Grenada, April to December 1789 : Despatches : List; Address; Memorial; Correspondence; Minutes; Returns 24 Apr - 20 Dec 1789.

Format:

Other

Contributor:

Adam Matthew Digital (Firm), digitiser.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Settler colonialism--West Indies.

Settler colonialism.

Trinidad.

Grenada.

Antigua.

Montserrat.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Marlborough, Wiltshire : Adam Matthew Digital, 2021.

Summary:

CO 101/29/1. Acknowledges receipt of letter of 10 March enclosing a copy of the speech of the Lords Commissioners appointed by His Majesty's Commission under the Great Seal for holding the Parliament, with the address of the Lords to the King. Edward Mathew, Grenada [writing from Antigua], Folios 3 - 4. 24 Apr 1789. CO 101/29/2. Reports activities since his arrival in Antigua; first objective was to push on the operations at the Ridge, to repair the defects at Monk's Hill, and to inspect the ground in the neighbourhood of English Harbour; refers to Barracks works; Hospitals; reports that the application to the President for assistance of 'Negro labour' [enslaved labour] from the colony was rejected by a majority in the Assembly of 14 to 4, and the application for Island Pay to the officers was also rejected by a larger majority; proposes to sail to Montserrat. Edward Mathew, Grenada [writing from Antigua], Folios 5 - 6. 26 Apr 1789. CO 101/29/3. Reports activities and initial findings in Montserrat; refers to inhabitants; defence; encloses the Resolutions of the Assembly on the subject of 'Negro labour' [enslaved labour] and 'Island Pay' for the officers of the garrison, both signed by Alex Gordon. Edward Mathew, Grenada [writing from Montserrat], Folios 7 - 10. 2 May 1789. CO 101/29/4. Draft; acknowledges receipt of letters; reference to importance of completion of barracks and other buildings for the accommodation of the troops stationed at Dominica, St. Vincent, and Grenada; refers to policy to pay 'Negro Artificers' and hire 'Negro Labourers'; refers to Resolutions of the assemblies of Antigua and Montserrat about enslaved labour. William Wyndham Grenville, Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 11 - 13. 6 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/5. Transmits a Joint Address of the Council and Assembly of Grenada to King upon 'his happy recovery from his late Malady. ' Samuel Williams, Grenada, Folios 14 - 15. 4 May 1789. CO 101/29/6. Reports on findings in St. Christopher's [St. Kitts]; examined the operations at Brimstone Hill; Colony voted for 120 'able Negroes' [enslaved persons] to be bought and given to Government, 'as a permanent aid to the Engineer'; reference to the 'Carolina Negroes' [Black Corps] in St. Kitts attached to the 9th; reports will embark to Grenada; encloses address of the Council and Assembly of St. Christopher [St. Kitts] signed by Archibald Esdaile, President of the Council and John Garnett, Speaker of the Assembly; Mathew's answer to the council and assembly; extract of a letter from the Acting Commissioner of Provisions at Dominica to the Commander in Chief's Secretary, signed by John Marshall. Edward Mathew, Grenada [written from St. Christopher's [St. Kitts]], Folios 16 - 23. 20 May 1789. CO 101/29/7. Reports death of Captain Sutherland, of the 45th Regiment; recommends for vacant position Mathew's Aid-de-Camp, Captain Lieutenant John Thomas Layard of the 54th; encloses memorial from Layard. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 24 - 27. 27 May 1789. CO 101/29/8. Reference to French inhabitants of Grenada and relating to their admission into the Council and Assembly; reports that during his absence on his military tour Monsieur Prudhommer opposed Mr. Harner, for the vacancy in the Assembly in the parish of St. George's, and was returned, having a majority of votes; the House of Assembly set aside the return, and Mr. Harner is the sitting member; would like an answer to the contents of his letter of 25 August, on this subject and the subject of the churches and church lands; states that Monsieur Molenier seems to take a lead in all the French concerns in Grenada. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 28 - 29. 30 May 1789. CO 101/29/9. Transmits a memorial from Mr. Michael Scott, member of Council of Grenada. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 30 - 35. 30 May 1789. CO 101/29/10. Reference to Mathew's son, Mr. Brownlow Mathew. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 36 - 37. 31 May 1789. CO 101/29/11. Transmits the Monthly Returns of His Majesty's Forces under the command of Lieutenant General Edward Mathew, 1 June 1789. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folio 38. 1 Jun 1789. CO 101/29/12. Reports Major Rochford, lately commanding officer of the Royal Artillery, serving in these islands will deliver this letter; expresses satisfaction has received from his services while under his command. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 39 - 40. 5 Jun 1789. CO 101/29/13. Reports has learnt from the late Lieutenant Inman's father (Mr. Herman Brimmer of Boston) that the property left is inadequate to support Mrs. Inman and her five children. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 41 - 42. 21 Jun 1789. CO 101/29/14. Acknowledges receipt of letters; refers to letter respecting Mr. Scott's family then in France, which has been transmitted to the Duke of Leeds; recommendation of Mrs Inman has been transmitted to the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury. Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 43 - 44. 2 Dec 1789. CO 101/29/15. Answers section of Secretary of State's letter of 8 May relating to Mathew's appointment of two assistant councillors (recalling Mathew's letter of 6 February); describes reasons for appointing councillors due to a shortage of councillors on the island at that time; states it will be 'peculiarly satisfactory' to the planters to know that the 'restitution of runaway Negroes' [enslaved persons] has become a subject of investigation in Europe. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 45 - 46. 29 Jun 1789. CO 101/29/16. Transmits the Lists from the Naval Office of Grenada of all shipping entered inwards and cleared outwards at the ports of St. George and Grenville for the quarter ending 31 March [not in item]; transmits the Prices Current of Produce, Provisions, & Lumber exported and imported from and to Grenada for January, February, and March. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 47 - 49. 1 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/17. Reports he has pressed upon Mr. Thomas Campbell, present Speaker of the Assembly, and the Reverend Mr. Carew of Grenada, the acceptance of Seats in Council, and they have authorized him to add their names with that of Mr. Gilpin. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 50 - 51. 3 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/18. Transmits the Monthly Returns of His Majesty's Forces under the command of Lieutenant General Edward Mathew for March, April, and May [Return for May in item]. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 52 - 54. 3 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/19. Memorial of the 'Field Officers of the Regiments Serving in the Leeward Islands in behalf of themselves and the officers under their Command' regarding the high price of every necessary of life, signed by Henry Bower, Lieutenant Colonel, 66th Regiment; Nuoles [?], Lieutenant Colonel, 45th Regiment; John Ritchie, Major of the 9th Regiment; Sladdin [?], Major, 67th Regiment. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 55 - 58. 14 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/20. Acknowledges receipt of Circular letter of 5 June and will send from time to time information regarding the government and the military establishments of these islands. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 59 - 60. 20 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/21. Reports he has learnt that the French Naval Force lately on the Windward Station under the orders of Monsieur Le Comte de Ponteveze have gone to the Cape, and from there he understands it is their intention to go to Boston, and return to Martinique early in November; four sloops of war remain at Fort Royal, other ships of war have gone to Europe. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 61 - 62. 23 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/22. Transmits the Lists from the Naval Office of Grenada of all shipping entered inwards and cleared outwards at the ports of St. George and Grenville for the quarter ending 30 June [not in item]; transmits the Prices Current of Produce, Provisions, & Lumber exported and imported from and to Grenada for April, May and June. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 63 - 65. 24 Jul 1789. CO 101/29/23.

