Assemblyes and Courts of Indicature for Civill and Criminall Causes
there are within the said Collonyes and Plantations, and of what Nature
and Kind.
[Sidenote: What Courts of Admiralty.]
16. What Courts of Indicature they have relating to the Admiralty.
[Sidenote: What their Legislative and Executive Powers are.]
17. Where the Legislative and Executive Powers of their Governments are
seated.
[Sidenote: What Statutes and Lawes they have.]
18. What Statutes, Lawes, and Ordinances they have made, and are now in
force.
[Sidenote: What number of Horse and Foot.]
19. What number of Horse and Foot they have and whether Trayned Bands,
Bands, or Standing Forces.
[Sidenote: What Castles and Forts and how provided.]
20. What Castles or Forts they have, how situated and what Stores and
Provisions they are furnished with.
[Sidenote: What strength their Neighbours have.]
21. What strength their Bordering Neighbours have by Sea and Land.
[Sidenote: What Correspondency they keep with them.]
22. What Correspondency they keep with their Neighbours.
[Sidenote: What Armes Ammunition &c. have been sent unto them.]
23. What Armes, Ammunition, and Stores have been sent unto the said
Collonyes and Plantations upon our Accompt, when received, how Employed,
and what part of them is there remayning and where.
[Sidenote: What Moneys have been paid for Armes &c. and Fortifications.]
24. What Moneys have been paid or appointed to be paid by Us, or Leavyed
within the said severall Collonys, and Plantacons for and towards the
buying of Armes, or making and Mayntaining of any Fortifications, or
Castles, And how the said Moneys have been expended.
[Sidenote: The Boundaryes and Contents of their Lands.]
25. What the Boundaryes, and Contents of their Lands are.
[Sidenote: What Mynes, Commodityes and Manufactures they have.]
26. What Mynes they have of Gold, Silver, Copper, Tynne, Ledd, or Iron.
What Commodityes there are of their production, growth, or Manufacture.
What Materialls for Shipping and whether Salt-petre is or may be
produced in any of the said Collonyes or Plantations. And if so, At what
Rates it may be delivered in England.
[Sidenote: Whether Spices, Gumms, Drugs if Planted will not thrive.]
27. Whether Nutmegs, Cinnamon, Cloves, Pepper, and other Spices, and
Gumms, Druggs and Dying Stuffs which now grow in the East Indyes, and
are brought from thence may not be planted and come to perfection in
some of Our Collonyes, and Plantations in the West Indyes.
[Sidenote: What Rivers, Harbours &c. they have.]
28. What Rivers, Harbours, and Roads they have, and of What Depths, and
Soundings.
[Sidenote: What Banks or Shoales for Fishing.]
29. What Banks, or Shoales they have upon, or neare their Coasts for
Fishing.
[Sidenote: What number of Planters and Parishes.]
30. What number of Planters, Servants, and Slaves, and how many Parishes
they have.
[Sidenote: What number of Whites and Blacks doe yearly come.]
31. What Number of English, Scotch, or Irish doe yearely come, and what
Blacks, or Slaves, are brought unto them.
[Sidenote: What number of People dye yearely.]
32. What Number of People doe yearely dye within the said Collonyes and
Plantations both Whites, and Blacks.
33. What Number of Shipps doe Yearely Trade to and from the said
Collonyes and Plantations, and of what Burthen they are.
[Sidenote: What number of Ships Trade yearely.]
[Sidenote: What obstructions they have and Advantages may be gained to
their Trade.]
34. What Obstructions there are, and What advantages may be gained to
the Improovement of their Trade and Navigation.
[Sidenote: What Dutyes are Charged upon Goods imported, or exported.]
35. What Rates and Dutyes are charged and payable upon any Goods or
Commodityes exported out of the said Collonyes and Plantations, whether
of their owne Growth and Manufacture or otherwyse. As also upon Goods
imported.
[Sidenote: What Publick Revenues doe arise among them.]
36. What Revenues doe or may arise unto Us within the said Collynes and
Plantations, and of what nature they are. By whome Collected, and how
answered and Accompted unto Us.
[Sidenote: How they instruct the People in Religion, and pay their
Ministry.]
37. And what Course they take about Instructing of their People in the
Christian Religion. And what Provision is made for the Maintenance of
their Ministers.
[Sidenote: To consider which of the said Collonyes are not fully
Planted.]
38. You are to informe yourselves which of our said Collonyes and
Plantations are not fully Planted or Inhabited, and to consider how such
of them may most conveniently be supplyed from others that are
overstored with people.
[Sidenote: How the s^{d} Collonyes may be serviceable to one another and
useful to these Kingdomes.]
39. You are to consider how our said Collonyes, and Plantations may be
serviceable unto one another in relation to their mutuall Sustenance and
Defence, and how they may be Governed to be of use and advantage
likewise to these Our Kingdomes.
[Sidenote: To Correspond by Letters with forreigne Governours.]
40. You are to take care in Keeping frequent Correspondency by Letters
with the severall Governours of Our said Collonyes, and Plantations.
[Sidenote: To Charge them to preserve peace with their Neighbo^{rs} and
to protect y^{e} Indians.]
41. You are hereby required in Our Name strictly to charge all and every
the Governours of Our said Collonyes and Plantations respectively. That
they doe not Give any just Provocation unto any of their Neighbours
Indians or others that are at Peace & Amity with Us. But that they doe
by all just wayes and Meanes endeavours to preserve such Peace and Amity
and keep a good and fayre Correspondencye with them.
