USA > Rhode Island > The correspondence of the colonial governors of Rhode Island, 1723-1775, Vol. I > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
As to the Controversy relating to the Boundary we have not been able to get a day appointed for it yet by the Lords Committee, but as we are now next on the List the Clerk of the Council gives me some Expec- tation of having an appointm' for us in a little Time - that is if the present Exegency of the Publick Affairs of the Nation do not too much interrupt.
As to the publick News, there has been for ab: 14 .
1
-
247
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
Days past a ffrench ffleet from Brest of 22 Men of War hovering ab our Coast in the Channel and now 14 Sail of them are at Anchor under Dungeness and the rest gone over to Dunkirk and the fflemish Coast. what their Design is we know not yet, it was appre- hended an Invasion was intended in favour of the Pretender's Eldest Son, but now that report gains but little Credit, and they think the Design is agst Newport and some other Sea port Town in Flan- ders belonging to the Queen of Hungary,
Adm! Norris with a Fleet of ab: 22 Stout Men of War are now riding in the Downs and whether if the Wind proves ffavourable (wch at present it does not) he will attack them or not is uncertain, - The Case is if the English strike the first blow before they are attacked our Allies the Dutch are not under obligation to joyn us and take part in the War, wch I beleive make's our Nation not so forward as they wod otherwise be in beginning the War :1 thou willt see by the prints herewith that the King has had intelligence abt the motion and intencion of the Pre- tend's Son, and that the Parliam! have addressed him there upon but I hope we have not much to fear abt him, for the rest I refer to the prints here with sent and am
Thy Friend RP P.
P. S. No Action yet happened betw" Adm! Mat- thew's and the ffrench and Span ffleet in the Medi- terranian
1 In 1744 France declared war against England, and furnished a fleet for the Young Pretender. This was destroyed by a storm.
248
Correspondence of the
Ditto. 28tb
Since the foregoing the apprehension abt an In- tended Invasion from the French in favour of the Pretend's Eldest Son seems to be certain as thou willt see by the inclosed prints, but as due prepara- tion is making in divers parts of this Kingdom its expected they will be defeated, 6000 of the Dutch fforces are soon expected over hither according to Stipulasion ; S: John Norris wth a stout ffleet of Men of War are still in the Downs with whom the ffrench cannot pretend to Engage. He has lately been out after them, but a violent Storm arriving and the wind taking him short again is returned, and the ffrench fled away; Our ffleet under the Command of Adm! Matthews they say has gain'd a Victory over the French and Spanish ffleet at Toulon1 but the Particulars of that Engagem! we know not yet. War is not proclaimed ag: France but its expected in a Short Time; for the rest I refer to the inclosed prints and remain
Thy Assured Friend
RP PARTRIDGE
Ist month the 9th
Since I writt the foregoing wch went via Bristol the most pt of the Brest Squadron of Men of War men- tiond therein have been (as far as I can learn) dis- persed not without damage in the very great Storm that happend on the 25 ult. and therein also many
1 On February 9 the Spanish fleet left the harbor of Toulon, and engaged the English blockading fleet. A feud between Admiral Matthews and Vice-Admiral Les- tock prevented effective cooperation. Much discredit was brought upon the English fleet. Admiral Matthews was removed from the service, and several captains of ships were cashiered.
249
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
of their Transports wth Soldiers on board driven on Shoar abo! Dunkirk Road and the Rest of their fforces there in other Ships disimbarked, and on con- sideration of our preparations here and that there are not such disturbances and intestine Quarrels amongst us as they imagined, I am of opinion the French will intirely give over the Attempt, especally too as the Toulon combined Fleet has been beat by Admiral Mathews in the Mediteranean wch seems to gain gen1 credit here, alltho there be no Express arriv'd yet from that Admiral (wch is hourly expected wth the perticu- lars), this I say must undoubtedly strike such a damp upon them as that they will hardly care, (notwith- standing all their Bustle) to engage in a gen1 War wth us, But content themselves wth declaring That what they have been doing hitherto against us, was only as Auxiliaries to the Crown of Spain, yet tho' such hints as these are thrown out, our King and Ministry will hardly rely on those conjectures but continue the preparations for defence. They say that the Expence to the French in fitting out their Tou- lon Fleet has cost them as much as the maintaining an Army of 10,000 Men wd would do for a Twelve- month, and if Beaten not easily repaired. The design of this Fleet together with 9 some say 14 Spanish Men of War that joynd them was destined on a Voyage to Antibes 1 further up in the Straits wth a Supply of Forces and Amunition for the Spanish Army there- abouts under the Command of Count Gages and Don Philip the King of Spains younger Son who have been for a Considble time upon an Undertaking for
1 A port of southern France.
250
Correspondence of the
recovering some of the Queen of Hungarys Do- minions from her in Italy. for the rest I refer to the prints inclosed and remain
Thy assured ffrd
RP PARTRIDGE
I send thee by this Ship a Packet with news Papers to And' Oliver my Correspond to forward, and in it also our printed case Relating to the Boundarys.
