A packet of Intelligence FROM NEW-PROVIDENCE▪ In the Province of the BAHAMA Islands, in AMERICA, In Two PARTS. Wherein, the Miserable State of the said Province and People Inhabiting the same, for the space of Four Years, under the Tyranny of an Indigent debauched Idiot, and most pernicious Villain, name cadwalader Jones: Is briefly Demonstrated, in LETTERS of Complaint against him, to Coll. Phillip Ludwell, governor of CAROLINA Whose Letter( as an Answer) herein is inserted. And also, an ●●stract of a Letter from Mr. Josias clerk, on the same Theme. The Royal Preacher( among the Evils that he had observed under the Sun) Notes this for one, viz. Folley set in place of Great Dignity. Ecles. 10. 5, 6. The Evil whereof hath a double Aspect, viz. I. On the Person so dignified, as to the Indecorum of it, Because Honour is not seemly for a Fool. Prov. 26. 1. II. On the People over whom he is so placed. Because the governor that lacketh Understanding, is a great Oppressor. Prov. 28. 16. And surely Oppression maketh a Wise Man Mad. Ecles. 7. 7. Therefore( for the Administration of Government) Better is a Poor and wise Child, then an Old and Foolish Man, who will no more be Admonished: Ecles. 4, 13. Printed Chiefly for Information of the Lords Proprietors of both the said Provinces: And Published to Illustrate the present happiness of the People Inhabiting this iceland of Great Brttain, under the Government of our Glorious and Gracious King WILLIAM III. Who is the great Restorer of our Laws[ as to the free and equal Administration thereof] whereby our Lives, Liberties, and Properties, are Rescued from being a Prey to the Vo●atolu● Lusts of Wicked Rulers, Who( by the Wisest of Kings) are compared to Roaring lions, and Ranging Bears. Prov. 28. 15. The Truth whereof, hath been Eminently Exemplified in the said cadwalader Jones. LONDON: Printed for the Author. 1696. The CASE of Thomas Bulkley, late of New Providence, Merchant, briefly represented to the Right Honourable the Lords of His Majesties council of TRADE. THE said Bulkley,( for his Loyal and Zealous Activity in the Discharge of his bound Duty to the King and Queen of England, &c. to the Lords Proprietors of the Provinces of Carolina, and the Bahama Islands in America, and to His Majesties Subjects Inhabiting the first name Province, in the Accusation and Prosecution of cadwalader Jones, late governor of the said Islands, who was a Wicked Tyrant, traitor, murderer, Felonious Conspirator, confederate with Pirates, Burglarious Robber, and Guilty of other Heinous Misdemeanours, contained in sundry Articles of Accusation Exhibited against him▪) Under the said Jones's Usurped Power( being Rescued out of Custody) hath been Barbarously Imprisoned 485 days, without any lawful Cause alleged by the Accuser upon his Oath, or the Testimony of any Witnesses; And in the said term of his Imprisonment, his House, &c. therein, hath sundry times been broken open in a Felonious manner, by Armed Pirates., Instigated to the doing thereof by the said Rescued Criminal, and his traitorous Complices, the Principal whereof was John Graves, who was the False and Malicious accuser of the said Bulkley. The Affrightments of which Burglarious Assaults on the House, were the cause of Convulsion Fits, Painful Languishing Sickness, and finally of Death, to the said Bulkleys Wife. By all which disingenuity dealings of the said Jones, Graves, &c. the said Bulkley has lost his Virtuous Wife( Barbarously murdered) by the Burglarious Assaults of Pyratical Ruffians; His own Health by extreme hard and Long Imprisonment, his Reputation by False and Malicious Accusation of High Treason, his traffic and Commerce, as a Merchant, has been wholly Confounded, and his Estate Wasted in Extravagant expenses, occasioned by his Wifes Sickness, and his own Imprisonment, and by other Losses and Damages amounting to the, value of Four Thousand Pounds; for Reparation whereof, and Condign Punishment of those Miscreants, who were the Authors, Abettors, Actors, and Accessories. He hath applied himself to the Succeeding governor of the Bahama Islands, viz. Mr. Nicholas trot, and to the Lords Proprietors Ministers of Justice at Carolina, who having all of them denied him the benefit of the Laws( which are said to be the Birth Right of every English Man) he hath been Constrained to leave the place of his Settled Habitation, Lands, Houses, Goods, and Debts there, being of great Value, and to travail from thence 3000 Miles over the Seas in coming to England, where he hath spent two Years in Addressing to, and Attending on the Lords Proprietors, who have been so Ungenerous, as to Disregard his Meritorious Services, and Matchless Sufferings; and so unjust as to Reject his most reasonable Propositious, viz. That they would put him into such a post of Authority and Power as may enable him to have the benefit of the Laws against all those in their said Provences, who have done irreparable Wrongs to the said Bulkley; and also against all those who have denied him Justice against them, contrary to the Duty of their Offices, and the obligation of their Oaths, for dispensing Justice freely and imparcialy to all the Kings Subjects, suing for it in the Limits of their Jurisdictions. And seeing there hath been a total