And if any of the said Indians shall desire to putt themselves under
the Protection of the Governours, or Governments of our said Collonyes
or Plantations, That they doe receive them with respect and Kindnesse,
and Give them due Protection, and Defence in their Persons, Goods, and
Possessions according to Lawe. And in case any Persons shall contrary
thereunto offer any Affronts or Injuryes unto them, That the said
Governours doe severly punish such offenders according to Justice and
Right.
[Sidenote: To procure Coppyes of all Grants concerning the said
Collonyes &c.]
42. You are to endeavour the procuring Coppyes of all Letters Patents,
Charters, or Grants of any of Our said Collonyes or Plantations, or of
any Part of them, passed by Us or any of Our Predecessors under the
Great Seale of England, to any Person, Socyety, or Corporation of Men
Whatsoever. And to informe yourselves whether they have been duely putt
in Execution according to the Severall Grants, Clauses and Conditions,
conteyned in them respectively.
[Sidenote: To procure Exact Mapps of the said Collonyes.]
43. You are likewise to endeavour the procuring of Exact Mapps,
Platts, or Charts of all Our said Collonyes and Plantations with the
Descriptions of their respective Rivers, Forts, Harbours, Bayes, and
Roads.
[Sidenote: To consider of the improoving of their Trade and Commerce.]
44. And when you shall have received due Information concerning the
perticulars in the foregoing Instructions. You are to consider of the
best wayes, and Meanes for the encourageing settling, and Improoving
the Trade, and Commerce of Our sayd Collonyes, and Plantations. And
accordingly to offer unto Us your Opinions, and Advice thereupon.
[Sidenote: To Examine if the Articles of Peace and Commerce with
forreigne Princes have been performed.]
45. You are to consider the severall Articles of Peace and Commerce that
have been heretofore made between Us or any of our Royal Predecessors,
and all forreigne Princes, and States, and to Examine whether the
Priviledges and Immunityes by them Granted or agreed for the Benefitt
and advantage of Our Merchants, have from tyme to tyme been carefully
upheld and performed, And in case you shall find any Manifest Breach of
them, or any Injuryes done to Our Merchants, or any Obstructions to Our
Trade thereby, You are to represent the same to Us for Our
Consideration.
[Sidenote: To enquire what Councills of Trade &c. are settled in
forreigne Parts and w^{t} Commiss^{ns} Instructions and Allowances
they have.]
46. You are to informe yourselves the best that may be, What Councills,
or Courts of Indicature are Established in any forreigne Kingdomes
or States for the well Government of their Trade and Navigation,
and for the Improovement Settlement, and Defence of their Collonyes
and Plantations. As also What Commissions, Powers, Authorityes,
Instructions, and allowances they have Given and Granted unto them
for the better carrying on of those Services.
[Sidenote: To observe such other Instructions &c as shall be sent
und^{r} his Ma^{ts} Signe Manuall and to addresse to his Ma^{ty}
for further Instructions &c. if need be.]
47. And Lastly you are required and authorized to observe and putt in
Execution all such other Powers, Authorityes and Instructions (relating
unto Our said Collonyes or Plantations, or unto the Trade, Commerce or
Navigation of them, or of these our Kingdomes) as shall from tyme to
tyme be sent unto you by Us under Our Signe Manuall.
And where you shall judge it necessary to have any further Powers,
Authorityes, or Instructions for the better Carrying on of Our Service
therein. You are to Addresse yourselves unto Us for Our further Pleasure
and Direction.
APPENDIX IV.
Heads of Business of Councils, 1670-1674.
COUNCIL FOR FOREIGN PLANTATIONS, 1670-1672.
_August 3, 1670._
Commission and instructions for a Council for Foreign Plantations read.
(From the Index mentioned on p. 101, note 6, here cited as _Journal_.)
_August 9._
Letter to Trinity House. (_Journal._)
_August 12._
Oath of Secrecy to the Officers. (_Journal._)
_August 16._
Petition of St. Christopher read. (_Journal_; Cal. State Papers, Col.
1669-1674, Sec. 232, here cited as _Cal._)
_August 19._
Commissioners for St. Christopher agreed on. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 232.)
_August 22._
Report on St. Christopher's case. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 232, 850.)
_September 22._
Petition for a chief governor of the Leeward Is. (_Journal_; _Cal._,
Sec. 268.)
_September 24._
Beginning of consideration of Surinam question. (_Journal_; _Cal._,
Sec.Sec. 60, 291, 486, 524, and _passim._)
_September 26._
Col. Lynch to be a committee at St. Christopher and afterwards to goe to
Jamaica as his Maj. Lieutenant. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 287.)
_September 27._
Leeward Is. petition again read. (_Cal._, Sec. 269.)
_September 29._
Drafting of queries to Gov. Berkeley of Virginia. (_Cal._, Sec. 565.)
_September 30._
Jamaica & the Isle of Providence. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 276.)
_October 5._
Surinam, Jamaica, St. Christopher; Conveyance of Letters to Foreign
Plantations. (_Journal_; _Cal._, _Dom._, 1672-1673, p. 295.)
_October 10._
Surinam agreement with the two ships, 20,000^{11} damage at St.
Christopher. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 274, 292, 295.)
_October 18._
St. Christopher order of summons to planters of Barbadoes and
petitioners from St. Christopher to appear. (_Cal._, Sec. 297.) There must
have been a meeting on "Friday next."
_October 25._
Draft instructions for Commissioners for St. Christopher for bringing
off from Surinam English subjects, their families, and estates.
(_Cal._, Sec. 304.)
_October 27._
Leeward Is. their Governor apart, Answer of Lord Willoughby read.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 309, 327.)
