USA > Rhode Island > The correspondence of the colonial governors of Rhode Island, 1723-1775, Vol. I > Part 28
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That the 2ª To the Sug' Islands of America must be almost ruined by Adm1 Townsends Success after the numberless losses it had before sustained.
That the 3ª to the Newfoundld Islands and River of St Lawrence we may make our selves intire Mast's off by the possession of Cape Briton.
and That the 4th To the Levant must have greatly suffª by our Mediteranean Fleet.
The Affrican Trade wch is made the 5th depends so much upon the American as the great Mart for Slaves, that it will not be worth keeping if we drive them out of the latter. Is it not more than probable therefore that the Trade of Great Britain will revive and encrease in proposition to what her Enemys have been hurt if a proper care be but taken after the present Convulsions are over.
27th ditto
Inclosed is a News paper of this day with some further particulars to which I refer
IIt mo. the 8. 1745
As the foregoing Copy of 25 ult is not yet sent away I have drawn out the Colonys accot wch comes inclosed the Balla whereof is £438.15.5 Sterl in my favour and nothing chargd therein towards Any parliamentary Affairs this year yet, wch must come in
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my next acco: Paris the Solicitor having already sent me in a Bill for £53.4.6 relating thereto since last year the greatest part of wch is for money he paid for Copys of Papers from the Board of Trade preparatory to our defence against the Paper Cur- rency Bill when they begin upon it in the Hº of Commons - and as there will be a further call on me for money I must desire a further Supply from the Colony which I hope they will take due care of ac- cordingly
The Affair of the Boundary lays as it did, I have been earnestly pressing it forward both by word of mouth and writing, and am now promised that it shall be conside and laid before the L° Chief Justice at the very next Comittee, that is as to the Report whether our petitions abot it must be referrd to the Committee or not, so we must yet have further pa- tience unavoidably especially as times are at present circumstanced with the Ministry in respect to the Troubles of the Kingdom.
The Rebels to the Number of abot 7000. with the Young Pret: are now driven back into Scotland again in the same Rout they came, by the Duke of Cum- berld except what were taken and lost by the way. They left about 400. Rebells in Possession of Carlisle wch held out but a few days before it was retaken by the Duke and they all made prison's We are send- ing a formidable Army into Scotld to encounter the Rebells there.
As for the Invasion expected from France nothing of it has appeared on any of our Coasts yet and I hope there is no great danger from them as we
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seem to be prepared against them both by Sea and Land
I am Thy assured Friend
RP PARTRIDGE
The French have now stopt the Dutch Ships in sev parts of France and doubtless will soon proclaim War agst them. a packet wth News I send to And! Oliver Esq' of Boston to forward to thee.
To the Governour and Company of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
GOVERNOR CLINTON TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
NEW YORK 27. January 1745.
Sir
Persuant to my Recommendation to the Council and Assembly to make provision for the Appoint- ment of Commissioners for this province to treat with Such Commissioners as are or shall be appointed by the Neighbouring Governments, upon Concert- ing Measures for our mutual Security Defence and Conduct during the present War, Committees of both Houses have Conferred upon the Subject matter thereof, and requested me to appoint Commissioners for that purpose, who are to make Report of their proceedings with their Opinions thereupon, That such measures may be taken Jointly with the Several Governments, as shall be Judged most expedient.
They have likewise desired me to represent to the
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Several Governments upon the Continent the Waver- ing Disposition of the Indians,1 and the fatal Coun- cequences which may arise to all the Colony's in General in Case they Shou'd be withdrawn from their Fidelity and Dependance upon the British In- terest: Whereupon there seems to be an absolute Necessity for the Colony's uniting their Endeavours at all Events, to secure the Indians Effectually in our Interests at this Critical Conjuncture, as the Enemy leave no Artifice untryed to seduce them, hav- ing many Jesuitical Emissarys constantly residing amongst them; and should they at Length prevail with them to Revolt, the Frontiers of the Respective Colonys Subject To His Majesty, must lye Open and exposed to the Insults of the ffrench and Sav- ages.
