Journal, May 1716

May 1. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison, Mr. Molesworth.

Virginia.

2 Anonymous letters complaints against the Governor.

Copies thereof sent him and

Two anonymous letters from Virginia, the one dated the 7th of Febry. last, with several queries by way of complaint against Col. Spotswood, Lieut. Govr. of that Colony, the other without date, inclosing several resolves of the Assembly there against him, were read; whereupon ordered that the Secry. transmit copies thereof to Col. Spotswood for his answer and observations upon ym.

Colonel Blakiston.

Colonel Blakiston, Agent for Virginia, attending and desiring copies of the forementioned papers against Col. Spotswood, ordered that he have copies accordingly.

New England.

New Governor.

Commissions and instructions to be prepared.

Two letters from Mr. Secry. Stanhope, of the 21st of April, 1716 signifying His Majesty's having been pleased to appoint Col. Shute [fo. 431] to be Govr. of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, and requiring the draughts of commns. and instructions to be prepared for him for those Governments, were read; whereupon directions were given for preparing the said draughts accordingly.

Rhode Island.

Order of Council on Mr. Partridge's petition about Militia Rhode Island.

Letter to Attorney General.

An Order of Council of the 28th of April, 1716, upon the petition of Mr. Partridge, agent for Rhode Island, agst. a clause in the commn. for the Govnt. of the Massachusets Bay, about commanding the Militia of Rhode Island, was read; whereupon the draught of a letter from the Secry. [fo. 427] to Mr. Attorney General, relating to that matter was agreed and ordered to be sent.

Jamaica.

Mr. Secretary Stanhope's answer to Board's letters about proceedings of the Assembly&c.

A letter from Mr. Secry. Stanhope of the 24th April, 1716, signifying the directions that have been given upon the Board's letters to him of the 18th of the same month [fo. 414], and 17th Febry. last, relating to the proceedings of the Assembly of Jamaica and the subsistence of His Majesty's Forces there, was read.

Virginia.

Mr. Byrd's memorial against Act about foreign debts.

Mr. Byrd, Receiver General of Virginia, attending, presented to the Board a memorial [fo. 422] against an Act passed in that Colony in 1663, relating to foreign debts, which memorial was read, and their Lordships resolved to take the same again into consideration at the first opportunity.

May 2. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison, Mr. Molesworth.

Jamaica.

New Councillor.

Order and representation.

The copy of an Order of Council of the 10th of March upon a repn. of this Board [fo. 339] of the 2nd of Febry., 1715/16, for appointing Wm. Broderick Esqr. to be a member of His Majesty's Council of Jamaica upon the resignation of Francis Oldfeild Esqr. was read.

New York.

New Councillor.

Order and representation.

The copy of an Order of Council of the 6th of April, 1716, upon a repn. of this Board of the 14th of March foregoing for appointing John Johnson Esqr. [fo. 384] a member of His Majesty's Council of New York, upon the death of Samuel Staats Esqr. was read.

Virginia.

Byrd's memorial.

Act about foreign debts.

Letter to him thereupon.

Their Lordships then took again into consideration Mr. Byrd's memorial [fo. 421] mentioned in yesterday's minutes relating to an Act passed in Virginia in 1663 concerning foreign debts, whereupon ordered that the Secry. write to him [fo. 425] and desire Mr. Byrd will give their Lordships some instance, wherein the said Act has been made use of to the prejudice of creditors, or if he has lately had any complaints against it.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Mr. Micklethwaite.

Act about agents.

A letter from Mr. Micklethwaite, one of the Agents of Barbadoes to the Secry., dated the 9th of the last month, desiring that an act passed in that Island the 5th of July, 1715, for appointing agents to transact and negotiate the affairs of the said Island, may be laid before His Majesty for his approbation, was read, and their Lordships observing that some parts of the said Act are not so intelligible, as they ought to be, they agreed not to lay the said Act before His Majesty for the present.

Ireland.

Inspector Generals account of linens&c. re-exported to Ireland.

An account from Mr. Martyn [fo. 417], Inspector General of His Majesty's Customs, shewing the species and quantities of foreign linens and calicoes annually re-exported from this Kingdom to Ireland from Christmas, 1712 to Christmas, 1715, was read.

