USA > Rhode Island > The correspondence of the colonial governors of Rhode Island, 1723-1775, Vol. I > Part 13
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[January 19, 1728 ?]
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
Ist mo. 20th 1728
Gov Wanton
I have already writ thee and others per this Ship a duplicate of mine of the 18. xber last since which I have often pressd our Solicitor for getting out
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the Commission Pursuant to my Petition lodged pretty early for that purpose at the Council Office as I have heretofore advised thee, but have not yett been able to obtain it, the Lord President of the Council being intent of late (as I am told) in other Affairs, Par- ticular[l]y the Matter of the Boundary between the Massachusetts and New Hampshire,1 that there was no getting ours relating to the Colony of Rhoad Island forward, but now I hope we shall soon, as the other is adjusted which went altogether in favour of New Hampshire.
Nothing done in Parliment yet relating to fur- ther inforceing the Sugar Act or Iron, or the Paper Currency in the Plantations, and which I believe they hardly will now as the Sessions is so farr ad- vanced, tho' they say the Lords of Trade will lay before them a Representation : if they shoud I intend to send thee a Copy of it.
As to Publick News, France Stands Neuter still and does not publickly take part in the part between the Spaniards and us but as the Spaniards are greatly distress'd (not with standing what they may pretend otherwise) its not very unlikely that France will Suc- cour them if they can. for the rest I refer to the Prints herewith sent and remain
Thy &c
RICHP PARTRIDGE
To Governor WANTON.
1 See note on p. 81.
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Correspondence of the
ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD 1 TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
GEMANNA IN VIRGINIA April 3ª 1740.
Sir
The Paquet, which I now transmit to you from the Duke of Newcastle His Majesty's Principal Sec- retary of State, came to my hand Yesterday; the Colchester Man of War being sent Express to bring the same to me : And as His Majesty has Honour'd me with the Charge of Concerting Measures with all his Governors here on the Continent of America, for the Assistance which their respective Provinces may Afford towards an important Expedition now on foot, against the Spanish Settlements in the West Indies, I purpose for that end, very soon personally to Kiss yo! hands.
In the meantime His Grace's Letter will, I doubt not, induce you zealously to set about the encourag- ing the people Under your Government, to engage in so Glorious an undertaking; which they may certainly look upon as a Golden Adventure: Espe- cially when they learn that Vice-Admiral Vernon has already Oblig'd the Inhabitants of Porto-Bello, to redeem their Town from being burnt, by the pay- ment of Three Millions of Pieces of Eight; besides his taking three 2 or 3 Spanish Men of War, and 15 or 16 Merchant Men. Now if the Admiral could atchieve this with the Squadron at present under his Command; what place, on the Coasts of the Spanish
1 Spotswood was governor of Virginia from 1710 to 1722, and always a prominent figure in the colony. In 1730 he was appointed deputy-postmaster for the colonies, and was commissioned major-general in 1740. He died in June while superintending the embarking of troops at Annapolis.
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West Indies, can withstand our Attempts, when rein- forced with another Squadron of Men of War, and Eight or Ten Thousand Land Forces from Europe, together with five or Six Thousand Volunteers, in- ured to the Climate of America, which we may Probably raise upon this Continent, and in our Islands in the West Indies ?
As an inducement to your people, to engage in the intended Expedition, it may not be amiss to remark to them the very prudent care which His Majesty has taken of their Interests; by appointing an Old Experienc'd Officer (who has resided among them 25 years, and has his Estate fixt in this part of the world) to have the particular Command of the North American Forces: whereby they may assuredly ex- pect, that He will be a Strenuous Stickler in their behalf to have Justice done them, in their due share of the Booty.