_November 1._
Surinam, names of Commissioners. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 319, 320, 324.)
_November 5._
Commission and instructions to Major Bannister for fetching off the
English from Surinam. (_Cal._, Sec. 850.)
_November 8._
Peace with Spain. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 334, 334 I.)
_November 12._
Barbadoes imposition on Sugar. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 332, 519, 520,
p. 229, _passim._)
_November 15._
Order regarding 16th article of the treaty with Spain. (_Cal._, Sec. 334.)
_November 17._
Report on petition of Leeward Is., favoring the petition, despite Lord
Willoughby's objections. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 339, 850.)
_November 26._
Sir Chas. Wheeler appointed governor of the Leeward Is. (_Journal_;
_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 327, 392-397.)
_December 16._
Commission and instructions to Sir Thomas Lynch, Lieut. Gov. of Jamaica.
(_Cal._, Sec. 850.)
1671.
_January 14._
Newfoundland, petition regarding the fishery. (_Journal_; _Cal._,
Sec.Sec. 362, 368, 369, 385.)
_January 21._
Governors of Plantations to take the Oaths [of Allegiance?]. (_Journal._)
_January 28._
Continuation of Newfoundland Question. (_Journal._)
_February 9._
Consideration of proposals of Sir Charles Wheeler. (_Journal_; _Cal._,
Sec.Sec. 410, 412, 415, 420.)
_February 14._
Wheeler's proposals regarding defence of St. Christopher. (_Journal_;
_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 412, 850.)
_February 18._
Spiriting, kidnapping of young persons for transport to the plantations.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, 1661-1668, Preface, p. xxvii _et seq._)
_March 2._
Continuation of Newfoundland question. Report on the petition. (_Cal._,
Sec.Sec. 362, 850.)
_March 8._
Estimate sent (and probably received on same day) by officers of
ordnance regarding ammunition, etc. for Leeward Is. (_Cal._, Sec. 445.)
_March 10._
Report on Newfoundland petition, made on March 2, read. (_Cal._, _Dom._,
1671, under Mar. 10.)
_April 27._
Petition of Ferdinando Gorges read. (_Cal._, Sec. 512; See _Cal._, _Dom._,
1671, April 27, Slingsby to Williamson.)
_May 22._
Robert Mason's first petition to the Council; divers relations
concerning New England, with observations of the commissioners lately
employed there, read. (_Cal._, Sec. 512.)
_May 26._
"The Earl of Bristol's house in Queen's Street (Lincoln's Inn Fields)
was taken for the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, and furnished
with rich hangings of the King's. It consisted of seven rooms on a
floor, with a long gallery, gardens, etc. This day we met the Duke of
Buckingham, Earl of Lauderdale, Lord Culpeper, Sir George Carteret, Vice
Chamberlain, and myself, had the oaths given us by the Earl of Sandwich,
our President. It was to advise and counsel his Majesty, to the best of
our abilities, for the well-governing of his Foreign Plantations, etc.,
the form very little differing from that given to the Privy Council. We
then took our places at the Board in the Council Chamber, a very large
room furnished with atlases, maps, charts, globes, etc. Then came the
Lord Keeper, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, Earl of Arlington, Secretary of
State, Lord Ashley, Mr. Treasurer, Sir John Trevor, the other Secretary,
Sir John Duncomb, Lord Allington, Mr. Grey, son to the Lord Grey, Mr.
Henry Broncher, Sir Humphrey Winch, Sir John Finch, Mr. Waller and
Colonel Titus of the Bed chamber, with Mr. Slingsby, Secretary to the
Council, and two clerks of the Council, who had all been sworn some
days before. Being all set, our Patent was read, and then the additional
Patent, in which was recited this new establishment; then, was delivered
to each a copy of the Patent, and of instructions; after which we
proceeded to business.
The first thing we did was to settle the form of a circular letter to
the Governors of all his Majesty's Plantations and Territories in the
West Indies and Islands thereof, to give them notice to whom they should
apply themselves on all occasions, and to render us an account of their
present state and government; but what we most insisted on was, to know
the condition of New England, which appearing to be very independent as
to their regard to Old England or his Majesty, rich and strong as they
now were, there were great debates in what style to write to them; for
the condition of that Colony was such that they were able to contest
with all other Plantations about them, and there was fear of their
breaking from all dependence on this nation; his Majesty, therefore
commended this affair more expressly. We, therefore, thought fit, in the
first place, to acquaint ourselves as well as we could of the state of
that place, by some whom we heard of that were newly come from thence;
and to be informed of their present posture and condition; some of our
Council were for sending them a menacing letter, which those who better
understood the peevish and touchy humour of that Colony, were utterly
against.
A letter was then read from Sir Thomas Modiford, Governor of Jamaica;
and then the Council brake up." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, pp. 63-64.)
_June 6._
"I went to Council where was produced a most exact and ample information
of the state of Jamaica and of the best expedients as to New England,
on which there was a long debate; but at length it was concluded that if
any it should be only a conciliating paper at first, or civil letter,
till we had better information of the present face of things, since we
understood they were a people almost on the very brink of renouncing any
dependence on the Crown." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 65.)
_June 16._
Colonel Cartwright's papers concerning the New England Colonies read.
(_Cal._, Sec. 512.)
_June 19._
Patent of Massachusetts read. (_Cal._, Sec. 572; The _Journal_ says,
"Cartwright's report"; but this seems to be wrong as both Evelyn and the
_Calendar_ place Cartwright's report on the 21st.)
