates, but we do not 
wish you to think us disunited or divided, and we respectfully refer 
you to our enclosed resolution. Sixteen signatures. 2pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 16 Sept., 1689. Read 18th. 

Enclosed : 

255. i. Minutes of a meeting of the Council and Assembly of 
Antigua, July 14, 1689. A letter from the Council and 
Assembly of Nevis of 27 June was read, to the following 
effect. We have received from the Governor of Saba the 
original of enclosed copy of a letter from Count de Blenac 
to Sir Nathaniel Johnson, which was taken in a French 
sloop. We deemed it of such high importance that we 
have sent Colonel Codrington to you with it. We think it 
absolutely necessary to set aside and secure Sir Nathaniel 
Johnson as Governor, and can think of no one fitter than 
Colonel Codrington to fill his place till the King send a 
successor. What measures you will take herein we leave 
to your management, only asking you to inform us at once 
if anything of moment should happen. 

This letter with its enclosures being considered, as also Sir 
Nathaniel Johnson's justification of himself, the Council 
and Assembly think there is no sufficient ground for 
the censure of Nevis, being fully satisfied that the 
Governor never entertained so base a thought as the 
delivery of these Islands to Count de Blenac. His 
former conduct shows him incapable of such an act, 
and we think we have received as great satisfaction 
as is possible, that Sir Nathaniel Johnson's letter 
contained nothing to warrant such an answer as that 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 85 

1689. 

of the Count de Blenac. We are satisfied also of the good 
affection of Dr. Bourgeois to the Protestant cause, who has 
given us an account of the Governor's letter to Count de 
Blenac. His Excellency having also voluntarily taken an 
oath of fidelity to the defence of these Islands we conceive 
that we have as little justice as authority to remove him 
from the Government, and refuse to join in the opinion and 
resolution of Nevis, from which we hope that it will he 
easily diverted. But considering the known worth and 
courage of Colonel Codrington we think it would be well if 
the Governor would voluntarily retire from the Govern- 
ment and commmit the charge of it to him. Fifteen 
signatures. 3J pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 16 Sept., 1689. 

255. n. Copy of a letter from Count de Blenac to Sir Nathaniel 
Johnson. I thank you for your letter expressing your 
satisfaction at what has passed here in the matter on which 
you wrote to me. Be sure of my good offices. Your letter 
shall be carried by the same hand as bears the letters of 
the King my master, and I shall beg that the answer may 
be brought back by the same channel. I beg that the 
letter may be in French or there can be no secrecy, for I 
must give your translation to people who keep no secrets. 
I have not seen Dr. Bourgeois, though I should be most 
happy to receive him. I have charged M. de Salnave to 
confide to you my opinions, and he assures me that he has 
secret ways and certain. You know that the King of 
England has gone to Ireland in French vessels and that we 
are going to open the ball with 400,000 men, a matter to 
terrify the generations to come. Besides this armament 
every steeple in France maintains a soldier for the King at 
its own expense, a foot-man or a light horseman according 
to the means of the parish. The State of France will tell 
you how many steeples there are, and you will judge of the 
number of men. The Militia is commanded by the most 
considerable gentlemen of the provinces. Those of my own 
county are commanded by my nephew, and people of the 
best quality command companies. I am waiting for a 
squadron from France to join our privateers. Some are 
already come, and all will be here in a fortnight. I know 
you will be interested in this news as it is the King your 
master who causes all this movement in France. The King 
my master, does me the favour to refer to me in everything, 
knowing my zeal for his service. I am as confident of your 
good intentions as of my own. Dated Fort Koyal, Martinique, 
23 May, 1689. French. 2 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 16 Sept. 
1689. 

255. in. Translation of the preceding. 2 pp. Same endorsement. 

255. iv. Another translation. Endorsed. Bead at the Committee, 
10 Aug., 1689. 

255. v. Count de Blenac to [Sir Nathaniel Johnson ?] Martinique, 
27 March, 1689. I am confident that Monsieur L'Intendant, 
to whom all the matters on which you have written to me 
have been referred, will give you every satisfaction, and 



86 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

you may rely on my good offices for all that depends on 
myself. Signed. Blenac. French. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Reed, from the Council and Assembly of Antigua, 16 Sept., 
1689. 

255. vr. Deposition of Esay Bourgeois. That the Governor 
shewed him a commission impowering him to treat with 
French Commissioners in case of disputes, and said that he 
had appointed the Lieutenant-Governor and Council of 
St. Christophers to treat under it, being very anxious for the 
preservation of the Treaty of Neutrality ; that on news of 
Count de Blenac's design against St. Eustatia, Sir Nathaniel 
asked deponent to go to discourse with the Count as to 
the Treaty of Neutrality and endeavour to discover his 
intentions ; that Sir Nathaniel subsequently employed de- 
ponent to write a letter for him to the Count in French, 
some prejudice to an English subject having been caused by 
misinterpretation of a former letter of his, which letter, so 
far as he can remember it, consisted of thanks to the Count, a 
request to forward a packet to France, an expression of a 
desire to maintain friendly correspondence, and a recom- 
mendation of the deponent ; that this letter together with 
another addressed to King James was given to deponent by 
the Governor, who subsequently gave him discretionary 
instructions as to his discourses with Count de Blenac ; 
that he afterwards went to Martinique and delivered the 
letters to M. de Salnave for transmission to the Count. 
Sworn before Christopher Codrington, 15 July 1689. 4 pp. 
Endorsed as the preceding. [America and West Indies. 
550. Nos. 18, 18 i-vi. and (without enclosures) Board of 
Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 155, 156.] 

July 15. 256. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson to Lords of Trade and 
Antigua. Plantations. In mine of 17th ult. I reported to you the danger of St. 
Christophers, and my measures to protect it, while the Attorney 
General's of the 27th gave you further information. About the 14th 
or 15th ult. a French shallop was taken by a Dutch privateer, and 
several letters were taken from her, among them a letter from Count 
de Blenac to me. The whole of the letters were sent to the Deputy- 
Governor of Nevis, except that addressed to me, which came not till 
some time after. The other letters were found to be of no im- 
portance, but Count de Blenac's was communicated by the Deputy- 
Governor to the Council of Assembly of Nevis, and was esteemed 
sufficient evidence to believe me guilty of a design to betray these 
Islands to the French. It had been but just for those gentlemen 
to have sent at once a copy of the letter to me, and the original to 
the Council and Assembly of this Island, and meanwhile to have 
suspended their judgment until they had heard niy justification. 
But instead of this the letter was at once made public in Nevis, with 
all the comments to my disadvantage which malice could contrive, 
and a shallop was privately despatched to this Island with copies of 
the same, but not to me nor to the Council and Assembly, with the 
design, as I believe, to blacken my character here, as at Nevis, before 
I could defend myself; but the gentlemen here had too much 



AMEKICA AND WEST INDIES. 87 

1689. 

honour to make unworthy use of the same. The Council and 
Assembly of Nevis then came to the resolution which will reach you 
with this packet (see No. 255 i.), and this without so much as 
acquainting me with their allegations against me or giving me an 
opportunity of answering the same, a treatment which I never used 
to them nor to the meanest person in this Government. It might 
have been considered whether this letter were not a contrivance to 
create jealousy and division, which would plainly be of advantage to 
the French, or whether it might not be a counterfeit, or whether 
the privateer which captured the letter might not have framed this 
instead, a suspicion which might have found foundation in the fact 
that it did not reach Nevis till along after the other letters. And 
whatever the objections to their conjectures, I am sure there were 
many more against the probability of so base a design in me, which 
with inconsiderate rashness they have believed and turned against 
the reputation of one who for some time was their Captain-General. 
I bless God, no action of mine could have prepared them for so 
dishonourable a thought of me as they have now founded on a few 
dubious expressions in the letter. I trust, therefore, that the 
representation of these gentlemen in this affair have no weight with 
you. On the 4th inst., the Council and Assembly of Antigua con- 
sidered the letter addressed to them from Nevis, and having heard 
my justification dissented from the views therein expressed. 

This I hope will be a satisfactory apology to you for my retiring 
from this Government. I promised you before that as an English- 
man, a Protestant, a man of honour and a soldier, I could not desert 
this charge in such time of danger till I could find some fit person 
to whom to entrust it ; and this promise I meant to keep. I shall 
ever pray for the Protestant religion and the welfare of England, and 
I shall never cease to think it my duty to defend the English interest 
at home and in the Colonies, under any form of Government, against 
foreign enemies. Such may be the disposition of Providence and 
such it is at present as to compel my conscience to ask for release 
from all public employment and for liberty to retreat to a poor but 
contented state of life. I design as speedily as possible to move to 
Carolina, where I have a small settlement, and to spend some time 
in the improvement of it for the support of myself and family. I 
design to commit the Government to Colonel Christopher Codrington, 
a gentleman of great estate here and in Barbados, much beloved by 
the inhabitants and suggested for the office by them. I hope that 
the people will be happy under his prudent conduct of affairs, and 
will enjoy unity among themselves. I aimed always at their safety 
and happiness, but, since I can no longer contribute thereto, God 
forbid that even for the greatest advantage to myself I should be 
the instrument for dividing them and thereby making them an easier 
conquest to the French. That would give too fatal a proof that 
the villainous design so unjustly charged against me was true. I 
trust therefore that any misfortunes that may happen to these Colonies 
by my departure will not be laid by you to my charge, but to theirs 
whose rashness and indiscretion forced me to retire. 

I must now ask you to do me that justice which was denied me by 
the people of Nevis. I am charged with a design to betray these 
Islands to the French. I shall show how improbable it is that I 



88 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1689. 

should entertain such a design, and how slender is the foundation on 
which this calumny rests. There is a proverb Nemo repente fuit 
turpissimus, and I appeal to all who know me whether my past life 
has been such as to prepare me for such a wickedness as this. I 
know that my character sounds but ill from my own pen, but I must 
beg leave to say that I have never yet prostituted my honour and 
reputation, though I have not wanted as great temptations as any 
gentleman of my circumstances in England. Could I in some 
instances have been induced to break a promise to a prince or to 
betray the trust of private persons, I could have had such sums as 
would form a far greater reward than a Kingdom would be for 
perpetrating such a crime as I have been charged withal. I have 
also been unjustly taxed with being a Roman Catholic ; and some 
might believe that the erroneous principles of that religion would 
have reconciled me to the evil design aforesaid. I have always owned 
myself a Protestant and never during the late indulgence went, as 
out of curiosity so many Protestants did, to hear Mass. Since 
I came here I do not rememeber that any Eoman Catholic priest 
has been in my company above three or four times, and then 
always in public. I frequently received the Sacrament in 
England and here, and I have been a constant attender at public 
worship, and have taken the oaths and tests by which our disbelief 
in the Eomish faith is declared. I do not know what more I can say 
to prove that I am a Protestant. If the contrary is to be believed 
on such slender grounds, no man once accused can ever be 
cleared. If the grant of this Government to me by King James 
prove me a Roman Catholic, there must be many other good 
Protestants in the same case ; and if the liberties enjoyed by the 
Papists here conclude me to be of their number, there are many, whom 
you nowise suspect, who will be equally obnoxious to censure. I do 
not believe that such slight motives will have weight with you, but 
knowing that I have malicious enemies I will add this much more. 
If I be a Roman Catholic why did I not publicly profess it when it 
might have been to my interest and advantage ? Under King 
Charles II. there might be good reason for such dissimulation in 
Papists in my office, but I know not what was to be gained under 
King James, unless a private be a better means than a public pro- 
fession of it to encourage others by example thereto. I was 
promised this Government by King Charles, but after his death 
met with many demurs in obtaining it, and when I did obtain it lost 
many of the advantages enjoyed by my predecessor. Some of your 
Lordships may know that Sir ^Eneas Macpherson, who was lately 
coming to these parts as Deputy-Governor of Nevis, was designed 
for higher preferment. It is not likely, therefore, that I am a 
Roman Catholic or was believed to be such at Court. I will promise to 
prove that if I could have been prevailed with to change my 
religion I need not have come to the West Indies for employment. 
Whether, therefore, my religion or my principles be considered, 
I submit that it is highly improbable that I should have conceived 
of so dishonourable a design as that imputed to me, with 110 
prospect of reward but ruin to myself and family. 

The improbability again is heightened by the consideration that 
if I wished to effect such a thing, it was morally impossible for 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 89 

1689. 

me to do so. Were I in a garrison and in command of mercenary 
soldiers the betrayal of it to the enemy would be easily done ; but 
how I could deliver up four Islands unless they wished it, is not 
imaginable. In the perfecting of such a design a confederacy of great 
numbers must be assumed, but the most malicious of my enemies 
makes no allegation of that kind. There is no evidence against me 
that I can hear of except Blenac's letter, and it is not to be 
credited that the course of my actions would not have given other 
intimation, and I am sure it is not to be believed that I should 
have taken every step to obstruct my own design, as I have reported 
to you in describing my measures of defence. Again, on the 24th 
of May I wrote to you that I wished to retire, and this I wrote by 
the first possible opportunity, acquainting the Council and 
Assembly that I had done so, for I have always been plain and 
ingenuous with them. I also took a voluntary oath faithfully to 
discharge my trust in maintaining these Islands against all 
enemies, and if any object that such an oath was only a blind, 
it would be hard for them to explain why I should have stuck 
at other oaths which would have served my purpose much 
better. The suspicions of me at Nevis gave me the best 
opportunity that I ever had to divide these Islands and weaken 
them for defence, but I bless God for that I have been far 
from so devilish a temper, and have done my best for them with all 
sincerity. Unless I be presumed a person of no honour, religion or 
integrity, a person who loves mischief for its own sake, and would 
do the greatest villainy for the desirable rewards of infamy and 
disgrace, a person, too, of so little sense as to attempt the 
impossible by means just contradictory to the supposed end, I 
cannot be thought capable of this design. 

Now, as to the second branch of my defence. The only evidence 
founded against me in the letter and translation from Count de 
Blenac as to which my accusers ask (1) What transaction 
will that have been at Martinique, to which I was stedfast, except 
the wicked design aforesaid ? (2) What other occasion could I 
have had to write a letter to the Court of France ? (3) Why 
should the Count ask me to write in French except to conceal 
something prejudicial to the English ? (4) Why must the Count's 
sentiments be entrusted only to the sure and secret ways of 
conveyance ? (5) How comes the Count to write me a full 
account of all the French plans ? Now, whether the inferences 
drawn from the letter be rational or not is no concern of mine ; for I 
am accountable only for my own actions, not for those of another 
man. My enemies cannot tax any action or writing of mine to 
import what they charge me withal, but I cannot hinder others from 
writing what they please, and if a man can be ruined thereby there 
is no security against the malice or mistakes of others. Whether the 
Count wrote to the effect of the enclosed copy I know not, for the 
gentlemen have not sent the original, but if he did and the 
construction thereof be as is by some apprehended, then he had no 
just ground given him by me. Such things have frequently 
occurred, sometimes by accident sometimes by design, and I think 
that it is far more probable that one of these two reasons is the 
true explanation of this letter than that I should entertain this 



90 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1689. 

wickedness. The letter of mine to which Count de Blenac's is an 
answer, far from being to the prejudice of these Islands, was 
designed for their benefit, which together with some further points. 
I shall now prove. Last February I wrote to Count de Blenac a 
letter in favour of one Clayton of St. Christophers, whose sloop had 
been seized by the French on suspicion of trading with them. The 
Count's answer (see No. 255 v.) sufficiently shows that I wrote 
no more to him. About the 10th of April I wrote him another 
letter by one Dr. Bourgeois, of St. Christophers, whom I employed 
to translate it into French. Its purport will be seen from his 
deposition (see No. 255 vi.). Dr. Bourgeois is a gentleman who was 
held a Protestant, and for the sake of his religion was naturalised an 
Englishman. You will see how good his reputation is, in the 
Council's letter, so that there is no ground for doubting the truth of 
the deposition. The first part of my letter returns him my thanks 
for liberating Clayton, as in common civility bound, and the 
last referred him to Dr. Bourgeois for the preservation of a 
good understanding between the two nations. Considering the 
hazard of St. Christophers in case of war I was anxious to secure, 
if possible, the conservation of the Treaty of Neutrality, for which 
negotiations, as you will remember, I had a special commission. 
When the Count was at St. Christophers, I again approached this 
matter, and chose the same emissary, directing him to obey the 
advice of the Lieutenant Governor and Council, thinking that he 
was well qualified by his knowledge of the French language and 
manners. Could I have done the Island better service than this ? 

What was further contained in my letter was a request to the 
Count to forward my letter to King James, I having heard that he 
was in France, the contents whereof expressed concern for His 
Majesty's misfortunes, the sense which I still retained of my duty 
and allegiance to him, my desire to hear from him and my hopes 
for his prosperity. Before God, there was no more in the letter 
than this. I shall only add that my letter to King James was 
written some weeks before I had received any account of the present 
alteration of the Government or any letter from his present Majesty. 
Now as to the five false inferences drawn from Count de Blenac's 
letter. You will see from the deposition that I thank him for the 
kindness shewn to Clayton ; to which the prior part of his letter 
plainly refers, for he expresses his satisfaction that I am content with 
what he has done, and his readiness to oblige me in future, which 
is very different from the inference of my enemies, that I was stead- 
fast to some grand design then in agitation between us. The second 
inference vanishes, though the gentlemen of Nevis had not patience to 
examine, for my letter to France was addressed to no Frenchman, 
but to one whom we all believed at that time to be our lawful 
sovereign ; and the contents cannot rationally be supposed to refer 
to any correspondence between Count de Blenac and me. As to the 
fifth inference, my own intentions appear in my letter to the Count, 
and the Count explains his own reasons for imparting to me the 
affairs of France. The third and fourth inferences are more 
reasonable; but though I may communicate every letter of 
importance that I write to Count de Blenac to my Council, it does 
not follow that every young fellow in Martinique who speaks English 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 91 

1689. 

should be made privy to the same. And though the Count does 
desire secrecy, it does not follow that there was any design between 
us ; the most that can be concluded is that the Count had some design 
in his fancy which needed a secrecy, to which he believed that I 
might be ready to agree. I cannot tell if this be so or not, but I am 
sure that whatever his fancies and apprehensions, I cannot be held 
liable to censure for them. I defy my enemies to prove that I have 
done anything of that kind ; and I point to the deposition to prove 
that I have done nothing, as far as a negative can be proved. And 
now what more can I say in vindication of myself, for if any man be 
accused without any probabilities, be can only answer that there are 
none, and when pretences are alleged he can but clear them ? I 
confess that I am lucky in being so little master of French as to 
be obliged to employ another to write it for me, else I could 
not have given so satisfactory an account of myself. I may 
add that beyond the letters now produced I have had no 
correspondence with Count de Blenac, and you will see that 
nothing of any further correspondence, but rather the contrary, is 
to be gathered from them. I have no doubt that it will be 
represented that I have not taken the oath of allegiance as directed 
in your letter of 19 February ; but none here were empowered to 
administer it to me. It cannot seem strange that doubts and scruples 
in this matter should occur to me in this remote part of the world, 
where I have not the advantage of discoursing with learned and 
knowing men to unriddle what I have hitherto apprehended to be 
the general voice of Church and State. I beg you not to cite 
anything to my prejudice after what I have said as to the obligations 
under which I conceive myself to be as an Englishman and a Protest- 
ant, and the fact that I have taken a voluntary oath. In a few days 
I shall sail for Carolina, where the least intimation from you shall 
command my attendance in England if necessary; and if you are 
satisfied of my innocence in this particular, I hope that you will 
intercede for the payment of the sum due to me from the 
Exchequer. Within a few weeks three years' salary will be due, 
which will fall far short of retrieving my losses in these parts, and 
without which my numerous family will be reduced to great 
hardships and straits. I beg your pardon for the length of this letter, and 
I hope you will believe that I wish with all sincerity the prosperity 
of the Protestant religion, and the honour of my native country. 
Signed. N. Johnson. 22 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 16 Sept., 
1689. Read 18 Sept., '89. [America and West Indies. 550. 
No. 19, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 48. pp. 119-147.] 

July 15. 257. Archibald Hutcheson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I 
enclose a duplicate of my former letter, so far as I remember it, and 
have no more to add. Signed. Arch. Hutcheson. p. Endorsed. 
Reed. 16 Sept., 1686. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 20, 
and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 148.] 

July 15. 258. Order of the King in Council. That Thomas Daniell be ad- 
Hampton mitted to appeal to the Governor in Council against the sentence 
Court - passed in Jamaica against the ship St. Jago de la Victoria, with further 



92 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

liberty to appeal to the King in Council. The King's share of the 
ship and the ship itself are to be made over to Daniell. Draft with 
corrections. 1 p. [America and West Indies. Vol. 540. No. 11 ; 
and Col. Entry Bk. Vol. XXXII., p. 314.] 

July 15. 259. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
the Royal African Company, as to the fraudulent Act of the Jamaica 
Assembly for fixing the value of pieces-of-eight at six shillings, to 
Lords of Trade and Plantations for examination and report. Signed. 
Rich. Colinge. J p. Attached, 

i. The petition aforesaid ; setting forth that the planters of 
Jamaica are indebted 90,000 to the African Company, 
and that the Act raising pieces-of-eight to six shillings will 
defraud them of one fifth of their debt. Copy. J p. 
Endorsed. Reed. 19 July, '89. Read 16 Oct., 1689. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 10, 10-r., and 
Col. Entry Book, Vol. XXXII., p. 228 and p. 274.] 

July 16. 260. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Riggs 
delivered letters from New England and New York and the declara- 
tion of the inhabitants of Boston. Agreed to lay them before the 
King, as well as Mr. Riggs's account of matters in writing. [Col. 
Entry Book, Vol. CIX., p. 238.] 

July 16. 261. Narrative of the proceedings at Boston upon the inhabi- 
tants seizing the Government. On the 18th of April, 1689, about 
eight o'clock in the morning, Governor Sir Edmund Andros, 
hearing that some numbers of men were gathering together at 
Charlestown, sent for the sheriff, who assured him that the report 
was false. About two hours later Captain George, of one of the 
King's frigates, coming on shore was seized by the inhabitants. 
He asked their authority, and they shewed him a sword and 
said that was their authority. By the time this reached the 
Governor's ears there were at least a thousand people in arms, 
seizing and carrying to prison all whom they suspected to oppose or 
disapprove their designs. About noon they called a Council, made 
Bradstreet, formerly Governor, president, and then drew up a paper 
explaining why they took up arms. At the same time armed men 
encompassed the fort in great numbers, forcing the out-guards to 
retire. Hereupon the Governor, by the advice of such gentlemen 
as had retired to him in the fort, went out to ask the meaning of 
of their tumultuous arming and was presented with a paper 
by one of them, who said he was sent by the Council to 
demand and receive the fort, saying also that the Council desired to 
speak with the Governor for the appeasing of the people. The 
Governor replied that he knew of no Council, nor had any one power 
to convene one without his order, and so retired to the 
gentlemen in the fort, who advised him to go down to the town-house 
where the pretended Council was assembled. No sooner was he 
come than those with him were seized and sent away to prison, 
not being permitted to enter with the Governor, who demanded 
the reason of their meeting and of the tumultuous arming in 
the town. He was answered by one, that now was the time for 
them to look to themselves ; that they must and would have the 
Government in their own hands, and that he was their 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 98 

1689. 

prisoner. By this time there were at least five thousand 
men in arms in the town, most of them being drawn up 
by the fort, which they demanded. There were only two com- 
mission officers and the main guard, in all fourteen men, in it; and 
the mob threatened to storm it and put them to the sword if they did 
not surrender it. Their threats not prevailing they sent to the 
Council, who sent to the Governor (who was prisoner under a strong 
guard in Mr. Usher's house) to give orders for the surrender of it. 
The Governor replied that he marvelled at their assurance at asking 
by of him, since they had made him prisoner, and said he would 
sooner die than give any such order. Finding they could not 
prevail with him they took Mr. Randolph, and clapping a pistol to 
his head threatened to shoot him if he did not go with them to the 
fort and acquaint them in it that it was the Governor's wish and 
direction that they should deliver up the fort. This message Mr. 
Eandolph was forced to deliver, when the garrison, considering that 
the Governor was prisoner and that they could not man a fifth part 
of the fort, agreed to surrender it on condition that they should have 
their liberty. The people then wanted the Castle, which stands 
about a league from the town, and having been refused surrender 
of the garrison forced Mr. Randolph to deliver the same false message 
from the Governor. But the Castle would not obey, suspecting the 
violence used to Mr. Randolph. The people then applied to the 
Governor again for his orders to surrender the Castle, and he gave 
them his former answer. They replied that they would have it, let 
it cost what it would, and that if he could not order its delivery they 
would expose him first to the shot that might come from it. 
Their threats not prevailing, they added that they would put all his 
adherents to the sword. Next day, considering that the Castle 
could not hold out for long, that no relief was to be expected from 
nearer than England, that most of the soldiers were distributed to 
Eastward in small garrisons, that the Captain of the 
man-of-war as well as the Governor was a prisoner, and that 
the people were very riotous and likely to execute their 
threats, several gentlemen went down as indifferent persons to 
the Castle and prevailed with the Commander to surrender it, which 
was accordingly done upon faithful promise of its liberty. But no 
sooner was the garrison come up the town than all were im- 
prisoned and still continue so. The Governor with two others is 
a close prisoner in the fort, being denied the service of his own cook 
to dress his meat, nor suffered to speak to any one except before 
two witnesses. Mr. Dudley and Mr. Randolph are in the common 
gaol : the Judges, Attorney-General and some commissioned officers 
are prisoners in the Castle. 2J pp. Annexed, 
261. i. Declaration of the merchants, inhabitants and gentlemen 
of Boston. April 18, 1669. 1. More than ten years have 
passed since the discovery of the Popish plot, a matter in 
which New England of all countries could not be 
unconcerned. 2. To get us into reach of the desolation 
prepared for us, our charter was vacated, the accom- 
plishment thereof being hastened by the undesired 
solicitations and slanderous accusations of a man who 
for his malice and falsehood is well known to us. The 



94 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

charter was proceeded against in hardly a pretence of law, 
and condemned before we had time to appear in our defence. 
Then a President and Council were set over us, without 
any liberty for an Assembly as in other Colonies, by a 
Commission from the King. 3. This Commission was 
illegal in form, but we made no resistance thereto, for we 
were assured of the King's kindly intentions, in hindrance 
of which measures were immediately taken to spoil our 
trade. 4. Then came Sir Edmund Andros with a still 
more arbitrary commission, and several companies of red- 
coats to enforce it. 5. Thus every trouble was taken to 
load preferment on men who were strangers to and haters 
of the government. We were squeezed by a crew of abject 
persons from New York, the tools of the adversary at our 
right hand, who extorted extravagant fees without any 
rule. 6. It was now plainly affirmed by some in open 
Council and others in private that the people of Now 
England were all slaves. People who objected to be rated 
without an Assemply have been heavily fined, and packed 
juries have been a common thing. 7. Conscientious men 
were not allowed to serve on juries because they desired to 
be sworn with an uplifted hand. 8. Then flaws were 
discovered in our titles to land contrary to past grants and 
to prescriptive rights ; and the Governor caused the land 
of particular men to be measured out for grant to his 
favourites. 9. All the Council were not engaged iii these 
transactions, but the Governor with five or six did all. Mr. 
Mather journeyed to England to obtain softening of this 
hard measure, and the King more than once or twice 
promised him a certain Magna Charta of redress, but it 
never came. 10. To add to this there is the burden of a 
Indian war, and a large number of our brethren are now 
under Popish commanders for the same. 11. In all 
this we did nothing, but cried only to our God. We have 
been quiet hitherto, but now that the Lord has prospered 
the undertaking of the Prince of Orange, we think we 
shall follow such an example. We therefore seize the 
vile persons who oppressed us. Printed sheet. 3J large pp. 

261. ii. Duplicate of the foregoing Manuscript. 

261. in. Inhabitants of Boston to Governor Sir Edmund Andros. 
April 18, 1689. " Ourselves as well as many others the 
"inhabitants of this town and places adjacent, being 
" surprised with the people's sudden taking*to arms, in the 
"prior motion whereof we were wholly ignorant," do now 
call upon you to surrender the Government and fortifica- 
tions. We promise all security from violence to yourself, 
your officers, and your men ; but if the people be opposed 
we are sure that they will take the fortifications by storm. 
Signed. William Stoughton, Thomas Danforth, Simon 
Bradstreet, John Richards, Elisha Cook, Isaac Addington, 
John Foster, Peter Serjeant, David Waterhouse, Adam 
Winthrop, John Nelson, Wait Winthrop, Samuel Shrimpton, 
William Brown, Barthol. Gidney. Printed broadsheet : 
black letter. 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 95 

1689. 

261. iv. Declaration of the Convention of Massachusetts. 24 May, 
1689. Encouraged by divine Providence we resolve to 
venture our lives and estates for the reviving and main- 
taining of our rights and privileges. We, therefore, decide 
to settle a Government according to our ancient Patent, 
and appoint Simon Bradstreet Governor, and Thomas 
Danforth Deputy-Governor. Unanimously voted by the 
Eepresentatives. Printed broadsheet in two columns. 1 p. 

261. v. Answer of the Governor, Deputy-Governor, and Assistants 
to the above, accepting the Government. Signed. Simon 
Bradstreet, Tho. Danforth, Nat. Saltonstall, James Kussel, 
Peter Tilton, Samuel Appleton, Eobert Pike, John Richards, 
Elisha Cook, William Johnson, John Hathorn, Isaac 
Addington, John Smith. Broadsheet. Printed. 1 p. 
\Boai-d of Trade. New England, 5. Nos. 17, 17, i-iv., 
and Col. Entry Book., Vol. LXII., pp. 85-106.] 

July 16. 262. Lieutenant Governor Stede to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 

Barbados. Every thing remains as it was when I last wrote. The people are loyal 
and quiet ; but a certain account of Their Majesties' good success 
would hearten us not a little. Two or three days since I received from 
the Governor of St. Christophers the unwelcome news of disturb- 
ances there. The bloody Papists and Irish assembled suddenly, and 
declaring themselves for King James, kill, burn, and destroy all 
that belongs to the Protestant interest. The Governor and the 
loyal people have been forced to retire to their fort for safety and 
leave their houses and works to the bloody popish Irish rebels. The 
French are not exactly at the head of the rebellion, but there are 
several French mulattos, mustees, and negroes with the Irish, and 
all of them receive help from the French. For those rebels will 
not stand a fight with the Protestants, but retire into French ground 
where the English do not like to follow them, for fear of beginning 
a war with France. When the English ask the French 
to deliver them up, the French answer that they only allow 
them to remain for protection in point of religion, as the English 
have heretofore received the French Protestants. There is, however, 
no parallel, for the French Protestants had never rebelled against 
their King nor done any harm to their fellow subjects, but these 
arguments have no weight with the French. This behaviour seems 
to me like a breach of peace on the part of the French. They force 
the English to keep within the fort instead of pursuing the Irish as 
they otherwise would do, lest when they sully out they should leave 
not men enough in the fort to defend it against the traitorous 
assaults of the French. The Governor having appealed to me for 
help, I ordered three hundred men to be raised here at once and 
to be sent to St. Christophers under command of Sir Timothy 
Thornhill, a very fit person for the service. If need be I shall 
send further reinforcements to save the Leeward Islands. If I 
knew at this moment that I might make war on the French 
I would undertake to reduce the whole of the French Islands to the 
King's obedience. I am well informed that at present they have ilo 
considerable force by land or sea and no store of provisions against 
a siege of their forts ; but they are expecting supplies and men. 
In my last I gave you an account of the ships here under Captain 



96 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

Hewetson, who wears the union flag under pretence of a commission 
from the late King. But he cannot or will not produce the com- 
mission, and has anchored all this time out of range of the forts, 
though I have often ordered him to the contrary. This and the 
want of a naval force is the only reason why he has not been forced 
to strike the flag. At his first coming he behaved himself very 
civilly, and for this reason, and for the names of the noble and 
worthy persons whom he declared to be partners in his venture, I 
passed by many things which I should otherwise have taken notice 
of. But I cannot pass over his cruelty to his men at sea and 
his quarrels ashore, though I continued to do my part by 
encouraging the voyage and compelling the seaman to go on board, 
which they would not otherwise have done, by reason of his cruelty. 
I shall not trouble you with any account of his irregularities, but I 
assume that I have done my best for a venture in which, as 
Hewetson now tells me, you have a considerable interest. He told 
me first that King James and his Queen, the Duchesses of Ports- 
mouth and Massareene, Lord Eochester, Lord Falkland, and others 
were interested, but since then he alters the names to suit his 
purpose, and tells me that King William and yourself held shares. 
He was much astonished at his first coming to learn that we had 
lately proclaimed King William and Queen Mary, but after a time 
began to acknowledge their Majesties himself, though with great 
hypocrisy: for his chaplain being about to preach in a parish 
church on the second Sunday after his arrival, he forbade him 
to pray for King William and Queen Mary, but for King James 
and his Queen. The poor parson complied as far as he 
durst, for fear of being punished by me, and to avoid 
punishment on both sides prayed for the King and Queen only, 
without giving names. Being asked afterwards why he did so, he 
confessed his orders from Captain Hewetson, and added that on 
board ships, by the captains orders, he prayed still for King James. 
He goes home by this ship, and will give you a full account (see No. 
247). 

Another matter made Hewetson take offence at me. One of his 
ships blew up in the harbour, and seventy men on board her perished, 
every one. The people came to the scene in boats, and embezzled 
valuable goods, whereupon I issued a proclamation forbidding such 
proceedings, and ordering all their embezzled goods to be restored, 
and appointed a small committee to examine the matter. I thought 
that this was as much as I could do in favour to Captain Hewetson, 
but he complained that the offenders had not not been immediately 
chastised. But another matter was that he challenged an 
ancient gentleman of the Council for saying that he had 
told his chaplain to pray for King James, threatening that 
that if he did not fight him, he would cut off his nose next time he 
met him. To stop this I ordered him on board his ship and not to 
return ashore without my leave, which I should readily have given 
him on his promising not to pursue the .General. But he has 
thought fit rather to remain on board, complaining bitterly of me 
on that account, and also because I would not allow one Curtis, one 
of his men, to be hurried on board ship until his grievous complaints 
against the Captain had been heard. He says that I have spoiled 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 97 

1689. 

his voyage, and threatens me with the displeasure of the adventurers. 
Lately he told me that he had seen an Act declaring King William and 
Queen Mary to be sovereigns of England, and that he had communi- 
cated it to his men ; which seemed to me strange, considering that 
he had been here for six weeks. I therefore called upon him to 
take the oaths, and added that I expected him to conform to the 
rule forbidding papists to bear any command within my govern- 
ment ; for he had brought several papist officers and servants from 
Ireland. He refused, however, to come ashore and take the oaths 
or to let his officers come ashore to do so, adding words which re- 
flected on the Council. Signed. Edwyn Stede. P.S. I must add that 
one of Hewetson's seamen, a lusty fellow of twenty-one, who had 
among others subscribed a petition to me, asking relief from Hewet- 
son's cruelty, was tied up to the capstan bar and one of the officers 
ordered to whip him to death, Hewetson standing by with his broad- 
sword drawn and threatening the executioner. After a time the poor 
fellow's body was all bloody and raw as a piece of beef, and the 
executioner, who had not escaped without three or four cuts in his 
head for not being severe enough, was allowed to let him go. How- 
ever the victim was then confined to a place in the ship on one 
biscuit and water for every twenty-four hours, but being transferred 
to the ship that blew up, perished with her, being alive, though 
little more, at the time. 5pp. [America and West Indies. 456. 
No. 16, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 119-132.] 

July 17. 263. Lords of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Admiralty We have not yet received the King's pleasure as to the instructions 
to the West Indian squadron. We do not know if a particular num- 
ber of ships is to be assigned to Jamaica or whether it is to be left 
to the Commander's discretion. W T e beg instructions. Signed. Tho. 
Lee, M. Chicheley, J. Lowther. %p. Endorsed. Read 18 July, 1689. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. ll.J 

[July 17.] 264. Commission of Colonel James Kendall to be Governor of 
Barbados. Powers are given to transport forces to other English 
Islands or to the attack of French Islands, also powers to suspend 
captains of the Royal Navy who are disobedient or negligent of orders. 
St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica and the rest of the British Islands 
to windward of Guadeloupe are included in the Commission, and 
power to appoint deputy-governors to them is given, but not to 
appoint a deputy-governor in Barbados. Countersigned. Shrewsbury. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 64-67.] 

[July 19.] 265. Proposals of Colonel Kendall 1. Care should be taken 
to appoint the fittest persons at the head of the Council, as the 
senior member succeeds to the Government in case of the Governor's 
death or absence. 2. The Governor should be empowered to appoint 
a deputy. In the margin. Done. 3. Two hundred soldiers would 
be of great service at this time. In thv man/in. Nothing. 4. Forty 
whole culverins are needed and have been asked for. 5. Instructions 
are needed as to supply of ships in case of failure of supplies 
from England. In the margin. To be referred to the Admiralty. 
6. The frigates appointed for Barbados should be good sailers in 
order to be able to beat back to their station if sent to Leeward. 



98 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

In the margin. To be referred to the Admiralty. 7. Freight and 
a passage for the Governor in a frigate is desired. In the 
margin. What former Governors have had. 8. The Governor's 
salary is usually paid in England out of the four and a half per cent, 
duty, which is sent here in produce. If paid in the same commodi- 
ties in Barbados, with the allowance of ten per cent, which is 
usually made for exchange in time of peace, the King will avoid the 
risks of importation in time of war and will save the costs of freight 
and waste, while the Governor will be delivered from disappointment 
by any interruptions of the importation through accidents. In the 
margin. To be paid there without the ten per cent. 2J pp. En- 
dorsed. Bead 19 July, '89. [America and West Indies. 456. 
A T o. 17, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 78, 79.] 

[July.] 266. Colonel Kendall to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I 
think it would be well for the Governor's salary to be paid in 
produce in the Island for the following reasons : 1. It was always so 
paid in time of war to Francis, Lord Willoughby in 1665 - 1666, 
and to William Lord Willoughby in 1672 - 1673. 2. I take 
the Governor's entertainment to be about one fourth of 
the revenue. In time of war, freight is dear, risk is great, 
and the loss on sugar while waiting for convenience of shipping 
very considerable. 3. The produce of the island is worth much less 
on the spot in time of war than in time of peace. Muscovado in 
peace is worth 12s. Qd. a cwt., but in war not above 8s. 4. In time 
of peace, money in England is ten per cent, better worth than money 
in Barbados and must be much more in time of war. Thus if the 
King have .1,200 in Barbados it is his interest to pay it to the 
Governor there, for he cannot return it here without paying ten per 
cent, for exchange, which reduces the .1,200 to ^1,080. If he 
chooses to pay the Governor in England, he plainly loses the amount 
of the exchange. It may be a disadvantage to the Governor 
to take the risk and expense of sending home his produce, 
but if it be assured that he spends his salary in the Island, the 
objection is removed. And though, if paid at the rate of nine 
shillings per cwt. of muscovado, that sum would not be worth so 
much in time of war as eight shillings paid in England, yet the 
Governor being saved the expense of keeping a solicitor to receive 
and remit his money, and the risks of interruption in time of war, 
would, I conceive, be better content to receive it in Barbados 
quarterly. Holograph. Undated. 'Lpp. [America and West Indies. 
456. No. 18.] 

[July 19.] 267. Abstract of Colonel Kendall's proposal as to payment of 
his salary in Barbados. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. 

A T o. 9.\.] 

[July 19.] 268. A list of the Council of Barbados (sec Sept. 19). The 
names of Richard Harwood and John Reid are struck out, with the 
words "a suspected papist," against them. 1 ]> Endorsed. Read 
at Committee. July 19, 1689. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. 
A T o. 9.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 99 

1689. 

July 19. 269. William Blathwayt to the Commissioners of the Admiralty. 
Enclosing extract from Colonel Kendall's proposals as to his 
passage to Barbados (sec No. 265). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., 
p. 147.] 

July 19. 270. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order for the 
Treasury to give information as to the travelling allowances of former 
Governors to Jamaica and Barbados. Names of the persons pro- 
posed as Governors for New York, Leeward Islands and Bermuda. 
Colonel Kendall's proposed Council for Barbados approved. Agreed 
that he try Sir T. Montgomerie and Mr Chamberlayne and examine 
into the petition of Ralph Lane. The law officers' report as to repeals 
in Virginia read. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp 239-240.] 

July 19. 271. List of persons proposed to the King for Governors. For 
New York, Colonel Slingsby or Colonel Sankey ; for Leeward 
Islands, Colonel Sankey or Colonel Codrington ; for Bermuda, Mr. 
Rowland Place to be Lieutenant-Governor. Draft. 1 p. Endorsed. 
19 July, 1689. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 7.] 

July 19. 272. Duplicate of the preceding. [Ibid. No. 8.] 

July 19. 273. A further list including the above names, and some of 
those in the list of 3 July (see No. 224). [Ibid. No. 9.] 

July 19. 274. Final list submitted to the King, including all the 
candidates named in previous lists. The following Governors were 
appointed : Lord Howard of Effingham to be Governor of Virginia ; 
Colonel Molesworth (since dead) to be Governor of Jamaica ; Colonel 
Kendall to be Governor of Barbados ; Colonel Sankey to be 
Governor of the Leeward Islands ; Colonel Hill Lieutenant- 
Governor of Nevis; Mr. Place Lieutenant-Governor of Bermuda. 
The names of Mr. Sloughter and Captain Nicholson were submitted 
for New York. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 10.] 

July 19. 275. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Commissioners of 
Council Ordnance. Asking for information as to the readiness of the stores 
Chamber, ordered to be sent to Jamaica, Bermuda and Newfoundland. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 59, 60.] 

July 20. 276. Estimate of charge of guns, ammunition and stores to be 
sent to Bermuda. Total 564. Signed. Cha. Myddleton, T. Gardi- 
ner, Tho. Townsend. 2J pp. [America and West Indies. 477. 
No. 12, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 223-225.] 

July 20. 277. List of the same articles but without prices given. 2 pp. 
[America and West Indies. 477. No. 13.] 

July 20. 278. Commissioners of Ordnance to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
Office of tions. We have received your orders for stores and arms for the 
Ordnance. (j i om ' es- \Ve beg that the Lords of the Treasury may be moved to 
supply us with the necessary funds, or that we may obtain indem- 
nity in case of delay in such supply. Signed. Goodricke, Th. Gar- 
diner, Ch. Myddelton, Tho. Townsend. In the margin. Estimate 
for guns, etc., for Bennuda 564 8*. 9<7. ; for materials, etc., for a 



100 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

fort at St. John's, Newfoundland, 3,300 ; for stores for Jamaica 
2,810 6s. 9Jd. ; for freight for the above 300. Total 6,374 
15s. 6Jrf. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 11, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 61.] 

July 22. 279. Order of the King in Council. For the office of Ordnance 
Hampton to report whether forty long culverins can he spared for Barbados. 
Court - [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 148, 149.] 

July 22. 280. Colonel Thomas Hill to John Netheway. I have received 
Charles Fort, yours by Lieutenant William Battery, who arrived safe at the 
st - ^ st - fort half an hour before day. The fleet attacked us on Thursday, 
18th inst., by sea, shot nine hundred and seventy odd cannon and 
killed us a turkey, a dog and three horses. That was all the mis- 
chief they did us that day. To-day they fired half a score bombs at us, 
several of which fell into the fort but to less effect than the cannon. 
I suppose they are now trying to throw up a trench of circumvalla- 
tion round the fort on the land side, and will bring their mortars 
nearer. Here follow details about the ships. Copy. 1J pp. On the 
next page, An account of the bombs fired into Charles fort, July 22 
and 23 ; and of the trifling damage that they did. 1 p. The 
whole endorsed. Eecd. from Mr. Netheway, 22 Oct., 1689. {America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 21.] 

July 22. 281. Deposition of Pieter Godfree and another. That in April 
last they heard the Minister, Mr. Innes, in discourse of Canada and 
the Roniish religion, commend Canada and several Jesuits. He 
said that the Jesuits were good people, that he believed in the doctrine 
of purgatory, that the Catholic Romish religion was the best 
religion, that all that left it were heretics, that the common people 
should not be allowed the Scripture and that auricular confession 
was a necessity. Sicorn before Gerard Beckman. Copy. J p. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 33, 33A.] 

July 22. 282. Petition of John Riggs, servant to Sir Edmund Andros, to 
the King. Sir Edmund Andros, the Governor of New England, 
behaved himself with all moderation in the Government. He is and 
always was a Protestant, having been brought up as page to the 
Queen of Bohemia, and would readily have obeyed your orders had 
he received them. He now begs that he may be released from his 
present close confinement, where he is denied writing materials and 
any other convenience, and that he may be sent home to answer for 
any charges brought against him. 1 p. Inscribed. Read in 
Council, July, 22 1689. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 18.] 

[July 22.] 283. Petition of John Trefry, on behalf of his brother Thomas, 
to the King. In 1685 when Lord Bath raised his regiment in 
Cornwall Thomas Trefry was made ensign, and was afterwards sent 
lieutenant with a detachment of the regiment to New England. 
He has since been imprisoned in a tumultuous manner by the people 
and now lies in confinement. I beg that he may be released or sent 
home to answer for his conduct. 1 p. Inscribed. Read in 
Council, July 22, '89. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 19.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 101 

1689. 

[July.] 284. Petition of Sarah Randolph. For the release of her 
husband Edward Randolph, now a prisoner in Boston, or for orders 
for him to be sent home for trial. He is and always was a Protestant 
and has served the Crown for thirty years. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 20.] 

July 23. 285. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Common We have no news whether Mr. Mather has so far gained favour with 
Gaol, Bo iton. ^ Q QW ^ ag to O i,tain the grant of a new charter or the confirmation 
of the old one. Certain it is that upon presumption of one or the 
other they keep Sir Edmund Andros, myself and several others in 
close confinement, and at last charge us with the breach of a capital 
law made by the General Court when they set up for a common- 
wealth, as appears by the minutes of a convocation of representatives 
from several towns. The people having dared to proceed to such 
heights, what are we to expect, when the Agents return laden with 
favours, but a trial according to their laws? Or if the King direct 
other methods for governing the country, their guilt and their fear of 
deserved punishment is such that they will massacre us and throw 
off their allegiance to the Crown. One of their ministers lately 
declared in public that they accounted themselves the King's 
nominal, not real, subjects. I hope that you have received my 
former letters, and are aware that this Colony is in danger of 
ruin by popular rage, or of being made a prey to Indians and French, 
and that the King has sent a sufficient force to quiet these disorders 
and reduce the country to a firm dependence on the Crown. There 
is no government and no law. Customs, Excise, and Acts of Naviga- 
tion are cried down. All things are carried on by a furious rabble 
animated by the ministers, some of whom, and notably young 
Mather, were the chief promoters of the rebellion. They have 
infected the other Colonies of New England and sent their agitators 
to New York. During this commotion the Eastern Indians daily 
alarm our out towns. Four considerable towns are wholly destroyed, 
the fishery lost, the forts built by Sir Edmund Andros burnt down, 
about fifty persons lately killed or taken, and much plunder taken. 
The distressed people, having lost their houses and cattle in the 
other towns, have petitioned the Governor and Council for soldiers to 
defend their remaining towns in the province of Maine, but can 
obtain no suitable relief. The country has no officers fit for such a 
service, nor can they raise men or money for the war, the people 
not being satisfied that they have power to raise either, so that in a 
very short time all the eastern country, of great importance to the 
Crown, will be abandoned to the ravages of the heathen. Ni<in<-<l. 
Ed. Randolph. Holograph. 1J pp. Duplicate. Endorsed. Original 
delivered 6 Nov. 1689. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
Ao. 21.] 

[July 23.] 286. Enclosures sent by the same ship with the preceding letter. 

286. i. Minutes of the Council of Safety at Boston, 20 April, 1689. 
Order for Edward Ting, Captain Thomas Savage, and 
others, now abroad in the army to Eastern, forthwith to 
dismiss Major Brockholes, Macgregory, Lockhart, Lieuten- 
ant Weems, Captain Manning, and Ensign Smith from 
their present command in the Army, send them to Boston, 



102 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

and take the command into their own hands, reserving as 
many men as they think necessary and dismissing the 
rest. Copy. \ p. Endorsed. Eecd. 4 November, 1689. 

286. ii. Kesolution of the Council of Safety at Boston. That Sir 
Edmund Andros, having received and executed illegal 
commissions, Edward Randolph having endeavoured the sub- 
version of the Government, and Joseph Dudley, having 
done the like, have violated a capital law of the Colony 
and are therefore not bailable. 28 June, 1689. Copy. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 2 November, 1689. 

286. in. Bond of Joseph Dudley in 10,000 to continue in his 
house at Eoxbury (except for the public worship of God) 
till further order. 13 July, 1689. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed 
as the preceding. 

286. iv. Order of the Council of Safety, for a day of fasting and 
humiliation. 13 July, 1689. I p. With marginal notes by 
Edward Eandolph. Endorsed as the preceding. 

286. v. Simon Bradstreet to Joseph Dudley. The tumult in the 
town is so great and sudden that no reason will be heard or 
regarded, so I am obliged to entreat you, for the safety of 
yourself and family and welfare of the State, to yield quietly 
to the present stress. Signed, S. Bradstreet. Copy by 
Edward Randolph. Scrap. Endorsed as the preceding. 

286. vi. Order for Joseph Dudley to continue in his house. 13 
July, 1689. Note of Randolph in the margin. Neither 
Bradstreet nor Addington would sign this for fear of being 
sent to gaol for it. Scraps. Endorsed as the preceding. 

286. vn. Warrant for levying a fine of 5 on Francis Marsden for 
refusing to serve against the Indians on being pressed. 
Copy. Scrap. Undated. Endorsed as the preceding. 

286. vin. Order for committing Henry Deering to custody for 
heading a riot on 13 July. Boston, 15 July, 1689. Scrap. 
Endorsed as the preceding. 

286. ix. Simon Bradstreet to Joseph Dudley. Boston, 16 July, 

1589. Asking him to return to prison till the fury of the 
people is abated. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. A r o. 21, 21, i-ix.] 

July 23. 287. William Jephson to William Blathwayt. Forwarding a 
Trespass minute from the Commissioners of Customs. Signed. Will Jephson. 
Chamber. ^ p Endorsed. Eecd. 23 July, 89. 

287. i. Minute of Commissioners of Customs. Thirty small 

barrels of powder are lying in a ship at Portsmouth to- 
gether with other goods from Holland for Boston. Shall 
the powder be suffered to proceed, as we do not know in 
what condition the Government of New England now stands? 
p. {Board of Trade. New England, 5. Nos. 22-22 i.] 

July 23. 288. Nicholas Bayard to Francis Nicholson. Leisler's crimes 
Albany. anc j insolencies are no way diminished since your departure. As you 
will see by the enclosed journal, the Council together with the Mayor 
and Common Council tried to preserve the revenue for the King's 
service ; but Leisler, finding that the securing of the revenue would 
be prejudicial to his private interests, was so inflamed against the 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 108 

1689. 

civil government and particularly against myself, that he attempted 
to massacre me at the hands of his drunken crew, and compelled me 
to escape here for safety. Since my departure I hear that Nathaniel 
Gold and James Fitch have arrived from Connecticut and by many 
false and foolish flatterings have commended Leister's proceedings, 
and that this faction, in contempt of the King's proclamation for con- 
tinuance of officers in their posts, have taken the Government upon 
themselves. They have formed a company of soldiers with Leisler for 
captain, William Churcher the mason for lieutenant, and Stoll the 
drummer for ensign ; they have also proclaimed that the taking of 
the fort is solely for the King's service, and that no persons had any 
reason to leave New York, though I and others were daily threatened 
with massacre and imprisonment. Our care for the securing of the 
revenue seems to have alarmed them. De la Noy, one of the 
Committee men, has now assumed charge of the Custom House. 
Leisler and his faction have made great efforts to overthrow the 
civil government in other parts also by sending messengers here and 
elsewhere, but the people have resolved to adhere to the existing 
government pursuant to the King's proclamation. There is little 
trade here nor has been for the past three years, so there is great 
poverty, which must continue until Canada be reduced to other terms. 
The Sachems of the Five Nations have told us that they intend to be 
revenged on Canada. We have news that about nine hundred 
Indians have already gone thither, and that three hundred more are 
going. They will undoubtedly destroy the harvest, which will reduce 
Canada to great extremity unless relieved by France. The inhabit- 
ants of Albany are still much inclined for some exploit, either for 
trade with the farther Indians or to revenge themselves on the French 
for their losses by letters of marque. In case of a war with France, 
they would be eager to share in the subduing of Canada, which 
would be very profitable for England. We have no letters yet from 
Europe, which makes Leisler and his crew the more insolent. They 
have few substantial men among them; the rest are poor ignorant 
folks who let themselves be lectured by about twenty or thirty 
drunken sots. Yet their party begins to decline, and many more 
would withdraw from them were they not afraid. West writes me 
that all continues the same at Boston, only the Government is 
moved to the Castle and the Governor to the prison. I shall stay 
here till orders arrive from the King. Signed. N. Bayard. 4 pp. 
Inscribed. Eead 23 Oct., 1689. Printed in New York Documents, 
III. 598. The journal alluded to is printed, ibid. p. 599. [America 
and West Indies. 578. No. 34.] 

July 25. 289. Depositions of Charles Lodowyck. That he heard Lieu- 
New York. tenant-Governor Nicholson say that the people of New York were a 
conquered people and could not expect the same rights as English 
people, wherefore the Prince might lawfully govern them by his 
own will. Copy. $ p. Sworn before Gerard Beckman. [America 
and West Indies. 578. A r o. 35.] 

July 25. 290. Declaration of the reasons and motives for appearing in 

Maryland, arms on behalf of the Protestant subjects of Maryland. The plots, 

contrivances and subscriptions carried on and extorted by Lord 

Baltimore and his officers, and the particulars of our grievances being 



104 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

shrouded from observation, we publish the following reasons for our 
appearance in arms. Lord Baltimore holds Maryland by charter of 
King Charles I. to his farther Cecilius. In the charter, allegiance is 
reserved to the Crown of England, but the very name and owning 
of that sovereign power is sometimes crime enough to gain the 
frowns of our superiors and to render us suspected of disaffection. 
The ill usage and affronts to the King's revenue-officers, the ill- 
treatment of Mr. Badcock and the murder of Mr. Eousby prove this. 
The President lately laid it down that fidelity to the Lord Proprietor 
was allegiance, and that to deny the one is to deny the other ; 
but in that oath of fidelity, which is imposed under threats 
of banishment, there is not a word about allegiance to the King. 
By the charter, churches and chapels should be built for the service 
of the Church of England, but all are turned to popish worship ; 
the chief officers of Government are papists ; and the most 
fertile lands set apart for the Protestant ministry are escheat and 
forfeited. The power to enact laws is another branch of Lord 
Baltimore's authority; but when according to usage four representa- 
tives were elected and sent up, only two were picked out of each four 
and sent up to the Convention, whereby the greatest levy yet known 
was imposed on the inhabitants. Next Session the two remaining 
members were admitted, when some of our best laws were enacted, 
but the Assembly was soon after dissolved by Lord Baltimore, and 
the laws disallowed by him though assented to by his deputy in his 
absence, so that the Courts of Judicature often have to decide not 
what is the law but what is his Lordship's wish. Then another 
Assembly was called of two members only for each country, and 
several laws were enacted with his Lordship's consent, but that for 
the encouragement of trade and erecting of towns was suspended by 
him and practically abrogated. Thus our liberties are threatened, 
and we are at the mercy of his lordship's pleasure. Again, even 
existing laws are enforced or not according to the good liking of 
our Governors. For instance one law enacts that orphan children 
should be disposed of to persons of the religion of their dead parents, 
but notwithstanding this children of Protestant parents have been 
committed to papists ; and one young woman was recently forced 
away from her husband by order in Council and committed to the 
custody of a papist to be brought up in that religion. On the 
contrary laws in favour of his Lordship are rigidly enforced. To 
these grievances must be added excessive officers' fees, and that too 
under execution, directly in face of the law ; excessive imposts 
in vessels without assent of the Assembly, as provided in 
the charter; excessive fees from vessels built in Maryland con- 
trary to act of Assembly ; frequent pressing of men, boats, etc. 
in time of peace, the seizure and confinement of Protestants without 
reason or warrant ; outrages upon Protestants by papists, connived 
at by the papist authorities. To all this we submitted in patience, 
hoping for deliverance on the accession of King William, but to our 
consternation we find ourselves surrounded by strong endeavours of 
Lord Baltimore to defeat that deliverance. Papists still use every 
means to divert the allegiance of the inhabitants from King William ; 
and prayers are constantly offered for the success of the popish arms 
in Ireland, thus involving us in treason. King William's rights are 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 105 

1689. 

questioned and his character aspersed. We are every day threatened 
with loss of life or estate ; we have strong suspicion of a design to 
betray us to the Northern Indians who in 1681 were conducted into 
the heart of the province by French Jesuits, and there are constant 
endeavours to set us quarrelling among ourselves and with Virginia. 
We therefore abjure our allegiance to the proprietor and take up 
arms for King William. We order that a full Assembly be called, 
which shall represent our condition to the King ; and we promise that 
no harm shall be done to any peaceable persons or to any that do not 
oppose us, and that all provisions shall be paid for and all soldiers 
punctually paid. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol., LII., pp. 125-139.] 

July 25. 291. Order of the King in Council. On reading the petitions of 
Whitehall. gj r Edmund Andros and others seized and imprisoned by some 
people in Boston, it is ordered that he and all others so imprisoned 
be sent to England by the first ship, to answer before the King to 
what may be objected against them, that they be civilly used in their 
passage and safely conveyed to the King's presence. Letters are to 
be prepared to those at present administering the Government to that 
effect. Signed. Will. Blathwayt. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXH., 
p. 107.] 

July 25. 292. Commission for Colonel Hender Molesworth to be Governor 
of Jamaica. The powers of Vice-Admiralty are much extended, 
but without jurisdiction over the King's ships, though the Governor 
may suspend a captain of a King's ship for disobedience or negligent 
execution of written orders. Offences committed by officers or men 
of the Eoyal Navy ashore may be tried by the laws of the Colony. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 186-202.] 

July 25. 293. Sir Francis Watson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Little has happened since my last. We are in a good position of 
defence and awaiting further instructions. Two small Jamaica sloops 
of about eighteen men putting into Hispaniola met a Spanish barque 
pursued by a Frenchman and took her into their protection. The 
French vessel coming up to them with arms ready, they put all 
their men into one sloop and prepared for defence, when the 
French seeing their number threw down their arms and permitted 
the English to come aboard. They confessed that they had a com- 
mission to take the English, but none being found the men were 
put on shore and the ship brought in here. Signed. F. Watson. 
1 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 28 Oct., 1789. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Eecd. 4 Jan., 1689-90. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 12, 13, and Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XXXII., pp. 320 and 330.] 

July 25. 294. Order of the King in Council. Eeferring the petition of 
Whitehall. E a lph Knight to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. K'ujned. 
John Nicholas. \ p. Annexed, 

294. i. Petition of Ealph Knight to the King. In July last an 
Assembly, which is in the nature of a Parliament, was 
called under the Duke of Albemarle, under which several 
acts were passed, including one for making the revenue 
perpetual, and an address as to the proceedings of the 



106 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

Eoyal African Company. With these I was entrusted in 

September last, but found on my arrival that the late King 

was just about his departure. I therefore delayed to present 

them pending further instructions from those that sent me, 

but now beg permission to present them and to be granted a 

hearing. Copy. 1J p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 

Nos. 14, 14 i. and Col. Entry Bk.,Vol. XXXII., pp. 296-298.] 

[July 26.] 295. Address of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to the 

King James II. We think it our duty to make known to you the 

state of this Island by the late Governors and the usage of the factors 

of the Eoyal African Company towards the planters. 

Though some thousands of negroes have been imported by the 

Company into this Island, pursuant to the instructions of King 

Charles, within the past six years, yet few of these have fallen to 

the planters' share ; the factors, of whom Colonel Molesworth was 

one, grasping all into their own hand by countenancing none but 

their own creatures. Before the Assiento was settled here the royal 

frigates were employed in convoying shiploads of the choicest negroes 

to the Spaniards. After it was settled, the negroes were picked to 

suit the Spaniards, the factors and their particular friends still 

reaping all the benefit, the Dutch factors for the Assiento allowing 

these gentlemen 35 per cent. ; and now it is feared that the Dutch 

have quite taken the whole trade from us. Lists were published of 

the sharers in the 35 per cent., as though it were a public concern, 

but most of them were favourites or servants of the factors, and the 

most eminent merchants get but small sums. Thus foreigners get 

the best of the negroes, and we only the refuse at 22 a head. 

Again, when planters have gone on board to buy negroes, 
their ready money has been refused because it was not pieces-of- 
eight. The factors have received several thousand pounds for 
interest, and sometimes the interest has exceeded the principal. 
When planters have agreed with masters of ships for their freight 
and commission, the factors have threatened not to load sugar on their 
ships and have forced them to forego the bargain. An act pro- 
vides that two planters shall always be joined to two merchants 
for the equal lotting of the negroes, but they have always appointed 
their own creatures to this time. The Duke of Albemarle demanded 
from the factors of the African Company a list of the debts due from 
the planters, that it might be seen whether the Island was indebted 
for such vast sums as the Company represented. Colonel Molesworth 
promised a perfect list in a few days, and on a second demand 
Captain Euding also promised the same. His Grace reminded him 
of the promise but was answered that the list could not be furnished 
without the Company's orders. It is therefore reasonable to 
conclude that it is not the planters but the factors' favourites who are 
the debtors. Heretofore the Company's factors used to ship home 
their debts in produce of the Island, but now that the factors have 
fallen into a private way of trade this is no longer done. In one 
parish it is well known that not 2,000 is due to the Company, yet 
it can easily be shewn that 4,000 has been lost by buying refuse 
negroes of Jews and beggarly sub-brokers, who buy sick negroes at 
8 or 10 a head ; so that scarce a third of the negroes bought by 
the planters from the Company are now alive. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 107 

1689. 

It is now near nine months since the Duke's happy arrival, and 
we have had but one small ship from the African Company, and we 
know not when to expect another. In St. Jago del Castillo's answer 
to Don Nicholas Porcio in the Court of Chancery here it will be seen 
that sundry sums were paid in 1684-1685 to the Governor, Captains 
of frigates, and the factors of the Company. Sir Thomas Lynch in 
fact voided King Charles's grant that negroes should be delivered to 
us at 17 a head ; and thus it is that several planter's have been 
ruined and forced to leave the Island. We beg therefore a 
repetition of King Charles's order that we may be provided with good 
negroes at reasonable rates. We would ask you to consider the 
difference to trade and the customs if all the negroes that died 
on the planters' hands in the past six years had lived and worked. 
At a moderate computation a full third of the net proceeds of our 
produce passes into the Royal Exchequer. At the foot. Oath of Ralph 
Knight that he was present when the Address was voted, and was 
commissioned to bear it. Sworn 12 July, 1689. Signed, Ralph 
Knight. Large sheet. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 15, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 287-296.] 

[July 26.1 296. Petition of inhabitants of Jamaica to the King. Roger 
Elletson, Chief Justice of Jamaica, by his evil advice and under colour 
of his office, has committed many arbitrary and illegal acts, as set 
forth in the annexed heads of complaint, and has now under shelter 
of martial law, grievously and needlessly imposed on us, come 
to England. We beg that he may be apprehended and sent back to 
Jamaica for trial. Forty two signatures. Double sheet. Endorsed. 
Reed. 26 July, 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. A T o. 16.] 

[July 26.] 297. Articles exhibited against Roger Elletson. I.He told the 
Grand Jury they should be ruled with rods of iron. 2. He impiously 
told a particular person that he would bruise the serpent's head be 
it never so subtle. 3. He took excessive bails in cases not criminal. 
4. He required the like bail in criminal causes when no 
prosecutor appeared and no evidence was offered. 5. He 
caused trials of the elections for the Assembly to be prosecuted 
before him and his associates in the Supreme Court, as also actions 
for words spoken in the Assembly. 6. He imposed grievous and 
excessive fines. 7. He caused a man to be twice severely burnt in 
the hand for one felony. 8. He caused one of his own slaves to be 
cut off iu cold blood and his body to be burned, without mentioning 
the King's name or any manner of trial. 9. He violated the freedom 
of elections and menaced freeholders with imprisonment by colour of 
his office and sending and directing his private letters for the King's 
service to bring in troopers. 10. He instituted a special court for 
trial of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria. 11-12. He was guilty of 
various irregularities in course of the trial. 13. He sat in the 
Admiralty Court, though no judge in it, to influence its decision in 
another case. 14. He violated justice by the partiality of the fines 
imposed. 15. He granted warrants against the goods and persons 
of people not named in the warrant. 16. He gave public and 
private encouragement to common informers. 17. He arrested a 
servant illegally to gain evidence against his master. 18. He said, 
on receiving the royal order that the laws made since the Duke of 



108 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1689. 

Albemarle's death, that God damn him, he would justify them. 

19. He gave judgment in an indictment of slander spoken against 

himself and imposed a fine of 300. 20. He advised and procured 

Sir Francis Watson to assume the title of Governor. 21. He advised 

Sir Francis Watson to neglect the King's orders, and to proclaim 

martial law so as to have the militia always in arms to support their 

own wrongdoing. 22. His conduct as Chief Justice has been illegal 

and tyrannical. 3J pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 26 July, 1689. Attached, 

297. i. Extract from Minutes of a Council of War at Jamaica, 

28 May, 1689. Complaint was made against Smith Kelly, 

Provost Marshal, by Eoger Elletson, Chief Justice, for 

that Kelly, hearing that Elletson was about to go to England, 

warned the captain of the ship not to carry him, to the 

dishonour of the said Elletson who has not yet resigned 

the post of Chief Justice. Order for Kelly's appearance 

on the 30th to answer for his conduct. Copy. 1 p. 

Endorsed as the preceding. 

297. u. Sir Francis Watson's style of Governor of Jamaica, to 
which he had no right. Scrap. Endorsed as the preceding. 
i of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 17, 17 i., n.] 



[July 26.] 298. Memorial of the merchants trading to Jamaica. The 
French are at present very near and powerful enemies to Jamaica, 
as they can sail there in twenty-four hours from Petit Guavos or 
Tortugas, which are but thirty leagues away. The Island itself is 
long and the plantations being on the sea and far from one another 
are liable to be spoiled and burned by French pirates, and all vessels 
bound thither must pass by French ports, as also by Point Anthony 
in Cuba on their return voyage, where French pirates will constantly 
lie in wait for them. We beg therefore for three frigates, good 
sailers, to ply to windward, one to secure the plantations on the 
seaboard, one to lie off Capa Altavoca for ships bound to the Island, 
and one to convoy homeward bound ships to the Gulf of Florida. 
1 p. Endorsed. Reed, from Col. Beckford, 26 July, 1689. [Board 
of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 18.] 

[July.] 299. A short account of the late state of affairs in Jamaica. 
The Island suffered much towards the end of King James's reign 
from the contrivance of wicked councillors and judges, who turned 
all the most considerable people of the Island out of places of trust 
and put in persons of the meanest rank and no reputation. A 
Popish priest, Thomas Churchill, was constantly consulted, and the 
King's House at Port Eoyal appointed for him to say mass in. 
Freedom of election was violated. Matters only cognizable in the 
assembly were prosecuted in the Grand Court; excessive bail, fines 
and imprisonment were imposed ; protection was given to debtors, 
the Provost Marshal was turned out and two bankrupts in succession 
put in his place. People were threatened in open court to be ruled 
with rods of iron, whereby the wealthiest of the people were driven 
from the Island. Colonel Molesworth was appointed by the late 
King to set matters right, but he being now dead, an experienced 
successor to him is begged for. In a different hand. The person 
most desired is Colonel Peter Beckford, or Colonel William Beeston, 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 109 

1689. 

or Samuel Bernard, Esq. Note. This is a copy of the paper 
delivered to Lord Delamere, subscribed by over eighty merchants, 
planters and traders concerned with Jamaica. 1J pp. Endorsed. 
[America and West Indies. Vol. 540. No. 12.] 

July 26. 300. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Discussion as 
to Newfoundland. Agreed that their Majesties be proclaimed there. 
[Col. Entiy Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 241.] 

July 27. 301. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The officers 
of Ordnance presented a draft of a fort for Newfoundland, but said 
that the materials could not be collected in time to build it this 
season. Agreed to move the King to send an engineer to Newfound- 
land. , Memorandum of documents sent and received. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 242-244.] 

July 29. 302. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft 
instructions for the convoy to Newfoundland read and approved. 
The King's pleasure to be taken as to the penalty for masters of 
ships who desert their convoys. Captain Nicholson's letter of 
15 May considered (see No. 121). The Lords agreed as to their reply 
(see No. 304). The Earl of Stirling was heard as to his claim to 
Long Island. State of his case to be laid before the Committee. 
Agreed as to a letter to be sent to New England (see No. 809). 
[Col. Entry BL, Vol. CIX., pp. 244-246.] 

July 29. 303. William Blathwayt to Commissioners of the Admiralty. 
Desiring them to provide freight for the transport of Colonel Kendall 
and household to Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 151.] 

July 29. 304. Lords of the Privy Council to Lieutenant-Governor Francis 
Nicholson. Charging him, with the assistance of the principal 
freeholders and inhabitants, to proclaim King William and Queen 
Mary. Signed. Carmarthen, P., Halifax, C.P.S., Oxford, Macclesfield, 
Dorset, Bath, Lumley, Newport, R. Howard, H. Powle, R. Hampden. 
Copy of the proclamation. Piinted in New York Documents III., 606. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 192-193.] 

[July 29.] 305. Names of the persons imprisoned with Sir E. Andros. 
Joseph Dudley, Judge Palmer, Mr. Randolph, Lt. Col. Lydcott, Lt. 
Col. Macgregor, Capt. George, Major Brockholes, Mr. Graham, Mr. 
West, Captain Trefry, Sheriff James Sherlock, Captain Manning, 
Mr. Justice Bullivant, Mr. Justice Foxcroft, Captain White, Captain 
Ravenscroft, Ensign Pipon, Dr. Roberts, Mr. Farewell, Mr. Jameson, 
Mr. Kane, Mr. Brodbent, Mr. Larkin, Mr. Guttler. Scrap. Endorsed. 
Reed. 29 July, '89. from Mr. Randolph. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 24, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 148.] 

July 29. 306. Edward Randolph to Francis Nicholson. On the 24th, we 

Common had advice of six men killed out of nineteen while going to secure 

Gaol, Boston. t i ie j r catt j e ou tne wegt si( j e of tne Kennebec river. On the 28th we 

heard that ten had been killed and four wounded at Saco and four 

or five houses burnt. They were intended to send men to join with 

the men of Newichewannock, who had certain advice where the 

Indians were ; but the Indians shot down four men, which alarmed 

the garrison, who ran out in great haste, saw the Indians at a 



110 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

distance, and followed them to a swamp in great disorder and out of 
breath to see who should get the first sum of 8 set on the head of 
every Indian taken in fight. But the Indians killed six more and 
wounded others, and took about twenty arms, they never making a 
stand. [This sentence is so hastily and unintelligibly written that it 
is not clear whether the Indians killed the English, or the English the 
Indians.'] I expect to have such news two or three times a week so 
long as they stay in the out-towns. They have left Saco with the 
corn and cattle at the mercy of the Indians. It is a question 
whether this Government will take any care to preserve these parts, 
as they are outside the Colony ; the representatives decline to do so 
wholly. The 25th was kept as a fast by the enclosed order. Mr. 
Bradstreet recommended Allen and Moody to exhort their flock to 
obedience to the present Government, but they took no notice of him. 
Allen's text was Ezra, chapter ix., last three verses, and he showed 
great dissatisfaction that the people suffered their children to 
marry persons out of their pale. Moody encouraged them to stand 
to the liberty whereto they are called, and gave God thanks that He 
had restored their judges as of old. They are in great want of Mr. 
Mather and their charter. He told them some had petitioned the 
King for a governor from England, but he said his curse was 
upon them and they would not prosper. They make very sure of 
continuing the Government to themselves and will not accept any- 
thing less than their old Government, resolving to stand it out to 
the last man. They have now got the militia in their hands and 
take more care to oppress all that are not of their party than to 
preserve the distressed people from the Indians. Mark Emerson, 
and two men, one of your company and one of the Governor's, were 
killed at the Kennebec. A sloop is lately returned from Penobscot 
with intelligence of several men of war and merchant-ships at Quebec, 
and that the Governor there had announced to him the declaration 
of war with France. The French will not lie still when they hear 
of the confusion here and how all is charged upon Sir Edmund 
Andros. I know not how this country can be preserved from utter 
destruction through these internal dissensions, unless the lung send 
a good force to restore order. Letters and commissions unless 
backed by force will rather encourage the factions than the honest 
party. I expect the French will attach Piscataqua and make 
themselves masters of that and Salem, if not of Boston, for we can do 
nothing to oppose them. Signed. Ed. Eandolph. Holograph. 1pp. 
Endorsed. Eecd. from Capt. Nicholson, 8 Nov. 89. [Board of 
Trade. New England, 5. No. 23.] 

July 30. 307. The King to Captain Francis Nicholson. Having received 
Whitehall. f rom you and other inhabitants of New York the assurance of your 
dutiful submission, we hereby authorise and empower you to take 
upon you the Government, calling the principal freeholders to give 
assistance in such numbers as you think fit. Signed. Nottingham. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 606. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. LXIX., pp. 194-195.] 

July 80. 308. A copy of the foregoing, headed "A copy of his Majesty's 
letter, to the best of my remembrance." 2 pp. Exact in words, 
but the date given as July 20. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 
578. No. 36.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



Ill 



1689. 
July 30. 

Whitehall. 



July 30. 



July 31. 
Boston. 



July 81. 

Antique. 



309. The King to the Revolutionary Government of Massa- 
chusetts. Ordering that Sir Edmund Andros and his fellow prisoners 
be sent home, pursuant to order in Council of 25th inst. (sec No. 291.) 
Signed. Nottingham. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LAY/., p. 108.] 

310. Copy of a letter from Boston. The Indians went on with 
their work of destruction unchecked ; and the whole of the Eastern 
country was like to he laid waste, when a press came out. Some 
questioned their pay, some the authority for the press, and few or none 
went. The rulers differ much among themselves. On the 13th Mr. 
Dudley gave 10,000 bond to remain prisoner in his own house. 
About midnight of Saturday a rabble of two or three hundred broke 
open the house and brought him to town ; the keeper would not take 
him without orders, so they confined him in a house. On the 15th 
they gathered again, broke the windows of the house and entering by 
force searched for him but found him not. The heat has been 
intense for eight days together, and many have fallen suddenly dead. 
On the 16th Mr. Dudley returned to the prison, there being no 
stilling of the people otherwise, f p. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 25.J 

311. Extract of a letter from Boston. We have much division 
among us. Every man is a Governor. They hope daily for Mather 
to arrive with a charter. Since the withdrawal of the army the 
Indians have done great mischief to Eastward, and no men will go 
to fight them. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 26.] 