Your honouring me with your frequent Corre- spondence, at this juncture, and informing me of the Progress you make in the intended Levies; or of what Success you expect therein, may very much conduce to the orderly carrying on the present Ser- vice ; And whatever Government I may be in, my Deputy Post-Masters will safely convey your Letters to Sr
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
A SPOTSWOOD
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Correspondence of the
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
LONDON 2ª mo : the 4. 1740
Gov'. Wanton
The foregoing is duplicate of my last to thee per Cap: Remick. Since which the Lords of Trade have laid before the Parliam on the 28 ult. Copys of the Several accot of Paper Currency in the Plantations wch they recd from the respective Governmts, just as they came over without makeing any remarks thereon, as thou willt see by the inclosed Paper here- with sent thee.1 the Board had indeed prepared a pretty long Representation on the Subject, but when they had done it, did not send it to either the Lords or Commons for Certain Reasons they had with themSelves; perhaps they might apprehend Part of it might give occasion of disgust to some Persons; however it lyes by them and whether they will make any use of it hereafter I know not, however as I have had a Sight of it I procurd a Copy and shall send it thee in my next; those Papers wch the Board of Trade have laid before both Houses lye on their Table to be perusd by the Members after they were read and nothing at all yet further done therein; I shall still be on the Watch to observe what proceed- ings have been made thereabout and act as shall be judgd necessary and advise thee accordingly, which is the present needfull from
Thy assured Friend
RICHP PARTRIDGE
along with the Lond. Magazine wch goes by this Ship
. 1 Not in the archives.
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for Secry Martin I sent thee a Plan of Puerto Bello harbour and also an other Plan of wch I desire thy acceptance
To Governor WANTON.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE ISLAND.
WHITEHALL April 5th 1740.
Gentlemen,
I acquainted you by my Letter of January the 5th with His Majesty's Intentions to send from hence a large Body of Forces under the Command of My Lord Cathcart,1 in order to make an attempt upon some of the most considerable of the Spanish Settle- ments in the West Indies; which are to be joined by such a Number of Troops, as may be raised in His Majesty's Colonys and Islands in America ; And at the same Time I sent you His Majesty's Direc- tions to be making the necessary Dispositions, in order to facilitate, as soon as possible, the raising the Troops within your Government; And I informed you, that Col. Blakeney,2 who is appointed Adjutant General in this Expedition, would set out from hence, as soon as possible, with the King's more particular Instructions and Directions to you and the other Governors in America, relating to this Matter: And His Majesty doubts not, but that, in consequence of these Orders, you will have taken the necessary
1 See p. 140. 2 See p. 144.
I
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Steps to get the Levys in as much Forwardness as possible.
I now send you inclosed His Majesty's Instruc- tions,1 under His Royal Sign Manual, containing particular Directions for your Conduct in every Thing, relating to the Performance of this Service, which are so full, that they leave me nothing to add, but to recommend to you the utmost Care and Dili- gence in the Execution of His Majesty's Orders, and particularly in procuring as great a Number of Men, as you possibly can, to inlist, which by the great Encouragement, which (you will see by your Instruc- tions) His Majesty has thought fit to give to such Persons, as shall enter into His Service on this Oc- casion, It is hoped, may be easily done. You will see, that Col. Blakeney carries with him from hence only 3000 Arms; You will not however limit the Number of Men to be raised within your Govern- ment, in proportion to that Number of Arms; since My Lord Cathcart will carry with him a Quantity of Spare Arms and Cloathing, in case it should be practicable to raise a greater Number, than the Three Thousand, for which Colº Blakeney carries with him Arms, and Money for their Subsistence.
As you cannot but be sensible of the great Im- portance of this Service, and how much the Honour of His Majesty's Crown, and the Interest of His Subjects (especially Those in America) are concerned in the Success of this Expedition, I am persuaded you will omit nothing on your part, that may con- tribute thereto, by doing all that lies in your Power,
1 See the following document.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
to promote the Levys, as soon, and as effectually, as may be, in which you will judge from the advanced Season, there is no Time to be lost; and you may be assured, that your Zeal in the Execution of the King's Orders on this Occasion, will be very gra- ciously accepted by His Majesty.
Major General Spotswood,1 whom His Majty has been pleased to appoint Quarter Master General in this Expedition, and Colonel of the Troops to be raised in America, will receive His Majesty's Direc- tions to sail with such a Number of the said Troops, as He can get together, so as to be at the Place appointed for the General Rendezvous by the latter End of August, or the Beginning of September next ; And He will leave Directions with proper Persons to . follow him with the rest of the Troops, as they shall be raised.
And if you should find Difficulty in raising the Men within your Government by the Methods that may occur to you for that purpose, It is His Ma- jesty's Pleasure, that you should, in that Case, per- mit Major General Spotswood, Colº Blakeney, or any Persons appointed by them, to beat up for Volun- teers, and that you should, to the utmost of your Power, assist them in it.
I heartily wish you Success in the Execution of His Majesty's Orders, and am, Gentlemen,
Your most humble Servant.