_June 20._
"To carry Colonel Middleton [Capt. Thomas Middleton of the former
Council for Foreign Plantations] to Whitehall, to Lord Sandwich, our
President, for some information which he was able to give of the Colony
in New England." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 65.) Probably no regular
meeting was held on this day.
_June 21._
Commission and instructions of the New England Commissioners read;
Col. Cartwright heard (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 512, 566). "To Council again, when one
Colonel Cartwright a Nottinghamshire man (formerly in commission with
Colonel Nicholls) gave us a considerable relation of that country; on
which the Council concluded that in the first place a letter of amnesty
should be despatched." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 65.)
_June 26._
Further consideration of the New England case. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 512.)
"To Council, where Lord Arlington acquainted us that it was his
Majesty's proposal we should, every one of us, contribute L20 toward
building a Council Chamber and conveniences somewhere in Whitehall, that
his Majesty might come and sit amongst us, and hear our debates; the
money we laid out to be reimbursed out of the contingent monies already
set apart for us, viz. L1000 yearly. To this we unanimously consented."
(Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 66.)
_June 29._
Sir Thomas Modyford, Panama. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 209, 433, 504, 505,
577, 578.)
"To Council, where were letters from Sir Thomas Modiford, of the
expedition and exploit of Colonel Morgan, and others of Jamaica, on the
Spanish Continent at Panama." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 66.)
_July 4._
"To Council, where we agreed to and drew up a letter to be sent to New
England, and made some proposal to Mr. Gorges, for his interest in a
plantation there." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 66.)
_July 12._
Report on Gorges petition, recommending the sending of commissioners to
New England. (_Cal._, Sec. 439, I.)
_July 17._
New England, Massachusetts. (_Journal._)
_July 24._
Robert Mason's second petition to the Council read. (_Cal._, Sec. 512.)
"To Council. Mr. Surveyor brought us a plot for the building of our
Council Chamber, to be erected at the end of the Privy-garden, in
Whitehall." (Evelyn's _Diary_, p. 66.)
_August 3._
Agreement about Commissioners to New England. (_Cal._, Sec. 512.)
Address regarding sending two ships to Surinam. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 596, 850.)
"A full appearance at the Council. The matter in debate was whether we
should send a deputy to New England, requiring them of the Massachusetts
to restore such to their limits and respective possessions, as had
petitioned the Council; this to be the open commission only; but in
truth, with secret instructions to inform us of the condition of those
Colonies, and whether they were of such power, as to be able to resist
his Majesty and declare for themselves as independent of the Crown,
which we were told and which of late years made them refractory. Colonel
Middleton being called in, assured us they might be curbed by a few of
his Majesty's first-rate frigates, to spoil their trade with the
islands; but, though my Lord President was not satisfied, the rest were,
and we did resolve to advise his Majesty to send Commissioners with a
formal Commission for adjusting boundaries, etc., with some other
instructions." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 66.)
_August 12._
Report concerning New England, a representation of the present state of
New England and the sending over of Commissioners. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 512, 598,
850.)
_August 19._
"To Council. The letters of Sir Thomas Modiford were read, giving
relation of the exploit at Panama, which was very brave." (Evelyn's
_Diary_, II, pp. 66-67.)
_September 9._
Commissioners (names of) to be sent to New England. (_Journal._)
_September 15._
"In the afternoon at Council, where letters were read from Sir Charles
Wheeler, concerning his resigning his government at St. Christopher's."
(Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 67.)
_September 19._
Council informed that the king had agreed to the sending commissioners
and desiring instructions to be prepared against spring. (_Cal._, Sec. 512.)
_November 13._
Further information to Council regarding commissioners; Council to treat
with Mason and Gorges regarding sale of their estates in New England,
but not without the king's leave. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 512.)
St. Christopher and Leeward Is. (_Journal._)
Negroes, Leeward Is. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 700.)
_November 14._
"To Council, where Sir Charles Wheeler, late Governor of the Leeward
Islands, having been complained of for many indiscreet managements,
it was resolved, on scanning many of the particulars, to advise his
Majesty to remove him; and consult what was to be done to prevent these
inconveniences he had brought things to. This business stayed me in
London almost a week, being in Council or Committee every morning till
the 25th." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 72.)
_November 16._
Mr. Gorges, New England. (_Journal._)
_November 20._
St. Christopher; Publication by Sir Charles Wheeler and answer of the
Council. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 657, 658, 659.)
_November 24._
Report to the king on the same subject. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 659, 850.)
_November 26 (7)._
St. Christopher: proclamation disowning Sir Charles Wheeler read.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 661.)
Mr. Brouncker's conference with the French ambassador read. (_Journal._)
"We ordered that a proclamation should be presented to his Majesty to
sign against what Sir Charles Wheeler had done in St. Christopher's
since the war, on the articles of peace at Breda. He was shortly
afterwards recalled." (Evelyn's _Diary_, p. 73.)
_November 28._
The Answer of the Planters of the Leeward Is. read. (_Journal._)
Account of Jamaica, probably taken from Gov. Lynch's answers to queries.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 663, p. 277.)
Heads of king's proclamation regarding St. Christopher. (_Journal._)
_December 7._
Report of the Council on the proclamation and the framing of something
fit to be offered to the French ambassador. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 675, 677, 850.)
_December 11._
New England Case, Mr. Mason's account of the commodities of New
Hampshire. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 687.)
_December 14._
Mr. Mason, the answer of the Council. (_Journal._)
_December 18._
Instructions to Mr. Slingsby to speak to members of Privy Council
regarding patents to Massachusetts. (_Cal._, Sec. 652.)