312. Lieutenant-General Christopher Codrington to Lords of 
Trade and Plantations. Sir Nathaniel Johnson sailed for South 
Carolina on the 25th, having commissioned me Lieutenant-General 
of the Leeward Islands. On the 25th June the Irish Papists in 
St. Christophers threw off all authority and marched into French 
territory. Several French joined them, but though they took part 
in the subsequent ravages of the Irish the French authorities 
pretended to know nothing of it and declared that they gave the 
Irish protection on the score of religion. This shewed that they 
were preparing for more open hostility though not yet in readiness 
for it, so most of the women, children and goods of the English were 
sent to Nevis ; and the Lieu tenant-Governor and the men, 
increased by a few from Nevis to four hundred and fifty, retired 
into the fort, a shallop being despatched to Barbados to ask for help. 
On the 18th inst. an express from Montserrat reported the appearance 
of a French fleet of eighteen sail, steering for St. Christophers. A 
shallop from Nevis confirmed this and added that the Leeward side 
of English St. Christopher's, hitherto untouched, was all in a flame, 
On this the Governor wrote to Barbados for a thousand men and 
such ships as could be spared. On the 20th a shallop came from 
Barbados with provisions and ammunition and an account that 
three or four hundred men might shortly be expected, but that oiir 
last letters had not reached them. The shallop made her way safely 
to Nevis with her stores and left for Barbados with the intelligence 
brought to us from Leeward. You will see that the enemy's 
artillery have done little harm to the fort so far. The wall of the 
fort is so strongly built and backed by so vast a thickness of earth 



112 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

that there is no danger of a breach from their guns and if the enemy 
try mining they will find an entry no easy matter, so good is the 
spirit of the garrison. What I fear most is that it may be reduced 
by constant alarms and a great scarcity of powder, which prevents 
them from using their great guns so liberally as they otherwise 
might. I shall sail for Nevis tomorrow with what ships we have and 
shall try to distract the enemy from the fort by feigned attacks, gain 
the garrison a little breathing time and if possible get some 
provisions and ammunition to them. I have two good sailing 
shallops of my own, each of which I shall man with sixty men and 
employ in the King's service during the war. I hope they will soon 
furnish us with some French prisoners to give us information. In 
my absence I commit the Government to Colonel Eowland Williams, 
a loyal and experienced man, and have instructed him to despatch 
the forces from Barbados to Nevis directly on their arrival, with three 
hundred men more from home, which will be a sufficient number to 
retaliate on the French the injuries we have received at St. 
Christophers. 

If two ships, which we are informed are at Barbados, be sent 
down, I hope with the assistance of our vessels here to give 
a very satisfactory account of the French fleet now before 
Antigua and St. Christophers. If these do not come, we can 
hope for nothing at sea and shall have great difficulty in landing 
men enough to attack our enemies. If it should happen, which 
God avert, that our fort fall into their hands, then there are not 
only four or five hundred men lost to us but a thousand or twelve 
hundred French liberated to invade our other Islands, the dire 
experience of which we have felt before. On the other hand if the 
scale turn in our favour, the danger from the French force is not 
only at an end, but they will find it difficult to hold their other Islands. 
When the event is of so great consequence nothing must be left 
undone to turn the scale the right way. So much for St. Christophers. 
In Nevis the forts and batteries are all in good order, the people 
united and about sixteen hundred men ready for defence, though 
poorly equipped with arms and ammunition. In Antigua we have 
disarmed all our Irish Papists, about three hundred in all, and 
confined them to their respective plantations. About a thousand 
men remain, for whom we have ill provision of arms and ammunition. 
In a few days we shall have finished all our breastworks and 
ambuscade-paths, and in a fortnight an inland fortification (though 
we hope to have no occasion for it) for the defence of our women and 
children against the Indians. I can give only a melancholy account 
of Montserrat. The English are scarce three hundred, and the Irish 
Papists upwards of eight hundred, men who have of late been very 
turbulent and rebellious. There are now about sixteen of them 
prisoners in this Island, whom I shall take to Nevis to be secured till 
they can be brought to trial. I then hope to go to Montserrat to 
examine the matter thoroughly that justice may be done on them. 
By the help of some men from hence the Irish at Montserrat were 
all disarmed a fortnight ago, and orders given to prevent them from 
assembling in any great numbers in future. It was indeed debated 
whether the disarming of them was prudent, as the English are so few, 
in case of attack by the French, but after the experience of 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 118 

1689. 

St. Christophers we preferred to trust the defence of the Island to the 
few English and their slaves than rely on their doubtful fidelity. 
We are in daily expectation of a fleet from Europe to secure us 
from French invasion. 

And here give me leave to point out to you the discourage- 
ment under which we lie for want of protection. Only two 
companies are maintained from the Exchequer, and they might have 
starved for more than six years past for any pay that they have 
received, nor have we for three years past had so much as a frigate 
to protect us from pilfering pickerooners. You know how late our aids 
from Europe came in the last French war, when these Islands (Nevis 
excepted) were ruined and destroyed ; and though St. Christophers 
be saved as yet, you can judge of the sufferings of the inhabitants. 
You know that we are remote though not unprofitable appendages to 
the Crown, and that we contribute as much and as heartily to enrich 
the royal coffers as any English subjects, and earn our bread with 
sufficient difficulty, whatever may be said at home. We submit 
that these things entitle us to protection, which we hope for 
the future to enjoy, though heretofore, to our dire experience, 
we have been too much neglected and forgot. I hope the 
speedy arrival of a fleet will turn our mourning into joy, in fact 
without it we shall be exposed to the Egyptian task 
of making bricks without straw and shall run much greater hazard 
than you could have us exposed to. I hope also there will arrive 
some well qualified person to assume the Government, which a sense 
of my own unworthiness made me very unwilling to accept. I know 
the difficulties of the task, but being importuned to take it on me and 
nominated by the late Governor, I was unwilling that the Colonies 
should suffer from division at a time of so much peril. Signed. 
Chr. Codrington. 5 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 1 Nov. Read 9 Nov., 
1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 22, and Board of 
Trade. Leeward Islands, 48. pp. 158-170.] 

July. 313. Details of the freight for goods and servants allowed to 

former Governors on going to the West Indies. 1 p. [Board of 
Trade. Plantations, General, 2. No. 2.] 

Aug. 2. 314. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Militia Bill read 
a third time and passed. The Lieutenant-Governor read a letter 
from the Speaker and Assembly of Antigua, asking for help in 
quelling the Irish rebellion in St. Christophers, which is openly 
countenanced by the French, Antigua having already done her best 
to help, being fully resolved to do no more. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. 
XIV., pp. 187-190.] 

Aug. 8. 315. Address of the Protestant inhabitants of Maryland to the 
King and Queen. Congratulations on the success of your Majesties' 
arms. Every effort has been made to divert Maryland from her 
allegiance and to stifle the orders for proclaiming your Majesties, 
till we took up arms and without a drop of bloodshed rescued the 
Government from the hands of your enemies. W T e entreat your 
favourable consideration. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 140-142.] 

3233 H 



114 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

Aug. 3. 316. A short account of the loss of Pemaquid Fort, New 
England, August 3, 1689. On the 12th of March, 1689, Sir 
Edmund Andros left in this fort, which is the chief strength of the 
Eastern parts, Captain Brockholes, Lieutenant Weems and two 
hundred soldiers. On the 18th of April, the people of Boston rose 
and seized the Government. On the 27th of April, Captain Savage 
and some others arrived with an order from the so-called Council of 
Safety to take possession of the fort and withdraw the forces, who 
thereupon all deserted except thirty, who being refused admission 
to the fort marched away. Brockholes and Weems, hearing of the 
Governor's condition were fitting out an old sloop to go to Captain 
Nicholson at New York for supplies both from New Dartmouth fort 
and from Pemaquid ; but the soldiers had been corrupted by the 
people, and on the 10th of May, being stirred up by false 
news and by incendiaries from Boston, they seized Brockholes 
and Weems and carried them together with some other 
officers as prisoners to Boston. The townspeople of 
Pemaquid, doubting their own conduct against the Indians, kept 
Weems among themselves, declaring that he was no papist and that 
he should be their commander in the fort, and Weems having no 
orders from his General to leave his post thought it his duty to 
maintain it as best he could. He had no full command but acted as 
an adviser, the soldiers doing what they pleased, which was a great 
trouble to him. In three months they saw no Indians, which made 
the townspeople very confident and encouraged them to go back to 
their own houses. On Friday the 2nd August three or four hundred 
Indians came, caught one of the people in the woods and extorted 
from him a confession of the state of the town and fort. There 
were then sixteen men in the fort with the Lieutenant, and plenty of 
ammunition ; but the townspeople were all in their houses or abroad 
at work. At nine o'clock in the morning the Indians attacked the 
town suddenly, cutting it off from the fort as much as possible. 
Twenty-nine women and children only escaped into the fort, many 
of them being wounded on the way. Half the Indians fell on the 
town, killing and destroying. The rest took the houses next the 
fort and kept constantly firing on every side until eleven o'clock 
next day. At the first onset the gunner and three more were killed 
and four more disabled; towards evening a barrel of gunpowder 
was accidentally exploded by the firing of a cannon, whereby the 
Lieutenant lost his sight all that night. He ordered hand-grenades 
to be fired in the night-time to scare the Indians from storming. 
The Indians several times summoned him to surrender and take 
quarter, but he answered only by firing. On Saturday morning he 
had the sight of one eye. The Indians then sent one of the towns- 
people, their prisoner, with a rope tied about him to ask the 
Lieutenant to surrender. The Lieutenant asked them what they 
were doing and what they wanted. They answered that they wanted 
their own country and meant to take it and the fort ; that they 
would use the Lieutenant well if he surrendered, but that they meant 
to have it and had got another party ready to relieve them in the siege. 
Towards eleven o'clock, there being no Christian within a hundred 
miles of the fort, relief being hopeless, and the surviving men 
worn out with fatigue, the Lieutenant on their solicitations and 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 115 

1689. 

those of the women and children, agreed to negotiate for surrender 
on condition of life. He found the Indians all well armed with new 
French fuzees, waistbelts and cutlasses, and most of them with 
bayonet and pistol, grey and black hats on their heads, and some 
of them with coloured wigs. It was agreed that the Lieutenant should 
march out of the fort with all the men, women, and children, every 
man with his arms and ammunition, and should have a sloop to carry 
him away ; all of which was faithfully performed. The Indians told 
the Lieutenant that Sir Edmund Andros was a great rogue and had 
nearly starved them last winter, but that he was now a prisoner, and 
they " no care for the New England people ; they have all their 
country by and by." 2J pp. Endorsed. Eecd. in a letter from 
Mr. Randolph, dated 8 Oct. Read 23 Feb. '89. [Board of Trade. 
New England, 5. No. 27.] 

Aug. 3. 317. Certificate, with thirteen signatures, to the effect that 
Mr. Richard Lloyd is a loyal subject, educated in the law and fit to 
perform the office of clerk of the Crown in Jamaica. 1 p. Endorsed. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 19.] 

Aug. 4. 318. Extract from a letter of information. Yesterday the 
Liverpool. Fortune, laden with sugar from St. Christophers, came into port and 
reported that we are in danger of losing the Leeward Islands through 
the subtlety of the French in tampering with inhabitants there. 
The last news from Derry is not confirmed. The troops are all 
ready by the waterside to be shipped off, and we expect they begin 
to move. Copy. % p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 23.] 

Aug. 5. 319. Frederyck Flypse and Stephen van Cortlandt to William 
New York. Blathwayt. By our last of 10 June we sent you a full account of all 
our transactions by the hand of Captain Francis Nicholson, who we 
hope has represented our condition to you. The Indian Nations 
above Albany hearing of war between England and France are gone 
to fight the inhabitants of Canada. The Indians about Pemaquid, 
since the Bostonians have seized Sir Edmund Andros and disbanded 
his army, have destroyed two towns and killed several people, so 
that that fine country is like to be deserted. The Court of Hartford 
has sent two Commissioners to the Captains that took this fort 
from Captain Nicholson, brought with them a printed pro- 
clamation and proclaimed their Majesties on the 17th of 
June. Then with the assistance of the Mayor, Aldermen 
and Common Council, they sent for the collector, Matthew 
Plowman, dismissed him as being a papist and obnoxious 
to the people and appointed Nicholas Bayard, Pant Richard, John 
Haines, and Thomas Wenham to be receivers of the King's revenue. 
These people being accordingly in the Custom house doing their 
daily duty were violently turned out by Captain Jacob Leisler and a 
number of armed men ; and Peter de la Noy put in in his stead. 
This man accordingly clears all vessels, and the captain on guard in 
the fort signed the passes. But since then they have chosen a 
Committee of Safety of some counties (for several counties will not 
join them) and have appointed Captain Leisler to be Commander 
of the fort, who now signs the passes of all vessels. He has now 
raised a company of about fifty soldiers in the fort. The people are 



116 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

very unruly and daily commit many unlawful acts. None pay duty 
but those who choose, so that without speedy orders from England the 
whole revenue will fail. All is in confusion. The magistrates are 
threatened and hindered to do their duty ; and those that endeavour 
to prevent mischief and promote peace and quiet are called papists 
and suspected persons. We therefore beg again that you will 
represent our condition forthwith to the King and procure us speedy 
relief. Signed. Frederyck Flypse, S. v. Cortlandt. 2J pp. 
Endorsed. Read 28 Oct. 1689. Printed in Neic York Documents, 
III. 608. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 87.] 

Aug. 5. 320. Nicholas Bayard to Francis Nicholson. Letters from New 
New York. York make me fear that unless speedy orders arrive from the King 
some great mischief will befall, for the abuses of Leisler and his 
rabble increase daily, threatening to imprison, plunder and massacre 
all who do not submit to them. We hear from Boston of fifty 
Christians killed by Onnogonges Indians about Piscattaway, and 
about six days ago the Maquas brought the same news, adding that 
these Indians had sent four messengers to treat with them and 
asking instructions how to treat them. The Magistrates ordered 
them to be sent here bound, intending to send them to His 
Excellency at Boston for the purpose of obtaining a better peace, etc., 
but it appears that the messengers were, owing to some difference 
among the Indians, dismissed. The Maquas however have 
acquainted the Magistrates that the Onnogonges asked them to join 
them in taking up the axe against the Christians in the 
continent, since the Christians had made a compact to ex- 
terminate the Indians, and asked further for some 
ammunition. The Maquas replied that they would only 
take up the axe against the French and their allies, and that they 
could spare no ammunition. The Maquas said also that they did 
not believe in the compact of the Christians for their destruction ; 
that they had resolved to send eighty men to guard their castles, 
and that they could not spare men to pursue the Onnogonge mes- 
sengers, as they were already late on their march to Canada. This 
answer reassured the people here. It is credibly reported that the 
French in Canada are the chief promoters of this massacre. They 
will never desist from their efforts to entice our Indians against the 
English, to make use of other measures to clear themselves out of 
the war, and secure the Indian trade for themselves, to the utter 
ruin of the English settlements. The English Colonies will never 
be safe until Canada is subdued, which might be accomplished 
with some little help from England, by water from New York 
and by land from hence. We could bring Indians against 
them if they employed Indians against us. The King should be 
informed of this, for it would not only secure all the Indians for us, 
but the conquest would be of great advantage to the trade of 
England. We have serious reports of the declaration of war between 
England and France, in which case next spring would be the time 
for the enterprise. Signed. N. Bayard. 3 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 
28 Oct., 1689. Printed in New York Documents, III. 611, 
[America and West Indies. 578. A T o. 38.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 117 

1689. 

[Aug. 5.] 321. Rough abstract of the foregoing letter by a clerk in the 
Plantations office. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 89.] 

Aug. 5. 322. Stephen van Cortlandt to Francis Nicholson. The people 
New York, being much against papists, Mr. Plowman was put out of the Custom 
house and four commissioners put in. Leisler came with several 
armed men and turned the commissioners out, Colonel Bayard 
narrowly escaping with two cuts in his hat. Peter de la Noy and 
George Brewster are now in charge of the Custom house, and Leisler 
as Captain of the fort signs the passes for ships. Several counties 
are against the Committee of Safety, as Albany, Ulster, Suffolk and 
nearly all New Jersey. Leisler has raised a company of soldiers 
with Churcher for lieutenant and Stoll for ensign. They have 
made a new well, using the plank we provided, and have made 
platforms and carriages just as we had ordered it. They are now 
providing stockades and have made a battery on the flat rock to 
Westward. All this, they say, should have been done by you. I 
observed that it would have been done ere now, if they had not 
taken the fort. They have lost three men, one accidentally 
shot and two drowned, one of them being Will. Cox, who had gone 
to proclaim their Majesties in New Jersey. He was buried in great 
state, the whole town invited, every man and woman with gloves, all the 
ships' flags at half staff, and all of them firing when he was carried to 
the grave. The King's flag at the fort was at half staff, all the men 
at the fort in arms, the drums beating mournfully, the guns firing 
continually till he was in his grave. His death is much lamented 
by them as being a man who stood up for the liberty of the people 
and the protestant religion. All letters are taken and opened ; 
some sent to you from Boston and Bermuda they have in the fort. 
The Committee called Plowman into the fort, who, like a madman, 
gave them an account of the money there, whereupon they opened 
it, and called me to account also for the taxed money. I told 
them that it was for Plowman to account for it, but they said 
I must refund it as it had been unlawfully raised, and that 
if I did not they would fetch it. I answered that if they had 
lawful power I should be ready to obey their Majesties' orders 
and no other. They threaten me every day, so that I resolved once 
to absent myself, but I have kept at home till now, intending to go 
up to Albany for two or three weeks in the hope that orders may 
come in the meantime. Their threats, lies, and violence are such 
that unless orders arrive speedily from England many of the 
inhabitants will leave the city and go to live in the country for fear 
of life or estate. They imprison whom they please, and release 
those imprisoned for debt. They take people's goods out of their 
houses and, if hindered by justices of the peace, come in great 
numbers and plunder the justice's house by force. They do what 
they please, for their captains have no control over them. It troubles 
them that they did not imprison you and seize your papers, for then 
they would have proved the reason. For you are a papist and so is 
Dr. Innes, as several witnesses have sworn. But time would fail me 
to tell you everything. The Five Nations started a month ago against 
Canada. The Indians to Eastward have destroyed a town and mas- 
sacred fifty persons. Men are raising at Boston but are hard to be 



118 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

obtained, so that I fear that fat country will be deserted. I wrote to 
Sir Edmund of your departure, but have had no answer. He is in 
the Castle ; West and Randolph in the common prison. The news of 
war between France and England has caused great alarm, for we have 
no head to command us in case of an attack, everyone being 
Captain. We hope for speedy orders from England. Pray tell 
Mr. Blathwayt of my condition and of my readiness to serve their 
Majesties. Signed. S. v. Cortlandt. 3 pp. Endorsed. Reed, from 
Capt. Nicholson, 22 Oct. '89. Printed in New York Documents III. 
609. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 40]. 

Aug. 26. 323. Pass for John Riggs to New England and New York. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 195, 196.] 

Aug. 7. 324. Printed paper giving a brief account of the Revolution at 
Boston and of the presentation of the addresses of the Revolu- 
tionary Government of May 20 and of 6 June (see Nos. 138, 182) 
to the King at Hampton Court on 7 August. Copies of the, addresses. 
The u-hole, four printed pages. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 28, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 144-151.] 

Aug. 7. 325. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. Enclosing a letter 
Admiralty, from Sir Robert Robinson to the Lords of Admiralty. Signed. 
P.Bowles. \j>. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 14.] 

Aug. 8. 326. Memorandum of the stores of war requested by Sir Robert 
Robinson for Bermuda. A few lines. [America and West Indies. 
477. No. 15.] 

[Aug.] 327. Memorandum. For the despatch of flags sufficient for the 
forts in Bermuda. Draft. % p. America and West Indies. 477. 
No. 16.] 

Aug. 10. 328. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Addresses 
from New England and New Plymouth read. The Merchants of 
the Leeward Islands attended and presented a letter of June 10 
from Mr. Crisp, which was read, together with the merchants' 
proposals. Agreed to lay the whole matter before the King. 
Memorandum of documents received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., 
pp. 247-253.] 

[Aug. 10.] 329. Representation by "the planters and merchants of the 
state of the Leeward Islands, in order to their present and future 
security. The Islands are distinct and remote from both Barbados 
and Jamaica and are intermixed with the French Islands. On 
some of these Islands the French have a strong force of armed men 
besides soldiers in garrison ready at all times to attack their 
neighbours as they did in 1666, when they ruined all the English 
Islands except Nevis, which was protected by Sir John Berry's 
squadron. The like ruin may be expected now unless the Islands 
be speedily succoured by a naval force. To secure the Islands 
effectually it will need ten ships of war with eight hundred or a 
thousand soldiers. A supply of arms and ammunition will also be 
wanted, for the Islands are valuable and will be ruined past re- 
settlement if destroyed by the French, and if the negroes be carried 
away. August and September are the hurricane months, so that if 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 119 

1689. 

the ships and men leave this by the middle of August the hurricane 
season will be past by the time they reach the Leeward Islands. 
It is probable that the French will make some attempt on the 
Islands as soon as the hurricane season is passed, if not before, so 
that the English force should be there at that time. Portsmouth 
would be a convenient rendezvous, as the merchant-ships from 
London may repair thither on their way, call for the West Country 
ships, and sail direct to Barbados and thence to the Leeward 
Islands. Arrived there both sea and land forces should be placed 
under the Governor-in-Chief. The convoy appointed to bring the 
ships home from Barbados may conveniently call at the Leeward 
Islands and may bring home any ships from thence. 2 pp. 
Endorsed. Bead 10 August, 1689. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 24, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIL, pp. 413-417.] 

[Aug. 10.] 330. Petition of the inhabitants of St. Christophers to Lords 
of Trade and Plantations. The Island is in the nature of a frontier 
to the other Leeward Islands, so that its security is essential for 
theirs. It is presumed necessary that a sufficient number of men, 
provisions and arms be sent to the Island, together with clothes, etc. 
for the garrison. The soldiers are very necessitous and out of 
heart for want of their pay, now six or seven years in arrear. The 
fort at Cleverly Hill is at present very ill provided and should be 
supplied. The General should be ordered to make that Island or 
Nevis his residence to encourage the people by his presence. p. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 10 Aug., 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. 
No. 25, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 417-418.] 

[Aug. 10.] 331. Memorandum as to stores required at Nevis. Five 
sacker guns of fifteen feet to be fixed at Long Point ; three hundred 
good firelocks ; fifty barrels of powder, match, rammers, etc. in 
proportion. Two tons of cannon shot. Other stores in proportion 
for the other Leeward Islands. p. Endorsed. 10 Aug. 1689. 
Prepared by the merchants at the Committee. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 26, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 418.] 

Aug. 12. 332. Commission to the magistrates administering the Govern- 

Whitehall. ment of Massachusetts for the time being, to continue in their 

places. Countersigned. Shrewsbury. Copy. 1 p. [America and 

West Indies. 561. No. 3, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., 

p. 127.] 

Aug. 12. 333. Christopher Codrington to the Earl of Shrewsbury. In 
Nevis. the absence of Sir Nathaniel Johnson, who left his Government for 
Carolina on 25 July last, having first given me a commission as his 
Lieutenant General, I received yours of 15 and 23 April. The news 
of a large squadron bound hither was exceedingly welcome and has 
encouraged us much. There was no possibility of sending notice of 
it to St. Christophers, the French having a fleet between this Island 
and that, and being masters of the Island except the fort, which 
itself on the 5th inst. was forced to surrender from want of 
ammunition. The prisoners arrived here stripped of all they had ; 
but our greater fear is that they may cause a famine in this island, 
which is very slenderly stocked with provisions. The French have 
eight nieu-of-war now at St. Christophers and expect four more, with 



120 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

twenty-four fresh companies of men ; but I hope the timely arrival 
of the King's ships will put a speedy stop to the enemy's proceedings. 
We have promises of help from Barbados and. have expected them 
for thirteen days. I suppose they wait to come with the fleet, 
which I hope may be here in a few days. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 
1 J PP- [America and West Indies. 550. No. 27.] 

Aug. 12. 334. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Ibid. No. 28.] 

Aug. 14. 335. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. In reply to your 
Admiralty, letter of 29 July as to the transport of Colonel Kendall and his goods to 
Barbados in one or more of the King's ships bound to the West 
Indies, I am to inform you that the ships are not only much filled 
with their own stores but are designed also to carry soldiers thither, 
so that their honours think he had better hire a merchant ship to sail 
under convoy of the men-of-war, as has been the usual practice. 
Signed. P.Bowles. I p. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 19, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 152.] 

[Aug. 14.] 336. Extracts from divers letters written from New England in 
July and August. 

James Lloyd to Thomas Brinley. Boston, 10 July, 1689. Already 
abstracted under date, No. 242. 

Francis Brinley to Thomas Brinley, Newport, Khode Island, 
15 July, 1689. The Indians have destroyed thirty families on the 
Piscataqua. We are in great confusion and without any govern- 
ment but what some have assumed by the help of the mobile. Do 
what you can to get us a good settled Government, for if the Govern- 
ment of old times be restored there can be no living here for sober 
men. To be governed among ourselves by some chosen from among 
us is nearly anarchy. 

Benjamin Davis to Edward Hull. Boston, 81 July, 1689. 
We have only rumours of a war with France or of an action 
of Admiral Herbert against her fleet. All is confusion here. 
I am afraid that this people is so unruly that nothing but an 
immediate Governor from the King can rule them. They 
expect Mather with a charter. If it pleases them well ; if not, they 
will despair, for they are not afraid to say that the Crown of England 
has nothing to do with them. I wish my country as well as any of 
them, but I hate rebellious actions. The pulling down of Sir E. 
Andres's Government has done no good, but the contrary, since they 
called home the army ; and the Indians have since made great 
slaughter and destruction. I enclose the charges against Sir 
Edmund and his officers. They are very badly dealt with in not 
being admitted to bail. Mr. Dudley was bailed out for 10,000, but 
the rabble led him back to gaol like a dog. 

John Legg to John Browne. Marblehead, 14 August, 1689. We 
have had an alarm of Indians and have been up all night. There 
is a press for men but few will go, as the Government is not settled. 
Pemaquid is fallen, and the Indians have slaughtered many on the 
Piscataqua. Copies. The whole, SJ pp. Endorsed. Reed, from 
Mr. Briuley and read 25 Feb. '89-'90. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 29.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 121 

1689. 

Aug. 14. 337. John Legg to John Brown. Another copy of the extract 
Marblehead. given in preceding abstract. Endorsed. Eeed. from Mr. Usher, 

12 December, 1689. Bead 7 January, 1689-90. [Board of Trade. 

New England, 5. No. 30.] 

Aug. 14. 338. Deposition of Thomas Mollenax. That he had heard 
an Indian Sachem say that Sir Edmund Andros gave him large 
presents to be ready at Manhattan's Island in April. 

Deposition of Bichard Shute. To the same effect, that Sir E. 
Andros had hired him to destroy the Christians. 

Deposition of Barent Witt. To the same effect. 

Sworn before Gerard Beckman. The whole, 2 pp. Endorsed. 
Becd. 20 Feb., 1689-90. 

339. Duplicate of the above. Endorsed. Becd. 10 April, 1690. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 659. [America and West 
Indies. 578. Nos. 41, 42.] 

Aug. 15. 340. The King to the Governor of Massachusetts Bay. We 
hear that Captain George has been put under restraint, and his ship 
disabled by your taking away her sails and countenancing her crew 
against her commander; whereby he is prevented from preserving 
the coasts from pirates and from enforcing the Acts of Navigation ; 
and this although assurance had been given you by the principal 
merchants of the town of his loyal behaviour. You will restore the 
sails and other furniture forthwith and enable the ship to be made 
fit for her duties at sea. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 128, 129.] 

Aug. 15. 341. List of stores of war desired by the Leeward Islands. 
18 cannon, 1,050 firelocks, and ammunition and stores. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Becd. Aug. 15. [America and 'West Indies. 550. 
No. 29.] 

Aug. 15. 342. Order of the King in Council. For the officer of Ordnance 
to provide certain guns and stores of war for the Leeward Islands. 
List annexed. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 67 ; and Vol. XLVII., 
p. 423.] 

Aug. 15. 343. Order of the King in Council. For the Commissioners 
for victualling the Navy to prepare provisions for 930 men, to be 
made use of by the regiment appointed for the Leeward Islands 
after its arrival there. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 68 ; and Vol. 
XLVII., p. 424.] 

Aug. 15. 344. Order of the King in Council. For the Admiralty to 
provide shipping for the carrying of stores to the Leeward Islands. 
[Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., pp. 68, 69 ; and Vol. XLVII., pp. 424, 425.] 

Aug. 15. 345. Lieutenant-General Codrington to Lords of Trade and 
Nevis. Plantations. Since my last I sailed for Barbuda to put the Island 
into a state of defence, understanding that the Irish had shewn 
signs of imitating the example of St. Christophers. I arrived on 
the 2nd inst., settled the Government and disarmed the Irish, and 
was about to return hither, when on the point of my departure two 
sloops arrived with about two hundred French and Irish to sack and 
spoil the Island ; but by God's help and the courage of the men in 



122 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

my sloops joined to about thirty Islanders, after a vigorous resistance 
of two hours we put them to flight, and chased them three or four 
leagues. We lost two men killed and twenty wounded. Had not 
ammunition failed we should have captured both sloops. On the 
7th inst. I arrived here and found a French ship of sixteen guns 
that had been surprised and captured by the English. She was 
formerly a privateer manned by a hundred and thirty English 
and French, but mostly French. All but twenty of them 
made a descent on St. Christophers, leaving the ship at anchor 
at Basseterre with twelve French and eight English on board. 
The last named set upon the French, soon overcame them 
without the loss of a man and brought the ship in here. She is now 
fitting for the King's service, her captain being William Kidd. This 
vessel with my two sloops is all our strength at sea, very inconsider- 
able in comparison with their fleet. So far my account is 
pleasing, but I must now turn my pen another way and inform 
you with regret of the surrender of the fort and English 
part of St. Christophers. On the morning of 17 July eighteen 
French sail passed by Nevis, six of them men of war, and within two 
hours of anchoring at Basseterre, the French inhabitants and the Irish 
forced the frontier guards of the English into the fort and laid the 
Southern part of the Island in ashes. They then began to entrench 
themselves before the fort, though for some time prevented by sallies ; 
but they were three thousand and we not four hundred fighting 
men and very ordinarily armed, so the English were forced to retire 
into the fort and leave them masters of the open field, though 
Colonel Thomas Hill was wanting neither in encouragement nor 



On the 22nd the French began to throw bombs at the fort from 
the land, while the ships of war being strengthened by four sail 
more, three of which came direct from France and the other from 
Martinique, fired upon us from the sea. Then by throwing up a 
trench of circumvallation from sea to sea, and keeping three or four 
ships continually riding at anchor before the fort, they prevented all 
possibility of communicating with or relieving the besieged. What 
was worse, the fort was short of ammunition, there being not 
powder enough for one clay's firing after standing a siege of three 
weeks. The French then threw up a battery within pistol-shot of the 
wall, which overlooked the fort, and mounted ten great guns there ; 
so that the besieged, seeing no prospect of relief and being short of 
good ammunition, some within it told Colonel Hill that they would not 
fight and urged him to surrender, which he did, though much against 
his inclination, on the 5th inst. By the capitulation the English 
were at liberty to embark for Nevis. Several are arrived here and 
four sloops with Count de Blenac's pass go down for the rest, among 
whom is Colonel Hill. This is the second time in the course of a 
week that we have been forced to quit our advantages for lack of 
ammunition. I gave you an account of Montserrat. The Governor 
picked out the ringleaders of the Irish and sent them to me, and I 
was forced to bring them to Nevis. There I learned from the 
master of a ship which had been taken by the French that they 
declared they would attack the rest of the English Islands, being 
assured that the Irish would rise at the sight of their fleet. I have 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 128 

1689. 

therefore disarmed all the Irish here and sent them to Jamaica. 
Colonel Hill, who is very ill through the fatigues of the siege and an 
attack of gout, has just arrived with the residue of the prisoners 
and the surviving soldiers of the King's Companies. These 
men have lost what little they had. They behaved very well 
during the siege, but as soon as they arrived here they refused 
to bear arms, saying that they were naked and bare, and in want of 
everything, that their pay was six years in arrear, and that they 
would serve no more till they had received it. After much persuasion 
and speaking of their pay arriving in the fleet which we expect every 
day, together with a present supply, I wrought upon them to 
remain in the King's service and have posted them in the two chief 
forts of the Island. About eight hundred men arrived at Antigua 
yesterday from Barbados under Sir Timothy Thornhill. As 
St. Christophers is lost I shall keep them there, and with their 
help hope to keep the rest of the Islands safe. The enemy's force 
is very strong, for they have eight frigates here already and daily 
expect four more. I beg you to represent our wants to the King 
and procure us a further supply of arms and ammunition if 
sufficient be not already sent. I beg also that the poor soldiers 
may have some pay sent to them. It would be well too if 
recruits were sent to fill the vacancies in the two companies, 
for there are not above seventy men in the town, amd most of them 
superannuated. Signed. Chr. Codrington, B^pp. Endorsed. Reed. 
1 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 80, and Board of 
Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 148-155 and pp. 171-177.] 

Aug. 15. 346. Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct, 
1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 81.] 

[Aug. 15.] 347. Memo. The places of Captains Crook and Overton, lieu- 
tenants to Colonel Hill, given by Colonel Codrington to Hen. Barrell 
and Tho. Harvey. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 82.] 

348. John Netheway to the King. On the 17th July twenty 
two sail of French ships, including six men of war, arrived before 
St. Christophers and landed their men without opposition, burnt in 
company with the Irish all the houses of the English, and besieged 
the fort, to which the English were retired, by sea and land. They 
fired sixty-six bombs and 1,240 cannon shot, and the besieged after a 
vigorous defence were obliged to surrender. The French have 
blocked up all the roads and creeks so that no help could be sent 
them, but the garrison would have held out for some time longer 
had not the French drawn a circumvallation round them and mounted 
guns theron. Count de Blenac has given out that he means to reduce 
the rest of the Islands and particularly this Island of Nevis, and has 
sent to Canada for a frigate of forty guns and twenty-two companies 
of rieux corps which were sent there under M. de Lomesnil to 
suppress the Indians. I am doing my best to prepare for 
defence and ani fitting out a fireship and a French man-of-war, which 
deserted during the siege and was brought in by seven English- 
men. We expected succours from Barbados but now they will be too 
late, so that it remains only to implore you for a fleet to regain 
St. Christopher and defend us. Signed. Jno. Netheway. 1 p. 
Enclosed, 



124 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

848. i. Articles on which the fort of St. Christophers surrendered. 

Aug. &, 1689. Copy. 1 p. 
348. n. Narrative of the siege of the fort of St. Christophers. A 

journal of the siege from the 17th July to 5th August, a few 

lines to each day. 2 pp. 
348. in. Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct., 

1689. [America and West Indies. 550. Nos. 33, 33. 

i. -in] . 

[Aug.] 349. John Netheway to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have 
written to the King to report the loss of St. Christophers, the English 
having been compelled to surrender for want of ammunition 
after a close siege of three weeks. I have also reported that the 
French design the speedy reduction of all. the Caribbee Islands, 
which they will undoubtedly effect if we have not a prompt supply of 
men and ships. I have thought fit to acquaint you hereof as you 
may hasten the despatch of a fleet by demonstrating the danger of 
delay, for the French are always quick in motion ; therefore I beg 
you to be pressing. The preservation of the English interest in 
America now depends wholly on the success of arms, and the French 
are masters of the sea, exceeding us both in ships and number of men 
ashore. Eight hundred men are just arrived from Barbados, but 
this will signify nothing to our relief unless they be succeeded by 
a fleet. Signed. Jno. Netheway. 1. p. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct., 
1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 34 ; and Board of 
Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 156-158.] 

Aug. 15. 350. George Mackenzie to Francis Nicholson. I arrived from 
New York. Albany at New York at eleven o'clock on the night of the llth in a 
sloop, and landing above the windmills saved my letters from being 
broken open. Next morning, when my landing there was known, I 
was told that Mr. Leisler stormed very much and sent to one of my 
fellow passengers for letters, who said he had none. So far they 
did not trouble me, but next morning one of his soldiers (as they 
call them) knocked at my door and told me roughly that I must go 
and speak with the captain of the fort (which is Leisler's title). I 
told him I had no business there, but that if Mr. Leisler desired to 
speak to me he might come to me, with which answer the fellow left 
me, and I, judging what must come next, shut my door. Shortly 
afterwards a Serjeant and two musketeers knocked hard at the door; 
I would not open, but went upstairs and asked them from 
the window what they wanted. They told me in a threatening 
tone, " You must go along with us." I told them I would 
not, and bid them show their warrant. They held up their 
muskets, which I said was not satisfactory to me ; whereupon they 
called me the greatest rogue in the whole country, and threatened 
to pull down the house. As I took no notice the sergeant said he 
would bring a warrant and left sentinels at both my doors ; but he 
returned without a warrant, only brought witnesses to the fact that 
I refused to go with them ; at which I smiled and told them that 
I would be at the bridge in half an hour. I was as good as my 
word, walking most of the day in the most public places, but they 
laid no hand on me, till next day, when I was walking in the broad- 
way, they saw me and told Mr. Leisler. By his order I was forced 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 125 

1689. 

away to the fort and taken to the chamber where you were lodged. 
There the Captain and Committee were assembled, having Thomas 
Clark before them for writing the paper "Why Thomas Clark, free- 
holder of New York, would not watch and ward." At my entry 
I asked why I was brought there in so rude a manner, and 
he said he would tell me by and by, and bade me go into the 
next room. There Leisler and two of the Committee came to me, 
said they wondered that I had not come, and asked me whether 
I knew that that skipper (who went to Esopus that day) had taken 
any powder with him. I told them their messengers were at fault, 
for instead of smooth words they had called me rogue and 
threatened me, which made me suspect that they might deal worse 
with me in the fort; and I answered that I knew nothing of the 
powder or anything else. They then began to talk of a letter of 
mine to Colonel Hamilton, which they had intercepted, in answer 
to one of his, in which he asked if the report of the people's threats 
against him were true. Delanoy showed me the letter, which I 
acknowledged to be mine. My letter was severe, saying that I had 
heard of no such threats, only David Moody reported that Leisler 
threatened to send down a company to fetch him, and "in 
that case," I said, " I should advise you not to come up 
or to ask his leave, or you will seem to confess yourself 
in fault ; or if he should grant you leave, don't trust his 
word, for I would not take it over much smaller matters." Having 
read this Leisler asked what wrong he had done me that I should 
thus write of him ; for if he had done me any wrong he would beg 
pardon. I told him that if I did him wrong I would beg his pardon, 
but that I was provoked by his calling me a papist as was reported. 
He answered that it was a lie, for he had never said so ; but after a 
little pause he put on a more angry look, and said he knew I was 
popishly affected. " I am as much a protestant as you," I said. 
" Why," says he, " haven't I heard you call Father Smith a very 
good man?" "Yes," I said, "and I do so still, but not because he is 
a papist. In all my six years at New York I never had the curiosity 
to look into their chapel." He told me I kept with Dr. Innes 
and went to hear him and pray with him and that he was 
a papist. I denied it. He replied that some one had sworn 
it. I said it was a lie, if ten people had sworn it. At 
last after a great deal of discourse, in which not a word was 
said of you, he said that I might call him what I pleased, he would 
always pray God bless me. I then prayed God to bless him. 
We continued these holy sort of compliments for a time, when 
he said he would never do me any prejudice, and I answered as 
before. So I was dismissed very civilly, which surprises me, for he 
treated Vandenburgh, who was one of the troopers, very differently, 
telling him if he saw him on horseback, he would shoot him down. 
Me both he and his committee treated with strange civility, for he 
has handled others roughly. It was reported that he bragged 
afterwards of my submissiveness to him, but I found it to be un- 
true, so that I hope he has done with me. Sir E. Andros has 
escaped and been recaptured, and it is reported that Colonel Don- 
gan is also a prisoner. He went to Rhode Island at about the same 
time to sell Martin's Vineyard, upon which ridiculous reports were 



126 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

raised of their joining together with I know not how many men to 
take the fort, etc. Signed. Geo. McKenzie. 2J closely written pages. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 23 Oct., 1689, from Captain Nicholson. Printed 
in New fork Documents, III. 612. [America and West Indies. 
578. No. 43.] 

Aug. 15. 351. Instrument of the Committee of Safety appointing Jacob 
F rt William, Leisler Commander in Chief of New York. Copy. % p. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 20 Feb., 1690/1, in a letter from Capt. Leisler to the Bishop 
of Salisbury. 

Duplicate of the above. Endorsed. Eecd. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 44, 45.] 

Aug. 15. 352. Abstract of the proceedings of the Committee of Safety of 
New York from 27th June to 15 August. 27 June. Members of 
the Committee of Safety. 

SDS^! N - C% and County. 

sssssr 



Jaques Puillion Staten Island. 

Abraham Gouverneur appointed clerk. Credentials of the members 
from their several places registered. Peter Delanoy chosen to be 
moderator. Agreed to invite Major Nathan Gold and Captain James 
Fitch of Connecticut to be present at the sitting, who accordingly 
came in, when Captain James Leisler laid several papers before 
them. Eesolved to raise fifty soldiers to secure the fort, and that 
they be raised in proportion from the several counties represented, 
with pay of thirty shillings a month besides provisions. The 
French at New Eochelle promised to contribute towards the expense 
of the fortifications and the militia. The Agents of Connecticut 
promised their good offices. A committee appointed to report on the 
state of the fort. Order for his arms to be taken from Captain 
Webb, a reputed Papist. 28 June. On report of the dismissal of 
Matthew Plowman from the collectorship of Customs, it was resolved 
that the action of the merchants in putting in commissioners 
is void, and that Peter Delanoy do succeed Plowman. Order 
continuing the Captains of Militia in their commands, and appointing 
Jacob Leisler Captain of the fort. The 17th of July appointed as a 
day of thanksgiving. Declaration that the seizure of the fort is 
solely for the King's service. Eesolved to send an agent to England, 
and that the King's clues received since 1st June be devoted to the 
strengthening of the fort, 29 June. William Churcher appointed 
Lieutenant, and Joost Stoll ensign of Captain Leisler's company. 
It being reported that the records of New York were being carried 
to Boston, Captain Leisler announced that he had written to Boston 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 127 

1689. 

to have them secured. The Committee appointed to inspect the 
fortifications brought up their report. Peter Delanoy appointed to 
be Collector of Customs. Adjourned to 9 July. Adjourned to 
22 July. Testimony of Peter Godfree against Alexander Lines 
heard. 23 July. Eesolved that Matthew Plowman make over to the 
Committee the King's money in his hands. Order for completion 
of Captain Leisler's company to its full numbers. There being 
certain news of war between England and France, ordered that 
the repairs of the fort be completed, good account being kept of the 
expenses. Orders for constitution of a council of war. Stephen van 
Cortlandt summoned to account for the money received by him for 
a tax lately imposed. 24 July. Stephen van Cortlandt's business 
continued. Order for Jacob Leisler and Peter Delanoy to keep 
account of the money found in the fort. Abraham Gouverneur 
and George Brewerton appointed to make an examination of 
the Secretary's records. Mr. John Johnston of Jersey brought into 
the fort, who excused himself from proclaiming King William in 
Jersey. 25 July. Colonel Bayard made a claim for money spent on 
the fortifications, which was disallowed. Order for examination of 
Matthew Plowman's accounts. Members of the Committee required 
to ascertain and state the grievances of their respective counties. 
Complaint being made against Brant Schuyler, Jacobus van 
Cortlandt and George Mackenzie, it was thought fit that they be 
excluded from the troops of horse. Seven members appointed to be a 
quorum of the Committee in future ; after which the members ad- 
journed to their several counties. 13 Aug. Order for continuing 
the work in the fortifications. 14 Aug. Depositions of Thomas 
Mollenax, Eichard Shute, and Barent Witt against Sir E. Andros, 
and of Daniel Le Clerk against Stephen van Cortlandt. Thomas 
Clark was brought in to answer for a paper reflecting on the Com- 
mittee and was secured. 15 August. Captains Leisler and Henry 
Cuyler appointed to superintend the work in the fortifications. The 
garrison soldiers sworn to allegiance. The deputies of counties 
discoursed of their grievances, the oppression and slavery imposed 
by the late Governor and Council. Eesolved to send Ensign Joost 
Stoll as messenger to their Majesties. 32 pp. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 46.] 

[Aug. 16.] 353. Petition of Ealph Lane to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
The main request of my former petition is to be admitted to appeal 
to the King, which, though denied by the Governor, has been 
allowed in many cases. I beg to be admitted to appeal. 1 p. In- 
scribed. Eead 16 August, 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. 
No. 20.] 

Aug. 16. 354. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. On the 
petition of Ealph Lane we recommend an instruction to Colonel 
Kendall to enquire into the whole matter, and give facilities for the 
petitioner's appeal to you in Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
VIII., pp. 134, 135.] 

Aug. 16. 355. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. My Lords have 

Whitehall, represented to the King the complaints of Captain George as to 

H.M.S. Eose, and send copy of the following letter, which has beeu 



128 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

written by the King to the Government of Massachusetts, for the 
information of the Admiralty. Draft. % p. [Board of Trade. 
New England, 5. No. 31.] 

Aug. 16. 356. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of 
Ralph Lane, and Lord Stirling's claim to Long Island considered. 
On report of the law-officers, agreed to advise that the Act of Virginia 
for attorneys of 1680 be repealed. Agreed to recommend William 
Sharp to be of the Council of Barbados. Petition of the Royal 
African Company read (see No. 259 i.) Copy to be sent to the 
merchants for their advice. Ralph Knight's petition also referred 
to the Royal African Company (see No. 294 i.) 

Aug. 17. Letter from Mr. Bowles of 14th read (see No. 835). The 
Admiralty directed to provide transport for Colonel Kendall. [Col. 
Entry Bks., Vol. CIX., pp. 253-256 and (as to Jamaica) Vol. 
XXXII., pp. 275, 299.] 

Aug. 17. 357. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring 
the Commissioners of the Admiralty to take the usual steps as to 
Colonel Kendall's passage to Barbados. Signed. Wm. Blathwayt. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 153.] 

Aug. 17. 358. Address of the Committee of Safety of New York to the 
New York. King and Queen. Announcing the loyalty of the province, the 
formation of the Committee of Safety, the appointment of Leisler 
as Captain, the repair of the fort, and the general resolution to 
defend it. Signed. Samuell Edsall, Peter De La Noy. ^ lip- 
Endorsed. Reed. 19 Dec., 1689. 

359. Copy of the foregoing. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 
1690. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 47, 48.] 

Aug. 19. 360. George McKenzie to Francis Nicholson. We had on 
New York. Friday night the most troublesome alarm that we have had yet, for 
no greater reason than the arrival of four gentlemen in the lower 
town, Mr. Brattle, Mr. Leverett, Mr. Emdeson and young Mr. 
Mackarly, who came only for divertisement and to see the place. 
They happened to come in the evening and alighted at Mr. Merrit's, 
when some people immediately informed Leisler of the arrival of some 
strangers who had refused to answer when challenged by the sentinel 
at the State-house, but had run into Merrit's and shut the doors and 
windows (which was afterwards known to be a lie). On this 
Leisler sent a party to bring them into the fort, an alarm was 
beat up, and a report spread that you and Sir Edmund were come 
with a design to take or surprise the fort. The gentlemen told me 
that for all their begging they were not allowed a hearing, but 
were kept almost till next morning before they were released ; 
nor had they escaped so well but for some letters about them giving 
an account of their quality, for they were all of the University of 
Boston. In this alarm several people were seized and are still kept 
in prison. The Mayor is now at Albany. It is believed that if he 
were here he would keep the others company. Many merchants and 
others are leaving, and unless orders soon arrive from England I 
doubt there will be few English of any reputation left in the place. 
Signed. Geo. McKenzie. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 23 Oct., 1689, 
from Captain Nicholson. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 49.] 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 129 

1689. 

Aug. 19 361. Henry Carpenter and Thomas Belchamber to Corn- 
Nevis, missioners of Customs. On the 26th June the Irish on St. 
Christophers deserted to the French and declared for King James, 
under which pretence they seized several English gentlemen as 
they passed through French ground. The inhabitants on the 
Windward side fled to the fort, whereupon the Irish and French 
immediately fell a plundering. Most of the people to Leeward then 
fled to the fort likewise, and on the 17th the French fleet appeared 
and laid siege to the fort, which surrendered on the 5th August. 
(The details of previous letters of August 15th are here repeated.) 
On the news of the Prince of Orange's landing in England two thirds 
of the negroes here were ordered to repair the trenches and forts, 
which are now much better than ever, so that little but that work and 
the guarding of them was thought about, until on the 14th inst. Count 
de Blenac returned to Martinique. We expect him to visit us at the 
latter end of next month, and unless we have a fleet to prevent him 
those Islands will be in great danger. As soon as the Irish rose in 
St. Christophers we ordered the deputy-collector to send all the 
sugar and goods belonging to the customs over here. One sloop- 
load arrived, but before the rest could be shipped the Governor and 
Council ordered all the sugar in the Island to be seized for the King's 
use to buy provisions for the fort, which was done ; but no care 
having been taken to move it to a safe place, it was burned and 
destroyed with the rest. The sloop which brought the load of 
sugar is impressed to carry the Irish to Jamaica, lest they should 
serve us as they did St. Christophers. The Irish in Montserrat 
and Antigua are disarmed. Sir Timothy Thornhill has arrived 
with troops from Barbados. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed, from 
Sir Bob. Southwell, 23 Oct. 1689. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 85.] 

Aug. 20. 362. Jacob Leisler to the King and Queen. I beg to advise you 
New York, by the bearer, Ensign Joost Stoll of your Majesties' fort, that on the 
news of Sir Edmund Andres's arrest in Boston, several meetings 
were held here, at which I, as one of the five captains of militia, 
assisted. Captain Francis Nicholson has made several propositions, 
which had but a show for the interest of the Colony, while his violent 
carriage has discovered his malicious design, whereof particulars 
would be too long, but which has moved several of the inhabitants to 
preserve the fort for your service, and to prevent him from firing the 
town as he intended. The fort has been thus held for one month 
by the said captains in turns, and on the day of my watch came the 
order from Connecticut to proclaim your Majesties. I immediately 
proceeded to the proclamation, which was solemnly done on the 
22nd June, on which day we had miraculous deliverance from a fire 
which had been kindled in three different places in the turret of 
the church and in the fort. Six thousand pounds of powder were 
under the same roof with the fire, and the offender is suspected to 
be a papist who has been there before. Thus the city and people 
were saved from this hellish design. The committees of the neigh- 
bouring counties and of this city, with all the captains, being met 
to concert measures for the defence of the Colony, they thought 



130 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

fit to elect one of the captains to command the fort until your 
further order. I was chosen, and have accordingly performed the 
duty since the 1st of July last. I have made an inventory of every- 
thing therein, and seeing its miserable state have repaired the gun- 
carriages, curtain and bastions, and have made a new battery of 
seven guns by the river-side to the west of the fort. I am now 
mending the breast- work and palisades, and have reopened the well 
in the fort which was closed by Colonel Dongan. There are fifty 
barrels of powder in the magazine, of which nearly half is only fit 
for salutes, so I have secured some more from the merchants. We 
have bullets sufficient for our powder. I have fifty men in the fort, 
whom the country has promised me to pay, besides which the train- 
bands mount one company on guard every night, as we have bad 
news from St. Christophers and Surinam. Moreover we heard of 
Sir E. Andres's escape from Boston to Rhode Island, where Colonel 
Dongan landed on the same day, being set on shore at New London, 
apparently to join him. This made me suspicious of some bad 
design, to which also Colonel Bayard is privy. He went to Albany 
five or six weeks ago, where Major Cortlandt is gone to join him, 
doubtless to confer with the greater liberty, for both were counsellors 
of Captain Nicholson. But I watch over them and over others 
who, under the appearance of the protestant religion, are still affected 
to the papist, which (sic) are in greater numbers here than in all 
New England. On the 16th, after watch set, three scholars with 
ten attendants from Boston came over the ferry from Long 
Island, and entering a tavern despatched a horseman away post haste. 
We had notice that Sir Edmund Andros designed to come here, so 
finding that the strangers had no pass I alarmed the city ; and in 
half-an-hour about five hundred men came courageously to arms, 
though most of the troopers failed to appear, being overawed by 
some disaffected people, friends to Sir Edmund Aiidros. I was 
obliged to secure eight of these last, whose confinement gives great 
satisfaction to the people. I durst not let them go for fear of 
exposing them to the rage of the country. The aforesaid travellers 
proving to be honest men, the soldiers were dismissed, on which they 
offered their service to work on until the fortifications of the city 
and fort were complete. Mr. Innes, the English minister, lately 
departed, and on the testimony of the Dutch and French ministers 
has been proved to be contrary to our religion. I shall secure 
sufficient provisions in the fort, which I shall defend to the death. 
"There is none but your Majesties' soldiers in the fort and the 
committees to whom the oath of fidelity to your Majesties is 
administered, they that exercise here the justice have refused to 
administer the oath which has obliged me to send for one, 
Captain Gerardus Beekman, justice of the peace from Long Island, 
they have not had the zeal for the inhabitants having neglected 
hereto to offer them to take of them the oath of fidelity." Signed. 
Jacob Leisler. Two closely written pages without a full stop, and in 
the style of the last sentence. Endorsed. Reed. 18 Dec., 1689. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 614. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 50.] 

363. Duplicate of the foregoing. 



AMERICA AND "WEST INDIES. 131 

1689. 

Copy of the foregoing. Endorsed. Eeed. 10 Apr., 1690. [Ibid. 
Nos. 51, 52.] 

Aug. 20. 364. Account of an assay of the powder in the fort at New 
York, giving the degrees of elevation required by each of fifty 
barrels, after two trials on the 17th and 20th August. 2 pp. 
Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 

Duplicate of the above. [America and West Indies. 578. 
Nos. 53, 54.] 

August. 365. John Tudor to Francis Nicholson. This letter goes by 
[New York.] that worthy hero Ensign Stoll, who is sent hence by the noble Com- 
mittee of Safety to their Majesties to give an account of affairs here. 
Lest they should be slack in telling the truth I add this present. On 
Saturday June 22nd Mr. Leisler proclaimed King William and 
Queen Mary, having got a printed proclamation from Major Gold 
and Captain Fitch, who came from Connecticut for that purpose, but 
proclaimed in the meanest manner you can imagine. After pro- 
claiming them before the fort the Captain summoned the Mayor and 
Aldermen to do the like at the City Hall. They answered that they 
were very ready to do so on the first orders that they should receive, 
whereupon Captain Leisler, Lodowyck, de Browne and Depeyster with 
their companies marched to the City Hall with Gould, Fitch, the 
worthy Mr. Edsall and others in the van. On reaching the State 
House, where the Mayor and Aldermen were assembled, Leisler 
delivered the proclamation to the Mayor, who read it privately to 
himself and handed it back again, saying they were ready to deliver 
it if there were any order to do so. Leisler asked that the Clerk of 
the Court should read it. The Mayor replied that he was not there, 
and that it was usual for the Secretary who had read the pro- 
clamation at the fort to read it again. This put all the captains 
in a great rage ; but the person who had read it at the fort did read 
it again, and the captains departed in a great huff. On Monday 24th 
the Mayor and Aldermen proclaimed the King's order for the 
continuance of all officers in their posts, which affronted the 
captains and their gang very much . Tuesday 25th, Mr. Plowman 
being a papist was discharged from the Custom House, and Bayard, 
Hayues, Paulus Richards, and Wenham put in in his place, which so 
much affronted the other party that they came down with force and 
arms and pulled them out by the hair of their heads, cutting and 
slashing at Colonel Bayard so that he was hard put to it to escape 
with his life. He was obliged to escape to Albany, where he 
remains. He has written to the Secretary of State from Albany, 
but his letter has strangely miscarried. 

Our present Government is by a Committee of Safety, as they term 
themselves, wherein I may boldly say that there are not two men of 
sense. De la Noy and Edsall are the two chiefs. Some towns have 
chosen men and sent them in, but others refuse. In short the 
greatest Oliverians that were in the Government are made Com- 
mittee-men, who rule at so strange a rate that I cannot express it, 
denying all power but their own and turning out militia officers at 
their pleasure. Some say openly that there has been no legal 
King in England since Oliver's day, and they imprison persons at 
their pleasure in the fort. Thomas Clarke is still in custody, and 



182 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

others have been arrested but are now released. This ambassador 
Stoll was the chief actor in the affair at the Custom House. Mr. Cox, 
to shew his fine clothes, undertook to go to Amboy to proclaim the 
King, and was drowned on his way home, which accident startled 
our commanders a good deal. There is a good rich widow left. He 
was drowned by slipping out between the canoe from which he was 
embarking. The water was not above his chin but very muddy, and 
bobbing his head he received a ton of water in. They brought him 
ashore alive, but could not restore him. Sir Edmond escaped from 
Boston about a fortnight ago, but was recaptured at Rhode Island. 
Macgregory and others are here. To requite Colonel Dongan for 
his kindness he offered Leisler to bring back Dongan a prisoner, if 
he would give him four men and a halbert, saying that it was not 
safe for him to be at liberty. I hope news will come from England 
soon or I fear things will go very ill here. Signed. John Tuder. 4 pp. 
Inscribed. Reed. 23 Oct. 1689. Printed in Neu- York Documents, 
III., 616. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 55.] [Ibid. No. 56.] 

366. Rough abstract of the foregoing. [Ibid. No. 56.] 

Aug. 20. 367. Colonel Thomas Hill to ? . I am sorry to 

report the loss of St. Christophers. Want of ammunition and 
sizeable shot was the cause ; we had not two rounds per gun. 
The French are masters at sea, and unless a fleet arrive soon the 
rest of the Islands must follow St. Christophers. All that keeps me 
from returning home by this ship is the hope of the arrival of our fleet 
and of the recapture of St. Christophers. I hope the fleet will bring 
plenty of arms, ammunition and stores, or with the twelve hundred 
men arrived from St. Christophers provisions will run short here. I 
am afraid that it will not arrive in time to save the Islands. I 
wrote in February of the things wanting in the fort and of the need 
for recruits. The soldiers are six years in arrear of pay and have 
neither victuals, clothes nor arms. We are screwed and taxed up to 
the height and no care is taken either of our persons or 
estates ; and considering what we contribute to the revenue I am 
surprised that we are so much neglected. Captain James 
Phipps was shot in the shoulder and is dead, much lamented by all. 
Several others were killed and wounded. The French far out- 
numbered us, having many experienced officers with them, and their 
small arms and powder were much better than ours. Extract. Copy. 
1 p. Reed. 22 Oct., 1689. Endorsed. Read 6 Nov., 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 550. A'o. 86, and Board of Trade. 
Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 178-180, and CoL Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., 
pp. 451, 452.] 

Aug. 20. 368. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Prideaux 
and Mr. Walker to be recommended for the Council of Barbados. 
Memorial of the African Company, as to Don Santiago de Castillo's 
privileges, referred to the law-officers. [Col. Entn/ Bk., Vol. CIX., 
p. 257.] 

Aug. 20. 369. Memorial of St. Jago del Castillo, Commissioner-General 
for the introduction of negroes into the Spanish Indies. 1. For 
liberty to buy provisions etc. in the King's Colonies for ships. 
2. For permission for ships to land part of their cargo, in order to 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 138 

1689. 

careen, without paying duty. 3. For leave to buy negroes of British 
subjects for exportation, and import produce of the Spanish West 
Indies. 4. That if any sailor sell goods unlawfully it shall not be 
legal to confiscate the ship. 5. That all debts contracted on account 
of the Assiento may be sued for according to the laws of England, 
but that in case of differences with foreigners the Governor of the 
Colony may decide. 6. That the Commissioner may exercise his 
own religion in his own house. 

Minute. That the memorial was approved and recommended by 
the Royal African Company. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
pp. 203-5.] 

Aug. 20. 370. William Blathwayt to the Attorney and Solicitor General. 
Forwarding copy of the memorial summarised in the preceding 
abstract for report. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 205.] 

Aug. 22. 371. Eeport of the Attorney and Solicitor General on the 
memorial of the African Company respecting the powers to be 
granted to the Commissioner of the Assiento (see No. 369). 1. This 
can be met by reasonable construction of the Acts of Navigation. 
2. Unloading to careen is lawful if bonafide, but such an article is 
dangerous as giving facilities for secret trade. 3. Negroes are 
merchandise and can no more be exported under the Act than other 
goods. 4. It will be difficult to draw distinctions between the acts 
of owners, merchants, officers and seamen. 5. The laws and 
customs of the place must be observed, but due regard will be had 
to the King of Spain's orders or his subjects' contracts. 6. Private 
exercise of religion will not be gainsaid. Signed. Geo. Treby, J. 
Somers. 1 p. Endorsed. 22 Aug. 1689. Bead at the Committee 
23 August, 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 20, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 279, 280.] 

Aug. 23. 372. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Answer of 
the merchants and of the African Company to Mr. Knight's petition 
[see next abstract] . Sir Francis Watson's letter of 6 June read [see 
No. 177] . Eeport of the Law officers in the Assiento read. Draft 
instructions for Colonel Kendall read and referred to the Treasury. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 258, 259.] 

Aug. 23. 373. First answer of the African Company to Ralph Knight's 
memorial. We offer the following remarks on Mr. Knight's repre- 
sentations. Soon after the Duke of Albemarle's arrival an Assembly 
was elected, which was fairly chosen, but was dissolved for some 
unknown reason. Shortly afterwards a person of small reputation 
was taken out of the gaol and made Provost Marshal, and then 
writs were issued for a new election. By the help of this Provost 
Marshal and other ill-affected persons freedom of election was so far 
violated that two thirds of the Assembly were illegally returned by 
votes of servants, seamen and others. The late King on 30 Novem- 
ber ordered matters to be restored to the same state as at the Duke 
of Albemarle's arrival. We beg therefore that the proceedings of 
this Assembly may be cancelled. As to the address in favour of 
the poor planters, we have given them such large credit that our 
last returns show them to be indebted to us 90,000. Of this last 
Assembly over twenty members are in our debt, and so far from 



134 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

grateful acknowledgment have passed an Act to defraud us of one 
sixth of our due. The trade with the Spaniards was countenanced 
by the Governor under instructions from the late King. Signed. 
Sam. Heron. 2 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 23 August, 1689. [Board 
of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 22, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
pp. 300-302.] 

Aug. 23. 374. Answer of the merchants and planters of Jamaica as to 
the petition of the Koyal African Company. (See No. 259 i.) The 
Act for raising the value of pieces-of-eight and all other Acts passed 
by that Assembly are unconstitutional, the Assembly having been 
improperly elected. We beg therefore that all its proceedings may be 
cancelled. Thirty-seven signatures. 1 p. Endorsed. Bead at the 
Committee, 23 Aug., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 21, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 276.] 

Aug. 23. 375. Order of the Privy Council. Eeferring Colonel Kendall's 
proposals as to his salary (see No. 265) to Lords of the Treasury 
for report. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 80.] 

Aug. 23. 376. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. We 
Custom House have received a letter from Mr. Edward Eandolph of 29 May, 
reporting that he had been thrown into the common gaol, that his 
books and papers had been seized and that the Acts of Navigation 
are violated as heretofore. We understand that orders have 
already been dispatched for Sir Edmund Andros and Mr. Eandolph 
to be sent home, but we beg that orders may also be given for the 
enforcement of the Acts of Navigation, for Mr. Eandolph's books 
and papers to be sealed up and sent to one of the Secretaries of 
State and that those concerning the Eevenue may be for the present 
deposited with us. Signed. Eobert Southwell, G. Boothe, Jo. Werden, 
T. Pelham, Eobt. Clayton, P. Warde. 1 p. Endorsed. Bead in 
Council, Sept. 2, 1689. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 
32.] 

Aug. 24. 377. Commissioners of Ordnance to the King. In reply to 
Office of your order for despatch of great quantities of guns and stores to the 

Ordnance. Caribbee Islands, Barbados and Guernsey, we report : 1. Caribbee 
Islands. There are no sackers in England of fifteen feet in length ; 
but eighteen of the ordinary length can be supplied. The 1050 
muskets cannot be supplied until the Dutch arms arrive from 
Holland. The powder and the rest of the stores are ready to be 
sent. 2. Barbados. Forty whole culverins cannot be spared ; we 
can supply twenty ordnance of near that nature and twenty derni- 
culverin. 3. Jamaica is fully supplied. Signed. Goodricke, Jo. 
Charlton ; Ch. Myddelton ; T. Gardiner, Tho. Townsend. [America 
and West Indies. 601. No. 12, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 
70-71.] 

Aug. 26. 378. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. A paper of 
particulars needed for the regiments in the West Indies read, and 
ordered to be laid before the King. [The King on the 29th gave 
his orders thereon (see Nos. 384, 385).] [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., 
pp. 260, 261.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 185 

1689. 

Aug. 27. 379. P. Bowles to William Blathwayt. In reference to your 
Admiralty, letter as to shipping to convey Colonel Kendall to Barbados and 
ordnance stores to the Leeward Islands, the Board of Admiralty 
desire to know what provisions or further necessaries of any kind 
must go with the West Indian Squadron and to what places they 
must be carried. 1 p. Endorsed. [America and West Indies. 601. 
No. 18, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 74-75, and Vol. XLVII., 
p. 441.] 

Aug. 28. 380. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King to 
be moved to order 1,700 to be imprested to the victuallers of the 
Navy, and for money for arms in accordance with the report of the 
officers of Ordnance (see No. 377). Mr. Spencer's letter of 10 June, 
read, announcing that their Majesties had not been proclaimed 
in Maryland and asking for supplies of ammunition. The 
King to be moved to name a Governor for Jamaica. Ralph 
Knight's petition on behalf of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica 
read (see No. 883) and referred to the African Company. 
Petition of Margaret Hill read (see next abstract). Agreed to move for 
the payment of the arrears to the companies in the Leeward Islands. 
{Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp 262-264.] 

Aug. 28. 381. Petition of Margaret, wife of Colonel Thomas Hill, to 
Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Hill for the last six or 
seven years has spent much of his private money in supporting the 
the two companies at St. Christophers, which were in danger of 
starvation. No pay or subsistence has been sent to them for years, 
and they are now driven into the fort at St. Christophers by the 
French. I beg that at least their arrears of pay may be sent to 
them to encourage them and enable them to subsist. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Read 28th, Ordered 29th August, 1869. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 87.] 

Aug. 28. 382. News from New England concerning the Indians. On 
Friday 28th June the Indians surprised Cacheta under pretence of 
trading. They were hospitably entertained, but in the dead of night 
attacked the place, killed twenty seven, Major Waldern among them, 
and took twenty seven more. J p. A hasty note from the Exchange. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 83.] 

Aug. 29. 383. Petition of Ralph Knight to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
tions. The African Company have objected to the laws passed in 
Jamaica since the Duke of Albemarle's death, and other persons 
have scandalously and untruthfully objected that the Assembly that 
passed them was two-thirds of it illegally elected. I beg that the 
Company or the other persons concerned may give you in writing 
particulars of such illegal elections, and of such other matters as 
they intend to insist upon at the hearing before your Lordship. 
Copy. 1 ;;. Within, Order for the delivery of the petition to the 
African Company, 28 Aug., 1689. Endorsed. The original 
delivered to the Company, 29 August. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 23.] 

Aug. 29. 384. Orders of the King in Council. On recommendation of the 
Lords of Trade and Plantations, ordered that the Treasury furnish 



186 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

3,000 for payment for 4,000 arms, now lying at Dort, for the 
plantations ; that 200 barrels of powder be sent to Jamaica and 75 
with 500 muskets to the Leeward Islands ; that 100 barrels of powder 
be sent to Virginia ; that the three months provisions of the regiment 
be doubled ; that the regiment be cleared and have two months' pay 
advanced, to enable it to provide itself with shoes, stockings and 
other necessaries. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 72-74, and p. 103 
and Vol. XLVII., pp. 433-437.] 

Aug. 29. 385. Order of the King in Council. On the petition of Margaret 
Hill (see No. 381) ordered that 1,000 be at once despatched to 
Colonel Thomas Hill's agent in order that two years' arrears may be 
paid to him, and clothes and other necessaries provided for the 
soldiers. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 437, 438.] 

Aug. 30. 386. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. Respecting his 
Admiralty, letter of August 27 (see No. 379) desires further to know about 

instructions to the West Indian Squadron. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 

XLVII., pp. 441, 442.] 

Aug. 30. 387. Answer of the Eoyal African Company to the petition of 
Ealph Knight. Knight was one of the majority of the Assembly 
of Jamaica who was unduly elected, as we can prove on a hearing 
of the case. Signed. Sam Heron, Secy. J p. Endorsed. Reed. 
30 Aug. 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 24, and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 302.] 

Aug. 30. 388. P. Bowles to William Blathwayt. The Board of 
Admiralty. Admiralty require an answer to my note of 27th (see No. 379) if 
possible at 5 o'clock this evening. Note. [America and West 
Indies. 601. No. 14, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 75.] 

Aug. 30. 389. William Blathwayt to Lord Baltimore. Ordering him to 
attend the Lords of Trade and Plantations on the 31st. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 121.] 

Aug. 31. 390. William Blathwayt to Lord Baltimore. The Lords 
understand that, notwithstanding the orders given to you, King 
William and Queen Mary have not been proclaimed in Maryland. 
They think therefore that you would do well to send a duplicate of 
the orders thither, as they are about to despatch a messenger 
thither at your expense. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 122.] 

Aug. 31. 391. William Blathwayt to Mr. Bowles. In reply to yours of 
30th I can only acquaint you at present that the King has ordered 
three months' provisions more to be sent with the regiment to the 
Leeward Islands, and two Governors to sail for Jamaica and the 
Leeward Islands with the West Indian Squadron. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. C., p. 76, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 442, 443.] 

Aug. 81. 392. Commissioners of Ordnance to Lords of Trade and 
Office of Plantations. The demands for guns and stores lately made for the 
West Indies are of such consequence that we think it our duty to 
point out the expense, and the inconvenience and difficulty of 
granting such large quantities, for our magazines are very low at 
present. By our books we find that the Colonies have been supplied 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



187 



1689. 



Aug. 81. 

Ordnance 
Office. 



Aug. 81. 



Aug. 81. 



August. 



Sept. 2. 

Barbados. 



with stores at divers times, but there is no certificate how those 
stores were expended or disposed of. We beg that enquiry may be 
made as to the disposal of stores in Jamaica, Bermuda, Newfound- 
land, Virginia, Leeward Islands and Barbados, or great embezzlement 
may result. The stores delivered to them were reckoned to be 
worth near 10,OOOL and they should be accounted for. Our stores 
have been extremely exhausted also this year, and without 
considerable supplies of money they cannot be replenished in less 
than twelve months. Signed. Goodricke, Jo. Charlton, T. Gardiner, 
Ch. Myddelton, Tho. Townsend. 1 p. Endorsed. Presented 
2 Sept., 1689. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 15, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 78, 79.] 

393. Proportion of Ordnance to be issued to the Leeward 
Islands. A tabulated list. 2 pp. Endorsed. Presented by the 
Officers of Ordnance 11 Nov., 1689. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 88, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., 
pp. 458, 454.] 

394. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord 
Baltimore attended. Orders given renewing directions for the 
proclamation of their Majesties in Maryland. Mr. Flypse's letter 
of 10 June read (see No. 187). Agreed to move the King as to 
New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 265, 266.] 

395. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To 
recommend that a Governor be forthwith sent to New York ; that 
presents be sent to the Indians of the Five Nations, and that two 
new foot-companies be raised for New York. Printed in New 
York Documents, III., 618. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., 
pp. 202, 208.] 

396. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade 
and Plantations. We have examined the Earl of Stirling's claim to 
Long Island and find that in 1674 he released all his rights therein 
to the Duke of York for 300 a year, to be paid out of the surplus 
revenue, or to accumulate. There are now fourteen years' arrears 
due, there having been no surplus. We recommend that the 
pension be continued to him on the same terms, and that the Earl 
be at liberty to keep an agent in New York, to examine the public 
accounts. Ordered accordingly. Printed in New York Documents, 
III., 606. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 197-199.] 

397. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 
All is quiet since my last, but the Island cannot be put in a 
better posture of defence without naval aid. A few days after re- 
ceiving a request to send help to St. Christophers I heard from 
Colonel Hill that the French in that Island had sent for help to 
Martinique, which was readily complied with, the Governor having 
received advice of the declaration of war by a swift ship in a voyage 
of twenty days. Count de Blenac accordingly embarked with 
what men he could raise, and sailed with five men of war, fourteen 
homeward bound merchantmen and three and twenty sloops directly 
against St. Kitts. On their approach the French in the Island took 
advantage of the withdrawal of the English into their fort to fire 



188 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1689. 

their canes, houses and works. The ships meanwhile cannonaded 
the fort heavily, firing eleven hundred and thirty eight shot and 
two and twenty bombs, but killed only a dog or two, one Christian 
man, three children and a negro, so that had Colonel Hill been able 
to hold out till the arrival of the forces from hence, which were 
sent with all possible speed, we had probably saved the English and 
taken the French. Never men embarked more cheerfully than the 
eight hundred sent to the relief of St. Kitts under Sir Timothy 
Thornhill. They embarked in one ship and thirteen small craft 
on the 17th of August, and steered for Antigua to join the ten com- 
panies there raised, but on arrival they heard that St. Kitts had 
surrendered a fortnight before, Colonel Hill having held out for 
four days after he had spent his last grain of powder and consumed 
his last morsel of victuals, in hope of relief. But so careful were 
the French by sea that none should come, that the Governor of 
Nevis could not get a sloop-load of ammunition, which I had sent, 
into the Island ; otherwise he would probably have held out for long 
enough. Even now if we had any considerable naval force and a 
few more men besides what we can raise ourselves we could not 
only retake St. Kitts but take all the French Islands, so ill are they 
provided with men, ammunition and provisions. The forces I have 
sent will serve to protect the rest of the Leeward Islands till we 
have relief from England, though de Blenac boasts Montserrat his 
own without a stroke, and that the rest of the Islands will easily 
fall into his hands, wherein I doubt not he will find himself alto- 
gether disappointed. It is said that the English lost about thirty 
men at St. Kitts, and the French two hundred, and that de Blenac 
gave the English fair quarter though prisoners at discretion. The 
Irish would have put all to the sword, but de Blenac would not have 
them harmed. He sent all the common soldiers, about four 
hundred, to Nevis, not having provisions for them, but kept the 
officers to exchange for some Irish who are prisoners at Nevis for 
a rebellion at Montserrat. This is all I know, and I can only say 
that I shall do my best for this Island and for our neighbours. 
Surinam is as much in want of aid and advices from Europe as we 
I hear that M. D'Eas, the French admiral, after his repulse from 
Surinam made an attempt on Berbice, but was driven off with 
loss of two hundred men and of one ship run aground, of which the 
whole crew surrendered. 

People here are taking the oaths cheerfully, Papists as well as 
others, but I fear the Irish Papists are still not to be trusted. Mr. 
Hugh Montgomerie and some others of that gang are in custody for 
using dangerous words and will shortly be brought to trial. On 
the 24th July arrived Captain Francis Dykes of the Bonetto sloop, 
in twelve weeks from Gravesend and six weeks from Plymouth, into 
which he was forced by bad weather. By him I received your letters 
of 15 and 19 April, which give us good hope of supplies from Europe. 
Pursuant to your orders I despatched the vessel without delay. Captain 
Hewetson left for England with the last fleet, full of reviling and 
malice against me, and vowing to do his best to get me removed from 
the government for overthrowing his voyage. I cannot see how I 
have contributed thereto, and whatever your own interest in that 
venture I rely on your justice to do nothing against me till you have 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



139 



1689. 



Sept. 2. 



Sept. 2. 
Whitehall. 



Sept. 2. 



Sept. 2. 

Hampton 
Court. 