HOLLES NEWCASTLE
Gov' and Company of Rhode Island.
1 See p. 140.
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Correspondence of the
GEORGE II. TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE ISLAND. 1
GEORGE R.
Secret Instruction for Our Trusty and Welbeloved the Governor and Company of Our Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation in America, or the Governor and Company of Our said Colony for the time being. Given at Our Court at St James's the Second Day of April 1740, in the Thirteenth Year of Our Reign.
Whereas We have been graciously pleased to charge Ourselves with the Cloathing, Arming and Pay of the Troops to be raised in Our Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation under your Gov- ernment, and have likewise given them many other great Encouragements to enter into Our Service, as, by your Instructions upon that Subject, will appear, and therefore have Reason to hope, that the As- sembly of Our said Colony will make no Difficulty of complying with Our Eighth Instruction to you, whereby you are ordered to recommend to them to provide Victuals, Transports and all other Neces- saries for the Troops to be raised by them, except their Cloaths. Tents, Arms, Ammunition and Pay, till their Arrival at the General Rendezvous in the West Indies. However, that this Expedition may not be defeated for want of an early and sufficient Supply of Transports and Provisions, in case Our said Colony shall heartily exert themselves in the Execution of the rest of Our Orders, and shall, within a reasonable Time, raise a large Body of Men
1 Enclosed in the Duke of Newcastle's letter of April 5, 1740.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
for Our Service, if they cannot be induced forthwith to comply with Our Orders herein, You are hereby empowered to engage Transports and secure Provi- sions, for the purpose aforesaid, upon the best Terms you are able, and to draw upon the Commissioners of Our Navy for the payment thereof.
G R.
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
LONDON 2ª mo. the 12th 1740
Governour Wanton
My last to thee was per Cap: Fones of the 3ª Inst. to which I refer. wherein I intimated that the Lords of Trade had lately laid before the Parliament the sev! accounts they recd from the Governors of the Plantations relating to the State of Paper Currency &c. just as they came over without making any Re- marks thereon. this now brings thee a Copy of that Boards Representation which they had prepar'd to lay before both Houses of Parliam+, but afterwards on some considerations declind it and which still lyes in their Office, whether any or what use of it may be made hereafter we know not, as for my part I have never given them any aco! relating to the Paper Currency of Rhd Island, neither indeed could I with any certainty; but here is Ch : Kilby1 one of the Massachus's Assembly come over to Solicit some- thing relating to the extention of the Gov.rs Instruc- tions for issuing Bills of Credit, who has been before that Board, and I am apt to think was examind on
1 Provincial agent for Massachusetts at London.
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Correspondence of the
that head in generall, but beleive he will scarce in any wise accomplish the end he was sent over for, - The House of Commons have appointed the 16th Inst for taking into consideration the aforesd several acco's presented them by the Lords of Trade.
16. ditto
Since writing the foregoing I attended at the House of Commons and saw that when the affair of the Paper Currency was to have come on they put off the consideration of it to the 23ª Instant at wch time I intend to be there again but am apt to think they will Scarce do much in it this Sessions the time being so far Spent I am with due regards
Thy Assured Friend RICHP PARTRIDGE
To Governour WANTON.
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
LOND.º 2ª mo. the 17. 1740
Governor Wanton
I have already writ thee per this Conveyance of the 12th Inst to which I refer, but since then I have learnd how far the Parliam are like to proceed this Sessions touching the Paper Currency Affair and wch I find is agreed on beforehand, viz That they will only come now to Some Resolutions thereupon, the principal of which will be, that the House do address the King that he wod be pleasd to give Instructions to the Gov' of our Plantations not to pass any Act for Emitting any more Bills of Credit
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
without its being first approvd of here - and I expect on the 23 Inst it will be resolvd accordingly.
thus I judgd it my duty to give thee the necessary Information from time to time of what Steps have been and are like to be taken in a Matter which so nearly affects the Plantations, as I shall also continue to do for the future who am
Thy assured Frd
RP PARTRIDGE
To JOHN WANTON Esq. Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO THE GOVERNOR AND COM- PANY OF RHODE ISLAND.
WHITEHALL 18th April 1740.
Gentlemen,
I send you herewith, by His Majesty's Command, a printed Copy of an Act of Parliament,1 which was passed this Session, for the more effectual securing and encouraging the Trade of His Majesty's British Subjects to America, and for the Encouragement of Seamen to enter into His Majesty's Service; I am to acquaint you with His Majesty's Pleasure, that you should cause the same to be made publick in His Majesty's Province under your Government. I also inclose to you His Majesty's Royal Proclama- tion relating thereto.