_December 19._
Mr. Slingsby's report about a new governor for the Leeward Is.
(_Journal._)
_December 20._
Draft of commission for governor of Leeward Is.; revocation of Wheeler's
commission; report to king concerning Col. Stapleton, the new governor.
(_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 699, 707, 738, 740, 744, 804, 805, 850.)
1672.
_January 22._
Commissioners for New England. (_Cal._, Sec. 512.)
_February 6._
Report of Mr. Gorges, "Commissioner for the province of Maine" read.
(_Cal._, Sec. 753.)
_February 12._
"At the Council, we entered on enquiries about improving the Plantations
by silks, galls, flax, senna, etc., and considered how nutmegs and
cinnamon might be obtained and brought to Jamaica, that soil and climate
promising success. Dr. Worsley being called in, spake many considerable
things to encourage it. We took order to send to the Plantations,
that none of their ships should venture homeward single, but stay for
company and convoys. We also deliberated on some fit person to go as
Commissioner to inspect their actions in New England, and, from time
to time, report how that people stood affected.--In future to meet at
Whitehall." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 74.)
_February 13._
Instructions from Secretary of State to prepare commission, etc., for
New England Commissioners. (_Cal._, Sec. 512.)
_February 16._
Account of the militia in the Province of Maine read. (_Cal._, Sec. 762.)
_February 20._
Letter from Sir Thomas Lynch to the Council read. (_Cal._, Sec. 640.)
_March 1._
"A full Council of Plantations, on the danger of the Leeward Islands,
threatened by the French, who had taken some of our ships, and began
to interrupt our trade. Also in debate, whether the new governor of
St. Christopher's should be subordinate to the Governor of Barbadoes.
The debate was serious and long." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 75.)
_April 2._
Report concerning the general state of the Leeward Is. and the
differences depending between the English and French at St. Christopher.
(_Cal._, Sec. 850.)
_April 9._
About Logwood (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 709, 742, 777, 825), and the
defence of Barbadoes and the Leeward Is. (_Cal._, Sec. 799.)
_April 15._
Commission and instructions for Lord Willoughby and a report on his
proposals. (_Cal._, Sec. 850.)
_April 16._
Letter from Sir Charles Wheeler read. (_Cal._, Sec. 748.)
"Sat in Council, preparing Lord Willoughby's commission and instructions
as governor of Barbadoes and the Caribbee Islands." (Evelyn's _Diary_,
II, p. 78.)
_April 19._
"At Council, preparing instructions for Colonel Stapleton, now to go
Governor of St. Christopher's; and heard the complaints of the Jamaica
merchants against the Spaniards, for hindering them from cutting logwood
on the main land, where they have no pretence." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II,
pp. 78-79.)
_April 26._
Archibald Henderson's case. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 775, p. 339, 806.)
_April 30._
Commissioners for New England named, etc. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 512.)
_May 7._
Case of Mark Gabry, exporter of wool. (_Cal._, _Dom._, 1671-1672,
pp. 155, 156, 481.)
_May 10._
Case of the _James_ of Belfast (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 813), and Wheeler
letter (Sec. 775), containing a statement about Henderson.
Draft commission for Willoughby (Sec. 822).
Agreed that the commission for New England should be expedited (Sec. 512).
Report to the king upon the case of the _William and Nicholas_ (Sec. 850).
_May 14._
Proposals about the Leeward Is. formerly delivered by Lord Willoughby.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 828.)
_May 17._
Case of the _William and Nicholas_, Logwood ship. (_Journal_; _Cal._,
Sec.Sec. 823, 824.)
_May 27._
Letter from Sir Thomas Lynch read. (_Cal._, Sec. 777.)
_June 4._
Consideration of the Logwood trade. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 825, 837.)
_June 11._
Order regarding ship _William and Nicholas._ (_Cal._, Sec. 823.)
_June 13._
Surinam and Curacao. (_Journal_ has "Quarasao"; _Cal._, Sec. 879.)
_June 15._
Continuation of the Logwood difficulty. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 825, II,
879, 880.)
_June 21._
Case of the _Peter_ of London (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 820; _Cal._, _Dom._,
1673, pp. 198-199.)
Petition from Montserrat. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 859, 879.)
_June 25._
Jews in Jamaica. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 848, 879.)
Heads of a letter to Sir Thomas Lynch from the Council. (_Journal_;
_Cal._, Sec. 943.)
Injuries from the French in the West Indies. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 805.)
About ship departure from Jamaica. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 683, 910.)
_July 2._
Opinion and advice of the Council to the king upon a great variety of
matters already discussed. Jews, logwood, Surinam, Jamaica defence,
Curacoa, Leeward Is. and Wheeler, and Stapleton, defense of Montserrat,
etc. (_Cal._, Sec. 879.) In addition the merchants seem to have made a
report on the best time for ships to depart from Jamaica. (_Journal._)
_July 3._
Petition from the Long Islanders regarding the whale fishery and their
relations with New Amsterdam read. (_Cal._, Sec. 875.)
_July 16._
Concerning Virginia--probably the question of the Arlington and Culpeper
grant. (_Journal._)
_July 19._
Regarding the whale fishery. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 875.)
_July 26._
Petition of Sir Ernestus Biron, escheator in Barbadoes, read.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, 1661-1668, Sec. 1622.)
_July 29._
Report on the petition. (_Journal._)
_September 1._
"Our Council of Plantations met at Lord Shaftesbury's (Chancellor of the
Exchequer) to read and reform the draught of our new Patent, joining the
Council of Trade to our political capacities." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II,
p. 83.)