To WILLM GREEN Esq'
Governour and Command' in chief of The Col- ony of Rhode Island and Providence Planta- tions
GOVERNOR GREENE TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.1
NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND March 15th 1744.
My Lord
In obediance to the Directions of their Excel- lencies the late Lords Justices to me to procure and Send the proceedings of the court of Admiralty here upon the trial of a bark of Curraco Called La Ger- truyda Cap: Samuel Baal Commander Taken near Rio de la Hache by three English Privateers Com- manded by Robert Flowers, John Rows, and William Wilkinson and Condemned in the Court of Admi- ralty in this Colony, and divided Among the Captors (which M: Hop Minister From the States Gen! of the United provinces Complains of as Contrary to the Treaties Subsisting Between his Majestie And the
1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 79. See letter of July 14, 1743.
25I
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
States) together with a full Account of the Reasons which Induced the Said court to proceed to the Con- demnation of her. I Have Procured the Inclosed Authentick Copy of the trial of the sd bark from the Records of the Admiralty Court and a Committee of the General Assembly of this Colony has been appointed to Enquire of the Late Deputy Judge (who is now a prisoner for Debt) what Reasons he had to Induce him to proceed to the Condemnation of sd Bark, who Replied, that he had no other Reasons to render but those he had Assigned, in the body of his Decree. So that I Am not Able to give Your Grace Any further Account but Humbly Hope that as this court which has the Sole Cognizance of prizes Is wholly Independent, of Any Authority In this Col- ony, that the Governour and Company will never be thought Liable to Censure on account of Any Judg- ment in that Court that may be thought owing to the Mistakes or Passions, of An Ignorant or Indi- gent Person; that without their Consent or Kno- ledge may be Deputed, to Judge And Determine Singly in Matters of Such high and Publick Con- cernment
I Am with Great Respect My Lord
Your Graces Most Humble and Most obediant Servant
W. GREENE
Endorsed : Letter to his Grace the Duke of New- castle. In Answer to a Letter from Home about prizes condemned by Judge Pemberton.
252
Correspondence of the
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
LONDON I+ Month 29th 1744
Gov'. Green
I have writ thee lately via Topsham, Bristol, and Liverpool and sent thee Copy of the ffrench Kings Declaration of War agst us and now this incloses one of them also, it was Expected War wod have been proclaimed here agst them by this time, but they say now it will not be done till next week when the Par- liam! meets again they having Adjournd themselves to the 3rd of next Month, We are fearfull that several of our homeward bound Ships that have had no Notice of the War will be snappd up, but I suppose we have several Men of War out upon the Cruise who have sent in some ffrench Ships they have taken already.
The Court have been so much taken up of late with State Affairs and matters of Importance that we have had very few Committees of the Council since December last and consequently we have not been able to get a Day appointed yet for the hearing of our Cause of the Boundarys, and as to the Affairs of Lockman I beleive that is pretty well at an end for I can't think any Person will stir in it for him here, it lyes as it were Dormant at present however, two Days hence War will be proclaimed here agst ffrance, I have sent a Packett for thee per this Con- veya to my ffrd And" Oliver of Boston with sundry more News Papers to be forwarded by a private hand of which I Desire thy acceptance from
Thy Assured Friend RP PARTRIDGE
253
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
Our Men of War have already taken several ffrench prizes
To Governour GREEN.
THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO THE GOVERNOR AND COM- PANY OF RHODE ISLAND.
WHITEHALL, April 26th 1744.
Gentlemen,
You will receive, at the same Time with this Let- ter, one from the Commissioners,1 who His Majesty has been pleased to appoint for Distributing the Moiety of the Prizes, taken from the Spaniards, between the 10th Day of July 1739, and the 19th october, then following, by any of his Majesty's Ships of War, Desiring, That You would take Care, That publick Notice be given in all Parts under Your Jurisdiction, to the Agents for the Captors of all such Prizes, taken as aforesaid, and to all other Per- sons, whom It may concern, immediately to furnish the said Commissioners with Authentick Accounts of all Transactions relating to the said Prizes; and also to pay to the said Commissioners the full Moiety of Their respective Accounts, in order to enable Them to carry into Execution His Majesty's most gracious Intentions towards Such of His Subjects, as have suffered by the unjust Seizures, and depre- dations of the Spaniards. I refer You to the Letter, which You will receive from the Commissioners, for
1 See letter of May 18, 1744.
254
Correspondence of the
a more particular Explanation of what may be de- sired to be done on Your Part in this Matter; And am to signify to You His Majesty's Pleasure, That You should do every Thing in Your Power, to en- able Them, in the most effectual Manner, to Execute Their Commission.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble Servant
HOLLES NEWCASTLE
Governor, and Company of Rhode-Island.