1 See letter of the Lords of Admiralty to the Governor and Company of Rhode Island, of May 20, 1740, on p. 159.
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Correspondence of the
You will observe, that there is a Clause in this Act, by which the entire property of all Prizes, that shall be made by any Privateer, in consequence of Commissions granted to them after the 4th of Janu- ary last, by Persons authorized for that purpose, is vested in the Captors, except as to the Customs and Dutys mentioned in the said Act. This I am per- suaded, will be a great Inducement to His Majesty's Subjects to fit out rival Ships against the Spaniards, which you will encourage Those under your Govern- ment to do, as soon and as effectually as possible. And His Majesty doubts not but You will employ your utmost Diligence and Attention, that the Ends proposed by this Act may be fully obtained.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most humble Servant HOLLES NEWCASTLE
Gov: and Company of Rhode Island
GENERAL SPOTSWOOD TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
ANNAP. 26th April 1740.
Sir
I Expected to have been by this time forwarder in my way to confer w: the Northern Governours about the grand Expedition now on foot, but the Dif- ficulties and delays that I met with in the Govern- ment of Virginia has retarded my Journey, where- fore I send this express to inform you the sooner of the measures I have Concerted w the Governour of N. Carolina Virginia and Maryland; and more
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
especially of that one necessary step wch Requires to be first settled, I mean the pay of the Troops w'ch ought all to be upon one uniform footing, otherwise when the new Levies of every Province come to serve together, Dissatisfactions, and Consequently mutinies, might arise from some Receiving higher pay than others; There are scarce any two Provinces on this Continent, that agree in the Value of their Cur- rency, and in every one of 'em the Exchange between their Currency and Sterling is Continually varying : So that to avoid all confusion in Accots, and clearly to Satisfie the Common Soldiers, that they are all serving upon the same pay, I have taken upon me to Advise that the pay promis'd 'em should be one Pistole for every Kalendar month; and to encourage several sorts of men to enlist, I have advis'd a Pub- lication, narrating that whereas many men might be desirous of leaving some Subsistance money with their Families; Several Debtors might be able to clear off, or Compound w their Creditors ; and many Servants might obtain their Masters leave to enlist, If three or four months pay were promis'd to be advanc'd, and pay'd to their Respective assigns after their Embarkation: I have had the experience of these kind of proposals having had very Good Effects, when in the Year 1716, I being Governour of Vir- ginia, Rais'd immediately men, and sent them away to the Succour of S. Carolina, and 'twill be carrying on the King's service w greater Frugality than by Giving every man Bounty money.
So soon as the Adjutant General arrives wt the Kings full Instructions, you may expect to hear from
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Correspondence of the
me more at large on this Subject: In the mean while I desire you'll take all oppurtunities to let me know what success you are likely to have in Rais- ing men for the intended Expedition ; That I may by the first occasion Transmit such Accounts to the Secretary of State (as I am Commanded) to be forth- with laid before his Majesty for his Information and Satisfaction.
I am Sr
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
A SPOTSWOOD
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
LONDON the 2ª 3ª mo. 1740
Govern Wanton
My last to thee was of the 12 ult per Cap: Rymes. This now brings thee the Votes of the House of Commons 4 days before they were prorogu'd, con- taining Several Smart Resolutions respecting the Paper Currency and Gold and Silver Coins in the Plantations wch were designed (as I apprehend) pre- paratory to some Law to be passd relating thereto next Sessions of Parliam, which Resolutions were very hastily come in to, they being proposd and agreed on at a Committee of the whole House one day, then reported and concluded on the next; but it was by the House of Commons only, the Lords did nothing at all in it: and it is observable that they were proposd and carryed through at the In- stance of three of the Members principally who are of the side of the Minority of the House being Anti-
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Courtiers viz. S! Jn. Barnard Sam1 Sandys and All' Hume Campbell Esq's and its beleivd that the chief aim of some of them in it, was more with a view to puzle and perplex the Ministry and Spirit up the Plantations against them than any thing else, but be that as it will they have addressd the King pursuant to their Resolutions who has asur'd them that he will on his part comply with what is desired ;
The next day after those Matters passd the House, I reflecting on the many Inconveniencys that might attend in the Consequence, waited on Esq' Sandys and Hume Campbell at their Houses where I was civilly treated and had a great deal of Conversation in discourse with them, Setting forth the great hard- ships and Confusion to the Colonys that woud At- tend the Consequence of the Royal Orders pursuant to their Addresses if it were practicable to be complyd with, but it was apprehended that it could not be with any possibility; and that had they not so hastily passd those Resolutions I shou'd have desired to have been heard at the Bar of the House against them, but at present (as they allowd) I was pre- cluded. pretty much the Substance of my Argumts I afterwas committed to writing wch for thy &c Satis- faction I send thee herewith.1 what effect my Rea- sonings (which they heard with attention) may have with them I know not but I perswade myself those Gentlemen were a little Softned: - and as it happend that I was not now heard before the House it is as well, seeing at next Sessions we shall have this Plea to urge that I had not the opportunity of laying