_September 20._
Particulars of monies disbursed for the Council. (_Journal._)
_October 1 (about)._
Letters written by Sir Thomas Lynch on June 20 and July 5 read to the
Council. (_Cal._, Sec. 943.)
COUNCIL FOR TRADE AND FOREIGN PLANTATIONS, 1672-1674.
_October 13._
Commission opened and read and oath administered. (_Journal._)
Letters from Gov. Stapleton and his answer to inquiries read. (_Cal._,
Sec.Sec. 842, 896.)
"Went to my Lord Keeper, (Sir Orlando Bridgeman) at Essex House, where
our new patent was opened and read, constituting us that were of the
Council of Plantations, to be now of the Council of Trade also, both
united. After the patent was read, we all took our oaths, and departed."
(Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 85.)
_October 24._
Oaths administered. (_Journal._)
"Met in Council, the Earl of Shaftesbury, now our President, swearing
our Secretary and his clerks, which was Mr. Locke, an excellent learned
gentleman, and student of Christ Church, Mr. Lloyd, and Mr. Frowde [son
of Philip Frowde, clerk of the former Council of 1660]. We dispatched a
letter to Sir Thomas Linch Governor of Jamaica, giving him notice of a
design of the Dutch on that island." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 86.)
_October 27._
Jamaica laws received and probably considered. (_Cal._, Sec. 829.)
_October 29._
Meeting held at 9. a. m. No statement as to business. (_Cal._, _Dom._,
1672-1673.)
_November 3._
Logwood case; depositions and letters presented. (_Cal._, Sec. 954.)
_November 8._
New England case considered. (_Journal._)
Letter from Sir Thomas Lynch read. (_Cal._, Sec. 855.)
Rodney petition received from the Privy Council and read.
(_Cal._, Sec. 958.)
The petition from the consul of Venice, asking that consulage be levied
on goods not on ships. (_Journal_; _Cal._, _Dom._, 1673, pp. 100, 303.)
"At Council we debated the business of the consulate of Leghorn (?). I
was of the Committee with Sir Humphrey Winch, the Chairman, to examine
the laws of his Majesty's several plantations and colonies in the West
Indies, etc." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 86.)
_November 13._
Letter from Dep. Gov. Coddrington of Barbadoes read. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 872,
901, 902.)
_November 15._
Petition of the consul at Venice considered further. (_Journal._)
"Many merchants were summoned about the consulate of Venice; which
caused great disputes; the most considerable thought it useless."
(Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 86.)
_November 20._
Petition of Rabba Couty, whose ship was seized at Port Royal, Jamaica,
on the ground that he was a foreigner. (_Cal._, Sec. 968; _Cal._, _Dom._,
1672-1673, p. 295.)
_November 29._
Order of Council appointing a committee to confer with Sir Charles
Wheeler. (_Cal._, Sec. 974.)
_December 7._
Report of the conferences. (_Cal._, Sec. 977.)
_December 10._
Report of the conferences. (_Cal._, Sec. 977.)
_December 20._
Report on the case of Rabba Couty, recommending the return of the
vessel. (_Cal._, Sec. 968, IV; _Cal._, _Dom._, 1672-1673, p. 295.)
Order issued for a more speedy and orderly despatch of reports to
the King and of letters and orders to the Governors of plantations.
(_Cal._, _Dom._, 1672-1673, p. 295.)
_December 21._
"Settled the Consulate of Venice." (Evelyn's _Diary_. II, p. 86.)
_December 29._
Report on petition of the Gambia merchants regarding the use of a wood
called "sanders" for dyeing purposes. (_Cal._, Sec. 973, III; _Cal._,
_Dom._, 1673, pp. 190, 217.)
1673.
_January 7._
Letter of Sir Thomas Lynch; complaint of Gambia Company; Russell's
answer to Rodney's petition; report on laws of Jamaica; articles
relating to the Venetian trade; Ordinance in Sweden against "our
privileges"; St. Christopher business; answer to Col. Stapleton; advice
to the King about planting St. Christopher; regarding the books and
papers of the former councils; Newfoundland trade; acts of Barbadoes.
(_Cal._, _Dom._, 1672-1673, p. 403. This series of subjects is the only
complete list of the heads of a single day's business that we find
anywhere, except in the minutes of two meetings noted below.)
_January 9._
About Johnson "the Pyrat." (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 938, 1082, Index; _Journal_.)
_January 11._
Order of the Council to the secretary to report on losses and injuries
lately sustained from the Spaniards. (_Cal._, Sec. 1022.)
_February 1._
Similar order regarding the differences with the French at St.
Christopher. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1028, 1033.)
Heads of a letter to Gov. Stapleton of St. Christopher. (_Journal._)
_February 6._
Gambia Adventurers. (_Journal._)
_February 18._
Gambia Adventurers. (_Journal._)
Secretary's report on St. Christopher. (_Cal._, Sec. 1034.) Secretary
ordered to prepare another report for the 25^{th} on same subject.
_February 25._
Secretary's report probably presented on this day.
_March 6._
Letter to Gov. Stapleton written. (_Journal._)
Letter from Lord Willoughby read. (_Cal._, Sec. 1000.)
_March 17._
Petition from Rodney asking that a certain Carpenter, "who has long
lived in Nevis," may be heard. (_Cal._, Sec. 1049.)
Reply of Capt Rodney to the answer of Gov. Russell read. (_Cal._,
Sec. 1050.)
_April 10._
Heads of an address about St. Christopher. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1038,
1069.)
New England. (_Journal._)
_April 14._
Representations on Gambia question drawn up. (_Cal._, _Dom._, 1773,
p. 142.)