As a Union of Councils from the Several Govern- ments is thought to be the most likely means of De- feating the Designs of so barbarous an Enemy, and Advancing the Common Cause of His Majestys Sub- jects upon the Continent, I doubt not, but you will think proper to Communicate this Representation to your Council and Assembly, and Recommend it to them to follow the like Example with this Govern- ment that Commissioners may be Appointed by you to Answer such Laudable Ends.2
A Pilot boat is just come up and acquaints me of one of the Giberalter Transports being at the
1 The Six Nations.
2 The Assembly voted that the governor should answer Clinton's letter (Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 157), and in May measures were taken for appointing two commission- ers to treat with those of the other colonies. Ibid., V. 169. See also the following letter.
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Hook with 200 Men on board for Louisbourg parted with the ffleet 8 dayes ago and that Adm! Rovley had taken Genoa. which I give you Joy off and am Sir
Your obedient humble Servant
G CLINTON
Governour of Rhode Island
GOVERNOR WANTON TO GOVERNOR CLINTON.1
NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND Feb" 15th 1745. Sir
I am favour'd with yours of the 27th of January Informing me of the wavering disposition of the Indians and the fatal Consequences that may arise to all the Colonies in General in case they should be withdrawn from their fidelity and dependance upon the British Interest and according to your request I have laid the Same before the General Assembly of this Colony and recommended it to their Consid- eration : who have directed me to acquaint your Excellency that they are heartily Concern'd that the neighbouring Governments are So much Expos'd to the Insults of the French and Indian Enemies and are willing to Contribute anything in their Power to Secure the Indians in our Interest : but as this Small Colony by its Scituation is Exceedingly Expos'd to the Attacks of the Enemy by Sea we are yearly at a very Considerable Expense for its protection and
1 See note to preceding letter.
-- -
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defense and have also been at a vast Expence the last Summer in sending our Colony's Sloop fully mann'd and three Companies of Soldiers to Join the forces Sent against Cape Breton. Which Soldiers Still remain in Garrison at Louisbourg in the pay of this Colony in order to preserve that most valu- able Acquisition and prevent its falling again into the hands of the French. So that it is utterly out of our Power to give any great assistance at present but are willing to do as much as is reasonable in our present Circumstances towards preserving his Ma- jesty's Interest and the Security of the neighbouring Colonies : when Your Excellency or the Commission- ers Appointed by you Shall Acquaint us what Shall be thought proper on our part to be done. they agree with you that a union of Councils from the Several Governments is the Most likely means to defeat the designs of So barbarous an Enemy and advancing the Common Cause of his Majesty's Sub- jects on the Continent but As your Excellency has not Acquainted us of any time or place for the meet- ing of the Commissioners of the respective Colonies to Consult proper Measures for that purpose: the General Assembly did not think it necessary to Ap- point any Commissioners at present Untill they hear what proposals Shall be made On this Occasion. this sir is what I am directed by the General Assem- bly to Inform you. and am with great respect Your Excellency's
Most humble and most obedient Servant
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GOVERNOR LAW TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
MILFORD March 3ª 1745.
S"
I have given Orders for the fitting our Sloop De- fence for the Seas and should be exceeding glad if yours and ours might Cruise in Consort as in times past,1 if any Privateer should come on our Coast 'tis likely they will come pretty strong I am S.
Your faithfull ffriend and obliged humble Servant
JONTH LAW
To the Honble Gov. WANTON
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
LONDON Ist month the 10th 1745.
Gov. Wanton
My last to thee was of the 14th Ult. when I wrote thee needfull of the Colonys Affairs per Cap! Brad- ford Via Whitehaven to which I referr, since wich I have had none of thy favours and indeed I thinck I have never Yet recd any more than two from thee viz : of 4 July and 9th 7ber last, but if thou didst write probably they may have misscarryed, the great- est part of the Ships from N : E : this Winter having been taken by the French.
The Petitions which I inform'd thee were lodged at the Council Office concerning the Lords Commit- tees Report are now referr'd by the King in Council
1 It was voted in May that the governor should request that the colony sloop of Connecticut might cruise with the Tartar from Martha's Vineyard to Sandy Hook, until October I. Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 168.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
to the Consideration of the Lords Committee and I am now Pressing to have a motion made for a day to be appointed accordingly when I shall hope for our desired Success.
