|
1
January 2
Savannah | William Stephens to Trustees for Georgia. My last was of 21 November
which I hope will have found its way right, and also my former ere now
of the several dates when sent, though by Mr Verelst's letter of 2
October which I have newly received I was very sorry to be advised that at that time no
letter was arrived from me since what I wrote of 27 May. To clear up which lame account
as well as I can I have collected from what notes I keep such particulars as deduce the
whole series from last May down to this time, by which I persuade myself it will appear I
have not been unmindful of that part of my duty; nor can I plead (I bless God) any want
of health since I had the honour to serve you for neglecting it. Your kind approbation of
my endeavours, so far as Mr Verelst wrote me, gives me the greatest encouragement to
proceed in doing my utmost to pursue my instructions with fidelity and impartiality, and
much happier should I think myself could I write of many things frequently in a more
agreeable way than those ties will allow me to do, now more especially. Much of what I
have to lay before you is a scene all of confusion and disorder as it will appear too plain, I
conceive, in my journal herewith sent (together with duplicate of my last letter);
wherefore it needs very little enlargement, facts requiring none, and matters of
speculation I take to be not properly within my province, who have too gross a way of
thinking for such an airy employment when it may truly be said non tali auxilio tempus
egat. It has sometimes, upon looking back into what I formerly wrote, given me a little
uneasiness in my mind to see so many seeming inconsistencies and contradictions
comparing one time with another; but I can pretty well pacify such thoughts when I
know to whom I write and that they do not want to be told, amidst so great a mutability
as is to be met with here, it behoves the writer to vary likewise in his manner as often how
he relates the circumstances of affairs, and if he has been too sanguine in his expectations,
to own it though with indignation at such as occasioned it. |
| After I had transmitted you the several accounts of the number of acres planted in this
part of the colony, as also short lists of such as I apprehended had most merit of any kind
among the freeholders here (not to mention those of a different rank who were possessed
of 500-acre lots), notwithstanding the misfortune of a bad crop which befell too many, I
saw no appearance of such impatience among them as to portend any mischievous
consequence but conceived good hope yet that a little time would wear out the
remembrance of past evils and, when the season came about, they would fall to once more
and try what another year's endeavour might produce, everybody whom we could well
expect it from following their own private affairs quietly; till those fatal tidings came of
the bad estate of affairs throughout by reason of such great debts incurred and the
deficiency of trade to discharge them, whereupon all credit was stopped and the stores in
a great measure applied towards payment in part of some of the creditors, etc. Then
indeed there began to be a visible change in people's looks and tempers and little stories
continually flew about to augment fears and jealousies, framed doubtless in the same
forge from whence others of the like tendency had formerly been sent abroad as I have
before observed. When by such means people were judged sufficiently alarmed, out came
a paper under the title of a Representation of Grievances which they had been some time
preparing. It was immediately flocked to by almost all people here and hereabout who
greedily catched at it, and (as I hear now) upwards of 100 put their names to it in four or
five days so that indeed very few stood out. The manner of its proceeding and the
principal matters which it contained (as far as I could charge my memory upon perusal
cursorily, for no one was suffered to copy any of it) I noted in my journal, to which I ask
leave to refer. The vehemence wherewith it was carried on was such that all reasoning
upon it was vain, and I verily think that several among them ran in with the crowd for no
better reason than because they would be like their neighbours, not considering the
consequence. I have pretty good reason to believe this elaborate work was the task of two
or three only without so much as the assistance of Capt Patrick Mackay in putting it
together, who undoubtedly has been an arch-incendiary all along in private ever since I
knew the colony, and those topics which are the basis of this piece have been always
inculcated and maintained by him. At the same time the model on which the colony was
established never missed being treated with derision. How it comes to pass therefore that
this man's name is not to be found in the list is to many people a riddle, and the most
probable solution I have heard of it was that it was undertaken without his aid whilst he
was at his Negro plantation in Carolina and he did not think himself sufficiently
distinguished to mix in the common crowd, at the same time highly applauding what they
had done when he read it and so left it with a sneer; from whence others imagine variously
as their fancies lead them to discover what was the real cause of the captain's so dropping
it, which I cannot think is worth so much inquiry. Mr Brownfield (I hear) is towards the
latter end of the list after a day or two of perusing upon it: whether he was not full ripe in
his judgment sooner, or whether he might grow a little cold at his being not earlier
consulted, is a query likewise. But it is certain that Mr Robert Williams and his brother
Patrick Tailfer (surgeon, who married Mr Williams's sister) are the principal fabricators of
it as it is now formed, of whom I beg to be indulged in a few words. Mr Williams's
character would be a valuable one here for the public good were it not too much alloyed
with private views which darken it: it must be confessed he has been a bold adventurer in
cultivating land at a greater expense far than most others and the return it has made him
has been considerable loss, from whence it may be allowed some peevishness might
naturally arise which gave birth to his being a great exclaimer against the tenure of the
land, thinking it hard very probably that after so much labour and expense his title was
precarious; but as to the use of Negroes I have some reason to think his aim is more
extensive than appears openly, for as he is in partnership with his brother and others at St
Kitts and Bristol who made much in importing Negroes into the West Indies it is not hard
to conceive what would follow in case it were in the power of the landholders here to
alienate such lands who for want of money to purchase slaves would not want credit to
get them upon land security, the consequence whereof need not be named. And as for Dr
Tailfer he never has been at any labour or expense about land in so many years as he has
lived here, but letting out such servants to hire as he brought with him during their
servitude, together with his practice, soon put a pretty deal of money in his pocket, by
which means he has lived and dressed in a superior manner to any of this place and has
vanity enough to set up for a dictator among those he converses with who generally give
way to his overbearing discourse. It is to be observed that all this was set agoing whilst the
general was in the south, where it is to be doubted from common report that some
discontents have also shown themselves worthy his care to suppress. But it behoves me to
be cautious lest I say too much of what I cannot warrant the truth of. I am sure his
presence here is to be wished for now and we are impatiently waiting it, when upon his
arrival it will be seen how he is addressed and how well he is pleased at such a welcome. |
| If we look towards the stores I can find nothing pleasing there neither. The work of
accounting with Mr Causton, which has already taken up so much time, goes on very
heavily; and from what Mr Jones tells me I fear has little prospect yet of coming to a
desirable end, such intricacies (he says) are continually met with to impede it. And as for
Mr Bradley's accounts I am told he is so obscured that no dawning yet appears of what
light that inquiry may produce. It is really a melancholy aspect in the meanwhile that the
remainder of provision in the stores affords us, where (if I am rightly informed) there is
not more than about a dozen barrels of fleshmeat left, such have been the great drafts
thence towards satisfying (in part only) divers creditors of most impatience, whilst some
again have been well content rather to wait till time shall produce payment in specie. It is
fit I should here observe that whereas you in a former letter signified your pleasure that
the issues of stores should be under the direction of Causton, Parker and myself, and soon
after (before Mr Jones had taken possession of the stores) your pleasure was further
known and Mr Causton was dismissed from his employment by the general, who upon
that occasion gave such instructions to Mr Jones as he saw most expedient in
proportioning to the several classes of people what was to be the future regulation,
wherein undoubtedly he was the best and most proper judge: Mr Parker and I therefore
have not presumed to intermeddle any further than occasionally upon an exigence where
Mr Jones had any doubt in himself, and then upon asking our opinion he always had it; as
in some petty cases likewise where we knew the absolute necessity of a poor family in the
utmost distress we have not scrupled to recommend such for a small present relief,
believing it such a charity as you would well approve of, but that we always did with due
caution and never by a formal order which we thought we could not now warrant: the
whole upon that head would be found of small value. I am confident your allowance will