_April 22._
Rodney's petition. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 958, 1049-1050, 1071, 1074,
1110, 1194, 1225. See Index.)
_June 9._
Address of Council to the king regarding differences between the English
and the French at St. Christopher. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 903, 1105.)
_June 23._
Representation and advice of the Council regarding the Rodney case.
(_Cal._, Sec. 1110.)
"To London, to accompany our Council, who went in a body to congratulate
the new Lord Treasurer [Sir Thomas Osborne], no friend to it, because
promoted by my Lord Arlington, whom he hated." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II,
p. 90.)
_July 21._
About the exportation of wool (_Journal_); report on this question
urging that present laws be put in execution and export of wool be
strictly forbidden. (_Cal._, _Dom._, 1673, pp. 382, 541.)
_September 13._
Dr Worsley, his discharge. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 1151.)
_September 16._
To Council about chosing a new Secretary. (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 94.)
_October 15._
Mr. Lock sworne. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1162, 1163.)
"To Council, and swore in Mr. Locke, secretary, Dr. Worsley being dead."
(Evelyn's _Diary_, II, 95. This statement regarding Dr. Worsley cannot
be true.)
_October 21_ (committee).
Charter parties for transporting to Barbadoes stores and provisions
read. (_Cal._, Sec. 1058.)
Letters from Sir Peter Colleton & others read. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1101, 1104,
1131, 1133.)
Regarding capture of New York. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1138, 1157.)
_October 27_ (committee).
About Sir J. Atkins, Barbadoes. (_Journal._)
Regarding New York; Mr. Dyer's project for reducing that town.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 1157.)
"To Council about sending succours to recover New York; and then we read
the commission and instructions to Sir Jonathan Atkins, the new Governor
of Barbadoes." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, 95.)
_November 3._
About New York, Albany, etc.; consideration of the retaking of these
places from the Dutch. (_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1160, 1165.)
_November 7_ (committee).
William Dervell's statement regarding the loss of New York.
(_Cal._, Sec. 1143.)
_November 8._
Barbadoes and Sir J. Atkins. (_Journal._) Probably the question
of Atkins's commission as Governor of Barbadoes was here under
consideration.
_November 19_ (committee).
Letters from Gov. Lynch read. (_Cal._, Sec. 1115.)
_November 24._
Petitions of Steed, provost marshal of Barbadoes, read.
(_Cal._, Sec. 1167.)
_December 1._
Letter from Sir Jonathan Atkins received and (probably) read.
(_Cal._, Sec. 1173.)
_December 5._
Deposition of William Carpenter in favor of Steed. (_Cal._, Sec. 1177.)
_December 19._
Report to the King, presenting draft of commission and instructions for
Sir Jonathan Atkins, governor of Barbadoes. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1182, 1185.)
1674.
_January 7._
Received order from Privy Council committee on grievances regarding the
Rodney petition. (_Cal._, Sec. 1194.)
_January 10_ (committee).
Petition of William Dyer of New York to the King read. (_Cal._, Sec. 1108.)
_January 16._
Report of the Council on this petition. (_Cal._, Sec. 1108.)
_January 23._
Order from the Privy Council instructing the Council to transmit a true
state of the case between Rodney and others. (_Cal._, Sec. 1207.)
_February 10._
"Ordered, That a Copy of M^{r}. Rodneys Peti[~c]on and his Ma^{ties}.
Reference thereupon, and the Report of this Councill should bee
delivered by M^{r}. Lock to M^{r}. Secret^{ry}. Coventry to bee by him
p^{e}sented to his Ma^{ty}.
The Earle of Arlingtons L[~re] to this Councill of the 23^{d}. of
January last signifying his Ma^{ties}. pleasure, That this Councill
should consider of a Com^{n}. & Instru[~cc]ons for the Earle of
Carlisle, appointed to bee Governo^{r}. of Jamaica, and Col: Morgan
appointed to bee Deputy Governo'{r}. was read.
A Draught of Instru[~cc]ons for my Lord Carlisle was read and debated,
and the further debate thereof adjourned till next meeting.
My Lord Culpeper having acquainted this Councill, that my Lord Carlisle
had something to offer to this Councill. The Councill desired my Lord
Culpeper to acquaint his Lord[~sp], That if hee pleased to come to the
Councill on Fryday next in the Afternoone, they shall bee ready to
receive what [~ev] his Lord[~sp] shall bee pleas'd to offer to them.
Ordered that M^{r}. Lock gett some Presses made wherein the papers
belong to this Councill may bee conveniently layd up.
Two Addiconall Instru[~cc]ons for S^{r}. Jonathan Atkins Ordered to bee
drawne, one to p^{e}vent his making of Judges & Justices by Com^{ns}.
limited in tyme, becaus some former Governo^{rs}. by co[~m]issionating
these Officers only for a yeare, kept them at their devo[~c]on for
feare they should bee left out of the next, thereby eluding their
Instru[~cc]ons, which forbid the turning out of any of these Officers,
but for good caus. Another to prevent the perpetuity of Laws in the
Planta[~c]ons w^{th}out his Ma^{ties} confirma[~c]on. Ordered also
that the Addres to his Ma^{ty} ab^{t}. Jonathan Atkins and others
Governo^{rs}. taking the Oath's here, to be drawne w^{th}out Preamble."
(_Shaftesbury Papers_, Div. X, 8 (8).)