As for Publick News the Rebellion is kept alive Still in the North part of Scottland where the Duke with the Kings Forces are pursuing them,1 for the rest I referr to, the Prints Inclosed, and to a Pack- ett of them which I send per this Conveyance, for thee to be forwarded by a private hand from Bos- ton per Andrew Oliver Esq" and Company and Remain
Thy Assured Friend
R. P.
2ª month the 7. 1746
This comes per a Ship via N. York just to acknow- ledge the Receipt of thy Packet by way of Holland wch altho is dated the 20: xber yet it came to my hands but this day, and am glad to see that the Col- ony have so well vindicated themselves from the ill- natured Aspertions thrown out against them in the Matter of the Expedition against Cape Briton wch I shall not fail to make a proper use of as there shall be occasion.2
As to the Accot of the Expence the Colony have been at in the Said Expedition I intend properly to exhibit the Same in ord' to obtain Paymt, But the Massach's Agents I find meet with a pretty deal of
1 The defeated rebels were pursued into the Highlands.
2 See the governor's letter of July 26, 1745 ; also that to Partridge of December 20, printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 145, and a certificate obtained from Roger Wolcott, major-general of the Cape Breton expedition, Ibid., V. 155.
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difficulty respecting their demands and cannot yet get liberty from the Ministry to throw their Petition into Parliam' but are in daily expecta" of it, and I don't see how any thing can be obtained without that method as there is at present no ffund out of which that money can be issued, The present Exigencys of Publick Affairs, the great demand for money on accot of the War and the Rebellion will make it the harder for us to obtain what wod otherwise doubtless be readily granted.
As to the Boundary Affair it is not yet brought to an issue, Lord Chief Justice Willes being gone on the Circuit: both our Petitions are now to be considered by the Lords Committee : of this more in my next wch I intend by Capt Shors in the Neptune directly for Rhode Island who I suppose will Saile in 2 weeks time.
I beleive it will be expected that I shª produce an Authority in writing from the Govern' and Compay under the Seal to empower me as yo! Agent to apply to the Kings Ministers and Parliam' to receive the Money for the Expence on the Expedition, and to give a discharge or discharges for the same in be- half of the Colony. And probably also that the Acco's Shª be signed as approved off by Admiral Vernon or the Comanding Officer at Cape Briton and by Gen1 Pepperrell, for I know by experience they are pretty exact and Strict in such Cases here, and bare letters not Sufficiently regarded : therefore it wd be well to send at least the aforementioned Authority to me as soon as possible, and in the mean time I intend to prosecute the Matter in Parlia-
1
1
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
ment when once the Massachts Petition is exhibited in the H. of Commons, their demand being very large wch I hear is abot £150,000, N E : Currency I am Thy assured Friend R. P.
I wish thou hadst sent me the dates of my letters wch Thou recd for my Satisfaction
2ª month the 16.
Since the foregoing the Lords Committee have appointed the 19th Inst for a hearing of Council upon our Petitions concerning the Boundary Cause and we are preparing for it accordingly, and probably I may by this conveyance have time to advise thee of the Result if the appointed time holds.1
And now understanding the Massach's Affair re- lating to their Expence in the Expedition agst Cape Briton is likely to be consid'd by the Lords of the Council some time next week, I have drawn up a Petition2 to the King in Coun! and have this day lodgd it at the Council Office together wth Copys of Adm1 Warrens and Gen1 Pepperells Lett's and of Maj: Gen! Walcotts Certiff: in favour of yo! Colony in ord' that they may come under the Consideration of the Sd Lds Committee at the Same time, and was this morning before that with the Duke of New- castle and left with him a Copy of my Petition who promised to lay it before the King, but after all I am perswaded nothing will be done in it for us till we exhibit our Petitions in Parliament but we must
1 1 The final report was issued on April 21.
2 See the following document.
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Correspondence of the
not do that till we have leave from the Ministry for that purpose and whether it will be this Sessions or next we are uncertain, but depend upon my dili- gence in conducting this Affair in the most prudent manner I am capable off. inclosed is Copy of my sd Petition : its pitty thou didst not send me a Copy of the Duke of N. Castles Order to assist Comod! Warren wch thou mentionst came to hand the 12 July last,1 please to send it me per first [opportunity] for it may be of good Service in the Solicitc"
The Rebellion in the North of Scotld seems now to be pretty well reduced as thou willt find by the Prints herewith sent to wch I refer and remain
as before RP PARTRIDGE
To The Governour and Company of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
PETITION OF RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE CROWN.2
To George the second King of Great Britain &ca in Council
The humble Petition of Richard Partridge Agent for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England.