Acknowledges receipt of letter giving King's approval of Mathew authorizing the Chief Engineer to pay 'Negro artificers' and hire 'Negro labourers' [enslaved labour], in addition to those 'granted' by the Colonies; refers to building the barracks, cisterns, and provision stores; encloses the last returns so that Secretary of State can judge 'of the number of Negroes hired, & the ability of the various works they are employ'd on'; various related enclosures including return mentioned; Return relating 'Overseer, Foremen, medium Number of Artificers and Labourers, Employed on the Ridge, and Monk's Hill for the Month June'[Antigua]; Return of the Dimensions and Contents of the several Cisterns in Grenada, St. Vincent; Barbados, Dominica, St. Christopher [St. Kitts], Antigua; 'Return of Overseers and the medium Number of Artificers and Men & Women Labourers Employed on the King's Works for the Month of August'; Return from St. Christopher, Dominica, St. Vincent. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 66 - 83. 27 Aug 1789.

CO 101/29/24. Draft; acknowledges receipt of letters; is greatly satisfied with the 'permanent aid' grated to the Engineer by the Assembly of St. Christopher. Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 84 - 85. 2 Dec 1789. CO 101/29/25. Transmits the Minutes of the General Assembly of Grenada, from 21 January to 28 October 1788; minutes include motions and resolutions for bills, acts, and amendments, petitions, reports: a report of the joint committee appointed to receive, examine, and ascertain all claims against the public [folios 102 - 111] which includes claims made for enslaved persons killed; Report of the joint Committee of both Houses appointed to take into Consideration the Queries transmitted to the Committee of Correspondence by the Agents [folios 102 - 149] which is on the subject of slavery and enslaved labour; discussion of this report and resolutions of amendments to the report [folios 151 - 153 and 158], second report of the joint committee of both Houses appointed to take into Consideration the Queries transmitted to the Committee of Correspondence by the Agents [folios 153 - 157] which is on the subject of slavery and enslaved labour. Minutes include subjects such as enslaved labour; defence of island; fortifications and building work; treasury accounts; military; stores and ammunition; 'new subjects'; repair of roads and streets; taxes; law Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 86 - 197. 31 Aug 1789. CO 101/29/26. Secretary of State's circular of 6 July about clergy of all denominations in Grenada shall be looked at immediately; gives answers in respect to the established church; encloses information on the Roman Catholic Church, which Mathew obtained from Le Père Felicien Gachies; encloses printed copy of An Act for Providing a Support for the Clergy of these Islands. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 198 - 207. 31 Aug 1789. CO 101/29/27. Draft; acknowledges receipt of letters. Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 208 - 209. 2 Dec 1789. CO 101/29/28. Refers to government brig which had become totally unfit for service and was sold; reports has purchased a new brig. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 210 - 211. 19 Sep 1789. CO 101/29/29. Draft; refers to Mathew's letter about the government brig of Grenada. Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 212 - 213. 11 Mar 1790. CO 101/29/30. Transmits extracts of certain letters from Trinidada [Trinidad]; refers to consequences for the 'proprietor of Slaves' from the operation of this Spanish proclamation [letter states that a proclamation was issued on 18 August declaring all 'Negro's [enslaved persons] running away from the English, and other islands to be free the instant they make their appearance before the Governor of any Spanish Island]; encloses an extract of a letter from Martinique about the 'Revolt of the Slaves at Martinico' [in French]; Mathew understands that several executions have taken place; encloses a printed copy of a letter [in French] from the French Minister to the Governor General and Intendant at Martinique, 'for the purpose of counteracting the effects of a certain Ordinance of Monsieur Duchillaw, admitting the importation of negro's from a foreign market, into certain Ports on the south side of the Island of St. Domingo, under his Government. ' Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 214 - 220. 28 Sep 1789. CO 101/29/31. Reference to valuation of a house and land to be occupied to complete the proposed defences on the Ridge at Antigua; encloses a copy of the Royal Engineer's letter to Mathew's Brigade Major with an annexed appraisement; a sketch of the premises and the ground in the neighbourhood of that post [extracted to MPG 1/580]; Minute of the Council of Antigua. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 221 - 228. 9 Oct 1789. CO 101/29/32. Transmits the Monthly Returns of His Majesty's Forces under the command of Lieutenant General Edward Mathew for August and general [includes Return of Black Corps]. W. Gomm, Grenada, Folios 229 - 231. 9 Oct 1789. CO 101/29/33. Reference to convening of the Legislature due to a petition from 'many of the respectable Inhabitants' [reference to the late edict published in Trinidad that enslaved persons who escaped from English and French colonies would be free in Spanish colonies when presenting themselves to the Governor]; encloses copy of his message to the House of Assembly and the address in return delivered by the speaker; encloses message delivered to Mathew, which in answer Mathew stated that he would take it into consideration and at the same time begged leave to remind the assembly that this very subject was under investigation in Europe. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 232 - 239. 18 Oct 1789. CO 101/29/34. Draft; acknowledges receipt of letters; reference to proclamation published at Trinidad, about runaway enslaved persons from British and French colonies. Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 240 - 241. 11 Mar 1790. CO 101/29/35. Reports Mr. Samuel Williams, nephew of the President of Grenada will deliver this letter; recommends Williams to his Majesty's Royal Protection as he is a candidate for a commission in King's service. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 242 - 242a. 28 Oct 1789. CO 101/29/36. Transmits the Lists from the Naval Office of Grenada of all shipping entered inwards and cleared outwards at the ports of St. George and Grenville for the quarter ending 30 September [not in item]; transmits the Prices Current of Produce, Provisions & Lumber exported and imported from and to Grenada for July, August, and September. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 243 - 245. 28 Oct 1789. CO 101/29/37. Transmits the Monthly Returns of His Majesty's Forces under the command of Lieutenant General Edward Mathew for September. W. Gomm, Grenada, Folios 246 - 248. 20 Oct 1789. CO 101/29/38. Draft; acknowledges receipt of letters. Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 249 - 250. 11 Mar 1790. CO 101/29/39. Reports number of 'hired Negroes' [enslaved persons] in the several colonies has been considerably reduced since 1 September and now barracks works are 'everywhere in great forwardness', he has directed the 'Negroes' [enslaved labour] to be entirely discontinued from 1 January 1790; reference to soldiers to be employed; reports frigates arriving on 8 December 1789 at Fort Royal, Martinique, from Boston. Edward Mathew, Grenada, Folios 251 - 252. 20 Dec 1789. CO 101/29/40. Draft; acknowledges receipt of letters; reference to 'Negroe labour', materials, and other assistance for the Royal Engineer for Grenada works; refusals from the Assembly of Antigua of the 'assistance required' for completing fortifications; military establishment and security; Board of Ordnance; letter from the Duke of Richmond, Whitehall, dated 22 March 1788, referring to expenses on part of the Ordnance; extracts from the instructions to the respective officers of the Ordnance in the West Indies; regulations for the allowance of a certain number of labourers to attend engineers; extracts from the instructions to the commanding engineer in the West Indies. William Wyndham Grenville, Secretary of State, Whitehall, Folios 253 - 273. 11 Mar 1790.

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.