May 3. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth.

Virginia.

Letters from the Lieutenant Governor to the late Board with other papers.

The following letters from Col. Spotswood, Lt. Govr. of Virginia, to the late Board of Trade, were severally read, and the papers therein referred to, laid before their Lordships, now present, vizt.

A letter from him dated the 2nd and 10th of June, 1713.
Copy of the account of the Revenue of two shillings per hhd.&c. ending the 25th April, 1713.
Minutes of the Council from 18th August to 9th Decr., 1712.
Minutes of the Council from 5th March, 1712/13 to the 10th June, 1713.
Proclamation from Decr., 1712, to the 10th of June, 1713.
Letter from Col. Spotswood, Lt. Govr. of Virginia, dated 17th of August, 1713.
Address from the Govr. and Council of Virginia to Her Majesty, upon the conclusion of the Peace.
Letter from Col. Spotswood Lieut. Govr. of Virginia, dated the 29th of Decr., 1713.
Copy of an Act declaring what shall be accounted a sufficient seating, planting, cultivating and improving of lands, already granted or hereafter to be taken up and patented.
Copy of an Act for preventing frauds in Tobacco payments and for the better improving the staple of Tobacco.

Whereupon their Lordships resolved to take the said Acts into consideration at the first opportunity, and ordered the instructions and other papers relating to seating and planting of lands in Virginia [fo. 426] to be laid before the Board tomorrow morning.

May 4. Present:—Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison.

Trade.

Report from the Excise Office to the Treasury.

Duties on calicoes&c.

A report from the Commrs. of the excise to the Lords of the Treasury, with an account [fo. 417] of the gross produce of the duties on calicoes&c. for the year ending the 24th of June, 1715, was read.

Virginia.

Letter from Mr. Byrd.

Act about foreign debts.

A letter from Mr. Byrd in answer to the Secrys. letter of ye 2nd instant [fo. 422] relating to an Act of Virginia about foreign debts, and promising to give their Lordships a full account of that matter in a few days, was read.

Instructions&c.

about planting of land to be considered.

The instructions and other papers relating to the seating and planting of lands in Virginia [fo. 425] being laid before the Board according to Order, their Lordships resolved to proceed in the consideration thereof on Monday morning next.

May 7. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Molesworth.

Virginia.

Act&c. about seating and planting of land considered.

Mr. Byrd summoned.

Their Lordships proceeded as resolved the 4th instant, to consider the several papers relating to the seating and planting of lands in Virginia [fo. 426], and the Act passed in that colony in Decr., 1713 intituled, An Act declaring what shall be accounted a sufficient seating, planting, cultivating and improving of lands already granted or hereafter to be taken up and patented, was read; whereupon ordered that Mr. Byrd, receiver General of Virginia, be desired to attend the Board by ten of the clock tomorrow morning.

Massachusets Bay.

Rhode Island.

Command of Militia there.

Letter from Mr. Attorney General.

Mr. Attorney General's Answer [fo. 421] to the letter writ him the 1st instant upon a clause in the Commn. for the Govnt. of the Massachusets Bay about ye command of the Militia of Rhode Island, was read; whereupon their Lordships agreed the clause in the draught of a commn. now preparing for Col. Shute relating thereto.

May 8. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison, Mr. Molesworth.

Virginia.

2 Acts.

Mr. Byrd's thoughts thereon.

Mr. Byrd attending as he had been desired, their Lordships had some discourse with him in relation to the two undermentioned Acts passed in Virginia in Decr., 1713, vizt. [fo. 436] the Act declaring what shall be accounted a sufficient seating, planting, cultivating and improving of lands already granted, or hereafter to be taken up and patented; and the Act for preventing frauds in tobacco payments and for the better improving the staple of tobacco; upon the first of which he said, that by barren land was meant, such as was neither fit for corn nor tobacco, but served only for pasture—that the swamps were only capable of being made fit for mowing, being not proper for tobacco, after all the trouble and expence of draining—that there is little land now left in Virginia unpatented which is fit for tobacco, and where there are swamps or marshes within the limits of any grant, they are esteemed part of the said grant, and he thought the draining the proportion of such swamp prescribed by the Act was reasonable to prevent the lapsing of so much other land, as the same Act directs—And as to the indulgence of five years given to persons for cultivating lands taken up and surveyed but not patented before the pleasure of the Crown was known in relation to the granting of land, he said he thought it very just for the reasons set forth in the Act.

