Bahamas, 1728-1746 : Depatches - Phenney, Fitzwilliam and Tinker : Legal document; Memorial; Correspondence; Returns 1728-1746.

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Other

Contributor:

Adam Matthew Digital (Firm), digitiser.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Settler colonialism--West Indies.

Settler colonialism.

Bahamas.

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1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Marlborough, Wiltshire : Adam Matthew Digital, 2021.

Summary:

CO 166/2/1. Sir James Douglas, Antigua, to William Pitt. Acknowledges Pitt's letter of 5 August communicating the king's praise of Douglas's role in the expedition against Dominica. Reports preparations for operations against Martinique. He is in Antigua to 'collect and dispose of' HM squadron', and to intercept supplies or reinforcements for the enemy. He will then proceed to Barbados to await General Monckton's troops. He has delivered Pitt's letters to the Governors of Barbados and the Leeward Islands, who have promised to give every assistance. Folios 1-2. 30 Sep 1761. CO 166/2/2. Egremont to Major-General Monckton. Reports appointment of Lord Albemarle to command operations against Spanish colonies in the West Indies, together with Sir George Pocock who will have command of a very considerable squadron. The main object of the expedition is Havana, which must take precedence over other operations. Albemarle and Pocock are expected to sail from Portsmouth on or before 20 February, and by mid April should reach Barbados. If Martinique has been captured, Monckton should remain there as Governor and Commander in Chief, or appoint another officer to that role and join Albemarle himself. If conquest of Martinique not complete it should be abandoned, leaving a garrison to maintain any captured fortresses. If Martinique has been completely unsuccessful Monckton should withdraw to Prince Rupert's Bay in Dominica and wait for Albemarle there. Instructs Monckton, in consultation with Admiral Rodney, to report to Lord Albemarle and Sir George Pocock at Barbados and to make plans for a rendezvous at Martinique, St Lucia or Prince Rupert's Bay. Folios 3-10. 5 Feb 1762. CO 166/2/3. Egremont to Monckton, sending copy of his letter of 5 February and reporting that should Albemarle not find any despatch from Monckton on his arrival at Barbados he will issue further instructions. Folios 11-12. 15 Feb 1762. CO 166/2/4. Monckton, Bridge Town, Barbados, to Egremont. Acknowledges Pitt's letter of 21 September 1761 and Egremont's of 9 October 1761 with king's instructions. Reports on health and morale of troops. Expects reinforcements from South Carolina shortly. Barbados has raised 500 armed volunteers and 600 'Negroes'. Governor Thomas has likewise raised 300 'Negroes' at Antigua, and other islands are expected to do likewise. Enemy has increased defences. Departure likely to be delayed until 4 or 5 February to allow time for watering of the transports and other necessary preparations. Folios 13-14. 31 Dec 1761. CO 166/2/5. Copy of Barbados 'Act to Assist His Majesty's Forces'. Enclosed in Monckton's of 31 December. Folios 15-16. 17 Oct 1761. CO 166/2/6. Monckton, Martinique, to Egremont. Reports that he left Barbados on 5 January and anchored at St Ann's Bay, Martinique on 7 January. He had hoped to land on the western side of the bay, and to cross over to Port Royal Bay, but this was not possible because of the difficulties of acquiring provisions and stores, and the lack of fresh water. Reports operations, the difficulties of the terrain, and the strength of resistance. Is working on the erection of batteries to cover the troops. Troops are healthy. Acknowledges assistance from Admiral Rodney. Folios 17-20. 20 Jan 1762. CO 166/2/7. Copy of a letter from Admiral Rodney, on board HMS Marlborough in Cas des Navires Bay, Martinique, to John Clevland. Reports his arrival at Barbados 22 November 1761, and dates on which various ships and troops joined him. Arrived at Martinique 7 January 1762. Reports loss of the Raisonable because of the pilot's ignorance of 'a little reef of rocks'. All crew and stores saved, and Rodney hopes to retrieve guns. Reports subsequent operations against fortifications, and the landing of the army and two battalions of marines. Army now approaching the heights of Mont Grenie and Mont Tortueson prior to laying siege to Fort Royal. Folios 21-23. 