Sheweth That the said Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations which is a Government but of small extent in New England, joyned their assistance to the utmost of their ability with the
1 The order is printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 132.
2 Enclosed with preceding letter.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
other Governments of New England in the late Ex- pedition against Cape Breton in sending their Colony Sloop of War Cap: Fones with all Necessary War- like stores and well manned to help convoy their Forces thither wherein she was of Singular Service at the hazard of their own Sea Coast unguarded and the Navigation exposed to the Enemys Privateers from the beginning of April to the latter end of Oc- tober during which time she was in the Service, And altho the said Colony had been drained of Men not long since by enlisting and sending 250 Men in the Expedition against Carthagena of whom Scarce twenty returned, Yet with some difficulty they raised Three Companys of men for the said Expedition against Cape Briton, who (although the News of the Surrender of Louisbourg had reached Boston before their Transports sailed with them from thence (hav- ing lain some days for Convoy) proceeded on the Voyage and are now in Garrison there
Since which the said Colony have lately sent a Vessel to Louisbourg with Cloathing and Provisions sufficient for their Support: And on notice that Seamen were wanted to Man the Vigilant Man of War of 60 Guns (a Prize taken from the French,) the said Colony voted the raising Two hundred men for that Service allowing a large Bounty for their encour- agement to enlist; but such was the difficulty not- withstanding, that they could raise but Seventy four Seamen ; and they have since received Admiral War- rens Letter of thanks for those Men which they sent thither, with an Acknowledgment also for the good Service which Cap: Fones (of their Colonys
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Sloop of War) had done, as also General Pepperrells Letter advising the Arrival at Louisbourg of the said three Companies of the Colonys Men there.
That thy Petitioner is informed that the whole Island of Cape Breton with the other Islands thereto belonging have been by the indefatigable Pains, bravery, Courage, and Conduct of the Land Forces sent thither, together with the assistance of the Brit- ish Men of War arriving in due time, intirely reduced to the Crown of Great Britain, which is well known to be of Prodigious advantage to this Kingdom in gen- eral and particularly to the Merchants and Traders who carry on the Commerce to those Parts, in that it will be a considerable Nursery for our Seamen, vast quantitys of our Woollen and other Manufac- tures will be wanted and taken off in time to come to furnish the Natives who (whil'st we have Posses- sions of that Place) cannot be Supplyed as they Used to be from France; and that the Fish Trade (which must be very great) will allmost wholly fall into our own hands to supply Portugal, Italy, and Spain, the produce whereof will always centre in this Kingdom, And on the other hand it will greatly distress and prejudice our Common Enemy and prevent their har- bouring of Privateers to annoy our Trade that way.
That since the Acquisition of the said Island there have been diverse very great and valuable Prizes- already taken by means thereof, by the Kings Men of War, amounting (as thy Petitioner hath been in- formed) to the Value of Six hundred thousand Pounds Sterling and upwards which being made Prizes of at Sea before they had got into the Harbour of Louis-
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bourg (whether they were bound) the whole value belongs to the Sea Officers, and Captors, and no part thereof to the Land Forces.1
That thy Petitioner hath lately received from the Governour of the said Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, an Account Authenticated of their Expence in the said Expedition, amounting to the Sum of Thirty Six Thousand and Ninety Six Pounds one Shilling and two Pence of their Cur- rency, exclusive of the Province of the Massachusetts and the other New England Colonys Charge of the said Expedition ; and also exclusive of the Charge of an other Armed Vessell of War which was fitted out at a great Expence. £7000, whereof was Subscribed towards it by Merchants and others of the said Col- ony of Rhode Island in a private Capacity which was sent to assist in the said Expedition and no part thereof brought in the said Colonys Account.
And that thy Petitioner hath Instructions from the said Governour to make Application here for the Reimbursments of their said Expence.
Wherefore thy Petitioner humbly prays that thou wouldst be pleased to take the Premises into thy Royal Consideration and grant the said Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations such relief therein for what they have disbursed as aforesaid, as the King in his Wisdom shall See meet.
All which is humbly submitted
RICH? PARTRIDGE
LONDON 2ª month on April 15th 1746
1 See a list of prizes taken between March 31, 1744, and April, 1746, in the Gent. Mag. (1746), p. 270. The captures made off Louisbourg are estimated at £101,600.
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Correspondence of the
GOVERNOR CLINTON TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
NEW YORK 31. March 1746.