failure of Justice in all the Derivative Channels, the said Bulkley now repairs to the Fountain of it, which is a Living Spring, from whence it doth and shall ever flow to the Relief of all His Majesties Oppressed and aggrieved Subjects, of whom, none have Served him more Loyally, diligently, and Constantly, nor suffered for so doing, as hath the said Thomas Bulkley, who hath not only Sustained the Losses and Damages aforesaid, but thereby for the space of Five Years hath been and still is out of all manner of Profitable Employment, whereby to Maintain himself and his Off-spring: In which deplorable Condition for Relief, he hath petitioned to, and now humbly depends on his Most Just, Generous, and Merciful sovereign Lord the King, in whose Service he will esteem it his greatest terrestrial Honour and Happiness to Spend the Residue of his Life. A LETTER from Gilbert Ashley, and Bowen Clasen, Esqs;( being Deputies to two of the Lords Proprietors of the Province of Carolina, and the Bahama Islands) and Thomas Bulkley, Secretary of the last name Province. Superscribed, To the Honourable colonel Phillip Ludwell, governor of Carolina. Honourable Sir, WEE the Subscribers( by Mr. William Baker, owner of a Bark which arrived here, from South Carolina the 13th instant) having received some general, but very imperfect Information of your being come thither, with Authority from the Lords Proprietors, of that, and this Colony, either to be Chief governor, or at least to inquire into the conduct of public Affairs in both, and to Reform what your Wisdom shall discern to need; Do with all Humble Deference, Congratulate your safe Arrival there, and earnestly wish for the same here: Wee( tho less considerable) standing in as much need of your Authority, and Wisdom to rectify our most disorderly Government. We think not fit to Anticipate you with our Complaints, and the Causes thereof, which are many, and great; whereby a hopeful Settlement of these their Lordships Dominions,[ capable of great Improvements] is not only much retarded, but almost ruined. We( according to the duty of our several Places and Stations) have used our best Endeavours that such Laws and Ordinances might be Made, and Executed, as in our Judgments tended most to the Honour and Profit of our Masters, and general good of the Government and People: But to our grief, we find all Laws for the Suppression of 'vice, and encouragement of Virtue and Industry, either Opposed in the making, or Ennervated in the Execution, the Lords Interest wholly disregarded: and those who are most Zealous to promote it, Discountenanced, the public Treasure secretly and unaccountably consumed; all Sober, Virtuous, and Industrious Persons abhorred: Privateers and Pirates, and such like Dissolute and debauched persons Favoured, and thereby made Impudently Insolent. In this deplorable case we are wholly destitute of a remedy, within ourselves; for General Assemblies above all things are hated and dreaded▪ And those who Petition for their Calling, and Sitting, termed Trattors; and when summoned, the good intentions defeated by packed Elections, of the most unfit, and unworthy Persons to be Members. And if that will not fully confounded all Designs and Endeavours for public good, then self-conceited King Solomon, or( more properly) King Bramble, will be sure to effect it, by his refusal to pass such Bills into Acts. But the sovereign balsam of your Power and Prudence,( which we have a great Character of) if seasonably applied, may heal our Death threatening Distempers. To you therefore, as our Extraordinary Political physician, we look and call for a speedy visit; the hopes whereof, is a Reviving Cordial to your Afflicted Patients, who will be( as opportunity offers) Your Faithful and Humble Servants, New Providence, July the 16th 1692 Gilbert Ashley. Bowen Clasen. Thomas Bulkley. An Answer to the foregoing Letter, Directed as followeth. These, For Gilbert Ashley, Bowen Clasen, and Thomas Bulkley, Esqs: Or to any one of them, at Providence. Masters, HAD I had any opportunity, I had long ere this returned you an Answer to yours of the 16th of July, received from Mr. clerk: I am very sorry both for the Lords, and your own sakes, to find such great Discords between you and your governor; and should be extremely glad if I could contribute any thing to a Reconciliation. In order to which, I would very willingly have taken a Journey to you▪ if my Affairs would have permitted▪ and having so Rational Persons, as I have reason to believe you have amongst you, to treat withal▪ should not have despaired of a good Effect. I have considered the contents of your Letter, which tho in some part to a Stranger, may seem something too Passionate; yet I fear in general, there is too much reason to believe the Complaints are not wholly without cause. I have known your governor several years, and altho perhaps he may be something a stranger to those politics, which are requisite for the Well and Peaceable Ordering of a Government; yet he being of a generous and good Nature( which he has always past for) I think it a little strange that he should be so utterly Uncouncelable, by those of more acquaintance with the place, and joined in power with him. At the same time I received yours, I