Sept. 2. 



Sept. 3. 
Whitehall. 



Sept. 3. 



heard the whole case ; for I can prove that it was his own pride, 
wilfulness and unheard-of barbarity to his people that really over- 
threw his voyage. Signed. Edwyn Stede. P.S. By a vessel just 
arrived from Carolina seven weeks out I hear that all is quiet there, 
but the people have not yet knowledge of the accession of their 
Majesties. So little converse have they with their neighbours for 
New England, New York and Virginia proclaimed their Majesties 
some months since. I hear too that all is quiet at New York under 
the government of Captain Huseler, chosen by the people to 
that command. Captain Nicholson, their late Lieut.-Governor, is 
gone to Madeira. Colonel Dongan was to have gone thither 
also, but being a very timorous man at sea would not trust 
himself in so small a vessel as a brigantine, so went ashore again 
and lives unmolested and peacable at his plantation. The Leeward 
Islands not trusting Sir Nathaniel Johnson's good affection to the new 
Government or zeal to protect the Islands against the French, he 
has gone to Carolina, having appointed Colonel Codrington as 
Governor and Commander in Chief in his absence. Three closely 
written pages. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 21, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 135-142.] 

398. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The question 
of Santiago de Castillo and the Assiento referred to Commissioners 
of Customs. Their letter of 23 August read (see No. 376). [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 266, 267.] 

399. Order of the King in Council. For the raising and trans- 
port of two companies of foot-soldiers to New York. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 246.] 

400. Order of the King in Council. For payment of 100 to 
Governor Sloughter, for presents to the Indians. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. LXIX., p. 247.] 

401. Order of the King in Council. That the Treasury pay 
3,000 to the Commissioners for victualling the Navy in payment 
for six months' provisions for the regiment to be sent to the Lee- 
ward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 77, and Vol. XLVIL, 
pp. 443, 444.] 

402. Draft circular of the King to the Governors of Colonies. 
Asking their good offices in helping a gardener to obtain plants and 
shrubs for him. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 202, 208.] 

403. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
St. Jago del Castillo, Commissioner of the Assiento, to Lords of the 
Treasury for report. Signed. Cha. Montague. J p. Annexed, 

403. i. Copy of the petition referred to. (See No. 369.) 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nog. 25, 25 i, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 281.] 

404. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Two members only 
appearing, the meeting was adjourned for a fortnight. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XIV., p. 190.] 



140 



COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

Sept. 4. 405. Address of the Protestant representatives of Maryland to 
the King. Praying for consideration of their grievances and the 
extension of the great Protestant deliverance to Maryland. [Col. 
Entry Book, Vol. LII., pp. 143-145.] 

Sept. 4. 406. The Speaker of Assembly of Maryland to the Secretaries 
Maryland. Q f gt a t e _ ^he enclosed address from the representative body of this 
province is sent for presentation to their Majesties. The ground of 
it has already been expressed to you in an application of like nature, 
made on the 2nd of August last by the gentlemen here associated 
in arms for their Majesty's service and the defence of the Protestant 
religion. Signed. Kenelm Cheseldyn, Speaker. J p. Duplicate. 
Enclosed, 

406. i. Address of the representatives of the Protestants in Mary- 
land to the King. We beg your royal attention to our 
grievances and oppressions already represented to your 
Secretaries of State, and that our religious rights and 
liberties may be secured under a Protestant Government. 
Meantime you may rely on us for the defence of your 
rights and of the Protestant religion here. Dated. 4 
September, 1689. Thirty-nine signatures. [America and 
West Indies. 556. Nos. 1, 1 i.] 

Sept. 5. 407. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Common Gaol pj ve mon ths are passed since this people overthrew the Government, 
and imprisoned Sir Edmund Andros, myself and others. During 
all this time the Indians have overrun the greatest part of the 
Eastern Country from the St. Croix to the Piscataqua, two hundred 
miles of coast. They have taken the town and fort of Pemaquid, 
also the towns of New Harbour, New Town and New Dartmouth 
with the strong fort there, the fort on the pass at Damaraslothe 
river, the fort of Tuesset on the Kennebec, and the fort on Pojebscot 
side, all built and well manned by Sir Edmund Andres's orders, the 
towns of Sacadehock, North Yarmouth, Richmond's Island and 
Saco, where two good forts were well settled, and Cacheca in the 
township of Dover in the Piscataqua ; most of the houses, corn and 
cattle are burned and destroyed, and about three hundred Christians 
are killed or taken. In Maine Wells, Casco, Kittery, &c., some few 
fortified houses still remain but do not expect to hold out long, for 
no care is taken for their relief by the Government of Boston, being 
"out of their colony," as they are told. Three weeks ago the enemy 
attacked some scattered houses in the towns of Havarell and 
Andover, thirty miles from hence, on which the Government are 
raising three or four hundred horse and foot, but they have no 
officers fit to command them, so the soldiers prefer to lie in gaol than 
to serve under them. If they can complete this number they design 
only to defend their out towns and not to suppress or destroy the 
Indians. The damage already amounts to 60,000. The fisheries 
and lumber (our principal commodities) are quite destroyed, 
besides the loss of a fruitful country ; all the great masts 
for the Royal Navy are in the hands of the French or Indians. 
This is but the beginning of the desolation brought on this 
country by an anti-monarchical faction. Three days after 
they had subverted the Government the Council gave orders 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 141 

1689. 

to Captain Savage to dismiss all the officers and draw off all the 
soldiers settled by Sir Edmund Andros in the forts above named, 
by which the whole country was until recently so well secured that 
the Indians were about to bring in their chief rebels and submit to 
mercy. But by this success and extraordinary booty their numbers 
are increased, several nations have joined them and made them up 
to five or six hundred fighting men. In March last they were 
supplied with ammunition by some merchants of Boston, and since 
then by the French from Canada. The inhabitants of Cape Cod 
are apprehensive of a rising of Indians there also. These calamities 
befalling other Colonies in no way related to Boston set Sir Edmund 
Andros upon attempting his liberty, and on the 3rd of August he 
arrived at Newport, Ehode Island, intending to moderate the minds 
of the people. But the Council at Boston hearing that he was gone 
sent orders to apprehend him, and by their agitators stirred up a 
rabble in Ehode Island, who treated him inhumanly and betrayed 
him to the troops of horse which brought him back to the Castle. 
He is now charged with unbailable crimes, and his keeper treats 
him as the worst of malefactors. This people by their resolves and 
proceedings shew that, however specious their pretences against Sir 
Edmund and others of papacy, they are resolved to maintain their 
Charter Government as they call it. You will remember the 
resolution of King Charles II. to prevent further mischief from the 
many independent and petty Governments of the Colonies by setting 
up a central Government, which was done in 1686 by Sir Edmund 
Andres's Commission. The evil consequences of the old system 
were seen in the war of 1675-6. The Bostoners could never subdue 
those Indians to the eastward till Sir Edmund Andros, the Governor 
of New York, sent a large party of soldiers to build the fort of 
Pemaquid. What arguments may be used by others I know not, but 
from fourteen years' experience of the country I say that it is 
absolutely necessary to send ten or fifteen hundred good soldiers to 
regain what is lost and to reduce this people to firm dependence on 
the Crown; otherwise the other Colonies, Maryland, Virginia and 
Carolina will shortly be overrun by the French. I may add that the 
revolt here was pushed on by the Agent in England, Mr. Mather, who 
sent a letter to Mr. Bradstreet encouraging him to go cheerfully to so 
acceptable a piece of service to all good people. Signed. Ed. 
Eandolph. Holograph. 2 closely written pages. Endorsed. Eead 
at the Committee Feb. 29, 1689. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 34, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIL, pp. 158-163.] 

Sept. 7. 408. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft 
commission for Captain Sankey to be Governor of the Leeward 
Islands read and approved. Letter from Commissioners of 
Admiralty (see next abstract) to be laid before the King. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 267.] 

Sept. 7. 409. Commissioners of Admiralty to Lords of Trade and 
Admiralty. Plantations. We have received orders at different times for 
transporting three Governors and various stores for a regiment of 
foot to the West Indies. We beg for further particulars and suggest 
that it will be good husbandry to arrange that all shall be 
transported at the same time. Signed. Tho. Lee, J. Lowther, 



142 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

M. Chicheley. 1J pp. Endorsed. Read 7 Sept. '89. Presented in 
Council the 9th. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 16, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 80, 81, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 444, 445.] 

Sept. 7. 410. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have 
prepared a Commission for Nicholas Sankey, Esq., to be Governor of 
the Leeward Islands, as ordered. J p. Endorsed. On advice that 
Sir N. Johnson had surrendered the Government to Colonel 
Codrington, the King appointed Colonel Codrington to be Governor. 
[America and West Indies. 550. No. 39.] 

[Sept. 7.] 411. Memorandum of Colonel Kendall's proposals. 1. That 
he may have power to commute the four and a half per cent, duty 
for any other imposition, that may be more beneficial to the revenue 
and easier to the inhabitants, if the Assembly should desire it. 2. 
That he may have a Commission of Vice-Admiralty from the King, 
the present Commissioners of the Admiralty having no power to 
grant one. 3. That no person may be appointed Attorney General 
who is not well acquainted with the laws and customs of the Island. 
For date see Entry Book. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 22, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 81.] 

Sept. 9. 412. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade 
and Plantations, 26 August 1689. We have examined the petition 
of Philip Ludwell. As to the Act revived by royal proclamation of 
an Act repealing it, we find that it is represented as prejudicial to 
the Colony and recommend that it be disallowed. As to the fees 
for the Great Seal, we find that though not disallowed they were not 
established by the Council, and as they are complained of we 
recommend that they be discontinued. The fee for surveys we find to 
be customary and recommend its continuance. As to fines and 
forfeitures we find that no part of that revenue has been applied to the 
support of the Government, and we think that in future it should be. 
Ordered accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 268-270.] 

Sept. 11. 413. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Whitehall. Directing the preparation of despatches for William, Earl of 

Inchiquin on his appointment to the Government of Jamaica. 1 p. 

Endorsed. Presented the 18th Sept. 1689. [Board of Trade. 

Jamaica, 6. No. 26, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 229.] 

Sept. 11. 414. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Whitehall. Directing preparation of despatches for Colonel Christopher 

Codrington, appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands. Signed. 

Shrewsbury. p. Endorsed. Read 18 Sept. 1689. Presented 

same day. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 40, and Board 

of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 1.] 

Sept. 11. 415. P. Bowles to William Blathwayt. Desiring to know if 
the letter of the Admiralty of 7th inst. (see No. 409) has been 
communicated to the Lords of Trade, as until it is answered the 
Admiralty has suspended further steps towards provision of shipping. 
Signed. P. Bowles. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed, the 13th. [America 
and West Indies. 601 No. 17, and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., 
p. 82, and Vol. XLVII., p. 445.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 148 

1689. 

Sept. 12. 416. Deposition of Nicholas Browne. That being in the King's 
service in 1686 he several times saw Captain Francis Nicholson at 
mass, especially in the King's tent on Hounslow Heath. Sworn, 
Sept. 12, before Gerard Beckman. J p. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 
1690. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 578. 
Nos. 57, 58.] 

Sept. 12. 417. William Blathwayt to Lord Baltimore. The Lords of 
Trade meet to-morrow, when they will expect your answer to their 
letter of 81st ult. Memorandum. That Lord Baltimore attended on 
the 13th and showed the duplicate of the order which he had sent 
(see No. 88) ; and it was arranged that he should bear half the 
cost of sending a messenger to Maryland. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LIL, pp. 123, 124.] 

Sept. 12. 418. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sanson. The Lords of Trade 

Whitehall. are awaiting a draft letter by the Commissioners of Customs to 

Massachusetts respecting the Acts of Trade and Navigation, wishing 

to send it to New England as soon as may be. Draft. %p. [Board 

of Trade. New England, 5. No. 85.] 

Sept. 18. 419. William Blathwayt to Mr. Bowles. I assure you that I 
lost no time in laying your letter before their Lordships, but the 
King not having appointed all the Governors they can give you no 
further information at present. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 88, 
and Vol. XLVIL, p. 446.] 

[Sept. 13.] 420. Petition of John Gray and others. A case between us 
and Sir John Witham was moved to England from Barbados about 
two years ago by way of appeal ; but has never been brought to a 
hearing, though one of us has been in England sixteen months about 
the business. We beg for an early hearing. J p. Endorsed. 
Read 13 Sept., 1689. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 10.] 

Sept. 18. 421. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the case 
of Sir John Witham against John Gray be heard on the 18th 
September. Endorsed. The like order was made on 11 November 
for hearing on the 15th, but Sir John Witham being sick the 
hearing was put off, and he dying shortly after, nothing was done. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. A T o. 11.] 

Sept. 18. 422. Journal of Lords and Trade of Plantations. Lord Baltimore 

S'esented his duplicate orders as to the proclamation of their 
ajesties in Maryland. The Lords agreed as to the Governors to 
be recommended for Jamaica and the Leeward Islands. Petition of 
Richard Lloyd read and referred to the Attorney General. Agreed 
to advise issue of letters of denizenation to the French Protestants 
recommended by Sir Nathaniel Johnson. Agreed to ask the King's 
further orders as to the independent companies in the Leeward 
Islands. The Office of Ordnance reporting that no land carriages 
for guns were in store, it was ordered that ship's carriages be pro- 
vided for the heavy guns in Barbados. The Ordnance reported also 
that it could not supply tents for the Duke of Bolton's regiment, 
ordered to the West Indies. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 
268-270.] 



144 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

Sept. 14. 423. William Blathwayt to John Sanson. The Lords wish the 
Commissioners of Customs to despatch their reply on the memorial 
of the African Company touching the Assiento and the regulation of 
passes, so that they may be ready on the 18th inst., when they desire 
the attendance of the Commissioners. Draft. 1 p. [Board of 
Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 27.] 

Sept. 16. 424. John Sanson to William Blathwayt. The Commissioners 

Custom nave nothing before them relating to the Assiento, but will be ready 

to attend the Lords on Wednesday with the draft of a letter for New 

England and a report concerning the rules for passes. Signed 

Jno. Sanson. ^ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 28.] 

Sept. 16. 425. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lieutenant-Governor Stede. 
You have been good enough to forgive me as to yourself, but my 
misfortunes are like to have no end but from your pity. It is only 
you that can shield me from an incensed people. I beg that you 
and the Council will admit me at last to bail, or if I continue here 
as long as seems probable, the remainder of my life must be under 
the tyranny of disease and pain. I have submitted a humble 
petition to you and Council. Signed. Tho. Montgomerie. 1 p. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 12.] 

Sept. 17. 426. Petition of John Stede to the King. For appointment 
to the post of Clerk of the Markets in Barbados. Inscribed. Order 
of the King in Council, referring the petition to Lords of Trade 
and Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. Whitehall, 
17 September, 1689. 1 p. Endorsed. Read in Committee of 
Plantations, Oct. 28, 1689. [America and West Indies. 456. 
No. 23.] 

Sept. 17. 427. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Vote for a present of 
1,000 to the Lieutenant-Governor carried. Carried that the 
money be raised by a tax on negroes and that the traders and Jews 
shall pay their proportion. Addresses for payment of the Clerk's 
and Marshal's salaries carried. Order for fining of two absent 
members. A committee appointed to join with the Council in 
preparing an address to the King respecting the impost on sugars. 
Adjourned to 26 November. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 190- 
194.] 

Sept. 17. 428. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The 
King has appointed Mr. Isaac Eichier Governor of Bermuda. Pray 
prepare his instructions. Signed. Shrewsbury. J p. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 18 Sept., 1689. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 17, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 230.] 

Sept. 18. 429. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The petition 
of the administrator of John Knight, read'; ordered that the case 
be heard in May. Lord Inchiquin being appointed Governor of 
Jamaica, his commission was ordered to be prepared. Sir 
Nathaniel Johnson's letters of 24 May, 7 June, and 15 July, and 
Mr. Hutchinson's of 27 June read ; and ordered to be laid before 
the King. Orders received to prepare a commission for Colonel 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 145 

1689. 

Codrington as Governor of the Leeward Islands, and for Mr. Isaac 
Richier as Governor of Bermuda. The Admiralty requested to say 
what is the usual allowance of tonnage for a Governor going to 
Jamaica. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 272-274.] 

[Sept. 18.] 430. Petition of Richard Knight to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. The King, on my appeal to him in Council against 
certain decrees of the Chancery of Barbados, has ordered you to 
send for an account of the proceedings, as by copy of order 
annexed. I beg that you will do so. 1 p. Annexed, 

430. I. Copy of order in Council of 11 May, 1688. Admitting 
Ralph Knight's appeal and directing an account of the 
proceedings to be sent for. 1 p. [America and West 
Indies. 456. Nos. 24, 24 i.] 

[Sept.] 431. Petition of Richard Knight to the King. Setting forth 
his case, a matter of private estate, and asking for appeal from 
the decision of the Court of Chancery of Barbados. 2 pp. [America 
and West Indies. 456. No. 25.] 

Sept. 18. 432. Representation as to the state of the Leeward Islands for 
the King. Three or four hundred men are retired into the fort at 
St. Christophers. Four hundred have been ordered from Nevis and 
as many more from Antigua, which puts the English nearly on a 
level with the French. Six months' provisions, two months' pay in 
advance, arms, stores and clothing will be required for the regiment 
embarking for the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade. Leeward 
Islands, 43. pp. 68, 69.] 

Sept. 18. 433. Earl of Inchiquin to William Blathwayt. Asking for speedy 
directions to the Admiralty to provide for his transport to Jamaica. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 30.] 

Sept. 18. 434. William Blathwayt to the Secretary of the Admiralty. 
Asking as to the allowance of tonnage for household goods and 
passage for servants granted to Lord Windsor in 1662. Draft. J p. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 29.] 

Sept. 18. 435. Lord Carbery to [William Blathwayt]. I send you 
enclosed the number of servants and their allowance, etc., made for 
me when I went to Jamaica. Signed. Carbery. J p. [Board of 
Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 81.] 

[Sept.] 436. Freight for goods and passage for servants allowed to the 
Governors of Jamaica and Barbados. Lord Carlisle had passage for 
seventy servants and 350 tons of goods ; Duke of Albemarle for a 
hundred servants and 500 tons of goods. Sir Richard Dutton had 
an allowance of 100, passage for himself and twenty-four servants 
on a man-of-war. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 32.] 

Sept. 18. 437. Memorandum from Lord Carbery. In October, 1674, 
Captain Davis of the Foresight had orders to carry Lord Vaughan 
with a hundred men of his retinue, allowing them victuals on their 
passage. The Navy Board was also ordered to furnish freight for 
two hundred tons of stores. 1 p. Endorsed. ^Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. A'o. 33.] 



146 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

[Sept. 18.] 438. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. I can tell you 
nothing as to the allowance of tonnage made to Lord Windsor in 
1662, nor can I tell you more as to Lord Carbery than he has sent 
you to-night. Signed. P. Bowles. Undated. 1 p. [Board of 
Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 84.] 

Sept. 19. 439. Commission to William, Earl of Inchiquin, to be Governor 
of Jamaica. The powers of Vice- Admiralty are identical with those 
imposed on Governor Molesworth. (See No. 292.) [Col. Enti-y Bk., 
Vol. XXXIL, pp. 230-246.] 

Sept. 19. 440. Order of the King in Council. That an order to Colonel 
Kendall to examine the case of Ralph Lane be inserted in his 
instructions. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 134 and 136.] 

Sept. 19. 441. Instructions to Colonel James Kendall as Governor of 
Barbados. No law for an impost on liquors is to be passed for less 
than one year ; all other laws, except those for temporary purposes, 
are to be indefinite. Fees are to be regulated and not to be 
extortionate. Liberty of conscience is to be granted to all except 
Papists. An exact account of births, baptisms, and deaths to be 
kept and transmitted annually. The four and a half per cent, duty 
may be commuted for some other impost if the Assembly desire it. 
Observance of the Treaty of Madrid and cultivation of friendship 
with Spain is specially enjoined. The building of a proper house 
for the Governor to be recommended. Sir Thomas Montgomery 
and Willoughby Chamberlayne are to be brought to speedy trial or 
security to be taken for their good behaviour. Ralph Lane's' case 
is to be enquired into. The Governor's salary is to be paid in the 
Island. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 82-103.] 

[Sept. 19.] 442. List and seniority of members of Council of Barbados as 
fixed by Colonel Kendall's instructions. 1. Sir Peter Colleton. 
2. Edwyn Stede. 8. Sir John Witham. 4. Thomas Walrond. 
5. Francis Bond. 6. Richard Howell. 7. Sir Robert Davers. 
8. Sir Timothy Thornhill. 9. John Hallett. 10. Henry Quintyne. 
11. John Hothersall. 12. John Gibbes. 13. Edward Cranfield. 
14. John Farmer. 15. Richard Salter. 16. Thomas Lewis. 
17. George Lillington. 18. Robert Rich. 19. Michael Prideaux. 
20. George Andrews. 21. John Brainley. 22. William Sharpe. 
23. Walker. 24. Added later. Samuel Crispe, by warrant 
of 28 May, 1691. Captain Lawrence Wright. Warrant of 31 Dec., 
1689. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 77.] 

[Sept. 19.] 443. Memorandum. Colonel Kendall having applied for 
grenades for Barbados, and the King being moved therein on the 
19th, Sir Henry Goodricke gave information that though there were 
mortars and bombs at Portsmouth, the things necessary for putting 
them into use were only to be had at the Tower. A few more 
memoranda scrawled on the same sheet. 1 p. Endorsed. 13 Sept., 
'89. From Colonel Kendall about carriages and ball. [Board of 
Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 18.] 

Sept. 19. 444. Lieutenant-General Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plan- 

Antigua. tations. Since my last the French have done little, being afraid, I 

suppose, to expose their ships at this stormy season ; but as soon as 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 147 

1689. 

it is over we must expect attack. This Island is indifferent well 
secured for the present by Sir Timothy Thornhill's regiment of 
seven hundred men from Barbados, but Montserrat and Nevis are 
in great danger, the first being mostly Irish, the second near 
St. Christophers from whence the French may bring their whole 
strength, and being weakened also by the loss of many men through 
sickness and pestilential fever. I have endeavoured all I can to 
make it defensible by raising works at all landing places, but the 
people want arms, those landed from St. Christophers having few or 
none. Our stores of powder are very short everywhere, and I find 
it impossible to remedy this here, so that I cannot see how the 
Islands can be preserved from ruin except by the arrival of the fleet, 
which we daily expect. The French at St. Martin's and 
St. Bartholomew attacked Anguilla a few days after the capture of 
St. Christophers and subdued it, but from fear (I suppose) of 
reprisals have restored to the inhabitants most of their goods except 
the value of 1400 pieces-of -eight which they took to pay their expenses. 
They administered an oath of allegiance to King James, and made 
an Irishman Governor with a commission from the French 
Commander there. As soon as I heard of it I manned three vessels 
and ordered them there to retake the Island, which they did ; and 
the Irish Governor with his commission now lies here in custody. All 
the English with their slaves and goods have been brought here 
where I mean that they shall stay, Anguilla being untenable 
against a small force. The insolent behaviour of the Irish at 
Montserrat led to the arrest of several of them, but as I could not 
try them with safety during the siege of St. Christophers I shipped 
them to Jamaica. I have also caused the leading and most trouble- 
some Irish in this Island to be transported to places where they can 
give us no trouble. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 2 pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 22 Nov., 1689. Read. 23 Nov., 1689. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 41, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 48. 
pp. 253-255.] 

Sept. 19. 445. Order of the King in Council. Approving the draft corn- 
Hampton mission of Christopher Codrington as Governor of the Leeward 
Court. Islands. Signed. Cha. Montague. p. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 42.] 

[Sept. 19.] 446. Commission to Colonel Christopher Codrington to be 
Governor of the Leeward Islands. This includes power to raise 
troops and use them within or without the limits of the Government. 
[Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 2-17.] 

Sept. 19. 447. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
Hampton Philip Ludwell to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. 
mrt ' Signed. Cha. Montague. J p. Annexed, 

447. i. Petition of Philip Ludwell on behalf of the Colony of 
Virginia to the King and Council. The Colony has 
suffered under much oppression under Lord Howard's 
Government ; and the King's attention is begged to the 
following grievances. In 1685 the Governor maintained 
that he had two negative voices in the making of laws, and 
though he had assented to a law had still a negative voice. 



148 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

This caused great distraction, so much so that the 
Assembly, and two Assemblies since, broke up re infecta. 
The Governor has power to suspend Councillors, who are 
incapable of becoming burgesses during suspension. This 
is of dangerous consequence. Several members have 
been turned out of all employment and disgraced by the 
Governor without trial, and one was committed to gaol for 
some months without trial or habeas corpus. In April 1688 
the people of Accomack being met to elect their burgesses 
drew up their grievances to present to them. One of the 
Council took their grievances from them by force and 
forbade them to draw up more till they had brought them 
to him. The Assembly complained of this to the Governor 
but without redress. In June 1688 three men came from 
the South Seas to surrender under the King's proclamation, 
but were imprisoned without bail or trial, and their goods 
detained, until the Governor's departure, when they were 
released to the great danger of the country. The fort 
duties have lately been turned to other uses than the 
defence of the country, and the fortifications and guns are 
fallen to decay. King Charles II. supplied us with a 
quantity of arms and ammunition, which was spent 
without cause and without account since Lord Howard's 
arrival. Again, since Lord Culpeper's Government the 
accounts of the revenue have not been submitted to the 
Assembly. Lord Howard has also abused his power of 
erecting Courts of Judicature and appointing officers and 
fees. 3 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 24 Sept. Read 25 Sept. 
and 16 Oct., 1689. [America and West Indies. 686. 
Nos. 17, 17 1., and Col. Entry -Bk., Vol. LXXXHI., pp. 
271-277.] 

Sept. 21. 448. Privy seal for payment of Colonel James Kendall's salary. 
1,200 a year to be paid in England quarterly. Copy. 3 pp. 
[America and West Indies. 456. No. 26, and Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. VIII., pp. 153-155.] 

Sept. 21. 449. Extract from a letter from St. Malo. I heard yesterday 
that the French have besieged the English fort in St. Christophers. 
All on shore is burnt and ruined. If the fort do not surrender the 
French are going to batter it with bombs by land. Copy. Scrap. 
[America and West Indies. 550. No. 43.] 

Sept. 23. 450. Extract from a letter from Nicholas Bayard at Albany to 
a gentleman in Boston. At the outset of Leisler's rebellion all 
pressure was used to bring in some of the chief and leading men, but 
no man of sense and few of estate would be concerned except the 
captains, who stood out at first but were at last terrified and cajoled 
into humouring the proceedings. They say they were threatened with 
plunder, but I doubt if private advantage in the matter of Customs- 
dues have not been an encouragement to some of them. Of late 
several letters and protests have alarmed them, and many begin to 
reaant. Our last news is that only Peter Delanoy and Samuel 
Edsall continue to advise Leisler, but that Delanoy will set his hand 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 149 

1689. 

to nothing, throwing all responsibility on Leisler. New Jersey, 
Esopus and Albany would never approve of Leisler's rebellion, 
although several seditious people are among them, and now since 
Leisler's falsities are daily revealed, many think that even if a 
Governor should not arrive, the rebels will soon fall of themselves. 
The Five Nations stick close to Albany, and acknowledge the civil 
magistrates. They have been out most of the summer with small 
parties, endeavouring by stratagem to master Cadaraqui Fort, but 
could only speak with a priest and one other Frenchman, so went 
near Montreal, where they killed from three to four hundred men, 
as is reported. They brought back about one hundred and thirty 
prisoners, whom they have for the most part most barbarously 
tormented and burned. They continue to make incursions and bring 
in French prisoners, but a Christian heart cannot endure to see the 
cruelties they impose on these poor souls. The prisoners report 
that five ships are arrived from France, but no men-of-war or soldiers ; 
that Denonville is returning home to command some of the French 
forces ; that a new Governor is expected, and that a vessel has been 
sent to bring the Indian prisoners from France. Milborne having 
arrived at New York from Holland, it was reported that King James 
had sold this country to the French, that Dongan was recalled 
because he would not deliver it, and that Andros was put in, with me 
and some others, who had undertaken to surrender it. This lie soon 
vanished, but they daily invent new ones to buoy up the people 
in their madness. Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Plymouth 
have renewed the peace with the Indians, but the Five Nations will 
not take up the hatchet against the Annagonges until the latter 
side with the French. Added in Edward Randolph's hand. Certain 
notes as to the French priest above mentioned. Milborne is the 
same man who gave such trouble to Sir E. Andros at New York and 
in London, brother to Milborne the Anabaptist preacher, the 
great ringleader of the rebellion with us. 2 pp. Printed in New 
York Documents, III., 620. [America and West Indies. 587. 
No. 59.] 

Sept. 24. 451. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Several 
papers read as to the allowance of tonnage for officers going abroad. 
Orders for Lord Inchiquin to have the same as Lord Carlisle. 

Sept. 25. Orders received to prepare- a commission for Colonel Henry 
Sloughter as Governor of New York. Agreed to recommend 
Captain Nicholson to be Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia. Lord 
Howard handed in an account of the state in which he left Virginia. 
Colonel Ludwell's petition read (see No. 447-1.), and the case fixed to 
be heard on the 16th. The business of Jamaica appointed for the 
14th October. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 276-277, and 
(as to Lord Inchiquin) Vol. XXXII., p. 307.] 

Sept. 25. 452. Petition of Richard Lloyd to the King. For the post of 
Clerk of the Crown and Peace in Jamaica. Annexes certificates. 
Inscribed. Order of the King in Council, 10 September 1689. 
Referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. 
Signed. Shrewsbury. In the margin. Minute of Lords of Trade and 
Plantations referring it to Mr. George Treby for report. Inscribed. 



150 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

Minute, certifying that petitioner is fit for the post. Signed. Geo. 
Treby, 25 Sept., 89. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 38, and (minutes and order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XXXII., pp. 821, 322.] 

Sept. 25. 453. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lords 
having fixed the 14th of October for the hearing of Mr. Ralph 
Knight, order notice to be given to the Deputy-Governor of the 
Eoyal African Company. Draft. %p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 35.] 

Sept. 25. 454. Similar order for notice to be given to the parties 
concerned. [Ibid. No. 36.] 

Sept. 25. 455. Similar order to be given to the merchants and planters 
of Jamaica in London. [Ibid. No. 37.] 

Sept. 25. 456. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Whitehall. The King has appointed Henry Sloughter to be Governor of New 

York and desires his despatches to be prepared. Signed. Shrewsbury. 

\p. Endorsed. Eead 28 Oct., 1689. [America and West Indies. 

578. No. 60, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 204.] 

Sept. 26. 457. Order of the King in Council. Petition of John Usher 
Hampton setting forth that since the revolution at Boston he is come as 
Court. Treasurer to render his accounts to the Lords of Trade in London, 
that since his departure several persons having debts due from the 
public revenue have commenced suits against him, that the pre- 
tended Courts of Justice in Boston have given judgment against 
him, and that on this pretence he will be liable for 3,000 of 
debts contracted by the Government for purposes of war, and 
praying that he may not be molested for any such debts. Order that 
he be not molested accordingly, and that the Government at 
Boston receive instructions to that effect. Signed. Cha. Montague. 
1 p. [Board of Trade^ New England, 5. No. 36, and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 152.] 

Sept. 26. 458. Declaration of Bartholomew le Roux. Colonel Bayard 
New York, asked Captain Minviell's company, in Captain Nicholson's 
presence, why it appeared in arms at the fort, to which I answered. 
1. That we had an account that the papists were threatening to 
massacre the settlers in Staten Island and then come and burn New 
York. 2. That we had certain information of about a hundred men 
coming from Boston and elsewhere, who had been hunted away as 
Irish and papists. 3. That many of the regular soldiers in the 
fort were papists and that we did not think it secure. 4. That it 
was complained on the same day that Colonel Dongan's brigantine 
had been allowed to sail though fitted out as a man-of-war. To this 
Colonel Bayard answered, I knew from a boat just arrived from Staten 
Island that all is quiet, and if you find more than two guns in Mr. 
Laprerie's house I will give you twenty pounds. As to the brigan- 
tine, I have been aboard of her, and the captain offered to leave his 
guns behind if I would insure him against capture by pirates or 
Turks. I could not give him that security, and the guns are his 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 151 

1689. 

own, so I cannot take them ; and the captain swears that if any one 
comes to take them he will knock their brains out. As to the 
papists in the fort you are very anxious to be afraid of so few of 
them. 

Mr. Bayard lent us his boat to go to Staten Island next day to 
satisfy ourselves, and the first news we heard was that people were 
afraid to lie in their beds from fear of papists, and that there were 
arms for a hundred men at Mr. Laprerie's house. The Frenchman 
we spoke to had lain in a boat in the river from fear, and others, 
we were told, had fled to the woods. Sworn before Jacob Leisler. 
Copy. 2 pp. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 61, 62.] 

Sept. 26. 459. Depositions of Daniel de Clarke. That on intercession 
New York.' being made to Mr. van Cortlandt about a tax imposed on the people, 
be answered, "Let them be sold for it." Deposition of Andries 
and John Meyer. There was great joy when Sir Edmund Andros 
came at the prospect of deliverance from the popish Governor 
Colonel Dongan, but we find it the contrary. There was a cry that 
all the images set up by Colonel Dongan in the fort would be taken 
down, but we were ordered by Nicholson, after Sir Edmund Andres's 
departure, to help the priest John Smith to move to a better room 
in the fort and erect his things for him ; after which we knew not 
what to say or think. Sworn before Jacob Leisler. f p. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 63, 64.] 

Sept. 28. 460. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel 
Ludwell presented a further paper of grievances (see No. 462), 
which was sent to Lord Howard for his reply. Agreed to recom- 
mend an allowance of money in lieu of tonnage to Lord Inchiquin. 
[Col Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 278, 279.] 

Sept. 28. 461. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lords 
of the Admiralty pointing out the difficulty of providing three 
hundred and fifty tons of shipping for the Earl of Inchiquin on his 
passage to Jamaica, notice is to be given to both parties that the 
King will grant him 500 in lieu thereof, and to Lord Inchiquin 
that the allowance for passage and victual will be given for not more 
than seventy-five menial servants. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. A T o. 39.] 

[Sept. 28.] 462. Particulars of the grievances presented by Philip Ludwell 
(see No. 447 i.) . William Sherwood and Thomas Milner, Member and 
Clerk of Assembly, were both turned out of all employment for 
drawing up an address of the burgesses to the King. In 1686 Mr. 
Arthur Allen and Mr. John Smith, burgesses of 1685, were both 
turned out of all employment and never told why. In 1688 Mr. 
William Anderson, a member of Assembly, was by the Governor's 
order committed to prison without trial or habeas corpus, and still 
remains there. Mr. Charles Scarbrough, a burgess, was also 
turned out of all employment and his name razed from the 
Commission of the Peace. Edward Davis and his companions 



152 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

were committed to gaol, though they came to surrender under the 
King's proclamation, nor could Captain Allen prevail with the 
Governor when he applied to him, by the King's order, for the 
prisoners and their monies. Philip Ludwell, for many years a 
Councillor, was suspended and turned out of all employment in 
1687, without any chance of justifying himself, the complaint 
against him being sent to England in February and himself not 
suspended till April. He knows of no reason unless it be his 
objection as a Councillor to fees for the use of the Great Seal, when 
to reconcile all differences he proposed an address to the King on the 
whole matter. Whereupon Lord Howard flew into a great rage and 
threatened to suspend him ; to which Philip Ludwell answered by a 
complaint of a letter written by the Governor and Secretary in the 
name of the Council. He knows of no other crime that he has 
committed, and it is not likely that he would have been one of the 
three persons appointed to revise the laws if there were 
anything against him. In 1688 when Ludwell was chosen burgess 
Lord Howard forbade him to sit as a suspended Councillor, though 
he admitted a papist to sit and dispensed him from the oaths of 
allegiance and supremacy. Yet though so many have been 
suspended, the Governor refused to suspend Colonel William Fitz- 
hugh from his offices, though convicted of a high misdemeanour by 
the whole County of Stafford. So too no notice was taken of 
complaints against Colonel Curtis, but he was loaded with honour 
and favour. 2J pp. Endorsed. Presented 28 Sept., 1689. Eead 
16 Oct. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 18, and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXXXIIL, pp. 278-282.] 

Sept. 28. 463. Order of Lords of Trade and Plantations. For a copy of 
Whitehall, the complaints in the preceding abstract and of Philip Ludwell's 
former petition (see No. 256 1.) to be sent to Lord Howard of Effing- 
ham for his reply. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIIL, p. 282.] 

Sept. 28. 464. Lords of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Admiralty. We have laid before the Board your letter asking for a frigate of 350 

tons to take Lord Inchiquin, his family and seventy-five servants to 

Jamaica. Signed. Tho. Lee, M. Chicheley, J. Lowther. 1 p. 

Endorsed. Eecd. 30 Sept., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 

No. 40.] 

Sept. 30. 465. Warrant of the King to the Officers of the Ordnance. To 
supply twenty iron culverin and twenty demi-culverin to Colonel 
Kendall for Barbados, with fifty rounds of shot for each gun. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 149, 150.] 

Sept. 466. Petition of Thomas Sutton, planter of Jamaica, to the 

King. Prays enquiry as to his arrest on a Sunday by warrant of 
Chief Justice Bernard, Colonel Molesworth's partner in the Spanish 
trade, upon a charge of having traded to Guinea. Petitioner to avoid 
a heavy fine entered into a recognisance in '2,000 not to trade on 
the coast of Africa without leave of the African Company. Prays 
discharge from this recognisance. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. Sept., 
1689. Never prosecuted. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 41.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 153 

1689. 

Sept. 467. Account of ships taken lately by French privateers ; sixty- 

two ships in all, chiefly from America and the West Indies. 
Estimated loss to the King's Customs 73,050 ; loss to the 
merchants 332,8(KX 2 pp. Endorsed. Sept. 1689. [America 
and West Indies. 601. No. 18.] 

Oct. 2. 468. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. 
We have received a further letter from Mr. Eandolph, who is still 
a prisoner at Boston, with fresh complaints of the violation of the 
Navigation Acts. We enclose an extract from his letter. Signed. 
Eobt. Clayton, G. Boothe, Rich. Temple, Jo. Werden, P. Warde. 
Copy. % p. Annexed, 

468 i. Extract from a letter of Edward Randolph, 22 July, 1689. 
The ketch which bears this letter has loaded enumerated 
commodities without giving bond. My officer cannot 
seize her unless he would be knocked on the head. There 
is no law, no justice and no government. Vessels arrive 
from Holland and Newfoundland laden with wine, oil and 
brandy. I cannot trust my gaol with any of my letters for I 
am liable to be searched at any hour, and that would add 
to the charge against me of treason to the Government, as 
my acting here and commission and deputation is already 
judged to be. Copy. J p. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. Nos. 37, 37 i.] 

Oct. 4. 469. Deposition of Jehan Forat. In August, 1689, there were 
Newcastle, at Newcastle, Pennsylvania, two papist gentlemen from Maryland. 
I, as a Justice of the peace, said that they ought to be seized, but 
the other Justices said they were very honest persons, and after 
drinking King James's health with them allowed them to go. On 
the 20th of September the Governor and all the Justices searched 
for me because I had said that I would not sit in court until King 
William were proclaimed. I was put out of the Commission ; and 
when I represented that King William had been proclaimed all over 
America I was answered that, if one man had killed another, that 
was no reason why we should do the like. Copy. J p. Endorsed. 
Reed, with a letter from Captain Leisler to the Bishop of Sarum, 
20 February, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 65.] 

Oct. 6. 470. Commission of Nathaniel Blackiston to be Lieutenant- 
Governor of Montserrat. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. 
p. 66.] 

Oct. 7. 471. Council of Bermuda to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
The Governor has positively refused to admit the Council to join 
him from time to time in sending you an account of the Islands, so 
that we do not know what you may have received from him. For 
some years past we have been oppressed by arbitrary government ; 
wherefore we beg you to intercede with the King that we may enjoy 
the laws of England relating to liberty and property, and that the 
municipal laws of the Island may be executed. We beg also that 
the Governor shall henceforth be accountable to his successor before 
his departure for waste committed on the Crown-lands and for 
diminishing the number of slaves annexed to the Government, as 



154 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

also for all public money which reaches his hands or is disposed of 
by his order without the Council's approbation ; and that he be 
forced by process of law to give satisfaction for damages incurred by 
any subject through his illegal and arbitrary orders. Signed. 
William Greene, William Peniston, Perient Trott, Thomas 
Outerbridge, Lawrence Dill, Eichard Jennings, Joseph Stow, 
William Pitt, Arthur Jones. Copy. f p. Endorsed. Eecd. 
11 September 1690. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 18, 
and Col. Entry BL, Vol. XVIII., pp. 283, 284.] 

Oct. 8. 472. Governor Sir Eobert Eobinson to Lords of Trade and 
Bermuda. Plantations. I have received a packet from their Majesties as well 
as a particular letter from you. The vessel that brought it was 
discharged next day according to your orders, that she might the 
more speedily convey her packets to other parts. You inform me 
of the King's intention to recall me and send some other person in 
my place, which I hope may soon be done. I have done my utmost 
to put the Islands in a state of defence against any hostile attempts, 
by digging trenches, blocking the harbours with chains, furnishing 
the companies with what arms and ammunition we have, and appoint- 
ing a Colonel in Chief over them under myself. I really believe that 
this Island will shortly be in a better position of defence than ever 
before ; but as you know this Island is not Barbados or Jamaica. 
Barbados has sent some relief to her distressed neighbours, but we 
are too weak to provide even for our own security, so hope for relief 
from England. We conceive the French to be enemies. They have 
invaded and taken St. Christophers and continue to do mischief in 
the Leeward Islands, as we hear by certain intelligence. We have 
a fifty-gun ship here called the Lion, Captain Thomas Hewetson, 
lately came from the shores of Spain, but weakly manned. He has 
made generous offers to the people for their own security, but they 
are so addicted to their own humours that they will not spare him 
men and have causelessly detained many deserters from his ship. 
He supplied us with powder, shot and chains, and now generously 
offers to go to the help of our distressed neighbours. I have given 
him a commission for the purpose to seize what French he can. 
We are in great need of stores. I enclose the accounts of money 
received and disbursed by Mr. Eichard Ash worth, whom I appointed 
collector in succession to Mr. Trott. I have not got Trott's accounts, 
and cannot get them, but shall send them as soon as I can. I am 
ashamed to trouble you so often about so insignificant a treasury. 
I am told they have not 350 in hand. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XVIII., pp. 268-270. America and West Indies. 477. #0.19.] 

Oct. 8. 473. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Joint address to the 
Lieutenant-Governor praying him to forward an address to the 
King against the impost on sugar. Address to the King praying 
for relief from all additional duty on sugar, as under this heavy 
burden the planters can neither supply their plantations nor sup- 
port their families, and pointing to their loyal assistance to 
the Leeward Islands. Additional observation on the cost of 
making sugar, for submission to the King, showing that at 
present prices there is little margin for a profit on sugar-growing, 
and that the new duty takes that little away. The planters can no 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 155 

1689. 

longer obtain credit on security of their land, as plantations are no 
longer as well cultivated as before, cannot employ so many hands, 
and have therefore not so many white servants for the ranks of the 
militia. Many estates have fallen out of cultivation, and 
their owners have been forced to take to other trades or languish 
in gaol. There is hardly money to maintain the fortifications and 
the militia. Parliament intended the burden to fall on the consumer, 
but it falls on the planter. The King promised that in this case he 
would omit to collect it, but he was ill advised and never gave such 
relief. Draft letters to Sir Peter Colleton and others read and passed, 
asking them to further the presentation of the address and do such 
like services, and giving them authority to draw for funds for the 
purpose. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 194-206.] 

Oct. 9. 474. Commission of Sir Robert Robinson to Thomas Hewetson 
to sail to the assistance of St. Christophers. Copy. 2 pp. 
[America and West Indies. 550. No. 44.] 

Another copy of the above. [America and West Indies. 477. 
No. 20.] 

Oct. 10. 475. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to [Lord ?] Practically a 
Bermuda, duplicate of the letter of 8th October (No. 472). [America and West 
Indies. 477. No. 21.] 

Oct. 14. 476. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for removing the 
embargo on the ships, provided that they do not sail otherwise than 
in fleets. Colonel Verney's proposal for fitting out an armed sloop 
accepted. Order that Colonel Whitgift Aylemore and Major Andrew 
Langley may call regimental Courts Martial. Mr. William Smith 
granted permission to fortify his house on the north side of St. 
Elizabeth's parish. Order for sundry payments for fortifications 
and fire-ships. Order for discharge of Lucretia Hall, accused of 
witchcraft. Mr. Barrow moved for an Habeas Corpus for Roger 
Elletson and that he might be admitted to bail, which was refused, 
Sir Francis Watson and Colonel Thomas Ballard dissenting. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 1-3.] 

Oct. 14. 477. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. 
Custom On the memorial of St. Jago del Castillo (see No. 869). If the 
House. prohibition of alien ships, crews and factors to trade in British 
countries be dispensed with by law, we see no objection to the 
establishment of a Spanish factor in Jamaica as requested. As to 
the careening of ships, we would allow it only on condition that the 
goods unladen shall remain in the Revenue Officer's custody at 
the proprietor's expense as long as they are ashore. We annex a 
copy of objections to St. Jago del Castillo's proposal,' which we 
have received from Mr. Arthur Moore. Suftied. G. Boothe, Jo. 
Werden, Robt. Southwell, P. Ward, T. Pelham. 2 pp. [Board of 
Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 42, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII. , p/>. 
282-284.] 

Oct. 14. 478. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lieutenant-Governor Stede. 
What I have to offer is for their Majesties' interest, the safety of 
this Island and your Honour's glory. If you will let Colonel 
Walrond, Colonel Hallett and Mr. Bond come privately to the 



156 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

marshal's house and send for me, I shall freely communicate it 
to them. Or if you will summons me to Fontabelle secretly I will 
impart it to them there. But I think no others should know of it. 
Signed. Tho. Montgomerie. J p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. 
No. 14.] 

Oct. 14. 479. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lieutenant-Governor Stede. 
The kindness of yours gives me hope of retrieving myself and of 
doing service to you and to Barbados. I must tell you my design 
for I cannot rest till I have done so. The question is whether I 
can be trusted or not, so my desire is not to be communicated on 
paper. I hope to persuade you and your Council that I shall be 
able to prevent the malice of those who are so active at present, till 
you will be able to make them repent their attempt. Let any third 
person that you choose be present in place of Mr. Bond. But 
nothing can be done without meeting and consultation, and the 
sooner the better. If nothing comes of it you remain but where 
you were. Signed. Tho. Montgomerie. J p. [Board of Trade. 
Barbados, 4. No. 15.] 

Oct. 14. 480. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lieutenant-Governor Stede. 
I am told that I have not given sufficient particulars to merit your 
notice, so I suppose that I am distrusted before any particulars are 
heard. The particulars are the gaining of security for this Island, 
but the means I said were not communicable on paper, though I 
said that I was willing to communicate them to such persons as were 
thought proper. My first design is the removal of those outlying 
ships and to avert the ruin of the Leeward Islands until you are 
ready to meet the French in force. Secrecy and privacy are of the 
essence of the scheme. I can only call God to witness that I will 
lay down my life to preserve this or any other English place against 
the French. I cannot communicate further to you in writing. My 
whole ambition is to be restored to your favour. Signed. Tho. 
Montgomerie. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 16.] 

Oct. 15. 481. Commissioners of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and 
Admiralty. Plantations. As we have received no answer to our letter of 7 Sep- 
tember (see No. 409), we send a copy of it and beg your instructions 
as to taking up shipping and transport. Signed. Carbery, J. 
Lowther, Th. Chicheley. 1 p. Endorsed. [America and West 
Indies. 601. No. 19, and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 84, and Vol. 
XLVIL, pp. 446, 447.] 

Oct. 15. 482. Edward Eandolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Common The people here have with great impatience expected the arrival of 
Gaol, Boston. ^ e j r Agent, Mr. Mather, with a charter ; but six months are lapsed 
without news of it (though the ministers promised it within three 
months of the subversion of the Government) and now they discover 
the fraud and finding themselves deluded openly disown the power 
of the Government, and refuse to pay rates and taxes, though the 
Government have issued warrants in their Majesties' names for col- 
lecting them. Being disappointed in their hopes of, a charter they 
are distracted by fear of a force arriving from England to punish 
them, and are taking care to secure themselves. Some of the chiefs 
desire to liberate Sir Edmund Andros and others and to restore the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 157 

1689. 

subverted Government until the King's orders arrive. They also 
abominate the continued hardships put upon them, when the most 
factious men among them cannot show cause why any one of us 
should be imprisoned for one minute ; but their will is law. The 
plain truth is that, whatever their spokesman at Court may say, 
they hold fast the antimonarchical principles spread among them by 
Sir Henry Vane and Hugh Peters. Venner, who made the insurrec- 
tion soon after the Restoration, was also educated here. The other 
Colonies, finding all but a storm, are too late sensible of their haste 
in reassuming their former Governments, and forbear to act. They 
keep merely the name of authority to quiet the people till orders 
from England. The Government here, tired out with the continual 
cries of slaughter and destruction, have at last by threats and 
promises got together seven or eight hundred men, English and 
Indians, and sent them to secure the eastern parts of the Colony ; 
but they have neither discipline nor officers who know how to com- 
mand. On the 13th September a fort on Oyster river, New 
Hampshire, was taken by the enemy, and nineteen English killed 
or taken, though two hundred of the Boston forces were not far off. 
On the 20th the Indians intended to attack Casco, but Captain 
Church accidentally arriving there with some forces drove them off, 
but with loss of twelve men, no surgeon being allowed them. The 
men are daily expected home, as no care is taken to provide them 
with bread and other necessaries. 

The Mayor and principal men of Albany, being apprehensive of 
an attack on them by the French, voted to address New York for 
arms and ammunition to defend their frontiers against the French 
and Indians, who had already killed three people near Senectady. 
Jacob Leisler, the head of the rabble at New York, on receiving the 
address sent to Mr. Bradstreet for the like amount of powder and 
shot, as on survey of the stores here it was found that there were 
only twenty-eight barrels of powder. Albany's trade with the 
Indians is worth 40,000 a year ; and there are brought thence 
annually to New York 100,000 bushels of grain. Their only hope 
of safety is in the arrival of a force from England. Here the Acts 
of Trade and the laws against pirates are alike disregarded. 
Abraham Fisher, a Scotchman, lately came into Salem with a 
prize piratically taken, and sold her. He has also liberty to trade 
in Boston and has raised his crew from forty to seventy men. The 
French have lately taken six Salem ketches off Cape Sable while 
H.M.S. Rose is detained in Boston harbour. Nothing will induce 
them to return Captain George his sails, that he may be able to pro- 
tect the coasts. Thus the authority of the Crown and the peace of the 
country are contemned by a few turbulent and ungovernable spirits, 
and so openly that they have shown that force is the only argument 
that can convince them. Signed. Ed. Randolph. Holograph. 
2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 23 Feb., 1689. Read 25 Feb., ' 1689. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. A 7 o. 38, and Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. LXII., pp. 164-167.] 

483. Abstracts of Edward Randolph's letters of 5 September 
and 15 October (A T o*. 407, 482.) 2J pp. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 39.] 



158 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

[Oct. 15.] 484. Abstract of a letter from Elizabeth Usher to John Usher. 
Boston, 16 October, 1689. It is now eighteen weeks since your 
departure. The Indian war is as hot as ever, and the people flock 
here from Eastward. There is little trade, and the ferment is as 
great as ever. Sir Edmund Andros lately escaped to Ehode Island, 
but was made prisoner by Mr. Sanford and sent back. Mr. Graves, 
Deacon Guttler, his two sons, and Captain Sprauge are all 
imprisoned for disowning authority, setting up courts and levying 
rates. There is a considerable army to Eastward, which does as 
little good as formerly. p. 

Extract from a letter from Edward Randolph to the same. 
"Common gaol in New Algiers" 16 October, 1689. Details as to the 
Indian War. The Government have sent out their warrants by 
Philipps of Charlestown to summon the people. Charlestown has 
some good men left. Mr. Greaves, Captain Sprauge, Captain 
Hammond and two Guttlers opposed Mr. Russell's reopening Court 
at Cambridge and were summoned before the Council, where they 
denied its power to hold Courts or raise money. They were ordered 
to Cambridge gaol, but they of Charlestown threaten to fetch them 
out, so Sprauge is voted out of the House of Deputies and he and 
Hammond put out from being Captains. Few or none will pay any 
money in Boston even for a poor rate, denying the Government's 
power ; Salem will not pay a penny. . To-day Mr. Dudley had his 
estate at Roxbury attached at the suit of Wise for 1,000 for denying 
him a habeus corpus. The laws of England are turned to account 
when they are to their advantage. Copies. The whole, 1 p. 
Endorsed. Reed. 25 February, 1689-90. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 40.] 

[Oct. 16.] 485. Enclosures in the foregoing letter. : 

i. Warrant of John Philipps, Treasurer to the Freemen of 
Newbury to levy a rate after estimating the estates of the 
town. September, 1689. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed by 
Edward Randolph. 

ii. Protest of Thomas Greaves against the holding of a Court 
at Cambridge, as illegal. 21 September, 1689. Copy. 
lp. 

in. Extract from minutes of Council at Boston. 24 September, 
1689. Thomas Greaves admitted his protest against the 
holding of a Court at Cambridge and maintained that he 
had done right. He was committed to the custody of the 
keeper of Cambridge prison. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Reed, with a letter from Mr. Randolph. 23 February, 
1689-90. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. Nos. 40, 
40, i-ra.] 

Oct. 16. 486. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Letter from 
the Admiralty of 15th inst. read (see No. 481) . The Lords agreed 
as to their reply. The case between Ralph Knight and the African 
Company heard. The Lords agreed on their report (sec No. 493). 
The controversy between Colonel Ludwell and Lord Howard of 
Effingham heard. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CH., pp. 280-282.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 159 

1689. 

Oct. 16. 487. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the 
business of Jamaica will be despatched on the 18th, whereof all 
parties will take notice. Draft. J p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica. 6. 

No. 43.] 

Oct. 16. 488. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The 
Lord President is desired to move the King to order 500 to be paid 
to Lord Inchiquin for his accommodation and the freight of his 
goods to Jamaica. Draft. J p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 44.] 

Oct. 16. 489. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the letter 
Whitehall. of 15 inst> (jVo . 43!) frouj t he Admiralty, the Lords desire the 
Admiralty to provide shipping to take the extra three months' 
provisions to the Leeward Islands, but not to carry a Governor 
thither, since the King has appointed Colonel Codrington. The King 
will be moved next Council to decide as to the freight for the 
Earl of Inchiquin, Governor of Jamaica. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., 
pp. 85, 86, and Vol. XLVIL, p. 448.] 

[Oct. 16.] 490. Lord Howard of Effingham to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
tions. In reply to Mr. Ludwell's petition (see Nos. 447 i, 462) I need 
not repeat his antecedents. As to the article about my claiming two 
negative voices, the case is this. A bill sent up by the burgesses 
was amended in the Council ; there were amendments agreed to by 
the burgesses, and the bill was marked by the Clerk as assented to. 
But when it had been fairly engrossed I found that one clause had 
been materially altered in the copying. I caused this to be put right 
and sent the bill down to the burgesses again. They maintained 
that the bill had been passed according to the garbled copy, and that 
I had assented to it, nor, though I offered to submit the case for the 
King's decision, would they pass any bill unless this garbled Act were 
passed too. I prorogued them and reported the matter to the King, 
by whose order I dissolved the Assembly as a mark of the royal 
displeasure, and dismissed the clerk who had garbled the bill. As 
to the power to suspend councillors I understand that it has been 
altered since the issue of my last commission, but I told Ludwell 
what was charged against him, reported the matter to the King and 
received the King's order to displace him. Then, as to members 
having been driven from employment without examination or trial, 
I did displace some few officers and put in others more knowing, while 
settling the militia. Mr. Anderson, the person who is mentioned 
as having been imprisoned, incited the people not to receive those 
officers, alleging that the Governor had no power to dismiss officers 
of militia ; and had not Colonel Custis of the Council been present 
there would have been a mutiny. Knowing Anderson to be restless 
and mutinous I required security for good behaviour from him, and as 
he refused to find it he was imprisoned until he consented to do, 
when he was at once released. As to the article relating to the 
grievances of Accomack, reference to the journals will shew that 
when the burgesses complained, I told them that the paper seized 
was not the paper of grievances, but that Colonel Custis should be 
cautioned against such hasty action in future. As to the three 
pirates, I have already given an explanation (tt- A'o. 281). They have 



160 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

been released by the Council since my departure and permitted to come 
to England for their pardon on giving security for good behaviour. 
As to the condition of the fortifications I found Virginia considerably 
in debt at my first coming, and no money at hand for the fortifications, 
but in these two last years I have caused them to be repaired. As to 
the arms, there has been no account since my arrival. Several of 
them were burned when the guard house was burned, as the 
petitioner well knows, the rest I repaired and distributed in different 
places. As to the revenue, it is entirely at the King's disposal ; 
and as to the complaint of abuse of my power of erecting 
forts and fixing fees I submit the matter to the King. Now as to 
the further paper of particulars. When I first came to Virginia the 
Assembly drew up an address to the King which I and the Council 
thought unfit to be presented, as reflecting on the royal prerogative, 
but none the less offered to join them in drawing up a suitable 
address : never the less they sent their address without our con- 
currence. What followed has already been reported to you ; and the 
King approved my action. Messrs. Smith and Allen were not 
displaced on account of their proceedings in the Assembly, but 
because, being justices of the peace, they openly opposed the ap- 
pointment of sheriffs by the Governor and wished the matter to be 
settled according to a law which had been long repealed. Mr. Allen 
refused a commission as captain of horse from me, so I offered him 
no other. As to admitting papists and dispensing with oaths 
of allegiance and supremacy, this was in accordance with 
my orders, pursuant to the King's declaration of indulgence. As to 
Mr. Fitzhugh, I refer you to the Minutes of Council for my 
justification. Other matters I have already answered. Signed. 
Effingham. 12 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 16 Oct., 89. [America and 
West Indies. 636. No. 19, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIIL, 
pp. 283-295.] 

[Oct. 16.] 491. State of the case between Lord Howard and Philip 
Ludwell. An abstract of the charges and the answer arranged in 
parallel columns. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIIL, pp. 296-299.] 

Oct. 16. 492. Lord Inchiquin to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Custom Owing to the proximity of the French at Petit Guavos and 
Hispaniola at least three frigates will be necessary to secure the 
safety of Jamaica and the convoys. Signed. Inchiquin. 1 p. 
Endorsed. 16 Oct. 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 45.] 

Oct. 17. 493. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. On the 

Hmuse 1 petition of the Royal African Company (see No. 259 i.) we recommend 

that the Act increasing the value of pieces-of-eight be repealed, and 

the passing of such acts forbidden for the future. [Col. Entry Bk., 

Vol. XXXII., p. 277.] 

Oct. 17. 494. Order of the King in Council. Disallowing the Jamaica 
Act of 1688, for fixing the value of pieces-of-eight. Lord Inchiquin's 
instructions to contain a clause on the subject. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XXXII., p. 278.] 

495. Order of the King in Council. For the Lords of the 
Admiralty to provide a hundred tons of shipping for transport of 
Lord Inchiquin's goods and servants to Jamaica. Rough draft. 
Undated. See No. 461. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 48.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 161 

1689. 

496. Instructions to William Earl of Inchiquin as Governor of 
Jamaica. The Council to consist of Sir Francis Watson, Thomas 
Freeman, Thomas Ballard, William Ivy, John White, James 
Walker, John Bourden, George Needham, Peter Beckford, Peter 
Heywood, Thomas Eyves. No act or order altering the value of 
current money is to be permitted without the royal leave or order. 
No fines over 10 to be remitted without reporting the same as in 
England for approval. Forfeited estates of pirates to be held 
pending signification of the royal pleasure. No court of judi- 
cature to be established without special royal permission. Report 
of arms and ammunition to be furnished. Appeals to the King in 
Council to be allowed in cases of fines exceeding 500. A law to 
be passed if possible to restrain inhumanity to white servants or 
slaves. Authority to fortify landing places if necessary. Account 
of the appeal of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria to be transmitted. 
Transported servants to serve for four years. Sir Francis Watson 
to be paid at the rate of 500 a year from the day of the Duke of 
Albemarle's death, and his conduct to be reported on for decision 
whether 500 more shall be paid to him. Countersigned. 
Shrewsbury. Annexed. List of Council of Jamaica. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 247-273.] 

Oct. 17. 497. William Blathwayt to Secretary to the Admiralty. 
Asking what tonnage is allowed to Colonel Kendall for transport of 
his household goods to Barbados. Draft. % p. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. No. 46.] 

Oct. 17. 498. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. Tonnage for 
Colonel Kendall was asked for twenty-six servants, ten horses, two 
coaches and forty tons household goods. Orders have since been 
received for ten tons more. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 47.] 

499. Petition of Merchants and Planters of Jamaica now in 
London. The French at Petit Guavos, which is almost in sight of 
our Island, are strong, and the place is a nest of pickeroons. A 
valuable fleet with ammunition and necessaries to the value of 
200,000 needs a convoy. We beg for the appointment of at 
least two good sailing frigates for the purpose. Copy. 1J pp. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 50.] 

Oct. 18. 500. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Com- 
missioners of Customs present their report as to Santiago de 
Castillo's claims for the Assiento (see No. 477). [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. CIX. p. 283.] 

Oct. 18. 501. Secretary to the Treasury to William Blathwayt. Forward- 
ing report of Commissioners of Customs on the petition of St. Jago 
del Castillo (see No. 477). Signed. Will. Jephson. J p. [Board of 
Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 49.] 

Oct. 18. 502. William Blathwayt to Mr. Bowies'. Forwarding the minute 
of Lords of Trade and Plantations of 16th inst. (see No. 495). [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 449.] 



162 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

Oct. 19. 503. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lieutenant-Governor Stede. 
I should have preferred to have attended you, but at your orders I 
commit what I have to say to writing. The capture of the two 
ships near our roadstead has set me thinking first as to the present 
strength of the French, secondly, as to their designs, and thirdly as 
to measures for their disappointment. As to their power, I suppose 
we may accept on information that they have eight or ten well 
found vessels as well as smaller fry for transport, but at any rate 
they have undoubtedly command of the sea. As to their men, the 
Government is so absolute that all must embark if ordered, without 
respect of persons ; and they have enough to give us a hotter 
engagement here than we expect or can wish to realise. They are 
encouraged by the reputation of their General, the experience of 
their officers and the discipline of their men. As to their design I 
am sure it is against Barbados, for their operations to Leeward 
have come for some time to a stop, since half of the Islands are 
willing to side with them against the other. They are moreover 
flushed with their late victory and are not likely to sit still ; and 
I am confirmed in this opinion by the presence and boldness of the 
ships round this Island. We may be sure that there are more of 
these than we have seen, and it is plain that they are bent upon 
collecting shipping, which they will need in great quantity before they 
can transport troops to this Island. Again the reports of deserters 
encourage them by accounts of our weakness. How soon they will 
be ready for the attempt is not hard to guess, for at the present 
rate they are helping themselves rapidly to our ships and stores. 

Now as to the means of foiling them, which in my melancholy 
imprisonment occupies all my thoughts. I should not propound 
this project were not I the instrument for its execution. 
All their confidence is built on the intelligence of discontented 
men from hence. To counteract that you must let me escape to 
Martinique, where the French, knowing that I have come from 
long imprisonment will give the more credence to my reports of the 
strength of the Island, and of your design to attack Martinique. 
The French being divided will then be obliged to concentrate. Here 
follows a very long table of reasons why this project should be adopted 
and its author trusted. The whole, 3 closely written pages. {Board 
of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 17.] 

Oct. 20. 504. Declaration of Nicholas Bayard to the officers of the train- 
New York, bands of New York. Ordering them not to abet or aid Jacob 

Leisler, he having no authority from King William and Queen 

Mary for his actions. Copy. 1 p. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 

Printed in New York Documents, III., 658. [America and West 

Indies. 578. No. 66.] 

Oct. 22. 505. The Council of Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plan- 
James City, tations. We regret to report the death on 23 September of 
Nicholas Spencer, the Secretary. William Cole has been appointed 
in his place till the King's pleasure be known. As this place has 
always been held by a Councillor we beg the King's favour that 
Mr. Cole may be continued in it. On 26th August while H.M.S. 
Deptford was at anchor in the Potomac, Captain Berry being ill 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 168 

1689. 

in the cabin, she was upset by a sudden violent gust of wind and 
eight men drowned. We sent at once for Captain Eowe of H.M.S. 
Dumbarton, but his ship was on the careen. He has since informed 
the President that he will proceed to the wreck and try to weigh her. 
If she cannot be raised he has orders to save her guns, etc. On 
the 9th September the President received notice of the declaration of 
war with France. We shall do our best to put the country in a 
state of defence. Our chief apprehension is from the Northern 
Indians, who may give us great trouble on the frontiers. Ammuni- 
tion of all kinds is very scarce, and it would be a great encourage- 
ment if the King would order a supply to be sent to us. The 
country, God be praised, is in peace and quietness at present. 
Signed. Nathaniel Bacon, Ralph Wormeley, Rich. Lee, Jno. Custis, 
John Page, Wm. Byrd, Christopher Wormeley, Isaac Allerton, Jno. 
Armistead. 4 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 13 Dec., 1689. Read 29 
Dec., 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 20, and Board 
of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 9-11.] 

Oct. 23. 506. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Lieutenant- 
Governor brought to notice of the House the danger to the Island 
from the presence of two French men-of-war. Joint Committee 
appointed to consider the question, who agreed that two great ships 
and a sloop should be hired and fitted out. Resolutions carried for 
a levy on negroes, and an act for the purpose read a first time. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 207-209.] 

Oct. 22. 507. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Kendall. 
Whitehall. Directing him to give every facility for the appeal of Richard Knight, 

and to transmit authentic copies of all documents. Signed. 

Carmarthen, Shrewsbury, Nottingham. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 

VIII., pp. 157-159.] 

Oct. 23. 508. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. The ships 

Admiralty, formerly designed for the West Indies were all hired ships and have 

since been discharged by the King's order. The Admiralty have 

since appointed ships of the Royal Navy instead, of which I enclose 

a list. Signed. P.Bowles. J p. Annexed, 

508 i. List of the West Indian squadron. Third Rate. Mary, 54 

guns. Four Eates. Bristol, Foresight, Assistance, 

Jersey, Tiger, all of 42 guns, St. David, 46 guns, 

Hampshire, 40 guns. Fifth Rate. Swan, 28 guns. 

Fireships. St. Paul, 10, Richard and John, 10. [America 

and West Indies. 550. Nos. 45, 45 1., and Col. Entry 

Bks., Vol. XLVII., pp. 449, 450, and Vol. C., pp. 87, 88.] 

Oct. 24. 509. Copy of a letter from Boston. I have received no injury 
Boston. since my release, but Sir Edmund Andros and others are still 
imprisoned. All parties earnestly long for orders from England to 
settle us, and indeed they are wanted, for the people grow very 
disorderly under the present constitution, and this terrible Indian war 
is an almost insupportable expense. Our enemies are Eastern 
Indians living near the French at Port Royal and Penobscot, and by 
them supplied with ammunition. Their country is full of wide 
rivers which they cross in birch-bark canoes which they carry on 
their backs, so it is hard for us to follow them. Sir Edmund 



164 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

Andros by his personal presence with the soldiers and long tiresome 
marches had driven them last winter to great distress, but since he 
has been seized, his officers imprisoned and his garrisons dismantled, 
the barbarians have taken heart and done us much mischief. 
Unless the Crown send a Governor-General and a good standing 
force and unite these petty Governments, this country will be in 
danger of being overrun by the French and Indians ; and then 
farewell to the West Indian plantations, which cannot subsist 
without our provisions and lumber. Efforts have been made to turn 
the Mohawks against our enemies, but they cannot, because of their 
war with the French, on whom the barbarians have made bloody 
spoil this summer, having killed five hundred of them, some with 
horrible torments. We are dispossessed of the whole county of 
Cornwall, part of East York and the whole of Maine. Our new 
Government have sent about six hundred men after the Indians, but 
they are an intelligent enemy, understand our condition, and are 
much helped by the French, so they will prove troublesome enemies. 
Among other irregularities and licentiousness here not a few people 
have turned pirates, beginning at first with small boats and so rising 
to sloops and ships, which have much impaired our traffic, so much 
that the merchants by common consent have equipped a small war- 
sloop, H.M.S. Eose being dismantled by the Government. The 
sloop met one of the corsairs on the 4th, and after two hours' sharp 
action took him. Many were killed and wounded on both ships, 
and thus we cut each other's throats, neither side having any 
commission to fight. Nine Mohawks from Albany have been given 
new coats and new laced hats, and seem to promise not to help our 
enemies against us. They wanted to see Sir Edmund Andros in 
the castle, and on their way were treated and saluted by a merchant 
ship, but were not taken on board H.M.S. Eose, as though she were 
less considerable than a merchant ship. The poor barbarians are 
made to think Boston the greatest power on earth. Sir Edmund 
Andros would not see the Indians, asking if his keeper meant to 
make a show of him. The castle also saluted these bloody 
barbarians at their going off. Albany much dreads a French 
attack and has asked for reinforcement. If that be lost New York 
follows, and we are only four days' sail from New York. One of our 
privateers on the coast off Pernaquid was told by Indians ashore 
that not an Englishman was left in these parts. The ship was 
under French colours, and the man spoke French to the Indians, 
but one of them chancing to speak English was at once attacked. 
Copy. llpp. Endorsed. Eecd. 25 Feb. 1689-90. [Board of 
Trade. New England, 5. No. 41.] 

Oct. 25. 510. Edward Randolph to the Bishop of London. I here give 

" From the you an account of the insurrection here and of the imprisonment of 

^"Algiers*" ^ r Edmund Andros, myself and others for being members of the 

Church of England. Mr. Mather's book against the Common 

Prayer, managed by the Ministers, has persuaded the people that we 

were idolaters and therefore not fit to be entrusted longer with the 

Government. You will see by my letters to the Lords of Trade that 

the people here, finding nothing but losses in their trade, confusion, 

and disorder are to follow, are impatient for orders from England to 

enable them to defend themselves against the French and Indians. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 165 

1689. 

I have certain intelligence that the French mean to attack Albany 
in January, when the lakes and rivers are all frozen. I doubt not 
that they will take it unless orders arrive from England to prevent 
them. I enclose some papers which are well liked by 
the moderate party here. Copies of the paper called the 
Present State of New England have been sent to several 
of the ministers, but make no impression on them, nor 
has one of them offered to answer any part of it. You will do an 
act of great justice and favour to us and to all sufferers by this revolt 
if you would cause this to be printed by authority in England, with 
their libellous declaration prefixed, and send several copies over 
here for distribution. I must not omit also to enclose you a sermon 
preached by young Mr. Mather, who is discovered to be the abettor, 
if not the author, of a scandalous libel dispersed three months 
before the revolt, which prevented proceedings against him for that 
and for his book against the Common Prayer at the following Court. 
This man with Mr. Morton and others of the gang is very active in 
promoting anti-monarchical principles and will oppose all com- 
mands from their Majesties which will not serve their interest 
(by them called the interest of Jesus Christ). It is now 
nearly eighteen months since Mr. Morton preached at Charles- 
town, encouraging his hearers to wait with patience, for it 
would not be long before God restored their ancient Magis- 
trates. These ministers have persuaded them that their charter 
could not be violated, that therefore the vacating of it by process at 
law was illegal, that the charter continues as valid as ever, that 
all laws made in pursuance of that charter are binding, that by their 
charter they had an absolute power to elect all their officers once a 
year and were authorized to resist any who withstood it, that King 
James's despatch of Sir Edmund Andros as Governor with a 
hundred men to garrison the forts was a hostile invasion on them 
and their liberties, and that they wanted only an opportunity to 
assert their charter-right by force to destroy all that oppose them. 
When they seized us they told us we were prisoners of war and keep 
a guard of foot-soldiers on us still. Every night they review the 
guard and beat tattoo as if Boston were a garrison-town ; 
sometimes they are for trying us by court-martial, but 
would be glad to see Mr. Mather return first with their 
charter. Their resolutions and proceedings shew that they 
can bring no charge against us, but the breach of their 
capital law. This people have quite unmasked themselves and 
discovered the whole intrigue of their Christian policy that they 
are a hypocritical, wicked and bigoted people, following their 
ministers with a most zealous and implicit faith. Force is the only 
remedy. No man of the Church of England or of any other 
principles but their own in religion can be safe, nor can then- colony 
thrive or be of advantage to England unless some of the principal 
promoters and actors in this rebellion receive their merits. Sir 
Edmund Andros is in danger to be starved this winter, being kept 
in a very damp low room in the Castle without a fire-hearth. Sii/nnl. 
Ed. Randolph. Holograph. 1| pp. Endorsed. Reed. 25 Feb. 89-90. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 42.] 



166 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 



1689. 

Oct. 25. 511. Abstracts of letters from Edward Eandolph to William 
Blathwayt. 25 October. The Indians have captured the fort at 
Oyster Eiver. The people are resisting the collection of rates 
imposed by the Government. Connecticut is coming round to Sir 
E. Andros. Agents have been sent to the Maquas ; and the French 
have ordered their Indians to attack us. At Salem a pirate 
continues to take in men. Several ships are trading contrary to 
the Acts of Navigation. Bradstreet's officers seized a barrel of 
brandy from Newfoundland. The owner told him that if he did not 
return it he would land a hundred men and put him out of his 
Government. Unless the charter come soon, they will not be able 
to keep the people quiet. 

To Mr. Povey. 8 October. The Governor, Mr. Palmer and 
Mr. Graham are kept in a room smaller than the room next 
the park in Mr. Blathwayt's house. The Governor is not allowed 
ink, nor to speak with anyone unless a keeper be present. 

To Captain Nicholson. 25 October. The Bostoners say that 
their daily expense is 110, and that they know not how to 
raise it. They made a poor cess in Boston ; some of the faction 
pay, most refuse ; and there is no remedy. The Governor is treated 
worse than any of us. There is sometimes six inches of water in 
his room. It is reported that Mather has obtained the charter. 
They now talk of nothing but trying and executing the Governor, 
myself, etc. Copy. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 48.] 

Oct. 26. 512. Edward Eandolph to the Bishop of London. Not long 
since, Major Howard, a man of good estate, declared in his will that 
he was of the Church of England and made Colonel Lydgott and Mr. 
Foxcroft his executors, both like him Churchmen and of good estate. 
He died soon after and they made a grave in the burying place by 
our church, intending to bury him there and to have the office for 
burial read, as he had appointed in his will. But his wife by the 
advice of Mr. Moody had a grave made for him at the North Church 
burying place, and Mr. Moody sent word to the executors that he 
would have men enough in the street to shew them his burial place, 
and he was buried as Moody had directed. Thus imperious are the 
godly people of New England grown already, who will take upon 
them to dispose of the dead as of the living. I enclose a copy of 
the warrant to our keeper, made six months after our imprisonment, 
so that he has executed his office without order or commission for 
the same. You will see that they adhere to the form used in their 
declaration, that they detain us to await the justice of the King, Queen 
and Parliament, thereby intending that they will not admit nor 
acquiesce in the royal orders without the concurrence of Parliament. 
This is not to be imputed to ignorance ; it is intended for purposes 
of evasion unless the royal orders favour their late proceedings. 
Signed. Ed. Eandolph. Holograph. If pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 25 
Feb., 1689-90. Annexed, 

512 i. Warrant of the Bepresentatives of Massachusetts for the 
detention of the prisoners imprisoned during the Bevolu- 
tion. 10 October, 1689. Signed. Ebenezer Prout. -Scrap. 
Inscribed by Edward Eandolph. " The continuance of 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 167 

1689. 

this admirable order cost the country about 50. T'was 
made in a full meeting of Governor, Council and 
Representatives, and is the whole produce after seven or 
eight days' sitting. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
Nos. 44, 44 1.] 