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
LONDON. 3d Month or May the 8th 1744.
Gov. Green
I have already Wrote thee of 28th Ult by James Perrin who is now at Portsmº going Passenger with Cap: Phillips and by whom I intend this, which serves to bring thee a Copy of the Bill 1 for Suppress- ing in great measure Paper Currency in the Plantas hinted at in my last; it was presented and read in the House the 4th Inst but as this Sessions certainly break up the 12th Inst nothing further is likely to be done in it till the Parliam! meets again in Nov! next, and then It's expected the promoters of this Bill will Vigerously push for the geting it pass'd.
As for that Blank I have marked thus * it is Sup- posed will be filled with these or the like Words viz (Gov: Council and Assembly).
1 Not in the archives.
255
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
I wod also remark that the last Clause in the Bill is a very Severe one, intrenching on the Priviledges of our Charter with a Witness, and indeed I make no doubt at all but its levell'd principally at it,
Upon the whole whatever Instructions the Colony shall think fit to send me for Opposing the Bill I hope they will be Expeditious therein so as to be here against the next Sessions of Parliam! which will be in ab! 6 mos time together with Suitable Remit- tances, for its pitty the Cause shod be Starved, It being now a Considerable time since I have received any thing from Rhode Island,1 We have not been able yet to bring the Cause of our Boundary to a Hearing by all we cod do, and nothing is yet pro- ceeded on in the Affair of Maj: Lockman how soon it may be Stirred up I know not,
Here is also inclosed a Copy of a Scheme of Judge Auchmutys 2 ab: an Expedition agst Cape Britton wch I hear he has laid before some in the Ministry, but I don't understand it is as yet much given into, they having at present a great many other Affa's of Importance on their hands already; what time may produce with respect to the Proposed Expedition I know not, but thot the sending thee some Accot
1 This appeal was not in vain. The Assembly met in October, provided for a remission to Partridge of £550 by a special emission of £900 in bills of credit, and further ordered a letter of instructions to be prepared and sent to him. See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 97, and the Assembly's letter, which was approved November 3, 1744, on p. 287.
2 Robert Auchmuty was appointed judge of vice-admiralty at Boston in 1733. In 1741 he was sent to England as agent for Massachusetts, and there published a pam- phlet on The Importance of Cape Breton to the British Nation, and a Plan for Tak- ing the Place. He died at Boston in 1750.
-
256
Correspondence of the
thereof as I met with it here might not be unaccept- able from
Thy Assured Friend R: PARTRIDGE
II d.º
The foregoing is Copy of mine to Capt Phillips this now comes by a Sloop bound for Boston wch probably may meet with the same convoy at Portsm. herewith amongst the prints I send thee a small Book wrote formerly by Jer. Dummer in defence of the Charter Governmts wch I have thought might be very proper to have reprinted with the amendmts I have made to it in pa 18 and 27 as thou willt see. in order to disperse amongst the Members of Par- liam at their next Sessions wch might be of Service, but I submit it to the Judgmt of yo! Council and Assembly and shall wait their order for doing it or not-or whether they will make any further addi- tions to it :
from Thine as before
To Governour GREEN
RP PARTRIDGE
THE COMMISSIONERS FOR DISTRIBUTING PRIZES TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE ISLAND.1
ST.
His Majesty having been pleased by His Royal Letters Patent bearing date the 4th day of February