readily be obtained for putting an end here to so displeasing a story, which I shall be
heartily glad in my next to make some amendment to, and am far from despairing of
knowing these clouds must needs dissipate in time and being firmly persuaded in myself
that under the prudent conduct of those at helm we shall pass through this foul weather
with little or no damage at last. Signed. 3½ small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16 March 1739. [CO
5/640, ff 247–248d] |
2
January 2
Savannah |
William Stephens to Harman Verelst. Your letter of 2 October, which I
received 23 December, surprised me much at the first reading wherein I
found such a long chasm without any letter received from me that it put
me instantly to see if I could trace out any cause that might occasion it: and joining the
several particulars together which I found in my past notes, as you will observe in the
paper herewith sent, I grew satisfied in myself as I hope it will be deemed satisfaction to
what you wrote thereon. And after acquainting you that all the enclosed letters which you
sent me were carefully conveyed to whom they belonged I presume no more needs to be
said in answer to that letter. But what I have wrote to the Board at this time I fear will be
thought more than enough unless it had imported something better. Nevertheless it is
inexcusable (I think) in cases of such consequence to soften matters which will admit of
no palliation or to deviate in the least from strict truth whatever be the event, under which
sense of duty it is humbly submitted. |
| I am really puzzled what to say of Duché, our potter here, or how to represent him
again after the light I had formerly put him in. I see no cause to retract any part of the
character I thought he deserved as to his diligence, sobriety and skill so far as his work
hitherto has appeared, whereof he has made good plenty which has not stuck on his
hands. But how far he is capable of bringing those things to perfection which he promised
I dare not undertake for, wherefore I thought it best to let him speak for himself and put it
in writing that it might be laid before the Trustees plainly without any varnish, especially
as I found more money wanting. But I am ashamed for him that my fond credulity, which
led me into an imagination of seeing such fine things brought presently to perfection,
should be the cause of Lord Egmont's being deceived in his expectations also, for which I
must beg your intercession to obtain his pardon. Time possibly may yet bring those
things to pass. |
| It behoves me now, sir, to say something of the boy (Tho Roberts) that Sgt McKenzie
delivered to me here 21 November last, since which time I have had ample trial of his
abilities that are very great, but I am sorry to say it is in lying and thieving wherein he has
outdone any of his rank that I have heard of among us. On account of so valuable a
recommendation as he came with from Rev Mr Smith and yourself I was inclined to try
whether or not he might prove of any good use to me among others, though having
already a boy (one Edward Harries) whom you sent me and who had idleness sufficient
about him to require a strict hand over him, by which means after a year's pains he is
beginning to show some tokens of making a tolerable servant, I doubted lest they might
spoil one another. But the last youngster outstripped all before him and soon began to
show us that no good would come of him, for after many testimonies given us of what
might be expected the first exploit of greatest note I remarked in my journal, as you may
observe of 18, 19 and 20 December, from which time his feats have been too numerous to
think them worth recording; but his behaviour has been one course of wickedness which
appears so radicated in him that I fear no stripes will subdue, even from the common
executioner if he falls under his hands, and that is such a task as my son and I desire to
decline. I only wish for his own sake and his friends that I may be lucky enough to get a
master fitly qualified to reform him, which I promise you I will do my best in, though he
is well known already through this town that I do not expect readily to find such a one
here. I shall be glad in my next to give a better account of him and many things else.
Signed. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16 March 1739. [CO 5/640, ff 249–250d] |
3
January 3
Palace Court |
Minutes of Trustees for Georgia. Resolved that three of the Trustees
wait on the Chancellor of the Exchequer and represent that the Trustees
find it necessary to apply for 8000l for 1739 owing to the charge of
military defence of the colony before the arrival of Col Oglethorpe's regiment and to last
summer's drought in Georgia, all which extraordinary expenses amount to 3000l. Entry.
1½ pp. [CO 5/687, pp 97–98] |
4
January 3
Savannah |
William Stephens to Harman Verelst. Give me leave (good sir) to crave
your patience in a separate letter whilst you read a few lines which
necessity extorts from me unwillingly and which I could have no
confidence to offer to you were I not persuaded in myself that by your own adoption I
am allowed to esteem you my real friend. Without further preface, therefore, I lay open to
your view the present situation I find myself in, together with my son. It would be
impertinent in me to recapitulate to you the terms I embarked on in the service of the
honourable Trust: it is the mistaken foundation of what I was to trust to that requires
such an explanation as experience has too plainly shown ought to be set in a true light. I
must first with a grateful sense of the favour of the Trustees acknowledge the benefit I
received from what they were so good to grant for my outset, whereby I was enabled with
spirit to proceed as I have done and (without vanity I hope I may say) shown what might
be expected from the labour of servants if well looked after, provided they kept their
healths. The servants which I had you will please to remember were estimated to me at 15l
per annum each, which upon supposition they were so must amount to 150l. This had
indeed an engaging aspect. Now let us see the winding up of the last year and what it
produced. I may venture to say that what was possible for us to do was done and our
application to it for example's sake was such as few if any have ever equalled. We felled
and laid open fifteen acres of strong timber-land which we afterwards cultivated and
planted with Indian corn, rice, potatoes etc in due season. Having no lot of 500 acres run
out for myself in pursuance of their honours' grant and being desirous of having Gen
Oglethorpe's opinion and advice in it when he came, I went to work on a town-lot of 5
and 45 acres for the benefit of a son-in-law of mine in whose name it was taken up when
Mr Oglethorpe was here last time. The land was found to be as good as I could reasonably
expect and great hopes we conceived of a good recompense for our pains; but instead of
that behold what followed, nothing but disappointments. As soon as the summer heats
came on our servants grew sickly with fevers, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 down at a time; one of the
very best died and as it went round among them we could rarely or scarce ever since May
last have any good use from among them all, for those who recovered in appearance never
yet regained their strength but have been continually relapsing and are becoming so
dispirited, partly through the effect of their long illness and partly through a natural
laziness, that most of them are no better than ciphers and two or three only of them are fit
for labour, neither can we foresee when such a stubborn distemper joined with a stubborn
will may be eradicated. Add to all this the doctor's bill for medicines and long attendance
which for one year comes to near 20l and out of what am I to pay it? For, in the next
place, a calamity has overtaken us which is common to all others hereabout, namely our
expectations miserably defeated by the failure of a crop occasioned through such a
drought last spring as in several years has not been seen here, besides the colony being
supplied with such seed for planting as experience has too plainly shown was not good, so
that generally speaking it is agreed by all 3 parts in 4 are fallen short of what was
computed might have been gathered at harvest. The expense moreover of clothing these
servants I presume need not be named. These articles are surely sufficient to blast our
hopes of subsisting in the way we are at present. But to complete this gloom since our
general's arrival here in October last and what followed upon his laying open the
miserable circumstances the colony was under, it cannot but be shocking to men of the
best dispositions when want stares us in the face far more terrifying than any Spanish
threats. The estimate which the Trustees were pleased to send for the expenses of the
current year, even so abridged as it was, by the next letters from them we were advised
could not be complied with, so that now I really know not what to say. It would be
injurious not to acknowledge that hitherto through the general's favour I have had such
supplies delivered me out of the stores by Mr Jones as have been a support to us, and the
product of the land I compute will be tantamount to what breadkind we shall spend or
perhaps more; the whole quantity of it not being yet cleansed I cannot speak of it with
certainty. But you need not be told that food alone without other necessary conveniences
of life must leave a man in a comfortless state and I am sure it was never meant to fix me in
such an one as to render me contemptible and thereby defeat the intent of my service. It
were easy to harangue on such a theme but it would appear very weak in me to imagine
any more words wanting the better to elucidate what I mean. It is my heart's desire to
spend what time I have left me in life usefully to the public if I may be enabled to do so:
and having said that I must humbly submit the consideration of it to those honourable
persons who are the proper judges how far I may be so useful. My son, who is a sober
young man that has been some years employed in bookkeeping, etc and in a promising
way of advancing in the world, affectionately chose to quit such views as he had at that
time when I engaged in the service I am and to attend his father's fate. During the time of
his being here he has shown himself indefatigable in promoting what we came to do and
often with such a spirit even in bodily labour for whole days together that I have often
thought a curb more wanting than a spur, fearing such extremities; and now to find so
unexpected a turn of affairs here, it cuts him to the heart under sad apprehensions of
future misery, which I endeavour all I can to banish from his thoughts, most assuredly
believing that none who have acted an honest and diligent part under the Trustees will be
left exposed to severities. Such ought rather to expect it who in these times of difficulty,
instead of uniting to allay the present discomposures, have joined in stirring up
discontents to that degree that I might as well hope to assuage the raging of the sea as the
madness of the people. No, nothing that can happen will ever divert me from doing my
utmost in the execution of what I am charged with, and I make no doubt but a little time
will open another scene to us that we may view with comfort. When the general left us
last, upon seeing what straits I was in he was pleased to tell Mr Jones that he should assist
me with such necessary cash as I wanted for a present supply, who in about six weeks
after brought me 50s; in the like manner Mr Causton so long since as in August last, after
my often asking him for a little money in part of what remained due to me of the 5l
appointed by the Trustees when I should demand it, was pleased in an ignominious
manner (as I thought it) to send me in a bag upon a man's head 5l sterling in copper,
alleging that he had neither sola bills nor any other coin. These things cannot but grate
sorely, and I hope I may be allowed to say so without being thought petulant. To be
obliged to bow down and crouch in such a manner like a mumper is acknowledging such
a superiority as I never knew whom it was derived from, and am far from pretending to
assume anything like it to myself but glad when any occasion offers wherein I am thought
worthy of joining in consultation for the common good. Not to tire you farther, sir, I
must recommend it to your prudence at what time and in what manner to offer these
things to the consideration of the Trustees, to whose good judgment, candour and
benevolence I most readily submit myself always. |
| The general went south the last time from hence on 12 November, since which we
have not seen him; but upon the melancholy news of our dear friend Col Horsey's death I
wrote acquainting him that I had received letters from both you and Mr Samuel Horsey
directing me to do the office of a friend in applying properly in behalf of the family for
obtaining the fees and perquisites which are customarily paid from the death of a
preceding to a succeeding governor; that I had a letter of attorney for that purpose with
other necessary papers but was directed to conduct myself under his instructions wholly
therein; wherefore I hoped for his good advice and assistance and I should wait his
commands, etc. How grievous to me may you then imagine it in so long time to have
received no directions touching it when I cannot justify my going without his
appointment nor, if I could do that, have I wherewith in my pocket to defray the
necessary expense of travel till he supplies that want. This is not doing service to my
deceased friend's family with that dispatch I would, but as we are every day now
expecting the general here I am in hopes of writing to Capt Horsey himself in a short time
something to better purpose. Please to make my sincere respects acceptable to the family.
With my wishes for a Happy New Year to all my friends. Signed. PS. My son, whom you
were so good to remember in your late letter, desires to present his best service to you.
PPS. The enclosed letter directed to the Isle of Wight you will be so kind to take care may
be put safely in the general post. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 16 March 1739. [CO 5/640, ff
251–252d] |
5
January 4
Jamaica | Governor Edward Trelawny to Duke of Newcastle sending duplicate
of letter of 30 December [Cal SP Col XLIV no 566]. The master of a
vessel from Rhode Island that arrived here on 1st of this month brought
an account that he heard at Antigua that a Spanish man-of-war of 50 guns was lost at
Anegada on 21 December; that there was another man-of-war then in company when she
was lost; that they came from Old Spain with eight more who had separated and sailed for
Cartagena, as some of those that were cast away reported. Signed. 1p. Endorsed, R, 2
April. [CO 137/56, ff 175–176d] |
6
January 6
Jamaica | Same to same. There are such frequent instances of mutiny among the
soldiers (with the detail of which it would be too much to trouble you)
that I must importune you again to move HM as I desired in my letter
of 4 December (copy enclosed) to regiment the companies and to appoint the governor
colonel as the most effectual and indeed necessary means to retain HM's forces here in
their duty and to have due discipline observed. The whole island is sensible of the
necessity there is of arming their governor with such a power and I am certain the Council
and Assembly would with the greatest pleasure join with me in an address to HM to
desire it, if it was proper that they should concern themselves in regulations of the army;
but this I will answer for, that they will joyfully address HM to return their most humble
thanks if he will condescend to my request by enabling me to carry on his service and the
good of the island more effectually. There being a notion among the common soldiers
here that they are not bound to obey officers appointed by the governor's warrant to
supply a vacancy of a lieutenant till HM shall fill it up, and there being a necessity of
appointing such officers upon account of the many detachments which the men are
divided into in this country, each of which requires an officer, in order to undeceive the
men and prevent any fatal mistakes and bad consequences, I propose that you would
move HM for an order requiring the same obedience to the warrant officers as to those
that are commissioned. Signed. 2 pp. Enclosed:
6 i Jamaica, 4 December 1738. Same to Same. Copy, of Cal SP Col XLIV, no 529.
4 pp. [CO 137/56, ff 177–180d] |
7
January 6
New Inverness Darien | Part of letter from Rev John McLeod, missionary, to [Adam Anderson]
secretary of SPCK (Scotland), acknowledging letter of 8 July. Sum of
20l towards cost of fixing missionary here would be poor assistance
though better than none. If the Society will bestow money to purchase
four servants they would in process of time be of some use. Servants cannot be subsisted
without borrowing from neighbours. The Society should request of the Trustees formal
grant of 300 acres promised within twelve miles of New Inverness. Gen Oglethorpe
promised credit on the Trust's stores and undertook to provide out of his own pocket
some sort of house for worship until a fund be established for building a church. The
Trustees' fund for religious uses cannot be employed for building a Presbyterian church
but there is possibility of a legacy to be applied to that purpose. Copy. 3 pp. [CO 5/640, ff
253–254d] |
8
January 9 | Francis Fane to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations reporting no
objection in point of law to eleven Acts passed in Massachusetts in
1737/8. Signed. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 11 January 1739, Read 2 May 1741. [CO 5/882, ff
203–204d] |
9
[January 9] | Accounts of the duties inward and duties outward arising in the
Bahamas, midsummer 1737 to Christmas 1737. Accounts of HM's
revenues arising in the Bahamas, 24 June 1737 to 25 December 1737. Passed in Council
and sworn to by William Stewart, receiver-general and treasurer. Signed, R Fitzwilliam. 5
pp. Endorsed. (1) Recd. from Governor Fitzwilliam. (2) Recd. 9 January, Read 18 January
1739. [CO 23/4, ff 51–54d] |
10
January 10
Palace Court | Minutes of Trustees for Georgia. Resolved that the general meeting be
appointed for 17th inst to consider the answer of the Chancellor of the
Exchequer to the Trustees' representation of 3rd inst relating to further
support of the colony. Entry. ¾ p. [CO 5/687, p 99] |
11
January 12
Whitehall | Order of Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs on petition of
Thomas, Lord Fairfax, for confirmation and approval of the surveys
and report made by his commissioners in Virginia. The Commissioners
for Trade and Plantations are ordered to examine the reports and papers transmitted to
them both by Lord Fairfax's commissioners and by those appointed by the lieut-governor
of Virginia, and to report to this Committee a state of the facts. Seal. Signed, W Sharpe. 2¾
pp. Endorsed, Recd. 14 February, Read 15 February 1739. [CO 5/1324, ff 143–144d] |
12
January 12
Whitehall | Same referring three Acts passed in Pennsylvania in August and
September last to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations for report.
Seal. Signed, W Sharpe. ¾ p. Endorsed, Recd. 22 January, Read 23
January 1739. [CO 5/1269, ff 45, 45d, 48, 48d] |
13
January 12
Whitehall | Same referring the following to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. Seal. Signed, W Sharpe. ¾ p. Endorsed, Recd., Read 23 January
1739. Enclosed:
13 i Petition of John Yeamans, agent for Montserrat, to King in Council praying
for a supply of ordnance, guns, firelocks and ammunition for the defence of the island.
Signed. 2pp.
13 ii Schedule of cannon required for each of ten forts and points in Montserrat.