received a Letter also from him, near the same date, with complaints on his side; but neither he, nor you, give me the particulars of eithers Grievances. I have discoursed with Dr. clerk, who I believe has given me what Light he can, which yet cannot led me to find out clearly where the shoe pincheth, but( by what I guess) if it were possible for me to come to you, with any manner of Security to their Lordships Affairs here, at this present, I should not much doubt to settle all to your satisfaction; but the trouble I have met with here, will not yet admit my least absence. I'se azure you my desires are great to it, but since I cannot do as I would, if you please to follow my Advice, I am in hopes( by Gods Assistance) I may do you some Service. My Advice is, That you meet altogether, and draw up an Impartial account of all matters, viz. The Grievances the country( or you for them) complain of on the one side; and what the governor has to complain of, on the other side: and that either party do communicate to the other, what is drawn up, that if any mistake be, it may be rectified by consent on either side, before you sand it away. I have also now made the same proposal to the governor, who( I suppose) will not refuse it, if he do, I shall have no very good opinion of his Cause, or judgement. If you think fit to do this, and sand it me as soon as possibly you can; I have very great confidence I should Even the matters of Variance that are between you, or leave one side or tother without excuse. However, If I should not be so happy in the Mediation at the first dash, it would be no great prejudice or loss of time to either, since the affairs of the country( I mean as to the defence of it against a Common Enemy, or Judicial proceedings on Civil Actions between Man, and Man) may go on. But as to any manner of Process for any Heats, or pikes, which are( by either part) taken to be Misdemeanours in the Government, I do Earnestly Exhort, and require you all, that it do cease, till the whole matter have been inquired into. Whereupon, if an accommodation be Effected, I shall think myself very happy, in having done the Lords, and the Country, so good a Service. I hope you will all set hearty about it, considering the well or ill-being of every Person in the Country depends upon it: For I hope you all take the Authority of him, to be Infallible, that tells you, A House divided within itself cannot stand. I shall trouble you no further at present, but azure you of my readiness to do you Service, being South Carolina, Octob. 27th 1692. Gentlemen, your Affectionate Friend and Humble Servand. phil. Ludwell. POSTSCRIPT. THE governor speaks of an Act of Indemnity▪ which he refused to Pass, pray let me have a true copy of it. I have also written to the governor for a copy, but desire it from you also. If nothing will do, but my coming, that shall not be wanting, as soon as ever I can settle matters here, which I hope are now in a fair way: But I hope you will all see your Interest so well, that there will be no need of my coming; unless it be to rejoice with you, for your good Fortune. Pray sand me the true grounds of the Differences between the governor, and You. Yours as above. P. L. An Abstract of a LETTER from Mr. Josias clerk, at South-Carrolina: Superscribed, To Thomas Bulkley, Esq; at the iceland of New-Providence. SIR, THis is the first opportunity of Writing to you, that I have met with, since my arrival here; but you will find( by the Governours Letters to yourself, and Friends, and to Coll. Jones) th●● I have not forgot the Gratitude which I owe to you, for the constant Kindness you shewed me, during my Residence in, and at my Departure from Providence, as also since my arrival here. I have very fairly stated the case of your Government, to his Honour here, tho wanting authentic Evidence for the matters of Fact. He referves the Determination, till he receives the account of things from yourselves, and then I doubt not but the Decision will be just and speedy: Except your Governo●● and you, think fit to be reconciled before, which his Honour here hearty Wishes, for your own S●kes, and Exhorts you both unto.( For I have seen his Letters) And it is my opinion that it is your wisest Course; but if Coll. Jones be Intractable, and Irreconcilable, he will soon smart for his Folley. Sir, My tenderest Respects and Service to yourself, your good Lady, Coll. Bowen Clasen, Mr. Ashley, and all others, who retain any Friendship for( Sir,) Your most Affectionate and Zealous Servant, Josias clerk. Charles Town in Carolina. Novemb. 