1 See letter of April 26, 1744.
257
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
last, To Constitute and appoint Us His Commis- sioners for Distributing the Moiety of the Prizes taken from the Spaniards on or between the 10th day of July 1739 and the 19th of October then following by any of His Majesty's Ships of War: And the better to Enable Us to execute the Powers and Authorities granted by His said Commission has been pleased thereby to Require and Command the several Agents for the Captors and all other Persons whom it may concern, to Observe and follow such Directions from time to time as they shall receive from Us: and to be Aiding and assisting unto Us, as they will answer the contrary at their Peril: In order therefore the more effectually to carry into Execution His Ma- jesty's most gracious intentions towards such of His subjects as have suffered by the unjust Seizures and Depredations of the Spaniards within the respective times and limitations expressed in the said Commis- sion We find it highly expedient That the Agents for the Captors of all such Prizes taken as aforesaid should immediately furnish Us with Authentick ac- counts of all transactions relating to the said Prizes, and Pay Us the full Moiety of their respective accounts : And to that purpose We have caused Publick Notice to be given here, in the London Ga- zette: One of which Gazettes We send inclosed herein : And also a Letter from His Grace the Duke of New- castle on the same subject; whereto We crave leave to referr Your Excellency. And to the end That None may plead Ignorance thereof We are now to Desire Your Excellency will cause the like Notice to be given in all such parts of Your Jurisdiction,
258
Correspondence of the
and in such manner as has been, or is now custom- ary to publish things of the like Nature: And to Use all such other means of making the same known as to Your Excellency may seem necessary
We are with due Respect
Your Excellency's most humble Seryts
LONDON 18th May 1744
WM BAKER JN.º HYDE
ROBT JACKSON
JOHN CASAMAYOR
EZE HALL
WILLM FAUKENER
To the Governor and Company of His Majesty's Colony of Rhode Island, and Providence Plan- tation in New England, in America.
GOVERNOR CLINTON 1 TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
NEW YORK 28th May 1744
Sir
By the last post I receiv'd a letter fron Gov! Shir- ley dated 13th inst advising that he had just time before the departure of the Messenger to inform me that late the night before a Vessell arriv'd at Boston from Glascow which brought a printed Copy of the
1 George Clinton was the second son of Francis, Earl of Lincoln. He entered the navy, and was, in 1732, appointed governor of Newfoundland and commodore of the squadron stationed there. In 1737 he was made commodore of the Mediterranean fleet, and in 1741 was commissioned governor of New York. He held the office until 1753, and retired with the sum of £80,000, which it was alleged he accumulated while in that position. On his return to England, with the rank of admiral, he was made governor of Greenwich Hospital. He died in 1761.
259
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
French King's Declaration of War against the Crown of Great Britain, and a written Copy of His Majesty's Declaration of War against the Crown of France dated the last day of March1 which the Master of the Glascow Vessell took from a printed Copy on Board a Vessell which he met at Sea, both which Declaration he made no doubt were authentick, and as in case of such a Rupture between the two Crowns, this or some of the neighbouring Provinces on the Continent may possibly be invaded, I shall think it my duty as far as possible to guard agt any Surprize and not only defend this Province to the utmost of my power; but lend all the assistance I am able to others, which as I pursuade my self are also your Sentiments, I doubt not but you will readily give the necessary Orders to the People under Your Govern- ment especially those bordering on this Province to hold themselves in readiness to march to our Assist- ance on the first notice of the approach of an Enemy, and you may be assured I shall make the like Dis- position for the Succour of your Colony I am sir Your most Obedient Humble servant
G CLINTON.
SECRETARY WILLARD TO GOVERNOR GREENE.2
PROVINCE OF THE MASSA BAY BOSTON June 5. 1744 Sir
This Court being apprehensive that nothing will more contribute to the Success of the War in these
1 A copy of the declaration of war against France was sent to Rhode Island by the Duke of Newcastle with a letter, dated March 31, 1744. See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 80. 2 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 93.
260
Correspondence of the
parts than that the Several Northern Governments in America Shall enter into an Agreement with one another, for their mutual Assistance and for carry- ing on the War in the most effect! Manner.
We have accordingly chosen and appointed five Commissioners to meet at Albany the Twelfth of this Month (Where the Governour of New York has appointed to meet with the Six Nations) to treat with Commission's from the other Governm's in New England, and agree on Such Measures as may be thought equal and necessary for their mutual Safety and Defence and for annoying their Enemies; Such Agreement to be binding on the respective Govern- ments.
We therefore desire your Honour, That Commis- sioners may be appointed by your Government with the Same full Power to transact these import: Affairs at the Time and Place afores.d 1 We pray your Ex- cuse for not giving you longer Notice of this Busi- ness; The Meeting of the Six Nations of Indians at Albany on the Day above mentioned gives us Such an Opportunity of Strengthening our Interest which ought not to be lost, and we are but just now Ap- prised of it.