Act about tobacco payment given Mr. Byrd for his observations.

Upon the said Act [fo. 435, 443] for preventing frauds in tobacco payments&c. Mr. Byrd said he was in hopes it might have done good by improving the staple of tobacco, but that since the Agents mentioned in this Act were appointed, he had been an eye witness, that the tobacco from Virginia was worse than formerly—that as to the payment of debts that part was very reasonable, but that it was a great hardship on proprietors of tobacco, who had no occasion to make payments with it in Virginia to be obliged to bring it to publick warehouses and pay too for that trouble, the same being a tax chiefly to maintain such a number of officers; for that interest would oblige the planters to make the tobacco as good as they could which they had no occasion to pass in payment. Their Lordships then ordered a copy of the last mentioned Act to be delivered to Mr. Byrd for his observations thereupon, which on their desire he promised to bring in a few days.

his opinion on the Act about foreign debts.

He further acquainted the Board in relation to the Act about foreign debts in Virginia mentioned in the minutes of the 4th instant, that there had been two instances of that Act being pleaded in prejudice of creditors, one of which instances happened about 4 years ago by a person who was shipwrecked, and coming naked on shore was relieved by Mr. Perry and sent to Virginia, after which the same person pleaded this Act in barr of Mr. Perry's claim for what he supplied him with—and that another instance of this kind happened in 1713, which he said a gentleman now attending was ready to confirm to their Lordships.

New England.

Draughts of commissioners for new Governor.

The draughts of commons. [fo. 431] for Col. Shute to be Govr. of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire being laid before the Board their Lordships agreed the draught of a letter to Mr. Secry. Stanhope for inclosing the same and ordered it to be transcribed.

May 10. Present:—Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison, Mr. Molesworth.

Barbadoes.

Order on representation confirming an Act about Lucie Blackman.

The copy of an Order of Council of the 10th of March, 1715/16 upon a repn. of the 15th of December, 1715 [fo. 301] for confirming and Act passed in Barbadoes relating to the Estate of John Lucie Blackman Esqr. was read.

New England.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

New commissions.

A letter to Mr. Secry. Stanhope agreed the 8th instant, wherewith to transmit to him the draughts [fo. 430, 420] of commns. for Col. Shute to be Govr. of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire was signed [Jour. S. fol. 5.]

Barbadoes.

Order on Sir Edward Ernley's petition about Mr. Colleton's supplying present vacancy in the Council.

Copy thereof sent Sir John Colleton's agent.

An Order of Council [Jour. S. fol. 5] of the 28th of the last month upon the petition of Sir Edward Ernly in behalf of John Colleton Esqr., praying that the latter may supply the present vacancy in the Council of Barbadoes, was read; whereupon ordered that a copy of the said petition be sent to Mr. Robert Hardisty Agent for Sir John Colleton, who has formerly appeared against the said Mr. Colletons being of the Council of that Island, for what Sir John may have to offer in relation to this matter at ten of the clock on Tuesday morning next.

Trade.

Report about duties on Brunswick linens.

The copy of a report from the Commrs. of the Customs to the Lords of the Treasury dated ye 27th instant relating to the duties on Brunswick Linens being received from the Treasury, the same was read, and the follg. papers therein referred to vizt.
Papers therein referred to.
A. Repn. or memorial about Hanover Linen.
B. Copy of the Report of the Officers of the Customs, relating to the duties on Brunswick Linens dated the 17th of April, 16.
C. Copy of the Commrs. of the Customs Report of 13th March, 1715 about the Duties on Hamells or Brunswick Linens.

Virginia.

Maryland.

Merchants petition against Virginia Act about Indian trade.

Mr. Perry&c.

summoned.

The petition of several merchants and inhabitants trading to and residing in Virginia and Maryland against an Act of Virginia concerning the Indian trade, [fo. 437, 442] was read; whereupon ordered that Mr. Micajah Perry [Jour. S. fol. 8] be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him, and any other persons concerned in Virginia, whom he shall think fit, in relation to the said Act at ten of the clock on Tuesday morning next.