7th. 1692. A Second LETTER to the said colonel Phillip Ludwell, governor of Carolina, being a Replication to his Answer to the first, to him Written, by the said Ashley, Clasen, and Bulkley. Right Honourable, THE 24th. of the last Month( by Mr. Ireland) we received yours, Dated the 27th of October, wherein your Honour abounds in Expressions of Kindness and condescension to us; and a compassionate Resentment of our Divisions and Discords, and the evil tendency thereof: As also declaring your readiness to Engage yourself to Promote and Accomplish a Reconciliation between us, in hopes whereof you expre●s yourself willing to undertake a Voyage hither; for which Favours we want words to express our Humble Gratitude. By yours we are informed, your Honour hath received ours of the 16th of July, in which( as your Honour speaks) some things to a stranger may seem too passionate: But truly Sir, they do but seem so, for ●o any other then a stranger, we might say as David to his Brother Eliah, is there not a Cause, and that not Personal or Private, but public and General, wherein no less than the whose Interest of the Lords Proprietors, safety and Tranquillity of the people Inhabiting these their Lordships Territories, is involved. Your Honour faith that you have known our governor several Years, and that he hath always past for a person of a Generous and good Nature, if he did, it was only as counterfeit coin, till it is discovered; or else he is strangely Debased: For now, there does not appear in him one spark of true Generosity, nor so much as the relics thereof, but a Degenerate Ignoble Spirit, almost daily discovering itself, in Speeches and Actions Similar; whereof numerous Instances might be given. You say you have received Complaints from him also, but neither he nor we have given the particulars of each others Grievances. Sir, As we said before, the cause of our Complaints is not Personal Affronts and Injuries( which have been many and great) but for them we should not( at least by Letter) have troubled your Honour with our Complaints, but of as general a Nature as before is said, viz. The grand Charge we have against him, is great in itself, and great in respect of the many great ones contained in it: The general is that from the first of his coming hither, He hath managed a wicked design to set up Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government, not bounded nor regulated by Laws, but such as should be the Dictates of his own will, for serving the Corrupt Interests and Lusts of himself, and his Lewd and beggarly Favourites; who were designed to Repair their decayed Fortunes( become so by their own Vicious and Extravagant Courses) by Subjecting the People in their Bodies and Purces to their absolute Dominion and Avarice. The withstanding of which Designs, first in a regular and Parliamentary way, and when that proved Ineffectual, we were constrained( being at so great a distance from the Lords Proprietors) to use Extraordinary means to bring him to some better terms, which were Reasonable, Just, and mildred: To which, tho he then Conceded, and made many fair promises, yet in a little time( after the muzzle was off) he began to Act like a Beast of Prey again; and so hath continued to do, to this present time. I shall briefly give you Honour a view of some of his many Irregularities in Government. I. He presumed to Refuse taking the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy to their Majesties King William and Queen Mary, having( as may without breach of Charity be supposed) some hopes of a Change of the Sceen in England, by King James's Re▪mounting▪ mounting the Throne again. II. He takes upon him to dispense with the Lords Proprietors Instructions, contained in the 4th. Paragraph thereof, wherein he is required to Summon a General Assembly, or Parliament, which he did not,( upon a false pretence.) But instead of a Parliament, he constituted a Council consisting of himself, three Deputies, and four others, Chosen by the People, as Representitives of them; with whose advice and Consent he sell to making of Laws, to be of equal Authority and Force, with Acts of a General Assembly, till the 25th. of December following, which was near six Months from the time of his Arrival. III. He ordained himself to be Treasurer, and having so done, he presseth the Council to Levy a Tax on the people( who were then few and poor) for Building a new Fort, which if it had proceeded according to his projection, would have cost at least 1500 l. Whereas there was at that time an O●d Fort, which( tho gon to decay) with a small Charge would have been more Servic●able than the New one, which hath cost( as is supposed) about 100 l. and is no Defence. IV. He gets a French Vessel, in which a parcel of Privateers had been Roveing and playing the Pirates, some parts whereof, he purchased of the Company( as was said) and most given him by the Company, yet( out of a Bravado) he gives out that she was taken by his Son,( being Captain of the Ship Jones came in from England) as a Lawful prise of War: So he Erects a Court of Admiralty, for trial, and Condemnation of the said Ship, which being done, he Exposes her to Sale by Inch of Candle; and useth effectual means that she might not be bought out of their Hands; so according to their design and desire, she was bought at a low rate, being 42 l. whereas she was well worth 500 l. So that this Lumping pennyworth might be their own, Two Thirds of the said Vessel,( as belonging to the Lord Proprietors and himself) was Sold to his Son, and One Third he allowed him as a Reward for his Valour in taking her. So the Lords are Fobb'd off with 14 l. for their Interest in the said Vessel, whereof his said Son he made Commander. I should proceed, but I find that such a Progre●●ve Narrative, would engross too much time, and swell too big to be contained in a Letter. I shall therefore sand you some Papers, which( tho defective) will in some