Total: 16 nine-pounders and 9 six-pounders. List of other stores needed. ¾ p. [CO
152/23, ff 175–178d] |
14
January 12
Whitehall | Commissioners for Trade and Plantations to Duke of Newcastle
enclosing the following. Signed, Monson, R Plumer, A Croft. 1 p.
Enclosed:
14 i Extract of letter, dated 4 November 1738, from President James Dottin to
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations relating to French settlements on St Lucia
and other islands. See Cal SP Col XLIV, no 494. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Copy sent to
Earl Waldegrave, 1 February. [CO 253/1, ff 305–308d; entry of covering letter in CO
29/16, p 74] |
15
January 12
Whitehall | Same to same enclosing the following received from Governor Popple.
Signed, Monson, R Plumer, A Croft. 1 p. Enclosed:
15 i 6 September 1738. Address of Council and Assembly of Bermuda to the
King acknowledging HM's favour and praying for a further supply of warlike stores.
Signed, Andrew Auchinleck and six other members of the Council; Nathaniel
Bascome, Speaker, and twenty-seven other members of the Assembly. 1 large p.
15 ii 29 September 1738. List of stores absolutely wanted for the batteries and
fortifications at the east, southwest and west ends of Bermuda. 1 large p. [CO 37/26, ff
214–219d; entry of covering letter in CO 38/8, pp 303–304] |
16
January 13
Antigua | Governor William Mathew to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations sending minutes of Assembly of St Christopher's, 22 September
1737 to 12 September 1738, and minutes of Council of Montserrat for
quarter ending 25 December 1738. Signed. 1 small p. Endorsed, Recd., Read 6 April 1739
[CO 152/23, ff 204, 204d, 209, 209d] |
17
January 14
Savannah | Thomas Causton to Trustees for Georgia. I make no doubt but Mr
Thomas Jones has informed you that I gave him a receipt for your
orders under seal of your Common Council dated 19 May last. As it has
ever been my endeavours to execute your commands I return you thanks that you have
now put it in my power to make those endeavours more effectual, having long laboured
under the utmost uneasiness to see myself so embarrassed without any prospect of ease.
Finding you did not approve of the credit given for the servants brought by Capt
Thompson from Scotland to Mr Thomas Upton, Mr John Broadie and others, I
acquainted them that they must forthwith pay for them, whereupon Mr Broadie and Mr
Upton applied to Gen Oglethorpe and he, having regard to their circumstances, has
ordered those credits to be continued. As for those taken to my own service I have
returned them for your further commands and they are by the general's order joined with
those at the Darien. The motive for my giving the above credit was because I apprehended
it was now become necessary to give all possible civilities and reasonable succour to
strangers at their first arrival as the surest means to guard them against the bad
impressions they were liable to receive both in respect to the country and the regulations
for its settlement. How far I may have erred in such an apprehension I submit to your
judgment. |
| As to the 9½ heads of German servants brought by Capt Hewitt and by me taken to
my own account, I am certain I advised you that they having intended to pay their own
passage and go to Pennsylvania had made their choice to indent themselves to me on the
same conditions with those indented at Cowes for your service. Having conceived an
opinion that it would be for the service of the colony to add to its number, that the
cultivation of land was an essential point towards its support, and well knowing that your
repeated orders have been for giving proper encouragement to those who were
industrious, on that account I imagined that my industry being sufficiently known might
be equally deserving with other people, and the rather because I can take upon me to say
that neither I nor my servants have spent our time (though with little success) for any
other advantage than your service or the cultivation of that farm which I advised you I
had lately begun. I imagine you will think it impossible for me to give a particular reason
by way of letter for the several credits to the inhabitants of the colony. Therefore, with
great submission must in general refer myself to those accounts when they shall be
respectively transmitted. And since you have been pleased to put a period to my acting in
affairs of the colony I shall call upon all the debtors to balance their accounts, whereby I
may be enabled to lay before you the reasons demanded agreeable to the duty I have
professed and endeavoured at. |
| I hope I shall not be liable to your censure because your endeavours have been
hitherto ineffectual for obtaining a regular and known expense of the colony and
providing a proper means of defraying it because variety of business arising from the
urgent affairs of the colony prevented myself and the want of proper hands put it out of
my power to make those regular despatches. And since it will appear evident that the due
examination of the various accounts of the colony necessary for such your regular
knowledge is a full employ for any one person, I am at a loss to think why the want of it
should be imputed to me and further hope you will consider that any calculation of
charge would be very uncertain where those charges are to arise from the execution of
things in remote parts necessarily left to the discretion of each particular person
concerned and must be more or less as the variety of accidents or circumstances should
require and could not be known by me till I had received the accounts from those
entrusted. If the abovementioned or any other necessary expenses of the colony have
exceeded the calculations made in England I hope such exceedings will not be imputed as
my fault, being ever vigilant to avoid every unnecessary charge as well as industrious to
provide against everything that seemed to threaten its welfare. Your censure for my
taking surprising liberties, attended with your present commands, gives me sufficient
reason to lament that I was not more capable of serving you to satisfaction or that you did
not make a more proper choice. As I had not your orders to advise with anyone till the
arrival of Col Stephens I am sorry to find myself accused with misconduct when I was
acting to the best of my judgment and when it was impossible for me to receive particular
instructions from you concerning such cases as daily occurred. |
| But that I may lay before you immediate reasons (till particular accounts are made up)
for my conduct it is necessary to acquaint you that I find by the accounts now properly
balanced to 22 November 1736 the sum of 4593l 5s 11½d sterling was then owing to
sundry persons, toward the payment of which (at that time not yet particularly known)
Gen Oglethorpe left with me (in cash) about 350l including a sum to be received of Mrs
Bovey for the balance of her account; at which time provisions were greatly wanted, there
not being 20 barrels of meat in all your stores in the province. I had then no other
prospect of answering the sum of money due or of supporting the people either for
account of establishments or encouragements for industry than the expectation of the sum
of 3000l which Mr Oglethorpe acquainted me you intended to send to make good the
calculated charges to 25 March 1737. As the stores stood thus exhausted I had no way to
answer the most pressing demands of those who had money due to them but by parting
with what cash I had in such small payments as might give the best content, whereby I
was in a short time out of cash also. To supply this defect which Mr Oglethorpe well
knew would happen, he engaged Messrs Montaigut & Co and wrote to Messrs Jenys &
Co to supply me with cash on the credit of the expected bills, to negotiate them (when
arrived) or other bills in their stead to their value. The former I may venture to say
promised to comply with this request but the latter answered me with a denial and gave
for reason that those bills could not have the protection equal to bills of exchange. In the
month of December 1736 I applied to Messrs Montaigut & Co pursuant to their promise,
having then an opportunity to buy upwards of 100 hogs but could not obtain one farthing
till I drew a bill of exchange on Mr Oglethorpe for 50l (having his leave for so doing) on
my own account, which I thus expended to supply the stores with provisions then much
wanted at the southward and accordingly at that time advised Mr Oglethorpe. As you did
not think proper to transmit more than one half of the sum expected it consequently
occasioned larger arrears at 25 March 1737 than would otherwise have been left, but what
added yet more to the distresses of the colony was advices from Commodore Dent at
Jamaica that the Spaniards had prepared for an immediate descent upon us. I am certain
you will easily believe that in these circumstances every soul in the colony must be in
extreme surprise when the stores were exhausted, no immediate prospect of supply, and
an enemy hourly expected. For my own part, though lives of self and family must be as
dear to me as others, it was the least of my concern, being much more anxious how to ease
the people in their distress by executing the trust reposed in me to their comfort. In this
condition it was impossible to control the attempt of making a fort then unanimously
required as necessary for the safety of their lives. But though this alarm ended without
those consequences that were (at first) apprehended, it not only added very much to the
immediate expense of the colony but also prevented in a great measure the use that would
have been made of the then planting season and added to the distresses of the people in the
following year. Had your resolutions concerning the intended expense for the year 1737
come to my hand in any due time it would have been in my power to have avoided a very
great deal of the expense of that year, but as those orders did not arrive till 1 November it
was impossible for me to make any considerable savings. The arrival of Col Stephens at
this time as your secretary gave me hopes that I might in some measure be relieved,
especially as to such matters wherein my own judgment had hitherto been my only guide.