Then their Lordships proceeded in considering the letters from Col. Spotswood Lieut. Govr. of Virginia, whereof those dated the 16th November, 1713 and 9th of March, 1713/14 were read and directions given for looking out the Acts referred to in the last of them, to be laid before the Board at the next meeting.

May 11. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison, Mr. Molesworth.

Virginia.

Acts.

The Acts passed in Virginia in 1713, referred to in Col. Spotswood's letter of the 9th March, 1713/14 were according to order laid before the Board with another Act passed in that Colony in 1712, intituled An Act to prevent land lapsing from infants for not seating and planting, or not paying quit rents untill three years after they come of age, which last Act was read.

Virgin Islands.

Representation on Order of Council.

Captain Walton's petition.

Gratification for his services&c.

After which their Lordships agreed the draught of a repn. upon the Order of Council of the 18th Octr. last, referring to the Board, the further petition of Capt. Walton relating to his going with one of His Majesty's Ships of war appointed to touch at the Virgin Islands, and to a gratification for his services&c. and ordered the said draught to be transcribed.

May 15. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison, Mr. Molesworth.

Barbadoes.

Sir John Colleton's memorial against Mr. Colleton's being of the Council.

sent Mrs. Ernle.

A memorial from Sir John Colleton against Mr. Colleton's being appointed a member of His Majesty's Council in Barbadoes, was read; whereupon ordered that the Secry. transmit a copy of the said memorial to Mrs. Ernle who sollicits in behalf of Mr. Colleton and acquaint her that after the holidays, the Board will appoint a day to hear what she may have to offer thereupon by Council, or otherwise as she shall think fit.

Virginia.

Mr. Byrd's observations on Tobacco Act.

Mr. Byrd attending and being asked some questions in relation to the Act passed in Virginia in 1713, entituled An Act for preventing frauds in tobacco payments [fo. 429] and for the better improving the staple of tobacco he said, that besides the great expence in carrying tobacco to the storehouses settled by that Act where for the 1st 3 months the charge was 1sh. per hhead the allowance given by it of 8 per ct. or 5sh. per hogshead, for viewing and examining the tobacco, was a great hardship upon the planters; that there had been but one crop of tobacco brought to this Kingdom since the said Act took effect, than which, he said, there never came worse; so that there was no appearance of any more care taken by the Agents, than formerly by private persons—that the province of Maryland having no such Act and being free from the like impositions, would make their tobacco about 10 per cent. cheaper than Virginia—that the power given by the said Act to the Govr. to appoint Agents, is unlimited and therefore their number may exceed that both of Council and Assembly, when he pleases; the former being but 12 and the latter 51, whereby the Govr. might have a greater influence over the Council as well as Assembly, than might be consistent with His Majesty's Service and the good of the Colony. He added further that the Act creates a new felony, for putting bad tobacco into any hhds. after the same has been examined, which the Govnt. of Virginia have no authority to do—That the short and broken leaves that cannot be tied in bundles, are not allowed to be brought hither, which the merchants there, would be glad it should, since that tobacco is as good as any other and by this means the import of tobacco is in some measure lessened.

Virginia.

Act.

Representation.

Then the Act passed in Virginia in 1713, entituled An Act [fo. 428, 452] declaring what shall be accounted a sufficient seating, planting, cultivating, and improving of lands already granted or hereafter to be taken up and patented, was read, and their Lordships gave directions for preparing the draught of a repn. for laying the same before His Majesty for His Royal approbation.

Virginia.

Act about Indian trade.

Mr. Perry, nor any of the Virginia merchants attending, as expected in relation to the Act of that Colony, concerning the Mr. Offley&c.
summoned.
Indian trade [fo. 432, 444]; ordered that Mr. Henry Offley be acquainted that the Board desire to speak with him at ten of the clock on Thursday morning next, and any other of the gentlemen, who signed the petition on that subject, mentioned in the minutes of the 10th instant.

Leeward Islands.

Virgin Islands.

Representation.

Walton's petition.

A repn. ordered at the last meeting to be transcribed upon Capt. Walton's petition relating to the Virgin Islands&c. was signed.