measure enable you to make a judgement of him and his course and Actions: The Papers I have sent you, are the 1st 2d. and 3d. Speeches of our King Solomon,( to his first Parliament) for to him, he hath Preusmptuously compared himself, in all things( Riches excepted) wherein his great Wisdom, Piety, Eloquence, and strength of Reasoning, doth Iminently appear: You will also see how handsomely he Princes it, and how much he is of a Statesman, by his Skilfullness in reading Faces. Your Honour will also see how earnest he is for Money, that he may resemble solomon in Riches too; and by his Powerful Eloquence, Larded with a Hypocritical show of Piety, he obtained a Second Tax of one Shilling a week for Thirteen weeks, to be Leyied on every Inhabitant in the Government, and their working Servants and Slaves: and this pretended, for carrying on the work of the Lord begun, that is the building and finishing the new Fort, on which, we do not know that one stroke of work hath been done, in the manner wherein it was begun▪ That Parliament finding that the Peoples money was not well laid out, made a Law, That whatsoever should be further done on the said Fort, should be by Advice of certain Persons nominated in the said Law; but, rather than Act by Advice and Council, he choose to do nothing to the Fort, but get the money into his own Hands, raised for that end, by the Assembly. But of late, of his own head( not only without, but against the Advice of the Council) he hath begun to Build a thing, more like a Cow-pen, than a Fort: whereon he hath spent much time, and( as we expect to find) much Money. I have also sent you a Petition, which was prepared to be presented to him, for the Summoning and Sitting of a General Assembly, which when he heard of, and the names of some of the Subscribers, he called them before him, and told them, by setting their names to that Petition, they were guilty of Treason, and had Forfeited their Lives, and Estates; and he might take away both at his pleasure. Some time after which, some of the most Considerable Inhabitants, as to Understanding, Ability, and Sobriety, with the Assistance of some others, did Seize upon, and Restrain his Person, for a very short time, to reduce him, to more Reasonable proceedings. To which end we did make, and propose to him, some few and very mildred Conditions of Peace, and Reconciliation which he then readily Accepted: whereupon he was restored, with Universal Expressions of Love and Respect; at which time he did publicly aclowledge his Errors, with this Apology,( we are all Sinners, and that he was an Old soldier, but a Young governor,) and promised, That he would for the Future, do nothing of a public Narure, without Advice: And for Uniting of all persons, and removing all Enmity, Malice, and suspicion, he would speedily Summon a Parliament, and have a General Act of Oblivion, prepared and passed. Soon after, a Parliament was called; but at the time of the Election, by himself, and some of his Creatures, he so over rlul'd the Election, that he had a Parliament packed to his mind, which were absolutely Obsequious to his Dictates. The first thing offered in the said Parliament was a Bill for an Act of Oblivion, to which, tho in the upper House he seemed inclinable; yet he had engaged a party in both Houses to oppose it: and so the intended Act, and the Parliament too, both came to nothing, only spent about Sixteen days in Wrangling, about the said Bill; which I have sent your Honour, according to your desire. I have also sent you a copy of the Lords Proprietors Instructions, that you may see how his Actions do square with their Rules, but that Parliament last mentioned, Frustrate of the good Designs and Desires of the Petitioners: the Countr●y was left Groaning under the Languishing Distempers, which his Evil Government had brought it into, and so hath continued Growing worse and worse. By the first Parliament, 'twas Enacted, That Coll. Bowen Clasen, should be joined with the governor in the Treasurers Office; and that no Money belonging to the public Treasure should be Expended, without the joint consent of the Treasurers; and that their Accounts should be Audited every three Months. Notwithstanding which Law, he hath taken upon him to demand and receive, all the public Treasure from time, to time, not acquainting Coll. Bowen therewith; and as he receives, so he disburses according to his own pleasure; and his accounts not submitted to an Audit since last July was a year; which is about Seventeen Months: And tho we have had but small occasion of public expenses, since the last Tax was Granted, and he having received in Powder ●oney and Fort Money 121 l. as by Entries in the Book will appear: Yet he saith, that the Country is Indebted to him Considerably; and as it fares with the Countries Treasure, ●o with the Lords Royalties▪ as we have good reason to Suspect. We cannot make a just Computation thereof, but guess upwards of 50 l. for fifths of Ambergrease: He hath so managed the public Treasure, that he expects( if a General Assembly do sit) he shall be turned out of that Office; therefore he is as much appalled at the mention of a Parliament, and the coming of a new governor, as Felix was, when St. Paul reasoned with him, Of judgement to