Oct. 26. 513. Simon Bradstreet to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Boston. Divers months past we sent home an account of our proceedings 
and still daily await orders for settlement of the Government. 
After waiting some weeks from the time of the dissolution of the 
late Government, and no intelligence arriving from England, we 
yielded to the importunity of the people and the necessity of the 
occasion and accepted the Government under the rules of our old 
charter. But since the alteration of our ancient settlement many 
strangers are come in among us under the late Government, who de- 
pended on the same for employment and had expectations of building 
fortune on the ruin of the inhabitants ; whereof being disappointed 
by the present change they are malcontent and disaffected towards 
the Government. These people, as no orders have arrived from 
England, are busy to weaken the hands of the Government and to 
cause disturbances and confusion by insinuation of false reports. 
The Indian war we have endeavoured to check, but ineffectually, 
by seeking out the provoking causes, but our efforts have been 
of no avail. The Indians, doubtless incited by the French, 
continued their hostility, increasing their numbers until we were 
obliged to levy soldiers to repel them. They have made great 
depredations in New Hampshire and Maine and some in 
Massachusetts, but Maine is the chief seat of war. A considerable 
force is already abroad against them in two bodies to the eastward 
by the joint concurrence of ourselves, Connecticut and New 
Plymouth, but the woods and rivers make it difficult to come up 
with the enemy, it being their manner to skulk or move in small 
parties. It is for God to give us success, though our efforts for 
defence have not been wholly unsuccessful. .The whole expense 
has been borne by a few private persons, there being no public 
Treasury to be found upon the Revolution and the stores of 
ammunition being very low. We hope that what we have 
done may not be judged offensive. We cannot think ourselves 
secure from the French, who are said to be in great force in the 
West Indies. Pray assure their Majesties of our loyalty and 
obedience. Signed. S. Bradstreet. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read 
25 Feb. 1689-90. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 45, 
and Col. Entry BL, Vol. LXII, pp. 158-156.] 

Oct. 27. 514. Sir Francis Watson to [Earl of Shrewsbury?] . Yours of the 
Jamaica. 15th and 19th April are received, and your orders have been obeyed. 
My patience and the good humour of the greatest part of the in- 
habitants contributed not a little to allay the grievous animosities 
now raging in the Island owing to the violent proceedings of the 
restored officers. Roger Elleston, made Chief Justice by the late 
Duke of Albemarle, was accused by the Attorney General of treason- 
able matter and taken into custody, and on moving for his habeas 
corpus was denied, contrary to my opinion and Colonel Thomas 
Ballard's, a Councillor ever since the Restoration. I hope that you 



168 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1689. 

will bestow your patronage on this Island, which languishes for 
want of care. Signed. F. Watson. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 4 Jan., 
1689-90. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. A T o. 51. Copies in 
America and West Indies. Vol. 540. No. 18, and Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XXXII., pp. 329, 330.] 

Oct. 27. 515. Sir Francis Watson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I 
forgot to acquaint you that though I have often required the 
Attorney General and Councillors to administer the oaths to me, 
they still refuse it. All persons continue in their offices, but Chief 
Justice Bernard will not hold a supreme Court till further powers 
arrive from the King. Mr. Elletson is accused by the Attorney 
General of treasonable matters and was committed by the Council. 
He moved for a habeas corpus but was denied, contrary to my own 
opinion and Colonel Ballard's, though he offered 100,000 security. 
Much dissatisfaction has been caused, for Mr. Elletson is generally 
beloved, and the planters all think they may be treated likewise. 
Laurens with a ship and two hundred men touched at Montego Bay 
the other day and did no harm, but said that he would obtain a 
commission at Petit Guavos and return to plunder the whole of the 
North side of the Island. The people are so affrighted that they 
have sent their wives and children to Port Eoyal. There is a report of 
seventeen French sail at Cuba. We have done what we can for our 
defence by erecting fortifications. I have several times urged to the 
Council the necessity for proclaiming martial law, but they refuse, 
though it has formerly been kept up for nine months or more on the 
rebellion of forty slaves. The Biscayans continue their violence, 
but two of our sloops lately beat off one of the ablest of their ships. 
Signed. F. Watson. 1J pp. Endorsed. Eecd. from the Earl of 
Shrewsbury, 4 Jan., 1689-90. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 52, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 327-329.J 

[Oct.] 516. The Council of Jamaica to [Earl of Shrewsbury ?]. Since 

your letter of the 15th April we have done our best to put ourselves 
in a state of defence. The sending away of H.M.S. Assistance was 
a great misfortune, which has compelled us to keep H.M.S. Drake, 
although she was ordered home. We are grateful for the King's 
protection and pray for his welfare. Signed. F. Watson, Tho. 
Ballard, John White, John Bourden, J. Fuller. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Eecd. from My Lord the 4th January, 1689-90. The King's 
commands signified by letter of 15 April. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. No. 58. Copies in America and West Indies. Vol. 540. 
No. 14, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 815, 316.] 

Oct. 28. 517. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel 
Sloughter's proposals read (see No. 521). Agreed to recommend 
part of them to the King. Colonel Sloughter's commission read 
and approved. The Attorney General's report on the petition of 
Eichard Lloyd read. Petition of John Stede (see No. 426) 
read and to be recommended to the King. Draft instructions 
to Captain Wright read and consideration postponed for the 
attendance of Naval Officers. Order for the great guns for 
Barbados to be shipped in the squadron. Order for transport to be 
provided for Captain Fowke. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 284- 
286, and (as to Barbados) Vol. VIII., pp. 150, 151.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 169 

1689. 

Oct. 28. 518. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We find on 
examination that Mr. Richard Lloyd is tit to hold the post of Clerk 
of the Crown and Peace of Jamaica (see No. 452). [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XXXII.,p. 323.] 

Oct. 28. 519. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. Requiring the 
attendance of Sir John Berry and Captain Wright at the Committee 
on the 30th inst. when the instructions for the Admiral of the West 
Indian squadron will be considered. Draft. p. Endorsed. 
The like letter for them to attend on the 1st and 6th of November. 
[America and West Indies. 550. No. 47.] 

[Oct. 28.] 520. Petition of the Planters trading to the Leeward Islands to 
the King. We have already petitioned for assistance to these 
Islands, for want of which St. Christophers and Anguilla are already 
lost. The rest will be lost also unless a sufficient force be sent 
immediately. 36 signatures. Large sheet. Endorsed. Read 28 
October, 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 46.] 

[Oct. 28.] 521. Reasons humbly offered to the Lords of Trade and Plan- 
tations for the preservation of New York. The Government is at 
present held by a rabble ; and the province is invaded by the French 
and their Indian allies. The situation of the city is such that if it 
fell into the hands of the French the whole trade of America would 
be ruined. It is therefore necessary (1) that a Council should be 
nominated. (2) That a naval and military force should be sent over. 
(3) That the fortifications of Albany should be enlarged and that 
Senectady should be fortified. (4) That two forts and platforms 
should be erected on Sandy Hook and the Narrows, and (5) a 
smaller platform at Hell Gate (6) That ammunition, arms and 
equipment should be sent over (7) That the alliance with the Five 
Nations should be renewed. 1. It will be necessary for defrayment 
of the expenses of Government to unite Connecticut, the Jerseys 
and Pennsylvania with New York. 2. That New York should be 
the only port of entry for ships. 3. That no private proprietors 
be allowed to make alliances with the Indians, but that all treaties 
be in the name of the King and Queen. 4. That the Susquehannah 
river be annexed to New York. N.B. If the French took New York 
the first thing they would do would be to erect a mole to protect 
privateers and men of war, so that it would be impossible for any 
ships from those parts to pass free. 2 pp. Endorsed. Presented 
by Col. Slater. Reed. 28 October, 1689. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 67.] 

Oct. 28. 522. Edward Randolph to Robert Chaplin. It is with grief and 
Boston. astonishment that I inform you of the ill-treatment that Sir E. 
Andros meets with at the Castle. According to an account received 
from a gentleman yesterday he is kept in a low room seventeen feet 
long and nine feet "broad, in which stand two bedsteads, two close 
stools, a table and other necessaries ; and this is all the accommodation 
allowed to him and to Mr. Graham to reside in day and night. 
There is no chimney in it, nor can be unless they would set their 
beds on fire. When they can they open the door and set the 
table partly out of the room, as not above two can get .at it. 
The room stands so low that the rain sometimes stands five or six 



170 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

inches on the floor or higher. The room is so built that the castle- 
walls make two sides of it and what rain falls upon them soaks 
down, so that it is always very damp. They are locked up at six at 
night and the door is not opened till eight in the morning, and they 
have not five feet to walk in all that time. His servant is not 
allowed to assist him in ease of any accident, and, now that winter 
approaches, the passage between Boston and the Castle is very 
hazardous and uncertain, so that in bad weather he may want bread 
and beer for five or six days together, and unless he be speedily 
removed the cold will kill him. This has been represented to the 
Governor and Council, who pretend that they are very sorry for it, 
but I have as yet heard of no redress. His keeper is Captain 
Fairweather, a very strict zealot and Church monitor, and his villainy 
not to be forgotten. The Governor has preserved a great stock of 
rabbits on the Island, which this Fairweather kills and treats his 
friends with, but has not presented one to the Governor, nor will he 
suffer the Governor's own cook to dress his diet for him. The 
Governor had also a good milch-cow on the Island ; Fairweather 
has taken her to Boston for the use of his family so that the 
Governor can get no milk but only water. I, thank God, have got 
me a little place in the common gaol, but am in danger to be stunk 
up by the filling of the gaol with poor prisoners, especially wounded 
men, who rot and perish for want of men to dress their wounds. 
From the mercies of such cruel men Good Lord deliver us. Pray 
let my wife know that I am well. Signed. Ed. Randolph. 2 pp. 
Endorsed. Reed, from Mr. Chaplin, 28 Feb., 1689. [Board of 
Trade. New England, 5. No. 46.] 

Oct. 80. 523. Simon Bradstreet to the Earl of Shrewsbury. Repeating 
Boston. the account of the preparations against the Indians reported in his 
letter of 26 October (see No. 513). Signed. S. Bradstreet, Govr. 
1 p. Endorsed. Read at the Committee, 25 Feb., 1689-90. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 47 ; and Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 157, 158.] 

Oct. 30. 524. Governor and Council of Massachusetts to the Earl of 
Boston. Shrewsbury. The gentlemen at Albany have written to us for aid 
to reinforce the garrison against apprehended attack by the French. 
They say that they have applied to New York, but cannot be 
supported from thence, and such is the sickness in the Colonies 
and the number of men already drawn from Massachusetts and 
Plymouth against the Indians that at present we can send no more 
men. But the three Colonies have agreed to raise a Company in 
Connecticut, and to send men to Albany from the upper towns of 
this Colony ; for we all hold ourselves bound to uphold the King's 
interest in the whole country. Private gentlemen have come 
forward to pay the whole expense of the war against the Indians, 
which indeed has been so borne ever since the revolution of the 
Government. Signed. Simon Bradstreet, in the name of the 
Council. 1 p. [America and West Indies. Massachusetts, 561. 
No. 4.] 

Oct. 80. 525. Exemplification of the judgment given against the charter 
of New England. A long recital of the proceedings against the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



171 



1689. 



[Oct.] 



Nov. 5. 



Nov. 6. 



Nov. 7. 
Whitehall. 



Nov. 7. 
Whitehall. 



[Nov. 7.] 



Nov. 8. 



Nov. 9. 



charter under Kings Charles II. and James II., and the final 
decision, under King William, that the charter is cancelled. 
Signed. Pengry. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 42-75.] 

526. List of the Council of Jamaica, and of Councillors pro- 
posed by Lord Inchiquin. The new Councillors suggested are 
apparently Peter Beckford and Thomas Eyves. 1 p. Endorsed. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 55.] 

527. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. The Lords of 
the Admiralty wish to be informed as to the instructions which the 
Lords of Trade wish to give to the Commander of the West Indian 
squadron. Signed. P. Bowles. ^ p. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 48.] 

528. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft instruc- 
tions for the Commander of the West Indian fleet as to Councils of 
war and relations with the Governors read. The Lords desire the 
King's orders as to whether the frigate that takes out Lord Inchiquin 
shall join the fleet. Colonel Hill's letter of 20 August read 
(see No. 367). Agreed to lay the petition of the Jamaica merchants 
for two frigates before the King, as also the memorial of the 
Spanish commissioner for the Assiento and the Attorney General's 
opinion thereon. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 287-289.] 

529. Order of the King in Council. Referring the memorial 
of St. Jago del Castillo (see No. 369) to Sir John Holt, Chief 
Justice of the King's Bench, and to the other Judges for report. 
Signed. William Blathwayt. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 56, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 284-285.] 

530. Order of the King in Council. On report of Lords of Trade 
and Plantations, ordered that from the 1st of January next the four 
and a half per cent, duty raised in Barbados and the Leeward Islands 
be applied (after the usual charges of those two Governments have 
been satisfied) to the payment of the Duke of Bolton's regiment. 
[Col Entry Bks., Vol. C. pp. 93, 94, and pp. 107, 108, and Vol. 
XLVII., pp. 456, 457, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. 
pp. 70, 71.] 

531. Establishment of a company of the regiment of Foot for 
the Leeward Islands. Three officers, three sergeants, three corporals, 
two drummers, sixty privates. Rates of pay as in England- [Board 
of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 72.] 

532. Sir John Berry to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Forwarding an account of the ships hired for Newfoundland and the 
West Indies and of the time for which they are victualled for their 
respective complements. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C-, p. 100, and 
Vol. XLVII., pp. 461, 4627] 

533. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft in- 
structions for the Commander of the West Indian fleet read and 
approved. The King to be asked to make him a member of Council 
of the Leeward Islands. Colonel Codrington's letter of 31 July read 
(see No. 312) and his draft instructions in relation to the fleet read 



172 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

and approved. Draft orders to the Colonel of the Duke of Bolton's 
regiment read and approved. The King to be advised to make 
Colonel Hill Lieutenant-Governor of all the Leeward Islands. 
Draft of additional instructions to Governor Kendall read and ap- 
proved, also a commission for Captain Nicholson to be Lieutenant- 
Governor of Virginia. The Commissioners for victualling the Navy 
to attend at next meeting to answer the complaints of the Council 
of Jamaica as to the victuals. Colonel Sloughter presented a list 
of stores required for New York. The Commissioners of Ordnance 
ordered to attend next meeting. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 
289-291.J 

Nov. 9. 534. Abstract of warlike stores desired by Colonel Hill at 
Nevis, and of the proportion of stores issued to the Leeward Islands 
by order of 15 August, 1689. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 
88-91.] 

Nov. 9. 535. Specification of ammunition and stores required for New 
York. 4 pp. Endorsed. Reed, from Col. Sloughter. 11 Nov. 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 69.] 

Nov. 9. 536. Petition of Matthew Clarkson to the King. For the post 
of Secretary at New York. Inscribed. Reference of the petition to 
Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. 
Endorsed. Read 11 Nov., 1689. Annexed, 

536 i. Certificate, with eight signatures, that Clarkson has lived as 
a factor in New York for several years and conducted his 
business well. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. 
Nos. 68, 68 1.] 

[Nov. 9.] 537. Petition of Merchants and Planters of Jamaica now in 
London, to the King. Several laws were recently passed by an 
Assembly unduly elected by servants, tailors and disinterested 
persons. Having joyfully beheld the restoration of this nation to its 
rights and liberty, we beg that these laws may be disallowed. Sixty 
two signatures. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Read at Committee, 
9 Nov., 1689. Read in Council, 20 Nov. 1689. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. No. 57.] 

Nov. 11. 538. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Com- 
missioners for victualling the Navy attended and reported that 
sufficient victuals were collected for all the ships. The report of the 
Judges as to the memorial of the African Company touching the 
Assiento, to be laid before the King. Agreed to recommend 
Thomas Farneley to be Provost Marshal of the Leeward Islands. 
The officers of Ordnance reported that they had provided the 
stores asked for by Colonel Hill except the mortars, that the 
engineers were ready to be sent, and that they were ready to 
furnish the stores required by Colonel Sloughter. Agreed to 
recommend Matthew Clarkson to be Secretary of New York. Draft 
instructions for Lord Inchiquin, Colonel Codrington, and Mr. Richier 
read. Agreed to recommend the grant of 200 as travelling 
allowance to Mr. Richier. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 292, 294, 
and (as to the last item) Vol. XIII., p. 267.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 178 



1689. 

[Nov. 11.] 539. Petition of Isaac Eichier to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
I beg for fifty soldiers for defence of Bermuda. My predecessor's 
salary was 400 a year, viz. twelve shares valued at 60 a year, 
whale-fishing valued at 100 a year, and 240 paid here. The 
whale-fishing is wholly destroyed and will require time and expense 
to restore ; the shares are not worth above 86 a year. There is no 
dwelling house and the King's slaves are lost. I beg for 400 a 
year besides the shares, and I ask for two hundred tons of freight to 
transport myself and family. The Greenland whale-fishing being 
lost to us, now is the time to promote whale-fishing. For the grant 
of a royalty in whale-fishing for a term of years I can promise 
adventurers who will improve it. 1 p. Endorsed. Read Nov., 89. 
America and West Indies. 477. No. 22.] 

[Nov.] 540. Petition of the same to the same. The clauses respecting 

the salary only. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 23.] 

Nov. 11. 541. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recom- 
mending the appointment of Matthew Clarkson to be Secretary of 
New York. Draft. $p. [America and West Indies. 578. .Vo. 70.] 

[Nov. 11.] 542. Report of the Judges on the memorial of St. Jago del 
Castillo (see No. 369). Negroes are merchandise. It is against 
the Acts of Navigation to give liberty to aliens or to alien shipping 
to trade in British possessions. It is not against law for ships in 
distress to enter Colonial harbours to replenish and refit. Signed. 
J. Holt, H. Pollexfen, Edw. Nevile, W. Gregory, B. Lechmere, Tho. 
Rokeby, Gyles Eyres, Peyton Ventris, Jo. Turton, Jo. Powell. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Reed. 11 Nov. Read 14 Nov., 1689. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. No. 58, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 285.] 

[Nov. 11.] 543. Petition of John Gray to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
You appointed the 18th of September for hearing the appeal against 
me, but Sir John Witham alleged that he was not ready. I beg 
speedy hearing of the case. p. For date see No. 421. [Board of 
Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 18.] 

[Nov. 11.] 544. Memorandum of the stores and men sent to the Leeward 
Islands besides what are specified in the list of August 31 (see 
No. 893). Against a statement tliat an engineer and two miners 
were sent, is written a marginal note : The Engineer and two miners 
were not sent and are extremely wanted. Draft. p. For date see 
No. 898. Endorsed. 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. 
No. 49, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 454.] 

Nov. 11. 545. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That 
the King be moved to appoint the Commander of the West Indian 
squadron to the Councils of Barbados and the Leeward Islands. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 457.] 

[Nov. 11.] 546. Opinion of the Attorney General as to the grant of the 
office of Provost Marshal of the Leewards to Thomas Farneley. 
Signed. Geo. Treby. A minute written at the foot of the case sub- 
mitted to him. The whole, 1 p. Endorsed. Read 11 Nov., 1689. 
[America and West Indies. 550. No. 50.] 



174 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

Nov. 11. 547. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recom- 
mending the grant of the office of Provost Marshal of the Leeward 
Islands to Thomas Farneley. Draft. % p. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 51.] 

Nov. 11. 548. Lieutenant-General Codrington to Lords of Trade and 
Antigua. Plantations. On the 26th September I sent the privateer ship and 
my own two sloops to Barbados to be furnished with men and am- 
munition, and gave them instructions to pick up some French 
prisoners, especially from Martinique, to give information ; but they 
are not yet returned, which makes me apprehensive as to their 
success. On the 30th of September the rest of the inhabitants of 
Anguilla with their goods were brought hither, being too weak to 
resist the French. They will not only be safer here, but they can 
have land enough to employ their own labour and increase 
the King's revenue. On the 6th ult. a French sloop took one of 
ours in sight of the Island ; but one of ours sent in pursuit retook 
the prize on the following day and the latter as well. The com- 
mander of the enemy's sloop was killed. He was an Irishman 
lately fled from this Island. Four more of that nation captured on 
board were at once tried by my orders by a Council of War, con- 
demned and executed. The French, who are eighteen in number, 
I detain as prisoners of war. The intelligence that we obtained 
from them was that two or three vessels of ours had been taken 
lately and brought into Martinique, that some ships which passed 
by us a few days ago were only merchantmen bound for Europe, 
that there was a French frigate cruising constantly to windward of 
Barbados to discover either our fleet or their own, and another be- 
tween Barbados and Martinique to intercept our correspondence 
with the former Island. This so far they have failed to do, but they 
took a New York pro vision -ship in sight of Barbados. We learn 
also that the French expect a large squadron from Europe and that 
de Blenac has further designs upon these Islands. The Indians, 
set on I presume by the French, have lately made several attempts 
to land on this Island and twice with success, having killed six 
persons and carried off three. They were ashore in a remote part 
of the Island for some time before they were discovered. We fear 
that their periagos are guarded by French cruisers during the day 
time and are sent in at night to disturb us. This is a great incon- 
venience, for the Island is so large and so full of little creeks and 
landing places for these savages, that half the inhabitants are 
obliged to be on guard every night ; and so it will be until our fleet 
arrives to become, what the French now are, masters of the sea. 

On the 29th and 30th ult. the sessions of the peace were held and 
three Irishmen brought from Anguilla were tried for rebellion and 
treason, condemned and executed. Some weeks ago a vessel 
arrived at Montserrat from Cork with beef. The master brought 
strange reports of King James's success in Ireland and of his 
designs for invasion of England, saying that if he had known we 
were under King William he would have taken his beef to 
Martinique. The Governor by my orders has arrested him, but 
reports that the Irish have not been moved by his speeches but 
remain quiet and peaceable. A few days ago some negro slaves 
formerly belonging to the English made their escape from St. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 175 

1689. 

Christophers to Nevis, and inform us that there is great scarcity of 
provisions among the French, that small pox and fever are raging 
and that numbers die daily. These distempers have been very fatal 
to us also at Nevis, five hundred whites having died, as I am informed, 
and two hundred blacks ; but of late this mortality is much abated 
and I hope that shortly the Island will be clear of infection. It has 
been severest upon those who came from St. Christophers, having 
swept away a third part of them. Not a commissioned officer is 
left in the King's Companies, which is a great loss, for we are under- 
stocked with others of like knowledge and experience. The infection 
has not yet been in Montserrat and here only in some few 
plantations, spreading but little. I hear of no deaths from it, and 
as the cool season approaches I hope we shall not suffer from it. In 
my last I reported the presence of three strong ships at Barbados, part 
of a fleet bound for Chili under Captain Hewetson. One of the 
three which had the greatest stock of arms and ammunition was 
blown up at Barbados, and Hewetson soon after sailed for Bermuda 
and from thence arrived in this Island a few days ago. His ship 
has forty eight guns mounted and can mount more, three hundred 
and fifty lusty men on board, and is otherwise well equipped. The 
Captain seems very zealous for the King's service and offered his ship 
to me for that end, which at present is a great advantage, for his 
cruising among the Islands will make our intercourse much securer 
and enable us to do mischief to the enemy. The Barbados regiment 
is still here, it being now thirteen weeks since they came. They have 
been constantly encamped and daily exercised to make them the 
readier for service. By our French prisoners we understand that 
the force at Martinique is much less than was feared, and 
that Count de Blenac is discouraged from further attack on 
our Islands. It was this consideration that made us loth 
to part with the Barbados regiment, and will make us so until the 
fleet arrives from England. The expense of maintaining this regiment 
amounts already to 500,000 Ibs. of sugar, which with fitting out of 
sloops and other charges has necessitated the laying a tax of a 
million of sugar. This will be a most grievous burden on the poor 
inhabitants and might have been prevented by timely succour from 
England. We hope therefore that the King will allow us satisfaction 
for this sum out of the revenue of the four and a half per cent, 
duty, and the rather when it is considered that it was granted by this 
Island for the support of the Government and the defraying of 
charges, though it has been employed for other purposes. 

I am sorry to have to represent the Island of Nevis to you as 
a most turbulent and ungovernable people, who are never content 
with a Governor for longer than he falls in with their desires, 
however unjust to the other Islands. Thus because I ordered the 
people of Anguilla to be transported to this Island and not to Nevis 
I am censured as partial and unjust, though the poor people could 
not have earned their bread at Nevis, which here they can plenti- 
fully, either by working for others or settling plantations of their 
own, for this Island is near four times as big as Nevis and yet has 
not a third of the number of Christians or slaves. Again I am 
censured because our captured privateer was not ordered to attend 
to Nevis only, as if they only were to be regarded and the rest laid 



176 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

aside. Even had I done so I could not furnish her or my own 
sloops with ammunition. But their greatest outcry against me is 
that I have refused to send them the Barbados regiment, though 
they have frequently petitioned me for it. But you will easily see 
that the small size of Nevis and its few landing places make it 
defensible with a third of the number of men required for Antigua. 
Even with the Barbados regiment there are fewer men now in Antigua 
than there were in Nevis before their losses by small pox and fever. 
Indeed it would not have been just to send those who came to our 
assistance out of friendship to so infected a place as Nevis. But, 
more than all this, Antigua is the most windwardly of these Islands 
so that I could speedily reinforce them or Montserrat (which latter 
I conceive to be the greatest danger) on occasion ; whereas at Nevis 
it would be difficult if not impossible to beat up to the assistance of 
Montserrat or Antigua. In view of the peril to which I conceive 
Montserrat to be subject in case of attack, and of the great straits 
to which the poor people of St. Christophers were reduced at Nevis 
I sent orders for the transport of all those families to Montserrat. 
They would have been a great and welcome assistance, and in 
recompense for that benefit would have had a comfortable and 
inexpensive existence, which the charity of Nevis did not 
afford to them. But the Deputy-Governor, Council and 
Assembly thought fit flatly to disobey me, and ordered that 
none of the inhabitants of St. Christophers should leave 
the Island until they had given such security as is shewn in 
enclosed paper, which they well knew the poor people could not 
possibly afford. I can only call it a most wicked and unchristian 
contrivance to ravish from these poor creatures what little they 
have saved from their more merciful enemies the French ; for at 
present they cannot get victuals in Nevis for the work of their 
slaves, and so are forced to sell part of them at less than half their 
value to buy bread for themselves and for the remainder. It 
would be tedious to recount the particular cruelties occasioned to 
these poor people by this order made at Nevis in contradiction to 
my express commands. The Deputy-Governor is now sensible of 
the barbarity thereof and yet dares not redress it but by humble 
supplication to the Assembly, which, as you will see, was 
particularly careful not to comply with his request. I have sent 
them repeated orders as to this particular matter and other 
irregularities, which they have not thought fit to obey, returning 
me instead quarrelsome and expostulatory answers, insisting stiffly 
on justification of their actions and questioning my power to oblige 
them to amendment. 

About the middle of last month, as the expense of the 
Barbados regiment to this Island was great, and Nevis was always 
begging for it, I wrote to the Deputy-Governor that I was now 
willing to oblige them therein, being apprehensive of no further 
designs of the French, after their long inaction, until their fleet 
should arrive. I announced at the same time that I proposed to give 
the command of the Militia at Nevis to Sir Timothy Thornhill, as a 
person whom I esteemed better fit to command than any one else 
in that Island in case of action. You will find their answer herewith 
enclosed, which is very different from the submissive style which 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 177 

1689. 

the Deputy-Governor assumed when he addressed the Assembly of 
the Island, conceiving, I believe, that greater deference was due to 
them than to the Governor-in-Chief. It rather resembles the style 
of that high and mighty Assembly itself, who in some of their 
letters tell me that if I represent the person of the King, they 
represent that of the Parliament of England (though I presume 
they have no commission) and plainly insinuate that it is not my 
commission but their own acceptance of me for their chief 
governor which obliges them to any obedience or regard to me. 
Some of them have had the boldness to affirm that they conceive it 
their right and privilege as representatives of the Island to call 
their Governors and Councils to account, and to intermeddle with 
all affairs relating to the Government. Of late I hear that they 
begin to murmur against me and to resent extremely that 
I did not take the Government upon me by their desire 
and at their election. I refused to do so until pressed by 
the Council and Assembly of this Island, and until I had 
a legal commission from the Captain-General to act in that 
station. You will see from this what authority these men 
arrogate to themselves, and that they endeavour not only 
to shake loose the reins but to throw off all rule and 
government ; but I shall endeavour speedily to check their 
insolence lest they increase it and others take example from them, 
when the result must be confusion and disorder. To prevent this 
I have given Sir Timothy Thornhill a commision as Major- 
General of the Militia of all these Islands (which is the rank 
that he held in Barbados) and shall send him hence in a few days 
with his regiment to Nevis to take command of the militia there. 
I doubt not that he will be able to quell all seditious and rebellious 
proceedings which of late have been too much practised and 
countenanced in that Island. I intend to give the poor inhabitants 
in St. Christophers liberty to transport themselves to Antigua (for 
as we expect the fleet every day and the French are inactive, 
Montserrat does not now press for them) where they will have land 
enough to settle in. For their further encouragement the Council and 
Assembly are preparing an Act to exempt them from all suits for debts 
for three years, whereby they will be able honestly to satisfy all their 
creditors, and to save themselves from that ruin which would in a 
short time be the inevitable consequence of their harsh treatment by 
Nevis. That treatment shows the charity and the public spirit of 
that Island to be much upon a pitch, for who but barbarians would 
deprive so many good families of all chance of settling again ? 
Without such an Act in St. Christophers also, when it is 
recovered, it will be the work of many years to people that Island 
again ; and I beg instructions on the subject. Meanwhile it is most 
necessary that our subjection to and dependence on the Crown of 
England should be asserted and further explained, for some here have 
almost the vanity to fancy these Colonies independent states, and 
attribute to their little Assemblies the power and authority of the 
Parliament of England. Indeed there is nothing so extravagant 
that factious and turbulent men will not instil it into people's minds, 
until a declaration from you banish all such foolish conceits. My 

3233 M 



178 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

successor will soon be sensible of this. Allow me also to say that 
the annexing of these islands to the Kingdom of England, allowing 
us representatives in the English Parliament, would not only fully 
remedy the inconveniences already related but complete to us many 
other great blessings. I beg you to represent this to the King and 
Queen. I hope that you will pardon my mistakes in consideration 
of my difficulties. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 6-8th November, 1689. 
Postscript. 11 November. Since the foregoing was written the 
privateer and my two sloops are arrived with three French vessels 
captured near Dominica and manned only by Indians, who escaped. 
They tried to bring off men from some of the French Islands, but 
failed owing to the watchfulness of the enemy. The Barbados 
regiment embarked for Nevis yesterday. 12 pp. Endorsed. Heed. 
3 July, 1690. Annexed, 

548. i. Petition of the Freeholders, late of St. Christophers, to 
the Council and Assembly of Nevis. Having been 
driven from our estate we pray that our persons and 
estates may be free from arrest during our continuance 
among you, and that we may have liberty to pass and 
repass anywhere within the limits of this Government, by 
reason of the prevailing infection. Twelve signatures. 
Order of the Council and Assembly of Nevis. 3 Septem- 
ber, 1689. The petitioners shall have liberty to transport 
themselves to Antigua or Montserrat, first giving in an 
exact account of their goods and negroes and giving 
security not to remove them until they have compounded 
with their creditors. Copy. 1 p. 

548. ii. Petition of Nicholas Leech to the Deputy Governor of 
Nevis. Was lately driven from St. Christophers by the 
French ; begs permission to go to New England. On the 
other side. The Deputy Governor of Nevis to the Council 
and Assembly. It is a most sad and unchristianlike thing 
that this poor petitioner, blind with age and unable to 
relieve himself except by the subscriptions of the charit- 
able to pay his passage, should not transport himself to 
New England where he has a son and daughter. Yet by 
the late Act he is forbidden, so must perish. None will be 
his security, and many more are in like circumstances. 
I hope their prayers will not call down God's judgments 
upon us, and I beg you for God's sake to redress these 
things. Signed. Jno. Netheway. Copy. J p. 

548. in. Deputy-Governor of Nevis to Lieutenant-General 
Codrington. I and others are much startled at one part of 
your letter wherein you say that I shall find Sir Timothy 
Thornhill a person of honour and a very diligent officer, 
and that therefore you intend to give him the command 
of the Militia. I always supposed him to be such as you 
say and more, but give me leave to say that few Generals 
degrade an officer without cause, and why you should 
degrade me who have been here now nearly two years 
at my own cost and at abundantly more trouble than 
any previous Governor in six years, I know not. Nor do I 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



179 



1689. 



Nov. 12. 



Nov. 12. 
Admiralty. 



Nov. 12. 



Nov. 13. 

Whitehall. 



Nov. 15. 



Nov. 14. 



Nov. 14. 



suppose that any reason can be given for it except that it 
is your pleasure. If any commission or order came from 
their Majesties for it I should submit, otherwise please 
call a Council of War and let me answer to what's objected 
against me. I will trouble you no more except to ask you 
if Sir Timothy is to command this Island's soldiery as well 
as the Barbadians, to avoid differences between us. I 
doubt there are incendiaries who give you occasion to 
write that you are reflected on by some persons in this 
Island. I know nothing except the absence of the prize 
with our men and arms (though we expected her for a 
guard-ship) that stomachs any here. Signed. Jno. Nethe- 
way. Copy. 1 p. All these enclosures are endorsed : 
Eecd. 4. Aug. 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. 
Nos. 52, 52, i. -in., and (without enclosures) Board of 
Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 188-201.] 

549. Instructions to Governor Cadwallader Jones of the Bahama 
Islands. As to land-grants, the rights of cutting certain woods and 
seaching for wrecks and for ambergris. Signed. Craven, Ashley, 
Carteret, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 155, 
156.] 

550. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. Captain Lawrence 
Wright being ready to sail with the West Indian squadron, you are 
desired to hasten his instructions for the Lords of Trade, that 
Captain Wright may have a sight of them if possible before he goes 
out of town. I enclose copy of Sir John Berry's instructions on his 
going to the West Indies. Signed. P.Bowles. J p. [America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 53.] 

551. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. Captain Wright's 
instructions will be sent to you to-morrow evening. Draft. J p. 
[Ibid. No. 54.] 

552. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. Forwarding 
Captain Lawrence Wright's instructions. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XLVII., p. 463.] 

553. Certificate of Richard Povey that he has received pay for 
the two foot-companies in New England up to 1 Sept, 1688, and 
no longer, since which date nothing has been paid to them. Signed. 
Rich. Povey, Agent to the said companies. p. [Board oj Trade. 
New England, 5. No. 48.] 

554. Commission of the Proprietors to Cadwallader Jones to be 
Governor of the Bahama Islands. Signed. Craven, Ashley Carteret, 
P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 151,152.] 

555. Instructions to Governor Cadwallader Jones. The Pro- 
prietors' deputies are always to be of the Council. An Assembly of 
twenty elected members is to be called. The Council will be of six 
freeholders elected by Parlianeut and six deputies of the Proprietors. 
All Councillors are to swear allegiance to the King. Si<iin'd. Craven, 
Ashley, Carteret, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 152.] 



180 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1698. 
Nov. 14. 



Nov. 14. 



Nov. 14. 

Whitehall. 



Nov. 14. 

Whitehall. 



Nov. 14. 

Whitehall. 



Nov. 14. 



Nov. 14. 



Nov. 14. 



Nov. 15. 



556. Order of the King in Council. For Colonel Thomas Hill 
to have a commission as Lieutenant-Governor of all the Leeward 
Islands. [Board of Trade, Leeward Islands, 48. pp. 59, 60.] 

557. Commission of Colonel Thomas Hill to be Lieutenant- 
Governor of the Leeward Islands, exerting the powers of the 
Governor-in-Chief in case of his death or absence. {Ibid, 
pp. 60, 61.] 

558. Order of the King in Council, approving of the draft 
commission to Francis Nicholson as Lieutenant-Governor of 
Virginia. Copy of the Commission. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LXXXIIL, pp. 302, 808.] 

559. Order of the King in Council. For the guns, stores and 
ammunition of the list hereto annexed (see No. 584) to be 
shipped to New York. Draft icith corrections. p. [America and 
West Indies. 578. No. 71.] 

560. Order of the King in Council. For passing the commission 
of Henry Sloughter, as Governor of New York, under the great seal. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol LXIX., p. 222.] 

561. Commission of Colonel Henry Sloughter to be Governor of 
New York. This includes power to call Assemblies, to levy forces, 
and to give commissions for martial law at sea. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. LXIX., pp. 204-222.] 

562. Order of the King in Council. For a frigate to transport 
Colonel Sloughter and his household to New York. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 253.] 

563. Order of the King in Council. That H.M.S. Swan convey 
Lord Inchiquin from Barbados to Jamaica and remain at the 
Island, but that another frigate be ordered to carry him from 
England to Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 307.] 

564. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. 
I have received yours of 19 October. I have not communicated it 
to the Council, finding nothing worthy of their consideration there- 
in, except to the three Councillors whom you named. All concur 
with me that your only object is to obtain your freedom, whereby you 
might do us more mischief than good, and that you would encourage 
the French, by underrating our strength, to attack us. Despite all 
that you say I believe the French have better reason to be afraid of 
us than we of them. Your prospect of getting to Martinique was 
not new to me, having been communicated by Mr. Chamberlayne, 
your friend, in June last. However often such a Proteus as you 
change your disguise, you will be recognised. I say this not in 
displeasure but as a word in season. 1 J closely written pages. Copy. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 19.] 

565. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. I understood that 
the Commissioners of Admiralty desire to speak to my Lords about 
the West Indian squadron. My Lords wUl meet this afternoon. 
Draft. J p. (America and West Indies. 550. No. 55.] 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 181 

1689. 

Nov. 16. 566. John Copde to the President of the Council of Virginia. 

Maryland. Several of the King's professed enemies are fled into Virginia, 
notably Mr. William Joseph and Mr. Nicholas Sewall, with two 
popish priests, and they have taken away arms and ammunition 
from the public magazine. I beg you to secure these persons and 
return them to us or let us follow them, and to let us know your 
determination as soon as possible. You and your Council are much 
abused here by the stories of some of the papists, who say that you 
invited them and promised them protection. Signed. Jno. Coode. 
1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 1.] 

Nov. 16. 567. Report of Joost Stoll to the Earl of Shrewsbury. I beg to 
put forward the following documents in proof of the statements in 
the address of the Militia (see Nos. 171, 190, 362, 568) which will 
show the grievous bondage under which New York has groaned 
through the oppression of wicked Governors. We beg (1) that all 
that has hitherto been done by the Committee of Safety and the 
Militia may be approved, (2) that a charter may be granted to 
New York of like character as the charter of Boston, (8) that 
loyal and faithful persons may be appointed to the principal offices, 
civil and ecclesiastical, (4) that if a Governor and Lieutenant- 
Governor have already been appointed, they may be reviewed before 
their departure by those who recommended them, that their goodwill 
to the inhabitants and their loyalty may be ascertained, (5) that 
the King will grant a commission to the inhabitants of New York 
and all his subjects in Africa (sic) to capture Canada at their own 
charge, (6) that New York may be provided with a commission of 
executing power against all rebels, papists and disaffected persons 
(7) that, in consequence of the aggressive attitude of the French, 
these affairs may be examined at once. Large sheet. 8 pp. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 28 Nov., 1689. Printed in New York Documents, 
III., 629. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 72.] 

Nov. 16. 568. Account of the proceedings of Joost Stoll. First I chose 
three stout and able men of each company of trainbands, told them 
of the happy success of King William, and bound them to stand by 
me in bringing about his supremacy without bloodshed. Second, 
we petitioned Colonel Bayard to fortify the city and arrest papists, 
who answered that six or seven of us deserved to be hanged. Captain 
Nicholson also threatened and scolded the ship's master who 
brought the happy news. Third, seeing what persons we had to 
deal with, we resolved to master the fort and happily did so. 
Fourth, I then proclaimed King William and Queen Mary at the 
fort and also, at hazard of my life, in several other places. Large 
sheet. Printed m New York Documents, III., 682. [America 
and West Indies. 578. No. 73.] 

Nov. 18. 569. Memorandum of the Bishop of London. Asking that 
two ministers may be sent out to New York, passage free, and that 
a sufficient salary may be assigned to them for two years from the 
revenue, and a sufficient glebe in the parishes of Newtown and 
Esopus, Long Island. p. Endorsed. From the Bishop of 
London. Eecd. 18 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. 
No. 74.] 



182 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

[Nov. 18.] 570. Petition of Christopher Pennington, corporal, and three 
more soldiers, to the King. We were ordered to New England 
under command of Captain Francis Nicholson about three years ago 
and remained there till the end of last summer, when our Governor 
being seized and ourselves discharged by the people of Boston we 
returned to England with Captain Nicholson. We have received 
no pay nor arrears for twelve months ; and beg that we may be 
paid in full. 1 p. On next page, 

Sir John Pulteney to William Blathwayt. 4 Nov., 1689. For- 
warding the petition for report to Lord Shrewsbury. 

William Blathwayt to Sir John Pulteney. 18 Nov., 1689. The 
account in the petition is true, and the men have not been paid 
since 1 Sept. 1688. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 49.] 

Nov. 19. 571. Commissioners of the Victualling Office to Lords of Trade 
and Plantations. We have shipped the beef for the Leeward Islands, 
but the rest of the provisions are in several hands and will not be 
delivered by the contractors without ready money. We ask there- 
fore for 1,530. Signed. Jno. Parsons, Nic. Fenn. 1 p. [America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 56 ; and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 96, 
and Vol. XLVIL, p. 458.] 

Nov. 19. 572. William Blathwayt to the Secretary of the Treasury. 
Forwarding copy of the proceedings for the consideration and speedy 
orders of the Lords of the Treasury. \_Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., 
p. 97, and Vol. XLVH., p. 459.] 

Nov. 19. 573. Instrument of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Em- 
powering Governor James Colleton, or his successors in case of 
his death, to grant lands in South Carolina according to the rules 
presented. Signed. Craven, Bath, Ashley, P. Colleton, John 
Archdale for Thomas Archdale. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., 
pp. 154, 155.] 

Nov. 19. 574. Instrument of the same appointing John Beresford, Clerk 
of the Crown and Peace in South Carolina. Signed. Craven, P. 
Colleton, Tho. Amy, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 161.] 

Nov. 20. 575. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. On the recommenda- 
tion of the Lieutenant-Governor it was resolved to equip another 
man of war; and an Act for a levy on negroes to defray the expense 
was agreed to. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 209-211.] 

Nov. 20. 576. Warrant for the grant of five hundred acres of land in 
South Carolina to John Steward. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, 
John Archdale, for Thomas Archdale. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XXII., p. 159.] 

[Nov. 20.] 577. Petition of Ralph Knight to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
tions. For an early hearing as to the laws passed by the late 
Assembly of Jamaica, as petitioner wishes to return to Jamaica. 
1 p. Endorsed. Bead in Council 20 Nov., 1689. Heard in 
Council 5 Dec., 1691. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 59 ; 
and Col. Entry Book, Vol. XXXII., p. 824.] 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 



183 



1689. 

Nov. 20. 578. Petition of Philip Ludwell to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
tions. I have been unable to obtain a sight of Lord Howard's 
answer to my charges. My only object was to find out what were the 
crimes for which he subjected us to such severity. For the satis- 
faction of the people of Virginia I beg for a copy of the answer. As 
the case at present stands no man is sure of his liberty or estate 
beyond the Governor's pleasure, though it is said that any 
complaints are due only to malice and that the people are well 
satisfied with the Government. If my credit be suspected I beg that 
enquiry may be made into the whole matter in Virginia. Endorsed. 
20 November, 1689. Granted. [America and West Indies. 636. 
No. 21.] 

[Nov. 21.] 579. Petition of several traders to Maryland and Virginia to the 
King. We have suffered much by the capture of eleven capital 
ships by the French. Maryland and Virginia depend on us wholly 
for clothing and other necessaries from England. Every ship taken 
means a loss of from 5,000 to 10,000 to your Majesty. We beg 
for a convoy. Twenty-fire signatures, inscribed. Kecd. 21 and 23 
November, 1689. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 22.] 

Nov. 21. 580. Order of the King in Council. For an engineer and two 

Whitehall, miners to be sent to the Leeward Islands by the office of Ordnance. 

[Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 92, and Vol. XLVII,p. 455.] 

Nov. 21. 581. Order of the King in Council. That Lord Shrewsbury 
prepare a warrant appointing Lawrence Wright, the commander of 
the West Indian squadron, to be a member of Council of Barbados 
and of all the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C.,pp. 95, 96.] 

Nov. 21. 582. Order of the King in Council. On report of the Law 

Whitehall, officers of the Crown, ordered that the Attorney General proceed by 

Scire facias against the former grant of the office of registering 

servants for the plantations. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations 

General, 2. A T o. 4, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 110.] 

Nov. 21. 583. Order of the King in Council. That the Earl of Inchiquin 
Whitehall, have instructions to redeem British subjects kept prisoners 
in New Spain. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 287.J 

Nov. 21. 584. William Blathwayt to Mr. Bowles. The Lorda of Trade 
and Plantations will meet next Saturday to hear any objections of 
the Admiralty to the draft instructions for Captain Wright. Draft. 
\ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 57.] 

Nov. 22. 585. Commission of Lieutenant-General Codrington to Thomas 
Hewetson to be commander in chief of all vessels fitted out in the 
Leeward Islands. 2 pp. Copy. [America and West Indies. 550. 
No. 58.] 

Nov. 23. 586. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to 
advise the King to add the Earls of Pembroke and Torrington, and 
Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, to the Council. (Memo. This was done on 
the 28th inst.) Petition of merchants of Virginia and Maryland 
read (see No. 579). Agreed to represent the matter to the 



184 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

King. The Commissioners of the Admiralty presented amended 
instructions to the commander of the West Indian fleet. The 
King's pleasure to be taken thereon. {Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., 
pp. 295, 296.] 

Nov. 25. 587. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord 
Inchiquin's list of the Council of Jamaica read and approved. The 
Lords agreed to recommend that Lord Inchiquin should draw at the 
rate of ,1,000 from the date of his commission until his arrival, and 
then 2,000 a year, and 500 a year to Sir Francis Watson, to the 
date of the Earl's arrival. Captain Nicholson to draw half salary 
likewise as Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia till his arrival and then 
the full salary of 1,000 a year. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., 
pp. 297, 298.] 

Nov. 25. 588. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the com- 
missioners provide transport for Captain Fowkes and his household 
to the Leeward Islands, he having been appointed Lieutenant- 
Governor of Antigua. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 455.] 

Nov. 25. 589. Order of the King in Council. For the preparation of a 
Whitehall, warrant appointing Captain Lawrence Wright to the Councils of 

Barbados and of each of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., 

Vol. XLVII., p. 457.] 

Nov. 26. 590. Commissioners for Victualling the Navy to Lords of Trade 
and Plantations. Eenewing their request for payment of 1,580 due 
for provisions shipped to the Leeward Islands (see No. 571). 
[Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 98, and Vol. XLVII., p. 460.] 

Nov. 26. 591. Protest of Sir Eobert Robinson against Richard Jennings 
for seditious behaviour, requiring him in the sum of 5,000 to answer 
for the same. Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 477. 
No. 24.] 

Nov. 28. 592. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The represen- 
tation of Joost Stoll presented (see No. 567). Captain Nicholson 
ordered to attend next meeting on the matter. Letter from the 
Victualling Board read and referred to the Treasury (see No. 590). 
Agreed to recommend Thomas Farneley to be Secretary and Mr. 
Houghton as Provost Marshal of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 299.] 

Nov. 28. 593. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That 
the King be moved to add a new instruction to Captain Wright, 
bidding him act in matters pertaining to land service according to 
the direction of the Governor of the Leeward Islands and the Council 
of War ; and in matters of sea- service with their advice. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 463, 464.] 

Nov. 28. 594. Michael Wicks to Sir Robert Southwell. It is impossible to 
Custom t e u vou exactly what tobacco has been imported into London for 
the three last years without more time, but at a rough estimate we 
may set it down at 

1687, 12,050,000 Ibs. 

1688, 11,840,000 Ibs, 

1689, 11,646,600 Ibs. 

Signed. Michael Wicks. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 23.1 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 



185 



1689. 

Nov. 28. 
Custom 
House. 



Nov. 28. 
Whitehall. 



Nov. 28. 



Nov. 28. 

Whitehall. 



Nov. 28. 



Nov. 28. 



Nov. 28. 



[Nov.] 



Nov. 29. 

Admiralty. 



Nov. 30. 



595. Sir Robert Southwell to Robert Povey . I enclose Mr . Wicks's 
letter (see preceding abstract) . The computation for the last year is 
exact, and you may reckon the quantity received at the other ports 
of England at one third more. So taking 11,646,600 for London, 
add one third or 3,882,200 for other parts. The total is 15,528,800, 
which at fivepence a pound makes 323,516 13s. 6d. ; but how 
much of this has been exported and so drawn back 4.%d. out of the 
5d. does not easily appear. Signed. Robert Southwell. 1 p. 
[America and West Indies. 636. No. 24.] 

596. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade 
and Plantations, 23 Nov. 1689. On the petition of the merchants 
trading to Virginia, we recommend that a convoy be granted. 
Ordered accordingly. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 86. pp. 15, 16.] 

597. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend- 
ing the confirmation of the appointment of William Cole to be 
Secretary of Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 16.] 

598. Order of the King in Council. That a salary of 500 a 
year be paid to Sir Francis Watson from the day of the Duke of 
Albemarle's death to the day of Lord Inchiquin's arrival, and that 
Lord Inchiquin shall enquire whether Sir Francis deserve more. 
[Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XXXII., pp. 303-305.] 

599. Order of the King in Council. For a fourth-rate frigate 
to convey Lord Inchiquin, his lady and most necessary servants to 
Barbados, the rest of his retinue and goods to follow on board H.M.S. 
Swan. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 308.] 

600. Commissioners for Victualling the Navy to Lords of Trade 
and Plantations. We beg again for payment of the 1,530 asked 
for in ours of the 26th (see No. 590). The tradesmen will not part 
with any of the goods until the money is paid ; and meanwhile the 
troops cannot be despatched to the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry 
Bks., Vol. C., p. 99, and Vol. XLVIL, p. 460.] 

601. William Blathwayt to the Secretary of the Treasury. 
Forwarding copies of the preceding letter and of that of the 26th 
(see No. 590) for consideration of the Lords of the Treasury. 
[Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 99, and Vol. XLVII., p. 461.] 

602. Memorandum. That Captain Fowkes desires passage for 
himself, wife and six servants and freight for two tons of goods to 
Antigua. Scrap. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 59.] 

603. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. As to the passage 
of Captain Fowkes with his wife and household to Antigua, as also 
of an engineer and two miners to the Leeward Islands ; are only 
the engineers to be victualled or Captain Fowkes also ? Signed. 
P. Bowles. J p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 60.] 

604. Petition of Philip Ludwell to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. Begs the hastening of their report on his complaints, 
as he is anxious to return to Virginia. 1 p. Endorsed. Read. 
30 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. A T o. 25]. 



186 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

Nov. 80. 605. Petition of the Merchants trading to Maryland and 
Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Praying for a 
protection for their men, for which no order was issued to the 
Admiralty when the convoy was ordered. J p. Inscribed. Eecd. 
30 Nov. 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 26.] 

Nov. 30. 606. List of ships bound to Virginia and Maryland. Thirty- 
nine ships of from 150 to 400 tons. 1J pp. Endorsed. Presented 
by the merchants and read 30th Nov. 1689. [America and West 
Indies. 636. No. 27.] 

Nov. 30. 607. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel 
Sloughter testified to the fitness of Matthew Clarkson to be 
Secretary of New York. Agreed to alter Colonel Hill's title from 
Lieutenant-Governor to Lieutenant- General of the Leeward 
Islands. Draft instructions to Captain Wright amended, so that he 
be directed to stay at Barbados for as short a time as possible, and 
to attend Councils of War as often as distance permits him. [Col. 
Entry Bk, Vol. CIX., pp. 300-301.] 

Nov. 30. 608. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. In reply to 

Whitehall, yours of 29th, Captain Fowkes will receive such usage as is usual 

for Lieutenant Governors. General Sgravenmoer complains that 

no transport has been supplied for his horses. Draft. % p. 

[America and West Indies. 550. No. 61.] 

[Nov. 30.] 609. Instructions to Captain Lawrence Wright, commanding 
the West Indian squadron. To take on board the Duke of Bolton's 
regiment and stores and proceed to Bardados, and with as little 
delay as possible to the Leeward Islands, where he will put himself 
under orders of Lieut.-General Codrington. Draft copy mth 
corrections. 9 pp. Endorsed. Bead 30 Nov., 1689. [America and 
West Indies. 550. No. 62, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIL, 
pp. 466-472.] 

[? Nov.] 610. Memorial of the Spanish Ambassador. The person 
in charge of the negotiations respecting the introduction of negroes 
into America is ready to start for Jamaica, but he cannot start nor 
fulfil his duty without previous solution of the existing differences 
as to the purchase of negroes in the British dominions, and their free 
transport in his own vessels to the dominions of Spain. I beg 
therefore to remind you of the matters already brought before you, 
and since they cannot be settled as soon as could be wished, I would 
ask the King at least to permit the practice which has already 
existed more than twenty years to continue for the time until these 
difficulties are decided, and that he will give orders to the Governors 
of Jamaica and of the other Colonies not to trouble St. Jago del 
Castillo nor his dependents in the execution of their duty. Copy. 
French. 2J pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 60.] 

Dec. 2. 611. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Seth Sothell. 
We hear that the people have risen against you, alleging your 
injustice. We hope and believe that the allegation is false, but we 
think fit to suspend you till the matter be fairly tried, and mean- 
while have appointed Colonel Philip Ludwell to be Governor, with 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 187 

1689. 

authority to enquire into the cause of the rebellion. Signed. 
Craven, Bath for Lord Carteret, P. Colleton, John Archdale for 
Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., 
p. 159.] 

Dec. 2. 612. The same to Governor James Colleton. You tell us 
people are inclined to buy their town-lots. We are not inclined to 
sell them. People who want land must apply to us, for any grant 
unauthorised by the hand of three of us is void. You must take 
care to prevent servants and negroes running away to the Spaniards 
at St. Augustine. We shall take notice of the Governor of St. 
Augustine's prohibition to the English to come south of St. George's. 
We hear that you have fined a minister 100 for preaching a 
seditious sermon and imprisoned him till payment. As we are told 
that the sum is more than he is worth and that he has acknowledged 
his error, we would have you remit all fines beyond the power of 
men to pay. The law does not allow of it, and Parliament has voted 
it a grievance here. As to the unruly behaviour of your parliament, 
if it be for the people's good we are content ; if not, they will see 
the inconvenience of choosing such members. We would not have 
you call another parliament till absolutely necessary, or till the 
people shew signs of seeing the danger of electing such men. 
Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, 
Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 160.] 

Dec. 2. 613. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor James Colleton. 
We send a Commission to be lodged in the Secretary's office and to 
be opened only in case the Governor die. We understand that the 
ground at Charlestown wears away for want of wharfing. We are 
content to let every person wharf his own lot and take the profit to 
himself, provided the wharfs at the end of the streets are kept in 
repair as free to the public. You will pass no act for raising 
money unless consented to by the major part of the elected 
members present in Parliament. If three members protest against 
an act as contrary to fundamental constitutions, you will proceed as 
directed in the constitutions. Signed. Craven, Bath, Ashley, 
P. Colleton, Tho. Amy, John Archdale, for Thomas Archdale. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 161.] 

Dec. 2. 614. Order of the King in Council. Approving the instructions 

Whitehall, for Lord Inchiquin and the Commander-in-Chief of the West Indian 

squadron, and the additional instructions for Colonel Christopher 

Codrington and Governor Kendall. Signed. Bich. Colinge. 

Endorsed. [America and West Indies. 550. A T o. 63, 1 p.; and 

Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIL, p. 464.] 

Dec. 2. 615. Order of the King in Council. Beferring the petition of 

Whitehall. j } in Hubbard, Deputy- Sheriff of Bermuda, appealing against a 
verdict obtained against him, to the Attorney General for report. 
Signed. Bichard Colinge. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 292.] 

Dec. 3. 616. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. On the report of the 
coming of the pirate Laurens, ordered that the Island's armed 
sloop come to Port Boyal to join the fleet against Laurens, and 
that a second sloop be fitted out. 



188 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1689. 

Dec. 8. Order as to guards in Port Eoyal, which are left to the 
discretion of Colonel Bourden. Order for the Colonels or chief 
officers of every precinct to have power to call their regiments 
together. On information that several of the transported rebels 
are endeavouring to get their freedom, ordered that notice be given 
that no one shall entertain them, but shall send them home to their 
masters or to the nearest prison. Order for pressing a ship from 
the fleet against Laurens. Order that the subscribers to the 
fortifications to windward be desired to send in their subscriptions. 
Edward Moulder, charged with stirring up sedition among the men 
of H.M.S. Drake, was remanded. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. 
pp. 8-9.] 

Dec. 3. 617. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. Lord Torrington 

Admiralty, acquaints me that some alterations were made last meeting in the 
West Indian instructions, and that a further direction would be 
given as to the transport of Lord Inchiquin. Pray let me know as 
soon as the matter is decided. Signed. P. Bowles. J p. [America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 64.] 

Dec. 4. 618. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. Forwarding the 
draft instructions to Captain Wright. Draft. J p. [America and 
West Indies. 550. No. 65.] 

Dec. 4. 619. William Blathwayt to Mr. Lilly, apothecary in Bow Lane. 
To deliver three chests of medicine to Colonel Bayer to be sent to 
the Leeward Islands. Draft. J p. [Ibid. No. 66.] 

Dec. 5. 620. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. By order of my 
Admiralty. L or( i s j h ave prepared a new instruction to the commander of the 
West Indian squadron to protect ships, territory and subjects of 
the States General. Please let me know when it is approved. 
Signed. P. Bowles. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 
67.] 

-Dec. 5. 621. Commission to Philip Ludwell to be Governor of North 
Carolina. Signed. Craven, Bath (for Lord Carteret), Ashley, P. 
Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XXIL, p. 157.] 

Dec. 5. 622. Instructions of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina to 

Philip Ludwell. To find out the reasons for the late disturbances 
and the imprisonment of Mr. Sothell, and examine any complaints 
against him, not suffering him to leave the Colony until he has 
answered such complaints. Signed, as the foregoing. [Col. Entry 
Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 158.] 

Dec. 5. 623. Instructions to Colonel Christopher Codrington as Governor 

of the Leeward Islands. The Councils are nominated as follows. 
Neris. John Netheway, Thomas Hill, Lieutenant General of the Lee- 
ward Islands, Charles Pym, Joseph Grey, Edward Earles, Philip Lee, 
Samuel Gardiner, Henry Carpenter, Nathaniel King. Antigua. 
Captain Fowkes, Thomas Hill aforesaid, Eowland Williams, John 
Barry, Nicholas Eainsford, John Vernon, Francis Carlile, Samuel 
Winthrop, William Barnes, John Yeomans, Archibald Cockayne, 
John Lingham. Montserrat. Nathaniel Blackiston, Thomas Hill 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 189 

1689. 

aforesaid, John Simmonds, John Devereux, Thomas Roche, Nicholas 
Meade, William Hicks, Thomas Nugent, Edward Budd. The 
Governor is empowered to accept a commutation of the four and a 
half per cent, duty, if the Islands be willing. The ecclesiastical 
jurisdiction of the Bishop of London is affirmed. [Board of Trade. 
Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 18-45.] 

Dec. 624. Draft of two clauses, apparently for Colonel Codrington's 

instructions, for his guidance in the matter of preserving 
discipline among the troops. He is authorised to propose to the 
various Assemblies the passing of an act to prevent mutiny and 
desertion. In the margin, a Memorandum that if no such act 
exists in the Colonies its leading provisions might be sent out with 
the Governor. 2 pp. Endorsed. Lord Forbes's memo. [America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 68.] 

Dec. 6. 625. Additional instructions to Colonel Christopher Codrington. 
To summon a Council of War on the arrival of Captain Wright and 
give him directions as to the landing of the regiment of foot with 
him, but not interfere with the discipline of the squadron. Captain 
Wright, however, is not to send ships on cruising or convoying duty 
without informing the Council of War and ascertaining that the 
ships are not absolutely wanted in the Islands. The Governor is 
also enpowered to fill up vacancies among the officers in the Duke 
of Bolton's regiment. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. 
pp. 46-50.] 

Dec. 6. 626. Additional instructions to Governor Kendall. To take 
steps for the refreshing of the regiment that sails with Captain 
Lawrence Wright, and to procure him intelligence of the enemy. 
After such further supply of men and provisions from Barbados as 
is necessary, Captain Wright's squadron will sail without delay to 
Leeward. To correspond with the Leeward Islands and Jamaica 
so as to be well informed of the enemy's strength. If all 
the Leeward Islands be in possession of the enemy and the squadron 
return to Barbados, Kendall will give the naval commander the 
best advice he can. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 142-144.] 

Dec. 8. 627. Commission to Isaac Eichier to be Governor of Bermuda. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 230-245.] 

Dec. 9. 628. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Orders for the calling 
together of troops and for their duties. Order for Thomas Eyves, 
the Eeceiver-General, to bring in his accounts on the 12th at his 
peril. Order for sundry payments. Order for the sloops not ready 
to accompany Captain Spragg against Laurens, not to leave the 
harbour. Order for a proclamation for the encouragement of search 
for derelict treasure, calling all searchers to bring the treasure to 
Jamaica on paying the King's tenths. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 
77. pp. 9-12.J 

Dec. 9. 629. Order of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina for the 
apportionment of twelve thousand acres of land in South Carolina 
to Thomas Smith. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, Thos. Amv. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 162.] 



190 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1689. 

Dec 10. 630. Nicholas Bayard to Francis Nicholson. We hoped that our 
New York, troubles would have been at an end with the arrival of the King's 
orders by John Eiggs, but since Eiggs suffered himself to be 
hectored by that grand robber Leisler and, contrary to his promise 
to the Council, gave Leisler an opportunity to force the letters from 
him, the conditions are grown desperate. The robbers are proud 
as Lucifer and pretend some glimpse of authority from their 
Majesties, though in reality they have none, simply usurping the 
authority given to the Council. Leisler is therefore titled 
Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief by royal authority, 
which might all have been prevented if the letters had been de- 
livered to the Council ; whereby the Government would have been 
resettled before the Governor's arrival. Most of the people (except 
a few of his rabble) are sensible of their errors and are inclined to 
submit to lawful authority, which is now trampled underfoot until 
the Governor arrives. We were glad to hear of your safe arrival, 
though Leisler and his crew still deny it, trying to make the people 
believe that you dare not show your face before the King, and assert- 
ing that you were turned privateer and had robbed two Boston vessels 
near Newfoundland. If you have sent any more letters they are 
undoubtedly fallen into the hands of the Philistines, who have in- 
tercepted all letters and opened them. Mr. Mayor sends you his 
services, but is too much indisposed to write. Mr. Philips's sub- 
mission to the irregularities imposed on him by the rabble has done 
us much hurt, for these villains expected the rest of the Council and 
Magistrates to do the like and to be regulated by his scandalous 
submission, to avoid a little trouble and expense. I have composed 
a brief narrative of the rebellion, and sent a copy to Sir E. Andros 
for the Secretary of State. But I hope that, before that, the King's 
orders will have arrived for the subduing and punishment of 
the chief robbers. Signed. N. Bayard. 2 pp. Endorsed. Heed. 14 
April, 1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 683. [America 
and West Indies. 578. No. 75.] 

Dec. 10. 631. Nicholas Bayard to the Earl of Shrewsbury. Since I 
New York, wrote by Captain Nicholson it is more and more plain to us that the 
rebellion here was first contrived by Jacob Leisler and a few of his 
faction, not only in hopes of his own exaltation but to destroy the 
revenue to the end that in time of trouble he might reap some 
private advantage. I have written a brief narrative of the various 
occurences and have sent it to Sir E. Andros for you. Our 
sufferings should have been ended by the arrival of the King's letters, 
if Jacob Leisler had not seized them. Since then our condition is 
grown more deplorable. Our prayers are that the expected Governor 
may speedily arrive for our relief. Signed. N. Bayard. 2pp. 
Endorsed. Reed. 14 April, 1690. Printed in New York Documents, 
III., 634. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 76.] 

Dec. 10. 632. Nicholas Bayard to Sir Edmund Andros. I hope that 
New York, now you are released, your appearance in England will confound 
your enemies. I have been forced by the like enemies to obscure 
myself upwards of five months, without any hope of relief except by 
the arrival of a Governor. I enclose copy of a narrative of the 
rebellion, which please hand to the Secretary of State or the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 191 

1689. 

Plantation office, as you think best. I have also kept a journal, of 
which part is in Captain Nicholson's hands. You shall have a copy 
shortly. Our hopes of relief at Riggs's arrival were disappointed 
by his unfaithfulness in allowing his letters to be forced from him 
by Leisler, which by clothing him with some authority have made 
matters worse. Signed. N. Bayard. Postscript. Letters from 
Maryland say that twenty protestants have been imprisoned as 
papists and traitors, and are kept in irons on hominy and water. 
Caspar Hermans and fourteen more were also entered as papists and 
traitors. Leisler took the Governor's pew yesterday at Church, 
with a large carpet before him, and young Hendrick the hooker in 
the Council's pew. Henry Cuyler, who betrayed the fort, a silly 
fool and coward, is now made Major of the regiment, and Gorit, the 
mason, captain in his room. The rest of his Council, it is said, are 
Samuel Staets, P. Delanoy, Sam. Edsall and Jacob Milborne, who 
is also secretary, the Committee of Safety being laid aside. 2 pp. 
Endorsed. Reed. 14 April, 1689. Printed in New York Documents, 
III., 635. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 77.] 

Dec. 12. 633. Order of the King to Lieutenant- Colonel Holt. To embark 
his regiment as soon as relieved at Plymouth. [Co/. Entry Bk., 
Vol. C., p. 10, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 73- 
74.] 

634. Establishment of the Duke of Bolton's regiment. Thirteen 
companies, including one of Grenadiers, each consisting of Captain, 
Lieutenant, Ensign, (except the Grenadier Company where there are 
two lieutenants), 2 sergeants, 3 corporals, 2 drums, 60 privates. 
Rates of pay, as in England, 8d. for privates, 12rf. for corporals and 
drums, I8d. for sergeants. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 108.] 

Dec. 12. 635. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order that the known 
trading sloops and no others be allowed to leave the harbour after 
the departure of the fleet against Laurens. Thomas Ryves 
presented his accounts, which were ordered to be entered, together 
with some exceptions taken to them by the Auditor. Order for 
committal of Daniel Thornton for saying that the Government was 
in correspondence with Laurens. Colonel James Walker's accounts 
for fortifications passed ; order for payment of 1,124 to him. 
Adjourned to Jan. 13th. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. 
pp. 12, 13.] 

Dec. 13. 636. Narrative of the chief occurrences in New York from 
April 27th to December. A long and rather rambling statement 
containing nothing that is not already given in abstract of other 
documents. Signed. N. Bayard. Printed in Neic York Docvmentt, 
III., 636. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 162-189.] 

Dec. 13. 637. Stephen van Cortlandt to Edward Randolph. Five 
New York. mO nths I have been obliged to absent myself from the hand of 
the oppressor, and I should not have returned now had I not heard 
of Riggs's arrival with letters from England. Leisler took these 
letters from Riggs although Mr. Phillips and I demanded them as 
sent to us in Captain Nicholson's absence, but he insisted on taking 
them, and thereupon again proclaimed the King and Queen. 






192 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1689. 

He gives himself the title of Lieutenant-Governor and Commander- 
in-Chief, nominated a Council and gives the Mayor and 
Aldermen of New York commissions. He sent yesterday for the 
seal of the province. Jacob Milborne is Secretary, and they have 
opened the Secretary's office and taken possession of all. They 
accuse me of having betrayed the people in sending the records to 
Boston. This has greatly incensed the people against me, though I 
tell them that I learned nothing of it before I received your letter 
about it. No excuse is accepted ; but you and Sir Edmund will 
see that my true character is known at home, so that false reports 
against me may not be believed. The Lieutenant-Governor at 
his departure made me your attorney in his place for receiving 
fees etc. ; but it would be better to take a lion by the beard than to 
demand money of this incensed people. If you knew all that 
is said you would marvel that there should be folks of so much 
speech and so little truth. Biggs will tell you of it ; he was detained 
four days, Leisler having shut up his guide for sending a letter from 
Ehode Island in a ship sent by Governor Bradstreet to him. Signed. 
S. van Cortlandt. Copy. 1 p. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. 
Nos. 78, 79.] 

Extract of the first half of the foregoing letter. \ p. [Ibid. 
No. 80.] 

Dec- 13, 638. Certificate of Stephen van Cortlandt and Frederyck 

New York. Flypse, that on the arrival of John Eiggs with the King's letters, 

Jacob Leisler sent for him, and took the letters from him despite 

their protests. Signed. Frederyck Flypse, S. v. Cortlandt. 1 p. 

[America and West Indies. 578. No. 81.] 

Dec. 15. 639. Instrument from the Bishop of London, constituting 
James Blair his commissioner in Virginia. Copy. Latin. 1J pp. 
[America and West Indies. 626. No. 28.] 

Dec. 15. 640. Commission for Captain William Dobbyn to be Lieutenant 
Governor of Antigua. Memo, on p. 63, that Captain Fowkes had 
asked to be excused. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 64] . 

Dec. 16. 641. Order of Jacob Leisler. For the enforcement of the Act 
New York, of 1683 for defraying the expenses of the Government. Copy. 

\ p. Endorsed. Eecd. 20 Feb., 1690-1, with a letter from Capt. 

Leisler to the Bishop of Sarum. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Eecd. 10 April, 1690. 

[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 82, 83.] 

[Dec. 16.] 642. Declaration of the Freeholders of New York. That the 
Act of Assembly of 1683 was never approved by King James either 
as King or as Duke of York, and that the imposition thereof is 
contrary to Magna Charta and the liberties of English subjects. 
Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 20 Feb, 1690-1 with a letter from 
Captain Leisler to the Bishop of Salisbury. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Eecd. 10 April, 1689, 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 84, 85.] 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 198 

1689. 

[Dec.] 643. Order of the Governor of New York in Council, 29 August, 
1688, for enforcement of an act for collection of revenue. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 86.] 

Dec. 17. 644. John Coode to Lords of Trade and Plantations. All possible 
Maryland, pains have been taken to represent to you our condition by several 
channels. The Protestant addresses from every country have been 
prepared, and six of them will be sent at once, though not so full of 
subscriptions as they would be if more time had been given. We 
daily expect invasion of the French, but are in a good posture 
of defence against them and the Papists here. The chiefest of the 
latter have fled to Virginia, where we have asked the Government 
to secure them, fearing complications with our Northern enemies, if 
they fly further. Pray lay our condition before the King. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 151-153.] 

Dec. 17. 645. Petition of William Ivy, John Towers, Francis Blackmore, 
Charles Bouchier, and James Banister to the King. For enquiry 
into the circumstances of the election for Clarendon district, 
Jamaica in 1690, when they were heavily and unjustly fined for 
riot. 1 p. Endorsed. Order of the King in Council, referring the 
petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. 
Shrewsbury. Eecd. 19 Dec., read 28 Dec., 1689. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 6. No. 62, and (order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
p. 825.] 

Dec. 19. 646. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
Whitehall, fa e merchants trading to New York to Lords of Trade and Plan- 
tations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. $p. Annexed, 

646. i. Petition of several merchants, traders to New York, to the 
King. We thank you for the appointment of Colonel 
Sloughter to be Governor of New York, but we would urge 
the necessity of sending also a considerable number of 
men with arms, and ships of war. Twenty-one signatures. 
Copy. 1 p. 

646. ii. Reasons for the recommendations in the foregoing. 1. 
The French in Canada have corrupted many of the Indians 
of the Five Nations against the English. 2. They have 
already taken much of the beaver-trade, and if they 
debauch the whole of the Five Nations, will take the whole. 
3. New York is the centre of all the American Colonies, 
and if lost will become a nest of French pirates. 4. The 
Colonies of New England, the Jerseys and Pennsylvania 
will gradually fall into French hands, which will be the 
ruin of our West Indian Islands. For prevention of which 
it is recommended (1) that a platform be erected at 
Sandy Hook to protect the entrance to the Hudson River ; 
(2) that the fort of New York be repaired and fifty guns 
mounted ; (8) that the fort at Albany be also repaired ; 
(4) that a new fort be built at Senectady ; (5) that 
a new fort be built at Niagara or other suitable place 
on the lake, as the most important pass for the beaver- 
trade ; (6) that four hundred carbines and a thousand 



194 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

small arms, with accoutrements, be sent for the Militia of 
New York, the Colony refunding the cost of the cavalry- 
equipment ; (7) that the Governor of New York be given 
power to raise volunteers ; (8) that two fifth-rate men of 
war be appointed to cruise on the coasts. 2 pp. [America 
and West Indies. 578. Nos. 88, 88 i. it.] 

[Dec. 17.] 647. Petition of John Towers to the King. Petitioner in 
February, 1687, asked leave of absence from the Assembly of 
Jamaica, to run a horse race against a horse of the Duke of 
Albemarle. Some of his friends observing pleasantly that the 
business of the house should come first, petitioner answered indeed 
that Solus populi est suprema lex. The words were garbled by Colonel 
Nedham and petitioner was tried for using seditious words. 
Three times the jury refused to find him guilty but they were sent 
back by the judges, Nedham and Ralph Knight, till they brought 
in a special verdict, on which petitioner was fined 600. Prays 
remission of the fine. I p. Endorsed. Order of the King in 
Council referring the petition to the Lords of Trade and 
Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. Reed. 19 Dec., 
read 28 Dec., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 61, and 
(order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 324.] 

Dec. 19. 648. Stephen van Cortlandt to Sir Edmund Andros. Since 
New York. m y last an order has been issued from the fort that all arrears of 
customs and other revenues are to be paid to Peter Delanoy, and 
that those who import goods from England must pay the customs 
before they can have the goods. I cannot give you an account of my 
expenditure in the fort here and at Albany. The cost of materials 
and workmanship will amount to a considerable sum ; and I shall send 
the details as soon as I can. I have victualled the garrisons here 
and at Albany from August, 1688, to June 1689, and the garrison at 
Albany goes on still. I doubt not that you will intercede for me to gain 
me the Collector's or at least the Auditor's place with a fixed salai-y. 
Please order your letter of attorney to be renewed if necessary. I 
wish you a good voyage and a full justification. Signed. S.v. Cortlandt. 
1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 14 April, 1690. Printed in New York 
Documents, III., 649. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 87.] 

Dec. 20. 649. Order of Jacob Leisler. Forbidding, in consequence of 
New York, the tearing down of his order of 16 Dec. (No. 643), the defacing of 

the official papers affixed to the door of the Custom-house, and 

the affixing of any papers without authority. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. 

Reed. 20 Feb. 1690-1 in a letter from Captain Leisler to the 

Bishop of Salisbury. 

Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 

[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 89, 90.] 

Dec 21. 650. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to Sir Thomas Montgomerie. 
I have received your undated letter, written presumably to-day, and 
though unaddressed presumably intended for me. I am glad that 
your parents are alive and well, and despite the assertions of your 
friends in the letters that I now send to you, my action towards 
you is dictated not by malice but by duty. Certain expressions in 
those letters oblige me to keep the originals. Liberty to have 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 195 

1689. 

fresh air has never been denied you, so far as I know, consistently 
with your safe custody. Mr. Chamberlayne's testimony in writing 
of your hatred towards this Island is not favourable to you. 
It was not by my single order that you were committed but by the 
Council's, so I cannot discharge or bail you ; but we expect orders 
concerning you from home very shortly. Copy. I p. [Board of 
Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 20.] 

Dec. 23. 651. A list of the West India squadron. Thirteen men-of-war 
and five hired ships, with their present port and the port to which 
they are ordered. 1 p. [Endorsed. America and West Indies. 601. 
No. 20, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 102.] 

Dec. 23. 652. Warrant of Lords Proprietors of Carolina for the appor- 
tionment of one hundred and forty acres of land in South Carolina 
to Daniel du Thais. Signed. Craven, P. Colleton, John Archdale. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 162.] 

Dec. 23. 653. Warrant of the same for apportionment of eighteen hundred 
acres to James le Bas. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 163.] 

Dec. 25. 654. Account of the tobacco exported from London from 
25 December, 1688, to 25 December, 1689. Total 5,156,676 Ibs., 
which drawing back 4Jrf. per Ib. amounts to 96,687 13s. 6d. 16 pp. 
[America and West Indies. 636. No. 29.] 

Dec. 26. 655. Instructions of Colonel Christopher Codrington to Captain 
Antigua. Thomas Hewetson. To sail with his three ships and two sloops to 
Mariegalante and reduce it, securing the plunder for himself and 
his fellow adventurers and proprietors. He is empowered to enforce 
the articles of war. 2J pp. [America and West Indies. 550. 
No. 69.] 

Dec. 26. 656. William Blathwayt to the Attorney General. Enclos- 
ing him the act concerning rebels transported in 1685, and the late 
King's letter on the subject, and asking him to discourse with Mr. 
Speaker as to the charter of Maryland. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. C., 
p. 114.] 

Dec. 27. 657. Mr. Bowles to William Blathwayt. I send a list of the 
Admiralty, squadron designed for the Leeward Islands, Barbados and Jamaica. 

I presume the ships will sail with Admiral Eussell on his arrival. 

[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 101.] 

Dec. 27. 658. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The laws as 
to the transported rebels of Monmouth's rising to be referred to the 
Attorney General. The Attorney General is desired also to 
discourse with Mr. Speaker as to Lord Baltimore's patent. Petition 
of William Ivy and others read. Order for the ships to convey 
Colonel Sloughter to be got ready at once. Mr. Eichier attended 
respecting the grant of officers to Mr. Fifield. Mr. Eichier's 
instructions read and approved. 

Dec. 28. At the Bishop of London's memorial, agreed to advise the 
King to set apart glebe in Newtown and Esopus for ministers. 
Petition of George Hannay (No. 663) referred to Colonel Kendall. 
The Virginian Council's letter of 22 October read (see No. 505). 



196 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

Agreed to recommend the confirmation of Colonel Cole as Secretary. 
Lord Baltimore, Mr. Darnall and others from Maryland attended. 
Copies of two addresses from Maryland were read (seeNos. 405, 406). 
Agreed to recommend a letter approving the proclamation of their 
Majesties and empowering them to continue the administration of 
the Government for the present. Colonel Nedham attended as to 
the petition of William Ivy and others. Agreed to refer the matter 
to Lord Inchiquin for report. Colonel Sloughter's list of the 
Council of New York approved ; Matthew Clarkson to be Clerk of 
Council only. The Attorney General reported on the Acts of the 
West Indies concerning transported rebels. Agreed to advise their 
repeal. Additional draft instructions to Colonel Codrington read 
and approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 302-806.] 

Dec. 27. 659. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 
petition of John Towers and others complaining of fines imposed on 
them, George Nedham and Ralph Knight are ordered to attend the 
Lords on the 28th. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 63.] 

660. Memorandum for my Lord Nottingham. Sir Henry 
Goodrick represents the necessity for sending firelocks with the 
regiment designed for the West Indies, matchlocks not being used 
owing to the danger of setting fire to the cane fields. J page. 
[America and West Indies. 601. No. 21, and Col. Entry Bk. Vol. 
C.,p. 106.] 

Dec. 28. 661. Warrant for firelocks for the Duke of Bolton's regiment 
about to proceed to the Leeward Islands under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Henry Holt. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 106.] 

Dec. 28. 662. Warrant for the issue of firelocks to the regiment for the 
West Indies in lieu of pikes and matchlocks. [Board of Trade. 
Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 72, 73.] 

[Dec. 28.] 663. Petition of George Hannay to the King. For continuance 
in his office of Provost Marshal of Barbados. In the margin. Order 
of the Lords of Trade and Plantations for Colonel Kendall to report 
thereon, 28 December, 1689. Inscribed. Read with Colonel Kendall's 
report 11 Jan. 1689-90. I p. Endorsed. A minute by Colonel 
Kendall, recommending that the petitioner's prayer be granted. 
Signed. J. Kendall. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 27.] 

Dec. 28. 664. Edward Randolph to Anthony Brockholes. I find from 
Common vour letter that your rebels are no changelings, and that Leisler and 
his crew fulfil the proverb, Put beggars on horseback and they will 
ride to the devil. Our people are much concerned to know what to 
do with us. They know if they send us home they have nothing 
against us. They meet, and in two or three days adjourn without 
doing anything as they ought. They are at their old trade of 
wheedling at home and delaying us here in hopes of getting their 
charter. They expect all gentlemen, even the Lords of the 
Council who were formerly for vacating their charter, to be put out 
of their places. The Governor expects to be sent home soon, but 
they have embargoed the two or three ships that are here. Captain 
George is under orders for England. I fear he will have trouble 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 197 

1689. 

with his men when he cannot keep them aboard. Those who made 
them mutiny before are as ready as ever to do it again, or to do still 
greater damage to him and to his ship. God send us well home. 
1 p. Endorsed. Copy of an intercepted letter from Edward 
Randolph to Major Brockholes. Reed. 10 April, 1690. Printed 
in New York Documents, III., 664. [America and West Indies. 
578. No. 91.] 

Dec. 28. 665. A list of the Council of New York as proposed by Colonel 
Sloughter. The Collector, Frederick Flypse, Stephen van Cortlandt, 
William Nichols, Nicholas de Meyer, Nicholas Bayard, Gabriel 
Minviell, Francis Rombouts, William Smith, Thomas Willett, John 
Haynes. 1 p. Endorsed with date. [America and West Indies. 
578. No. 92.] 

[Dec.] 666. Another list, omitting the name of William Smith and 

substituting that of William Pinhorne. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 93.] 

[Dec.] 667. List of the Council of New York, with comments against 
the names. Anthony Brockholes (a papist) ; Frederick Flypse ; 
Gervais Baxter (a papist) ; Stephen van Cortlandt ; John Sprag (in 
England) ; Nicholas Bayard; John Palmer (in custody at Boston). 
Members formerly proposed. Matthias Nichols (superannuated) ; 
James Graham (in custody at Boston) ; William Smith (the last 
Mayor of Tangier, known to Lord Torrington and Colonel Trelawny 
as a good man) ; Gabriel Minviell (an Alderman and a good man) ; 
Francis Rombouts (not well affected and an unsteady man) ; 
Nicholas de Meyer (very old, an ill man, was indicted for extorting) ; 
William Nichols (son to Matthias, a lawyer and an understanding 
man) ; John Lawrence (senior alderman, has been long at New 
York, a good man, father-in-law to Minviell) ; Paulus Richards 
(alderman and a good man) ; Johannes van Cortlandt (brother to 
Stephen and a good man) ; Peter Schuyler (Mayor of Albany, rich 
and a very good man) ; Brant Schuyler (his brother, lives at New 
York, a very understanding man) ; Paulin (lives at Esopus, rich and 
a good man) ; Charles Lodowyck (whom it is supposed the secre- 
tary will make his deputy ; a leader of the faction now in power) . 
Nicholas Bayard was secretary to the Dutch Government and is the 
fittest man for the place. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. 
No. 94.] 

Dec. 80. 668. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. My Lords desire 
Whitehall, the Admiralty to direct that the ship, ordered by order in Council of 
14 November for transport of Colonel Sloughter to New York, may 
be forthwith got ready ; and hope that the greater speed will be used 
therein as New York is at present without any settled Government. 
Draft. J p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 96.] 

Dec. 30. 669. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. This office has 
Admiralty, received no such order as you speak of, for the transport of Colonel 

Sloughter to New York. Signed. P. Bowles. J p. [America and 

West Indies. 578. No. 97.] 

Dec. 30. 670. P. Reverdy to the Bishop of London. The two ministers, 

From the Mr. Ware and Mr. Boiceau have been here for a great while awaiting 

Downs. convoy for Virginia, and have now an opportunity. The French 



198 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1689. 

certainly have designs upon New York. Will you procure the 
King's orders to Captain Jacob Leisler to secure all who are against 
the King, and to fortify the place until the arrival of the new 
governor. There are two hundred French families about New York, 
who will be put to the torture if the French take it. Pray have pity 
on our condition, for my family is one of them. If the King's letter 
take too long to procure, Colonel Sloughter's would do much good. 
I shall take horse from my first landing-place in Virginia to carry 
such an order. Colonel Sloughter will not be ready before April, by 
which time the mischief will be done. Signed. P. Eeverdy. 1 p. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 650. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 95.] 

Dec. 81. 671. Deposition of Andries Greveraet and George Brewerton. 

New York. On returning from Virginia in February 1689, Greveraet was 
asked by Captain Nicholson for news, and told him of the landing 
of the Prince of Orange. Nicholson flew into a violent passion and 
said that Salisbury Plain was burying place enough for the Prince 
and the people with him. He also forbade Greveraet to divulge 
this news. A week later Nicholson sent several times to him to 
set down what he had said in writing, and threatened to run him 
through and cut off his ears. Sworn before Jacob Milborne. 1 p. 
Printed in Neio York Documents, HI., 660. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Eecd. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 98, 99.] 

[Dec.] 672. Anonymous letter to Jacob Leisler. It is not enough for 
you to seize the fortress, but you have without the least colour of 
justice imprisoned good subjects, and in particular Philip French 
and Peter de Key, whom you keep so close that probably you intend 
to murder them. You are warned that if a hair of their heads be 
hurt, every one that wears the hated name of Leisler shall shortly 
receive the reward of your crimes by poniard, poison, or pistol. 
Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 10 April, 1690. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 100.] 

Dec. 31. 673. Captain John Leech to the Earl of Shrewsbury. On my 
Plymouth, arrival at Nevis I was detained for service on a man-of-war. 
The fall of St. Christophers was due entirely to want of ammunition, 
and the rest of the Island will fall for the same reason unless 
speedily supplied. I understand that no assistance has yet been 
sent to them, so I make bold to ask how things go in those parts, 
the French having eleven men of war at Martinique besides 
privateers in Petit Guavos and elsewhere. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Eeceived from My Lord 4 Jan. 89/90. Eead 7 Jan. [America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 70.] 

Dec. 31. 674. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. On the suggestion of 
the Lieutenant-Governor it was agreed that two of the hired 
men-of-war be paid off. The question of the Excise adjourned to 
next sitting. A present of 200 voted to the Lieutenant-Governor. 
Address to the Lieutenant-Governor asking for funds to be supplied 
to the Treasurer to supply the cellars of Fontabelle with six pipes 
of the best Madeira wine, two tuns of good ale and a thousand 
weight of sugar, against Colonel Kendall's arrival. Adjourned to 
21 January. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 211-213.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 199 

1689. 

675. Petition of Jeremiah Dummer on behalf of Benjamin 
Pemberton. For leave of absence for Benjamin Pemberton, naval 
officer at Boston. [America and West Indies. Massachusetts, 
561. No. 5.] 

Dec. 2. 676. Report of the Attorney-General on the case of John Usher, 
Treasurer of New England. Copies of the instructions given to the 
Governor and Treasurer of New England in relation to the revenue, 
and case put whether John Usher was not justified in collecting and 
receiving taxes continued by the Governor under his commission. 
Opinions of the law officers 2 December 1989, saying that he was 
justified and could be liable to no action for his behaviour. Signed. 
Geo. Treby, J. Somers. 2 December 1689. Copies. The whole, 
6 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 50, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LXIL, pp. 252-254.] 

677. Form of a royal warrant for one Maden, a loyal Irishman, 
to live in the Leeward Islands. Draft. 1 p. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 71.] 

678- Petition of Robert Nelson to the King. My brother Sir 
Thomas Temple was by letters patent made Governor of Nova Scotia 
and Acadia, and expended large sums on the country. The King 
of France offered often to buy him out, but on the royal order the 
country was surrendered without any payment. I beg for letters of 
reprisal. Copy. I p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 51.] 

679. Draft Act for restraining and punishing privateers and 
pirates. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 601. &>. 28.] 

680. Account of a country for which a patent is desired in North 
America. The country lies in the centre of the Northern part of 
America between the degrees of 36 \, the northern boundary of Carolina, 
and 46J, the southern boundary of Canada, having to the east the 
western bounds of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and to the 
west the Pacific or South Sea. In this country there are two vast 
lakes, the least of them six thousand miles in circumference and 
navigable as the ocean. Innumerable rivers run into them ; both 
lakes and rivers are full of fish. Between the lakes North and South 
runs a great river navigable with great ships almost 1,500 miles 
from the sea, but the navigation is interrupted by many great falls. 
The river immediately below the cataract is more than a mile broad 
and ten fathoms deep. By annexing this country, the following 
advantages will be gained. The French will be deprived of some of the 
richest branches of their commerce, for the fur trade which is worth at 
least fifty thousand pounds to them yearly would be cut off from 
them if the English settled on this side the cataract. There are infinite 
numbers of Pesikions or Sibils, an animal unknown to Europeans 
till lately, whose hair is of the nature of Spanish wool and fit for 
divers manufactures. There is great mineral wealth, the iron being 
better and more easily worked than in England ; and there is also 
cinnabar. There are several sorts of dyeing woods. The cochineal 
fly could be raised, also silk worms ; there are vast quantities of 
cotton and flax growing wild ; innumerable birds and beasts as well 
as fruits and timber. 2pp. Endorsed. [America and West Iiulicg. 
601. No. 22.] 



200 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 
Jan. 1. 



Jan. 2. 



Jan. 2. 

Whitehall. 



Jan. 2. 

Whitehall. 



Jan. 2. 

Whitehall. 



Jan. 3. 
Hartford. 



Jan. 6. 

Whitehall. 

Jan. 7. 



Jan. 7. 

Fort William, 
New York. 



Jan. 7. 

Fort William, 
New Tork. 



681. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles. The order for a 
ship to carry the Governor of New York to his Government was 
long since given to Colonel Sloughter, when it was supposed that he 
would deliver it to you ; but I now enclose a duplicate. Draft with 
corrections. \y>. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 101.] 

682. Instructions to Francis Nicholson as Lieutenant Governor 
of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 804, 305.] 

683. Order of the King in Council. Approving the appoint- 
ment of William Cole as Secretary of Virginia. [Board of Trade. 
Virginia, 36. p. 17.] 

684. Order of the King in Council. On report of Lords of 
Trade and Plantations, ordered that the fine of 600 imposed on John 
Towers (see No. 647) be remitted. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
p. 311.] 

685. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
William Ivy, John Towers and others to Lord Inchiquin for report. 
[Ibid. p. 326.] 

686. The Council of Connecticut to the King. Congratulations 
on his accession. Under the late King we were under some uneasiness 
for our charter, but it was not surrendered by us, nor condemned. 
We beg that it may be confirmed. Signed. Robert Treat, Gov., 
John Allyn, Secrety. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 52, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 171-172.] 

687. Commission to Dr. Joseph Hanmer to be chaplain of the 
garrison of New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 245.] 

688. Deposition of John Ho well as to the genuineness of 
receipt of Matthew Plowman for money raised under an Act made 
by Governor Dongan and Council. ^ p. Endorsed. Reed. 
10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 102.] 

689. Jacob Leisler to the King. I have reported our 
transactions since the 20th of August to the Bishop of Salisbury. 
The letters of the Council of 29 and 30 July addressed to Captain 
Nicholson came to us, and were opened by me, as Commander- 
in-Chief (though two of Sir Edmund Andres's Council pretended 
thereto), to the general satisfaction. A second proclamation of 
your Majesties was made with suitable ceremony. Having already 
secured your interest we fear not our adversaries though they be 
considerable, not doubting so to settle the civil and military 
Government as to make it qualified to receive your further order. 
Signed. Jacob Leisler, Lieut. Gov. p. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 103.] 

690. Jacob Leisler and his Council to the Bishop of Salisbury. 
We feel it our duty to give some account of this Government, and of 
its deliverance from the direful state in which it was enthralled by 
the arbitary and illegal commissions granted by King James. That 
our adversaries, constituted by these instruments, should not over- 
power us by their crafty devices, we caused writs to issue forth for 
the free election of civil and military officers, with a formal paper for 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 201 

1690. 

the electors to subscribe, which the major part did, despite the 
efforts of King James's party in correspondence with Sir E. Andros's 
party at Boston. This correspondence we cannot yet prevent, though 
some persons have been detected and some packets intercepted. 
We cannot enumerate all the inhuman practices of the said Andros, 
but \ve would instance his late undertaking with the infidels. The 
instrument that he put in his place during his absence, Francis 
Nicholson, and the pretended Protestant minister, Innes, have sent to 
England a formal submission to King William's Government, though 
in their Assembly they continued to pray for the Prince of Wales and 
for victory for King James. Albany and part of Ulster county have 
chiefly withstood us, influenced by Colonel Bayard and Stephen van 
Cortlandt, who at the celebrating of the Prince of Wales's birth 
sacrificed his hat, peruke, etc., to escape the indignation of the 
citizens and withdrew to Albany ; where his advice to them to 
continue under Sir Edmund Andros's commissions suited their 
circumstances well (they having invaded the King's and other lands), 
and wrought accordingly. Soon after, the French with a considerable 
number of Indians alarmed them by threatening to attack Albany, 
which awakened New England. Thereupon 50 men were sent 
with arms to embrace proposals for peace and secure the country, 
who were well received by the most part of the citizens, excepting 
some who styled themselves a convention and persist in their 
former practices. But eighty well-affected men from New 
England keep the peace, and we hope that the enemy can not 
hurt us, for we have six hundred men and a fort with fourteen 
guns. Things arriving at this head Colonel Thomas Dongan, 
who was at his farm in Long Island, gave great encouragement 
to the former civil and military officers by holding cabals at his house 
and adjacent places to arrange for an attempt on the fort of New 
York. We disappointed them by forming ourselves into an asso- 
ciation, which so nettled them that they used all endeavours to 
prevent men from signing. But though our numbers were lessened 
we still keep the major part. Many resort to our neighbours in the 
Jerseys and Pennsylvania, who are mostly Quakers. They encour- 
age if not outdo the Eoman Catholics and are the principal cause of 
our calamities. They assert Mr. Penn to be a man of undoubted 
sincerity, and say that King James's commissions are good to this 
day. Indeed Colonel Townley and others committed riot upon our 
justice and openly drank King James's health; but we hope 
to subdue these people in time. 

So matters stood until December 9th, when the King's 
letters arrived. Some of Sir E. Andros's Council attended the 
messenger (although Captain Nicholson was gone) expecting that 
their names might be inserted and that so they might challenge 
them ; but this was prevented by Captain Jacob Leisler. Next 
day their Majesties were again proclaimed. A Council was chosen 
of such as had faithfully served King William, in particular by 
securing the revenue, which action was abused by pamphlets, and 
our notices and orders torn down and defaced. We then settled the 
Magistracy, appointed Courts of Judicature, and proceeded to 
establish the Militia, in all which we met, in the circumstances, 
with indifferent success ; and are resolved to collect the revenue for the 



202 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

support of the Government, When Sir Edward Andros was here 
with Edward Randolph, most of the records and the seal were sent 
to Boston, which prevents us from reporting as fully as the case 
demands. We adventured to make a new seal altering the Duke's of 
York'sCoronet and putting the Crown of England in its stead. Nothing 
can abate our service except the want of five and twenty twenty- 
four pounder cannon, arms and ammunition, in case the French 
visit us this spring ; and we hope the King will afford us also a 
small vessel of war. 

Since the above was written we have intercepted several of our 
enemies' letters. Therein you will see the horrible devices they 
invent, particularly in Colonel Bayard's letter to John West, of a 
plot to massacre them on New Year's day, which should be told him 
by Mrs. Van Cortlandt. whom he terms the Mayoress. We there- 
upon arrested Bayard, though Van Cortlandt and his wife fled ; but 
Bayard would not admit any of his writings before us, though we 
can prove them to be his. The other most dangerous person is 
William Nichols, who has written one letter to Farwell, a notorious 
criminal at Boston, and another threatening poison, pistol and 
poniard to the posterity of Commander Leisler. He also would not 
own to any of the papers ; but we hope to condignly punish both 
these persons (sic). Another letter was from Colonel Bayard to 
Major Brockholes, a professed papist who was formerly of Colonel 
Dongan's and Sir E. Andros's Council. Many others, by virtue 
of their former Commissions, ride about in a hostile manner 
encouraging the people to rebellion ; which we doubt not in a 
short time to suppress, having had such good success in this 
city that most of the suspected are fled to the Quakers in the 
next colony. What their next movements will be, time will show ; 
but we trust in God and our loyal forces to guard us. We hope the 
King will accept our service. Signed. Jacob Leisler, P. Delanoy, 
Johannes Bermege, Samuel Staats, Benjamin Blagge. 2J closely 
written pages. Printed in New York Documents, III., 664. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 104.] 

Jan. 7. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Ibid- No. 105.] 
[Jan. 7.] Abstract of the foregoing. [Ibid. No. 106.] 

Jan. 7. 691. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Extract, from 
a letter to Mr. Usher read reporting the taking of Pemaquid and 
Casco Bay by the Indians. Agreed to lay them before the King. 
The seal of Barbados delivered to Colonel Kendall. Agreed to 
recommend Captain Dobyn to be Lieutenant-Governor of Antigua. 
Captain Leech's letter of 31 December read (see A'o. 673). Petition 
of Colonel Codrington as to his salary read and referred to the 
Treasury. Colonel Codrington's commission and instructions to be 
sent out by Captain Wright. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 307, 
308.] 

Jan. 7. 692. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. As to the 
contents of a box sent out to Governor Codrington, with Admiral 
Wright ; and as to the payment of Governor Codrington's salary in 
specie at the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 
43. pp. 52-54, and pp. 55, 56.] 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 



203 



1690. 
Jan. 7. 



[Jan. 7.] 
Jan. 7. 

Jan. 7. 



Jan. 9. 
Whitehall. 



Jan. 9. 

Whitehall. 



Jan. 9. 

Whitehall. 



Jan. 9. 

Whitehall. 



Jan. 9. 



Jan. 9. 
Whitehall. 



693. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lord 
President is desired to lay before the King the address and 
declaration from Maryland, wherein it appears that the people 
having received no orders from Lord Baltimore have taken up 
arms against his Government. The Attorney-General is consulting 
the charter to see how the province can best be settled, and 
meanwhile the King is begged to send a letter approving of the 
proclamation of their Majesties and ordering the peace to be kept 
until further orders. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 146, 147.] 

694. Memorandum. That Lieutenant- Governor Nicholson 
requests a passage for himself and servants to Virginia. J p. 
[America and West Indies. 636. No. 30-] 

695. Order of the King in Council. That orders be given to the 
Admiralty for transport for Captain Nicholson and his servants to 
Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 18.] 

696. Petition of Christopher Codrington to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. Praying that a privy seal may be passed for the pay- 
ment of his salary out of the produce of goods arising in specie in 
the Leeward Islands, as has been granted to the Governor of 
Barbardos. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 7 Jan. 1689-90. [America 
and West Indies. 550. No. 72.] 

697. Warrant for the seal of the Leeward Islands. On the one 
side, the royal effigies in a chariot drawn by two sea-horses, and on 
the other the royal arms. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. 
p. 51.] 

698. Order of the King in Council. Disallowing the act of the 
Leeward Islands compelling the rebels of Monmouth's insurrection 
to serve ten years. [Ibid. pp. 54, 55, and pp. 187, 188.] 

699. Order of the King in Council. Disallowing the Act of 
Jamaica of 1686 for ascertaining the servitude of transported rebels. 
Signed. Cha. Montague. It was further ordered that pardons 
should be issued for such as desired the same. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
XXXII., p. 309 and p. 312, and Vol. C., p. 115.] 

700. Order of the King in Council. Disallowing the Act of 
Barbados passed for the government of rebel convicts in 1685. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 191, 192.] 

701. Warrant for the use of the Great Seal in Barbados. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 145, 146.] 

702. J. Povey to Sir Robert Holmes. I send copy of a 
memorial by Lord Inchiquin for power to pardon pirates in 
Jamaica. You may think it worth while to enter a caveat 
against such power, and plead that all pirates' goods are 
granted to you under the Great Seal. A great day is expected in 
the House of Commons to-morrow over the Corporation Bill. 
Signed J. Povey. 1 p. Annexed, 

702. i. Copy of Lord Inchiquin's memorial (see No. 704). 
[America and West Indies. VoZ. 540. No. 16, 16 I.] 



204 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

[Jan. 9.] 703. Recommendation as to reducing pirates and privateers in 
America. A general pardon must be issued without respect of 
crimes or persons, and must be under the Great Seal of England, 
for pardon under a Colonial Great Seal will not be trusted. Such a 
pardon will strengthen the Colonies by adding numbers of the best 
men for sea or land-service, who are not to be obtained on any other 
terms. J p. Undated and unsigned. [America and West Indies. 
Vol. 540. No. 15.] 

[Jan. 9.] 704. Lord Inchiquin to the King. Several merchants have 
represented to me the danger of pirates, and have desired me to ask 
for power to pardon them, which they believe will be advantageous 
to Jamaica. Signed. Inchiquin. \ p. Endorsed. Reed. 9 Jan., 
1689-90. Read 14th. The Committee, after hearing the merchants, 
agree that it may be for the King's service to offer a general pardon 
to pirates. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 64, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p 381.] 

[Jan. 9.] 705. Instructions proposed by the Spanish Ambassador for 
Lord Inchiquin. 1. That he pardon pirates whose impunity would 
make a bad example. 2. That pardoned pirates be compelled to 
buy land, as security for their good behaviour, and that those who 
have not the money to do so be carefully watched. 3. That he take 
great care not to let pirates go who when driven in by distress, 
pretend to submit, but return to piracy as soon as they are 
revictualled. 4. He should forbid the passage to the South Sea by 
Magellan strait to all vessels, but the means for ensuring this must 
be left to him. 2 pp. French. Endorsed. Reed, from the Earl of 
Shrewsbury 9 Jan. 1689-90. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. 
No. 65.] 

[Jan. 9.] 706. Spanish Ambassador to Lord Shrewsbury. Enclosing 
the preceding document, and asking for a copy of Lord Inchiquin's 
instructions when complete. Signed Ronquillos. 1 p. Endorsed 
as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 66.] 

Jan. 10. 707. John Coode to the President of Virginia. We have had 
no answer from you yet as to the arrest of our Papist fugitives. 
Since I wrote last George Mason and others have barbarously 
murdered John Payne. He came on board this yacht in a boat with 
but four men to ask why they went to and fro without entering and 
clearing, and was shot dead. There are hues and cries out against 
the murderers here and to Northward. Sewall was ashore 
at the time of the murder, but is proved to have given orders for 
his men to act as they did. He claims that he had your permit for 
his last coming into this province. I am therefore to request of you 
again the arrest and delivery of the former fugitives and of the 
present murderers. Could we have apprehended them in their 
original flight into Virginia, the King would not have lost a loyal 
subject [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 166-169.] 

Jan. 11. 708. Petition of Lord Baltimore to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
tions. For the hearing of himself and of his officers in reference 
to the late disturbances in Maryland. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 205 

1690. 

Proposals of Lord Baltimore as to the same. That all Deputy 
Councillors and justices in commission in Maryland shall be 
removed ; that Mr. Henry Coursey be commissioned Lieutenant- 
Governor ; and that professed Protestants of good repute and estate 
be appointed a Council, with power to examine the pretensions of 
John Coode and his associates. Lord Baltimore desires no prosecu- 
tion of Coode for what he has done ; and is ready to give security 
and to remain in England as a pledge that the King's commands 
shall be obeyed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LH., pp. 173-175.] 

Jan. 10. 709. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Common On the 24th of November Mr. Bradstreet received from Mr. Riggs 
jetton *^ e Ding's letter of 30 July, part whereof only was printed and 
added to the Agent's letter like an advertisement to a Gazette. The 
word forthicith was omitted, so as more easily to impose on the 
people, and make them believe that the King has left to them the time 
and the ship by which Sir Edmund Andros and the other prisoners 
are to be sent to England. The King's letter of 12 August sent 
them by Mr. Mather was received on the 1st of December. This 
they caused to be printed with a feigned titled and counterfeit 
cypher of a seal, and distributed in all the towns in order to 
persuade the people that it had the King's broad seal to it. Under 
colour of this they have laid a tax amounting to about 10,000 on 
the Colony, have held a Court of Assistants, and have condemned a 
malefactor for breach of one of their capital laws. He was lately 
executed, to frighten the people into submission. On the 12th of 
December, Captain Fairweather by order of the Council read a 
paper to Sir Edmund Andros and others, signifying the receipt of 
the King's letter of 30 July, whereupon he and others concerned 
sent letters to them expressing our gratitude to the King, 
hoping that they would forthwith put us aboard the ship 
Blossom, then waiting to sail. The master was tired out 
with daily attendance on the Governor for a pass, but on the 
24th following an embargo was laid on all shipping. The Council 
refused to consider our letter of the 13th of December, so we wrote 
a second letter on the 26th, of which likewise they have taken no 
notice, pretending that the representatives cannot determine what 
to do with us. On the 4th inst. (two days after the execution of the 
malefactor) they caused a paper to be printed declaring the authority 
reposed in them by the people and favoured, as they say, by the 
King's letter of 12 August. We have been told that the Council 
and Representatives have drawn up an address praying for a 
charter, and mean to send it home privately before putting any of 
us on board. I find by printed papers sent here by Mr. Mather 
that great solicitations have been made by him and his friends to the 
King, to you, and to the House of Commons for a charter, as 
though it were a national concern. I humbly submit that the 
matter should be delayed until the arrival of Sir Edmund, myself 
and others to give an account of the distressed condition of the 
country owing to the arbitrary management of a factious and bigoted 
party ; and meantime I offer it as a matter of great import to 
examine how the planters became possessed of the first charter 
granted to Sir Henry Roswell and others in 1628, of which not one 



206 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

step has ever appeared in England or in America ; moreover it is 
plain from the charter and its docket, which I long ago transcribed 
from the records of the Privy Seal office, that the affairs of 
Massachusetts Bay like those of the East Indian and African Com- 
panies were to he managed in England only. Signed. Ed. Randolph. 
Holograph. If pp. Endorsed. Reed. 2 April, 1690. Annexed, 
709. i. Order of the Convention of Massachusetts, 3 December, 
1689. For a day of thanksgiving for many signal 
mercies. Signed. Isaac Addington. Printed sheet. 1 p. 

709. ii. Order of the Convention of Massachusetts, 8 December, 
1689. Announcing that it has the King's authority to 
continue the administration of the Government. Printed 
sheet. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 2 April, 1690. 

709. in. Order of the same. For the appointment of a Committee 
to grant debentures for pay of soldiers lately employed in 
the Indian war. Printed sheet. 1 p. Endorsed as the 
preceding. 

709. iv. Order of the Convention of Massachusetts to Captain 
John Fairweather, to signify to Sir Edmund Andros, 
Joseph Dudley, John Palmer, James Graham, John West, 
James Sherlock, George Farwell and Edward Randolph 
that the King's order has been received for them to be 
sent home in the first ship bound for England. Dated 
12 Dec. 1689. Copy. Scrap. Endorsed. Reed. 6 May, 
1690. 

709. v. Edward Randolph to Commissioners of Customs. Com- 
mon Gaol, Dec. 12, 1689. The traders have obtained 
their end by imprisoning the Governor and myself. 
Their vessels come into port from prohibited countries 
without disturbance. I have informed the officers at 
Virginia and Barbados so that they may make strict search 
aboard all vessels from hence. The people will have no 
supply from England, finding the profit of trading against 
law in a country where they are favoured by the Govern- 
ment. Ships come in with unlawful goods, and this place 
will soon become a free port again unless the people are 
convinced of their error by force. The King's letter of 
30 July ordering us to be sent in the first ship to England 
reached Mr. Bradstreet on the 29th, but so far they allow 
us no liberty to leave gaol to provide for our voyage nor 
have they determined on what ship to put us. I hope you 
have received my former letters. Copy. 1 p. 

709. vi. Copy of the order to John Fairweather (see No. iv). 
Letter from the prisoners, named in the crder, to the 
Convention of Massachusetts. 13 December, 1689. Asking 
when they will be released and on what ship they will be 
sent home. Letter of Edward Randolph to the same ask- 
ing for his books and papers to be delivered to him. 
Copies. The whole. 1 p. 

709. vii. Another copy of Edward Randolph's letter of 13 Decem- 
ber, asking for his papers. Scrap. 









AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 207 

1690. 

709. viii. David Jamison to the Convention. 18 December, 1689. 
Asking for his release in accordance with the Ring's 
orders. Copy. Scrap. Endorsed in Edward Randolph's 
hand. This paper was delivered to Mr. Danforth, who said 
that he did not know he was in gaol. There is no charge 
against him except that he went to our church, but his 
release has always been, and still is, refused. 
709. ix. Letter of Sir E. Andros and the other prisoners to the 
Convention. 26 December, 1689. Repeating their request 
to be sent to England. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 
2 April 90. 

709. x. Printed copy of the King's letter of 12 August, 1689, to 
Convention of Massachusetts, as published at Boston 
by the Convention. There is, as Randolph points out, a 
large space purporting to represent a seal, the original 
bearing no such seal. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 2 April, 
1690. 

709. xi. Copy of the docket of the grant of New England to Sir 
Henry Russell and others, directing that the officers of the 
company shall be elected in England. 4 March, 1628. Copy. 
1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 2 April, 1690. [Board of Trade. 
New England, 5. Nos. 53, 53 i-xi., and (without enclosures) 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 173-175.] 

Jan. 11. 710. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to 
recommend Mr. Hannay as Provost Marshal of Barbados. Order 
for passage for Colonel Sloughter to New York. Mr. John Haines 
appointed to the Council of New York. Agreed to move for bedding 
for the garrison of New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 309, 
310.] 

Jan. 11. 711. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the 
Admiralty to provide passage on board the frigate for ten servants 
of Governor Sloughter, with the usual allowance of victuals. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 253.] 

Jan. 11. 712. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring 
the attendance of the merchants and planters of Jamaica on the 14th 
inst. Draft. J p. Endorsed. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 
67.] 

Jan. 12. 713. William Blathwayt to the Earl of Carbery. Desiring his 
attendance at the meeting of the Lords of Trade and Plantations on 
the llth. Draft. J p. [ Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 68.] 

Jan. 13. 714. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Council takes notice 
of the Auditor's objection to Thomas Ryves's accounts. Ordered that 
they be returned to Ryves, and that he send no accounts home till 
they are passd by the Council. Order for hiring a house in Port Royal 
and for provision for the reception of Lord Inchiquin. A medal 
presented to Richard Chitty for his good service to the new fort 
at Port Royal. Orders as to payments of money and delivery of 
ammunition. Robert Snead summoned to answer for words re- 
flecting on the late Colonel Molesworth. The King's declaration of 
war against France proclaimed. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. 
pp. 14,15.] 



208 COLONIAL PAPERS'. 



1690. 

Jan. 13. 715. Anthony Brockholes to Edward Randolph. I am sorry 
New York. f or a n y 0ur trouble, but I am sure that in the long run you will 
obtain satisfaction for all the suffering that you undergo. Our 
condition is as bad if not worse, except that we are not yet subject 
to the insolencies that an arch rebel and tyrant thinks fit to 
impose. You will hear the particulars from Captain Lodowyck 
who intends for your parts this week. Signed. Copy. J p. 
Endorsed : Copy of a letter intercepted by Leisler. Reed. 10 April, 
1690. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 1.] 

Jan. 14. 716. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Balti- 
more presented certain proposals as to Maryland. The merchants 
of Jamaica heard as to Lord Inchiquin's proposal for a general pardon 
to pirates. Petition of John Grey read (see next abstract) and order 
given thereupon (see No. 726). The Admiralty requested to re- 
port as to the transport* of the two foot companies to New York. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 310, 311.] 

Jan. 14. 717. Petition of John Gray to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Sir John Witham always found pretexts for delaying the hear- 
ing of his appeal against me, and now he is dead. I beg dis- 
mission of the appeal. Endorsed. Read 14 Jan. 1689-90. [Board 
of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 21.] 

Jan. 14. 718. Instructions of Governor Codrington to Captain Thomas 
Antigua. Hewetson. To sail to St. Martins to the help of Sir Timothy 
Thornhill's forces, and endeavour to subdue the Island. Copy. 
1J PP- [America and West Indies. 550. No. 73.] 

Jan. 14. 719. Nicholas Bayard to John West. I have received yours by 
New York. John Perry. He was too careful to leave them at Colonel Morris's at 
his first coming, or they would have fallen into the hands of the 
Philistines, who open all our letters and keep them at discretion. 
I am under my old confinement, which I prefer to any that the 
arch-rebel and his hellish crew may impose on me. Mrs. Mayoress 
was to-day with me to tell me of a damned plot that Mr. Mayor 
discovered yesterday, in which on New Year's Day last it had been 
resolved to massacre five or six of the chief inhabitants, Mr. Mayor 
and myself among them ; but the plot being found out it was pre- 
vented (as is now said) by the arch-rebel himself. We have no post 
from Albany and Ulster, but I do not doubt their loyalty. I wish 
we had enough of such men here to suppress the rebels, but most of 
the people are frightened, so we must wait for a Governor's arrival. 
I am sorry to hear that the usurpers of your Government continue 
their former severity. Thanks for the printed papers, which I have 
sent to several gentlemen for their perusal. Your new upstarts 
sent a parcel of them, I am told, to our Masaniello, and asked him 
to procure what accusations he could against His Excellency and his 
friends. You need not doubt that his crew have been active beyond 
the bounds of honesty, for I have witnesses sufficient to prove that 
one Matthias, a servant or soldier, who has lived upwards of two 
years by Sir E. Andros, has declared that Leisler had tried to make 
him swear that Sir Edmund was a papist, offering him twenty-four 
shillings in hand, with a promise that he should not want as long 
as he should live. I have tried to find this Matthias but have been 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 209 

1690. 

unable to send an affidavit under oath, as I hope to when I find 
him. I doubt but the rebels here have endeavoured to stain my repute 
at home to colour their wickedness, so I desire if I can to vindicate 
myself. I have made interest to procure the collectorship here, so 
as to be in some manner revenged of the affront which I received in 
that office from the rebels. Pray give your assistance if you arrive 
in time, even though you should exceed my former order, which 
was 150. Signed. N. Bayard. Copy. This is the intercepted letter 
referred to in No. 548. Printed in New York Documents, III., 661. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 107.] 

Jan. 14. . 720. William Nichols to George Farwell. I write notwithstanding 
your advice that you will be sailing in a week, hoping that the letter 
may follow you. I have had an ill time of it every hour since the 
cursed connection of these Colonies, nor is it mended by what has 
lately happened. I sold C. Palmer's sloop, but on a bond at three 
months, though I was glad to get rid of her with Edsall and others 
watching to lay their attachments for her. That incorrigible 
brutish coxcomb Leisler is our despot here, backed by those insipid 
mobiles Delanoy, Milborne, Edsall, Cuyler and others not 
worth the naming. The villain calls himself Lieutenant-Governor. 
Never was such a pack of ignorant, scandalous, malicious, false, 
imprudent, impertinent rascals herded together, out of hell. They 
took up Philip French lately and kept him twenty days, denying 
him the access of anyone most of the time. At length on his 
humble submission they let him out ; he is gone to New London. 
They threaten to serve me up with the same sauce, which makes 
me keep my house and not stir out except privately and well armed. 
Leisler is risen to that height of arrogance that he threatens to 
plunder the houses of those who deny his authority to be legal, and 
asserts that whose head soever he pleases shall be brought to him 
at the hour when he commands it. I think our hopes are brought 
to a fair market. A decree was issued lately for a day of thanks- 
giving for their Majesties' success, but more especially for the good 
settlement of this Government. With what frontlike confidence 
can these caitiffs dally with the Eternal Being. We must call the 
Almighty a lie to His very face, and praise Him for what we most 
want, and their Majesties' names must be used as a security to their 
shameless villainies and oppressions. I doubt your holy-day is 
somewhat of the same nature ; it is enough to confirm Atheists to 
see the world committed to such Phaetons. You will doubtless have 
heard to what a wretched condition we are reduced. I charge you, 
by our friendship and as you love virtue and hate hypocrisy, remain a 
mortal and irreconcilable enemy to Leisler and his adherents while 
you are in England. Use all your influence to get this rogue 
removed and delivered to the severity of the law as an example to 
all rebels. My service to your friends. Let me hear from you by 
first opportunity, and give me a true account of things in England. 
I shall go into the country until the new Governor comes, or some 
other alteration, which God send soon. Copy. 2 closely irrittm 
pages. Endorsed: Reed. 10 April, 1690. Printed in New York 
Documents, III., 662. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 578. 
Nos. 108, 109.] 



210 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

Jan. 14. 721. Phiiieas Bowles to William Blathwayt. As the order has 
been sent concerning Colonel Sloughter, I suppose there is no 
occasion for further orders as to the soldiers and ordnance. But 
my Lords think that in any order the directions should be express 
and not implied, and if they consider anything more necessary, you 
will be informed. Signed. P.Bowles. J p. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 110.] 

Jan. 14. 722. William Blathwayt to Phineas Bowles I hear that some 
difficulty has arisen over the victualling of the two garrison companies 
on their voyage to New York Pray let me know if any fresh order 
be required. I do not see what further order is necessary for the 
transport of stores. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 254.] 

Jan. 15. 723. Memorandum of Captain William Dobyns, asking for a 
passage for himself and household to the West Indies on one of the 
King's frigates. J p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 74.] 

[Jan. ] 724. Captain Thomas Fowke to William Blathwayt. Believing 
that the change could not be effected without great difficulty and 
trouble to Lord Mulmouth (sic) made me then willing to go myself, 
although I should have sustained the greatest damage imaginable 
by it ; but I am very willing so it be done with convenience to my 
lord. Signed. Tho. Fowke. 1 p. Undated. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 75.] 

Jan. 16. 725. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for the arrest of 
Captain George Mason and others concerned in the affray wherein 
James Payne was killed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 
331-333.] 

Jan. 16. 726. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That 
notice be given to Sir John Witham's executors to prosecute their 
appeal within fourteen days or shew cause why it should not be 
dismissed. Draft. $ p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 22.] 

Jan. 17. 727. Eeceipt for the seal of the Leeward Islands. Signed. 
Wm. Dobyns. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 52.] 

Jan. 17. 728- William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. Asking the 
Admiralty to provide a passage to the Leeward Islands for Captain 
Dobyns and six servants. [Ibid. p. 65.] 

Jan. 21. 729. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for the embargo 
on sloops to be removed on the 30th inst. Order for the Provost 
Marshal to take Lieutenant Eobert Snead into custody. Order for 
Thomas Eyves to appear and bring his account. Order as to a 
Spanish ship driven into Port Eoyal by distress. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 77. pp. 16, 17.] 

Jan. 21. 730. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. John Bromley 
chosen Speaker. The Lieutenant-Governor consulted the House 
as to the sailing of ships for England. Act respecting Courts of 
Common Pleas read a first time. Eesolution for a Bill to stop all 
proceedings in law or equity for three months. A Committee 
appointed to inspect the public accounts. 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 211 

1690. 

Jan. 22. Eesolved that a new Excise Bill be drawn. Richard Salter 
chosen Treasurer, and his salary and perquisites voted. Bill for an 
impost on liquors read a first time. Bill for stopping proceedings 
in law to be added to the Excise Bill. Bill to repeal the existing 
Act as to Grand Sessions read a first time. [Col. Entry Book, 
Vol. XIV., pp. 218-216.] 

Jan. 22. 731. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft of a 
letter to Maryland read and amended (see No. 751). Mrs. Hill's 
petition read, and to be laid before the King (see next abstract). 
[Col. Entry Book, Vol. CIX., p. 312.] 

[Jan. 22.] 732. Petition of Margaret Hill to the King. Out of the grant 
of 1,000 made for Colonel Thomas Hill and the companies in the 
Leeward Islands I expended 369 in clothing and shipped it off to 
the West Indies ; but the ship and all the things were unfortunately 
lost at Deal in the last great storm. I beg you to make good the 
loss. 1 p. Inscribed. Reed. 22 Jan. 1689. The petition laid 
before the King on the 24th ; and ordered that the loss should be 
made good out of the King's bounty. [America and West Indies. 
550. No. 77, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 62.] 

Jan. 22. 733. J. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. I understand that 
Admiralty. Captain Wright has been ordered to receive the soldiers bound for 

the West Indies on board his squadron. Signed. J. Sotherne. 

p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 76, and Board of 

Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. , and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., 

p. 109.] 

Jan. 23. 734. Additional instructions to Governor Codrington. David 
Ganespool has received a commission as a reformed Captain and 
is about to repair to the Leeward Islands. You will advise with him 
as to any attack on Guadeloupe, but spare his property and that of 
his kindred in the Island. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. 
pp. 181-183.] 

Jan. 23. 735. Orders to Lieutenant-Colonel Holt of Bolton's regiment. 
To the same effect as to sparing David Ganespool' s property at 
Guadeloupe. [Ibid. pp. 183, 184.] 

[Jan. 23.] 736. Memorandum for the Lord President. To move the King 
for the supply of bedding for the two foot companies at New York ; 
and for appointment of George Hannay to be Provost Marshal of 
Barbados. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 23 June, 1689. [America and 
West Indies. 601. No. 24.] 

Jan. 24. 737. J. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. Forwarding additional 
Admiralty, instructions issued to Captain Lawrence Wright. J p. [America and 
West Indies. 550. No. 78.] 

Jan. 24. 738. Additional instructions to Admiral Lawrence Wright. As 
to sparing David Ganespool's property in Guadeloupe. ,SV</mv/. 
Carbery, J. Lowther, Jno. Chicheley. [Board of Trade. Leeward 
Islands. 48. pp. 185, 186, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 112, 
113.] 



212 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

Jan. 24. 739. Instructions of the Government of Massachusetts to its 
Agents, Sir Henry Ashurst, Bart., Elisha Cooke, Increase Mather 
and Thomas Gates. To wait upon the King, obtain a full 
confirmation of the ancient Charter, correct misrepresentations 
as to the late Eevolution, and represent matters in relation to 
defence. Copy. 1J pp. Endorsed. Reed. 29 May, 1690, from 
the Agents. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 54, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 209, 210.] 

Jan. 25. 740. Petition and Address of the inhabitants of Maine and the 
County of Cornwall in New England. In the summer of 1688 the 
Eastern Indians made war upon us, killed and took many inhabitants 
and spoiled our settlements ; but as soon as Sir Edmund Andros 
returned from New York he appointed such forces as checked the 
Indians and reduced them to such straits that they were on the 
point of submission. We suffered no harm during that time, but in 
April, to our great grief and loss, the people of Boston rose in 
insurrection, drew off the garrisons and posts and left us without any 
succour or defence. Shortly afterwards the Indians were supplied 
with arms and ammunition by vessels sent from Boston, whereupon 
they attacked the fortifications which the forces had deserted, and 
overran a great part of Maine before any assistance was sent from 
Boston. We have suffered losses to 40,000 value, besides the loss 
of three hundred inhabitants ; and the forces from Boston are now 
returned without any advantage gained over the enemy. All this 
has been brought upon us by the late insurrection at Boston. We 
beg for protection and help. Signed. Sam. Walker, Fre. (?) Ellacott, 
Nich. Manning, John Paine (his mark), Tho. Scottow, John B. 
Ryall, Lawrence Downes, James Dennis, William Denis, John 
Wreford (?), Francis Johnson, John Shierley (?), John Dollar, 
John Spencer, Thomas Eyles, James Law. Large sheet. Endorsed. 
Read 24 April, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 55, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 182-185.] 

Jan. 25. 741. Address of divers gentlemen, merchants and others of 
Boston. Boston to the King. The Government lately set up by King James, 
without an Assembly, seemed grievous to many here, although the 
uniting of the Colonies added to our happiness, whatever the repre- 
sentations of interested persons to the contrary. The eruptions in 
Massachusetts and New York leave New England in a very broken 
and unsteady posture. We beg therefore that you will commission 
fit persons to visit the country and hear the cries of the distressed. 
Or the appointment of a Governor and Council over us to administer 
the Government with an elected Assembly may prevent further 
risings and losses, and as many of the little provinces as seem good to 
you may be united under one Governor for mutual defence and 
security. Signed. J. Nelson, Fra. Foxcroft, Richard Sprague, 
Charles Lidget, Thomas Greaves, Jno. Cutler, Timothy Cutler and 
thirty-eight more. 2 pp. Endorsed. Presented 24 April, 90. 

Duplicate of preceding. Unsigned. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. Nos. 56, 57, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp, 
176, 177.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 213 

1690. 

[Jan. 25.] 742. Address of members of the Church of England in Boston 
to the King. Only a few years have passed since by the favour of 
your predecessors we were delivered from the thraldom of a most 
extravagant and arbitrary government, being exercised over us 
under pretence of a charter which was never respected except in 
name. By that favour we gained freedom of divine worship which 
we were never permitted till the charter was vacated, for none 
were admitted to the sacrament except members of their church 
covenant, which does not include a tenth part of your subjects here. 
Since our deliverance we have tried to carry ourselves void of 
offence to those who dissent from us and have built a church, but 
such is the malice of those that dissent from us that they put 
frequent indignities upon us, while some of our principal teachers 
are charged in a printed treatise with idolatry and popery. We 
have lately to our horror seen the Government subverted, the 
Governor and his officers seized, and the forts and garrisons 
appointed for our defence dismantled and disbanded, to the great 
advantage of our enemies, who have killed many hundreds of our 
fellow subjects and laid much country waste. H.M.S. Eose was 
also seized and dismantled, leaving the seas open to pirates, who 
have done us 12,000 damage ; and all this by a party of pretended 
zealous and godly men from motives of envy and malice and from 
greater regard to their charter, with all its fame for maladministra- 
tion and persecution, than to their King and Country. They have 
now restored their former government and revived their pretended 
privileges to the oppression of thousands, but more particularly 
of ourselves. They have greatly damaged our Church and 
threatened daily to put it down, destroyed our minister, and 
subjected us to excessive taxes for the support of a disloyal 
government. We are content to suffer, not doubting of your 
redress, and we rejoice and have confidence in your regard to the 
Church of England. We beg not to be left under anarchy, but 
that we may be ruled by a Governor, Council and Assembly. 
Signed. Samuel Myles, M.A. ; Fra. Foxcroft, Sam. Eavenscroft, 
Churchwardens. Large sheet. Date taken from the contemporary 
index. Endorsed. Bead 24 April, 1690. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 58, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 
177-181.] 

[Jan. ] 743. Address of sundry inhabitants of Charlestown to the 
King. We lament the great disorder and confusion caused by the 
rash action of a disaffected party among us, who overthrew the 
established Government and set up one of their own ; whereby 
many of us are subjected to great hardships for maintaining your 
rights and sovereignty (which by many are too much disregarded) and 
resisting their arbitrary orders. We beg your protection that we 
may have the benefit of the laws of England, and that all persons 
holding the fundamentals of faith and order may be amicably 
treated according to the rules of Christian charity. Signed. 
Thomas Greaves, Eichard Sprague, and ten more. Large sheet. 
Endorsed. Eead in Council, April 24, 1690. [Board of Trade. 
New England, 5. No. 59, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. I.XII., j>j>. 
185-188.T 



214 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

Jan. 28. 744. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft letter 
to Maryland read (see No. 751). Agreed to represent to the King 
that depositions might be taken as to the recent proceedings. 
(Memo. The King gave no order hereon.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
CIX., p. 818.] 

Jan. 29. 745. Simon Bradstreet to the Earl of Shrewsbury. Our special 
thanks for the King's letter of 12 August, empowering us to carry 
on the Government. The royal orders as to H.M.S. Rose and the 
persons to be sent to England were readily complied with, and the 
latter now performed by this first opportunity of shipping. We 
have reinforced Albany against attack by the French, who, as we 
learn, have since fallen upon several Indians of the Five Nations, 
who are as an outguard to that place. We hope that this will avert 
the mischief which we feared upon the restoration of the Maqua 
prisoners from France ; for this action seemed to us like to have 
drawn them to the French side against the English. All Indians 
retire from our plantations in the winter, but in the spring we 
expect that they will be busy again, and that the French will be 
stirring them up against us. We hear that the French were re- 
inforced last fall, and are fortifying themselves, where if permitted 
quietly to remain there will be a haven for men-of-war and privateers 
that may infest this coast. This will be most destructive to the 
fishery. Five or six of our vessels were taken by them last fall, so 
that it seems necessary for our own safety that we should do some- 
thing to arrest this growth, which if successful would put an end to 
the Indian war. Signed. Sim. Bradstreet, in the name of the General 
Court. l^pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 60.] 

Jan. 80. 746. Deputy-Governor and Company of Rhode Island to the 
Newport. King. On the news of your accession to the Crown we caused you 
to be proclaimed, and trust that you will keep us free from arbitrary 
power and confirm us enjoyment of our lands, and of our ancient 
liberties and privileges. We therefore beg your confirmation of our 
charter, which though submitted to the King was not condemned 
nor taken from us. After the revolution which deposed Sir Edmund 
Andros we reassumed the Government according to charter, replacing 
the persons who were in office before Sir Edmund's coming in 1686. 
Sir Edmund escaped hither from Massachusetts but was speedily 
seized, and secured until he was redelivered to the authorities of 
Boston by their request. We pray for your welfare. Signed. 
John Coggeshall, Depy. Govr., John Easton, Edw. Thurton, John 
Greene, George Lawson, Joseph Jenkes, Benjamin Smith; Assistants. 
1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 27 May, 1690. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 61, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 189- 
191.] 

Jan. 30. 747. Privy Seal for the payment of Governor Codrington's 
Westminster, salary in specie in the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade. 
Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 56-58.] 

Jan. 80. 748. Order of the King in Council. Approving the draft of a 
Whitehall, letter to Maryland (see No. 751). [Col. Entry Bk, Vol. LII., 
p. 147.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 21ft 

1690. 

Jan. 80. 749. Order of the King in Council. For the provision of bedding 
Whitehall. f or the garrison companies of New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LXIX., p. 253.] 

Jan. 81 750. Instructions to Governor Henry Sloughter of New York. 
The Councillors are to be Frederick Flypse, Stephen van Cort- 
landt, Nicholas Bayard, William Smith, Gabriel Minviell, Chidley 
Brooke, William Nichols, Nicholas de Meyer, Francis Eombouts, 
Thomas Willett, William Pinhorne, John Haines. Albany and 
Senectady are to be fortified. New York is to be the sole port of 
entry. His salary from the Colonial Eevenue is to be 600 a year. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 685. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. LXIX., pp. 228-244.] 

Jan. 81. 751. Petition of the Executors of Sir John Witham. We beg 
for further time to prepare our appeal case, all having been 
deranged by Sir John's death in November. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 
81 Jan., 1690. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 23.] 

Feb. 1. 752. The King to the Government of Maryland. We approve 
of your proclaiming of us and bid you preserve peace and order. 
You will suffer the proprietor or his agents to collect the revenue, 
and you will apply no more than the sum usually allowed to the 
expenses of Government. You will take care that the Acts of 
Trade and Navigation be duly enforced. Signed. Shrewsbury. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 148-150.] 

Feb. 3. 753. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for James Hands 
to appear and answer for scandalous words spoken against Their 
Majesties. Order for Thomas Eyves to attend this day week with 
his accounts. Orders for repair of the King's house, and for 
masters of sloops who desire commissions against the French to 
present themselves. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 17, 18.] 

Feb. 4. 754. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. No quorum. Ad- 
journed to 18th. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., p. 217.] 

Feb. 4. 755. William Wallis to Henry Griifith. I gave you an 
Plymouth, account of my being intercepted on my way from New England and 
being carried to St. Malo. During my detention I was visited by 
several French merchants, and I was assured that, being concerned 
in masting affairs, the French King would give me good prices and 
ready money for any naval stores, with a safe conduct for my ship. 
I was often approached on the subject, but always repulsed their 
advances. But the merchants of St. Malo will certainly begin a 
trade to Newfoundland and thence by sloops to New England, unless 
they be prevented ; for the people of New England are of such a 
stamp that they will readily fall in with it, being disposed to hearken 
to any trade proposed to them for their particular advantage, without 
regard to the detriment that may be wrought at this time to Old 
England. Unless steps be taken, the trade in masts and naval 
stores will be ruined. Copy. 8 pp. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 62.] 

Feb. 5. 756. Warrant of Governor Simon Bradstreet to Captain Gilbert 
Bant for the transport of Sir E. Andros and his fellow-prisoners to 



216 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

England. Copy in Edward Randolph's hand. Added at foot. We 
were kept five days in gaol after this date at the pleasure of Cooke 
and Oakes. 1 p. {Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 68.] 

Feb. 7. 757. Dormant warrant for the payment of Governor Codring- 
ton's salary in specie out of the four and a half per cent, duty in the 
Leeward Islands. Signed. Monmouth, Hen. Capel, E. Hampden. 
[Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 67, 68.] 

Feb. 10. 758. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for revoking the 
order appointing the President to be commander-in-chief on any 
alarm; Sir Francis Watson and Colonel Ballard dissenting. 
Eesolved that the Government now lies in the President and 
Council, and ordered that this resolution be read at the head of 
every troop and company in the Island. The Receiver- General 
produced his accounts, which were made over to the Auditor. 
Several accounts for fortifications passed. James Hands dismissed 
on giving security for good behaviour. On the petition of Thomas 
Clarke, Charles Bouchier and others, Francis Hickman was sus- 
pended from his office for extortion of excessive fees, and Charles 
Bouchier was appointed in his place. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 
77. pp. 18, 19.] 

Feb. 11. 759. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to Lords of Trade and 
Barbados. Plantations. I send this by an uncertain conveyance, a single ship 
of no more than ten or twelve guns and twenty men. I intended to 
have sent off a fleet in October, but as some French men-of-war 
of thirty and forty guns visited us from Martinique, I was forced to 
unload the ships and fit them out as well as we could as men-of- 
war ; for the French within one hour had taken two ships, with 
negroes and much needed provisions, before our eyes and almost 
within range of our forts. This was the greater loss to us, as it kept 
our enemies supplied. What with the difficulty of finding ships, 
guns and seamen and the poverty of the people we are hard bested. 
We have no shipping to carry our produce and bring us necessaries ; 
the duties on Madeira wine, which used to defray the charges 
of Government, have ceased to bring in anything and the people 
are unable to bear further taxes on themselves. I was 
pressed to pay for fitting out the ships at the expense 
of the King's Eevenue, but to this I could not consent, 
so I was obliged to advance three thousand pounds of my 
own to the Island gratis or we should never have prepared the ships, 
and should have been driven to great straits for provisions, while 
the French would have been mightily supplied. However, since we 
got those ships to sea, six in all, the French have not captured a 
vessel, and since we have driven them from our coasts we 
have discharged three of our ships to save expense. I wish we 
could join Sir Timothy Thornhill with four or five such ships and a 
thousand or fifteen hundred men. His presence has been very 
successful in encouraging the Leeward Islands to make an attempt 
on some of the French Islands in revenge for St. Kitts. They have 
taken many prisoners and a Governor among them, and laid waste 
Mariegalante, St. Bartholomew's, and St. Martins ; but the spoil 
was much less than was expected, and I have been forced to call for 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 217 

1690. 

another free and voluntary subscription in the Island to furnish 
our soldiers with clothing and other necessaries, the Leeward 
Islands not being able to feed and clothe them. I believe it to 
be possible to follow up our blow at the French by another, 
and have offered to the people to fit out ships and men 
and myself to supply, with the help of my friends, 10,000 for 
twelve months gratis, but my offer has not had the desired effect. 
The people plead inability and expect that war should be maintained 
by the Public Revenue, but this I shall not permit till I receive the 
King's orders unless I am absolutely compelled by necessity. The 
people are loyal and well affected, so I hope they may accept my 
offer and send further reinforcements to the Leeward Islands. 
Help from England would be most welcome, for till it comes it is 
not considered safe for any of our merchant ships now loading with 
produce to sail ; and indeed I have forbidden any ship to sail till 
we have further advice from England, our last being dated 6th 
October. I enclose copies of this proclamation and of letters of 
thanks from the Governors of Antigua and Nevis. Sir Timothy 
Thornhill and his men have acquitted themselves bravely. I enclose 
an estimate of the cost of fitting out that expedition. 

At so critical a time I have, I am aware, been severe to certain 
ungovernable people. Possibly those who have been most 
leniently dealt with may make the loudest clamour, as for 
instance one Plunkett, who bears a very bad character and 
whom I bound over to good behaviour. He has been often in 
gaol, and I am told that he and Mr. Ralph Lane, another 
restless person, have written bitterly against me as though I and 
not the local justices were responsible for their imprisonment. 
Mr. Bushell, a merchant in London and a stranger to me, is their 
agent. I hope their representations will not injure me in your 
opinion, as I believe enquiry into the matter will satisfy you as to 
my behaviour. Copy. Two closely written pages. Board of Trade. 
Barbados 4. No. 24, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 191-197.] 

Feb. 12. 760. The King to Governor the Earl of Inchiquin. You will 
Whitehall, receive and protect all such ships and persons as shall be employed 

in buying negroes for the Assiento. Countersigned. Shrewsbury. 

[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 286.] 

Feb. 12. 761. Orders of the General Court of Massachusetts Bay. For 
Charlestown. amending certain laws, and for collection of arrears of rates since 31 

December, 1686. Printed sheet. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. New 

England, 5. No. 64.] 

Feb. 12. 762. The King to Governor Kendall. Instructing him to give 
all possible help and encouragement to ships and persons employed 
in the service of the Assiento. Countersigned. Shrewsbury. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 146, 147.]. 

[Feb. 13.] 763. Petition of several Merchants to and inhabitants in New 
England, to the King. We have received advice of great damage 
done of late by the French and Indians, whereby the place 
from which the Navy is supplied with masts is lost, as also the 
lumber and fishery of New England. We beg that men-of-war may 



218 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

be sent and other means taken for defence. Twenty one signatures. 
Copy. %pp. Endorsed. Eead in Council 18 Feb., 1689. Eef erred 
to the Committee. Eead 25 Feb., 89. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 65.] 

Feb. 18. 764. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Excise Bill read a 
second time ; the clause for stopping proceedings at law being 
omitted. Bill as to Courts of Common Pleas rejected. Addresses 
for payment of the clerk's and marshal's salaries. Excise Bill 
sent down by the Council and amended. Bill for an impost on 
liquors read twice. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 217-221.] 

Feb. 14. 765. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Charles Bouchier sworn 
Secretary and Clerk of Council. Sir Francis Watson and Colonel 
Ballard declared their dissent from Hickman's suspension. Eoger 
Elletson's petition for a habeas corpus was rejected, the same two 
members dissenting. Order for Francis Hickman to deliver the 
books and records to Charles Bouchier. The Attorney General to 
draft commissions and instructions for commanders of ships. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 20, 21.] 

Feb. 18. 766. John Coode to the Secretary of State. Advising despatch 
Maryland. O f papers concerning the death of James Payne. J p. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 15 April, 1690. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 2.] 

Feb. 18. 767. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Bill for impost on 
liquors read a third time. Order for payment of money to Eichard 
Cartwright. Act declaring the farther uses of the levy on negroes. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 221, 222.] 

Feb. 19. 768. Major Edward Nott to William Blathwayt. Hearing that 
we were to have but one hundred and twenty men, I got a draft 
of twenty men out of each of the six companies. I am glad that the 
order did not come down, for then I should have had the wretchedest 
fellows that ever were seen ; but, taking advantage of their not 
knowing that there were but twenty, I got a draft of five and thirty 
per company and out of them picked out twenty tolerable men. But 
there is no manner of clothing, so I expect to be of the ragged 
regiment at the Leeward Islands. Only one company had tolerable 
clothes and between the twenty men there were but eighteen belts and 
four swords. Another captain had good men but no clothes. The 
other four companies make up some fourteen belts, five swords and 
clothes proportionable. The men are on board, where I hope they 
will get meat, for they looked starved. I go on board tomorrow. 
Signed. Edw. Nott. 1 u. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 
79.] 

Feb. 21. 769. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The entry of Francis 
Hickman's suspension made by Charles Bouchier. Bouchier 
examined as to Hickman's answer when he demanded the records. 
Draft of a letter from Sir Francis Watson to the Viceroy of Mexico, 
complaining of the dilatory answers of the minor Governors to 
complaints of ill treatment of British subjects, and of insulting 
expressions lately used in particular by the Governor of Vera Cruz, 
and asking for release of British prisoners. Francis Hickman 
appeared and gave reasons for not delivering up the records of his 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 219 

1690. 

office ; order for the Provost Marshal to demand the records and on 
refusal to take them by force and take Hickman into custody. 
Draft Commissions for masters of ships approved. Captain 
Spragge's requests for stores and ammunition granted, and a 
survey of the stores ordered. Sundry orders as to shipping. A 
dispute between Captains Spragge and How as to their pennants 
amicably settled. Petition of the Provost Marshal as to the rescue 
of Robert Snead, when petitioner was dangerously shot by Snead. 
Order for Snead to be turned out of his command and taken into 
custody. Colonels Henry Archbold and John Parnaby, who were 
also concerned, were bound over to take their trial at the next 
sessions. Edward Winter similarly bound over to take his trial for 
maladministration as a Justice of the Peace. Lieut.-Colonel Crow 
appeared and complained that he did not act as a justice, not from 
disaffection but because he thought the Duke of Albemarle's com- 
mission extinct. 

Feb. 22. Order for Captain Spragg and the tender to H.M. S. 
Drake to sail with all speed against Laurens. Copy of his 
instructions. Order for Thomas Eyves to attend on the 10th March 
with his accounts. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 21-29.] 

Feb. 22. 770. Lieutenant-Governor Netheway to the King and Queen. 
Nevis. Since the capture of St. Christophers we live in continual fear of 
conquest owing to the want of a fleet, and we have lately been 
mightily depopulated by distemper, so that we have little to en- 
courage us but hope of relief from you. The Lieutenant-General 
lately ordered an attack on some of the French Islands, which was 
successfully done. Considerable plunder was taken but possession 
could not be kept for want of a fleet ; for the French reinforced the 
Islands from St. Christophers and compelled our forces to an 
honourable retreat. Signed. Jno. Netheway. 2 pp. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 1 May, 1690. [America and West Indies. No. 80.] 

Feb. 25. 771. Lieutenant-Governor Netheway to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. We have suffered great mortality from small pox, 
flux and fever and ague ; so that if the French attack us they will 
find us very weak. We have now about fifteen hundred fighting 
men in garrison and two thousand negroes, while the Island is well 
fortified, so that unless the French receive fresh supplies we may 
hold our own, for we almost despair of help from England. General 
Codrington recently made an attack on St Bartholomews and took 
it, but the troops were forced to abandon it and retreat. He also 
sent Captain Hewetson against Marie Galante, where he burned the 
town and most of the Island and spiked the guns. Signed. Jno. 
Netheway. 2J pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 1 May, 90. [America and 
West Indies. 550. No. 81, and Board of Trade. Leeward 
Islands, 48. pp. 201-204.] 

Jan. 10. 772. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir Henry 
Ashurst and other merchants and traders to New England. Mr. 
Bradstreet's letters of 26 and 80 October presented (Nos. 518, 524), 
also Mr. Eandolph's letters of 5 September and 15 October (Nos. 407, 
482). Thomas Offley and Thomas Fairweather, lately arrived from 
New England, also gave information. Agreed to advise the King to 



220 



COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1690. 

grant a general pardon to pirates (Memo. The King gave no order 
hereon), to order musters of the West India Regiment, and to renew 
Lord Howard's commission as Governor of Virginia. (Memo. No 
order was given as to this last.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 
812-318.] 

Feb. 25. 773. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. In pursuance 
of your Order in Council of 13th inst. referring to us the petition 
of the merchants and inhabitants of New England (sec No. 763) we 
have enquired into the matter and read among others the letters of 
Governor Bradstreet on the difficulties of the Indian war. We have 
also received letters from Mr. Randolph, accounts of the damage 
done by the Indians, of the weakness of the Government, the refusal 
of the people to pay rates and taxes, and the daily violation of the 
Acts of Trade and Navigation, all of which are confirmed by letters 
to merchants in England and by the testimony of persons lately 
come from thence. We beg to represent the same to you, and the 
unsettled condition of the Government. 8 pp. Endorsed. Appd. 
4 March, 1689-90. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 67, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 168-171.] 

[Feb. 25.] 774. Petition of Jervas Coppindale, prisoner on board H.M.S. 
Rose, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. When the news of the 
King's accession reached New England Captain George intimated 
that he would carry the ship to France, which design was opposed 
by petitioner and several of the crew. Captain George, finding him- 
self unable to compass his design, surrendered the ship, but on 
coming aboard again put petitioner in irons, where he is 
likely to remain. Prays for intercession with the King, and that 
he may be brought home to give the King an account of the whole 
affair. \ p. Endorsed. Read at the Committee, Feb. 25, 1689. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 66.] 

775. Order of the King in Council. That the Governor and 
Council of the Island or Islands shall always be present at the 
musters of Colonel Holt's regiment and Colonel Hill's company, 
and shall sign the muster rolls and see that the regiment is not 
paid unless the rolls be so signed ; which rolls shall afterwards be 
transmitted to the Paymaster General. Signed. John Nicholas. 
1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 82, and Board of 
Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 88, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., 
p. 111.] 

776. The Revolutionary Council of New York to the Governor 
of Connecticut. Whereas the Commissioners appointed by us to 
treat with Connecticut have been treated with coldness, contempt 
and disdain, and the Governor and Magistrates of Connecticut have 
encouraged a party calling themselves the Convention at Albany, 
we hereby declare the said Governor and Magistrates to be abettors 
of that rebellious party, and unless they immediately control the 
orders they have issued for obedience to the Convention, the forces 
belonging to them at Albany shall be deemed enemies and treated 
accordingly. We also expect John Allyn to be secured for his 
traitorous conduct in joining Sir E. Andres's council. Signed. 
Jacob Milborne. On the opposite page, 



Feb. 27. 

Whitehall. 



March 1. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 221 

1690. 

Copy of an order of the Governor of New York in Council, 
29 August, 1688. For the enforcement of an act for raising 
revenue. Copies. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. 
No. 112.] 

March 1. 777. William Blathwayt to Sir Nicholas Haning. Forwarding 
two packets from the Governors in the West Indies. Draft. J p. 
[America and West Indies. 601. No. 25.] 

March 1. 778. Governor Kendall to William Blathwayt. We were forced 
Portsmouth. f, o bear up for this port when off Plymouth and are now detained by 
contrary winds. A more serious matter is that we have sixty men sick. 
By the surgeon's report we throw one or two bodies overboard every 
day, though our Admiral is very careful and keeps the cleanest ship 
I ever saw. I wish you would use your interest with the Admiralty 
to procure us fifty men from the Foresight, which will not be ready 
to sail for these three weeks. I am much concerned that I cannot 
obtain the mortars and bombs, but since I have done all that I can 
do, I must rest content. Signed. J. Kendall. Holograph. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Read at the Committee, 4 March, 1689. [Board of 
Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 25.] 

March 3. 779. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
Barbados. tions. The ship that carried my letter of llth February (see No. 
759) was driven back by heavy weather, so I am able to write 
again. All is quiet, and we are in as good a state of defence as 
is possible without a naval force ; but the French may do us great 
damage by sending a few men-of-war to cruise about us, and capture 
our ships and steal our negroes. I have done my best by judicious 
distribution of the militia to prevent this. No French men-of-war 
have been here since we chased them away, and I wish that we 
could fit out a similar fleet to do the like in the Leeward Islands, 
but their superiority at sea forbids this. Sir Timothy Thornhill 
was in great danger of being cut off and destroyed before he left 
St. Martins, by ships sent out by the French Governor of St. Kitts. 
Luckily Governor Codrington sent Captain Hewetson with the Lion 
and some other ships to his assistance, and Sir Timothy Thornhill 
was able to encounter the newly arrived French and drive them into 
the mountains, after which he retreated in safety to his ships and so 
to Nevis, where he remains with about five hundred men, the sur- 
vivors of his original force. 

Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Willoughby Chamberlayne are still 
prisoners, but do their best by writing and in their conversation 
with their visitors to ridicule our endeavours against the enemy, 
though these have not been altogether unsuccessful considering our 
want of a naval force. We have not lost a ship inward or outward 
besides the two first that were taken ; and though St. Christopher's 
was surprised and overpowered, we did our best to relieve it. Yet 
those two men do all they can to discourage our men by seditionary 
talk and by glorifying the French. They say that only two hundred 
of Sir T. Thornhill's men are left, whereas there is only that 
number lost by unusual mortality through smallpox and fevers, 
which no man could have prevented. The French have 
suffered much from the same cause, and indeed are so much 



222 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 



March 4. 



March 4. 



March 6. 



March?. 

Salem. 



weakened that if we could safely transport our men we could do 
great damage to the French Islands. M. de Blenac spread false 
reports of the arrival of a great armament from France and of his 
intention to attack the Leeward Islands, which frightened the English 
there somewhat, for they were weakened by sickness, and one of 
the ships of thirty guns was stolen away by the lieutenant and 
eighty men while the captain was ashore. The Governor of Antigua 
then sent to me for further assistance, but we could not supply an 
adequate force of men and ships in so short a time, to say nothing 
of our lack of money. If the French have the numbers that they 
pretend, it will go hard with the Leeward Islands, but a sloop just 
arrived with some timorous inhabitants from Nevis reports that the 
English sloops can find no such large force about Martinique. We 
are in great difficulties for want of advices from England, but till we 
receive them we have resolved that the merchant fleet shall 
not sail. Copy. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 24, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 198-204.] 

780. Commission of Jacob Leisler and his adherents to 
Johannes de Bruyn, Johannes Provost and Jacob Milborne to march 
to Albany with the force assigned to them, proclaim the King and 
reduce the people who uphold the authority of Sir Edmund Andros 
to obedience, and establish the Government as in New York. They 
are also to obtain Fort Orange at Albany, treating the garrison as 
enemies if they refuse to deliver it. Signed by Jacob Leisler, Peter 
Delanoy, Thomas Williams, Samuel Edsall, Benjamin Blagge, 
Samuel Staats, Hendrich Cuyler, Hend : Jansen van Feurden. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 702. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 113.] 

781. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel 
Kendall's letter of 1 March (No. 778), and Major Nott's of 
27 February, complaining of want of beds for the recruits on board 
ships read. Draft report on the charges of Colonel Ludwell 
against Lord Howard read. Further information as to the guns and 
arms required from Lord Howard. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., 
p. 819.] 