Jamaica.

Letter from Mr. Blair.

A letter from Mr. Blair, speaker of the Assembly of Jamaica, dated the 8th of Febry., 1715/16 with their thanks to the Board for recommending to His Majesty the Acts of that Island [fo. 141], about quieting possessions and settling fees, was read.

May 16. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Addison, Mr. Molesworth.

Virginia.

Several letters from Colonel Spotswood with papers referred to.

The following letters from Col. Spotswood, Lieutenant Govr. of Virginia were severally read, and the respective papers therein referred to laid before the Board vizt.

A letter of Col. Spotswood dated the 25th of Octr., 1714, signifying his having with all due solemnity proclaimed King George according to directions from the late Lord Bolingbroke, and to his having been to settle the Indians and quiet the frontiers.

Letter from Col. Spotswood to the Secretary, dated the 26th Novr., 1714, relating to Mr. Berkeley's precedence in the Council of Virginia&c.
Copy of a Minute of Council of Virginia of the 4th Novr., 1714, with a letter from the Council of Virginia to this Board, relating to Mr. Berkeley's being a member of the said Council.
A letter from Col. Spotswood, to the Board dated the 1st Decr., 1714.
Copy of an address from the Lt. Govr. and Council of Virginia to the King upon His accession to the Throne.
Copy of an address from the Council and Assembly of Virginia to the King upon His accession to the Throne.
Copy of an address from the Assembly of Virginia to the Lieut. Govr. Novr. 25th, 1714.
Copy of the Lieut. Govrs. speech to the Assembly of Virginia, the 17th Novr., 1714.
Minutes of the Council from the 30th of July to the 4th Novr., 1714.
A letter from Col. Spotswood dated the 27th of January, 1714/15.
Account of His Majesty's Revenue of 2sh. per hogshead&c. in Virginia from 25th April to the 25th Octr., 1714.
Reasons offered by the Receiver Genl. of Virginia against the 6th Article of the New Scheme for collecting the quit rents there and the Govrs. answer thereto.
State of the publick tobacco accounts.
Account of Births and Burials in Virginia from the 20th April to the 20th Octr., 1714.
List of the present Officers&c. in Virginia, anno, 1714.
Proclamation for a General Thanksgiving in Virginia, the 25th Novr., 1714.
Minutes of Council in Virginia from the 18th Novr., 1714 to the 24th Decr. following.
Minutes of Council in Assembly of Virginia, from the 16th Novr., 1714 to the 24th Decr. following.
Minutes of the Assembly of Virginia, from the 16th Novr., 1714 to the 24th Decr. following.
Seventeen Acts passed in Virginia the 24th Decr., 1714.

Letter from Col. Spotswood of the 28th of March, 1715.

Letter from him dated the 4th of June, 1715.

Letter from Col. Spotswood, dated the 24th Octr., 1715.
Copys of several proclamations issued in Virginia in 1715.
State of the publick tobacco accounts from Christmas, 1714, to 7th of Septr., 1715.
Minutes of Council from 23rd of Febry., 1714/15 to 6th Septr., 1715.
Minutes of Council in Assembly from the 3rd of Augt. to 3rd Septr., 1715.
Minutes of the Assembly from Augt. 3rd, 1715, to 7th Septr. following.
An Act requiring the Vestry of the Parish of Henrico to build a Chappel in the said Parish.
An Act for raising a publick Levy.
An Act for the encouragement of such persons, as have gone and shall go voluntarily into the Service of South Carolina.
Letter from Colonel Spotswood dated the 16th of Febry., 1715/16.
Proposals for determining the controversy about the Bounds between Virginia and South Carolina.

Answer to be prepared.

Which proposals relating to the Bounds between Virginia and Carolina, their Lordships resolved to take into consideration at the first opportunity, and to reconsider what Col. Spotswood writes in Par. D of his last mentioned letter relating to a fort in the Indian Country, when the Act relating to the Indian trade shall be considered, after which their Lordships gave directions for preparing the draught of an answer [fo. 455] to Col. Spotswood's foresaid letters.

May 17. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison.

Virginia.

Mr. Offley in relation to his petition against Indian trade Act.