_February 17._
"M^{r}. Locke Reported to the Councill, That attending M^{r}. Secretary
Coventry w^{th} the papers concerning Rodney's Case ordered by this
Council the 10^{th} of this Instant February, M^{r}. Secretary Coventry
told him, That the Order of the Privy Councill being to transmitt the
said papers, to his Ma^{ty} in Councill, that itt was not proper to do
itt by his hands, Butt that they should bee sent to one of the Clerks of
the Councill to bee by him delivered.
Ordered thereupon, That the said papers bee delivered to one of the
Clerks of the Councill, to bee by him p^{e}sented to his Ma^{ty} in
Councill.
Ordered That the Address of this Councill to his Ma^{ty} concerning
S^{r}. Jonathan Atkins and other Governo^{rs}. and Deputy Governo^{rs}.
takeing the Oathes &c: here, bee delivered to the Earle of Arlington to
bee by him p^{e}sented to his Ma^{ty}.
Two Addiconall Instru[~cc]ons for S^{r}. Jonathan Atkins, The one about
the Com^{ns}. of Justices of the Peace, and the other about Marshall Law
read & agreed.
A Copy of an Order of the Presid^{ts}. & Councill of Barbados,
concerning the Provost Marshall's place, was brought in by my Lord
Culpeper, who assured the Councill hee had re[~c]ed itt in a Letter from
the Clerk of the Councill there, which letter hee had not now about him.
The considera[~c]on thereof adjourned till this Copy bee made appeare to
this Councill to bee more authentique.
Upon Reading the Addiconall Instru[~cc]on to Sir Jonathan Atkins
concerning the reenacting of Laws. The Councill entred into a debate
about the best way for his Ma^{ty} to confirme the Laws made by the
Planta[~c]ons, which being often tymes ill worded by the Assembly there,
and some tymes faulty in some part though the maine deserves to bee
established. Which being found to bee a matter of great moment, The
farther debate thereof was adjourned till another opportunity, when the
Earle of Shaftesbury should bee present." (_Shaftesbury Papers_, Div. X,
8 (9); _Cal._, Sec. 1221. These minutes are the only complete record that
we have of the proceedings at council meetings. They show how much has
been lost in the disappearance of the original journal.)
_March 6._
Letter from Lord Willoughby read. (_Cal._, Sec. 966.)
Petition of William Helyar regarding woodland purchased by him in
Jamaica. (_Cal._, Sec. 1236.)
_March 8._
Report of the Council upon the petition of Edwin Steed. (_Cal._,
Sec. 1238.)
_March 17._
Mr. Gorges paper regarding the sugar plantations. (_Cal._, Sec. 1244.)
_March 23._
Sends Helyar's petition to Gov. Lynch and wishes reply. (_Cal._,
Sec. 1250.)
Draft Commission for the Earl of Carlisle, appointed governor of
Jamaica. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1251, 1252. Cf. Sec. 1253.)
Similar draft for Col. Morgan, deputy governor of Jamaica. (_Cal._,
Sec. 1254.)
_April 3._
Petition from Representatives of Leeward Is. for convoys, etc.
(_Cal._, Sec. 1257.)
_April 13._
New England: petition of Earl of Sterling, Gorges, and Mason read.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec. 1247.)
_May 8_ (committee).
Letter from Gov. Stapleton read. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1201-1203, 1327.)
_July 3._
Petition of Edmund Cooke, merchant, regarding the barbarous treatment
received from the Spaniards. (_Cal._, Sec. 1320.)
_July 17._
Similar petition from other merchants. (_Cal._, Sec. 1327.)
_September 15._
"To Council, about fetching away the English left at Surinam, etc.,
since our reconciliation with Holland." (Evelyn's _Diary_, II, p. 99.)
_September 22._
Regarding Surinam question--fetching the English away, etc. (_Cal._,
Sec. 1354.)
_September 24._
Report on this question to the King. (_Cal._, Sec. 1355.)
_October 6_ (Committee).
Letter from Gov. Lynch in answer to Col. Helyar's petition read.
(_Cal._, Sec. 1301.)
_October 13._
Letter from Gov. Stapleton on the wrongs suffered from the French in the
Leeward Is. (_Cal._, Sec. 1333.)
_October 15._
Proposal read of F. Gorges, agent of Gov. Stapleton, regarding the
action of the French. (_Cal._, Sec. 1360.)
_October 16._
St. Christopher and Sir William Lockhart's letter. (_Cal._, Sec. 1365, I.)
Lockhart was "Resident with the French King."
_October 27._
Discussion of the Surinam situation. (_Journal._)
_October 30._
Continuation of the same. (_Journal._)
_November 17._
Continuation of the same. (_Journal._)
"To Council, on the business of Surinam, where the Dutch had detained
some English in prison, ever since the first war, 1665." (Evelyn's
_Diary_, II, 100.)
_November 20._
About Negroes; probably regarding a clause in Lord Vaughan's commission.
(_Journal_; _Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1386, 1392.)
_November 21._
Jamaica and my Lord Vaughan. (_Journal._)
_November 24._
Heads of Lord Vaughan's commission and instructions. (_Cal._, Sec. 1392).
About Negroes. (_Journal._)
_December 4._
About Surinam. Address of the Council to the King (_Journal_; _Cal._,
Sec. 1401.)
_December 17._
Address of the Council regarding Indians brought by force from Guinea to
Barbadoes. (_Cal._, Sec. 1409.)
_December 18._
About Surinam. (_Journal._) Instruction for a vessel sailing to that
island. (_Cal._, Sec.Sec. 1413, 1414, 1415.)
_December 22._
Address from the Council to the King regarding the Surinam question.
(_Cal._, Sec. 1416.)