782. Lord Howard of Effingham to Lords of Trade and Plan- 
tations. In reply to your further enquiries, (1.) Whether the 
guns in Virginia are mounted on new carriages in their several 
platforms. I found no revenue and the Colony in debt when I 
arrived in Virginia, so could not repair the carriages and platforms, 
but as soon as I had money I repaired the small arms in 1686, and 
repaired the platforms and remounted the cannon in James Fort 
and Eappahannock. The platforms at York and Nancymond were 
not finished when I left, but I have since heard of their completion. 
(2.) As to the transmission of the accounts of the revenue. This 
has been done annually. Signed. Effingham. 2J pp. Endorsed. 
Bead in Council, 10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 636. 
No. 31, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 800, 301.] 

783. Charles Bedford to Sir Edmund Andros. I have not 
seen Boston since your departure ; but we have the certain news of 
Senectady being surprised by the French and Indians with great 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 223 

1690. 

slaughter. The town was reported well fortified, but the inhabitants, 
divided by Leisler's faction, were careless and left the gates open. It 
is said that the French General ordered that the Justice and his 
wife should not be hurt. They did no harm to the Maquas either, 
and indeed they are so anxious to gain their friendship that they 
had orders not to return the fire if the Maquas fired upon them. 
A prisoner reported that two hundred French and Indians took part 
in the attack, and that six hundred more were ready to fall on the 
frontier of Connecticut. Our " Savity" [Committee of Safety] have 
laid an embargo on all vessels and are on some great exploit, some 
say Canada, some say Port Eoyal. We are irreparably undone 
if we meet with trouble, and the King do not appoint us officers of 
his own. The militia will never be of service to the Crown while in 
the hands of this people. They are fortifying Salem, which raises 
four companies, with Gidney to command. God grant the King to 
take our distressed state into consideration. We are the ignorantest, 
weakest and poorest people in the world. Signed. Charles Eedford. 
l%pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 68.] 

March 10. 784. Minutes of Council of Virginia. George Mason and others 
concerned in the death of James Payne were brought up and re- 
manded to custody pending report of the matter to England. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 333, 334.] 

785. Papers relating to the murder of James Payne. %p. 

785. i. Examination of George Mason and others. March 10, 
1689-90. On the 3rd of January while aboard the yacht 
Susanna of Maryland, at anchor at Major Sewall's, about 
three o'clock in the morning, the watch called me as there 
was a boat coming alongside. I warned them to stand off 
or I would fire, whereupon they dropped astern and robbed 
us of our boat, and then hauled up again to board us. I 
again warned them to stand off, whereon Captain Payne said 
" God damn you I will have you and your yacht too." With 
that guns were fired on both sides and I and another were 
hit. I knew nothing of Paine's death till twelve days later, 
when I saw Captain Coode's order for seizure of the yacht. 

2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 15 April, 1690. 

785. ii. Duplicate of the preceding. Endorsed. Reed, from Mr. 

Bacon. 9 May, 1690. 
785. in. Narrative of John Woodcock. To the same effect as No. I. 

3 pp. Endorsed as No I. 

785. iv. Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed as No. II. 

785. v. Deposition of John Reavely. That he was ordered by 
Captain Paine to report to him when Sewall's yacht, which 
was under sail, came to an anchor, which he did, and after- 
wards pulled towards the yacht in a boat with Payne. 
Mason challenged Payne and told him to keep off, but Payne 
answered that he was coming to board him as King 
William's collector to know the reason of his trading 
between Maryland and Virginia. On hauling up to the 
yacht a shot was fired so close to Payne that the wad went 
through his clothes, and he died immediately. 4 pp. 
Endorsed as No. II. 



224 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

785. vi. Duplicate of preceding. Same endorsement. [Board of 
Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 3 I-TI.] 

March 10. 786. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Orders for enquiry as 
to the seizure of a sloop by certain French, and for all aliens to give in 
their letters of naturalisation to the Attorney-General. Edward 
Winter committed to custody till he find security. Francis Hick- 
man appeared and claimed that he had paid for one of the books of 
his office. The Board offering him ten shillings he named a much 
greater sum, and was dismissed. Order for sundry payments. 
Thomas Eyves produced his accounts, which were passed. [Board 
of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 29-31.] 

March 11. 787. The President of the Council of Virginia to Lords of 
Trade and Plantations. In spite of his promises to attempt 
to raise H.M.S. Deptford Captain Eowe writes to me that he 
was sick, and the weather cold and anchors and cables 
insufficient, so that it was impossible to weigh the ship, and that 
he had therefore sent a vessel to save what could be saved. In 
pursuance of the royal order that no ships should sail except in fleets, 
we have laid an embargo on all vessels till the 15th and sent to 
Maryland to do the like ; but as their ships were sailed and ours 
insufficient to make a fleet we let them go, and hope they may 
escape. The country is quiet and peaceful. I suppose you have 
heard from Maryland that some of the Protestants there took the 
Government out of the hands of Lord Baltimore's President and 
Council and imprisoned divers papists. The President and Major 
Nicholas Sewall of the Council retired with Colonel William Digges, 
a protestant, to Digges's house in Virginia. In January Sewall 
went up in a pleasure boat to his house on the Patuxent river, and 
while he was ashore, John Payne, the King's Collector, with two boats 
came towards his yacht. The men in the yacht bade them stand 
off or they would fire, but as Payne persisted the men fired and Payne 
was killed. A good many shots were exchanged and one of the yacht's 
crew was much wounded. I at once caused the men in the yacht 
to be arrested, and enclose their depositions before myself and 
Council. Mr. John Coode, who is the chief actor in the management 
of affairs in Maryland, wrote to me and demanded the delivery of 
the prisoners. He says that the affray took place in the daytime, 
that the Collector was going on board the yacht to search her, and 
that Payne was murdered. Others say that it happened at night, 
and that Payne came by Mr. Coode's order to seize them and the 
yacht. But we did not think fit to deliver the prisoners to Mr. 
Coode or to any other without the royal order. Signed. Nathaniell 
Bacon. 4 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct, 1690. [America and 
West Indies. 636. No. 32, and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. 
pp. 12-15.] The portion relating to Maryland is transcribed in Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 164-166.] 

March 16. 788. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Pursuant 
to your Order in Council of 13th ult. referring to us a petition from 
several inhabitants, wherein was set forth the deplorable condition 
of New England, we have called before us several merchants and 
traders and read several letters from the Governor of Massachusetts 



AMEKICA AND WEST INDIES. 225 

1690. 

as to the measures taken against the French and Indians. Letters 
from Edward Randolph confirm the intelligence therein given and 
supplement it by news of further disasters. He repeats also the 
discontent of the people of Massachusetts with the existing 
Government and the general lawlessness in the Colony ; all of which 
we beg to represent to you. 8pp. Endorsed. March 16, 1689-90. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 69.] 

March 1. 789. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

[Antigua.] Soon after despatch of mine of 8 November, Sir Timothy and his 
regiment embarked for Nevis, where they have prevented the dis- 
orders which I had apprehended from the efforts of some seditious 
spirits to shake off all rule and government. On his first arrival 
some were beginning to talk seditiously and to promote tumultuous 
meetings, but he checked it at once by ordering one of the most 
turbulent of them to be immediately tried by Court-martial, who 
was found guilty and sentenced to death. I have since, on the request 
of his judges, pardoned the offence, as the sentence has had the 
desired effect. I have also procured obedience to my orders. About 
the 30th November I visited Nevis and Montserrat and inspected 
the militia, arms and breastworks, and having given such orders as I 
thought necessary, returned here about Christmas. At Nevis I 
annulled the severe orders against the poor people from St. 
Christophers. The act in their favour is in preparation and shall 
be forwarded to you. At Montserrat I pointed out to the Irish the 
ruin they would bring on themselves if they proved treacherous, 
and the advantages of remaining faithful. They promised to be 
loyal and to work heartily with the English, and I do not hear the 
least occasion for suspicion against them. At Nevis the Council 
and Assembly represented to me their want of provisions owing to 
the failure of their former supplies from Ireland, and begged me to 
allow Sir Timothy Thornhill to take his regiment and six hundred 
Islanders and attack St. Martins and St. Bartholomews, two small 
Islands belonging to the French and well stored with cattle, so as 
at once to ease the Island for a time of the burden of their presence, 
and to furnish it with supplies by plunder. I consented, and on 
the 15th December Sir Timothy sailed with instructions from me to 
attack St. Martins first, and if he thought the hazard would cost too 
dear or take too much time, to return to Nevis ; though if he took St. 
Martins he might go on to St. Bartholomews, only sending a sloop tome 
for further orders. On the following day he came before St. Martins, 
but finding the inhabitants on the alert sailed to St. Bartholomew's 
and after some opposition mastered it. He sent the Governor, sixty 
prisoners and the negro slaves to Nevis, and stayed three weeks on 
the Island till he had transported the cattle and other plunder, when 
having burned all the houses but two or three he sailed again for 
St. Martins. He landed without opposition and after a few 
skirmishes drove all the inhabitants into the woods. He marched 
through the Island in four or five days, but before he could do any- 
thing decisive against the enemy in the woods a French man-of-war 
of forty-four guns arrived with another ship at St. Martins, drove 
away our ships and landed a party to the assistance of the Islanders. 
I had hoped that the caution enjoined by my instructions would 

3233 P 



226 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

would have prevented any such risk, and indeed Sir Timothy 
Thornbill tells me that he sent several letters to Nevis, which were 
not forwarded to me, and that it was only on receiving no answer 
from me that he made so long stay. On receiving a letter from him 
asking for relief, I sent it off at once ; but I must first acquaint you 
with an action that in order of time happened before. 

Captain Hewetson's offers of assistance have already been reported 
to you. From his arrival until the 28th of December he continued 
to cruise among our Islands, securing our communications and 
preventing the French from sending their Indians among us. 
Having some French Protestants here who knew Mariegalante well, 
we found on consulting them that an attack with six hundred men 
might be hopeful of success, and would serve the double purpose of 
discouraging the French and giving experience to our men. The 
risk was small, for no fleet could well come here from Martinique 
unobserved by our ships at Mariegalante, and the latter Island is 
but twenty four hours distant from hence and less than half that 
time distant for the return voyage. So I gave Captain Hewetson 
a commission to command the troops for the expedition both by 
sea and land and gave him his own ship, our captured privateer of 
twenty guns under Captain Kidd, another ship of ten or twelve guns 
under Captain Perry, and my own two sloops, with five hundred 
and forty men of all kinds aboard. With them he sailed on Satur- 
day, the 28th December, and on the Monday following landed with 
about four hundred and forty men at Mariegalante, ordering the 
rest to sail in the ships to the chief town in the Island, about ten 
miles distant. He then marched to the town, breaking up, though 
not without loss, several ambuscading parties on the way, engaged 
the main body of the enemy before the town and after a short 
dispute routed them. The enemy rallied about two miles from the 
town in a small entrenchment thrown up to secure the passage, but 
were driven out and fled with precipitation. Hewetson, judging it 
imprudent to follow them, then retired to the town for the night. 
Next day stragglers were taken, who gave intelligence that the 
Governor with most of the population had gained an entrenchment 
about twelve miles from the town, without artillery and with no 
provisions except a little cattle. Hewetson then sent a message to the 
Governor to surrender, and received an answer that he might expect 
a definite reply by noon of the morrow, or that if no reply came by 
that time none must be expected. Noon of January 1st came, but 
without an answer, but it was judged imprudent to attack the 
French so far from the ships and by dangerous paths, for it was 
rumoured that the French had sent for aid to Martinique. They 
therefore carried on board whatever plunder was near the shore and 
burned and destroyed the rest. This took four or five days, after 
which they returned hither after nine days' absence, bringing with 
them also two ships lately arrived from France. They burned fifty 
sugar-works and all the houses in the Island. The cane-fields were 
all fired, great quantities of sugar in cask were burned and about 
ten thousand horses and cattle killed. Thus though we have not 
ourselves reaped the benefit that might have been gained by a larger 
force, we have sufficiently mischiefed our enemies and avenged in 
some measure the injury done at St. Christophers. In this action 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 227 

1690. 

we had only three men killed and eighteen wounded, most of whom 
are since recovered. The enemy, as we learn from prisoners, 
had twenty killed and very many wounded. 

Hewetson was some days returned from Mariegalante when I 
received Sir Timothy ThornhilPs message ; and at the moment the 
better part of his seamen were on board one of the prizes taken at 
Mariegalante, which had fallen to leeward, and a number of men, 
making one hundred and forty in all, had gone in one of my sloops 
to bring her in. But there being no time for delay Hewetson 
sailed without waiting for them on the night of the 14th January 
with his own ship, the privateer and one of my sloops, with a total 
force of about three hundred and eighty men. I also despatched a 
sloop to take the men out of the prize to leeward and to sail with 
them direct to St. Martins. On the 16th our ships engaged the 
French and on the 17th brought off all our men. For particulars 
of the action I refer you to an account herewith enclosed, 
written by a gentleman on board Hewetson's ship. The copies of 
the letters from the Council and Assemblies of Antigua and Nevis 
show their appreciation of Captain Hewetson's good service. 

On the 2nd February the privateer-ship ran away from us, being well 
stocked with arms and manned by eighty or ninety men. They took 
their opportunity when Captain Kidd (who has behaved himself well) 
was ashore and have carried off goods of his to the value of 2,000. 
Most of the crew were formerly pirates and I presume liked their 
old trade better than any that they were likely to have here. I 
sent after them, but without success, to the Virgin Islands and to St. 
Thomas's, where it was most likely that they would have gone to 
water. The loss of the ship and men, which is serious, could not have 
befallen us at a worse time. Some days later I received a letter from 
Sir Timothy Thornhill relating as follows. He had some days 
before sent down Major Crispe and Mr. Garnet with a flag of truce to 
St. Christophers to negotiate as to exchange of prisoners. They 
were waited on for a long time by one or other of the French officers 
to prevent them from obtaining intelligence, but learned none 
the less that there was certain news of thirty sail of merchantmen 
and other ships at Martinique, most of them lately arrived from 
France, and that four ships of war were lately arrived from Canada 
or France with soldiers ; that the ships had all been laden but were 
unloading, and that one small frigate and two merchantmen were to 
be fitted with all speed ; that another man of war was only lately 
come with a Guineaman of ours taken, containing two hundred and 
odd negroes ; that Count de Blenac was coming in person to St. 
Christophers with all the regular troops that he had, and after 
gathering more men was about to attack Nevis. This was surprising 
intelligence, for we hoped that help would arrive for us from England 
sooner than any that was expected by our enemies. I at once 
applied to the Governor of Barbados for help, and for the 
encouragement of such supplies as might be sent from Barbados I 
got the Council and Assembly to pass the enclosed Act. I then sent 
it off to the Governor of Barbados at once with another letter with 
full instructions as to negotiations, giving the gentleman who 
bore it 500 in addition for the purchase of arms and ammunition. 
I had hoped that when such care was taken Barbados would have 



8 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1690. 

answered all our needs ; for however backward the people might be 
I did not doubt of obtaining anything that was in the Governor's 
power to give; more so since he has frequently repeated his 
assurance of good and generous inclination towards us. 

On the 2nd inst. our Agents returned from Barbados, and you can 
read the result of their negotiations here enclosed in their own report 
and the Governor's letter. It is very strange that out of a 
magazine of twelve hundred spare arms they could lend us only a 
hundred old matchlocks, far from being in good order, and out of 
fourteen hundred barrels of powder could only lend twenty ; but it 
is still more surprising that out of a hundred sail and thirty ships of 
good countenance they could not spare us one. We had hoped 
indeed that our friends in Barbados would have given us a 
seasonable loan of money in our great strait, not that 
they would not only deny us but hinder us from reaping 
the fruits of our own credit. Had they been in real 
danger themselves, they could not be blamed, but surely four 
or five ships out of thirty is no great weakening. Besides 
even if they had not a ship in the harbour they could have no 
rational fear of all the power of France in the West Indies. For, 
apart from the fact that the French fleet is engaged nearer 
home, the Island is fortified all round, not only with breastworks but 
with platforms and guns, and they can raise eight thousand white 
men and as great a number of intelligent blacks. I own an estate 
there myself as considerable as most, so was not likely to endanger 
it, but I am afraid that worse motives than fear have denied us this 
assistance. If this disappointment prove our ruin it will be some 
advantage to Barbados but a great loss to the Crown. It is a great 
misfortune that the Governor and majority of the Council should 
have decided so much at variance with his former professions and, 
according to his last letter, with his own judgment ; but I do not 
know what his instructions are, so shall leave the consideration of 
his proceedings to you. I shall only observe that in cases where 
the public interest of England comes into competition with the 
interest, or what is conceived to be the interest, of a particular 
colony it may be very dangerous to bind Governors to act only by 
consent of their Council. The present proceeding sufficiently proves 
this, in the action of the Council of Barbados ; though from our 
Agent's report the Governor also is far from blameless. It is difficult 
to account for the remarkable cooling of his zeal. However, 
while one of my sloops was thus sent to Barbados I ordered the 
other to cruise and endeavour to gain intelligence. He returned 
with some prisoners on the 4th instant, from whom we learn 
that there are twenty sail at Martinique, and six or seven of 
them fitting out ; but they do not confirm the news of soldiers 
arriving from Canada and France. Still their account is sufficient 
to fill us with apprehension. 

As regards men there is little change in Antigua, except 
the loss of the men in the privateer ship, but in Nevis they 
have lost since the beginning of last August over six hundred 
white men, with women and children in proportion, besides 
slaves ; and although they are now pretty clear of small- 
pox, the fever is still among them. In Montserrat they 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 229 

1690. 

have been very healthful, and if the inhabitants prove unanimous 
they are as strong as any of us. I wrote to the Governor on receipt 
of the intelligence aforesaid, and enclose my letter and their reply, 
favouring my suggestion to rely on the fidelity of the Irish. The 
Barbados matchlocks I have given to the King's two companies, who 
lost their arms at St. Christopher's, and have divided the powder 
between this and the two other Islands. We are greatly discouraged 
by the long neglect of us at home, it being seven months since one 
of these Islands was lost. Many poor inhabitants are reduced to 
beggary and ruin, and all have been exposed to continual peril, to 
our great burden and expense ; and yet we seem as far from security 
as ever. By a letter of April last, from the Secretary of State, 
we were rejoiced by the promise of the speedy arrival of a fleet, but 
as it is now nearly next April, we imagine that our condition has 
been represented to you as much securer than it really is. I beg 
that a fleet at least sufficient for our defence, if for no further designs, 
may be hastened. I must earnestly entreat you also to represent the 
expense to which we have been subjected for want of a fleet, and we 
beg that the King will order us to be reimbursed from the four 
and a half per cent. duty. We have some right to it, for it is 
evident that all the rest of our revenues may be claimed for the 
same purpose of defence and get perverted to other uses. Let me 
also bring before you the condition of the King's two companies, 
who have had no pay for six months, and have yet been upon 
constant stricter duty than any of the forces in England. There 
are many other matters that I could represent to you, did not our 
present dangers occupy all our thoughts. And here give me leave 
to hint that the destruction of our French neighbours could make us 
absolutely secure and would be a great benefit to all English in 
the matter of trade and navigation. French trade has con- 
siderably increased of late and their colonies have daily 
improved. Had we a fleet to make us masters of the sea, two 
thousand soldiers from England would amply suffice to make us 
so on land in all the French Islands, if Barbados be ordered to help 
as she is in a position to do. In Martinique they have 
not above 2,500 men, at St. Christophers not above 1,500 or 1,600, 
and at Guadeloupe and Grande Terre about 800 to 1,000. The rest 
of the Islands are too inconsiderable to make much resistance. 
Including Barbados, these Islands, Jamaica and the Main, the 
French are not one to ten of us. A fleet and suitable instructions 
to the Governors would suffice to drive the French out of America, 
and I heartily hope this war may see it done. Captain Hewetson 
shortly sails to Barbados to refit and if possible to get some men, 
for he has lost many. I have already said enough of his good 
service to justify my request that the expense of his service to us 
may be reimbursed to him and to his partners. Two of the 
officers commanding foot-companies in his ships have gained very 
good characters for courage and resolution at Mariegalante, and 
were it not too great presumption I should ask for your favour to 
them as persons fit to serve the King in a military station. Signed. 
Chr. Codrington. 15 pp. Reed. 8 July, 1690. Duplicate. Annexed, 
789. i. Account of the action at St. Martin's under Captain 
Hewetson. We left on the night of the 14th January 



230 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 



and on the following day lay about three hours to windward 
of Nevis, waiting for the sloop with the men from the 
prize, but went on without them. Some hours before day 
we retook one of Sir Timothy's sloops, taken three days 
before by the French, and learned from the prisoners as 
follows. That Mons. Ducas was on the point of loading 
for France at Martinique when he heard of Sir Timothy's 
expedition and went at once first to St. Bartholomew's 
and then to St. Martin's where on the llth he scattered 
all Sir Timothy's sloops, and took that which we have now 
retaken. They told us also that the inhabitants of 
St. Martin's together with the Irish refugees among them 
numbered about three hundred men, that Ducas had 
landed half as many men and that now they were all 
united into one body, and that on the evening before five 
hundred men had arrived from St. Christopher's at St. 
Martin's and that two or three hundred more were on 
their way to land and attack Sir Timothy. We then 
crowded on all sail in hopes of coming up with the 
French before day and surprising them at anchor, 
but at daybreak on our coming within a league of 
them they slipped their cables and bore up to us, five ships 
to our three. Your [Codrington's] sloop having got into 
line about six o'clock the Admiral began the engagement, 
we having the wind. Ducas gave us his broadside 
smartly before we fired a gun, and when almost within 
musket shot we gave him ours ; they then opened fire 
with small arms until they were out of reach, we 
returning the fire. Having passed him we received the 
broadsides of the other four ships successively, which we 
returned. We tacked about again, but lost the wind, 
their ships sailing better than ours and being better 
manned with sailors. We passed each other again, firing 
as before. It was then agreed at a council of war that we 
could gain little advantage, except by boarding, since then 
Captain Perry and your sloop would be of good service 
whereas at a distance it could do little, its guns being too 
small to do the enemy much harm. Having taken this 
decision we made a big stretch in hopes of regaining the 
wind, but. failed, as we only passed each other as before. 
We then made another big stretch and got the wind, 
whereupon observing our intention they did not tack, but 
bore away under all sail for St. Christophers. We then 
made towards the shore and sent a message to Sir Timothy 
to prepare to embark, which he did ; and the sloops were 
making for the shore as fast as they could to receive him, 
when we saw the French ships approaching us again with 
the captured Guinea ship in addition. We then bore up to 
them, and seeing that Ducas designed to board us we lay by 
till Perry, who sailed very badly, came up with us and 
prepared to receive them with a broadside and a volley of 
shot, but there was no boarding at all, so that we only 
passed each other as before, and then the enemy's 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 281 

1690. 

ships having got next to the shore Sir Timothy was 
obliged to scamper again. It was now near sunset, 
and a council of war was held, when it was resolved that 
we should stand away till after midnight, and then 
tack so that in the morning we might be sure of the 
wind in order to board the enemy if necessary. We did so 
accordingly and between one and two in the morning 
tacked and crowded all sail to try and come up with the 
French before daylight and surprise them at anchor, but 
failed. As day broke we discovered them at anchor 
opposite Sir Timothy's camp. They weighed, but instead 
of bearing up to us they sailed away towards the shoals of 
Anguilla, whither we thought it imprudent to follow them, 
but better to seize the opportunity to get off our friends 
from shore. A message was sent to Sir Timothy, who 
returned about noon with the reply that Sir Timothy was 
just then engaged with a party of the enemy but would 
get ready to embark as soon as it was over. Just then we 
were joined by another sloop of ours, which the Admiral 
ordered in shore to cover Sir Timothy's retreat; but by 
that time he had got to the shore, having routed the 
enemy. Before the last of his men were shipped a great 
party of the French was in view, but our men embarked 
under cover of our guns without loss of a man. About four 
in the afternoon of the 17th Sir Timothy came aboard, and 
on the Sunday following we all arrived safely at Nevis. 
Yesterday we had a flag of truce from Mons. Guiteau, 
Governor of St. Christophers, about an exchange of 
prisoners. Those of ours who came with the flag tell us 
that all the French at St. Christophers except three 
hundred went to the relief of St. Martins. They said also 
that Ducas thought we had gone quite away on Thursday 
night and wanted to fight us on Friday morning, but was 
forbidden by Guiteau, who had no fancy for a fight, not 
doubting that he would land his men in time to cut off Sir 
Timothy's retreat. Both Guiteau and Ducas were much 
vexed at missing the prize they made so sure of. What 
damage was done to other ships they could not tell us, but 
Ducas's ship was much damaged by our shot and many 
men wounded. All of our ships were hit, but the Admirals' 
was most damaged, though not a man was killed and but 
one wounded. Copy. 3 pp. Duplicate. Endorsed. Bead 
4 Aug. 1690. 

789. ii. Deputy Governor and Council of Nevis to Captain 
Thomas Hewetson. 22 January, 1689-90. Your eminent 
service in rescuing the flower of our forces when surrounded 
by the enemy, and your readiness to undertake it call for 
our heartiest thanks. It is only through you that many of 
us now sitting here should not have been at St. Martins or in 
our graves. It is our sorrow that we are not in a position 
to make you return for your expense in attending to these 
Islands, much less for the good service that you have done. 
We have however written to the General to represent your 



232 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

action to the King and we beg you to accept this testimony 
of our respect. Signed. Jno. Netheway, and six others. 
1 p. Copy. Duplicate. Endorsed. Eecd. 4 Aug. 1690. 

789. m. The Council and Assembly of Antigua to Captain 
Thomas Hewetson. 31 January, 1689-90. We want the 
means of expressing our thanks or making return for your 
gallant action in rescuing Sir Timothy Thornhill, and we 
can only return you our thanks. Signed. Sam. 
Martin, Speaker, Eowland Williams, and six others. J p. 
Copy. Duplicate. Endorsed. Eecd. 4 Aug. 1690. 

789. iv. Lieutenant- General Codrington, Council and Assembly 
of Antigua to the Deputy-Governor of Barbados. Antigua, 
13 February, 1689-90. I have already written to you to 
report to you the danger wherein we stand of a French 
invasion, and our inability to defend ourselves for want of 
arms and ammunition. I know I need not importune you 
and the generous Island of Barbados, as you want no spur 
to a work to which you are obliged by your good and 
charitable feeling and your loyalty to your King and 
Country. In my last I bound myself to make satisfaction 
for all arms and ammunition supplied to us from Barbados, 
to fulfil which promise I enclose copy of an Act passed by 
this Island for the purpose. I doubt not that Montserrat 
and Nevis will do the like. I doubt not that the King will 
pay the cost of defending these Colonies until the arrival 
of the fleet, and will also regard with favour those who 
contribute to so good a work ; but if the drain on the 
Eoyal Exchequer retard payment from thence, the enclosed 
Act, with those which I expect shortly from Nevis and 
Montserrat, will be sufficient security. Four or five ships 
of from forty to fifty guns well manned, together with 
Captain Hewetson's force will put us in condition at least 
to keep the enemy from doing us serious damage. That 
number I hope will be forthcoming, as your harbour is so 
well stored with ships, but the occasion is urgent, so let me 
beg you to despatch one or two, if no more, with powder 
and small arms. I am apprehensive for Montserrat in 
case it be attacked, as the Irish are three to one of the 
English. It can be secured only by a naval force, for which 
I rely on your generous care and diligence. I thank you 
for congratulations over our late successes, and do not much 
regard the censure of those critics whose skill lies only 
in quarrelling with the actions of other men but want the 
good nature to perform or the courage to attempt anything 
that is generous or brave themselves. The Council and 
Assembly to whom I have communicated your letter are 
also grateful for the kind feelings of their friends in 
Barbados, which they can now put in action by a season- 
able loan of arms, ammunition and money to fit out the 
ships aforesaid. Admiral Hewetson's health is better and 
he hopes will shortly be reestablished. He thanks you for 
your good wishes and desires me to tell you that his 
private differences with you shall not obstruct his cordial 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 283 

1690. 

joining with you for the defence of these Islands. I will 
give Sir Timothy your message, but at present he has no 
hope of returning to Barbados till the present cloud be 
past. I congratulate you on the recovery of your health. 
The Council and Assembly join with me in this letter. 
Signed. Chr. Codrington, and five of the Council ; 
Samuel Martin, Speaker. Copy. Duplicate. 2J pp. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 4 Aug. 1690. 

789. v. Extract from a letter of Colonel Stede to Lieutenant- 
General Codrington. Barbados, 8 February 1689-90. I 
tell the malcontents here that it is a shame for us to stand 
and see our fellow-subjects beaten by the enemies of our 
country and religion without sending them such help 
as we can spare without danger to this Island ; but hitherto 
they continue very deaf and backward in parting with men 
and money, though I offer to advance them a large sum for 
a year without interest on security of land or negro-taxes. 
How far this will prevail with them will be seen within a 
week, when I shall press it as effectually as I can. Besides 
the ships cruising about the Island we have now a great 
fleet in the harbour, thirty ships at least of from thirty to 
forty guns, well found and well manned, some laden, 
some unladen, some reloading but able to be made ready 
for your service in a few days. I am resolved that none 
shall sail for Europe until the fleet arrives, for I will not 
part with so good a force until I see how we shall be better 
assisted. Copy. Signed. Edwyn Stede. 1 p. Copy. 
Endorsed. Reed. 3 July, 1690. 

789. vi. The Agents for the Negotiations with Barbados to Lieu- 
tenant-General Codrington, 3 March, 1689-90. On our 
arrival at Barbados we at once waited on the Governor, on 
the 20th February, and delivered your letter and message. 
He answered that he was sorry the Assembly was then 
dissolved, and that our expectations could not be realised, 
and that the Assembly could not speedily be called, but 
that if it was summoned he was sure they would not 
answer our desires. We then pressed him to do for us 
what was in his power in pressing ships and seamen, and 
he said that nothing in his power should be wanting, 
advising us to take more ships than we had mentioned, to 
ensure success, and to examine the ships to see which were 
fittest, and sound their commanders. We did so and found 
none of the commanders unwilling to serve us on our 
conditions, provided they were countenanced by a press to 
justify them to their owners ; for that they were now 
detained by the Governor to their great expense, and would 
much prefer to do active service for the King. We 
announced this to the Governor, who said that all was thus 
well, and ordered us to wait on the Council without fail on 
the 24th. We did so, and then without allowing us to 
speak the Governor made us a long speech to the 
following effect : That the Council was unanimously of 
opinion that it could afford us no assistance, and that on 



284 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1690. 

referring to his commission and instructions he found he 
could not act without them ; which surprised us, con- 
sidering what he had formerly told us. We then asked 
for powder and arms, which were at first refused ; but 
the Governor afterwards consented to let us have twenty 
barrels and a hundred matchlocks. We tried to buy what 
provender and arms we could, but found no arms and 
only seven barrels of powder, at ,7 a barrel. The 
Governor told us there were but seven hundred barrels of 
powder in the magazine, but others told us there were 
fourteen hundred barrels and good store of small arms, 
besides the arms and ammunition which the inhabitants 
are obliged by law to possess. There were over a 
hundred sail in the ports of Barbados, thirty of 
them powerful vessels. We pitched upon five, the largest 
of sixty, the smallest of thirty guns. The ships were so 
well affected that two great East Indiamen would have 
joined us if countenanced by a press. We must also point 
out that the Assembly was dissolved but two days before 
our arrival and after the Governor had received your first 
letter telling him of our danger, and that a second letter 
was on its way to him. Colonel Bishop, Colonel Frere 
and Mr. Reid of the Council were most kind to us and 
were also willing to do anything for the service of the 
Leeward Islands. Colonel Salter above all most generously 
offered with the Governor's permission to raise a thousand 
men at his own charge for us if ships were provided to 
transport them, also to resign his Treasurer's place and 
command them in person ; but unfortunately the Governor 
and the rest of the Council were of different sentiments. 
Signed. Tho. Warner, Eichard Ash. Copy. 2 pp. En- 
dorsed. Reed. 3 July, 1690. 

789. vii. Extract of a letter from Deputy- Governor Stede to 
Lieutenant General Codrington, 24 February, 1689-90. 
I duly received your letter and message by the hand of 
Captains Warner and Ash. They arrived the day after 
the dissolution of the Assembly, so there was no possibility 
of consulting them or to summon them again under three 
weeks' time, though had I done so they would have been 
of the same mind as the Council. I summoned the Council 
to advise how we might help you, but so unfortunate is 
the long stay of the merchant ships as well as of the men- 
of-war that upon a strict examination of the state of the 
Island, it was the almost unanimous opinion that we could 
not send you the men, ships, arms and ammunition that 
you desire without undue weakening of ourselves. We see 
no prospect of help from England. Many here are afraid 
lest the French should make any attempt on us after 
weakening ourselves. Their boasted reinforcements are 
either rodomontade, or, if they be actual, the affair will be 
over before we can fit out ships enough to meet them. 
The Council therefore resolved to allow no arms or 
ammunition to leave the Island, though on my intercession 






AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 285 

1690. 

they granted you twenty barrels of powder and a hundred 
matchlocks in good order from the magazine, with liberty to 
buy what more you could. This was not pleasing to some, 
but I carried my point to testify my zeal to serve you. 
Signed. Edwyn Stede. 1 pp. Copy. Duplicate. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 4 Aug. 169(X 

789. vin. Lieutenant-General Codrington to the Governor of 
Montserrat. 18 February, 1689-90. On the 10th inst. I 
wrote to the Governor of Barbados for assistance and have 
sent him copy of the enclosed Act passed by the Council 
and Assembly of Antigua, so as to omit no measure for our 
security. I have sent a copy to Nevis also, and I need use 
no arguments to you to recommend the passing of a like 
act in Montserrat. But I am anxious for the safety of 
your Island, though I shall decide nothing but what 
you yourselves shall conceive to be best for it. 
Were you unanimous, I doubt not, considering the 
difficulties of landing and the ruggedness of the 
country, that you could hold your own ; for with 
good breastworks you, being a thousand strong, could 
defend yourselves against three thousand French, 
which is a thousand more than will ever attack you. 
Should your Irish neighbours, however, join with the 
French, then beyond all doubt you will be ruined. The 
points to be considered are, first, can you sufficiently 
secure the fidelity of the Irish, and second, if not what is 
best to be done ? As to the first there is the objection that 
the Irish have never had any great kindness from the 
English, and as affairs are now less than ever, witness 
Ireland itself and St. Christophers. Again, the Irish 
being Papists may be expected to welcome Papists, and 
particularly the French, with whom the Irish nation have 
now thrown in their lot. They have also a grievance 
against you and doubtless hope for revenge. But on the 
other hand if nationality, religion and the treatment that 
they have received from us be put aside, we can still 
reckon on their knowledge of their own interest and 
advantage, and conclude that they may work with you 
for the defence of the island. Interest is generally 
stronger than any other consideration. The Irish 
in Montserrat enjoy their estates as freely and 
happily as the English, and may rationally expect, 
if they acquit themselves loyally now, to be cared 
for ever with kindness and regard. They have indulgence 
too in the matter of religion, for to this effect runs their 
Majesties' first proclamation relating to the Kingdom of 
Ireland. But if they join with the French they cannot be 
sure of protection ; they may suffer the same fate as 
Mariegalante ; they are sure to lose something by the 
pilfering of the French soldiers ; and if they are trans- 
ported to another Island they will certainly lose more, for 
the French fleet cannot wait until every Dermot and Bryan 
has regularly packed up. Then they will be landed on 



6 COLONIAL PAPEKS. 

1690. 

some French Island, having already lost half their 
property those already settled there are in misery 
enough, and the Irish would have to begin the whole 
world again. Then if the English fleet comes, they can 
expect no mercy ; they cannot expect the English to spare 
them or the French King to make special provisions to 
save their necks. In fact by cordially working with us 
they have everything to gain, by the contrary everything 
to lose. They have no such hope of success as their 
countrymen in Ireland or St. Christophers, and their 
recent disturbance was the result of extravagant hopes 
of King James's success. I allow their attachment to 
King James to be an element of danger, but their joining 
the French will be of assistance only to the French, and 
if King James recover his Kingdom he will have Mont- 
serrat without their help. If he do not they will do him 
no service and will ruin themselves. As to their recent 
treatment of us, I think that self-interest will abate their 
resentment. In fact it is sufficiently obvious that it is the 
interest of the Irish to join with us, but the misery of it is 
that an Assinegoe may as soon be taught logic as they to 
understand it. But the more intelligent will apprehend 
it, and if care be taken to discourse them in a style 
suitable to their capacity, arguments may be found to 
work upon the hopes and fears of the silliest of 
them. It would be very prudent at such a 
time to take pains with them to banish past 
heats and bitterness and use kindness and good 
nature towards them. As to the second point, what is 
best to be done if the Irish cannot be secured, I can think 
of but two proposals. 1. That all slaves and valuable 
goods belonging both to English and Irish be at once 
removed from Montserrat to Nevis or Antigua, there to 
remain till the arrival of the fleet from Barbados, and that 
the Irish be told that if they behave well all shall be 
honestly returned to them, but that if they prove 
treacherous, their friends shall suffer at once without 
mercy, and themselves also when we come into power. 
This will bring home to the most ignorant the expediency 
of being faithful to us. 2. That not only the goods but 
the persons of the English and of a sufficient number of 
Irish be removed and that some one Irishman be named 
Governor over the rest, and so the Island left in their 
possession until help shall arrive. If this last plan be 
adopted the French will soon hear of it and will be able 
with a few men to destroy all the buildings and kill all the 
stock; and it is also to be feared that the Irish left behind, 
finding themselves neglected and forsaken, will join 
with the French, and could not be blamed for doing so; 
and then there is the scandal of deserting the Island to the 
French. The only objection to the first proposal is the 
risk to the English if the Irish prove faithless ; but all 
depends whether the French attack at all, and whether the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 287 

1690. 

Irish join them supposing they do so. So what you have 
to decide is whether you will risk your persons upon this 
double chance to secure your property, or whether you 
will secure your persons by exposing your property to 
undoubted ruin. So if you can trust the Irish I think 
that your persons and property will be as secure in 
Montserrat as in Nevis ; if not, you must choose one of the 
two alternatives above put forward. You will communicate 
my letter to the Council and Assembly and decide for 
yourselves as speedily as possible; returning me an 
account of your numbers and your defences that I may 
the better provide for your security. Signed. Chr. 
Codrington. 6J pp. Copy. Duplicate. Endorsed. 
Reed. 4 Aug., 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. 
Nos. 83, 83, i -viir., and (without enclosures) Board of 
Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 204-226.] 

March 18. 790. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. List of Members : 

ci TkT- u n (John Sutton. 
t.M,chaels Pilgrim . 



Chri-tchurch 

Q. pv,:],-^ (Peter Evans. 

St. Philips J Edward Bishop. 

f Tv,r.o' /"William Allonby. 

St. Thomas s ) william Eastcl / urch . 

Q , T , /Abel Alleyne. 

St. James s | Me litia Holder. 

at j . (John Mills. 

St. Andrews { william Dottin . 

H . p .. (John Cousens. 

St. George s j Robert Hooper 

Bf TO v,' John Waterman. 
St. Joseph s 



n. T , , John Leslie. 

St. John s J John Bromley . 

(Michael Terrell. 

St. Lucy (Thomas Dowden. 

John Bromley chosen Speaker, who was approved. The oaths 
administered. Rules of the House confirmed. Order for prepara- 
tion of a bill concerning Christian servants. Adjourned to 30 May. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 223, 224.] 

March 20. 791. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of 
the Hudson's Bay Company read, praying for protection for a hun- 
dred men that they are sending out, and for a frigate to convoy 
them. Agreed to recommend it to the King. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
CIX., pp. 320, 321.] 

March 24. 792. John Coode to the Earl of Shrewsbury. Since my last we 

Maryland, have been disturbed by Papists and by the discontented faction, 

though I have omitted nothing for the preservation of the peace. 



238 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

Some of the late Deputies under Lord Baltimore's Commission have 
escaped to Virginia, where they are sheltered by the Government, 
notwithstanding my request that they should be secured. They are 
permitted to make frequent returns into this province with armed 
parties, and despite all our diligence have murdered the King's 
Collector, a zealous Protestant, Mr. John Paine. Mr. Sewall, Lady 
Baltimore's son, fled with a small yacht, arms and ammunition 
to Virginia, came back suddenly to Maryland and landed. Mean- 
while Mr. Paine with four men went on board and civilly demanding 
why they went to and fro without clearing, was shot dead. His 
men with some difficulty escaped, and the murderers with the yacht 
returned to Virginia. Sewall, who was ashore at the time, also 
returned to Virginia and is still at liberty. The four men in the 
yacht, after several letters from me, have been secured. I can 
prove that Sewall threatened Paine with death before the murder, 
that he gave particular orders for what was done and that he 
defends his action in Virginia. I have repeatedly represented all 
this to that Government, but without any satisfactory answer. 
Indeed one of the King's evidence against Paine was apprehended 
in Virginia and put in irons. Mr. Rousby, Paine's predecessor, was 
barbarously murdered, after Lord Baltimore had failed to take his 
life by false accusations. I lay all this before you that you may 
not be surprised by excuses from the staggering gentlemen of 
Virginia. Paine is the only person who has received any corporal 
harm since we took up arms. Not an outrage has been committed 
on any papist, and all expenses are paid by a convention of repre- 
sentatives. We beg you to represent our condition to the King, for 
through want of shipping and danger of French pirates we have 
been unable to send any agents to England. We hear from the 
West Indies of gallant attacks on the French Islands ; but things 
have gone ill near Albany. New York has sent to us for assistance. 
Virginia will not be concerned, but we shall contribute our best 
help, having certain intelligence of French designs upon us. We 
are in great want of ammunition, our papish Governors keeping 
little in the magazine, but we have collected enough from private 
sources for present needs. Signed. Jno. Coode. 2J pp. Endorsed. 
Read in Council 26 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. 
No. 4.] [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LI/., pp. 154-160.] 

March 25. 793. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Sundry orders as to 
ships and customs dues. Major Archbold appeared, and as it ap- 
peared that he had asked for discharge from a council of war many 
months back, he was dismissed. Francis Hickman objected to 
Samuel Bernard as security for Charles Bouchier ; ordered that 
when Samuel Bernard acts as Chief Justice, Bouchier shall give in 
another bond. Sundry orders as to payments. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 77. pp. 31-34.] 

March 26. 794. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Lords of Trade 
Bermuda, and Plantations. I cannot obtain any account from Samuel 
Trott, for the people forbid him with threats. Mr. Ashworth has 
produced sworn accounts, but the people refuse to pay them. I 
have 50 in my hands from Ashworth, and have paid 100 for powder 
for the defence of the Colony ; but they will not pay me 50 for 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



239 



1690. 

half of it, though the companies have had some from me. I have 
also 25 powder-money, which I have asked the Council to allow 
me for my lodging, since the moving from house to house has near 
cost me my life. But they will build me no house and allow me no 
rent. I am sorry that I cannot produce the accounts, but it is the 
Secretary's fault. Such are the men who are put in by patent. 
Mr. Jennings has dealt unkindly here, and has tried to encourage 
the people in New England to set light by the Governor here. We 
hear of some successes in the Leeward Islands. Let me repeat my 
request for fifty English soldiers, arms and stores, and a sixth rate 
fi-igate. One Peniston sails with this letter and 60,000 Ibs. of 
tobacco. We have no convoy or company for him, but I hope 
there will be frigates enough in the channel to protect him. A 
dead sperm whale was washed ashore here five weeks ago, which I 
managed to the best advantage. We are so much amazed for want 
of news from England that we know not what to do, except to 
fortify ourselves. I am sending a small sloop to Barbados and the 
Leeward Islands to obtain intelligence of the enemy. I am told 
that an address has been sent to you from hence, though I was not 
acquainted of it. I should gladly have forwarded it ; but it was 
carried from place to place to be signed, and many were threatened 
and abused because they hesitated to sign it without the Governor. 
I learn also that a petition was also preferred against me for 
arbitrary government and spoiling of timber, and that they may 
have power to call the Governor to account. I have always sought 
to relieve the oppressed, but I am quite ready to give an account of 
all. Some people in these Islands would do better to serve the 
King loyally than to breed faction, which has always been their 
way from the first. I send a copy of my protest against Jennings 
(see No. 591). Signed. Robt. Robinson. 3 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 
12 May, 1690. [America and West Indies. 477. A'o. 25, and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 271-274.] 

March 27. 795. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for King's 
House to be made ready for Lord Inchiquin, and for certain pay- 
ments. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 34, 35.] 

March 27. 796. Robert Livingston to Robert Ferguson, of the Excise 
Boston. office, London. The extreme good character I have heard of you 
induces me to send you the enclosed papers, which I entreat you to 
lay before the Secretary of State speedily, or the country will be 
lost. The news of the King's accession was as a reprieve to the 
condemned, but we have lived very uneasy owing to one Jacob 
Leisler, a merchant of New York, whose ambition has prompted 
him to domineer, with the help of the vulgar, over the King's 
subjects under pretence of freeing them from arbitrary power. We 
of Albany have endeavoured to keep all quiet there and free from 
revolutions, trusting to the King's proclamation for continuing all 
Protestant officers in their posts ; but Leisler's emissaries have been 
constantly at work stirring up discord, so that unless a Governor 
arrives soon we shall be destroyed. I make bold to ask you to 
befriend me concerning my disbursements to the public, having 
launched most of my estate for the maintenance of our soldiers 
under Colonel Dongan against the French in 1687-8. I am 620 



240 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1690. 

out upon that expedition, and I have sent authenticated copies of 
my accounts to my correspondent in London, to whom I am 
indebted. I have been at Albany for fifteen years, and in continual 
employ as Secretary and Collector, so the gentlemen there have 
prevailed with me to come as their agent to Massachusetts and 
Connecticut to procure assistance. They have promised us help 
from Connecticut speedily, and Boston is fitting out an expedition 
against Port Eoyal by sea, but things go very slow. Their principal 
reason for not going directly to Quebec is want of powder, so they 
are sending an express to England for a supply. Signed. Eobert 
Livingston. 3 pp. Printed in New York Documents, III., 698. 
[America and West Indies. 578. No. 114.] 

March 29. 797. Governor Simon Bradstreet to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 
Boston. The French, though formerly more secret in animating the Indians 
against us, have lately actually joined them in desolating some of 
our remoter settlements such as Senectady near Albany, and Salmon 
Falls on a branch of the Piscataqua, though the loss of both must 
be attributed chiefly to their own "deadly security" and the 
enemy's treachery. At the two places about one hundred and 
fifty persons were killed or taken. We have done our utmost for 
the safety and preservation of the King's interest, and had men in 
both garrisons sufficient to have repelled the enemy's force. We 
learn from French prisoners lately brought in that there are five or 
six hundred French from Canada joined with the Indians in several 
parties both Eastward and Westward, which has put us to further 
exertion. We have stirred up the Maquas against the enemy and 
have resolved on an expedition by sea against Port Eoyal and other 
places, it being the general opinion of the country that the Indian 
war cannot be stopped, nor peace for the English secured without the 
removal of those ill neighbours the French. Their increase in 
Canada is judged utterly inconsistent with the interest of the crown 
of England, so success in the present attempt will greatly encourage 
an attack on Canada, if the King will assist us with shipping and a 
speedy supply of ammunition, of which we have hardly enough to 
furnish the present expedition. We asked His Majesty to order a 
supply of arms and ammunition for us, and we beg that the same 
vessel that bears this may be speedily sent back to us. Signed. Sim. 
Bradstreet, Gov r - in the name of the Council. 1 J pp. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 27 May, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 70, 
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 192-194.] 

March 29. 798. Address of the Governor and Council of Massachusetts 
Boston. to the King. We beg to lay before you the danger of this and the 
neighbouring Colonies from the invasion of French and Indians, 
the scarcity of ammunition for our defence, and the absence of our 
principal ships in England. We beg for a supply of arms and 
ammunition and that our vessels may be permitted to return, and 
for your favour in our other public concerns whereto we have 
appointed our agents to wait upon you. Signed. Sam. Bradstreet. 
1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 27 May, 90. [Board of Trade. New England, 
5. A"o. 71, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 208, 209.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 241 

1690. 

March 29. 799. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 72.] 

March 29. 800. Extracts from two letters to John Usher from Boston. All 
hands are fitting out against the French. Sir William Phips goes 
Admiral, Moody as Chaplain and Deering as Commissary. They are 
now beating up for volunteers, and intend to press two men out of 
every six. We have rate upon rate, and no trade at all. The French 
and Indians make great spoil, so that we are like to be brought 
very low. Captain Blaekrock is returned from Pennsylvania, who 
reports strange and unheard of actions committed by that 
monstrous Governor [of New York] . He has sent a hundred men 
to Albany to fetch the mayor and several other gentlemen to prison, 
where he sends all men that will not do him homage. He boasts 
that he has taken over a hundred of the King's commission, and 
says that he will justify those who acted for him by giving them his 
certificate. He is a proud, insolent, oppressing fellow, and will 
certainly ruin the place. Copy. \ p. Endorsed. Bead 29 May, 
90. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 78.] 

March 31. 801. Extracts from several letters from Francis Brinley in New 
England to Thomas Brinley in London. Feb. 22. Jacob Leisler 
rules as he pleases at New York and imprisons whom he .pleases. 
John Coggeshall calls himself Deputy-Governor, and John Greene 
calls himself Assistant. They intend to call an Assembly next week 
and rule by the sword. It is high time that the King settled a 
Government in New England. Feb. 27. John Coggeshall and 
John Greene have sat with their Assembly, and as Governor Walter 
Clarke refused to act, they chose Henry Bull in his place. Three 
days ago we heard of another town cut off by the French. March 
31. This goes by a sloop that is sailing to England for 
communication. The French and Indians have done us much 
mischief. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 29 May, 1690. [Board 
of Trade. New England, 5. A"o. 74.] 

March 31. 802. Elisha Hutchinson to Elisha Cook. We are full of 
Boston. troubles and beset with enemies on every side. Newichewanock 
and Salmon Falls are taken. Hampshire, on its own petition, is 
now under our protection and government. We are now bending 
our forces against the French at Nova Scotia. Sir William Phips 
is to raise five hundred men and the ships to transport them, and 
we hope there will be no need to impress men. Our great want is 
arms and ammunition, else we might attack Canada. The neigh- 
bouring Colonies will assist the enterprise with men to join the 
Maquas by land. If the King could provide us with two frigates, 
arms and ammunition, it might easily be accomplished, for the 
French have not above three thousand men, soldiers and others, in 
all Canada, and they are dispersed. Copy, f p. Endorsed. Reed. 
29 May, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 75.] 

March 31. 803. Extract from a letter from Eliakim Hutchinson to Ezekiel 
Hutchinson. A few lines describing the bad condition of the 
country and the capture of Newichewanock. Copy. [Board of 
Trade. New England, 5. No. 76.] 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

March 31. 
New York. 



March 31. 
New York. 



804. Jacob Leisler to the King. By letter to the Bishop of 
Salisbury we gave an account of things here to January. We now 
offer a second letter through the same channel. Signed. Jacob 
Leisler, in the name of the Council. p. Printed in New York 
Documents, III., 700. [America ami West Indies. 578. No. 115.] 

805. Jacob Leisler to the Bishop of Salisbury. On the 9th of 
February the village of Senectady was attacked at eleven o'clock at 
night, while it snowed thick, by two hundred French and 
Indians. They murdered sixty persons, wounded others, and 
carried twenty-seven away with them, so that only a sixth of 
the inhabitants is left. Their cattle and goods are destroyed and 
taken, and the survivors have taken refuge at Albany. Being 
alarmed at the prospect of an advance of French and Indians upon 
us, we have appointed persons to meet the Six Nations at Albany 
and consult them as to the best way of intercepting their march. 
The Maquas gave proof of their fidelity by pursuing the destroyers 
of Senectady and killing twenty-five of them, and by promising to 
raise more than a thousand men to join ours. We have fortified 
Albany to the best of our power, the fort having thirteen guns and 
sixty men in garrison. The town is palisaded and breastworks are 
making, so that we want only cannon, which we hope may reach us 
before the attack. If our neighbours in New England and Con- 
necticut had but done their part, we should have little to fear ; but 
so little are they disposed to do so that three weeks ago they recalled 
the eighty men whom they had sent there, though contrary to our 
wish, and though the post is of as great importance to them as to us. 
Nor would they contribute towards the expense of paying men and 
Indians to carry on the war, though invited thereto by our commis- 
sioners, but countenanced and entertained malefactors charged with 
treasonable crimes and refused to deliver them up. Boston 
promises us assistance, but we cannot rely thereon, for they 
propose a month's time to consult about it, and we can- 
not assure ourselves that we may not be attacked in the 
interim. So we are sending up men and provisions daily, and 
have committed the care of the post to three persons, hoping that 
a supply of ammunition may reach us shortly. The welfare of the 
whole province depends on the security of the frontiers, for if lost 
the French will certainly gain the Indians whom they are now 
alluring with large promises and presents. New York, considering 
our state, is in as good a posture as circumstances can bear, and 
I hope we may be able to repel any attack by sea, for we hear of a 
French squadron coming against us next spring. But above all 
we rely on help from the King. Meanwhile we are so loudly called 
upon to supply the work of defence that Courts of Judicature are for 
the present suspended. The raging spirit of malice obstructs us 
much in East Jersey. Colonel Townley, one Mr. Emmott, and 
other leading men assert that the throne of England is not vacant, 
with other wicked and rebellious notions, making the people believe 
that the King takes care for those of the late government by his 
proclamation for continuing all officers (papists only excepted) in 
their posts till further order, and that those who set up authority 
in opposition to them are evil doers. But God be thanked we have 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 248 

1690. 

no such mean and irreverent thoughts of the King, not doubting 
that we shall be fit to receive his future orders. We took five guns 
from the ship which bears this letter, and beg that they may be 
made good to the captain in England. If we can possibly raise 
seamen we intend to send a privateer of twenty guns and a smaller 
vessel to join with those of Boston in alarming Canada by water. 
But for the present the rivers are all frozen. If they do not bestir 
themselves in good earnest we are in danger of losing the King's 
footing in this part of America, so we have written to Boston, 
Virginia and Maryland to send persons to a rendezvous to treat as 
to what shall be done. We find the people very slack in bringing 
up money ; they will not convene us an Assembly to levy the same, 
though our writs were long ago issued to the various counties for 
the purpose. Signed. Jacob Leisler, Lieutenant-Governor, and 
in the name of the Council. Two closely written pages. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 20 Feb., 1690-1. Printed in New York Documents, HI., 
700. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 116.] 

April 1. 806. John Borland (?) to Robert Ferguson. It was I who 
Boston. encouraged Livingston to write to you. I have read all the 
enclosures, and know not that any of them may be used to the 
disadvantage of this Country's interest at Court. You will be a 
better judge than I, so pray make your own use of them and withal 
do Mr. Livingston any kindness you can in his private affairs. 
Some or most sober persons have a good opinion of Captain 
Leisler's proceedings, but the Tory party have an extremely bad 
character of him. Mr. Livingston is a stranger to me, but we 
have an intimate friend in common. \ p. The signature spoiled by 
the seal. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 117.] 

April 1. 807. Extract from a letter of Daniel Allin at Boston to Joseph 
Boston. Dudley. I wish I could give you better news. Senectady is 
surprised and taken, also Cacheca and Salmon Falls. A Frenchman 
was taken prisoner and brought to Boston, who gave intelligence 
that there were two more parties of seven hundred men from 
Canada to the westward, so I doubt not that our frontier will be 
driven in. The Maquas have asked for a considerable force to be 
sent to dislodge the French, but it will be well if the quarrel 
between Albany and Mr. Leisler do not drive the Maquas over to 
the French. Leisler is sending a considerable force under Secretary 
Milborne to reduce Albany, but it is expected that they will resist 
them to the death. Mr. Livingston has been here to ask for men, 
money and provisions to be sent to Albany to join the Maquas, 
but without success. Sir William Phips is to command by sea 
against Canada, and preparations are active. The people to East- 
wards are much endangered, but those at Senectady and Salmon 
Falls ought to have been hanged if they had not had their throats 
cut, for Senectady was divided into factions ; the gate was left open 
and not so much as a sentinel posted. We are in great danger, for 
if four or five French ships should attack us sharply we should 
probably be reduced under another Government. Our men's spirits 
are not so hot for real service as they have been on other occasions. 
Copy. l^pp. Endorsed. Reed. 29 May, 1690. [Board of Trade. 
New England, 5. No. 77.] 



244 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 
April 2. 
Boston. 



April 2. 



April 2. 
Portsmouth, 
New England, 



April 3. 



April 4. 
Madeira. 



808. Thomas Cooper to John Ellis. We are in a bad condition 
w hat w ith internal differences, the attacks of the French and 
Indians and the scarcity of arms and ammunition. I cannot write 
in full, for all letters are liable to be broken open. Extract. Scrap. 
Endorsed. Eead 29 May, 1690. [Hoard of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 78.] 

809. Abstract of a letter from Francis Foxcroft, merchant, 
from Boston. We are under strict embargo, and sundry ships are 
fitting out against Port Eoyal, under the weighty conduct of the 
New England knight. Meanwhile Senectady and other places are 
lost. I hope the King will give us assistance. Copy. \p. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 29 May, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. A T o. 
79.] 

810. Benjamin Woodbridge to the Bishop of London. I sup- 
pose you have heard how God has let loose the heathen upon us. 
j^ j s a vear an( j a ^ a jf s i nce the trouble began, and lately they have 
made a desolating inroad upon us, so that we are like Israel as 
told of in the book of Judges. Your charity is so well known that 
I make bold to represent our distresses to you, begging you to 
intercede for us. There are doubtless many with you that would 
value the blessing of them that are about to perish. Pardon my 
boldness, as a stranger. New England is remote, but God has his 
number here of those who would do no iniquity. I had thought of 
addressing Dr. Burnet or Dr. Stillingfleet, but am content to leave 
it to you. Help, whether in provisions or clothing, will be welcome. 
Ships from England generally go to Boston, but transport hither 
for them is easy. Mr. Nathaniel Fryer and Mr. Robert Eliot would 
be meet and faithful persons to distribute what you send. Signed. 
Benj. Woodbridge. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 5.] 

811. Instructions to Governor Isaac Richier of Bermuda. 
[Col. Enti-y Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 246-267.] 

812. Governor Kendall to [the Earl of Shrewsbury]. We 
sailed from Plymouth, sixty-nine sail in all, on the 9th of March. 
On the 15th we met a violent storm, which on the 17th increased 
so much that we were near foundering. The upper deck was full 
of water up to the gunwales, and the tarpauling not being good the 
water in the hold was above the ballast. But we got her before the 
wind and freed her with the pumps. Our foremast was dangerously 
sprung, and as we ran before the wind a great sea pooped us, filled 
the cabin so full that it set me and the other gentlemen swimming, 
and did much damage. We had meanwhile lost sight of our fleet. 
On the 28th we captured a French ship bound to Martinique with 
provisions, and on the 1st of April made this Island, and on the 
5th anchored in Funchal, where we found all the men-of-war 
except four and about twenty of the merchantmen. We shall wait 
for the missing ships a few days and then go on for Barbados. We 
are still a sickly ship, and have buried twelve men since we left 
Plymouth. The Governor of Madeira was extremely civil to Lord 
Inchiquin and myself. Signed. J. Kendall. 1J pp. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 4 Sept. 90. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 26, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 213-216.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



245 



1690. 

April 7. 813. Petition of Thomas Thornhill, Physician to Colonel 
Sloughter, to the Marquis Carmarthen. For a chest of medicines 
for the two companies in New York. 1 p. Inscribed. Read at the 
Committee, 7 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 
118.] 

April 8. 814. William Blathwayt to Mr. Harris. Ordering him to 
bring the new seals for New York and Virginia on the 10th inst. 
Draft. J p. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 26.] 

April 8. 815. Order of the King in Council. For the delivery of a 
Kensington, chest of medicines for the garrison of New York. Signed. Rich. 
Colinge. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 255.] 

April 8. 816. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
James Twyford to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. 
Signed. Rich. Colinge. 1 p. Annexed, 

816. i. Petition of James Twyford and another to the King. For 
enquiry into the case of the ship Society of Bristol, 
wrongfully condemned at Virginia. Copy. 1J pp. 
[Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 1.] 

April 10. 817. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir Edmund 
Andros and the gentlemen lately imprisoned at Boston attended, 
also the Boston agents, who asked for time to prepare their charges. 
Orders given accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 321, 
822.] 

April 10. 818. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lords 
having received a paper from Pennsylvania order that a copy be 
sent to Mr. Penn, with directions that he attend them on the 17th. 
Draft with corrections. J p. [America and West Indies. 599. 

No. 1.] 

[April 10.] 819. Deposition of Jehan Forat. 4 October, 1689. Already 
calendared under date. No. 469. Endorsed. Reed. 10 April, 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 599. No. 2.] 

[April 10.] 820. Copy of an extract of Jacob Leisler's letter of 7 January 
(No. 690) referring to Pennsylvania, and of the two preceding 
documents. The whole, 8 pp. [America and West Indies. 599. 
No. 3.] 

821. "Golden brief for the ship Alexander, condemned in 
Pennsylvania." 1 p. Endorsed as above. [America and West 
Indies. 599. No. 4.] 



April 10. 

Whitehall. 



April 10. 
Whitehall. 



822. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
James Twyford as to the ship Society, of Bristol, to Lords of Trade 
and Plantations for report. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 86. p. 58.] 

823. Order of the King in Council. For discharge of the 
clearings due to Colonel Sloughter, and of the arrears due to the two 
companies with him, that he may proceed at once to New York. 
Draft with corrections. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 
119.] 



246 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1690. 

April 11. 824. Commission of Deputy-Governor Stede to Captain Thomas 
Hewetson, taking him into the King's service. Copy. 3 pp. 
[America and West Indies. 550. A'o. 84.] 

April 11. 825. Account of negotiations between Eobert Livingston and 
the General Court of Connecticut. The following requests, dated 
April 10, were laid before the Court. (1) That the Court would 
remember former requests for provisions, ('2) send two companies 
also to Albany, (3) and an express to announce the coming of the 
companies, (4) raise a loan for expenses. Eobert Livingston then 
had audience, thanked the Court for its present succour and supply 
in the name of Albany, and hoped that they would carry on the war 
as heretofore, giving assurance that Albany would not be wanting 
for her part. Minute of the General Court, ordering that the two 
companies shall be raised forthwith. Copy. I p. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 120.] 

April 11. 826. Extract from a letter from Boston. Senectady has been 
surprised and many killed. We had intelligence of French 
preparations in Canada against several of our towns, since which 
they have attacked Newichewanock and Salmon Falls, and taken 
them. Not a man was in the principal fortification. They beat 
and took one third more than their own number. 130 of our men 
pursued them, but the French turned and in plain fight beat us. 
At the first volley forty of our men ran away, and but for failing 
light the rest would have been cut off. Copy. J p. Endorsed. 
Eecd. from Col. Ledget. 11 July, 1690. [Board oj Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 80.] 

[April .] 827. Petition of Gilbert Bant to the King. For payment of 
the passage of Sir Edmund Andros and the other prisoners sent 
home in his ship. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 81.] 

April 14. 828. Matters objected against Sir Edmund Andros, Joseph 
Dudley, John Palmer, Edward Randolph, John West, James 
Graham, George Farewell, James Sherlock and others, as occasions 
of their late imprisonment in New England. 1. Sir Edmund 
Audros after notice of the present King's intention to invade 
England issued a proclamation requiring all persons to oppose a 
Dutch invasion, endeavoured to stifle the news of his landing, and 
imprisoned the person who brought the King's declaration as a 
seditious person. 2. As Governor he made laws, imposed taxes, 
and threatened penalties without legal authority ; he denied that 
the people had any property in lands without his patent; he sup- 
plied ammunition to the Indians and encouraged them against the 
English. 3. The other persons were confederates with him, being 
his officers or of his Council. Dated. April 14, 1690. Endorsed. 
Eecd. 16 April 1690. 1J pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 82, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIL, pp. 194, 195.] 

April 14. 829. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Sundry orders as to 
accounts and shipping. Order for the Clerk to wait on Mr. John 
White and Colonel James Walker with the Council books, that they 
may draw out what they wish to represent to the King by next fleet. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 35-38.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 247 

1690. 

April 17. 830. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of 
William Payne read (see next abstract). The Lords agreed on their 
report (see No. 833). Sir Edmund Andros and the gentlemen lately 
imprisoned appeared, but the charges against them being unsigned 
were dismissed. Agreed to move the King to order the delivery of 
the records of New York from Boston to Colonel Sloughter. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 322-324.] 

April 17. 831. Petition of William Payne, D.D., to the King. For justice 
upon the traitors who murdered his brother John Payne, in Mary- 
land. 1 p. Inscribed. Reed. 16 April. Read in Council 17 April. 
[Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 6, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., 
pp. 163-164.] 

April 17. 832. Order of Lords of Trade and Plantations. For a copy of 
Dr. William Payne's petition to be sent to the Treasury. [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 172-173.] 

April 17. 833. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have 
examined the case of the murder of Mr. John Payne, and find that 
he was killed in the execution of his duty. We advise that a letter 
be written ordering the trial of the malefactors in Virginia or Mary- 
land, according to the place of the crime. Draft, with corrections. 
3pp. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 7, and Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. LII., pp. 169, 170.] 

April 17. 834. Order of the King in Council. Report of the Attorney 

Whitehall. General on the petition of John Hubbard. Signed. George Treby. 

21 Dec., 1689. Order thereupon that Hubbard's appeal be admitted 

on his giving due security and the proceedings in Bermuda be 

meanwhile suspended. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 293, 294.] 

April 17. 835. Agreement between St. Jago del Castillo and Captain 
Thomas Hewetson for the chartering of Hewetson's ship, the Lion, 
for the service of the Assiento. Copy. 3^ pp. [America and West 
Indies. 550. No. 85.] 

April 19. 836. Robert Livingston to Sir Edmund Andros. On the 9th of 
Hartford. February a company of two hundred and fifty French and Indians 
came upon Senectady about eleven o'clock at night when they were 
all asleep, destroyed sixty persons, carried off twenty-seven men 
and boys prisoners, burnt all the town except six or seven houses, 
which were saved by Captain Sandes, the enemy having express 
commands to meddle with none of his relatives for his wife's sake, 
who had always been kind to French prisoners. The people of 
the town were so bigoted to Leisler that they would obey none 
of the magistrates nor entertain the soldiers sent there by the 
Convention of Albany. Nothing but men sent by Leisler would 
serve their turn. Thus had Leisler perverted that poor people, 
now lying all bloody in Senectady streets, with notions of a 
free trade, etc., and thus they are destroyed. They would not 
watch, and when Captain Sandes commanded them they 
threatened to burn him on the fire if he came to the guard. 
We were much alarmed at Albany, and sent out the Maquas that 
were at hand, as well as a messenger, to their castles, but the man 



248 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

was so timorous that he would not go on ; so that it was three days 
before we could get the Maquas down to pursue them. They and 
our men then followed them to the Great Lake. The ice being 
good the French had loaded their plunder in sleds, and so crossed 
the lake, but the Indians pursued, took fifteen and killed three. 
The prisoners reported that the French design to attack Albany 
early in the spring with 120 bateaux, 100 birch canoes, twelve light 
mortars, and fifteen hundred men. We reported the disaster to 
New York, Virginia, Boston, etc., and asked for assistance. I was 
commissioned by one gentleman to come here and to Boston, 
where I have been, but they being hasty to send five hun- 
dred men to Port Eoyal and raising men to secure the out- 
towns (for Salmon Falls was recently cut off) said they could 
not assist us, but referred us to Connecticut. The General 
Court has at last granted us two companies, 129 men, 
besides officers and Indians to make us up to two hundred in all, 
together with provisions for them. We are to go forthwith to 
Albany. I heard from New York last week that the fort had been 
surrendered to Leisler's party ; for this Colony drew off the company 
as soon as the New York forces came up, and advised them to 
submit, as also did Boston, calling Leisler Lieutenant-Governor. 
We could expect no assistance, for all the neighbours drew back 
their hands. The conditions were but mean. The red coats that 
would stay they promised to entertain and give them their pay in 
six weeks, but no sooner were they in possession of the fort than 
they turned out all the soldiers but thirteen. Albany agrees well 
enough with the Commissioners of New York concerning the 
carrying on of the war. Albany furnishes 190 men, New York 200, 
and another place [illegible] 60, which will start against the enemy 
in a month's time with the Five Nations towards Canada. But Leisler's 
faction will have the mayor and magistrates take commissions 
from him as Lieutenant-Governor, and that they will not do till he 
can show authority from King William to grant them. He is as 
cruel as ever and abuses all the principal men basely. Cortlandt 
is fled ; poor Colonel Bayard, William Nicolls and several more he 
keeps close in dark prisons, and causes Bayard to be carried 
through the fort by porters, with irons on, in triumph. You may 
guess how we long to hear from the King and to see an end put to 
our sufferings. Never man persecuted poor Protestants in this 
world like this tyrant Leisler, and that upon pretence of standing 
up for King William. He mocks and scoffs when a man speaks of 
law ; the sword must settle the right, not the law, he tells us. 
As soon as he heard of my going from Albany to the other Colonies 
he sent here and to Boston to apprehend me, writing warrants full 
of lies, that I had spoken this and that against the Prince of 
Orange, with the object of making me odious to the Colonies, 
so that they should not send supplies, and thus he would 
have Albany in his power. Pray tell the King these things, and beg 
that a Governor may be sent, or all is lost. We moved the Govern- 
ment at Boston to join us in fitting out vessels to take Quebec, 
while we would go with the Indians against Montreal ; but they 
allege want of powder and have sent a sloop to the King for a 
supply. If Canada be not taken this summer we shall be undone. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 249 

1690. 

I wrote to Lord Nottingham and sent him copies of our protest 
against Leisler with some other papers. There is a general 
meeting of Commissioners of all the Colonies at Rhode Island in a 
fortnight, to see about carrying on the war. I hope it will be 
speedily ended. Let the King send as many letters as he will, 
Leisler will continue his tyrannical government until a Governor 
comes. I hope the King will send orders for payment of my arrears 
or I am undone. I have been to great expense. I maintained the 
King's soldiers at Albany till the 12th of March, 1690, and now 
they turn them out like dogs. There was a French Indian prisoner 
at the fort, and now Leisler's men have let him escape, which the 
Maquas take very ill. Signed. Rt. Livingston. 3 closely written 
pages. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 83.] 

April 21. 837. Petition of Jahleel Brenton, Collector, Surveyor and 
Searcher in New England, for appointment to the duty of victual- 
ling the West Indian fleet in New England. Order of the King in 
Council. 21 April, 1690. Referring the petition to Lords of Trade 
and Plantations for report. Copies. The whole, 2 pp. [Board 
of Trade. New England, 5. No. 84.] 

April 22. 838. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Sundry orders as to ship- 
ping and payments. Copy of the Receiver General's accounts. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 39-42.] 

April 23. 839. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to Lords of Trade and 
Barbados. Plantations. I enclose duplicate of my former letters. We have 
done our best to preserve ourselves from quarrels within and from 
enemies without, and the health of the Island is improved. We 
still anxiously await naval aid for our defence and for transport of 
our produce. We had great crops both this year and last, but it 
still waits here for want of shipping, whereby the revenue for the 
four and a half per cent, is much diminished. It may be recovered, 
however, if shipping be sent, and I hope may prove more valuable 
every year. The Leeward Islands also have a great crop, and are 
doing their best to defend themselves with the help that I have 
sent them. Want of men-of-war alone keeps us from attacking the 
French Islands. I do not believe that the French here have more 
ships than suffice to carry intelligence from one Island to another 
and watch the English sloops, lest they repeat their attacks on some 
of their own islands. Thank God, we have been kept fairly well sup- 
plied by ships from New England. Our merchant fleet laden with 
produce was growing daily more leaky owing to the worm, and we 
had two large East India ships that were very anxious to sail now 
when they may expect fair winds and good weather ; so with the 
Council's assent I have despatched them, over fifty sail in all, to 
England, making the largest and ablest ships convoy the rest, 
and binding them all to keep company and assist each other. 
I hope that they may arrive safely and that we likewise may 
be secure under the protection of Captain Hewetson's ship, 
the Lion, who is lately returned from the Leeward Islands and 
promises us assistance while he stays here; which I hope will 
be till the wished for ships, which we are told to expect 
shortly, shall arrive from England. We hear that Lord and 



250 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

Lady Inchiquin have sailed for Jamaica in H.M.S. Swan, and I 
presume that on their arrival here Captain Hewetson will pursue his 
voyage to the coast of New Spain, where he has a contract with the 
Assiento. The weather in these parts has been almost super- 
natural. There have been violent stormy cold winds and rain, which 
are almost unknown at this time of year. Two great comets 
have lately appeared, and in an hour and a quarter the sea ebbed 
and flowed to an unusual degree three times. Three weeks ago 
there were violent earthquakes in the Leeward Islands, and Antigua 
having many stone houses suffered much, most of the houses 
being either shaken down or so split and cracked that they will have 
to be taken down. Moreover the works being thus destroyed the 
canes will be wasted. The earthquake was slightly felt here and, it 
is believed, very violently at Martinique, for sloops at sea between St. 
Lucia and Martinique thought themselves aground, so violently were 
they shaken, and a rocky islet called Eockdunda was great part of it 
split and turned into the sea. 

Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Mr. Chamberlayne are still in 
custody, but they are incorrigible. Presuming on an Act of 
Indemnity, which their friends assure them will be passed, 
they assault and abuse every body by scurrilous letters and 
pamphlets, in particular assailing myself, and my relations, 
male and female, who have never meddled with them. 
They imagine, I presume, that since I have laid their case before 
the King I shall not prosecute them for anything that they do while 
under confinement, and they are so presumptuous that they are a 
nuisance to the whole Island, and will continue so unless corrected. 
I report this that the King may know what turbulent men they are ; 
for they have been treated as well in confinement as could be 
allowed to men of their circumstances. Signed. Edwyn Stede. 
Two closely written pages. Endorsed. Bead 27 June, 1690. 
Annexed, 

839. i. Proclamation for an embargo on shipping. Barbados. 
17 February, 1690. Endorsed. Reed. 26 June, 1690. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. Nos. 27, 27 1., and Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 205-213.] 

April 23. 840. Act of the Revolutionary Assembly of New York for 
raising threepence in the pound on all real and personal estate in 
the province. Broad sheet. Annexed, 

840. i. A Bill for raising one penny in the pound on all estates 

in New York. 20 August, 1687. Copy. 2 pp. 
840. n. An Act for raising 2,555. 17 May, 1688. Copy. l%pp. 
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 121, 121 i, n.] 

[April 24.] 841. Petition of Governor Henry Sloughter to Lords of Trade 
and Plantations. To order him the two sloops, Speedwell and 
Mary, already built in New England for the King's use ; also the 
guns taken from Pemaquid; to order also that Elisha Cooke, 
now in London, shall deliver up the records of New York ; that 
tonnage for thirty tons of goods shall be allowed him ; and that Mr. 
Harris hasten the finishing of the seal of the Colony. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Read 24 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. 
No. 122.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 251 

1690. 

[April ] 842. Petition of the same to the same. For the services of the 
sloop Speedwell, just arrived in England, for the King's use in 
New York. 1 p. [.America and West Indies. 578. No. 128.] 