I, therefore, from this time communicated the generality of my actions to him and seldom
executed anything without his concurrence. And I cannot help saying the calculation of
expenses was so greatly short of the charge which necessarily attended them that therefore
I rather chose not to proceed (without such concurrence) in the execution of some of
them than to have hazarded your approbation of what must (in such case) [have] been the
act of my own judgment. |
| In the northern division the charge of the settlement at Augusta in your establishment
computes only the pay for a captain, lieutenant and fifteen private men without any
allowance for a sergeant and a constable, provisions boats, arms, ammunition and incident
charges that must naturally attend a settlement so remote in building a fort, raising of
food and cultivating a friendship with neighbouring Indians: to effect which Capt Lacey,
being sensible he should be exposed to all the obstructions that his neighbours of Carolina
could throw in his way, thought it necessary to hire several labourers that he might lose
no time in raising food which would not only be a more immediate support to the
garrison but also be an inducement to other industrious people to join them. He also
thought it necessary to take a journey into the Cherokee nation and thereby preserve as
much as possible the friendship already cultivated by his former journey and therein to
acquaint them of such matters as were contained in Mr Oglethorpe's instructions and
your message transmitted to me; and notwithstanding all his endeavours to avoid it, six
principal Indians of that nation would come with him to Savannah to whom it was
necessary to make the usual presents. That these unavoidable occurrences were attended
with a large increase of expense [there] can be no doubt but as a further justification of my
defraying so considerable a charge I have enclosed a copy of Capt Lacey's written orders.
I apprehend I do not flatter myself if I think those orders were sufficient, it being very
evident that everything done on that account has had its desired effect, the Indians on that
quarter being in perfect friendship, the fort completed, and the charge of provisions much
lessened; in opposition to which the greatest part of the provisions thought to have been
secured for them (on the Carolina side of the water) was artfully Indians another way and
many contrivances and false reports set on foot to irritate the Indians against the garrison,
it being too advantageously situated for the enemies of the colony to see with pleasure. |
| The support of the Salzburghers at Ebenezer is wholly left out of the account of
expenses, or if I may support it to be included in any of those articles which are left blank
it naturally follows that sixty families of industrious people could not be supported
without considerable expenses, in defraying of which I strictly adhered to their former
establishment and made no extraordinary allowances but what Rev Mr Bolzius seemed
with good reason to desire. I humbly imagine that you will easily believe that Fort
Argyle, every scout-boat and garrison must be also attended with a variety of expense, the
particulars of which generally arising from unforeseen causes could not be known when
they happened. There is also a great increase of expense that has necessarily attended the
sawmill and cowpen at Ebenezer in provisions, boats and labour. The expenses calculated
for making the western road provides only for the pay of ten men and makes no
allowance for provisions which is also their due. But as the execution of that order was
committed (by Mr Oglethorpe) to Mr Robert Williams I humbly hope that the
extraordinary many expenses thereon will not be imputed as my act, I having frequently
given notice how far your orders permitted me to go and would have stopped the work
had not Col Stephens joined him in opinion that the expense was necessary, ought to be
continued, and would certainly be approved of, that I might safely continue the work till
the arrival of the general and need not doubt but as he had given the orders to Mr
Williams he would support them with your approbation. However, I prevailed so far as
to reduce the number of labourers from 17 to 10 men, and as that account remains open I
have delivered a copy to Mr Jones to adjust the same with Mr Williams. |
| I must further observe that, notwithstanding the calculation of the general expenses,
your orders of the same date repeated your commands for support of the outsettlements,
those who industriously applied themselves to cultivation of land, and those who were
(anyways) distressed throughout the province. As the extent of expenses of this kind then
naturally depended on my own discretion as occasion required, hard would be my lot if
under such general commands the ill success attending my endeavours to obtain the ends
which you thereby seem to be so anxious for should be imputed to my conduct. The
addition of servants to the colony by Capt Thompson and Capt Hewitt in December
1737 was a new charge on the store subsequent to your calculation of expenses, every one
of which servants (at a medium) costs 7l per annum. As to the general support of the
colony and providing of stores in so large a manner, I must further add that in April 1738
I received fresh advice supported by affidavits that a great force of men and vessels from
Havana were arrived at St Augustine and might be daily expected to attack us. In these
circumstances the industrious people having been from time to time disappointed of the
fruits of their labours in planting and wearied with their endeavours, I could not help
joining in opinion (which every understanding man here will allow to be right) that it was
necessary to keep the stores well supplied as the means to prevent those desertions (as
otherwise) through repeated disappointments would have then been unavoidable at a time
when every man's hand was necessary to protect the public safety; and if there should be
no occasion for extraordinary issues they were ready in the store to supply every
necessary demand on the arrival of additional numbers then daily expected. And certainly
so it was and will be acknowledged that had I not made such provision HM's forces
would have suffered very much and the want would have been attended with ill
consequences. |
| As to the expense for support of the southern division I must beg leave to say that
Gen Oglethorpe, subsequent to your orders for certain expenses there, strictly enjoined
me not to suffer those settlements in any degree to want supplies; the application of
which being under the direction of proper officers I may reasonably hope that his
orders and their accounts will sufficiently justify me. Give me leave then upon the
whole to collect the general necessity of such a conduct. Gen Oglethorpe returned to
England in November 1736, leaving the colony in the circumstances before related,
with a full resolution to return to its succour in May or June following. That he met
with many delays which prevented the execution of his designs till 1738 cannot be
unknown to you; that during his absence and till the expected time arrived, continual
alarms from the Spaniards, the well known attempts of raising jealousies among the
Indians, and the necessitous circumstances of the colony made it requisite to use all
reasonable methods to prevent any desertions, for as such a desertion might be general
I should then have exposed myself to censures of a much higher nature and your
endeavours for obtaining a military force of the Crown might probably have been
rendered ineffectual. |
| The clerks of the store are preparing copies of books and accounts agreeable to your
orders and doubt not but my good intentions for the welfare and safety of the colony will
be sufficiently manifest, and I shall ever esteem it my happiness that, though my actions
should not meet with suitable approbation, my principal aim was obtained in keeping the
people together without drooping under their disappointments or being anyways
intimidated by the threats of their enemies. And as this was the scope of my action I might
easily expect that mistakes of a lesser consequence would have been treated with lenity
and indulgence. I should be very far from being uneasy at the different measures you are
pleased to take for the executing the business of the colony did I not meet with far
different treatment than what is expressed in your letter to me. But lest I should be
supposed to prefer complaints concerning what may appear harsh to me before my own
justification, I shall for the present only pursue that defence necessary for the character of
every honest man and upon the common right of justice may expect a suspension of your
belief concerning what is laid to my charge till answers can be given. Your orders and the
proceedings thereupon give me just apprehension that somebody has basely charged me. I
therefore pray to be acquainted with the particulars (without which) as no man can
answer he ought not to suffer. When I consider the services which without any view I
have performed for near six years, your own approbation of my conduct on several
occasions, and Mr Oglethorpe's assurance in full terms that you would never condemn