come. Through the persuasion of Mr. clerk( when here) he was prevailed upon, tho with great Reluctancy, to call a General Assembly, which was to sit the 8th. of August last, but was by him( out of a perverse humour) prorogued till the 15th of the said Month: After we had sate a few days( which were spent in frivolous Disputes raised by himself( as we have reason to think) on purpose to waste time, and interrupt business of Importance, which before we could fix upon, we were unhappily diverted, by some French Privateers, by whom we were in great danger of being taken and plundered; and they lay so long just at our doors, that being tired with continual watching night and day; and our Planting the mean while neglected: For general ease, the Parliament adjourned to the 5th of this Month, at which time they were adjourned to the 7th Ditto, and then( by him) were dissolved, having passed but two Acts, one for Appointing the Court of Pleas, the other for punishing Idle persons. By what hath been rehearsed, your Honour may perceive▪ how he consumes the public Stock, that should be Improved for public Defence; and thereby we are laid open and naked to the Common Enemy; from whose Invasion, our preservation( next to Divine protection) is to be Attributed to our poverty; we not being thought worth making an Attempt upon: And whereas in regard we are so Unfortified▪ it is highly necessary that our small strength should be United and Compacted▪ as much as may be; yet contrary to all rules of prudence, policy, and self-preservation, and the frequent Advice of the Wisest amongst us, he suffers about a 100 Men to live scattering about, among the adjacent Islands; and not only suffers them to live after that manner, that the Government hath no benefit of them, nor they of the Government, but he strenuously Opposeth their coming hither; and at the Salt Season, permits all the people( in a manner) to desert this iceland to go to the Salt pounds, whereby we are exposed to be an Easiy Prey to the Common Enemy: And as if he designed to Betray us into their Hands, he takes none( or very little) care for ammunition; so that many times, we have not enough to furnish the people, with s●ix Rounds for small arms, and less for the great Guns, of which there are but three at present useful; and tho we are generally so bare, yet hath he either given or sold Gun Powder out of the Countries Stock, to Privateers; and sent away one of the great Guns in a Bark, which( by base and unworthy means) he hath gotten part of. And in destributing the Lords Lands, he gives greater Portions by far to Idle Drones, who make no Improvement, than the Lords allow to the m●st Industrious Planters; and at the same time denieth many Laborious men any Land that lies convenient; whereby divers who came hither on purpose to Settle and Plant, have been so discouraged, as to depart again with Damage, and others who have stayed long in hopes, are yet destitute: And he suffers Punch Houses to be kept in such an unlimited manner, that they do Devour the Fruits of the peoples labours, and thereby, and the Idle expense of their time; the Growth and Flourishing of the Settlement is greatly Obstructed. And he so much connives at, or rather encourageth profaneness and Debauchery, that we may fear Gods wrath, to break forth against us, in foam Tremendous judgement. He himself keeping a Young Wench, which he calls his Miss, whose Father was a Notorious Pirate, and her Mother is a Punch House Keeper; his Disciple Lightwood( who came with him) hath kept a mans Wife( who made him his Attorney here) as his own, and by her he hath had three Bastards, two whereof were Abortive-Twins. His Secretary Graves, who by him was made a Deputy to one of the Lords Proprietors( having a Wife at London) for several years did live here in Adultery with a kind of a Mustee, who was his Bought Servant, by whom he hath had three Bastards, and with whom he hath lived, till( being deprived Justly of his Secretaries Place) he thought fit to go home to England, to seek for new preferment. Mercier( another of the Lords Deputies) hath lived here, in a state of separation from his wife( who is said to be at New york) 4 or 5 years; great part of which time, he hath lived in Adultery with a Nasty Punk, which he took as a Servant, by whom he hath a Bastard living. And these and such like, have been his peculiar Privado's, and most inward Cabinet counsellors, by whom he hath carried on his villainies, and supported himself therein hitherto. Right Honourable, to draw to a conclusion of this unpleasant task, wherein I have wearied myself with Writing, and perhaps may you with Reading, yet have I shew'd you but little, of what might be shew'd of his Folly, Frenzey, and Knavery, whereof he is a Composition; and tis hard to say which is the Predominant Ingredient. To be short, he is( on all accounts) Morrally Unquallified for Government, and a great Scandal to his Office, which caused one from Jamaica, to break forth into this Admiration, O monstrum horrendum, that such an Idiot should live among Men, especially be in Government, which Reflects great Dishonour upon the Lords, who sent, and Commissionated him; and may much more fill their Face● with shane, who recommended him to them. By his