April 24. 843. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 
Daniel Cox and others for a grant of land in America between 
latitudes 36'30 and 46'30 to Lords of Trade and Plantations for 
report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. %p. Endorsed. Read 22 Aug. 90. 
[Board of Trade . New England, 5. No. 87.] 

[April 24.] 844. Answer of the late Governor and officers of New England 
to the charges against them (see No. 828). 1. Sir Edmund 
Andros answers that he received orders of 16 October, 1688, 
from King James to resist a Dutch invasion, and issued a pro- 
clamation to enforce those orders, as he had been bidden. He 
never stifled the news of the King's landing, nor fined any person 
that brought the King's declaration, nor caused any to be im- 
prisoned on such pretence. 2. He made no laws destructive of the 
liberty of the people, but by the authority of his commission enacted 
several laws as near as might be to the laws of England. All 
justice was administered according to the laws of England, and 
appeals to the King were admitted, which was never the case 
before the vacation of the charter. He levied no taxes but by 
authority of his commission, using the words of a law of Massa- 
chusetts fifty years old. He imprisoned none who would not 
contribute to illegal levies ; though he did proceed against factious 
and riotous persons according to law. The present revolutionary 
Government has found the tax imposed by Sir Edmund so much 
too small that they have levied not one penny but sevenpeuce half- 
penny in the pound, exacting it even from some of the gentlemen 
now under trial while under close imprisonment. The charge of 
helping the Indians with arms and ammunition is a vile and base 
aspersion, unworthy of an Englishman and a Christian. The 
whole management of the war is sufficient evidence to the contrary, 
and the Representatives of New England have never asserted such 
a thing. Sir Edmund is and always was a Protestant, and has 
served the Crown for twenty years in the West Indian war, against 
the French, and in various parts of America. When the trouble 
with Indians in the East began, he settled matters quietly with the 
Western Indians, left New York for Boston, despatched reinforce- 
ments and stores to the troops, took personal command and so 
chastised and curbed the Indians that for ten months there was 
no trouble with them, until the revolutionary Government withdrew 
the garrisons and cancelled his dispositions ; which mischief will 
be the ruin of New England unless it be speedily checked. 

Joseph Dudley answers that he is a native of New England, 
the son of one of the first adventurers, who was sometime Governor ; 
that he has served the Colony in various offices ; that he has been no 
accessory to illegal acts ; that after the revolution he was imprisoned 
for thirteen weeks, when he gave 10,000 bond for his enlargement, 
but he was violently brought back to prison by the rnob, with the full 
knowledge of the principal persons in authority, where he remained 



252 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

for six months, the Government refusing to return his bond or give 
him benefit of it, but severely taxing his estate for the supply of 
the present agents who are come here to accuse him. 

John Palmer denies any confederacy in illegal acts. 

Edward Eandolph, after recounting his share in the suppression 
of illegal trade in the prosecution of the charter, denies likewise 
any such confederacy. 

John West denies such confederacy likewise, and points out that 
though a charge of extortion is now preferred against him, no such 
charge was brought forward during his imprisonment in Boston. 

James Graham makes similar denial, and complains of his illegal 
imprisonment. 

George Farewell makes similar denial ; and complains that 
though he was imprisoned without mittimus and though he repre- 
sented the fact in Court he could obtain no redress, but was remanded 
by the bench and in particular by Elisha Cooke, one of the present 
agents for his prosecution. 

James Sherlock denies any misconduct or extortion in discharge of 
his office as Sheriff. Signed. E. Andros, J. Dudley, J. Palmer, 
John West, Ja. Graham, Geo. Farewell, James Sherlock, Ed. 
Randolph. 13 pp. Note in the Entry Bk. This answer was 
presented at the Committee, 24 April, 1690. [Board of Trade. 
New England, 5. No. 85, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 196- 
207.] 

[April 24.] 845. Brief of the case of Sir Edmund Andros and others. A 
repetition of the preceding document, but with the charges written 
at the head of each point of the reply, the replies abridged and the 
proofs quoted in the margin. 4 pp. Endorsed. At the Committee 
of Plantations, April 24th, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 86.] 

April 24. 846. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade 
and Plantations, 17 April, 1690. We have lately been attended 
by Sir Edmund Andros and other gentlemen lately imprisoned 
in Boston, as also by Sir Henry Ashurst, Mr. Elisha Cooke, Mr. 
Increase Mather, and Mr. Thomas Gates, who declared themselves 
agents for Massachusetts. But by reason of the late arrival of 
some of them in England they asked for further time to produce 
their charges. The charge was brought on the Monday following 
and on Thursday we were attended by all the parties and their 
counsel ; but the counsel for the people of Massachusetts Bay, 
as they termed themselves, being asked by us whether any person 
were ready to sign the charge, no person could be found to sign 
or own the same: since therefore we saw no matter of complaint 
against Sir Edmund Andros and the other gentlemen we recommend 
that they be discharged and the unsigned charge dismissed. 
Ordered accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 188, 189.] 

April ? 847. Petition of Joshua Brodbent to the King. I was appointed 
Surveyor of Excise by Sir Edmund Andros. I was arrested on the 
18th of April, 1689, and committed to gaol; and not long afterwards 
sundry persons whose frauds I had detected in the Excise 
brought actions against me for the fines in which they were 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



253 



1690. 



April ? 



April 24. 

April 24. 
April 26. 

April 26. 



April 26. 
May 6. 



April 26. 



mulcted for breach of the Excise laws. I beg that you will order 
these proceedings to cease. Signed. Joshua Brodbent. 1 p. 
Endorsed in Randolph's hand. [Board oj Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 88.] 

848. Petition of Benjamin Bullivant to the King. I was a 
justice of the peace of New England under commission of Sir E. 
Andros but on the 18th April last was violently imprisoned and only 
released on finding 3,000 bail. Hearing that I meant to go to 
England some people have. begun vexatious suits against me to 
detain me. I beg relief. 1 p. Endorsed in Randolph's hand. 
[Ibid., No. 89.] 

849. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Asking the 
Lord President to move the King for the delivery of the records of 
New York from Boston. Draft, with corrections. % p. [America 
and West Indies. 578. A T o. 124.] 

850. Order of the King in Council. For the preparation of a 
letter to the Government of Maryland respecting the murder of John 
Payne. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 170.] 

851. The King to the Lieutenant-Governor and Council of 
Virginia. Ordering the arrest of the murderers of James Payne, if 
in Virginia, to be tried there or in Maryland according to the place 
of the crime. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 19, 20.] 

852. The King to the Government of Maryland. Ordering the 
immediate arrest and trial of the murderers of John Payne. 
Countersigned. Nottingham. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. Ill, 172.] 

853. Father Lamberville to Father Milet. The Lord have 
pity on you, for you are prisoner through your charity and for the 
salvation of souls, for you were taken prisoner while on your way to 
a sick squaw. You know, and God is our witness, that while we 
have had intercourse with the Indians we have sought only the 
salvation of souls, and peace with the English as also between 
French and Indians ; but envy and the art of the devil have turned 
our efforts into the destruction of souls. Let us pray that the 
English and French may quickly make peace. I send you paper 
and powder which when mixed with water make ink, so with per- 
mission of the Indians you will be able to write to us. We send you 
also clothes and a gold coin to buy any garment that you want. 
But we know nothing except that Mr. Dell, the Minister at Albany, 
told a French soldier that he had seen our letters to you and that they 
had been unfavourably interpreted. If you can write to him through 
the Indians, assure him that we never thought of such a thing, but 
abhor such crimes. If you see Mr. Dell or write to him, greet him 
in my name ; though there may be war between France and England 
our dispositions to him are always friendly. Copy. \p. Latin. 
Translated in New York Documents, III., 714. [America and West 
Indies. 578. A 7 o. 126.] 

854. William Blathwayt to Mr. Harris. Desiring him to bring 
the seal of New York forthwith to the Council Board. Draft. %p. 
[America and West Indies. 578. AVJ. 125.] 



254 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1690. 

April 2(5. 855. Order of the King in Council. For the preparation of 
Whitehall, letters to the Government of Massachusetts, requiring the delivery 
of the sloop lately huilt at the joint charge of the Colonies, together 
with the guns and stores brought from Pemaquid, to Colonel 
Sloughter, Governor of New York. [Col. Entry HI;., Vol. LXIL, 
pp. 229, 230.] 

April 28. 856. William Penn to William Blathwayt. I am sure that 
the packet is gone. The embargo was the cause why it went so 
late. I have thereby discharged my promise to the Lords and am 
confident that it has had the effect desired. If not, any orders they 
renew will, I believe, be obeyed there. If this satisfy not the Board 
I shall wait upon them next sitting ; for I live now in Essex and 
was from town at the time of their last order. A letter left at 
Wharley's, the woollen draper, in George and Vulture Yard, Lom- 
bard Street, will find me. Signed. Wm. Penn. Holograph. 2 pp. 
[America and West Indies. 599. No. 5.] 

April 28. 857. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for payment for 
clothing and feeding the men of H.M.S. Deptford, and for drawing 
bills on England for the same. [Co/. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., 
pp. 335, 336.] 

April 29. 858. Minutes of a General Court held at James City, Virginia. 
George Mason, concerned in the murder of John Payne, was brought 
up on habeas corpus and ordered to be discharged from custody on 
giving security to appear for trial when called upon. Copy. 1 p. 
Annexed, 

858. i. n. Copies of depositions relating to the case already 
abstracted in No. 785 n. Endorsed. Eecd. 22 Oct. 
'90. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 8, 8 i. n.] 

April 29. 859. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Sundry orders as to 
shipping and accounts. The Receiver-General complained of his 
loss in receiving the fortification money at six shillings and being 
obliged to pay it at five. Order for payment of the salaries of Sir 
Francis Watson and other officers for one year from the death of the 
Duke of Albemarle, all salaries due since Lord Inchiquin's appoint- 
ment to remain in the hands of the Receiver-General till further 
order. Sir Francis Watson and Colonel Ballard entered their 
dissent from the foregoing. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 
43-45.] 

April 30. 860. Warrant for payment of the following officers on the staff 
of the garrison companies at New York. Chaplain 6s. 8d. per day, 
Chirurgeon at 2s. 6d., Storekeeper, Armourer, Master Purser and 
two Matrons at 2s. a day each. Any surplus of money to be applied 
to the use of the garrison. Printed in New York Documents, III., 
691. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 248, 249.] 

April 30. 861. The King to the Government of Massachusetts. Directing 

Kensington. y ie (j e ii ver y O f the records of New York, and that the guns of 

Pemaquid and one of the two sloops built at the public expense be 

delivered to Governor Sloughter. Printed in New York Documents, 

III., 711. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 250.] 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 255 

1690. 

[April?] 862. Answer of Sir Edmund Andros to his instructions. [The 
instructions are written at full length in one column and the 
answers in a parallel column over against them.] Against the 
instruction to transmit maps, is written : In the summer of 1687 I 
sent a surveyor to survey the sea-coast and upper part of the 
Narragansett country, and in the fall ordered him to go up to 
Penobscot river and proceed Northward and North Westward to 
discover the country towards Canada, but owing to the approach of 
winter they got no further westward than the Kennebec. In 1688 
I sent them to the same quarter, when they travelled so far as to 
head all the rivers except the Androscoggan, from which they 
crossed to the Connecticut River and came down it. I intended to 
have done more, but the surveyor was imprisoned during the 
revolution. 

Against the instruction to give an account of the Colony, is 
written : Massachusetts though the most populous of the Colonies 
is one of the smallest and poorest tracts of land, and produces least 
of all the Colonies for exportation. All wheat has been blasted 
there for thirty years past, nor have they cattle and grain beyond 
for their own consumption. But they build many ships and are 
the storehouse of all the Colonies. They get their meat from 
Plymouth, Rhode Island and Connecticut, grain from Connecticut, 
New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania, whale-oil from Long 
Island, lumber from Hampshire and Maine. They have but one 
fishing place, namely Marblehead. The territory is good for the 
improvement of sheep, and the wool is much of it not inferior to 
English. It is manufactured in Massachusetts and Connecticut, 
where they make their own ordinary clothing and covering for beds, 
and some good serges. They also make a sort of cloth of mixed cotton 
and flax, which serves for linen. A T o other entries are of interest. 
Signed. E. Andros. The whole, 25 pp. Undated. [Board of 
Trade. New England, 5. No. 90.] 

May 1. 863. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Philip Lud- 
well. Mr. Richard Duke has applied to us for some land bought 
by him in 1681, which he left in the hands of his attorney, now 
dead. You will put him in possession thereof if it be not granted 
to some other person, or otherwise grant him three hundred acres 
in lieu thereof. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 164.] 

May 1. 864. Minutes of Council of Virginia. On news of depredations 
of Indians in New York, ordered that the several commanders be 
ordered to their posts, and that those on the frontier in particular 
warn the inhabitants to be on their guard, and in case of alarm to 
call out the militia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 835- 
388.] 

May 1. 865. Articles agreed upon by the Commissioners for the 
Provinces of New York, Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut. 
The Colonies shall provide men in the following proportions : viz. 
New York, 400 ; Massachusetts, 160 ; Connecticut, 185 ; Plymouth, 
60; Maryland (by promise), 100. Total 855. The Major shall be 
appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor of New York, and the next 
captain by Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut. All plunder 



256 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

and captives (if any) shall be divided to officers and soldiers ac- 
cording to the custom of war. All matters of great import shall be 
directed by a council of war of the Major and commissioned officers. 
The soldiers shall not be employed in other than the present 
service until further consent of the Colonies. The officers are 
required to maintain discipline and good order. Signed. Jacob 
Leisler, William Stoughton, Sam. Sewall, P. Delanoy, John Walley, 
Nathan Gold, William Pitkin. Copy. I p. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 127.] 

866. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Ibid. No. 128.] 
May 1. 867. Abstract of the foregoing. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 129.] 

[May.] 868. Agreement of the Agents of New York and Connecticut. 
That a party of 100 men be raised for the assistance of New York 
against the French ; that the officer who conducts this party shall 
receive for encouragement 10,000 Ib. of tobacco ; that every private 
soldier returning from the expedition shall receive 1,000 Ib. of 
tobacco. p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 130.] 

May 3. 869. Proposals made to the Five Nations by the Commissioners 
Albany. of New York. The Commissioners proposed to renew the former 
Alliance in regard to the danger from the French. The Indians 
accepted the proposals, and proposed in return that the Colonies 
should not quarrel among themselves but all join together. There 
are (they said) three passages to Canada, viz. Cadaraqui, Canada's 
path, and the sea coast. We do not wish the enemy to escape us, 
so let us beset him by sea as well as by land and encompass all his 
three forts. We desire your powder bags may be larger, and that 
hatchets and guns may be ready for our young men. Be you 
nowise discouraged, but strengthen your fort of Senectady. Copy. 
8J pp. Certified by Abraham Gouverneur, 25 June, 1690. Printed 
in New York Documents, III., p. 712. [America and West Indies. 
578. A T o. 181.] 

[May 3.] 870. Abstract of foregoing. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 132.] 

May 3. 871. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of 

Whitehall, transported men of Monmouth's rebellion to Lords of Trade and 

Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. (This entry is 

misdated 3 March 1689 or 1690.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 113.] 

May 7. 872. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Sundry orders as to 
payments and shipping. Letter from the Council to Lords of 
Trade and Plantations. (See next abstract.) A second letter to 
Lords of Trade and Plantations, reporting the measures taken for 
defence, and the misbehaviour of Captain How of H.M.S. Seahorse, 
through his quarrelsome and abusive habits. Order for an embargo 
on all ships except the fleet bound outwards. [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 77. pp. 47-51.] 

May 7. 873. Council of Jamaica to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
We send the minutes of Council from July to September. We 
detained H.M.S. Drake for the safety of the Island, although she 
was ordered home, supplied Captain Spragge with fifty men and 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 257 

1690. 

fitted out one of the best sloops in the Island as a tender to her. 
We have built a new battery by Charles Fort, and two new forts of 
seventeen guns at Port Morant. We have also fitted out two fire- 
ships, one of which has since been lost in a storm. At the beginning 
of December last Laurens with some other French vessels surprised 
some of our trading sloops and took eight or ten of them. They 
landed on the North coast also and plundered one plantation. The 
Drake and her tender are now cruising in search of them, with 
special commissions, as we had then no orders as to war with 
France. War was proclaimed here with the French on the 12th of 
January last. Being informed that many in the Island conceived 
the Government to lie in Sir Francis Watson we resolved that for 
the present the Administration is in the President and Council, 
according to the words of the Commission, and proclaimed the same 
at the head of every troop and company. (Marginal note. Sir 
Francis Watson and Colonel Ballard dissent.) We are in as good a 
condition as can be expected without law, our courts being fallen, 
without any news from England, and without shipping to carry our 
crop. Since our restoration to the Council we have received no 
orders from home except Lord Shrewsbury's letter of 22 February 
1689. We have suspended Mr. Hickman from being Clerk of 
Council and Secretary, finding the causes against him so high that 
we could not continue him (Marginal note. Sir Francis Watson 
and Colonel Ballard dissent), and we have put Mr. Charles Bouchier 
in his place till further order. Signed. F. Watson, Tho. Freeman, 
Tho. Ballard, J. Fuller, Wm. Ivy, John White, James Walker, John 
Bourden. 1 large pages. Endorsed. Becd. 18 July, 1690. [Board 
of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 69, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., 
pp. 832-334.] 

[May.] 874. A collection of documents enclosed with the foregoing : 

874. i. Articles of high treason and other great crimes against 
Roger Elletson. Twenty four articles, some of them repeated 
from the former articles of 1689, (see No. 297) of corrupt 
and lawless behaviour as Chief Justice, and new articles as 
to discouragement of Protestants and encouragement to 
Papists. 3J large pages. Endorsed. Reed. 18 July, 1690. 

874. n. Extract of Minutes of Council of Jamaica, 13 December, 
1688. Order of the Governor in Council for payment of 
20 to Father Thomas Offlin of the order of St. Dominic 
for his flock. This concerns the charge against EUetson of 
encouraging Papists. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. 

874. in. Presentment by the jury of Roger Elletson and others 
for riotous behaviour at Port Royal on 16 July, 1688, in 
menacing the freeholders at the election. Copy. 1J pp. 
Endorsed as the preceding. 

874. iv. Order of Sir Francis Watson and Colonel Thomas 
Ballard for release of Roger Elletson, notwithstanding the 
treasonable charges preferred against him. Copy. 
Endorsed as the prfccdiiui. 



258 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1690. 

874. v. Extract from Minutes of Council of Jamaica, 29 January, 
1690. Protest of the Council against the action of Sir 
Francis Watson in assuming the functions of Governor, in 
suspending Colonel James Walker and introducing George 
Eeid to the Council, in refusing to obey the Eoyal order to 
remove Eoger Elletson from the post of Chief Justice, in 
proclaiming martial law, in setting Elletson free when 
under grave charges by his private warrant (see No. IV.), 
in refusing to hear a charge against a papist for saying 
"that the Prince of Orange was a Dutch bastard, that the 
people of the West were always rebelling and that he hoped 
one stone would not be left upon another in Exeter," and 
in swearing at Colonel Ivy, who gave the information, and 
finally in deserting the Council and refusing to sit as 
president. As he persisted in refusing to meet the Council 
the members entered this protest and agreed to meet 
without him, though at the same time summoning him to 
attend. 5 pp. Endorsed as the preceding. 

874. vi. Petition of William Chapman to the King. For the post 
of Deputy- Secretary of Jamaica, vacant through the 
removal of Francis Hiekman for intolerable extortion of 
fees. 1 p. Inscribed. Eecd. 18 July, 1690. 

874. vii. Privy Seal of King James II. 23 Feb., 1688. Granting 
to William Chapman the post of Clerk of the Crown and 
peace of Jamaica. Copy. 1 p. 

874. vin. The case of Eichard Payne in regard to the office of 
Clerk of the Crown and peace of Jamaica. 2J pp. 

874. ix. Copy of the Assignment of the office of Clerk of the 
Crown and peace by William Chapman to Eichard Payne, 
1686. 1 p. 

874. x. Order of the Court for the payment of all fees belonging 
to Eichard Payne but taken by other persons, to be 
delivered to him. Copy. 1 p. 

874. xi. Certificates as to payment of duties payable by ships 
from Jamaica. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 
6. Nos. 70 i-xi.] 

May 9. 875. Eobert Livingston to the Governor and General Court 
of Connecticut. The Mayor and Aldermen of Albany desire me 
to thank you for your assistance. They write to me that they can 
supply the men with bread and cheese for the like quantity at New 
York, but have no pork nor flesh to exchange. Nor would I advise 
you by any means to do it, for your men are accustomed to good 
provisions, and if they should get fishy pork it would not agree 
with them. They have also desired me to give you an account of 
Albany, for it was supposed that great things would be done after 
submission to Captain Leisler's authority, which they only gave in 
deference to the advice of you and your neighbours ; but they do 
not find the expected effect, neither in the business of the war nor of 
the Indians in any way promoted. The French Indians have 
murdered and destroyed divers persons and houses of late, but not 
one of the enemy have suffered. The scouts sent out to the lake 
returned, pretending want of provisions. The three Commissioners 



AMEEICA AND WEST INDIES. 259 

1690. 

sent to Albany by Leisler do no great feats except by throwing 
some of the citizens into gaol and carrying up to the fort without 
mittimus or warrant. The very captain of the guard was carried 
from the watch to the fort by Milborne. These are the least of our 
troubles. Many of Leisler's faction now cry as loud for a Governor 
from England as we did ; but I shall not detain you by relating how 
the poor people have been oppressed and impoverished by 220 men 
eating up their victuals, without any provisions given out. Nor 
shall I speak of the murmurs of the soldiers for their agreement not 
being performed, nor with the news from Canada that the Senecas 
are making peace with the French and that the Mohawks are 
backward against the French Indians. One matter, however, is of 
so great import that it will ruin the King's interest in these parts 
if neglected. It is that a General be apppointed to command all 
the forces at Albany till the new Governor comes, and Captain 
Leisler not left in command on the pretence that he brings most 
men. You know what mischief has resulted in former times 
through the contending of chief officers ; nor will the people 
that go from hence be easily commanded by Leisler's nominees. 
I leave it to you to judge if any of his creatures are likely to be fit 
for the post, when all the principal men have been driven by his 
cruelty from the province. The King's interest and the lives of 
many of his subjects are at stake, and it is in your power to prevent 
many mischiefs that may ensue. I hope that you do not look upon 
Albany as Albany but as the frontier of your own Colony and of all 
the Colonies. You have a peculiar interest in the preservation of 
the place, and it would be convenient if a judicious man from every 
Colony could reside there until the new Governor arrives, 
instead of leaving it to such as, by all report, cannot manage them- 
selves. The Mayor and Aldermen of Albany, whom Leisler 
continued for mere terror of the Indians, are not on such terms as 
was expected with the New York Commissioners ; for the Commis- 
sioners manage everything for themselves except what they cannot 
proceed in without their advice. We hope the new Governor will 
arrive soon, and meanwhile it is most requisite that the United 
Colonies take inspection of all affairs with us ; but if the business 
miscarry we shall be ruined, and everyone will ask " Why did they 
trust men to manage the King's affairs to whom the King never did 
entrust them?" God send the new Governor speedily. Signed. 
Eobt. Livingston. Copy. 2 pp. Printed in New York Documents, 
III., 728. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 133.] 

May 12. 876. Minutes of the Council of Barbados. The letter from 
King William and Queen Mary of 3 August 1690, appointing Colonel 
James Kendall to be Governor, read. His Excellency took the oath 
and signed the test, and then administered the oaths to the Council. 
Proclamation for the continuance of officers in their posts. On the 
Governor's motion the Council considered means for relieving sick 
soldiers and sending provisions to the soldiers in the fleet. 

May 13. Order for a committee to see to the supply of fresh pro- 
visions to the troops and for a doctor of St. Michael's to visit the 
sick together with the regimental doctor. The Governor continued 
the Assembly in being, and adjourned it to the 10th of June. The 



160 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

Governor apprised the Council that the Bishop of London had 
made Mr. Walker his commissary in matters ecclesiastic. Order 
for members of Council to stand when they speak, and that no 
member speak before the member addressing the Council have ended. 

May 14. Admiral Lawrence Wright sworn of the Council. 

May 15. Order for the provision of fresh meat for the troops on 
board ship and the sick men ashore. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., 
pp. 127-130.] 

May 18. 877. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The House waited on 
Governor Kendall, who declared his intention of continuing it. 
Adjourned to 10 June, there being no quorum. [Col. Entry Bk., 
Vol. XIV., p. 225.] 

May 18. 878. Eobert Livingston to the Governor and General Court of 
Connecticut. I am sure you will not think the authorities at Albany 
were unreasonable in fearing the delivery of the town and fort to 
Leisler, when they considered the persons whom he nominated to 
manage their affairs on the one hand, and the Five Nations on the 
other. The least offence to the Indians may prove fatal, yet these 
commissioners so little understood it that they stick at no violence 
to exasperate the heathen. Experience of their mismanagement 
and of their utter ignorance to deal with Indians caused me and my 
colleagues to be the more importunate for the maintenance of Captain 
Ball's company there, in order to put a stop to Jacob Milborne's 
dangerous proceedings. I think they have now sufficiently pulled 
off the vizard, appearing in their own colours and proving to all the 
world that their design never was to promote the King's and country's 
interests, but to bring the poor place to poverty and slavery so as 
to obtain their own ambitious ends. They seize Church lands 
and abuse ministers and other loyal subjects till the heathen 
themselves are obliged to rescue them out of their hands, 
occasioning a whole mutiny in the town, the Sachems of the Five 
Nations being there to see. Whether these be actions fit for 
Protestants or for men who have sole command I leave the world 
to judge. We are all satisfied that the Sachems of the Five 
Nations would rely upon the Mayor and Aldermen till the new 
Governor came, and it would have been well if the neighbouring 
Colonies had joined the Convention of Albany and the Indians in 
carrying on the war and not concerned themselves with Captain 
Leisler ; but we are satisfied that they did what they judged for the 
good of the country. We hope the business is not so far gone as to 
be past remedy, for it is evident that where Milborne commands no 
good can be expected with the Indians, who are an implacable 
people. Since it is plain that this is the man whom Leisler 
designs to be General I beg you to write to Leisler to recall him, 
and that the united Colonies will appoint a General to transact 
business at Albany with the Mayor and Aldermen, and, if Milborne 
and his associates prove obstructive, to protest against them as 
enemies to the King's interest and so publish to the world your 
dislike of his illegal proceedings. Then a General may be 
appointed for the New England forces to march out against the 
French with the Indians, for the distemper is violent at Albany ; 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 261 

1690. 

and the New York forces, few of which are fit for such an expedition, 
may stay at Albany to guard the town. So the war can be pushed 
on, for it is well to push it when our enemies are short of 
provisions. Pray God direct your counsels. Though Leisler 
has done and still does his utmost to destroy my good name, I 
should little regard it if the main business could be carried on 
without obstruction. Copy. 1 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 21 Oct., 
1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 780. [America and 
West Indies. 578. No. 184.] 

May 13. 879. Abstract of the militia of New England. 

Foot. Town of Boston. Colonel Shrimpton's regiment 954 men 

,, County of Suffolk. Colonel Joseph Dudley's regt. 1139 

County of Middlesex. Major Thomas Wade's regt. 985 
,, ,, ,, Major Thomas Hinchman's 

regiment 775 

County of Essex. Major Bartholomew Gidney's 

regiment 1240 ,, 

County of Essex. Major Davison's regiment - 943 

New Hampshire. Colonel Robert Mason's regt. 

,, Maine ,, ,, 

County of Cornwall. Captain Rowden's regiment 201 ,, 

,, County of Plymouth. Major Bradford's regiment 606 

,, County of Bristol. Major John Walley's regt. - 780 ,, 

Rhode Island. Captain Pelham's regiment - 828 ,, 
King's Province and Providence. Major-General 

Winthrop's regiment .... 464 

County of New London. Major Palme's regiment 685 ,, 

,, County of New Haven. Lieut.-Col. Treat's regt. 642 ,, 

,, County of Hartford. Colonel Talcott's regiment 1055 ,, 

County of Fairfield. Major Gold's regiment - 624 

County of Hampshire. Colonel Pyncheon's regt. 589 

,, County of Barnstable. Major Freeman's regt. - 471 

Horse. County of Suffolk. 1 troop - - - - 56 ,, 

,, County of Middlesex. 3 troops - 244 ,, 

County of Essex. 7 troops .... 374 ,, 

County of Hartford. 1 troop - - - - 55 

,, County of Hampshire. 1 troop - - 65 

Total Horse and Foot 13,279 

The names of the captains are given. 6 pp. Endorsed. Reed, 
from Sir E. Andros, 18 May 1690. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. A r o. 91.] 

May 13. 880. Sir Francis Watson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Jamaica. j should have written at greater length but that the Council has 
thought fit to send you a letter, which though signed by Colonel 
Ballard and myself is not agreed to by us in parts. You will 
judge of my difficulties since the King's order to restore the sus- 
pended Councillors, which I punctually obeyed, though no doubt 
you have received false suggestions against me which by reason of 
distance are not presently answered. The matter of the Supreme 
Court is no fault of mine. I told Chief Justice Bernard to see to it, 
but he answered that he had a quietus from the Duke of Albemarle 



62 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

and could not sit without a new commission. You will further see 
from the minutes of Council that the Council at first were unani- 
mously of opinion that I am Commander-in-Chief at times of 
urgency, but revoked this vote subsequently, so that on emergency 
no remedy can be applied before a quorum of the Council can meet. 
I have not had a word in answer to any of my letters. We expect 
Lord Inchiquin daily. Signed. F. Watson. 1J pp. Endorsed. 
Kecd. 26 July, 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. A T o. 71, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 335-336.] 

May 15. 881. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. The fatality 
of the times was such that nearly everybody was brought under 
the same guilt as myself of entertaining a known priest and being 
at mass. You know how surprising the Jesuit's arrival was, and 
how he came particularly imposed upon me, and that the times 
compelled me to show him civility. At first I thought that when 
times changed you became my persecutor, to show your zeal for 
the new Governor, but now I am convinced of my mistake. I 
know now that I am to be sent home, and I now ask your pardon 
and help, and your intercession with the Governor. I am heartily 
penitent, and I beg you to ask that my departure may be delayed 
till my debts are got in and my property disposed of. Copy. 1 p. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 28.] 

May 14. 882. John Coode to the Secretary of State. I have written 
Maryland, several letters but received no answer. Our present concern is 
with the danger of an invasion of French and Indians. Senectady 
has been destroyed and there have been further massacres at 
Piscattaway. Captain Leisler has sent to us and to Virginia for 
assistance, and we in Maryland shall do what we can. By this 
time we doubt not that our addresses have reached the King. One 
vessel was taken by the French but another has arrived safely, 
though it is possible that the Captain allowed our letters to be 
intercepted or concealed by Colonel Henry Darnall, who was on 
board his ship. This man was raised by Lord Baltimore from the 
meanest condition to be keeper of the Great Seal ; and he is the 
guiltiest of all the deputies for treasonable expressions and cruelty 
towards the people. He refused as Collector to sign a clearing in 
King William's name last year. We hope that his accounts of 
plunder of Papists by Protestants may not be heard, for we are in 
a position to prove what is set forth in our declaration and a great 
deal more. We beg the royal orders to bring Captain Payne's 
murderers to trial. Signed. Jno. Coode. 1J pp. [Board of 
Trade. Maryland, 2. A T o. 9, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., 
pp. 160-162.] 

May 15. 883. Petition of the inhabitants of Great Island, New 
Hampshire, to the King. We have been settled here for many 
years employed in getting mast and timber for the Royal Navy, in 
sawing lumber for the Colonies and in fishing, whereby many stout 
mariners are raised and many ships laden, to the great advantage 
of the English nation. We are now in a deplorable condition, 
owing, as we believe, to the overtures of the late Government under 
the Crown, the dismantling of the forts and the disbanding of the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 263 

1690. 

soldiers by which we were protected. This was the work of the 
self-styled Government of Massachusetts. We find ourselves beset 
by French and Indians and totally neglected by the Government, 
nor, though we shall strive our hardest, are we in a position to 
defend the fort. We beg for your protection and for the appoint- 
ment of a general Governor. Signed. John Hinckes, John Lewes 
(his mark), John West, Thomas Prince (?), Nath. Fryer, Nathall. 
Fryer, James Leach jun., James Eobertson, Eobt. Elliott, Peter 
Eason, James Leach sen., Richard Abbott sen., Tho. Cobbett, 
Shadrach Walker (?), Thomas Webber (?), Edward Carter. Large 
sheet. Endorsed. Read 28 July, 1690. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 92.] 

May 15. 884. Narrative of the present state of Great Island, New 
Hampshire. Sir E. Andros on his arrival took every measure for 
our security and protection. On the outbreak of the Indian war he 
ordered all persons civil and military to attend their duty, and by 
these orders we were preserved, with the loss of but one man 
through his own fault. Sir Edmund took the field himself and had 
brought the Indians to great distress when the Bostoners seized 
him, surprised his officers, seized the ships, embezzled the stores, 
supplied the enemy with ammunition and left us a prey to them. 
After the imprisonment of Sir E. Andros in April the Bostoners 
sent us little or no help until October, when they sent Captain 
Church with a party of men, but by that time many English had 
been taken and killed and their towns destroyed. All the fishery 
on the coast is deserted for many leagues, the inhabitants not 
daring to stay for want of protection. Mr. Mather has informed the 
King that if he gave them a Commission they would make him 
Emperor of America, yet now that they have the King's order they 
allow a few hundred Indians to destroy us. Major Church told 
them that the old way to subdue the Indians was to have scouts 
from town to town, and a flying army, as Sir E. Andros had 
projected. But they took his commission from him, and we are 
likely to be undone for all the help they gave us. Piscataqua is of 
importance as all the other harbours from Casco Bay to Cape Ann 
are barred and dangerous to navigate. The Bostoners carry lumber 
in great quantities from it, but though they once enforced their laws 
here, they disclaimed all right to govern us in 1682, until 
they imprisoned Sir E. Andros and brought all these troubles upon 
us. Though we are but forty or fifty men we do our best to repair 
the fort and to defend it, for any enemy by erecting a fort in this 
port might make it so formidable as to render its reduction a 
formidable undertaking. We beg therefore for help and protection. 
2 pp. Endorsed. Reced. 28 July, 1690, with a petition from the 
inhabitants. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 98.] 

[May 19.] 885. Journal of Benjamin Bullivant of affairs in New England 
from the date of Sir E. Andres's departure. Feb. 18. Sir E. 
Andros sailed. Feb. 17. Advice from Casco of Indians carrying 
off cattle. Feb. 19. The Piscataqua men of four towns sent a 
delegate to Boston to negotiate for putting themselves under that 
Government and to procure ammunition. Hampton refused.saying 
that Boston would tax them but not help them. The Boston people 



264 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1690. 

sent them nine pounds of powder and no more. A common 
alehouse-keeper proposed to be deputy-president of Maine. The 
people refused to obey him. An election ordered for May next, as 
under the charter. Feb. 20. The General Court pardoned all 
pirates except Tom Pounds and adjourned for ten days. Feb. 24. 
Tom Pounds further reprieved at instance of Epaphras Shrimpton 
and sundry women of quality. Advice of the capture of Senec- 
tady. The Mohawks sent a letter to Boston, upbraiding them 
that they ate, drank and slept much but left the war to them, and 
desiring a speedy attack on Canada. Feb. 27. Proclamation for 
a general embargo and for all persons to hold themselves in readi- 
ness for war. A law came out enjoining collection of arrears of 
rates left uncollected in Sir E. Andres's time. The condemned 
pirates told that they might have their liberty on paying 121. 6s. 8d. 
or be sold to Virginia, Tom Pounds excepted. March 10. Eeports 
of an action between Indians and French. March 17. Mr. Living- 
ston, secretary at Albany, came to Boston to report the monstrous 
proceedings of Leisler at New York and to urge the despatch of the 
forces promised to the Mohawks. Trade so bad that no payments 
are made and poor people are ready to eat up one another. 
March 23. Sir William Phips publicly baptised by young 
Mr. Mather, and admitted a Magistrate. March 18 (sic.) 
News of the capture of Salmon Falls. Livingstone is opposed 
by an emissary of Leisler, and is disregarded. The soldiers 
that were returned from Eastward being disgusted at re- 
ceiving no pay spoke very insolently to their new masters, crying 
out publicly in the streets "God bless King William. God bless 
Sir Edmund Andros, and damn all pumpkin States." There is 
great difficulty in collecting the new rates. Debentures on the 
collectors were issued to satisfy the soldiers, but these could not be 
negotiated except at 25 to 50 per cent, discount. The Council and 
deputies are debating a descent on Port Royal. Mr. Nelson 
laid his plans before them, and it was thought that he would 
be Generalissimo, but the deputies said he was a merchant and not 
to be trusted, so Sir William Phips is appointed. Nelson refused 
with scorn to serve under him. Drums beat for recruits ; some few 
enlist and then change their minds and desert ; and no one dares to 
question them. March 27. Mr. Livingstone left for Albany, with 
the Massachusetts despatches in favour of Leisler. Captain Blackwell 
arrived from Pennsylvania. He had visited Leisler and reports 
him a madman. April 3. General Phips's men mustered at the 
town-house, mostly without arms. About eighty in a body deserted 
with huzzas on being told that they must find their own arms. 
One of the officers appointed by Phips was hooted by his company, 
which had chosen another captain. The Salem deputies and 
others protest against an election, but are disregarded. April 4. 
Justices elected. April 14. Sir W. Phips weighed from Boston 
and anchored at Long Island Head. April 20. Captain George 
weighed from Nantasket for Piscataqua. The best of the people 
waited on him with all imaginable respect and gave a deplorable 
account of their condition since the revolution at Boston ; they said 
they dared not address the King. Some people in Boston signed a 
petition to their Majesties. They were threatened, and their 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 265 

1690. 

houses were searched. April 28. Sir W. Phips sailed for Port 
Eoyal. May 19. The best of the Council of Piscataqua brought a 
petition to the King to Captain George. The constable of Casco 
Bay came on board Captain George and told a lamentable story of 
the taking of the fort, begging him to procure thirty men to rescue 
his wife and children. Captain George sent for Major Frost and 
Captain Fryer, who positively refused the service, saying that all 
their men had been drawn off by an order from Boston. Captain 
George then went to fetch off such people as he could save. 9 pp. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. Xo. 94.] 

886. Stephen van Cortlandt to Sir Edmund Andros. It is 
now seventeen weeks that I have been turned out of my house by 
Leisler's violence. He has sent to enquire after me almost every 
week, but by God's grace I am still free. I have sent to ask him 
why he persecutes me thus and what crime I have committed, 
offering to give security for good behaviour and for my appearance 
when lawfully called on, but I could get no answer except that he 
meant to have my person if between heaven and earth. People say 
he will recover from me the money I received of Collector Plowman 
by your order ; others say he thinks I do not own him as the King's 
Lieutenant-Governor ; then that Mr. Bayard had written to his 
friends that he would retake the fort (which letter was intercepted) 
and that I conspire with Bayard against him, which is wholly false. 
Mr. Bayard is still in prison and hi irons. William Nicolls is in 
close prisoner, so is Mr. Hix for not delivering up his commission 
as justice of the peace. Poor Perry is there still ; Mr. Johannes 
Kip, Alderman and deacon of our church, for going in the church 
to old Mr. Beekman to receive the alms, before he went to Henry 
the baker, who is now of the Council. Mr. Christopher Gera is in 
prison for saying he was as much Lieutenant-Governor as Leisler ; 
S. Godineau for not delivering up his commission as lieutenant 
he was in Colonel Dongan's expedition at Albany Major Willet 
and others are forced to fly ; Colonel Townley and other gentlemen 
of New Jersey dare not come to town. Governor Dongan was 
confined in his house at Homestead, but is gone to New Jersey ; Mr. 
Plowman, Major Brockholes, Robert Livingston and others are 
forced to absent themselves. In March last Milborne went up to 
Albany with 200 men, took the fort, disbanded the established 
company, put new magistrates in place of the old, and follows 
Leisler's steps in imprisoning several people ; which made some of 
the inhabitants rise, together with some Indians, and forced 
Milborne to fly for his life to Esopus. The French and Indians since 
your departure have again destroyed some people to the eastward of 
Boston, have burned Senectady, and taken twenty-eight prisoners. 
A party of Indians and young men followed the French, overtook 
them, killed some and took others. The French Indians have lately 
killed over ten people at Conestagione, which has alarmed the whole 
country and driven people from their plantations. Most of the 
Albany women are at New York. Leisler has pressed Depeyster's 
brigantine and a Bennudian ship, which are to accompany the 
expedition to Quebec ; and the men at Albany, with others from 
the other Colonies and 1500 Maquas, are to attack Canada by land. 



266 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 



Thus the army will consist of about 600 English and 1500 Indians, 
but I am afraid that the privateers will take the two ships with 
everything that they want on board, and go their ways. Drums 
are daily beating for men for the vessels, but few appear, which 
has caused a resolve to press some of the best inhabitants of New 
York and send them aboard. This has driven several of them to New 
Jersey. To defray all these charges Leisler sent out his 
warrant to call an Assembly. Only about ten appeared, all of his side, 
and voted for John Sprat, Corn. Pluvier, Eobert Walters (Leisler's 
son-in-law) and Mr. Beeckman to be representatives of New York ; but 
Beeckman would not sit. Suffolk County would not meddle with it ; 
other counties sent representatives chosen by a few people of their 
side and, as I understand, very weak men. These men sat at Walters' 
house, when the people delivered several petitions for the prisoners 
to be set at liberty and for redress of grievances ; but nothing was 
done, and after a few days' sitting an act was made to raise three- 
pence in the pound on all property real and personal, to be paid on 
the 1st of June, and that every town shall have equal freedom to 
" boult and bake " and transport what they pleased directly to what 
country they should think fit, no one place having any privilege over 
another. This is all that this wise Assembly did. On this Leisler 
orders all provisions to be stopped, orders ale, beef and pork to the 
fort, breaks the cellars open and takes by force what he pleases 
guns, powder, and provisions and I fear all has been carried into 
the fort or aboard the two vessels, all against the will of the owners 
or with a promise that they shall be paid at the close of the war. 
Mr. Plowman had sixty barrels of pork taken by force by a hundred 
of Leisler's men. If he supposes any man to owe arrears for the 
tax imposed by Governor Dongan he takes away their goods with- 
out going to law to know whether they are indebted or not, and says 
that he will be answerable for it to the King. He has also seized 
and sent out to Albany the remainder of the money gathered for 
the ransom of the slaves in Turkey. You would wonder to hear 
the lies spread against the former Government. The imagina- 
tion of treason is so deep in the minds of the people that it 
can hardly be got out. The people still work and watch at New 
York, now making it, now breaking it again, to keep them at 
work. It is now almost a year since the troubles began, in which 
time I have not been at home three months, being forced to 
absent myself from fear of being put in prison, where prisoners are 
kept very nastily, and access to friends is counted a great favour. I 
cannot tell you of all our troubles, not having an exact account 
of the particulars. I am in the chaos of these troubles, cut off 
from my property, my wife affronted and beaten, my children 
threatened, one of them dead and all the rest sick, my estate 
going to decay, my credit blasted, without remedy from the Govern- 
ment here and without a friend to whom I can turn in England. 
I beg your favour to help me as far as you can, and to procure 
an order for my relief, that those who are imprisoned or 
threatened with imprisonment may be set at liberty on giving 
security to answer before the King's Governor for any charges 
against them, that none be condemned but by due course of law, 
nor their goods taken from them without a trial, that goods 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 267 

1690. 

already taken shall be answered for at law by those who have 
taken them, and that generally our grievances may be redressed. 
I enclose my account for repair of the fort and other ex- 
penses on account of the soldiers. 728 is still due to me. 
There are also the advances that I made to Captain Baxter's 
company, which were to be refunded when the men were paid. 
I hope you will be cleared from the imputations against you and 
that you will receive a good sum as damages for false imprison- 
ment. Pray procure for me discharge of my account, and 
payment of the companies that they may repay me. I also enclose 
an account of salary due to me. The Bostoners are setting 
out vessels to take Port Eoyal. Connecticut is all in arms for 
her defence. But New York is in a still sadder condition, between 
French and Indians and our present rulers. I hope a good wise 
Governor may shortly arrive from England, and that you will have 
an opportunity to discourse with him before he starts. Signed. S. 
V. Cortlandt. We hear that Colonel Sloughter comes to New York, 
and Captain Nicholson to Virginia. Port Eoyal is taken. 5 pp. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 175. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 136.] 

May 19. 887. Address of the inhabitants of New York to the King and 
Queen. We had hoped to share in the happy deliverance wrought 
by you, but to our grief find ourselves sorely oppressed, having 
groaned for twelve months under the burden of slavery, executed 
among us by some ill men, who have assumed your authority, 
overturned all civil power (in defiance of our proclamation) and 
ruled us by the sword at the sole will of an insolent alien aided by 
a rabble, none of them formerly thought worthy of the meanest 
office, and some of them criminals. We are imprisoned without 
warrant or mittimus, and shut up in dark, noisome holes without 
access from our friends or relief by law. They seize our estates 
without trial or conviction, plunder our houses, pretending it is for 
your Majesty's service, open all our letters, abuse the ministers of 
the reformed churches and seize their revenues. W T e beg for protec- 
tion and relief. Thirty-six su/natures. Large sheet. Endorsed. 
Eead in Council, 9 Oct., 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. 
No. 135, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 279-281.] 

May 19. 888. John Coode to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. I have 
Maryland, assumed the chief command of this province, and am glad of your 
arrival, that we may obtain satisfaction for the blood of Mr. John 
Payne, who was murdered by some Papists who have fled into 
Virginia. Our enemies will omit no sort of artifice to appear 
innocent before you, and I presume that the great encouragement 
that they had at first in Virginia was due to the interest of Colonel 
William Digges, a professed enemy in arms against King William. 
Copy. 1J pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 22 Oct., 1690. [Board of Trade. 
Maryland, 2. No. 10.] 

May 19. 889. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Orders as to shipping 
and as to payment of the King's tenths on wrecked treasure. 
The embargo on ships taken off. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. 
pp. 51, 52.] 



268 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

May 20. 890. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. Thank you 
for your compassionate answer to my last. I have tried through 
Lord Inchiquin to give you satisfaction, by begging your pardon, 
but they declined to move, and I have no one but yourself of whom 
to ask mercy. I beg you ten thousand pardons. Copy. 1 p. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 29.] 

May 22. 891. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lord 
President is desired to represent that at present there is no settled 
Government in New York, persons having been seized by one Leisler, 
a Walloon. The French have recently burnt one of the forts in the 
province, so that unless Colonel Sloughter and the ten companies 
sail at once, the province will be lost. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., 
pp. 265, 266.] 

May 22. 892. Order of the King in Council. For the speedy despatch 
Whitehall. O f ^jjg convov with Colonel Sloughter and the two companies to New 
York. Signed. Cha. Montague. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., 
pp. 266, 267.] 

[May 22.] 893. Petition of Edward Randolph to the King. Recounting 
his services in the Colonies since 1676, in particular his zeal in 
enforcing the Acts of Trade, and his recent imprisonment by the 
revolutionary party at Boston, and praying for restoration to his 
office, of which some other person during his imprisonment obtained 
a grant under the Great Seal. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Presented 
to the Council 22 May, 1690. Read 19 June. [Board oj Trade. 
New England, 5. No. 95.] 

May 23. 894. Willoughby Chamberlayne to Colonel Stede. My mother, 
my wife and myself beg you to discharge our negroes, as we 
are in great want of their attendance. We leave it wholly to you 
to punish them as you please, but beg your clemency. Copy. 
p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 80.] 

May 23. 895. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. I am most 
grateful for your noble character. My petition to the Governor 
is not I hope the worse for those amendments. Could you pro- 
cure me liberty to appear in a court at Holetown next week, or 
I shalllose heavily by non-appearance? Copy. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 81.] 

May 24. 896. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Mr. St. John. Pray speak 
to Colonel Stede, and if it. pleases him that my petition be pre- 
sented to the Governor pray present it or let me know if he 
advises any alteration. p. Copy. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. 
No. 32.] 

May 24. 897. Minute of the Commissioners of Admiralty. Having 
Admiralty, received orders to provide transport to convey Colonel Sloughter 
and the stores and soldiers with him to New York, we beg to 
represent that a ship has been waiting for him for two months 
and the vessels laden with stores. The ship was sent on convoy- 
duty on the 13th, of which the King was informed, but has since 
been driven into Plymouth, whither orders have been sent to her 
to return at once to Spithead. Signed. Pembroke, Carbery, 
J. Lowther, Jn. Chicheley, Tho. Lee. 1 p. [America and West 
Indies. 578- No. 137, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 257.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 269 



1690. 

[May 24.] 898. Account of the fight between H.M.S. Rose and 
French man-of-war off Cape Sable. We left Piscataqua on the 
19th May and on the 24th were chased off Cape Sable by a French 
man-of-war of thirty guns, and full of soldiers. The Frenchman 
bore down and fired a broadside at the Rose, when Captain 
George made up close to him and gave him his fire to good pur- 
pose. Then continued an obstinate fight at half musket-shot for 
two hours. The Rose lost her mizzen and was much cut up in 
sails and rigging, but she bored her enemy through and through, 
knocking two and three ports into one. It was dead calm else we had 
run athwart him. We saw her captain fall and she must have lost at 
least a hundred men, but being a quick sailer, she got away. 
Captain George and six men were killed on board the Rose and 
seven desperately wounded. Copy. 1J#P. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. ^Vo. 96.] 

May 26. 899. Thomas Newton to ? . Last week Casco 

Boston. was taken. There were eighty soldiers in several garrisons, but 
so quartered that they could not support each other, so were all 
killed or taken. It is reported that York and Wells have fallen 
since. Probably everything as far as Piscataqua will be destroyed, 
for the Charter Government cares little for that country or for the 
lives of the settlers, but only for smaller matters. Though the 
King's letter only authorised them to preserve the peace till further 
order, yet they proceed according to the old charter and have an 
election shortly. Nothing will serve them but a charter ; but 
unless the King intervene speedily, the country will be ruined. Sir 
William Phips sailed to Port Royal three weeks ago, and has sent 
back several prisoners on its surrender. But we have lost far more 
at Casco than we have gained at Port Royal. Still we are better off 
and better governed here than at New York, where the tyrant 
Leisler has taken the King's letters and usurped his authority. It 
is a crime enough to send any man to gaol not to salute him by the 
name of Lieutenant-Governor. Colonel Bayard has long been in 
irons : he was carried round the fort walls in a chair to terrify the 
people ; and all for no crime but speaking words against Leisler, 
which he declares to be high treason. Several more have been 
imprisoned, but obtained release on petitioning him. Not long 
since a pirate came in from the West Indies, to whom he gives pay 
and has granted a commission, to make his escape on him (as is 
supposed) when the new Governor comes. It is feared the French 
and Indians will attack Albany before long. It could be easily 
taken owing to the distraction caused by Jacob Milborne. Leisler 
has demanded 5,000 for the war with France and threatens if 
need be to take it by force. He has put all the merchants' stores on 
board the pirate without giving them so much as a receipt. Signed. 
Tho. Newton. Copy. l^ pp. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct., 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 578. A T o. 138.] 

May 27. 900. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. My affairs 
all tend to my ruin. I ask you for one charity more, to visit 
the prisoner in distress, otherwise I despair. Copy. \p. [Board 
of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 88.] 



270 

1690. 

[May 27.] 



COLONIAL PAPERS. 



901. Sir Edmund Andros's account of the State of New Eng- 
land. In 1686 he was named Governor of Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, Maine, Narragansett County, Ehode Island, New 
Plymouth and County of Cornwall. In 1687 Connecticut was 
added and also New York and the Jerseys. On receipt of his 
commission and instructions, which bade him cultivate the friend- 
ship of the Five Nations, he went to New York and Albany, where 
the Indians (though they were met in Council about going to Canada) 
at once came to meet him and were settled and confirmed in his 
government. He then wrote and requested the Governor of Canada 
to restore some Indian prisoners and to quit a considerable fort 
which he had built at Niagara, in spite of Colonel Dongan's protests 
against such building. The Governor accordingly withdrew his 
garrison and said that he would write to the King of France about 
the release of prisoners. The revenue of the united provinces of 
New England amounted to about 12,000 annually. There being 
no Church of England in Boston, a meeting-house was borrowed, 
but, since this was found to give offence, the building of a new 
church was hastened, and was completed at the charge of the 
members of that Church. Sir Edmund was always ready to give 
grants of vacant lands and confirm defective titles, the late Com- 
pany having failed to comply with their charter in this respect. 
Courts of Justice were erected and fees regulated. The Indians 
continued in good order and subjection till the end of 1688, when 
some unadvised proceedings of the inhabitants to eastward provoked 
a rupture, and the Indians made raids, killing and taking several 
people. Sir Edmund was then at New York, three hundred miles 
from Boston, but he hastened to Boston with all speed, sent 
troops and stores eastward to reinforce those parts and vessels 
to secure the coast, He also raised fresh forces and appointed 
Major-General Winthrop to command, but that officer falling sick, 
took command himself, and by the settlement of posts, garrisons 
and parties, and by constant inroads and marches (in which the 
King's standing troops were always employed) he reduced the 
Indians to such straits that until the recall of the forces during the 
late troubles there was no more trouble with them. At the latter 
end of March, 1689, Sir Edmund returned to Boston, leaving all the 
posts and garrisons in good order and condition. On the 18th of 
April several of the Council conspired with those who were 
magistrates and officers under the Chartered Government, to over- 
throw the Government and introduce their former Commonwealth, 
and by false reports and aspersions gained the support of most of 
the people. About two thousand horse and foot appeared in arms, 
and Sir Edmund Andros, not knowing the occasion thereof, went 
down to the Council. Though the streets were full of armed men 
none offered to him or to those who were with him the least rudeness 
or incivility, but on the contrary the usual respect. But when he 
came to the Council Chamber he found several of the former 
magistrates and officers who paid him no suitable regard, but made 
him and others of the Council prisoners and kept him for ten 
months in secure and close confinement, until he and they were sent to 
England to answer the charges against them, when there being no 
charges against them, they were discharged. During the time of 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 271 

1690. 

bis confinement the Governor was allowed no communication with 
anyone, in person or by letter. After his arrest the conspirators 
aforesaid dispersed the few soldiers of the standing companies on 
the spot, recalling the rest who were employed against the Indians 
to eastward; the officers were surprised and brought down 
prisoners. The confederates at Boston seized all the King's stores 
of arms and ammunition and disabled the Eose frigate. They 
also broke open the Secretary's office and seized the 
records. The Members of Council who were in league with the 
confederates then took upon them the Government, and 
not content with the mischief that they had already 
done, withdrew all the garrisons from the East, 
far outside the limits of the Colony, seized several of 
the officers, recalled the vessels appointed to guard the 
coast, and disbanded the forces. The Indians having notice of 
this, and having been supplied before the insurrection with arms 
and ammunition by some of the chief conspirators in Boston, were 
encouraged to renew the war ; and by the assistance of some 
French, fell upon the English settlements, killed a captain and several 
hundred English, and captured Pemaquid fort and considerable 
territory. The fishery and the trade in masts and lumber is conse- 
quently almost wholly ruined. The conspirators then suborned 
the rest of the Colonies to follow their example, whereby the whole 
of the royal revenue therein is lost and destroyed. 

The usual time for election of magistrates in Boston 
coming on in May, 1689, there were great controversies on the 
settling of civil government, some being for a new election, some 
for continuation of the officers elected in 1686 ; which latter 
course being adopted, the Charter Government, though vacated at 
Westminster Hall, was re-imposed. They then revised their 
former laws and courts of judicature, and tried and executed several 
persons. During Sir Edmund's time the country paid only the old 
rate of one penny a pound ; the present Government has exacted 
sevenpence half-penny. Since this insurrection the people carry 
on irregular trade without limit, admitting no laws to be valid but 
of their own making. They also sent to Albany to treat with the 
Five Nations, and invited them to Boston, a most dangerous pro- 
ceeding, since it revealed to the Indians the weakness and disunion 
of the country, thereby giving the French the advantage to subdue 
the Indians and attack Fort Albany. The forces sent out by them 
last summer, though encouraged by promise of 8 a head for every 
Indian killed, proved ineffective to suppress the enemy or secure 
the country, and on approach of winter were recalled, leaving the 
country exposed. The French and Indians will now probably 
invade the heart of the country, unless the King take speedy 
measures to prevent it. Signed. E. Andros. 6J closely written 
pages. Endorsed. Reed. 27 May, 1690. Printed in New York 
Documents, III., 722. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 
97.] 

[May 27.] 902. State of the four companies of standing forces in New 
England, each of fifty men. Two companies in the English 
Establishment viz., Captain Sir E. Andros, Lieutenant Thomas 



272 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1690. 

Treffry (both in London), Ensign Ames Amos (in New England), 
Captain Francis Nicholson- (in Virginia), Lieutenant James 
Weems, Ensign Joshua Pipon (both in London). Two companies 
by establishment paid at New York. Captain Anthony Brockholes 
(at New York a Eoman Catholic) , Lieutenant John Jordan (in 
London), Ensign Eussell (dead), Captain Gervais Baxter (at New 
York a Eoman Catholic), Lieutenant Thomas Sharpe (at Albany), 
Ensign Bradford. Some of the officers employed against the 
Indians eastward were imprisoned ; the men were disbanded except 
those at Albany, where Lieutenant Sharpe was continued in com- 
mand. 1 p. Endorsed. Eecd. 27 May, 1690, from Sir E. Andros. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 98.] 

[May 27.] 903. " A list of Nominations by the reassumers for New 
Government without the King's leave 1690." A list of the officers 
elected in Massachusetts. Twenty six names in all, with 
numbers, apparently of votes, after them. Simon Bradstreet, 
Governor. Thomas Danforth, Deputy Governor. Captain Win- 
throp, Major General. John Phillips, Treasurer. Isaac Addington, 
Secretary. William Stoughton and Samuel Sewall, Commissioners. 
For date see next abstract. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 99.] 

May 27. 904. Extract of a letter from John Usher at Boston. I 
Boston. suppose you will have heard of the great conquest at Port Eoyal. 
The poor people surrendered at the first summons, having not a 
gun mounted. There is great talk of an expedition to Canada 
which they hope to take on as easy terms. A post from Casco 
last night confirms the deplorable state of the place, two hundred 
persons being killed, though it was said to be the strongest garrison 
in those parts. The men held out as long as they could, but sur- 
rendered from want of ammunition. The terms were that they 
should be transported to Piscataqua, but the French and Indians 
knocked all who could not travel with them on the head. We 
hear that the enemy have now beset Wells and mean to take the 
whole country. There has been an election since I wrote the above, 
when Sir William Phipps and Dr. Oakes crowded out Messrs. 
Shrimpton and Eichards, and Major Pyncheon has been turned 
out for Major Winthrop. Copy. J p. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 100.] 

May 28. 905. Extract of a letter from Boston to John Usher. The 
news of the capture of Casco Bay is confirmed. Unless the King 
help us speedily we shall be ruined. Yesterday Samuel Bradstreet 
was elected Governor and Thomas Danforth Deputy Governor. 
Colonel Shrimpton, Major Eichards and Major Pyncheon were 
left out, and Captain Winthrop, Sir W. Phipps and Dr. Oakes 
chosen in their stead. Copy. | p. 

Another copy of the above. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. Nos. 101, 102.] 

May 28. 906. Extracts from letters to divers persons from New England. 
Letter to Colonel Lidget. Boston, 11 April, 1690. Giving an 
account of the capture of Senectady, Newichewanock and Salmon 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 273 

1690. 

Falls. 1 p. Letter from Benjamin BuHivant: received at Falmouth, 
July, 1690. All the Casco forts have been cut off owing to the 
withdrawal of the troops. The people begged for help, but Mr. 
Danforth answered that Jesus Christ was king of earth as well as 
heaven, and that if Jesus Christ did not help them, he could not. 
Sir William Phips has sailed. The Bostoners now print their 
laws, raise taxes, force open warehouses, press all sorts of goods, 
and have set up the excise. I was rated and obliged to pay 10 in 
three months, and 1 should have been pressed, to cheat me out of 
10 or 20 more, if I had stayed. The common people now wish 
Sir E. Andros were back again. Letters to John Usher. Boston, 
27 and 28 May, 1690. Already abstracted under dates. Copies. 
3 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. #0. 108.] 

May 28. 907. John Coode to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. I have 
received news of the concurrence of the Northern Governments to 
oppose the common enemy. Copy. p. Endorsed. Reed. 22 
Oct., 1690. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 11.] 

May 29. 908- Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The 
Agents for New England attended and Mr. Bradstreet's letter of 
29 March was read (see No. 797), as also Sir E. Andres's report 
on the forces raised in 1688. Order for copy of the letter to 
be given to the Agents for their reply (see No. 912). [Col. 
Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 324, 325.] 

May 29. 909. Summons to several persons connected with New 
England to attend the Lords of Trade and Plantations and bring 
with them their latest information as to those parts. Draft with 
corrections. J p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 104.] 

[May 29.] 910. Memorandum of permission asked by Sir Thomas 
Lapes to export arms and ammunition to New England. Inscribed. 
Read 29 May, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 
106.] 

[May ?] 911. Memorandum of arms to be shipped to New England 
in the ship James. A few lines. [Ibid. No. 107.] 

[May 29.] 912. Account of the forces raised in New England and of the 
forts built for defence against the Indians in 1688. FORT PEMA- 
QUID. Garrison. Captain Brockholes' regular company ; Captain 
Tyng's and Captain George Minot's Provincial Companies. Total 
156 men. On the insurrection in Boston the whole of these forces 
were withdrawn except eighteen of the regular company, and the 
fort fell into the hands of the French. NEW DABTMOUTH. Garrison. 
20 regulars under Lieutenant Jordan, Captain Withington's Pro- 
vincial Company. Total 84 men. Most of the troops were drawn 
off or debauched so that they carried their officer prisoner to Boston 
aud deserted the fort. REDOUBT ON DAMARASCOTLY RIVER. This 
being garrisoned from New Dartmouth was also deserted. 
SAIODCHOCK, NEWTOWN, FORT ANNE, POJEBSCOT. These forts on 
the Kennebec were commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Macgregory and 
Major Thomas Savage with their men and Captain Manning's 
Companies, in all 180 men. The Major and most of the officers of 






274 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

the New England forces revolted, seized the Lieutenant-Colonel, 
drew off the men and deserted the forts. FALMOUTH, a fort in 
Casco Bay. Garrison. Captain George Lockhart's company of 60 
men. The commander was seized and the forces withdrawn. 
SACO RIVER. A fort commanded by Captain John Floyd with his 
own company and a detachment, in all 88 men. Kenebinke and 
Wells, forts garrisoned from Saco. The whole of these forts were 
deserted by the officers and men. MERKIMAC RIVER. A company of 
50 men was at the Upper Plantation, as also the militia of that 
river. The officers and men were debauched, and quitted their 
stations. CONNECTICUT RIVER. Captain Jonathan Bull's company 
of 50 men and the militia under Colonel Robert Treat, and 40 men 
of the regular companies. The officers and soldiers deserted their 
posts. Total of all troops employed, 709 men. The vessels 
employed on the coast were H.M.SS. Speedwell and Mary and two 
provincial sloops. All the principal garrisons were supplied with 
three months' provisions and sufficient warlike stores, and at 
Boston there were further military stores in the Castle. 

While the forces were out the Jndians were powerless, but 
when they were withdrawn the Indians did and still do great 
damage. The King is urged to exert his authority for the saving of 
the country. Signed. E. Andros. 2J pp. Endorsed. Reed, 
from Sir E. Andros, 29 May, 1690. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 105, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIL, pp. 211- 
215.] 

May 30. 913. Answer of the Agents for New England to Sir E. Andros's 
account of the forces raised for defence of New England in 1688 
(see No. 912). We take exceptions to the words " subversion 
of the Government " and "insurrection" used by Sir E. Andros 
in his preamble, thinking that the zeal shown by the people of 
New England to secure the Government there for King William 
deserves more favourable terms. PEMAQUID. Captain Brockholes, 
who commanded at this fort, was a papist and was thereupon 
dismissed after the revolution. The men disbanded were not of 
the standing garrison, of whom not a man was drawn off. The 
fort was taken afterwards it is true, but owing to the carelessness 
of the garrison. NEW DARTMOUTH and NEWTOWN. These towns 
were destroyed during Sir E. Andros's reign, in revenge probably 
for an injury done by him to the Indians. There being thus 
nothing left to protect, a fort was unnecessary. REDOUBT IN 
DAMASCOTLY RIVER. This was destroyed on the advice of Colonel 
Tyng and Major Savage as it protected nothing. So also Fort 
Anne and Pojebscot. Colonel Macgregory was seized by his own 
soldiers because of his cruelty to them. SAGADEHOCK. This being 
a fort erected by the fishermen was abandoned at their own instance. 
FALMOUTH, CASCO BAY. This fort is still continued by the Massa- 
chusetts Government and in better order than in Sir E. Andros's 
time. Captain Lockhart, being reputed a papist, was on that 
account dismissed and a new commander put in. It was here that 
the Indians were checked and defeated since the revolution. 
KENNEBEC. We know of no fort. WELLS is still well inhabited, 
and a company of foot is there. SACO RIVER was deserted in Sir 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 275 

1690. 

Edmund's time for want of provisions, and the officer was put 
under arrest by Sir Edmund for coming to ask for subsistence for 
the garrison. MERRIMAC RIVER. The Council after the revolution 
changed several officers that they could not trust, but the 
Major in command keeps his station. All our frontier towns have 
been reinforced, which were weakened by Sir Edmund by the man- 
ning of his trifling forts. CONNECTICUT RIVER. This continues as 
it was, only Colonel Treat thought the force stationed by Sir 
Edmund excessive, and dismissed part of it. The vessels were 
chiefly employed to convey soldiers to and fro at Sir Edmund's 
pleasure. There was great complaint that those who served in 
these ships were not paid in Sir Edmund's time. The forces 
brought by Sir Edmund from England were about 120 men. Some 
died or deserted before the revolution. He took part of them in 
service against the Indians, and what became of them he best 
knows. We are well assured that not one of them was killed by 
Indians, and that not an Indian was hurt by them. We have no 
exact inventory of the stores and provisions found in the garrisons 
at the time of the happy revolution, but we can aver that the 
garrisons were supplied from Boston, and that the reinforcements 
were paid by private persons, and not from the Treasury. The 
occasion of our present distress is the war between England and 
France, which prevents all supplies from England, and the 
mischief from the interruption of our ancient government is not 
yet recovered. We have given orders for transport of ammunition, 
with which we hope to be able to defend ourselves until the King 
attempts, if he think fit, the reduction of Canada ; and we doubt 
not that he will restore to us our ancient rights and privileges. 
Signed. Elisha Cooke, Thomas Oakes. Large sheet. Endorsed. 
Reed. 24 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. ' New England, 5. 
No. 108, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIL, pp. 215-221.] 

May 80. 914. Journal of the proceedings of the late Expedition under 
Sir William Phipps, knight, to Port Royal. April 23. Anchored 
in Nantasket and embarked the soldiers. Monday, April 28. 
Sailed from Nantasket, five ships in all. Thursday, May 1st. 
Anchored at Mount Desert. In the evening an officer was sent to 
reconnoitre Penobscot fort, who reported that Castine was gone 
and only 200 Indians in the fort. Resolved to attack the fort. 
May 2. Weighed and sailed up the harbour intending to attack 
the fort, but were hindered by contrary winds. May 8. The 
soldiers were landed on an Island to prepare for the attack, but bad 
weather prevented it. May 4. At 8 in the evening the soldiers 
were embarked to attack the fort, while one of the ships engaged it 
by sea ; but the fort was found to be deserted. May 5. The 
Salem and Ipswich companies joined us. Weighed at 6 p.m., and 
sailed for the entrance of the Bay of Fundy. May 6. Landed 
and took the houses of some French planters at Passarequadie who 
denied our flag of truce. Plundered the houses. Six of our men 
wounded. May 8. Sailed, and on May 9 entered Port Royal 
Harbour. May 10. A flag of truce was sent to summon the fort. 
May 11. The fort surrendered. May 12. Went ashore to 
search for hidden goods. We cut down the cross, rifled the 



276 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

Church, pulled down the high altar, and broke their images. May 
13. Kept gathering plunder all day. May 14. The inhabitants 
swore allegiance to King William and Queen Mary. May 15. The 
outlying inhabitants summoned to take the oath of allegiance, 
which they did on the 19th. May 21. Sent a ship along the coast 
of Nova Scotia to procure the submission and allegiance of all 
French and Indians, and dropped down the river with the rest 
of the fleet and our prisoners. May 30. Arrived in Boston 
Harbour. Copies of orders to different officers, and of the in- 
structions left with the president of Port Royal. List of the 
Fleet : Six Friends (flag), 42 guns, 120 men ; Porcupine, 16 
guns, 117 men ; Mary, 8 guns, 12 men ; Union, 4 guns, 15 
men ; Mary Ann, 2 guns, 9 men ; Lark, 9 men ; Bachelor, 6 
men. List of the officers of the Foot Regiment : Major John- 
son commanding. Seven companies. 446 of all ranks. Mr. Joshua 
Moody, Minister. The whole a small quarto printed pamphlet. 16 
pp. Printed at Boston. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 109.] 

May 30. 915. The Dutch Ambassador to [William Blathwayt] . Enclos- 
ing certain papers relating to the Colony of Rensselaerswyck. 
Signed. Arnout van Citters. French. J p. Endorsed. Returned 
to him the 4 June, '90. [America and West Indies. 578. 
No. 189.] 

May 30. 916. Jacob Younge to John Coode. I have news that the 
Senecas have cut off the principal place in Canada except the 
Governor's residence. They tell me too that they have a hundred 
French prisoners and the other nations rather more. Those 
Senecas who informed me are about to settle on the Susquehannah. 
Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct. 1690. [Board of Trade. 
Maryland, 2. No. 12.] 

May 31. 917. Warrant for the use of the Public Seal of New York. 
Kensington. Printed in New York Documents, III., 726. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LXIX., p. 251.] 

May 31. 918. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Earl of Inchiquin 
sworn in as Governor. Order for a proclamation for continuance of 
officers in their posts. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 52.] 

June 1. 919. Richard Hill to Captain John Brown. The terror that I 
am under drives me to address you and other masters of ships. 
Forty armed men have been at my house these two days with 
order to bring me before the General alive or dead, but for what 
crime I know not, except opposition to their illegal and arbitrary 
proceedings. 1 crave your safeguard. They have seized my ships, 
which cost me 700, and dispersed my men merely out of spite. 
They have rifled my house, turned their horses into my cornfield 
and destroyed it all. I throw myself on your protection and offer 
5,000 security to answer the charges against me, whatever they 
may be. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 13.] 

June 2. 920. Demands of James Heath, Agent to the Lords Proprietors, 
against the revolutionary Government of Maryland. (1) The deliver- 
ing of the bills and bonds relating to Lord Baltimore's private estate ; 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 277 

1690. 

(2) of Mattapany house and estate ; (3) of accounts of all shipping 
entered and cleared and of bills of exchange received for the 
same ; (4) of all other papers relating to his private estate ; 
(5) orders to stop all persons exacting revenue as collectors, that 
the duty may be left to Heath and his deputie's. Copy. 1 p. [Board 
of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 14.} 

921. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. Mary- 
land, 2. No. 15.] 

June 2. 922. Samuel Phillips, John Brown and Edward Burford to 
Ann Arundel [Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson ?] . We beg to recommend to you 
Ma U knd *^ e Bearer Richard Hill, who has thrown himself upon our protec- 
tion, thinking that we held the King's Commission. We have 
known him for some years as of good fame, a Protestant and 
a loyal subject. We went to his house and found it in 
possession of armed men, as also his ship. The warrant to bring 
him in alive or dead mentions no crime, and was entrusted for 
execution to a Highlander. So far as we can gather Captain Hill's 
only crime is that he has dared to say what others hardly dare 
think. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 18.] 

June 3. 923. Lord Chief Justice Holt to the Marquess of Carmarthen. 

Serjeants' I think it would have been better if an inquisition had been taken, 
Inn- and the forfeitures committed by Lord Baltimore had been found 
before any grant were made to a new Governor, but in case of necessity 
I think the King may lawfully commission a Governor whose 
authority would be legal, though he must be responsible to Lord 
Baltimore for the profits. If an agreement can be made with 
Lord Baltimore it will be convenient and easy for the King's 
Governor. An inquisition may be taken at any time if the forfeiture 
be not pardoned, of which there is some doubt. Signed. 3. Holt. 
Holograph. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 16, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIL, p. 176.] 

June 3. 924. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Francis Nicholson sworn 
as Lieutenant-Governor. Order for proclamation for all officers to 
continue in their posts. Order for a receipt to be given to the Auditor 
for the Council's allowance from the Royal revenue. Edward Davies 
and his accomplices summoned, who said that their petition to the 
Privy Council was still unanswered. Order for their debts to be 
paid out of their goods, and the balance to be sent home. Order for 
the goods in custody of Captain Rowe to be also sent to England. 

June 4. The Bishop of London's commission to James Blair read. The 
Lieutenant-Governor was asked to thank his lordship. Order for 
the report of the Lords of Trade as to Philip Ludwell's complaints to 
be entered, and for the law of 1680 as to Attorneys to be proclaimed 
void. Order for the question of calling an Assembly to be considered 
on 24 July. Order for survey of the guns, ammunition, and stores 
of war. Order for the interpreters to go at once to the friendly 
Indians and dissuade them from listening to foreign Indians, who 
try to tempt them away. The Lieutenant-Governor asking if it 
would be well for him to visit the heads of the rivers in person, the 
Council agreed that it would. Order for a return of the officers and 
soldiers of the militia. 



278 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

June 5. Order for some tobacco, for which no freight is ready, to be 
shipped on board the King's frigate. Resolved to send a messenger 
to ascertain the truth of matters in New England and New York, 
and Colonel Cuthbert Potter proposed as a fit person. Order 
forbidding all ships to sail to England except under convoy of the 
man-of-war, and all collectors to clear there before 10 July. Resolved 
that the King be requested to purchase Lord Culpeper's rights on 
the Northern Neck. [Co/. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 349-367.] 

June 4. 925. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Councillors sworn in. 
Petition of grievances presented by the freeholders to the Governor, 
who ordered the Attorney General to thank them for their modera- 
tion therein. Order for the appeal in the case of the ship St. Jago 
de la Alctoria to be heard by the Governor in Council on the 15th, 
and for the ship to be delivered meanwhile to Captain Daniell's 
attorneys. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 53, 54.] 

June 4. 926. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Last year's 
orders for proclamation of their Majesties in Newfoundland 
renewed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C1X., p. 326.] 