me on any charge till I had been heard, I am at a loss to know why I am (not only)
divested of all your favours but also prevented by an arrest from getting my bread
elsewhere. The former I confess would have been less grievous had it been done in such a
manner as to have acknowledged my services, but when contrariwise, accompanied with
the latter, can now appear to me in no other light than a condemnation without being
heard and consequently unjust. |
| The inventory of the stores at Savannah, taken 29 September last, has with the remains
been delivered to Mr Thomas Jones together with several extracts of expenses which was
judged necessary to be immediately transmitted. I have also delivered him Mr Bradley's
whole accounts, the prodigious expense of which will be sufficient reason for all my
complaints on that head. Having moved the town-court at Savannah to name another
trustee to the orphans I obtained the order enclosed which I doubt not will be put in
execution. My cash accounts is now under the examination of Mr Jones and I hope that,
when you shall see how far I have devoted myself to the service of the colony and
neglected all advantages which many men in my station might and probably would
(without reflection) have made, sacrificed every minute of my own and family's time and
all my goods, eatables and drinkables, to Indians and strangers for the sake of the colony
and its safety, expecting only such rewards as might flow from you and generosity, you
will remove those clouds which eclipse my character and reward my service. I cannot
conclude this my address without mentioning the unequal task I have laboured under
from my first arrival in the colony, with what difficulties I have sustained the weight of
public business, what solemn application I made to Gen Oglethorpe before his last return
to England and what entreaties I afterwards made to Rev Mr John Wesley, his brother,
and Mr Ingham, to intercede with him that I might be relieved from it, how steadily I
have adhered (against a torrent of opposition) to your plans, regulations and the execution
of your laws regardless of enemies who perhaps (on that account) will never be
reconciled. From such known behaviour I may reasonably not only expect protection but
reward and not to be condemned without proof or conviction. Signed. 8 pp. [CO 5/640,
ff 257–260d; signed duplicate, endorsed Recd. 5 April 1739, at ff 261–2646] |
18
January 14
Savannah | Thomas Jones to James Oglethorpe. The just regard I have for your
honour and the Trustees' interests oblige me to trouble you with this
short account of some occurrences, out of many, that daily happen
here. Mr Causton has at length contrived his cash account (of which I have a copy)
whereby he makes the Trustees indebted to him in a balance of 780l. He triumphs much
thereat. I have looked into the account and can without examining the vouchers discover
that for two years last past several sums of money are said to be paid to persons as by their
receipts whereas they received no money of him but effects out of the store to that value,
and that not placed to their accounts nor any mention in their books of those effects being
issued. Several sums paid to others in discharge of his own debts to whom the store was
not indebted. He has given drafts to others on persons (not indebted to the Trustees)
which have been protested, having obtained a receipt for those drafts as cash, but will not
repay the money. I am not so much surprised at anything of this nature that he has or may
undertake, but that others who I thought to be pure of reputation and upright in their
dealings should combine with him in the same fraudulent designs has disturbed me
greatly: Minis, Woodroffe, Brownfield, etc. Mr Brownfield's demand on the Trustees is
greatly enhanced since the account given me of his balance in October. His going to
Oxtead of late and tarrying there several nights and his joining in the representation,
contrary to his judgment which he had declared to me, gave me a jealousy that the
conjunction of such opposites portended some extraordinary event. I examined Mr
Brownfield's account (as in the storebooks) for one year past and found several sums of
money to the amount of near 70l (within that time) charged to the Trustees' account
which by his bills of parcels appeared to have been placed to Mr Causton's private
account. All the sums before March last had been certified by Mr Causton to have been
delivered to the stores for account of the Trustees (which certificate has been paid in
England). I took a copy of the certificate and went to Mr Brownfield. I asked him whom
he made debitor in his books for those sums of money. He told me Mr Causton, being
goods he had sent for to his own use but Mr Causton had agreed lately to charge the
Trustees with them. I showed him the copy of the certificate and asked whether he did
not know (when he received it) that the allegations therein were false and that Mr Causton
had therein certified a manifest falsehood. He replied the greatest part of the people who
had dealing with Mr Causton had done the same. I told him that it was with concern I
must charge him with fraudulent and base actions as well as ingratitude and that other
people's being guilty of the same fraudulent contrivances was but a thin subterfuge, that I
should in justice to the Trustees acquaint them with this scene of villainy. I do not pretend
to remember exactly what passed, being very much moved. About the same sums of
money is lately taken from Mr Causton's debt to Minis and put to the Trustees. |
| Last Saturday Mr Henry Parker with seven or eight of his new confederates (the
Scotch) went to dine at Oxtead and the next day a letter was found by them dropped in
the street (of three sheets of paper) directed to you. I have not seen it but Col Stephens
heard it read by Hugh Anderson (the supposed author) who took much pains to expatiate
upon it. It is the second part of their representation but more insolent. I went that evening
to Jenkins's expecting to hear somewhat of what had been contrived at their meeting. I
found there a full assembly (sixteen in number): they were for a long time silent till at
length Dr Tallfier began the complaint of their injurious treatment by you and the
Trustees; he was seconded by Douglas and others. Then Capt Stewart (of the Charles
transport) stood up and drank Damnation to all Rogues, which was much applauded.
They asked me whether I would not drink the health: I replied that unless they would
name those they called rogues and explain what they meant by damnation I should not do
it, having never been used to cursing. They then dropped it and fell into their silent mood.
Mr Causton has by his mean arts been successful in corrupting the minds of people of all
degrees and has reconciled some of the greatest enemies to one another such as Parker and
Fallowfield, Bradley and himself. He dined at Bradley's lately and has in Bradley's case
followed the example of the unjust steward in the gospel, which shall explain fully to you
when you give me the pleasure of waiting on you; in the meantime shall endeavour to rub
on in the midst of insults and endeavour to guard against the snares which are daily laid
for me. Mr Parker came to the store last Saturday and would have me issue 100 bushels of
corn to Mr Causton and also some of the damaged corn for his hogs at a certain value
which he would return in kind the next year. I told him that, the other provisions being
near exhausted in the store, the only relief that could be given to the poor people must be
corn until a fresh supply came. He said he would go to Col Stephens and talk with him. I
had been before with Col Stephens (being apprised of the design) and told him that if they
gave me such unreasonable directions about issues out of the store I should not comply
therewith but would shut up the store and go to you at Frederica to receive my orders.
Whether I shall be urged again tomorrow I cannot tell but am persuaded that Col
Stephens will not agree thereto. |
| It is reported that Mr Causton is to go with Stewart for St Christopher's, who is near
laden and falls down the river tomorrow to take in the remainder of his loading at
Cockspur. I am persuaded Mr Causton has some such views, and what induces me to
think that this report of his going away with Stewart may be true is the great intimacy that
there is between them. Nothing but your coming soon into these parts can prevent it. Not
knowing of this opportunity of writing to you until within these two hours I cannot add
but that I am, etc. Signed. 3pp. Endorsed, Mr Jones to Gen Oglethorpe, sent with the
general's letter to the Trustees dated 17 January 1738/9. (fn. 1) Recd. 29 April 1739. [CO 5/640,
ff 255–256d] |
19
January 17
St James's | Order of King in Council appointing the five eldest Councillors of
New York, New Jersey and Nova Scotia (except Major Paul Mascarene) to be commissioners for marking and settling boundaries
between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Copy, certified by W Sharpe.1½ pp. Endorsed,
Recd. 8 May, Read June 1739. [CO 5/881, ff 89–90d] |
20
January 17
St James's | Same appointing Nathaniel Bascome, William Riddell and John Harvey
to be of the Council in Bermuda. Copy, certified by W Sharpe.1½ pp.