19 Jan 1762. CO 166/2/8. Monckton, Fort Royal, Martinique, to Egremont. Reports successful advance of troops at daybreak on 24 January. The enemy retired to town of Fort Royal and to Morne Garnier in great confusion. Detailed report of actions against enemy. Fort Royal taken on 4 February. French garrison marched out next morning on terms of enclosed capitulation. Enemy had not less than 1000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Encloses return of British losses. Expects other parts of the island to accede to the capitulation. Troops from Carolina have not yet joined him, nor the provision vessels expected from New York. Has been obliged to buy some provisions that have arrived in trading vessels. Has imprisoned the former French Governor of Guadeloupe, who was at Martinique, and proposes to send him to France. The French troops are all embarked and will soon sail to France. A postscript adds that the troops from Carolina have arrived. Folios 24-32. 9 Feb 1762. CO 166/2/9. Copy of the Articles of Capitulation of the citadel at Fort Royal, signed by Monckton, Rodney and De Lignery. Enclosure to Monckton's of 9 February. Folios 33-36. [1762]. CO 166/2/10. Copy of the Articles of Capitulation of 'several quarters of the Island of Martinique'. Enclosure to Monckton's of 9 February. Folios 37-42. [1762]. CO 166/2/11. Returns of the killed, wounded and missing of the army under Monckton at the various attacks. Enclosure to Monckton's of 9 February. Folios 43-46. [1762]. CO 166/2/12. Account of French guns etc. Enclosure to Monckton's of 9 February. Folios 47-48. [1762]. CO 166/2/13. Monckton, St Peters, Martinique, to Egremont. Reports French offer of terms of capitulation for the whole island, and its agreement. Monckton subsequently left Fort Royal and took possession of the 'large and opulent town' of St Peters. French troops there to sail immediately to France, followed shortly afterwards by the Governor and his staff. Plans to send Brigadier General Walsh, with the 5th Brigade, and the Corps of Light Infantry under Lt. Col. Scott to take 'the Grenades' and 'the other Islands' [presumably those listed in his instructions]. Monckton will remain at Martinique at this critical time when 'a Rupture with Spain may be daily expected'. Reports sickness among troops during the rainy season which has now ended. Has filled some necessary civil posts. Folios 49-52. 27 Feb 1762. CO 166/2/14. Return of guns, ammunition and ordnance stores captured from the French. Enclosure to Monckton's of 27 February. Folios 53-56. 18 Feb 1762. CO 166/2/15. Copy of articles of capitulation. In French with English annotations stating which articles had been granted and where amendments were made. Enclosure to Monckton's of 27 February. Folios 57-64. 13 Feb 1762. CO 166/2/16. James Douglas, the Dublin in Carlisle Bay, Barbados, to William Pitt. Reports that about 1600 troops are gathered at the Leeward Islands, but there is considerable sickness among them. He will arrange for the American troops to join him as soon as they arrive, or to act separately as General Monckton directs. While at Barbados waiting for Monckton he has collected pilots and intelligence, and has with him Colonel Melville who is familiar with the region and with the French and was at the siege of Guadeloupe, and Mr Campbell, an engineer from Guadeloupe, who has provided plans of new French works at Martinique. Governor Pinfold of Barbados has raised 500 white men and 600 'Negroes' to assist in the expedition. Douglas believes the Governor of Martinique to be aware of British intentions. Folios 65-66. 4 Nov 1761. CO 166/2/17. Egremont to Monckton. Reports King's appreciation of success of proceedings, bravery and good conduct of officers, and spirit and intrepidity of soldiers. His Majesty looks forward to future reports. No further orders. Folios 67-69. 3 Apr 1762. CO 166/2/18. Egremont to Monckton. Refers to Monckton's of 9 February in which he requests leave to return to North America on account of his health. King has agreed that Monckton may choose to remain as Governor and Commander in Chief at Martinique, or serve under Lord Albemarle, or return to North America. Folios 70-71. 3 Apr 1762. CO 166/2/19. Monckton, St Peters, Martinique, to Egremont. Reports surrender of the island of Grenada with its dependencies, on 5 March, to the ships of war and troops under Commander Robert Swanton and Brigadier General Hunt Walsh. Proposes to take possession of St Lucia, St Vincent and Tobago.