Mr. Offley, attending as he had been desired, and being asked if he had anything to add to the petition signed by himself and several others against the Virginia Act, concerning the Indian trade [fo. 432], mentioned in the minutes of the 10th instant, he said that petition contained the substance of what they had to offer, which he hoped their Lordships would think sufficient to induce them to lay the said Act before His Majesty for his disapprobation. And he added that before this Act the Indian trade was not limited but carried on by any that would undertake it, that there was formerly about a 100 of those Indian traders, but that now the number is restrained to 17 or 18, who are named by the Govr. and are an exclusive Company, none of the former traders being admitted, that they are by the Act limited to trade at one single place called Christiana, that he and his friends had sent over to Virginia considerable parcels of goods for that trade, but there being but one buyer of their goods (the said Company) they must lose at least 50 per cent. if they sell them there, or bring them back, which would be an equal loss to them.

Virginia.

Mr. Offley's opinion on Tobacco Act.

He desired to draw up his thoughts in writing.

Their Lordships then asked his opinion of the Act for preventing frauds in tobacco payments, and for the better improving the staple of tobacco [fo. 429] passed in 1713, whereupon he said, that he believed the intention of the Act was good, but that there were inconveniencies as well as conveniencies in it, as to the conveniencies, he thought that if due care was taken, it would prevent frauds in false packing the hhds., and the sending over of trash, as has frequently been done; that since the passing this Act the tobacco has been better packed than formerly: as to the inconveniencies of the Act the charge for viewing and bringing the tobacco to the warehouses was a great burthen upon that trade, besides that the method of bundling the tobacco, as prescribed by the Act, bruises and endamages it. He did not think that Maryland would get any advantage over Virginia in consequence of this Act, by reason of the difference in tobacco in each Province. However upon the whole he thought that with some additions and alterations the Act might be rendered usefull to the tobacco trade; whereupon he was desired to draw up his thoughts in writing and lay them before the Board the next week, which he promised to do accordingly.

Indian Trade Act to be considered.

After he was withdrawn, their Lordships read the forementioned Act relating to the Indian trade [fo. 437, 451] and finding some difference in it from what Mr. Offley had observed, resolved to take it into further consideration at the first opportunity.

May 19. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison.

Jamaica.

Papers laid before the Board by Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Mr. Secretary Stanhope coming to the Board [fo. 455] he laid before their Lordships. the following papers, vizt.
1. Extract of a letter to the Marquis de Monteleon from Juan Francisco del Valle dated at Jamaica 18th March, 1715/16.
2. A list of vessels comissioned by his Excellency the Lord Archibald Hamilton.
3. Copy of Don Juan del Valle's memorial to the Govr. of Jamaica in Spanish and English.
4. Copy of Don Juan del Valle's memorial to the Marquis de Monteleon in Spanish.
5. Extract of a letter from Captain Balchen of the Diamond to Mr. Burchet, dated at the Nore the 13th May, 1716.
6. Affidavit of Samuel Page 15th of May, 1716.
7. Affidavit of Walter Adlington 15th May, 1716.
8. Repn. of the merchants against Lord Archd. Hamilton.
9. Mr. Page's letter to Sir Gilbert Heathcote, relating to Lord Archibald Hamilton May ye 8th, 1716.
10. Draught of a letter to Peter Heywood Esqr. for securing the persons and effects of those concerned in the robberies and piracies committed upon the Spaniards.
11. Copy of King Charles the Second's letter to Sir Thomas Linch Govr. of Jamaica to send home Sir Thomas Modyford prisoner.
12. The repn. of the Assembly of Jamaica and address.
13. Extract of the Mal-Administration in Jamaica during the Government of Lord Archibald Hamilton.
14. Copy of a letter from Mr. Heywood President of the Council of Jamaica to Mr. Secry. Stanhope with his speech to the Council upon the Bill for subsisting the Officers and soldiers and discharging publick debts&c. and his further discourse thereupon.

Mr. Secretary Stanhope's letter about commission and instructions to be prepared for Peter Heywood to succeed Lord Archibald Hamilton.

The said Heywood impowered to inquire into illegal practices&c.