1 See the following document.
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Correspondence of the
before them the many Inconveniencys that wd un- avoidably attend the Execution of their Resolutions especially too as there was not time for digesting our Arguments so duely as they ought to be.
Hume Campbell intimated that as to the Charter Governmts their Intention was not to hurt them in their privilidges but only to oblige them to transmit their Laws hither and that they she send over answers to the Board of Trade as other Colonys did when required pusuant to addresses of Parliament; so now thou willt in concert with the Legislature of the Colony give me proper Instructions how to act against the Parliam' meets again to do business wch I beleive will scarce be this Six months.
C. Kilby indeed for the Massachts got a Petition delivered to the House just in time and was heard at the Bar, but it did not seem to make much Im- pression upon them so as to alter the Scheme of their Intentions.
As to the Affair of the Commission 1 we have not been able to get it passd yet tho' I have frequently pressd for it; the reasons of its being retarded I refer thee to my Solicitors letter for, which comes inclosed, but I shall still pursue it till its accomplishd.
As to publick News, the War with Spain is con- tinued to be carried on with Vigour, the French still remain Neuter, and as long as they do so, to be sure the Dutch will take no part in our Comotions - for the rest I refer to the Publick Prints herewith sent and remain
Thy assured Friend RICHP PARTRIDGE
1 Commission for determining the Massachusetts boundary.
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Since the foregoing I attended wth my Solicitor at the Lds Committee of Council and they have re- ferrd my Petition for a Commission to the Board of Trade to consider and settle the Heads of a Com- mission for the Boundary after having called the Partys before them.
The Parliamt have passd a Law for encouragemt of Seamen wch I send thee herewith - and here is also a list of the Members of the Lords and Commons.
To Governour WANTON.
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO MESSRS. SANDYS 1 AND CAMPBELL.2 Relating to the Resolution of the House of Commons about Paper Currency : Arguments urgd to Sam! Sandys and Alex! Hume Cambell Esq's per R. P.3
That the Kings Proclamation and Orders to the several Governors of the British Plantations in con- sequence of the Addresses of the House would be very prejudicial and tend to putting the said Plan- tations into great confusion for the following Rea- sons.
For that should the Proclamation be issued for reducing Gold and Silver Coin agreeable to the Proclamation of Queen Ann Viz to 6/10ª per oz for Silver, the consequence would be (if it took effect)
1 Samuel, first Baron Sandys, was member for Worcester from 1718 to 1743, when he became Lord Sandys and took his seat in the Upper House. He was prominent as an opponent of the Walpole administration, but, although he held several lucrative court appointments, was not a man of any great political importance.
2 Hume Campbell was an advocate of the Court of King's Bench, and was, in 1742, Solicitor-General to the Prince.
3 Enclosed in Partridge's letter of 3 mo. (May) 2, 1740.
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that all Comodities would unavoidably Sink in pro- portion thereto which would greatly affect Contracts for Goods already Sold to the ruin of many.
That the People not having the priviledge of Coin- ing any money are under a necessity of a Medium of Trade to carry on their Commerce, all Gold and Sil- ver passing there as Merchandize is brought up to make returns for Goods imported from Great Britain, they being constantly in great distress for want of a sufficient Supply of such Comodities as are suit- able to send over to pay for the Goods that are sent them from hence, and consequently the People there allways greatly in debt to Great Britain which makes the Ballance of Trade in favour of the latter, and that will naturally drain away all the Gold and Silver from amongst them.
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