Your Honours most obedient Servants
In the Name and by Order of the G: and Gen! Court of said Province
JOSIAH WILLARD Secretary
The Honble WILLIAM GREEN Esq"
1 No commissioners were sent from Rhode Island. See letter of June 8, 1744.
261
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island *
GOVERNOR GREENE TO GOVERNOR LAW.1
NEWPORT 7th June 1744
His Majesty's Declaration of War against the French King was read here with the usual Formal- ity on Monday last, which obliges me now forth- with to send out our Colony Sloop for the Security of the Coast, and thereupon the General Assembly at their last Sessions in May last Month pass'd a Vote desiring Me to write to Your Honour, and requesting That Your Colony Sloop may be fitted out, and ordered to join Ours in their cruising upon this Coast.2 The Course that is intended for our Sloop will be from Long Island to Martha's Vine- yard and so backwards and forwards to guard both Sounds, And I do assure Your Honour That We shall be always ready here to lend Your Government what Assistance is in our Power upon any Invasion or Attack that shall be made upon You. For though the Governments are distinct, Yet our Common In- terest is inseperable, and your Sloop being joined with Ours will be a Terror to any small Privateer, and thereby a greater Safeguard to both our Gov- ernments. I should be glad to have your Honour's
1 Jonathan Law was born in Milford, graduated from Harvard in 1795, and acquired great local reputation as a lawyer. In 1725 he was elected chief justice and deputy- governor of Connecticut, and held these offices until chosen governor, to succeed Jo- seph Talcott, in 1741. He held that office almost continuously until his death, in 1750.
2 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 88, for the vote of the Assembly.
262
Correspondence of the
Sentiments in this Affair1 being with great Respect Honble S!
Your most obedient Humble Servt
W. G.
To the Honble JONATHAN LAW Esq Governour and Comm! in Chief in and over his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut
GOVERNOR GREENE TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY.
NEWPORT 8th June 1744.
S.
Your Excelcy's Letter 2 came Safe to Me last Night advising about the Meeting of the Commissioners of the several Governments at Albany the Twelfth of this Month, and for the appointing Commissioners on the Part of this Government to be at the afore- said Treaty.
I have now to acquaint Your Excel"y, That our General Assembly is adjourn'd to August next, and not sufficient Time to call Them together to make any Appointment for the Purpose aforesaid which renders it incapable for any Thing to be done on the Part of our Government,
W. GREENE
To His Excelcy WM SHIRLEY Esq
Cap: General and Commander-in-Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of the Massa- chusets Bay Boston
1 See letter of June 19, 1744.
2 See letter of June 5, 1744.
263
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
BOSTON June 16. 1744
I think it proper to acquaint your Honour with what the General Court of this Province have done for the raising Soldiers to reinforce the Garison at Annapolis Royal (as you will find by the inclosed Vote)1 and also at the desire of said Court to inform you of the weak State of the Garison there, as I have received the Acco's of it from Major Mascareen the Commander in chief of the said Garison (as you will see by the inclosed Copy of his Letter2) that so your Government may afford a proportionable Aid of Men for the said Garison if they shall judge it reasonable and proper The Preservation of that Fortress being of great Importance to his Majesty's Service and In- terest in these parts of America and more especially to the Navigation of these Colonies.
I am Your Honours most obedient humble Servant W SHIRLEY.
The Honble WILLIAM GREEN Esq.
VOTE OF THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 3
PROVINCE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY In the House of Representatives June 12th 1744
Whereas the Preservation of His Majesty's For- tress at Annapolis Royall is an Affair of Great Im- portance to the Crown as well as to the respective
1 See the following document.
2 Major Mascarene's letter is given on p. 265.
3 Enclosed in Shirley's letter of June 16.
264
Correspondence of the
Governments in New England and that Until the arrival of some Force there from Great Britain It may be for His Majestys service to Afford them some immediate Relief,
Therefore Voted that His Excellency the Captain General be desired to give Orders for raising two Independant Companys of Volunteers Consisting of Sixty men each exclusive of Officers to be sent to that Fortress as soon as may be at the Expence of this Province and for Encouragement to good and effective men to Enlist in this Service; that there be and hereby is granted to be paid out of the Pro- vince Treasury to each Able Bodied man that shall Enlist Twenty Pounds old tenor or other Bills of Credit Equivalent and that they be freed from all Ordinary Impresses in this province three Years after their Return and that His Excellency the Gov- ernour be desired to Acquaint the Neighbouring Governments with the State of that Fortress that they may Afford a reasonable Aid of men for the aforesaid Purpose and inasmuch as the said Forces are neither to be Subsisted nor paid by this Province during their Continuance there that His Excellency be further desired to Use His good Offices with the Commander of that Fortress in Obtaining Pay and Subsistance for the Said Companys from the Crown until they return Home Sent up for Concurrence
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.