Endorsed, Recd. 8 May, Read 8 June 1739. [CO 37/13, ff 79, 79d, 82,
82d; entry of warrant, dated 31 January, for admission of Harvey, in CO 324/37, p 122] |
21
January 17
St James's | Same confirming Act passed in Bermuda in August 1738 for laying duty
on whale-fishery. Like Order confirming Act for making addition to
salary of Governor Alured Popple. Like Order confirming Act for
paying 100l yearly to Governor Popple. Copy, certified by W Sharpe. 1¾ pp. Endorsed,
Recd. 8 May, Read 8 June 1739. [CO 37/13, ff 80–81d] |
22
January 17
Whitehall | Commissioners for Trade and Plantations to the King proposing
Edward Jessup to be of the Council in St Christopher's in the room of
William McDowall who has desired to resign. Entry. Signatories,
Monson, Edward Ashe, Arthur Croft, R Plumer. I p. [CO 153/16, f 153] |
23
January 17
Whitehall | Same to same proposing Benjamin King to be of the Council in Antigua
in the room of Sir William Codrington, deceased. Entry. Signatories, as
preceding. 1 p. [CO 153/16, p 154] |
24
January 17
Whitehall | Same to same proposing James Murray to be of the Council of North
Carolina in the room of Edmund Porter, deceased. Entry. Signatories,
Monson, Edward Ashe, A Croft, R Plumer. ½ p. [CO 5/323, p 265] |
25
January 17
Palace Court | Minutes of Trustees for Georgia. Thomas Archer reported the meeting
of the committee with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Trustees'
application, being a civil matter, could not be put in the estimates;
application must be by petition to Parliament. Entry. I p. [CO 5/687, p 100] |
26
January 18
Boston | Governor Jonathan Belcher to Duke of Newcastle. About two months
ago I made a visit to New Hampshire and met the Assembly there who
went through the necessary business of the province in about three
weeks; and I now enclose to you the laws and orders that were passed during that session.
The people there as well as in this province are earnestly desirous that the matter of the
boundaries between this province and that may be brought to a final issue, and I beg your
favour and compassion to HM's subjects that this affair may be dispatched. Signed. 2
small pp. [CO 5/899, ff 358–359d] |
27
January 22 | Unsigned letter to Trustees for Georgia offering to arrange dispatch of
hired servants to the colony, to foster cultivation of hemp, silk and flax,
and to put up 5 or 6000l for the purpose. PS. Reply to Mr Brookes, to be left at Dr
Burton's at York. 2 pp. Addressed. [CO 5/640, ff 267–268] |
28
January 23
Whitehall | Order of Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs directing
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations to furnish a state of the
evidence in the complaint of Chaloner Jackson, collector of Customs in
the Bahamas, against Governor Richard Fitzwilliam. Seal. Signed, W Sharpe. ¾ p.
Endorsed, Recd. 8 February, Read 9 February 1739. [CO 23/4, ff 55, 55d, 58, 58d] |
29
January 23 | Thomas Hill to Francis Fane sending three Acts passed in Pennsylvania
for opinion in point of law as soon as conveniently may be because of
the little time allowed by the charter for repeal. Titles stated. Entry. 1¼ pp. [CO 5/1294,
PP 113–114] |
30
January 23
Boston | Governor Jonathan Belcher to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations enclosing duplicate of letter of 20 December to which you will
please to refer as to the state of the bills of credit passing here and in the
neighbouring colonies. And I am now to address you in answer to the enclosed request to
me from HM's Council and the House of Representatives of this province in their present
session respecting a bill they have passed for emitting 60000l in bills of credit. This bill is
much of a nature with that I sent to you in January last, on which I have been expecting
your sentiments and hoping for HM's leave that such a bill might pass into a law here. I
am to pray you to read what I now write with attention and to come to some speedy
resolution on an affair so nearly affecting the honour and safety of this HM's government
and the peace, good order, and welfare of his people who are numerous and their trade
various and extensive; and the only medium for carrying it on for more than thirty years
past has been bills of credit in lieu of silver and gold which is as constantly exported to
Great Britain as it comes hither. In conformity to HM's 16th instruction to me all the bills
of this province must be drawn in by the end of 1741, and if nothing be substituted in
their place it may produce in a manner of stagnation of all trade and other great
inconveniences to the government and people. And as this bill is the best calculated to
maintain the value of the bills that shall be emitted in consequence of it of any that has yet
been passed in this province, I would pray your interposition in a matter of so great
importance to HM's honour and service and to the prosperity of the subjects of this
province which the bringing of this bill into a law will so much advance. But withal I
would propose it should be made a condition in the royal leave for signing this bill that
the Assembly be obliged to pass a bill at same time for drawing in all their outstanding
bills at their several periods and according to the Acts they have already passed for that
purpose. I beg you to give this matter all convenient dispatch and to honour me with your
answer upon it. Duplicate. Signed. 4 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 8 March, Read 13 March
1739. Enclosed:
30 i Address of Council and House of Representatives of Massachusetts to
Governor Belcher requesting his endeavours to obtain passage of bill for emission of
bills of credit. In Council, read and accepted, 13 January 1739. In House of
Representatives, read and concurred, 13 January 1739. With answer by Governor
Belcher, dated 16 January 1739, promising his best offices. Copy certified by Simon
Frost. 3 small pp.
30 ii Act of Massachusetts for emission of 60000l in bills of credit. Copy certified
by Simon Frost, deputy secretary. 6 pp. [CO 5/881, ff 72–79d] |
31
January 24
Whitehall | Thomas Hill to Charles Carkesse sending extract of letter received from
Governor Popple for the opinion of Commissioners of Customs
whether it may be for HM's service to settle Customs officers in that
part of the government of Bermuda called the Country. PS. Copy of HM's instructions to
Mr Popple on that subject also sent. Entry. 1 p. [CO 38/8, pp 304–305] |
32
January 24 | Capt Charles Watson to Thomas Hill enclosing answers to queries with
scheme of French fishery, which I have endeavoured to get the truest
account of that was possible and been careful to make all necessary inquiries concerning
the fishery of Canso. Signed. 1 small p. Endorsed, Recd. 24 January, Read 25 January
1739. Enclosed:
32 i State of the strength, trade and fishery of Cape Breton Island for 1738.
The garrison of Louisbourg on the Island of Breton consists of seven companies:
one Swiss containing 120 private men, a captain, a lieutenant, two ensigns, four
sergeants, four corporals, three drums and a fife; the other six companies have only 60
private men in each, a captain, a lieutenant, two ensigns, two sergeants, two corporals
and one drum. At Port Toulouse is a company of 60 private men. At Port Dauphin is a
lieutenant, an ensign, a sergeant, corporal, drum and 20 men. At the Island of St John's
in Bay Vert is a lieut-governor, a lieutenant, an ensign, sergeant, corporal, drum and
40 men: here it is the governor of Cape Breton yearly meets the Indians and delivers to
them the King of France's present. The grand battery of Louisbourg mounts 44 guns
of 48-pounders and two towers four of the same weight. A battery on the same island
at the entrance of the harbour mounts 26 guns of 36-pounders. The Dauphin's battery
at the towngate mounts 24 guns of 24-pounders, the Queen's battery 16 guns of
18-pounders, and on the quay are 6 guns of 18-pounders; there are likewise several
large cannon not mounted. There comes yearly to Louisbourg a man-of-war of 50 or
60 guns. In the harbour of Louisbourg this year has been 50 merchant ships from 100
to 300 tons, and at the several harbours in and about the island 35 or 40 more, all to
load fish. There are by computation 50 sloops and schooners belonging to Breton
which fish on the banks and make about 500 quintals of fish each, besides 400 shallops
belonging to the several harbours that make about 250 quintals each. Several English,
Scotch and Irish sailors are in their merchant service. 1½ small pp.
32 ii Answers to the several queries from the Commissioners for Trade and
Plantations relating to the fishery at Canso. |
| What is the number of inhabitants now settled at Canso? Six families. By whom is
the fishery carried on at Canso and parts adjacent? Entirely by New England men.