St Lucia capitulated unknown to him on 26 February with Captain Harvey of HMS Dragon. Encloses copy of the capitulation received from the admiral. Further reports that 95th regiment left in the Grenades; Brigadier Walsh is to take possession of St Vincent; a detachment being sent to take possession of St Lucia; a French fleet had appeared and sent an officer to collect intelligence, who had spoken to a French man and 'some Negroes'. A copy of the French man's declaration is enclosed. Admiral set sail and went in search of enemy but 'was not

lucky enough to meet with them'. Governor Lyttleton of Jamaica has asked for reinforcements as he expects attack, but Monckton feels he needs orders to comply. Folios 72-77. 18 Mar 1762. CO 166/2/20. Copy of letter to Monckton from Hunt Walsh, Grenada. Reports proceedings at Grenada and promises a return of artillery, ammunition, warlike stores and troops. Enclosure to Monckton's of 18 March. Folios 78-79. 6 Mar 1762. CO 166/2/21. Articles of Capitulation, St Lucia. In English with French annotations. Enclosure to Monckton's of 18 March. Folios 80-81. 26 Feb 1762. CO 166/2/22. Declaration of M. Merou, inhabitant of Tartane. Account of his conversation with French naval officer. Enclosure to Monckton's of 18 March. Folios 82-83. [1762]. CO 166/2/23. Monckton, St. Peter's, Martinique, to Egremont. Has relieved 95th Regiment at Grenada with a detachment from the 76th, and has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Scott, who commanded the Light Infantry, to be Governor of Grenada and its dependencies. St Lucia was reported so unhealthy that he has ordered destruction of the batteries and military stores there rather than posting troops. Has received a deputation from St Vincent asking for British protection and stating there are about a thousand fighting men 'beside the Indians, who are very numerous and at present at variance with the inhabitants'. As St Vincent was a neutral island Monckton did not propose that they should take the oath of allegiance. Disarming them, without removing them from the island, would be 'exposing them to the Mercy of the Indians'. Folios 84-87. 10 Apr 1762. CO 166/2/24. Monckton, St. Peters, Martinique, to Egremont. Plans to return to New York. The Belle Isle troops will remain at Martinique under the command of Brigadier General William Rufane. Sends list of military and civil appointments in Martinique and other conquered islands. Has asked for a census of men, women, children, slaves and other possessions, together with productions of their plantations, to be prepared. Folios 88-89. 3 May 1762. CO 166/2/25. List of civil officers appointed by Major General Robert Monckton during February-May 1762. Folio 90. [1762]. CO 166/2/26. List of staff of the army appointed by Monckton. Folios 91-92. 25 Mar 1762. CO 166/2/27. Egremont to Monckton. Acknowledges receipt of Monckton's letter of 18 March and conveys the King's appreciation of successful operations and good conduct and behaviour of officers and men. Folios 93-94. 1 May 1762. CO 166/2/28. Monckton, Antigua, to Egremont. Has been at Antigua for some days 'settling the Accounts of the Negroes furnished for the Expedition against Martinique'. Reports that the fleet sailed from Martinique on 6 May 1762. An embarkation return of the troops from Martinique has been sent to the secretary at war. Folios 95-96. 22 May 1762. CO 166/2/29. Monckton, Antigua, to Egremont. Refers to letters received and sent. Has received 'submission at discretion' of the island of St Vincent signed by a large number of the 'principal inhabitants'. Folios 97-98. 26 May 1762. CO 166/2/30. Brigadier William Rufane, St. Peters, Martinique, to Egremont. Sends report of appointments made by Monckton, and memorial of the council of Martinique who have also asked for permission to send a deputy to England. Rufane has ordered an census to be taken of the inhabitants, free 'Negroes', Mulattos and slaves, with the state of their plantations, etc. Requires additional vessels to prevent smuggling and improve communications. The inhabitants of St Lucia have been disarmed and sworn to allegiance, and submissions have been received from St Vincent. A tax on houses and 'Negroes' has been raised to provide provisions for troops as military funds are almost exhausted. Monsieur Nadeau, late Governor of Guadeloupe is travelling to London with the convoy, accompanied by Le Pere le Vallette late superior of the Jesuits in Martinique. Folios 99-102. 