June 4. 927. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Antigua. Soon after despatch of my last there was a terrible earthquake, 
which laid some of our buildings in rubbish and killed some persons. 
Scarce any stone-work in these Islands has escaped without damage, 
and I myself am a loser to the value of 2,000. The great 
earthquake was on Sunday, 5 April, between four and five o'clock in 
the afternoon ; for a month afterwards we had almost daily shakes, 
and even now there passes not a week without some tremblings. The 
French Islands have suffered as severely as ours. On the 10th ult. 
our long expected fleet arrived at Barbados, but being delayed by 
the sickness of the men and other causes arrived not here until 
Saturday the 31st. I received the King's Commission and 
Instructions to me. Meanwhile I have to report that after the date 
of my last letter I sent a flag of truce to Martinique for the exchange 
of prisoners, and were able to discover, to our great satisfaction, that 
the ships which we dreaded so much were bound shortly for France 
and that our enemies had very slender hopes of any fleet from thence. 
To complete our joy we received the news of the arrival of our fleet 
at Barbados. Admiral Wright will doubtless have reported to you 
the damage done by the great storm in his passage. It was no 
small satisfaction to me to find by my additional instructions that 
the Governor of Barbados was to send us such assistance of men 
and provisions as with the advice of his Council he should think 
requisite, but I was surprised to hear that any of the Council 
consider that we need no assistance and that the majority were of 
opinion that they could not spare it. The Governor indeed was 
very willing and anxious to serve us and the common interest, 
but being bound by his Council he was powerless. I wrote 
to you in my last of the inconvenience of this restriction, 
and am sorry to be confirmed in my opinion by the 
action of the Council of Barbados. I have received the list 
of stores sent out to me, but know not yet whether any of them 
are wanting, excepting three chests of medicine which were lost 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 279 

1690. 

in the Downs. I have inspected the muskets and think them* as 
bad as ever came to these parts. The matchlocks, which make five 
hundred of the thousand and fifty sent, are of no use to us, for our 
people are accustomed only to firelocks and cannot use them. 
As to the firelocks, the locks are very bad, the steel being so 
soft that they are as likely to miss fire as not. Both matchlocks 
and firelocks are extraordinarily heavy, which is a great incon- 
venience in these hot countries. The barrels of powder which 
have been viewed are a kind of mixture of great and small to- 
gether, and as no distinctions are mentioned in the list I sup- 
pose that the rest are the same. Good pistol powder should 
have been sent for the small arms. It is a great misfortune 
to us that the officers entrusted with these matters have not 
been more careful. Were our enemies no better off I should not 
complain, but no people in the world are furnished with 
better arms and ammunition. I do not find that any mortars 
or bombs were sent, nor can I hear anything of the engineer 
and two miners, who will be greatly wanted. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Holt's regiment, mentioned to be nine hundred and thirty men, 
little exceeds five hundred. I cannot withdraw more than twelve 
hundred men from these Islands nor can I arm half of them 
except with the arms that are now come. The remains of the 
Barbados Regiment are three hundred men, so that for any ex- 
pedition I cannot depend on more than two thousand men at 
most, while the Admiral cannot spare me above two or three 
sailors. On Sunday last, the day after the fleet's arrival, I 
called a Council of War, and pursuant to its resolutions the 
fleet sailed yesterday to Montserrat for water. I and the men 
from this Island shall follow this week. Having despatched 
my orders thither and to Nevis on receiving the news of the 
fleet's arrival at Barbados, I hope to find their proportions 
ready to embark, but I have not yet decided where we 
shall attack the French. I shall only correspond as ordered 
with Barbados and Jamaica, and hope that Colonel Stede may 
yet prevail with the Council to join us with fifteen hundred 
men. They can better spare them than the Leeward Islands 
can spare five hundred. With their help I hope we may do 
good service. Lord Inchiquin before sailing from Barbados for 
Jamaica was very pressing for a regiment at least to be sent to us 
from thence, and sent word to me that if I wished it, he would 
send me what help he could from Jamaica and his own son along 
with it. I shall send an express to him shortly, and meanwhile 
shall endeavour to turn such forces as I have to the best advan- 
tage. I hope my next will report that we have supplied ourselves 
at the enemy's expense with such utensils of war as are now 
wanting to us. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 4 pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 4 Aug., 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. Xn. 86, 
and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 48. pp. 226-238.] 

June 6. 928. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to the Revolutionary 
Government of Maryland. Referring to your letters of 19 and 28 
May, I find that the persons suspected of the murder of Mr. John 
Payne were apprehended and examined, and the matter reported to 



280 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

the Secretary of State for the King's orders. I can satisfy you that 
no enemy of the King's has received any protection here. Colonel 
Digges is a stranger to me, but for all that I can learn he has always 
been an obedient and loyal subject, though if anything such as Mr. 
Coode insinuates can be proved against him or any other, I promise 
that they shall be secured, but a mere letter without proof is in- 
sufficient. I shall be busy to learn all that goes forward in the 
Northern colonies, and to do my best for the security of the country. 
Colonel Sloughter should have arrived at New York before now. 
I hope you will see that the King's orders as to ships sailing to 
Europe are obeyed. Pray tell me to whom I am to address my 
letters in Maryland. Copy. <lpp. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. 
No. 17.] 

June 7. 929. Eobert Livingston to Francis Nicholson. We of Albany 
New London, stood out the longest till we were deserted by all New England. 
While I was absent to procure help from the neighbouring Colonies, 
Leisler sent up one Jacob Milborne, formerly servant to a man in 
Hartford, with 160 men, who got the fort surrendered to him, after 
I had maintained the garrison and the public expense till the 12th 
of March, and disbanded all but a few of the soldiers. Milborne 
and his fellow-commissioners spend their time drinking and quaffing, 
while the Indians come and cut off the people at Canestagione, and 
never one of them caught. We have all Leisler's seditious letters 
secured ; they were found in the streets of Senectady, all imbued in 
blood, on the morning after the massacre. So we want nothing 
now but a Governor to call him to account. I have written to New 
York to send an express to Virginia as soon as Colonel Sloughter 
is expected, lest our tyrant should make his escape. He has 
fitted out ships on pretence of going out to Canada, which commit 
all manner of robberies in the sound. They have taken several 
sloops from Major Winthrop's Island and fired several guns at 
Ehode Island. From what a deserter says they intend to take a 
vessel with provisions and so to the South Sea or Guinea. It is 
thought that Leisler will escape as soon as he has collected his last 
rate. If a Governor come not soon, the country will be lost. 
All the Eastern parts are lost, no ships are ready to attack Quebec, 
no army on shore. The few sorry and despicable fellows sent by 
Leisler to Albany die like rotten sheep of the bloody flux, due to 
feeding on the fishy pork which Leisler robbed from the merchants. 
I am forced to abscond, and my estate has been seized because I 
will not account to Leisler for the excise. Others have been forced 
to do the like. I live at Hartford, but am passing a few 
days with Colonel Winthrop. The united Colonies have re- 
quested him to be General, after the Commissioners had left it to 
Leisler to name the Chief Commander. Brave doings, when all 
New England can truckle to such an usurping tyrant. The 160 
men on their way to us from Boston were recalled on the news of 
Casco. This Colony has another camp which they keep at home, 
for fear of the flux which is in the camp at Greenbush. Contrary 
to all expectation Colonel Winthrop has accepted the command of 
the forces at Albany, which is more than the Government here 
deserve, but in his zeal for King and Country, he waives all that. 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 281 

1690. 

I know not what answer Leisler has made to it. Signed. Eobt. 
Livingston. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct. 1690, from 
Capt. Nicholson. Printed in New York Documents, III., 727. 
[America and West Indies. 578. A T o. 140.] 

June 7 . 930. Proclamation of the Revolutionary Government of New York . 

Port William, Ordering the inhabitants to renew their association for the defence 
New York. Q | ^g c ^ v an( j f or j; f or King William against King James. 1 p. 
Copy. [America and West Indies. 578. A T o. 141.] 

June 7. 931. Order of the same. For the arrest of several persons for 
assembling in a tumultuous manner to obstruct the proclamation 
for watch and ward, and for completion of the fortifications. Copy. 
1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 142.] 

June 7. 932. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. I learn that 

several of the Council have interposed to prevent the Governor 

from giving me my liberty. You are become my refuge, and if you 

cannot procure me mercy, I am resigned and willing to be sent 

home. I had some confidence in your intercession though none in 

my offences, and had drawn up an order which I had hoped would 

have served for a model for the treatment of my own case, but now 

I despair. But despite all my misfortunes your noble generosity 

sticks to me, and I can endure the anger of the Council since you 

are my friend. I had thought that the end of my misfortunes were 

nearer, but I hope that when all accounts are cast up, the Council 

may find the mercy which it denies me. I send what I have written 

however, though I have little hope from it. Coj>y. 1 p. Annexed, 

932 i. Draft of an order of the Governor of Barbados in Council, 

annulling the commitment of Sir T. Montgomerie to prison 

in consideration of his temptations, his repentance and his 

promise of amendment. This order is the work of 

Montgomerie himself. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. 

Barbados, 4. Nos. 34, 34 i.] 

June 10. 933. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for the Provost 
Marshal to bring Ralph Lane before the Council. The Governor 
decided to hear his case on the 19th. Order for sundry payments. 
Archibald Carmichael was returned for the vacant seat in the 
Assembly for St. John's. The Assembly attended, took the oaths, 
and presented John Sutton as their speaker, who was approved. 
The Governor communicated the royal instructions respecting the 
commutation of the four and a half per cent. duty. The Assembly 
sent in the names of members to form a joint committee to inspect 
the books of the royal revenue, and the Governor appointed 
Councillors to work with them. Sir Thomas Montgomerie's 
petition for release considered. The Council advised against 
granting it, and the Governor ordered that he be sent home by 
next ship. Warrant to Captain Breholt to convey Sir Thomas 
home as a prisoner, dated 24 June, 1690. [Col. Entry 13k., Vol. 
XII., pp. 130-133.] 



282 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

June 10. 934. Order of the Governor of Barbados in Council. That 
Edwyn Stede, John Hallett and Nicholas Prideaux be a committee 
to draw up a charge against Sir Thomas Montgomerie, to be sent 
home with him. Copy. J p. Endorsed. Reed. 4 Sept., 90. 
[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 35.] 

June 10. 935. Order of the Governor of Barbados in Council. For Sir 
Thomas Montgomerie to be sent home by the first opportunity to 
await his Majesty's pleasure, and that meanwhile he be continued 
in custody. [Ibid. No. 36.] 

June 10. 936. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Archibald Carmi- 
chael sworn in succession to John Bromley, appointed to the 
Council. John Sutton chosen speaker. George Payne chosen 
clerk of Assembly. Committee appointed to consider the question 
of commuting the four and a half per cent. duty. Adjourned to 8 
July. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 226-228.] 

June 11. 937. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. Pray let me 
have a line to tell me what is to be done with me. I doubt not 
that you befriended me all that you could, and thank you heartily. 
Copy. J pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 37.] 

June 12. 938. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Petition of Roger Elletson 
read. The Secretary ordered to acquaint him that the article of 
treason exhibited against him was for giving money to furnish a 
chapel for Father Offlin, and that he should be heard if he wished ; 
but that article being deferred he was bailed. Order for prosecution 
of Samuel Mayo for sedition at the next Grand Court. Francis 
Hickman's petition received and rejected. Richard Lloyd sworn 
clerk of the Crown and Peace. The Order in Council of 9 January 
as to transported rebels read (see No. 699). [Board of Trade. 
Jamaica, 77. pp. 54-56.] 

June 12. 939. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have 
considered the address of Simon Bradstreet and others concerning the 
desolation wrought by the Indians, and announcing the intended 
expedition to Canada. We have also been attended by Sir Edmund 
Andros and other officers and gentlemen, who have laid before us 
several letters shewing the mischief done by the withdrawal of 
the garrisons by the Revolutionary Government and the increasing 
injury done by the French and Indians, as also the daily violation 
of the Acts of Trade. We learn also that the French are making 
great preparations for an attack on Albany. The New England 
Agents represent that they are short of ammunition and ask 
permission to export some. We recommend that it be granted, as 
also that the convoy to New York with Colonel Sloughter and two 
companies be hastened, and that a ship of war be sent to America. 
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 222-227.] 

June 12. 940. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Requiring 
the attendance of some of the Commissioners of Customs on the 
14th inst., when the question of New England trade will be 
considered. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 228.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 283 

1690. 

June 12. 941. Order of the King in Council. Allowing five hundred 
fuzees, two hundred barrels of powder, and twelve tons of lead to 
be exported to New England on board the ship James. [Ibid, 
p. 229.] 

June 14. 942. Governor Henry Sloughter to Lords of Trade and 
Plantations. I have orders to have a New England sloop. The 
last that came from thence is the King's and is now under restraint 
by order of the Customs. I am told that she is a very good one 
and fit for the service. The bearer, Captain Billop, is my friend 
and wishes to attend on you in this matter. Signed. H. Sloughter. 
%p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 143.] 

June 16. 943. Account of the King's slaves in Bermuda. This is 
identical with the account of the previous year of same date. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 15 Feb., 1690-91. [America and West Indies. 477. 
No. 26.] 

June 17. 944. Lord Nottingham to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Ordering the preparation of a Commission and Instructions to Lord 
Howard of Effingham as Governor of Virginia. J p. Endorsed. 
Read 22 Aug., 1690. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 33, 
and Col. Entry Bk, Vol. LXXXIIL, p. 305.] 

June 18. 945. The Council of Bermuda and Lords of Trade and Planta- 
tions. In October last we sent a loyal address to their Majesties 
and a letter, which were intercepted in the harbour here, as we sus- 
pect, by the privity of Sir Robert Robinson. The Governor refuses 
to govern by the advice of his Council, or to put the judicial pro- 
ceedings on record. He continues to exercise arbitrary and unlimi- 
ted power, suspending some, as Mr. Samuel Trott and Mr. Charles 
Walker, without any sufficient reason and threatening others. He 
admits of no contradictions in Council, and denies the validity of 
the laws of England here. Samuel Trott was elected Receiver 
under a recent Revenue Act, but the Governor turned him out and 
imprisoned him for refusing to pay him the money. He then put 
in one Ashworth, a stranger, who left the island without furnishing 
any accounts. Again the Governor refuses to admit Samuel Trott 
to be Collector of Customs, though he has a commission from the 
Commissioners in London. The Governor bought twenty barrels of 
powder from Captain Hewetson, with the Council's approval ; he 
thought the Council had taken care as to payment for it ; the 
Governor sent half the powder away. The Governor has declined 
to impart public letters and orders from the King to the Council, 
whereby the Council is incapacitated from doing its duty. A nice 
sperm whale was lately stranded here, which the Governor took 
into his own possession, and though he said he would send all the 
proceeds to the King we have reason to believe to the contrary. 
There are many other injuries to private persons also. We beg 
redress. Signed. Win. Peniston, Wm. Greene, Perient Trott, 
Arthur Jones, Law. Dill, Richard Peniston, Wm. Pitt, Joseph 
Stowe, Tho. Outerbridge. 1 ]>]>. Endorsed. Reed. 11 Sept., 
1690. [America and West Indies. 477. A"o. 27, and Col. Entn/ 
Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 279-282.] 



284 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 

June 18. 946. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Commission for a Grand 
Court drawn up. John Bodle committed for spreading vain tales as 
to Lord Inchiquin's instructions. Order for the rent of the house 
now occupied by the Governor to paid out of the revenue. [Board 
of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 56, 57.] 

June 18. 947. Answer of the Revolutionary Government of Maryland 
to the demands of John Heath (see No. 920) . (1) Granted, except 
for such lands whereof no certificates have been recorded, until the 
title be made out. (2) Mattapany house being a garrison 
inforted (sic), the property cannot be altered until the King's 
pleasure be known, but the Agent will not be prevented from 
making the best use thereof. (3) Granted. (4) Granted. (5) The 
Agent may collect the moiety of the two shillings a hogshead; 
other revenues by the collectors appointed by this Government. 
Signed. John Coode, George Robotham, John Edmundson, Henry 
Tripp, Dr. Brook, Ninian Beal, Michael Miller, Wm. Harris, 
- King, Edw. Jones. Copy. 1 pp. [Board of Trade. Mary- 
land, 2. No. 14.] 

June 19. 948. Protest of John Heath against the proceedings of John 

Maryland. Coode and his associates, in plundering good protestants, violating 
the King's orders as to the revenue and taking bills of Exchange for 
the same in their own names. Copy. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. 
Maryland, 2. No. 18.] 

June 19. 949. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Gives an account of his services as Collector of Customs in New 
England from 1679 and of his imprisonment at the revolution in 
Boston, and continues as follows. The chief end of my imprison- 
ment was to restore for themselves free trade for their vessels to all 
parts of Europe, to deter any person from accepting the post of 
Collector after me, and to make Boston a depot for all sorts of 
European commodities. They have sent several ships to Holland, 
Scotland and the Straits. By the Acts of Trade the Governor of every 
English Colony is required to take bond of every captain loading the 
enumerated commodities, and to send copies of those bonds to England 
every year. If the Boston agents can shew that such copies have 
been sent by the present Government at Boston, there is some 
hope that the Acts of Trade will be observed. But they will openly 
violate the Acts, as they have done and now do, unless a competent 
officer be sent to enforce them. While I held the office of Collector 
I enforced the Acts strictly, and therefore it was resolved that I had 
broken a capital law of the Colony and was to be punished with 
death, as is shown by the journal of the House of Representatives of 
28 June, 1689. Having undergone such hardships I beg restoration 
to the post of Collector. Here follows a lour/ list of ships that have 
violated the Acts of Xarir/ation. The whole, 7 pp. Endorsed. 
Read in Council, 19 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. 
No. 110, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 231-242.] 

[June?] 950. Copy of the docket of Edward Randolph's commission, 
whereby he is appointed Surveyor of all forests within twelve miles 
of any harbour or navigable river in Maine, with annual fee of 50 
payable by the Treasurer of the Navy. [Board of Trade. New 
England, 5. No. 111.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



1690. 

June 20. 951. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. By your 
advice I wrote to the Governor this morning, thanking him for 
letting me wait till next fleet and asking him if the Council would 
shew me mercy. I asked also that my brother, who must perish 
when I am gone, might be ventured with Captain Wren, to be 
at liberty so long as he behaved well. The Governor answered me 
that the Council was inexorable, and that he would try my brother 
shortly by a special Court. He advised me to go home and gave 
me the day to think over my answer. I beg your advice. If I 
must go home I beg that my brother may be sent too, not in the 
same ship but in the same fleet, for he has no subsistence but must 
perish if parted from me. I ask also that my clerk may go with 
me and two negroes to attend me, because of my great sea-sickness. 
I beg also that you will procure for me the payment of one or two 
debts, and if you let me have a bill, let it be for 100 or 150 at 
most. Copy. 1 p. Undated, but endorsed. Brought by his servant 
20 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 88.] 

[June 20.] 952. Petition of Ralph Lane to Governor Kendall. For 
release from confinement, and for levy of the writs and decrees 
against him upon his goods. Below. Order of the Governor for 
the petition to be shown to the persons named therein and for them 
and petitioner to attend the Governor. 20 June, 1690. Certified 
true copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 89.] 

[June 20.] 953. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Ibid. No. 40.] 

954. The Revolutionary Government at New York to the King. 
We have sent another letter for your royal information. Signed. 
Jacob Leisler, P. Delanoy, Samuel Edsall, Samuel Staats, Gerard 
Beeckman, Hendrick Janse, Cornells Pluvier, Robert Walters, Gerrit 
Duykinck, Pieter Adolf. \ p. Endorsed. Read 29 Sept., 1600. 
Printed in New York Documents, III., 750. [America and West 
Indies. 578. No. 144.] 

June 28. 955. The same to the Earl of Shrewsbury. By Ensign Stoll's 
New York, arrival on the 20th May we hear of the loss of our former packets, 
taken by the French, and of the arrival of Captain Nicholson and 
Alexander Innes before him, who have doubtless perverted the 
truth ; but since affairs have been entrusted to you we do not 
doubt that the truth will be vindicated. We enclose duplicates 
of our former letters, and have to add that we have now four 
hundred men at Albany, ready with provisions and ammunition. 
On the 3rd of May the Five Nations came to Albany and arrived at 
good terms ; and at the same time the Commissioners from New 
England met, and it was agreed to raise a total of 355 men in New 
England, of whom no more than seventy are yet arrived, and those 
from Connecticut only. We hear of great French preparations, but 
we have 1,800 Indians ready to march with us, who have given good 
proof of their fidelity. Hearing from an Agent at Onandaga that 
messengers were expected by the several nations from Canada to 
reduce them from their allegiance (as appears by the Chevalier d' 
Eau's instructions, annexed) we gave orders that those messengers 
should be taken and brought to Albany. This was promptly done, 
but the French were treated in a most barbarous manner and only 



June 23. 

New York. 



286 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

the Chevalier was brought here. A letter to Father Milet was 
found on him describing Mr. Dell, the Minister at Albany, exactly 
as we had always suspected him to be (see No. 853). He is at 
present confined in Fort William. We are greatly in want of arms ; 
and the collection of the tax of threepence a pound has been opposed 
by the malignant party which, we fear, will abate its value by one 
half. We have set forth a ship with 24 guns and 150 men, a 
hrigantine with 10 guns and 50 men, and a sloop with 8 guns and 70 
men to go to Boston, bring from thence the troops for the attack 
on Canada by land, prevent relief arriving from France and take 
part in the expedition by sea. The news that King James's party 
in Ireland hold power provoked a riot on the 6th June ; also thirty odd 
persons appeared in the street and struck at the Lieutenant- 
Governor with an adze, refusing to pay taxes and demanding the 
release of prisoners. They were easily quelled, and twenty of them 
are now in prison awaiting trial. Postscript. 24 June. News from 
Albany tells of great distraction among the troops designed for 
Canada, which unless composed may be fatal. Mr. Milborne, who 
was to have carried this letter, has therefore been sent thither, and 
Captain Blagge will be the bearer in his stead. Signed as the 
preceding. 2 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 26 Sept. 1690. Bead Oct. 3, 
1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 731. [America and 
West Indies. 578. No. 145, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. III., 
pp. 273-278.] 

[June 23.] 956. Abstract of the foregoing letter. Draft with corrections. 
2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 146.] 

[June 23.] 957. Instructions to the Chevalier D'Eau, on his mission to 
the Iroquois. To dwell on the restoration of a captured chief who 
had been sent to France, and exalt the greatness of France and the 
littleness of England generally. French. 2J pp. Imperfect. 
Certified copy. 25 June, 1690. Translated in New York Docu- 
ment's, III., 733. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 147.] 

[June 23.] 958. Abstract of the foregoing, made for the Plantation Office. 
Draft with corrections. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 148.] 

[June 23.] 959. Instructions sent by the returned captive Indian to the 
messengers which he sent to the Iroquois. French. If pp. Copy. 
Translated in New York Documents, III., 735. [Ibid. No. 149.] 

[June 23.] 960. Abstract of the foregoing, made for the Plantation Office. 
Draft with corrections. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 150.] 

[June 23.] 961. A collection of depositions as to the riot in New York on 
6th .June. Taken on various dates from 8th to 23rd June. All 
agree as to an assault on the officers employed in making a procla- 
mation, and as to the attack on Leisler with an adze. The great 
majority of the deponents bear Dutch names. Copies. The whole, 
12 pp. Printed in New York Documents, III. 740-748. [America 
and West Indies. 578. No. 151] . 

[June 23.] 962. Abstract of the foregoing. 2J pp. Draft, u-ith corrections. 
[Ibid. No. 152.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 



287 



1690. 

[June 23.] 963. 
153.] 



Fragment of the foregoing abstract. \p. [ibid. No. 



June 24. 

Winocomico. 

ary an . 



964. John Coode to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. The 
convention for preserving the peace of Maryland will meet on the 
g^ Q j j u jy ; w hen your letter shall be communicated to them. I 
hope then also to give you full satisfaction as to Colonel Digges. 
One Richard Hill, charged with uttering treasonable words and 
raising arms against the King, is lately fled to Virginia. The 
enclosed letter from Mr. Younge (see A"o. 916) may interest 
you. You shall receive any news that we have from Northward 
without delay. The ships have been ordered to apply to Captain 
Rowe for their sailing orders. The present Collectors appointed are 
Nehemiah Blakiston, George Layneld, and Andrew Abbington, 
who succeeds Mr. Payne. Copy. 2 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 
2. No. 12.] 

June 24. 965. William Blathwayt to Lord Baltimore. Desiring him to 
be present at the meeting of Lords of Trade and Plantations on the 
morrow. J p. Draft. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 19.] 

June 25. 966. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Edward Ryves admitted 
as Deputy Provost Marshal of the Island. Order for all bonds 
which ought to be in the possession of the Chief Justice to be trans- 
ferred for the present to the Governor. Reginald Wilson gave 
bond as Naval Officer and Auditor. Bodle discharged on giving 
security for good behaviour. The case of the ship St. Jago de la 
Victoria postponed to the 30th inst. Order for the jurors who 
served in the case to be summoned and for Sir Francis Watson to 
deliver up all papers relating to it. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. 
pp. 57-59.] 

[June 26.] 967. Answer of the New England Agents to Mr. Randolph's 
account of irregular trading (see Xo. 949). The Government of 
Massachusetts have from time to time declared that they would 
strictly observe the Acts of Trade, and have published them and 
required obedience to them accordingly. The Governor and people 
in general have no advantage from irregular trade, but only the 
offenders, whom they have always been ready to detect and 
punish. Mr. Randolph's says that his commission was invalidated 
by a law passed for the purpose, but the law expressly requires all 
officers to assist informers who report breaches of the Acts of Trade. 
It is very likely that Mr. Randolph was displeased at this law, 
because he wished to be the only informer, but the Government 
wished to encourage others also, that the Acts might be impartially 
administered. It is true that he prosecuted several vessels for 
irregular trading, but juries would not convict owing to the 
defectiveness of his proofs. It was understood in the Colony that 
he wished only to bring it into odium so as to destroy the charter. 
Divers credible persons in the Colony say that he was notoriously 
guilty of bribery and corruption, and that on that account he let 
several offenders go unpunished, which they will no doubt be able 
to prove. Mr. Randolph says that his only crime was the enforce- 
ment of the Navigation Acts. But we would point out that he was 



283 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

the chief person employed in the prosecution of our charter, and 
that his false reports were the chief reason why it was destroyed. 
Again he procured for himself the office of Secretary, and a seat in 
the Council which presumed to make laws without an Assembly. 
He was also active in endeavouring to obtain the property of the 
people and to persuade them to hold their land by quit rent to King 
James. There were reasons for his imprisonment. The merchants 
of New England pay a considerable revenue to the Crown. We 
hope that Mr. Eandolph's statements as to his own merits will not 
be accepted as true. It is difficult at this distance to disprove his 
statements as to the various ships, but we offer what we know. 
Here follow statements as to the various ships enumerated in Randolph's 
paper. Signed. Hen. Ashurst, Elisha Cooke, Inc. : Mather, Tho. 
Oakes. Copy. 7 pp. Endorsed. Bead 26 June, 1690. [Board 
of Trade. New England, 5. No. 112, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 
LXIL, pp. 242-251.] 

June 26. 968. Governor Kendall to the Earl of Shrewsbury. I landed 
here on 12 May and was received by the Lieutenant-Governor and 
Council very decently. I found an Assembly sitting that had been 
called by the Lieutenant-Governor, and finding it to consist of good 
substantial men I continued it. Having ascertained that the French 
had no strength by sea but were strong in men and fortifications at 
St. Christophers, Martinique and Guadeloupe, I sent for Admiral 
Wright who commands the fleet, and pointed out to him the need 
for despatch and for his fleet to sail in ten or twelve days. He 
promised that it should, and he kept his word. I ordered all the sick 
soldiers to go ashore and sent fresh provisions to the healthy men 
on board. Never was a regiment so carelessly sent out or so 
extremely neglected ; but by the care of myself and of Lieut. 
Colonel Holt and Major Nott (who are very good men) seventy out 
of a hundred odd men who were landed very ill were sent on board 
well in ten days. In that short time we clothed the whole regiment, 
which was naked before. I had orders to refit the regiment but 
no orders to deduct it out of their pay or out of such part of it as 
they receive here, but they hope that the King will grant them this 
needed refreshment, and I beg your orders. The day before the 
fleet sailed for the Leeward Islands H.M.S. Guernsey came in, 
having already repaired damages, so that only the Jersey is wanting 
of the whole fleet. Admiral Wright sailed on the 26th May with 
the fleet and regiment. I gave the General of the Leeward Islands 
the best advice that I could by this channel, but I cannot yet tell 
you what they have done. 

When the fleet was gone I had leisure to look about me, and I 
must do the Lieutenant-Governor the justice to say that I found 
most of the people in perfect duty and obedience towards their 
Majesties and all the fortifications in good order. But to my 
grief I find the Militia very thin, the Island having sent six 
hundred men to relief of the Leeward Islands, without which 
they had probably been lost. There has also been great 
mortality among the white servants here, and by reason of the 
war the planters have been unable to supply themselves with 
white servants. For this reason I have not announced the 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. -28! 

1690. 

repeal of the Act concerning the Monmouth rebels to the 
Council and Assembly. It seems that, when they arrived, the 
Lieutenant-Governor received positive orders from King James that 
their servitude should be fixed by Act at ten years. The planters 
accordingly bought them, and thinking themselves secure of them 
during that time taught them to be their boilers, distillers aiid 
refiners, and neglected to teach any others as they would otherwise 
have done. If these men are freed, the loss to the planters will be 
great, and since we are at war and so thinly manned I think it 
would be a great kindness to the Island if the King ordered an Act 
to reduce their servitude to seven years. But if the King adhere to 
his original orders no injustice will be done to these rebels, for by 
law of the country if they come without indentures they must serve 
for five years, which period will expire next Christmas. 

From letters found in the French vessel captured by us, I learn of 
great preparations making in France to send a considerable fleet 
here as soon as this summer's expedition is over. Admiral Wright's 
instructions are to return with the fleet to England as soon as his 
provisions are spent, without a word as to leaving any ships with 
me or with the Leeward Islands. Now this fleet left Portsmouth 
at the end of February with eight months' provisions, and though 
Admiral Wright is a good husband of them, yet unless ships are 
now on their way from England with supplies, or orders be given 
me to victual the ships somehow, our fleet will be sailing home just 
as the French fleet is sailing hither. I beg, therefore, that the 
King will let the men of war remain with us till next summer, by 
which time I doubt not that we shall destroy all the French settle- 
ments. But if the King's affairs do not permit this I beg that I 
may not be left naked, but that two ships may be left to me and as 
many for the Leeward Islands, with which we shall make as good a 
defence as we can. I should like to have Captain Kegwin in the 
Assistance, Captain Houghton in the Bristol, and Captain Robinson 
in the Hampshire from Barbados, being sober and able men. You 
cannot imagine what a lamentable condition this Island was in just 
before our arrival. A small French ship of war was insulting it 
daily and taking the inward bound vessels, so that they were forced 
to fit out two ships to drive her away. The Island is too valuable 
to be neglected, and will be grateful for help. My instructions 
empower me to release Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Mr. Chamber- 
layne. I find that the latter was an ambitious fat fool who changed 
his religion on the day of the King's landing in England, in the 
hope of being raised to the Council. He was seduced by Mont- 
gomerie, and as he has expressed penitence and returned to the 
Church of England I have released him. Sir Thomas Mont- 
gornerie's crimes I find more serious, being of a treasonable nature, 
and as the Council was extremely averse to release him I send him 
home by the ship New Exchange. He is extremely inclined to the 
service of King James, and I believe will escape to him if released. 
I am examining the statements of Ralph Lane against Colonel 
Stede, but do not so far find them made out. Signed. 3. Kendall. 
15 )>i>. Endorsi'd. Read 5 Sept., 1690. [Hoard of Trad'. Barbados, 
4. X<>. 41, and Cl. Kntni HI;., Vol. VIII., }>)>. 218-227.] 



290 COLONIAL PAPEES. 



1690. 

[Jane 26.] 969. List of the stores, arms, and ammunition delivered by 
Colonel Stede to Sir Timothy Thornhill for the expedition which 
started for the relief of St. Kitts. {Board oj Trade. Barbados, 4. 
A T o. 42.] 

June 27. 970. A list of interrogatories put by Sir Thomas Montgomerie 
to Colonel Stede, and answered by him on 27 June, 1690. The 
effect of this is that Sir Thomas Montgomerie tries to make out that 
he acted by advice of Colonel Stede in making his submission to 
the Council, and that Colonel Stede denies the fact and reveals facts 
inconsistent with it. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. 
No. 43.] 

[June.] 971. Abstract of depositions touching Sir Thomas Montgomerie 
and Mr. Chamberlayne. These are taken from the depositions in 
No. 157, as to receiving Jesuits, hearing mass in his house and 
magnifying the French, to the discouragement of the English. 
4 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. A T o. 44.] 

[June.] 972. Memorandum of George Hannay. Sir Thomas 
Montgomerie was committed by order of 25 February, 1690, and 
delivered to my custody on 1st March, having been caught when 
trying to escape in a boat to the French. I gave him three rooms 
in my house, from respect to his dignity, and all good usage, but 
such was his strange lewd behaviour that I could not enjoy quiet 
in my own house, and I was obliged to keep a guard over him at 
my own expense, while his behaviour was so bad that the Council 
passed several orders to prohibit him from receiving visitors, news, 
ink or paper. On Governor Kendall's arrival he had great hopes 
of release, but was recommitted to my house until his departure, 
when he refused to pay me my fees, whereupon I distrained upon 
his property. On my return he attacked me with a sword. I am 
ready to restore his goods on payment of my just fees. 1 p. 
Endorsed. Memorial from Mr. Hannay. [Board of Trade. 
Barbados, 4. No. 45.] 

June 28 973. John Whetstone to William Blathwayt. I send you a bill 
Barbados. O f lading for Sir Thomas Montgomerie, who goes home a prisoner 
in the ship New Exchange. Sir/ned. Jno. Whetstone. ^ p. 
Endorsed. Reed. 8 Sept. 1690. Annexed, 

978. i. The Bill of lading aforesaid. Dated. 28 June, 1690. 

[Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. Nos. 46, 46i.] 

June 30. 974. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The appeal in the case 
of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria heard. The defendants 
demurred to the jurisdiction of the Court, but after long argument 
were over-ruled. The appeal was allowed ; all money in the hands 
of the Receiver General for the ship was paid to the plaintiff's 
attorneys, and they were left to their legal remedy to recover the 
portion embezzled. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. 2>P- 59-61.] 

[June.] 975. Thomas Smithson to the Bishop of London. Though a 

Talbot stranger I make bold to write to you. Several of us for signing a 

Marv"and petition to set forth the state of this province have been threatened 

and some imprisoned by John Coode and his associates, who seized 

the Government on pretence of defending the country against 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 291 

1690. 

French and Indians and now detain Lord Baltimore's revenue. 
To give a true character of them would be too like revilings for me 
to write to you. They boast of the King's commission and that 
their power will be confirmed, and so threaten myself and my 
fellow-prisoners, Protestants, for not adhering to them. I beg you 
therefore to intercede for us and to deliver us from the passions 
of such men, that we may return to the King's service in this 
province and vindicate our characters for loyalty. 1 p. Endorsed. 
Reed, from my Lord of London, 1 Nov., 1690. [Board of Trade. 
Maryland, 2. No. 20.] 

[June.] 976. Memorandum by Colonel Copley. If the King consents 
to my going to Maryland with Lord Baltimore's Commission, let 
the Commission be as full as those of other Governors, and let it be 
during the lives of the King and Queen, revocable only by one or 
the other of their Majesties, and let the King give his instructions 
that Lord Baltimore give half of the two-pence per hogshead duty 
and of the quit rents with all the perquisites received by Governors 
in the neighbouring Colonies. J p. Endorsed. Reed, from Col. 
Copley. {Board of Trade, Maryland, 2. A'o. 21.] 

July 4. 977. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 
Camp at St. On Saturday the 6th ult. I sailed with the Antigua forces for 
istop er. jj on tserrat, and having embarked the men from thence sailed with 
the whole fleet for Nevis, arriving there the 10th. On Friday 13th 
I reviewed our little army, which numbered 2,300 including officers, 
or, including two hundred sailors, which were all that the Council 
could spare me, 2,500 men. They were divided into seven regi- 
ments, viz., the English Regiment under Lieut. -Colonel Holt, the 
Barbados under Sir T. Thornhill, the Antigua, Colonel Rowland 
Williams, two regiments of Nevis, Colonels Charles Pym and 
Edward Earle, the Montserrat, Colonel Nathaniel Blakiston, and 
the Marine Regiment, Captain Kegwyn, H.M.S. Assistance. It was 
resolved at a Council of War first to attempt St. Christophers, though 
we were not without apprehension that according to the ordinary 
rules 2,500 men in boats was too few against 1,500 men in trenches. 
W 7 e harassed and alarmed the enemy with some of our frigates 
until all was in readiness, and on the night of Thursday the 19th 
ult. sailed with the whole fleet for Frigate Bay, where we hoped to 
have landed by surprise, but were prevented thereof by our most 
indefatigable watchful enemies. Before we could get our men into 
the boats we observed their trenches well lined, and great numbers 
flocking thither ; and we have since learned that at that bay over a 
thousand were ready to oppose us. As all our boats could not 
carry above six hundred men at a time, which must have been 
destroyed from the trenches, I ordered the men aboard again and 
the ships to tire on the trenches, which they did until evening, but 
with no great damage as I have since learned ; and indeed their 
trenches are excellently made. About half a mile from 
Frigate Bay is another such bay divided from it by a 
very high and steep mountain, which I ordered to bo 
reconnoitred towards night. The report was that it was 
passable, though with great difficulty, but that if once 
gained, we should fall upon the very backs of the enemy in thc-ir 



292 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

entrenchments. At a Council of War it was resolved that about an 
hour after midnight we should land between four and five hundred 
men, who should march as silently as possible over the mountain 
and at daybreak fall on the enemy ; our hope being that, they being 
thus diverted, we might land the rest of the men under their very 
trenches. All the boats therefore were ordered to be ready to put 
on shore as soon as the party on the mountain should open fire. 
Believing that the French would think our landing at Frigate Bay 
to be only a feint, and that our true design was to fall to leeward 
and land on the English ground, I encouraged the belief by ordering _ 
the frigates to get under sail as soon as the party designed for the 
little bay were landed. I have since heard that this feint not 
only prevented the French from drawing all their forces to Frigate 
Bay, but caused them to order three or four hundred of the men 
who were at the bay to march away to leeward on Friday night ; 
so that on Saturday morning they had but seven hundred men in 
the trenches. 

I ordered that the party to march over the mountain should be 
chosen out of the Island Regiments, and made up as far as possible 
of natives, being fittest for marching and accustomed to rugged 
paths. Sir Timothy Thornhill took command, with Colonel Blakis- 
ton and several other officers, mostly natives, under him. They 
landed between one and two o'clock Saturday morning, 21st June, 
and between four and five o'clock got near the top of the hill, having 
been obliged to crawl over a great part of it on all fours, and to 
pull themselves forward by the bushes. There they fell into an 
ambuscade of the enemy, who fired smartly on them. They forced 
their way on, and on reaching the top came over briskly on the 
enemy, who began to fire on them from the trenches. I then put 
ashore with about six hundred men in the boats. The first that 
entered the trenches of the land-party was Captain Cardine with 
about twenty men ; Captain Kirby of the Success entered at about 
the same moment. The first of our men were not got into the 
trenches when all the enemy were out, having begun some time 
before to run away ; and having thus got the trenches the rest of 
our men were landed securely. In this enterprise we had not above 
ten men killed and thirty wounded ; among the persons of note 
Sir Timothy Thornhill was shot in the leg, and Captain Byam 
dangerously wounded in the neck ; but both are in a fair way to 
recover. Captain Quinby received a shot which smashed all his 
thigh ; he is not dead yet, but his life is despaired of ; Captain 
Brisbane, of H.M.S. Quaker, was shot in his boat while rowing 
ashore and soon afterwards died. 

Our forces being all landed I ordered them to march on in two 
lines towards Bassetere, one in the common path and the other 
through the mountain, to prevent the enemy from galling us from 
thence. Those who fled from the trenches rallied and joined with 
a party that was coming to their assistance, making all about 1,100 
men. About a mile from our landing place they engaged both our 
lines. Our upper line, consisting of the Marines and English 
regiments, was opposed by but a small party, which was soon 
routed ; but the main body fought the lower line near an hour, 
though retreating all the time, and before we came within half 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 298 

1690. 

inusket-shot they made all the heels they could. In this engage- 
ment we had 'about eighteen killed and forty wounded, but none of 
note except Captain Kegwyn. The main shock was borne by the 
Antigua regiment, which supplied twice as many as any other 
regiment to the party that went over the hill. The regiment has 
borne a share generally in what little skirmishes we have since had, 
and though all the forces have behaved themselves honourably, 
justice obliges me to remark it in particular. After this second 
success we marched on to Basseterre, the chief town of the island, 
without further opposition. We found the town deserted and many 
houses burned. Our men being weary we took up our quarters 
there. On Tuesday 24th, having refreshed our men and landed our 
field-pieces we marched into the English ground and took up our 
quarters in the Old Eoad ; and from thence on the 2(5th we came to 
this place arid are encamped, near the English fort, without 
further opposition. On our arrival we learned that the Governor, 
Mons. Guiteau, had with him about 150 regular soldiers, about 250 
planters, and a few of the principal women, for whom he has 
sufficient provisions, and that he told the rest to shift for themselves. 
I am told that they exclaim against the Governor and some of the 
principal officers for selling and betraying the sland to the English, 
which, though the gentlemen are quite innocent, we esteem it 
nowise our business to disabuse the people of. On Friday and 
Saturday last we had several skirmishes with parties in the moun- 
tains, but the enemy would never stand. We took two houses 
which they had fortified, and burned them, and captured two small 
forts, five guns in each, which were dismounted. On Monday 30th 
all our parties were returned to camp and I find that we have 
not above thirty killed and a hundred wounded or otherwise 
sick, though we have had much rain. Only the English regiment 
is sickly, having been harassed by a long voyage at sea and being 
little accustomed to fatigue of this kind. And here let me remark 
upon any future occasion of sending forces from England to 
these parts a hundred disciplined men enured to hardships will be 
worth four hundred of mere new-raised men ; and when such 
cannot be spared it would be most for the King's honour and interest 
to order the Colonies to help each other ; for we in these parts are 
generally accustomed to a hardy and active kind of life ; our youth 
are accustomed to the use of firearms from the time when they 
are strong enough to bear them and from sixteen to sixty all our 
inhabitants, the clergy excepted, are obliged to serve in the militia, 
which is frequently exercised. According to our best information 
the enemy have from one hundred and fifty to two hundred killed 
and wounded. I have sent to the Islands for recruits sufficient to 
make up what are wanting to us. I have had several petitions 
from the women and children for protection, and have issued a 
proclamation, copy of which is enclosed. The gentlemen named 
therein report that many will surrender tomorrow and next day on 
that proclamation, but that the greater part refuse. I shall use 
such severity only towards them as will suffice to ensure our 
security. 

On arriving here on Thursday I at once set about making 
u path to carry up guns to Brimstone Hill, which overlooks the fort. 



294 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

This was quickly done and a platform was made. On Monday 
night with great difficulty we got up two guns, each of 2,400 Ibs. 
weight. The French tried to do this when they besieged the fort 
but could not, nor could we have done it without our trusty 
regiment of sailors. On the 1st inst. all our frigates sailed past 
the fort twice and battered with their guns, throwing several shots 
into it but with what damage we know not. Three men were 
killed and three or four more wounded in the fleet by 
the fire of the fort. Our guns opened from Brimstone Hill, 
and have kept up their fire day and night, as they shall until 
the fort is ours. We have battered several houses in the fort and 
killed several men, as we could see. Today they have as yet only 
wounded one of our men on Brimstone Hill. I have prepared 
another platform lower down on the same hill and 200 yards nearer 
and hope by Saturday night to have four more guns mounted. 
Then I believe that I shall be able to chime very uncomfortable 
music to the gentlemen in the fort. Yesterday we began to open 
our trenches and I hope by the latter end of next week to have them 
finished and three good batteries raised within pistol-shot of their 
gate and bastions, which will make us a passage into the fort if the 
guns on the hill do not drive them to terms. Our people work in 
the trenches as if it were rather diversion than labour or hazard ; 
only two have been wounded and they slightly. Today they have 
been making themselves the pastime to equip some stakes with 
coats and hats, which, while the monsieurs briskly fired at, gave our 
people the advantage of better marks. I hope to finish the work 
successfully. I have fully resolved, and so I believe have all with 
me, to find a grave in this Island or make it an entirely English 
Colony, which will be some reparation for lives lost and families 
ruined in the several wars. I have already recounted to you our 
disadvantages from the bad quality of the arms, our want of an 
engineer and of mortars. This want we feel extremely for we are 
now entering on the hurricane season, and expedition is of no small 
value to us. When the present enterprise is happily over, I hope 
to undertake yet others if the other Islands will help us, though I 
doubt if Barbados will without positive orders from the King. 
8i<jned. Chr. Codrington. P.S. Colonel Holt was unfortunately 
shot by one of our own sentries last night. I hope the wound is 
not mortal, but he can be of no further service here. 7 pp. 
Endorsed. Eecd. 16 Octob., 1690. Enclosed, 

977. i. Proclamation of Governor Codrington, 30 June, 1890. 
Offering protection to women and children and liberty to 
return to their own homes, provided their husbands, 
brothers, &c. surrender within a week. Copy. 2 pp. En- 
dorsed as tJic preceding. [America and West Indies. 550. 
Nos. 87, 87i. and (without enclosure) Board of Trade. 
Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 238-253.] 

July 5. 978. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order forbidding certain 
ships to sail before the departure of the convoy for England. 
[Co/. Entri, Bk., IW LXXXH'., p. 367.] 

July 5. 979. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Complaint was made 
that the Receiver General had refused to pay the money seized in 






AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 295 

1690. 

the St. Jago de la Victoria, but had conveyed away eight chests of 
silver and absconded, that he had made a secret contract about the 
seizure of the ship before the seizure and had afterwards sat as judge 
on the case. Evidence on the subject was taken and the Council 
adjourned. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 61, 62.] 

July 6. 980. Earl of Inchiquin to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

Jamaica. After escaping great dangers of the sea and a malignant fever 
brought on board by seventy or eighty soldiers embarked at Ports- 
mouth and Plymouth, I arrived here on the 31st May with the 
convoy, which was very welcome owing to the scarcity of provisions 
in the Island. I find the animosities here far greater than I 
imagined, not due to the late transactions but to fifteen or sixteen 
years standing of turbulent and pernicious advisers, which would 
have put all into an " nnquencionable " flame here, had not the 
prudence of some Governors prevented it, particularly Lord 
Carbery and Sir Thomas Lynch. Since the disease has been of so 
long duration you will not expect a sudden cure, but I hope I have 
allayed it already and in due time shall remove it. You will believe 
the distraction to be great when the Courts of Judicature have 
fallen nearly two years. People have lived without law or justice, 
to the great encouragement of malefactors and to the strengthening 
of pretensions to martial law. Such exorbitances have been com- 
mitted as I believe were never heard of, but now that the Courts are 
open again the offenders will be brought to condign punishment, 
though all that they are worth will never make amends for the 
mischief they have done. Great inconvenience has arisen from 
Sir Francis Watson's assuming the title of Governor, against the 
express words of the patent from this Government, and erecting a 
court of judicature, which is forbidden even had he been Governor ; 
but for this last I think the money of the Dutch ship was the great 
temptation. The case was retried, according to my instructions, 
and the ship acquitted. 

On my arrival I received news of a wreck in the Texauillas, about 
forty leagues to South West of this Island, which renders Port Royal 
very thin of seamen. The weather has been bad and little treasure 
has been recovered so far, but when it turns calm the ship may be 
turned to account. Not that this Island is likely to be a gainer for 
I have no ship to send to protect those at work there ; the Drake 
being returned a fortnight since hardly able to float. She has since 
been found, on survey, to be irreparable for less than 2000?., or 
more than her first cost. The Island has therefore fitted out a sloop, 
which lately went to Caymanos for turtle, where there were several 
of our craft lying. There Laurens, the great pirate of Petit Guavos, 
engaged the sloop, and the rest of the craft escaped. The firing was 
heard continuing till eleven at night, and as this was a month since 
and nothing has been heard of the sloop, we conclude that Laurens 
has taken her, he having two men against one in his barco longo. 
We have therefore no ships now except the Swan, which is so bad 
a sailer that she is little better than nothing. If she should fall ten 
leagues to leeward I never hope to see her again. The Drake was ii 
smaller ship but being a prime sailer she kept the French in awe, 
so I must beg for a couple of prime sailers if they be only a fifth and 



296 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1690. 

a sixth rate, or the North side of the Island will inevitably be 
destroyed. Captain Spragge is so good a pilot and has done such 
good work that if he were continued in these seas, it would give 
great satisfaction. We have heard nothing of Admiral Wright, but 
knowing his ships to be well manned have little doubt of his 
succeeding. 

The Swan sailed to Carthagena to-day (the only place to 
which she can go from this Island with any hope of coming back 
again) with some letters from the Spanish Ambassador for the 
release of certain English prisoners. She has a small ship of the 
Assiento with negroes under her convoy. The African Company 
has sent but one ship hither, which brought three hundred negroes, 
who were sold at 26/. a head. I hope the Company will give no 
more occasion for your being troubled with such clamours as were 
heard of late. I must prepare you for an ill account of the revenue, 
and of the receiver, who has been suspended by the Council for 
quite sufficient reason. I have not sworn him of the Council, 
though he was named one of the new members. There are some 
present members who, I think, when you hear of their proceedings, 
you will not think fit to be continued. Signed. Inchiquin. 
3J pp. Endorsed. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Xo. 72, and 
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXIL, pp. 336-340.] 

July 7. 981. Abstract of letters from Boston. There is a general 
Boston embargo, and vessels are fitting out for the expedition to Canada. 
The Maquas and French have had a fight, wherein the former lost 
fifty five and the latter forty men. The French were too strong for 
the Maquas, who fled. July 7. Exeter is now beset by Indians and 
we fear will be lost. There has been a skirmish between the 
British and the French in those parts in which we had much the 
worse of it, the enemy being too strong. Arnesbury has been fired 
by Indians. 1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 16 Sept., 1690, from Mr. 
Usher. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 113.] 

July 8. 982. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The royal instructions 
as to commuting the four and a half per cent, duty read. A 
present of 1,500 to the Governor voted, and a bill prepared for the 
same. Bill to repeat the existing act as to Grand Sessions read. 

July 9. Bill to encourage inhabitants to own ships read. Eesolved 
to offer the King 6,500 in commutation of the four and a half per 
cent. duty. Address to the Governor for a payment to the widow of 
Richard Cartwright. Committee appointed to meet a Committee 
of Council as to excusing the poorer people from guard-duties. 
Tote for payment of Benjamin Lhvight's bill for entertainment of 
the Governor, but requested that such expenses may not become a 
precedent without previous concurrence of the Assembly. Adjourned 
to 2 September. [Co/. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 228-234.] 

July 8. 983. Minutes of the Council of Barbados. Order for a Com- 
mittee to appraise Colonel William Allonby's land adjacent to James 
Fort, with a view to purchase thereof for the public. Similar order for 
the appraisement of a wood, belonging to private persons, which 
renders Queen's fort unservicable. The Assembly brought up a 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 297 

1690. 

Bill to repeal the existing Act as to the Grand Sessions. The Governor 
said that he would send it home as soon as possible for signification of 
the royal pleasure. The Governor declined to comply with the 
Assembly's request that the Clerks of the Court of Common Pleas 
should be debarred from acting as Attorneys. Orders for sundry 
payments. 

July 9. The Assembly brought up a Bill to encourage inhabitants 
to become owners or part owners of ships, which was referred to a 
Committee for report. Joint Committee appointed to consider the 
question of excusing the poorer sort of people from duty in the 
guards, they being so poor that their families endure great hard- 
ships. Order for payments of arrears of salary due to the late 
Richard Cartwright to his widow. Benjamin Dwight's bill of 450 
for reception of his Excellency and entertainment of Lord Inchiquin 
brought up, and order given for the Treasurer to pay it. [Col. 
Entry 13k., Vol. XII., pp. 133-138.] 

July 8. 984. Abstract of letters from New England to Joseph Dudley. 
27 June. The people of New York will be destroyed without speedy 
help ; the forces of Connecticut or Albany are leaving it, being 
weary of Leisler's government. The Maquas took Leisler's 
Governor at Albany and would have bitten off his fingers, but for 
the intercession of some persons that he had imprisoned. The 
Governor and Deputy Governor of Boston were against the expedi- 
tion to Canada, only the people threatened that, if they did not consent, 
they would declare for a general Governor. Great want and distress 
in the West Indies. 8 July. Exeter was attacked by Indians on 
the 4th inst., captured, burnt and all the people killed. This has 
alarmed the whole country and put the Government into great con- 
fusion. 1 j>. Endorsed. Reed. 16 Sept. 1690. From Mr. Dudley. 
[Board of Trade. New England, 5. Xo. 115.] 

July 8. 985. William Bantou and Thomas Pound to Sir Edmund 

H ~ I ; S * ^h Se> Andres. ^ e have arrived here from New England where the 

u ' Indians have done much harm. We sailed on the 19th of May, and 

on the 24th met a French man of war which bade us strike and 

fired a broadside at us, but after two hours we satisfied him we 

would not go, for she was so disabled that I doubt if she got to shore 

safe. Our captain and four men were killed and seven wounded. 

Signed. Wm. Banton, Tho. Pound. 1 p. Addressed. [Board oj 

Trade. New England, 5. No. 114.] 

July 11. 986. The Revolutionary Committee to the King. Conceiving 
Maryland, your orders as to the collection of Lord Baltimore's share of the 
revenue by his agents not to be retrospective we remitted the whole 
of it to the Receiver General. By the Act which regulates the matter 
it will be seen that one moiety at least is for public expenses, which 
not being complied with is for Lord Baltimore to make good. Since 
his accession all public charges have been paid from an assessment 
levied on the inhabitants. We have therefore remitted the entire 
revenue as aforesaid. W T e beg you not to listen to our enemies, as 
\ve have injured no man's person or property. We have done our 
best to help New York against the French and Indians, but James 



298 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

Heath, Lord Baltimore's agent, has done his hest to raise dis- 
turbances and has defeated our efforts. We hope that the account 
of the murder of John Payne is before you. Captain John Coode 
and Mr. Kenelrn Cheseldyn will bear this letter. We beg for your 
favour to them. Signed. Hen. Jowles, Ne a Blakistoii, Nich. 
Gassaway, Nicholas Greenberry, John Edmondson, Geo. Eobotham, 
David Browne, John Courts, John Brooke, Henry Trippe, John 
Thomas, Tho. Staly, Edward Jones, Ninian Beall. 2J pp. 
Endorsed. Read 22 Nov., 25 Dec. 90. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. 
No. 22, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIT., pp. 184-188.] 

July 11. 987. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 
2. No. 23.] 

July 12. 988. Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Hill to Lords of Trade 
St. christo- and Plantations. I have presumed to give you a short account of 
phers. our operations though no doubt the General has writ at large. 
Recounts the story of the landing at St. Christophers to the time 
of besieging Fort Charles. (See No. 97). The General sent me 
out with a detachment of six hundred men to take Figtree fort, 
which I did, and also a couple of fortified houses. One of them being 
full of rum and brandy, I at once set on fire. The French ap- 
peared in considerable force and the General, hearing me engaged 
sent me a reinforcement, but I did not need it for the French fled 
to the mountains. I returned that night to Figtree Fort and next 
day rejoined the General. We are pushing our trenches close up 
to the fort, but we have been at a loss for want of the mortars, the 
engineer and the two miners promised to us. Our guns on Brims- 
tone Hill have killed about sixty men in the fort. The garrison is 
about five hundred men under Mons. Guitaud ; the rest of the 
French are scattered about the mountains. A few have surrendered, 
among them some Irish to whom the General has given good 
quarter. We have harassed the outlying forces so that I think 
they will scarcely face us again in a body. I hope (if God avert 
a hurricane) we shall be able to force a surrender of the fort. 
Signed. Tho. Hill. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 29 Sept., 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 550. No. 88, and Board of Trade. Lee- 
ward Islands, 43. pp. 233-236.] 

July 1C. 989. The Council of Bermuda to Lords of Trade and Planta- 
Bermuda. tions. Since our last of 18th June (No. 945) the Governor 
continues to send gunpowder out of the Island against the Council's 
advice. The evil of excluding Mr. Trott from the Collectorship of 
Customs has been represented to him, but he declares that he will 
answer it sooner than admit him. The Governor also refuses to 
admit Henry Fifield to the offices of Secretary or Provost Marshal, 
but keeps the stores and magazine in his own hands. The 
Governor has calumniated us by reporting that the Council had 
voted that the King had nothing to do with the liquor tax. Signed. 
Wm. Peniston, Wm. Greene, Perient Trott, Arthur Jones, Richard 
Peniston, Law. Dill, Wm. Pitt, Joseph Stowe, Tho. Outerbridge. 
1 p. Endorsed. Reed. 11 Sept., 1690. I America and West Indies. 
477. No. 28, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLIIL, pp. 277-279.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 299 



1690. 

[July 18.] 990. A collection of papers relating to the suspension of 
Francis Hickman. 

990. i. Extract from minutes of Council of Jamaica, 10 Feb., 
1690. On the petition of Thomas Clarke, Charles 
Bouchier and others complaining of the extortion of 
excessive fees by Francis Hickman, the charge was held 
proved, and, Hickman being suspended from being Clerk 
of Council and Secretary, Charles Bouchier was appointed in 
his place. Extract from Minutes of 11 Feb., 1690. Charles 
Bouchier was sworn ; and a copy of the petition against 
Hickman was delivered to him at his request. Sir 
Francis Watson and Colonel Ballard dissented from the 
dismissal of Hickman. Orders for Hickman to deliver up 
the records to Bouchier. Extract from Minutes o/21 Feb. 
The record of Hickman's suspension was drawn up by 
Charles Bouchier. Hickman being summoned gave 
reasons for not delivering the records. Order of the 
Provost Marshal to demand the records of him, and if 
refused to take him into custody. 1^ pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 18 July, 1690. 

990. n. The petition of Thomas Clarke, Charles Bouchier and 
others to the Council of Jamaica ; on which Hickman was 
suspended. 1 p. 

990. in. Answer of Francis Hickman to certain statements of 
Clarke and Bouchier, in defence of his action. 2 pp. 
[Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 73, i-in.] 

July 23. 991. Minutes of a meeting of the Clergy of Virginia. Order for 
the execution of ecclesiastical discipline against vice, and for the 
nomination of persons to ensure the same. Signed. James Blair, 
Commiss. 3 pp. Copy. Endorsed. Reed. 22 Oct., 1690. 
[America and West Indies. 636. No. 34.] 

[July.] 992. Address of the Clergy of Virginia to the Bishop of London. 

Congratulating him on his restoration to his diocese, and thanking 
him for his commission for the execution of ecclesiastical discipline. 
Copy. % p. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 35.] 

[July.] 993. Address of the same to the King and Queen. Congratu- 
lations. [Hid. No. 36.] 

July 24. 994. Abstracts of several letters written to Thomas Brinley, 
from New England. 13 July. We had advice yesterday that a 
French man of war and a sloop had landed troops at Block Island 
and taken the place. Some persons escaped and brought us news. 
20 July. This man of war with the sloop and two ketches came 
into our harbour last Monday night to surprise us, but we discovered 
him and raised the country. They then sailed to New London 
where they tired some shots, and thence to Fisher's Island where 
they fell to killing cattle and burning houses. We expect two 
men of war from Boston to take them and are sending two sloops to 
join them. July 24. Our two sloops discovered the enemy 
yesterday and stood close in shore to eight foot of water and landed 
men to oppose the enemy's disembarkation. The British were about 



300 COLONIAL PAPEES. 

1690. 

ninety men in all. The French sent a large sloop with a hundred 
men against them, but received such a fire at close range that they 
sheered off with near half their men killed and wounded. The 
enemy's fleet then sailed away. In consequence of constant 
alarms I have sent all my goods to Boston. They are sending near 
4,000 men and thirty sail from thence to take Canada. What the 
issue will be I know not. We mightily want a Government. 
July 1 (from Boston). A French privateer has lately taken thirteen 
ships on the coast. This same vessel, as they say, engaged Captain 
George for four hours and then ran for it, but not till after 
Captain George had been killed. I hope it be not true. I wish he 
may live to appear at Whitehall. Copies. 3 pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 16 Sept. 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. A'o. 116.] 

July '2-i. 995. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Proclamation for repeal 
of the Attorneys Act 1680 ordered to be issued. Order for a 
proclamation against profanation of the Sabbath and debauchery. 
The Lieutenant-Goveruor reporting the Militia to be in bad order, 
the Council directed the Militia Act 1684 to be strictly enforced. 
Order for thanks to be given to the King for the ammunition supplied 
by him. Order for sale of the unused wreckage saved from H.M.S. 
Deptford. Order for completion of a house by York River Fort. 
The Lieuteuaut-Governor announced that Colonel Potter had agreed 
to go to New England and report for 607. 

July 25. Resolved that persons be appointed to collect subscriptions 
for a free school and college ; and that the King be requested to allow 
the settlement of the land on Pamunkey Neck. Eesolved that it is 
not expedient to call an Assembly. Order that all ships ready to 
go to Europe with this fleet be allowed to go, but that afterwards 
none be allowed, except the Jamaica fleet or a frigate arrive bound 
for Europe. The Clerk of the Council praying for an addition to 
his salary, the question was postponed till October next. 

The Lieutenant-Governor was requested to announce the sailing 
arrangements to Maryland, and to ask the King that none but 
residents be appointed to public offices. Order for the immediate 
delivery of the late Secretary Spencer's papers or for legal 
proceedings to be taken to obtain them. Address to the King as to 
the demarcation of the boundary of North Carolina. Order for 
sufficient money to be allowed to Edward Davies and his accomplices 
from the goods shipped for England to enable them to pay their 
debts. Inventory and bill of lading for the said goods were 
produced in Council. Order for a return of the officers and men of 
the militia, the guns, ammunition, etc., to be furnished in October. 
Colonel John Coode's letter from Maryland read, also Colonel 
Philip Ludwell's from North Carolina. Colonel Ludwell this day 
owned himself agent for the proprietors of the Northern Neck. 
Order for Colonel Ludwell to furnish a list of the surveyors 
employed by him as Deputy Surveryor General. The Lieutenant 
Governor reported his intention of visiting Accomack. [C'<>L Entni 
Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 369-882.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 301 



1690. 

July 25. 996. Instrument for the appointment of Commissioners to 
receive subscriptions for the erection of a free school and college in 
Virginia. Copt/. 1J pp. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 37.] 

July 25. 997. Appeal of the Clergy in Virginia to the Merchants of 

James City. London for subscriptions towards the erection of a free school and 

college. Signed. James Blair, Pat. Smith, Sam Eburn, Dewel 

Pead, John Farnefold. Copt/. I p. [America and West Indira. (>36. 

Xo. 38.] 

[July.] 998. Propositions to be laid before the next Assembly for the 

providing of a free college. To ask for a royal charter ; to vote a 
sufficient annual maintenance ; to take care for the appointment of 
fitting ushers for the school and professors for the college ; that the 
following salaries be paid, viz. : To the President of the College 
150, to the Professor of Divinity 150, to the Professor of 
Philosophy A'80, to the Master of the School .80, and fifteen 
shillings annually from all but twenty poor scholars, and to the 
Usher 50, and five shillings from each scholar as aforesaid ; that 
land be purchased and a building erected, li pp. [America and 
West Indies. 636. Xn. 39.] 

July 26. 999. Governor Sir Robert Robinson to Lords of Trade and Plan- 
Bermuda, tations. We have duly received the stores from the Tower, and are 
heartily thankful for them. We have little anxiety about the French 
since the British fleet is arrived at the Leeward Islands ; and besides 
this is a dangerous season for approach to our coasts. We have heard 
of the recapture of St. Christophers. A commission has arrived 
under the broad seal for three offices, and I have heard nothing of 
it, also another commission from the Customs of which I have heard 
nothing, so that I cannot put in capable persons as my Commission 
directs. I can give no account of the public money, for it is still 
maintained to be the country's, and the collector has a commission 
from the Custom-house, so that I cannot pay the poor workmen for 
the fortifications. We are anxious for news from England. Sii/m'd. 
Bobt. Robinson. 2 pp. Endorsed. Reed. 10 Sept., 1690. 

Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 477. 
Xo8. 29, 30, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 275, 276.] 

[July.] 1,000. Report of Captain Holmes, employed to fetch masts for 
the King's ships, who left Piscataqua on the 19th May. He has 
brought but 14 masts this voyage and 22 yards, whereas in other 
voyages he has brought back 74 masts and yards. He has seen the 
desolation wrought by the French and Indians, which would never 
have taken place if Sir Edmund Andros had not been deposed by 
the revolution at Boston. Some of the people at Boston supply the 
Indians with arms and ammunition ; the names of these persons can 
be given. Informant has no interest in New England, and gives this 
information on public grounds only. Signed. John Holmes. 
2 />]>. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. Xo. 117.] 

^t'K- 1- 1,001. Certificate of the Agent for the regular Companies al New 
York. That the officers and men have been paid to the 1st of July. 
Si/ined. Win. Whitehurst. p. [America and Went Indies. 578. 

.V". 154.] 



802 COLONIAL PAPERS. 



1690. 
Aug. 1. 1,002. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to the Revolutionary 

Maryland. Government of Maryland. Richard Hill has been here and has 
made great complaints of Colonel Coode. Pray let me know what 
is the charge against him. You have given me no answer as to 
your ships preparing to join our convoy to Europe. No ships are 
to sail henceforth but in fleets. Pray let me hear all news whether 
from Europe or from the North. Copy. 1J pp. [Board of Trade. 
Maryland, 2. No. 24.] 

Aug. 1. 1,003. William Cole to the Earl of Shrewsbury. My humble 
Virginia. thanks to the King for confirming my appointment as Secretary. 
Mr. Bacon gave you an account of the loss of the Deptford. The 
Council ordered the Auditor of the Revenue to pay for the clothing 
and feeding of the men, and to draw bills on the Commissioners of 
the Navy for the amount, giving them a full account. Captain Rowe 
took charge of all that was saved from the wreck and has certified 
us that he has made use of much of it ; but there were some things 
that he did not want, and it would be a great expense to find 
storehouse-room for them, so the Lieutenant-Governor ordered them 
to be sold. I forward copies of the depositions as to the murder of 
Mr. John Payne, and also the journal of the Council. You will 
observe in the journal that I am directed to represent to you the 
dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of the Northern Neck, between the 
Potomac and the Rappahaimock, that they do not hold their lands 
of the King. This is in consequence of a grant made to the late 
Lord Culpepper, which his representatives are endeavouring to 
execute. It is a great diminution of the King's Government that 
the King should receive no rent for so considerable a tract. AVe 
believe that there were proposals for the purchase of Lord Culpeper's 
interest which came to no effect. The present heirs, having little 
prospect of profit, will probably make over their interest to the 
King on moderate terms, and we beg of you to bring the matter 
before his Majesty. It is feared that the proprietors of the Southern 
part will try to procure a new patent or a royal order to lay out the 
bounds on new lines between Virginia and North Carolina. All 
within latitude 36 has been accounted always part of Virginia and 
has long been settled. We beg that 110 orders as to the defining of 
bounds may be given until we are first heard, for they might bring 
about a great loss in the King's quit-rents. I am desired also to 
represent the inconvenience of granting places and offices to persons 
not resident in the Colony, who execute their duty by deputy, draw 
a large profit and are of no use to the Colony ; and to beg that 
offices may not be bestowed on such persons. Captain Nicholson 
found us in peace on his arrival but much alarmed at the prospect 
of war with the Indians. The Council thanks the King heartily for 
the supply of ammunition. Signed. William Cole. 4 pp. Endorsed. 
Reed. 29 Jan. 90/1. Annexed, 

1,003. i. Extract from Minutes of Council of Virginia. July 26, 
1690. Resolution to represent to the King the incon- 
venience of appointing persons not resident in the Colony 
to places and offices. Copy. 1J pp. [America and Went 
Indies, 636. Nog. 40, 40i., and Board of Trade, 
Virginia, 36. pp. 23-28.] 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 303 

1690. 

Aug. 3. 1,004. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

St. Christo- I n continuation of my letter of 4 July ; on the 8th July we mounted 
phers. three guns on our new platform, and on the 12th our trenches were 
nearly finished and our platforms for the batteries begun, nine 
twelve-pounders brought above half way and seven almost in 
position. That evening the French general sent three gentlemen 
to me with a flag of truce to desire a cessation of arms for three 
days with a view to a capitulation. I consented for forty-eight 
hours, reserving the right to go on with my trenches and batteries, 
the concession of which showed rne that they had no thought of 
further resistance. On Sunday morning they sent me their pro- 
posals and on the day following I sent them my concessions, 
to which they agreed, only asking till Wednesday noon to 
prepare to leave the fort. On that day, the 16th of July, 
the fort was accordingly surrendered, and I took possession, 
hoisted the English flag and drank their Majesties' healths to a 
round of all the guns in the fort, which was answered by the 
frigates and three volleys of the whole army. I found in the fort 
the arms, ammunition, etc., of the enclosed list. The garrison 
consisted at the beginning of the siege of four hundred and eighty 
men, of whom sixty were killed by our guns on Brimstone Hill. 
The houses in the fort were riddled like sieves, and we can believe 
the French when they say they could neither eat nor sleep in quiet. 
We had several small skirmishes in the mountains during the 
siege, and lost some few men in the trenches. On the 18th I sent 
Sir Timothy Thornhill to St. Eustatia with three hundred and 
fifty men, who saved Captain Schorer, the former Governor, from 
an inconvenience. Schorer had landed with sixty men from Saba 
to take the fort of St. Eustatia, which was garrisoned by 
eighty men. Fortunately he did not show himself until Sir 
Timothy arrived, or he might have catched a Tartar indeed 
his former demeanour in defence of the fort and his 
late endeavours to regain it are much upon a size. But 
despite his good fortune in our ridding him from the clutches 
of the French he has written me a letter lately complaining of be- 
ing deprived of the honour of taking the fort, having, as he says, 
made an entire conquest of the rest of the Island in very truth he 
had brought all the cattle, sheep etc. under his subjection, for all 
the men were in the fort. After five days' siege and two days' 
battering the Governor surrendered the fort and had the same 
terms as the garrison here, copies of which are enclosed. The 
Governor's lieutenant was killed and six more wounded ; while we 
lost one man killed and fourteen wounded in the trenches. The 
Governor and soldiers were brought from there some days since and 
I have left a garrison of six files of men under a lieutenant, 
encouraging former proprietors to return and re-settle. I shall do 
my best for St. Eustatia, pending receipt of the King's orders. 

As soon as I had possession of the fort on this Island I set about 
the securing of our conquest, and have to-day shipped off five 
hundred and fifty men besides women and children to Hispaniola, 
and I have also sent over two hundred men disarmed and four 
hundred woaien and children to St. Martins, being former inhabi- 
tants, appointing one of them to be Governor for the present. To 



804 COLONIAL PAPERS. 

1690. 

Martinique I have sent the French Governor of the Island with fifty 
men and two hundred women and children, and have written to Count 
de Blenac for ships to transport the remainder to St. Domingo. I 
should send the rest of the prisoners to Europe if I could, but have 
not the means. On enquiry I find that in all this expedition we 
have not lost above sixty men killed or dead of wounds, the rest 
being recovered or in a fair way, particularly Colonel Holt. There 
have been some deaths from distemper, and indeed the 
whole army has of late been very sickly. Considering that this 
fact, the number of prisoners still awaiting transportation and 
our scarcity of provisions, I see no prospect of any further 
expedition until October. Today and tomorrow all the 
planters, except some small detachments, will be shipped off 
to their various colonies, and I doubt not will be well recruited 
and ready for action against the appointed time. The detachments 
aforesaid, with the remains of the English and Barbados regiments 
and Colonel Hill's company, I have appointed to stay here. The 
English have stores of their own and the rest I shall supply as well 
as I can, for except a little Indian provisions there is nothing to be 
had. Scarce an ox, a sheep or a pullet is to be seen, such has been 
the destruction and consumption made by our army in what was 
not long since a plentiful and flourishing Colony. I design to stay 
here myself for some time longer, until I have seen the remaining 
men shipped off, and shall then visit and regulate affairs in the 
other Islands, for which since I received my commission I have had 
no leisure. 

I have written twice to the Governors of Jamaica and Barbados 
to give them a full account of all affairs here, not omitting to 
represent the need for their assistance to complete the conquest of 
the French Islands, and how unreasonable it is that the Leeward 
. Islands, without a third part of the inhabitants of Jamaica and 
Barbados, should bear the whole burden of the war. Had I sufficient 
force in my own Goverment I should not ask for the aid of my 
neighbours. I hope that Jamaica will not be tardy, though former 
experience gives me little hope of help from Barbados beyond what 
shall be directed by the King's positive orders. There was never 
so fair an opportunity to destroy the French interests in 
America as this. Tomorrow Admiral Wright sails with his fleet 
for Barbados, designing to cruise between that and Martinique until 
the close of the hurricane-season, where they will have sea-room in 
case of a storm and will lie commodiously to meet any fleet from 
France. At the end of two months I hope to send you further 
accounts of the success of our arms. I doubt not that you 
are mindful to hasten us fresh stores for the fleet and 
the English regiment, it being difficult if not impossible 
to supply either here ; and without a fleet it will not only 
be impossible to hold our present conquests but there will be great 
peril to our own Islands. There are several matters to be represen- 
ted to you as to St. Christophers. If the French be restored to 
their former possessions therein, no Englishmen will ever settle 
there again, for having been twice ruined by their French neighbours 
within twenty-two years, it is not likely that with all America before 
them thev will run the risk a third time. If the Island become 



AMERICA AND WEST INDIES. 805 

1G90. 

entirely French it would soon be very populous and formidable to 
all their neighbours. When I landed they had fifteen hundred 
fighting men and six thousand women and children ; and if they 
were left in possession I am convinced that most of the inhabitants 
of the Leeward Islands, and especially of Nevis, where much of the 
land is worn out, would withdraw to some secure country. On the 
other hand total possession of the Island by the English would be 
very beneficial to us, for though it has been longer settled than Barba- 
dos, it still produces as plentifully as any of the Carribees, the soil is 
good, the air is healthy and there is abundance of good water. 
I dare engage to say that if it continued wholly English 
for five years it would have more than twenty-five hundred fighting 
men, and in less than fifteen years would rival Barbados in splen- 
dour and riches. Barbados lives chiefly by trade, for the soil is so 
miserably poor that it scarce anywhere produces without dung, and 
I dare aver that the same quantity of goods could be made in this 
island with less than half of the labour and expense. I mention all 
this for your information in case there should be question of a treaty 
of peace, but I hope in God that by the end of the war the French 
interests in America will be at an end and all treaties of surrender 
to them in these parts at an end likewise. Pardon me for remind- 
ing you that I have disbursed large sums for the public service and 
am ready still to do so cheerfully, not doubting of repayment from 
the King. It is on this that I must solely depend, for the war has 
made all these islands so miserably poor that no donations 
can be expected from them for some years, which were the 
main advantages of former Governors. Also I have been 
deprived of a company of foot, which was enjoyed by 
all my predecessors, through the solicitations of Colonel Hill's 
agents. Neither in that nor in any other station has he discharged 
his trust with greater zeal than myself, and though I am far from 
envying the King's bounty to him, yet in justice to myself I must 
remark that I am deprived of that which all my predecessors enjoyed. 
Signed. Chr. Codrington. 6 pp. Endorsed. Eecd. 16 October. 
A nnexed, 

1,004. i. Articles proposed by the French for the surrender of St. 
Christophers, if July 1690. Fifteen Articles. Signed. 
Le Chev. de Guitaud. Copy. 1 J pp. 

1,004. ii. Articles conceded by Governor Codrington to the French 
in answer to the above proposals. He does not grant 
them the honours of war and refuses to send any French 
prisoners to Martinique or Guadeloupe, but only to 
Fr