[1] The English forces, soon after the declaration of war against
Spain, sailed for the conquest of the Spanish West Indies. After an
unsuccessful attack on Hispaniola, they landed at Jamaica and on May
10, 1655, took possession of the island. It now became the cherished
plan of Cromwell to settle Jamaica, especially with the colonists of
the other plantations in America. Numerous entries regarding Jamaican
affairs are to be found in the records of the Council of State during
this period. In the Interregnum Entry Book, p. 328, there is an
order of October 10, 1655, approving the draft of this particular
proclamation (_Cal. State Papers, Colonial, 1574-1660_, p. 431).
1658, March 9.
[Limiting Greenland Trade to Muscovy Company.]