What sort of vessels are employed in that fishery, from whence, of what bulk and
denominations, what number of hands do they carry, and in what manner do they pay
their servants, in money or in shares of the fish they take? In schooners from New
England, from 25 to 40 tons, 5 or 6 men each, paid in shares. Whither do they chiefly
carry their fish for sale? To Spain and Portugal, and to the plantations. Is their fish
chiefly carried to market in the same small vessels that take it or in sack ships, if in sack
ships, from whence are they fitted out and where do they furnish themselves with
provisions and other necessaries? Carried to foreign markets in sack ships and to New
England in the same vessels that catch them; the sack ships fitted out, some from
Great Britain and the rest from New England; the former furnish themselves with
everything necessary in Great Britain and the latter likewise in New England. Are
they possessed of any stages, cookrooms, trainfats, flakes or other conveniences for
drying and curing of fish, and do they let out any such conveniences to the fishermen
and at what rates? They are neither possessed of stages, cookrooms, trainfats, flakes or
other conveniences for drying of fish; they are altogether the property of the New
England men who go thither annually to fish and use the same manner of salting,
curing and drying them as is practised at Newfoundland. Are the houses and
enclosures of the inhabitants at such distance from the waterside as not to hinder the
fishermen in curing and drying their fish? The houses in general are properly situated
at a convenient distance not to hinder the fishery. Do the inhabitants concern
themselves with the fishery, if not, how do they employ themselves and subsist their
families? The inhabitants are poor and industrious, assist the fishery, and use all lawful
methods to subsist their families. What are the methods used in curing of fish and how
much salt to each hundred quintals? Salted in the schooners on the banks; brought by
them to the shore and then thrown on the flakes and cured as usual; 10 quintals of salt
to 100 quintals of fish. |
| You are to inquire whether any of the officers of the garrison at Canso are
concerned in the fishery or whether they take upon them to dispose of beaches, stages,
flakes or other conveniences on shore to any person whatsoever, or hire out the
soldiers to fish. |
As far as I can learn the officers of the garrison have nothing to do with the fishery
nor do they take upon them to dispose of beaches, stages, flakes or other conveniences, or at any time hire out the soldiers to fish. 2¾ pp.
32 iii State of the cod fishery at Canso for 1738 |
| Vessels | From Whence | No of Men | Tons | Quintals of Fish Made | Quintals Shipped to Foreign Markets | Quintals Carried to the Plantations | Whither Bound |
| 20
schooners
of 45 tons | New
England | 120 | 900 | 48000 | 20000 | 20000 | Plantations |
| 40
schooners
of 25 tons | New
England | 200 | 1000 |
| Fish carried in schooners and shallops to the island [of] Breton: 8000 [quintals]. |
| Sack Ships Lading at Canso in 1738 |
| Ships Names | From whence | Men | Tons | Whither Bound | Quintals Shipped |
| St Thomas | Southampton | 10 | 100 | Bilbao | 1880 |
| Henry & Benjamin | Virginia | 8 | 70 | Portugal | 1700 |
| Pegasus | London | 8 | 70 | Mediterranean | 1880 |
| Boston | 7 | 60 | 1860 |
| Eagle | Boston | 6 | 50 | 1580 |
| Ann | 6 | 80 | 2060 |
| Ethereld | London | 10 | 90 | Spain | 2660 |
| Mayflower | Boston | 8 | 60 | 2600 |
| Betty | 7 | 70 | 1800 |
| Kingston | 7 | 60 | Boston | 2000 |
| | | | | | 20020 |
| Masters and Mates ventures | | | | 1980 |
| | | | | | 22000 |
| State of the Whale Fishery at Canso in 1738 |
| Only three vessels came in which had no success. 1 p. [CO 217/8, ff 34–39d] |
33
January 24 | Certificate by Governor Gabriel Johnston that Nathaniel Rice is Clerk
of Council of North Carolina. Signed. ½p. Enclosed:
33 i Minutes of Council of North Carolina, 8 September 1737 to 21 November 1737.
15½ pp. Signed, Nathaniel Rice. Endorsed, R, 16 May 1739. [CO 5/309, ff 155–164d] |
34
January 24 | List of Council in Nevis, received from Thomas Butler, agent. Resident: Michael Smith president; James Symonds; James Browne; Carew
Brodbelt; Charles Bridgwater; Thomas Pym [in another hand: absent]; Thomas Herbert;
John Williams jnr. Absent: Thomas Butler in England; James Mellicken in Scotland;
William Pym Burt resides in St Christopher's; Daniel Smith in London; William Clarke
in London. Signed, Thomas Butler. I small p. Endorsed, Recd., Read 24 January 1739.
[CO 152/23, ff 180d, 182] |
35
January 24 | List of Council in St Christopher's, received from Richard Coope,
agent: Joseph Estridge president; Sir Charles Payne Kt and Bart;
Charles Pym; John Douglas; Joseph Phipps; Abraham Payne; John Williams; John Mills;
Rev Walter Thomas. Absent: William McDowell in Scotland; James Milliken in Scotland;
Edward Man in England. I small p. Endorsed, Recd., Read 24 January 1739. [CO 152/23,
ff 181, 181d] |
36
January 24
Palace Court | Minutes of Trustees for Georgia. Read letters received from Gen
Oglethorpe and others, and a petition from the old freeholders at
Frederica; referred them to committee of correspondence. Resolved
that committee of any three Trustees should prepare petition to Parliament. Entry. 2 pp.
[CO 5/687, pp 101–102] |
37
January 25 | Francis Fane to Commissioners for Trade and Plantations reporting no
objection in point of law to Acts passed in Pennsylvania in 1738 for
laying excise on wine and spirits, for replacing trustees of general loan office of
Pennsylvania, and for supplementing Act imposing duty on persons convicted of heinous
crimes and to prevent persons being imported into the province. Signed. ¾p. Endorsed,
Recd. 29 January, Read 2 February 1739. [CO 5/1269, ff 46–47d] |
38
January 31
Palace Court | Minutes of Common Council of Georgia. Agreed to report of committee that executors of Samuel Wagner of Hampstead, deceased, may
dispose of his lot to any person not having land in Georgia, the
purchaser to be approved of by William Stephens. Agreed to report of committee that
Samuel Hurst and John Pye, clerks in the store in Georgia, be given gratification for
clothing and be discharged, if they wish, when the accounts of the store shall be made up.
Ordered that 500l in sola bills be sent to Georgia for defraying the most necessary
services, with directions for issuing and accounting for them. Ordered that 15 tons of
strong beer be sent to Gen Oglethorpe, the proceeds thereof to be applied to the
maintenance of the Trust's servants. Resolved that William Cookesey be allowed to clear
his debt to the Trust at 10l a year; but, as no person may mortgage or alienate land in
Georgia without licence, the mortgage on his town-lot is void. William Stephens to
inquire into circumstances of his application for 180 acres. Ordered that 600l in sola bills
be sent to Georgia for maintenance of the Trust's servants who are to be employed in
building church at Savannah and cultivating lands for religious uses in southern parts of
the colony, with directions for issuing and accounting for them. Ordered that sola bills to
the value of 40l be sent for payment of Rev John MacLeod, missionary at Darien, that
being the sum received from Adam Anderson on behalf of SPCK (Scotland) for that
purpose. Resolved that Gen Oglethorpe be indemnified against the endorsement of the
sola bills; seal to be affixed to act for that purpose. Resolved that committee of
correspondence do send instructions for the special application of sola bills to the
purposes for which they are sent. Entry. 6½ pp. [CO 5/690, pp 190–196] |
39
January 31
Palace Court | Minutes of Trustees for Georgia. Read letters received from Gen
Oglethorpe and others; referred them to committee of correspondence.
Mr Bradley to be secured and prosecuted. Approved petition to House
of Commons for a supply. Received from SPCK (Scotland) 40l by Adam Anderson to be
paid to Rev John MacLeod, their missionary at Darien. Resolved that three Trustees wait
on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to represent to him that, because of the costs of
military defence of Georgia and other expenses, they are obliged to apply for 20000l.
Entry. 2¼ pp. [CO 5/687, pp 103–105] |
40
[No date] (fn. 2) | Traders, etc of South Carolina to Duke of Newcastle. This application
is occasioned by a paragraph in a newspaper wherein Mr Glen is named
for the government of South Carolina, a place of such consequence as requires a person of
abilities and great experience, of which we are afraid this gentleman may be wanting, who
we are informed is young and a stranger to public affairs either civil or military. It is
therefore hoped you will not be guided by any recommendation of his friends without a
particular enquiry into the character of a person who, though he may be otherwise a man
of merit, yet may not be truly qualified for an appointment of this nature wherein the
dignity of HM and the interest of trade of so flourishing a young province are so much
concerned. Copy. 1 p. [CO 5/388, ff 171–172d] |