own Letters and Journals, he hath made himself most Ridiculous Abroad, and Contemptible at Home. And now Sir, we have shewed you 〈◇〉 Evil three, which bringeth forth Evil Fruit, like to Jeremiabs bad figs( which is worse then Barreness) it is with you whether that Sentence shall pass, viz. Cut it down, why combereth it the Ground, but if there were any hopes, that( by digging about it, Dunging, or Pruning,) it might bring forth good Fruit: We would become Intercessors▪ and say, Lord, let it alone this Year. Sir, we are very sensible of the Infallible truth of that Saying of our Great Lord, and Master, That a House or Kingdom divided against itself, cannot stand; and we also remember that the same Infallible Truth saith, That Offences will come, but he Pronounceth the Wo against him by whom they come: And whether we have given the Cause, or taken offence without just Cause, we submit our Cause, and ourselves, to Gods judgement, and yours; being and Sub●cribing ourselves, ( Right Honourable,) Your Obliged Humble Servants Gilbert Ashley. Bowen Clasen. Thomas Bulkley. POSTSCRIPT. BEsides the Papers forementioned, I have herewith sent you same Memorials of his Miscarriages, Contained in 39 Articles, copy of a Mittimus; a Message from the come 〈…〉 to him, concerning a Misdemeanour of o●e Fle〈…〉, a Pirate, and his promise under Written; his Speech to the Council, when Debated with, for ordering Vessels to Enter and Clear, at the Adjacent Islands, contrary to Law; and also ordering the Tenths of Salt to be demanded as a Royalty, his Message to the People, when under Confinement on Board the catch Industry, in this Harbour; his Proposals to the last Assembly, for his Personal going out against the French; also a Message from him to the Commons, in the said Assembly, and their Answer. I Humbly Pray your Honour that these Papers sent to you, may be carefully kept, and( after your Perusal) return'd to, Your Honours Humble Servant, Thomas Bulkley. AS a Supplement to our Letter we writ this to inform your Honour. That at this time, the public Store of Gun▪ Powder is not above Twelve Pounds, and that this day, by our Governours consent,( without advice of the Council) came into this Harbour a Pirate Ship of 18 Guns, and about 50 or 60 Men, their Commanders name is John across, said to be as notorious a Pirate as any that Roves on the Sea, one that dares not go into any English Port but this. The Night before he came in, our governor went up a High Hill to look out for him, who was then out of sight, whereat he was more troubled than at the News of the Earth Quake in Jamaica, and the Fearful and Doleful desolation and Destruction made thereby; for he spent great part of that day after the sad news, in Merriment and Drinking. Since the said Pirates coming in, he hath permitted them, to buy up all the corn that Mr. Ireland had, of which the People of the iceland were in great want. Ireland might have had a Piece of Eight per Bushel of the Islanders▪ He also permitted them to receive on Board their Ship, Men under Arrest for Trespass; and two Men against whom I had obtained judgement of Court, for Debts to the Value of 24 l. 18 s. 4 d. due by Bills of their Hands; and being on Board the said Ship, they bid Defiance, not only to their Creditors, but, the Government also, of which I have complained to him, but cannot have any Remedy. New-Providence, the 17th of December, 1692. Your Honours, as above said, T. B. The End of the First Part. A packet of Intelligence FROM NEW-PROVIDENCE. In the Province of the BAHAMA Islands, in AMERICA. The Second PART. Contained in Three LETTERS, As followeth. An Abstract of a Letter from colonel Phillip Ludwell, governor of Carolina, to colonel cadwalader Jones, late governor of the BAHAMA Islands: In Answer to Two Letters Received from the said Jones. SIR, I Have received two Letters from you, one dated the 13th of January, the other the 3d of this Instant; I know not what to Answer to the first, the Contents of it passing my understanding. I must tell you, I think that Letter was an ill return for the Kindness I offered you; If you would( as I desired) have fairly stated your Case, that I might have endeavoured to Reconcile and Settle all matters, on a more steady Foundation than I perceive they are, either for the Lords, or Peoples Interest: But you say, for that reason( if one may call it reason) you withdrew your packet; by which, I wish you could see who you hurt, me you cannot. But you proceed further to your Meditations, indeed I think it were better you laid aside your Contemplations in Divinity a little, and Studdied the politics more; or else instead of those mistaken Furrows on your Back, and Load on your Shoulders, you will lay a Load on yourself, that all the Friends you have will not be able to take off. Your last seems of another hue, which shows you to be of an unequal temper, but give me leave to tell you, I am of opinion( by what I see in your own Papers) your Troubles are made more then needed to be. I do not see that you Act as you ought, without doubt your Government has not been without some Irregularitys; but yet cannot possibly think th● putting you from the Government, Imprisoning you, and taking the Administration of the Government on them, was well