Whereupon Mr. Secry. left with ye Board a letter signifying His Majesty's Pleasure, that the draughts of a commn. and instructions [fo. 448] be forthwith prepared for Peter Heywood Esqr. first member of His Majesty's Council in Jamaica&c. to be Commander in Chief of the said Island in the room of the Lord Archibald Hamilton referring the said Peter Heywood to his Lordships commn. and instructions for his guidance in that Government, and to such further instructions as His Majesty, shall hereafter think fit to send him, the instructions to be now transmitted being to require the said Heywood to make inquiry into any robberies or piracies committed by persons commissioned by the Lord Archibald Hamilton upon the Spaniards in the Gulph of Florida or elsewhere, to seize the effects of those concerned therein and send over to this Kingdom the principal persons with their effects and proper evidences against them, and also to send the Lord Archibald Hamilton home under arrest, in case it shall appear he was any ways concerned in those illegal practices.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope with the foregoing commission.

Their Lordships immediately taking the same into consideration, agreed the said draught of a commn. for Mr. Heywood; and Mr. Secry. Stanhope being withdrawn, a letter was signed for inclosing it to him; and their Lordships resolved to proceed on Monday morning next in considering the forementioned draught of instructions for Mr. Heywood.

Letter to Mr. Heywood with extracts of the Board's to Lord Hamilton.

Ordered that the draught of a letter be prepared to Mr. Heywood for transmitting to him on this occasion such extracts of the Boards late letters to the Lord Archibald Hamilton, relating to the affairs of Jamaica, as may be necessary.

Plantations General.

Circular letters to the Governors.

Papers transmitted from them to be abstracted.

The draught of a circular letter to several Govrs. of His Majesty's Plantations in America, relating to their transmitting the minutes of Council and Assembly, as likewise the Acts abstracted, being laid before the Board, the same was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

May 21. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison.

Jamaica.

Draught of instructions for Mr. Heywood.

Copy thereof sent Mr. Pringle.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope about new Council for Jamaica.

Merchants&c. to be consulted therein.

A draught of instructions [fo. 447] directed at the last meeting to be prepared for Mr. Heywood to be Commander in chief of Jamaica upon the removal of the Lord Archibald Hamilton Govr. of that Island, being laid before the Board, the same was agreed, and a copy ordered to be sent to Mr. Pringle for Mr. Secry. Stanhope's perusal, before he meet the Board on Wednesday morning next, and Mr. Secry. Stanhope having by his letter [fo. 450] of this day signified His Majesty's Pleasure that upon this change in the Government of Jamaica, a New Council be constituted, some gentlemen of the Board were desired to consult with such merchts. and planters of that Island as they might think most proper, to inform the Board of the fittest persons [fo. 452] to be of the Council of that Island at this conjuncture and they promised to do the same against Wednesday morning next.

May 23. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison.

Jamaica.

Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Persons agreed on to be Councillors.

Mr. Secretary Stanhope [fo. 449, 452] coming to the Board, the lists of persons the most proper to be of the Council of Jamaica, pursuant to the last minutes, were produced, and upon comparing the same with one which Mr. Secry. Stanhope produced, the following persons were agreed upon to be proposed to His Majesty to be of the said Council vizt. Peter Heywood, Charles Chaplin, Francis Rose, John Peck, Valentine Mumby, John Blair, William Broderick, James Risby, Ezekiel Gomersal, John Willis, Thomas Beckford, and George Bennet Esqrs.

May 24. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison.

Virginia.

Memorial from Mr. Carey in favour of the Indian Trade Act.

Merchants petition against it, sent him for his answer.

A memorial from Mr. Robert Carey, Agent for the Virginia Indian Company, in favour of the Act passed in that Colony in 1714, entituled, An Act for the better regulating the Indian trade [fo. 444], was read; whereupon ordered that a copy of the petition of several merchants and inhabitants trading to and residing in Virginia and Maryland, mentioned in the minutes of the 10th instant against the said Act, be sent to Mr. Carey for his answer thereto, as soon as may be, that the Board may appoint a day for hearing both sides, if necessary.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Burchet about instructions for Commodore.

A letter from Mr. Burchet [fo. 455] Secry. to the Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty, dated this day, relating to instructions for the Commander of this years convoy to Newfoundland, was read; whereupon directions were given for preparing sevl. heads of inquiry and instructions for the said Commander.