Sir
I acquainted you the 27 January last,1 that Com- mittees of both Houses had Requested me to appoint Commiss's to treat with Commissioners to be ap- pointed by the Neighbouring Governments, touching our mutual Security and defence during the present War. I have accordingly appointed Commissioners for that purpose, So has Governour Shirley, and I hope the like Steps will be taken by your Govern-
ment without delay. In the mean time I've Inclosed Abstracts of the Minutes of the Commissioners of Indian affairs of 25 February last, Containing the Resolution of the six Nations of Indians, as Sig- nified by the Interpreter, in Answer to my Mes- sage, requiring them to Enter into the War with us, against the French and Indians in Alliance with them, that it may appear to you, how highly it im- ports the several Colonys upon the Continent, to Unite their Endeavours with this, Effectually to pre- serve the Six Nations, and the other Indians in Alli- ance with us, and them, in their Fidelity to his Majesty, and Dependance upon the British Interest, as all are so nearly Concerned in the Consequences of their Revolt, which seems next to be Apprehended, since they have refused engaging in the War.
I am very much Sir Your obedient humble servant
The Honoble GIDN WANTON Esq'
G. CLINTON
1 See letter of that date; also of May 26, 1746.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE.1
BOSTON May 12. 1746
Sir,
As His Excellency Governour Clinton of New York has sent Circular Letters to the several Govern- ours on the Continent as far as Virginia, to propose a Convention of Commissioners from each Govern- ment to consult upon Measures for carrying on the War against the Common Enemy. And I find no other Fruit of this seasonable Proposal so much for the Honour of his Majesty's Government and the Safety of his Subjects, but the chearful and ready Compliance of this Single Province (who have chosen Commissioners for this Purpose) I think my self obliged in common Humanity to my fellow Subjects (who are daily suffering under this bloody and sav- age War) as well as in Duty to his Majesty, to second these Proposals of Mr. Clinton with my earnest Soli- citations that this Affair may be once more seriously considered by the several Governments in all its Circumstances 2
It is well known that such is the Situation of the French in these Northern Parts (where they have not one single Port) and such the Superior Strength of the English; that by the ordinary Blessing of Providence upon our vigourous Endeavours their Destruction would be inevitable; but if the Places that are now free from any immediate Danger by the French and Indians on the Land part, will be
1 Elected in May, 1746.
2 For the action of the Assembly, see Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 169.
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deaf to all the Solicitations from the Colonies, that are most deeply affected with this War, for Succour in their distressed State; In a short Time the Enemy will in all probability depopulate such unhappy de- serted Provinces, and then those who now think themselves in Security will feel the Miseries of this bloody War and too late repent of the Neglect of their own Interests as well as their Disregard to their fellow Subjects. And what is greatly to be lamented in our present Case is that with all the Advantages We have over our Enemies, yet for want of an union of Councils among our selves (which renders us contemptible in the Eyes of the Indians) the French who are weak in themselves, but in the strictest Combination with one another, and the Savages that dwell among or near them, are like to bring the Six most powerful Nations of Indians, on this Continent, (which have hitherto from Time immemorial been firmly attached to the English Government) over into their Interest.
In this Situation of Our Affairs, We can have no prospect of any thing but Misery and Desolation, unless the Several Governments will join in the firm- est League against the Common Enemy and carry on the War with Vigour and Resolution, and then we may hope for the Blessing of Divine Providence to render our Designs successfull. I must there- fore intreat your Honour to lay this Matter before your Assembly and to do all in your Power to Spirit
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them up to Resolutions becoming the Character of English men
I am with great Regard Sir
Your Honour's most Obedt humble Servant
W SHIRLEY.
The Honble WILLIAM GREEN Esq!
GOVERNOR CLINTON TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
NEW YORK 26 May 1746.
Sir
I have Received Your Favour of the 20th Instant,1 Acquainting me with the appointment of Commis- sioners in your Government to treat with such Com- miss's as are or may be appointed by other Govern- ments upon this Continent for their mutual Security and Defence against the Enemy; which I conceive is a measure of the last Importance in regard to the Common Cause, as the French and their Indians are so Enterprizing and barbarous upon our Frontiers ; and I should have been glad, if You had sent me the Names of Your Commissioners, that the Commiss's appointed by me might have entered upon a Corre- spondence by this Post about the time and Place of Convention with which I hope You'll acquaint me by return of the Post, that no time may be lost in bringing about a General Meeting. In the mean time I conceive some part of this Province, somewhat remote from this City may be thought a Place agree-
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