2 Jun 1762. CO 166/2/31. Copy of Monckton's commission appointing Brigadier General William Rufane as Governor and Commander in Chief of Martinique and its dependencies. Folios 103-104. 8 May 1762. CO 166/2/32. Copy of Monckton's commission appointing Lieutenant Colonel John Darby to be Lieutenant Governor of Martinique and its dependencies. Folios 105-106. 8 May 1762. CO 166/2/33. Copy of Monckton's commission appointing Lieutenant Colonel David Erskine Lieutenant Governor of the town and fort of St Peters, Martinique. Folios 107-108. 8 May 1762. CO 166/2/34. List of civil officers appointed by Monckton, February to May 1762. Folio 109-110. [1762]. CO 166/2/35. List of staff of the army appointed by Monckton, March to May 1762. Folio 111-112. [1762]. CO 166/2/36. Remonstrance of the Superior Court of Martinique'. Enclosure to Governor Rufane's of 2 June 1762. Folios 113-114. [1762]. CO 166/2/37. Memorial of the Superior Council of Martinique, with Governor Rufane's comments. Enclosure to Rufane's of 2 June 1762. Folios 115-120. [1762]. CO 166/2/38. Signed petition of Commission of Deputies of the Island of Martinique. Enclosure to Governor Rufane's of 2 June 1762. Folios 121-122. [1762]. CO 166/2/39. Egremont to Rufane, informing him that the Duchess of Aiguillon has asked that Jules Alexandre Deslondes de Lancelot, now in Grenada, should be allowed to return to Europe on a British ship, and asking Rufane to organise this. Folios 123-124. 23 Jul 1762. CO 166/2/40. Egremont to Rufane instructing him to maintain continuing vigilance against the enemy and to report any intelligence received to Lord Albemarle. With regard to any representations of the inhabitants of Martinique, the terms of the capitulation should be observed in all its clauses, while at the same time making His Majesty's new subjects aware of the 'justice and mildness' of the British government. Folios 125-126. 7 Aug 1762. CO 166/2/41. Governor William Rufane, Martinique, to Egremont. Transmits 'recensement' [census] of the island, together with representations from Mr MacLean, receiver general and collector, on matters relating to trade on which he needs instructions. Rufane also requests instructions on various matters concerning the government of Martinique, especially relating to the different interests of the English and French. He has published an ordinance requiring all agreements between French and English to be recorded in both languages and signed by both parties before witnesses, except where money is paid on the spot. He reports difficulties in dealing with criminal matters and taxation. Folio 27. 19 Jul 1762. CO 166/2/42. MacLeane, St Peters, Martinique, to Rufane, recommending methods of dealing with illicit trading. Enclosure to Rufane's of 19 July 1762. Folios 130-131. 19 Jul 1762. CO 166/2/43. Representation of Mr MacLeane for North American traders to export a certain quantity of sugar and coffee from Martinique. Enclosure to Rufane's of 19 July 1762. Folios 132-133. 16 Jun 1762. CO 166/2/44. Rufane, Martinique, to Egremont. Reports developments at Martinique and notes that the small military force at his disposal has been reduced to 1244 fit for duty during present unhealthy season. Seeks instructions on exchange of prisoners as proposed by Governor of Porto Rico. Further reports that an armed vessel engaged by Monckton for the service of Martinique has been taken by a Spanish privateer. Folios 134-135. 2-18 Oct 1762. CO 166/2/45. Memorial of the Superior Council of Martinique addressed to the King. Enclosure to Rufane's of 2 October 1872. Folios 136-139. 12 Jul 1762. CO 166/2/46. Ordinance relating to the powers of the Superior Council of Martinique. Enclosure to Rufane's of 2 October 1762. Folios 140-141. [1761]. CO 166/2/47. Rufane, Martinique, to Egremont enclosing letter from the community of Jesuits in Martinique. Notes that they have behaved 'with great submission and obedience to orders of government'. Folios 142-3. 29 Oct 1762. CO 166/2/48. The Superior of Jesuits, Martinique, to Egremont. Introduces himself as successor to the previous superior, who has died; hopes for continued favourable treatment by the British; and requests the early issue of passports for missionaries travelling to and from Europe. Enclosure to Rufane's of 29 October 1762. Folios 144-146. 28 Oct 1762. CO 166/2/49. Rufane, Martinique, to Egremont.