Jamaica.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Persons to be of the Council.

A letter to Mr. Secry. Stanhope, with the names of twelve persons agreed at the last meeting [fo. 450] to be proposed to His Majesty for the present Council of Jamaica, was signed.

May 30. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Virginia.

Representation.

Act about planting of lands&c.

Representation.

The draught of a repn. ordered to be prepared the 15th instant, for laying before His Majesty the Act passed in Virginia in 1713 [fo. 436] relating to the seating and planting of lands&c. in order to His Royal approbation, was agreed and signed.

Jamaica.

Merchants memorial in behalf of some Councillors there.

Col. Laws [fo. 449], Mr. Oldfield and several other planters and merchants concerned in the Island of Jamaica, attending, they presented to the Board a meml. in behalf of some gentlemen of His Majesty's Council there, praying their Lordships so to represent the said gentlemen to His Majesty, that they may be continued in the same station, or be heard against any suggestions to their prejudice, which memorial was read; whereupon they were acquainted that that matter was not at present before their Lordships.

Plantations General.

Circular letters to the Governors.

Papers&c. to be abstracted.

The circular letters to the Govrs. of His Majesty's Plantations, agreed the 19th instant, relating to their transmitting the minutes of Council and Assembly, as likewise the Acts abstracted, were signed.

Jamaica.

Letter to Mr. Heywood.

The draught of a letter [Jour. S. fo. 1] to Mr. Heywood, Commander in Chief of Jamaica, directed to be prepared the 19th instant, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Trade.

Extract of memorial about practice on the Act of 12th King Charles the 2nd&c.

Boards draught of a Bill touching the same.

Letter to Mr. Carkesse thereupon.

Mr. Godolphin [Jour. S. fol. 20] having transmitted to the Board the extract of a memorial presented to the Commrs. of the Customs the 14th of January, 1709, concerning the practice on the Act of the 12th of King Charles the 2nd with a construction thereof, as explained by several subsequent laws, the same was read, and their Lordships taking notice, that the 21st May, 1712, the Board had referred the draught of a Bill (Trade M. Bundle 179) upon this subject, to the Commrs. of the Customs, but that no answer being returned, ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Carkesse to remind him of the said reference, and to desire him to move the Commrs. of the Customs, that they will please to let this Board have their opinion upon the said Bill.

May 31. Present:—Sir Jacob Astley, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique, Mr. Addison.

Miscellanies.

Incidents.

The Secry. laid before their Lordships the accounts of the incidental charges of this Office for three months from Christmas, 1715, to Lady Day, 1716 vizt.

Salaries.

Letter to the Treasury.

Whereupon a letter to the Lords Commrs. of the Treasury, praying payment thereof, and relating to the salary due to this commn. and officers in their service, was signed.

Virginia.

Letter to Colonel Spotswood.

The draught of a letter to Col. Spotswood, Lieutenant Govr. of Virginia [fo. 441] ordered to be prepared the 16th instant, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed [Jour. S. fol. 1].

Newfoundland.

Heads of inquiry.

Letter to Mr. Burchet therewith.

The draught of several heads [fo. 451] of inquiry and instructions, as usual, for the Commodore of the Newfoundland Convoy, being laid before the Board, as directed the 24th instant, were agreed, and ordered to be sent by the Secry. to Mr. Burchet, for the necessary directions of the Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty thereupon.

Jamaica.

Letter from Mr. Wood with memorial and petition to the King in behalf of Lord Archibald Hamilton&c.

A letter from Mr. Wood, of this days date, inclosing the copies of a memorial and petition to His Majesty from several of the planters and merchants of Jamaica, now in England, in behalf of the Lord Arch. Hamilton [fo. 445], and praying to be heard in relation to the present state of that Island, was read; and Mr. Wood in the names of the planters, merchants, and Traders of Jamaica, desiring in his said letter, the instances of this Board with Mr. Secry. Stanhope for staying the orders expedited on the affairs of Jamaica from going till an examination of those affairs be had before this Board, their Lordships immediately waited on Mr. Secry. Stanhope, who acquainted them, the said dispatches were gone.