Encloses a copy of the general census, a report of the state of fortifications, and an account of the revenue of the island, and adds his comments. Reports dissatisfaction of local inhabitants subsequent to the imposition of British rule. Folios 147-148. 1 Dec 1762. CO 166/2/50. General census of the island of Martinique for 1762, showing numbers of inhabitants and totals of agricultural and extractive production. Folios 149-149A. 1762. CO 166/2/51. Report of Fort Royal and damages from the siege together with proposals for repair and alteration. By Major Patrick Mackellar, chief engineer. Enclosure to Rufane's of 1 December

1762. Folios 150-157. 16 Mar 1762. CO 166/2/52. Copy of letter from Monckton, Martinique, to Captain George Garth giving orders and instructions for the repair of Fort Royal. Enclosure to Rufane's of 1 December 1762. Folios 158-159. 7 May 1762. CO 166/2/53. Return of British forces in Martinique. Enclosure to Rufane's of 1 December 1762. Folio 160. 24 Nov 1762. CO 166/2/54. Abstract of exports of produce from Martinique since the conquest, taken from the Customs House books. Enclosure to Rufane's of 1 December 1762. Folios 161-162. 30 Nov 1762. CO 166/2/55. Amount of capitation tax for Martinique in 1762. Enclosure to Rufane's of 1 December 1762. Folios 163-164. [1762]. CO 166/2/56. Account of revenues and expenses of Martinique under the French government. Enclosure to Rufane's of 1 December 1762. Folios 165-166. [1762]. CO 166/2/57. List of members of the Superior Council of Martinique and other officials. Enclosure to Rufane's of 1 December 1762. Folios 167-168. [1762]. CO 166/2/58. Monckton, New York, to Egremont enclosing an account of expenses incurred by the government of Barbados in raising and equipping volunteers for the expedition against Martinique. Folios 169-170. 14 Dec 1762. CO 166/2/59. Account of sums paid from taxes raised from the inhabitants of Barbados in compliance with an statute for assisting His Majesty's forces. Enclosure to Monckton's of 14 December 1762. Folios 171-172. [1762]. CO 166/2/60. Rufane, Martinique, to Egremont welcoming news of cessation of hostilities and undertaking to keep the garrison in the best possible state of defence. Folios 173-174. 12 Jan 1763. CO 166/2/61. Rufane, Martinique, to Egremont reporting his plans for evacuation of British subjects. Folios 177-178. 2 May 1763. CO 166/2/62. Rufane, Martinique, to Egremont. Reports discussions with the French regarding the return of Martinique to France, and requests further instructions. Has received and acted on instructions concerning the return of St Lucia. Folios 179-180. 18 Jun 1763. CO 166/2/63. Copy of letter from the Marquis de Fenelon to Rufane concerning return of French possessions. Folios 181-18. 13 Jun 1763. CO 166/2/64. Copy of letter from Rufane to the Marquis de Fenelon concerning restoration of French possessions. Folios 183-184. 14 Jun 1763. CO 166/2/65. Rufane, Portsmouth, to Egremont. Reports evacuation of Martinique by troops and other British subjects with the exception of a small number with ongoing commercial undertakings. Encloses returns of troops transferred to Havana, and those returning to Portsmouth. Acknowledges support of Admiral Swanton and satisfactory dealings with the French commissioners and officers. Folios 185-186. 24 Aug 1763. CO 166/2/66. List of English merchants whose commercial interests require them to remain in Martinique. Enclosure to Rufane's of 24 August 1763. Folios 187-188. 7 Jul 1763. CO 166/2/67. Embarkation return of the troops under the command of Brigadier General William Rufane destined for Havana. Enclosure to Rufane's of 24 August 1763. Folios 189-190. 19 Jul 1763. CO 166/2/68. Certificate signed by M. Rochmore, French director of fortifications, and M. Verrier, French chief engineer of Martinique, confirming repair and restoration carried out by the British. Folios 191-192. 6 Jul 1763.

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