done, by those that did it. I am sorry to find your disorders run so high, as Charging with High Treason, as I perceive Mr. Bulkley and you do each other. What inconveniencys you may both draw on yourselves, by thus sillily Charging each other, I know not; but sure I am, no good can come to either, by it. And now I must come to my last part, at present; which is, to desire you, and I do hereby Conjure, and Require you, that you do( on your part) lay by all Quarrels, and Anim●ssitiys; and carry all matters Fairly, and Quietly, as you ought; till the Lords Proprietors do sand further Directions, which I doubt not you will( in as short time as may be) receive from them. I am not for under hand Dealings, what ever you think; especially for Intercepting Letters, which is Complained of, and indeed is a Crime so Barbarous, that I could almost ●● soon forgive murder; Nor will it be well taken any where. I hope you will take care that Letters go free, on both sides; or else Misunderstandings will arise, and increase; and all Commerce soon have an end. I shall say no more, but desire you to consider, that by these Discords, you do( not only) ruin the Lords Interest, but expose yourselves, and all the People of those Islands, as an ●●si● prey, to any that will take you. Dated the 27th of Febr. 1692. received the 24th. of March, 1692. I am your Friend and Servant, Phillip Ludwell. A LETTER from Coll. Phil●ip Ludwell, governor of Carolina, Superscribed, as followeth, viz. These for Thomas Bulkley, Esquire, at New-Providence. As a rejoinder to the foregoing, and some other Letters, Written and sent to him from the said iceland; by Gilbert Ashley, Bowen Clasen, and the said Thomas Bulkley. SIR, I Have received several Letters from you, I ●elieve all you sent, and am very sorry to find Matters run to so high a pitch, as charging with High Treason, as I perceive the governor and you do each other; which puts the matter out of my reach to Examine, without a special Order: But I must tell you, I think neither of you in the right way, that there has been failings on your Governours side. I do not at all doubt; but most certain I am, that the way that has been taken to rectify those Errors, will never be Justified any where. I was in hopes, on the receipt of your first Letter, some good end might be put to it, but I see both sides Raging so unreasonably against each other, that my present hopes are very Remote; I am much of opinion it will appear at last, most of these feuds have been raised, and maintained, by some that wish well to neither: In the beginning whereof, I presume clerks hand was not wanting as far as the Devil could help him; he has been Nibbling here in the same kind, and without doubt h●● been a troublesone Fellow wherever he has been, and eve● willbe. Your governor informs me, that clerk sent you word, I had promised him a Commission, for you to be governor; I have ordered clerk to be taxed with it, who positively denies any such thing: And I believe the Mutual Fears, and Jealosies, the governor and you both seem to be affencted with, of the danger of each others Life, arise much from the same Springs, viz. Some that perhaps would be glad to be rid of you both, for I cannot think there can be any danger, from yourselves, allowing but a very mean proportion of what sense you may pretend to: But sure I am( by the Methods you take) you are in the ready way, not only to draw great Inconveniencys on yourselves( whilst perhaps others laugh in their sleves at you both) but also to Ruin the whole Settlement, in these Dangerous times. I am very sorry the matter could not be so stated to me, that I might have endeavoured to settle affairs on a more steady Foundation, than I perceive they are, or have been, either for the Interest of the Lords, or People, which I take to be Highly hazarded, by these Discords. If the state of the matter had come as it ought, I'll assure you I should have spared no pains, Trouble, or Charge, to have reconciled them: But as it is, I must at present leave it to a farther inquiry, being not Possibly able( at this time) to come to you, which I should readily have done, but that my affairs Unavoidably presses me to North-Carolina, and Virginia, for three or four Months at least: If I go not for England, of which I am not yet certain. In the mean time, all I can do, is to Desire, and I do hereby Earnestly Conjure, and Require you, that you cease from all Private Animossitys, and Quarrels, and mind the Preservation of the public, without taking little mean Advantages of Each other; but do you all join up as one Man, for the Common good, till you hear from the Lords, who( I doubt not) will take all Just Measures, that every body may have Right; and I dare engage you shall hear with all the speed that may be: I hope those that took the Administration of the Government on them, has( ere this) considered better, and delivered it back into the Hand it ought to be, by the Lords Commission, till their farther Order; for certainly that Proceeding will not, cannot be Justified: Nor can I at all think your Requiring a Guard at the latter end of your Charge against colonel Jones, was well done: But I suppose that, nor your other Papers, are not yet gone farther; and so I think your wisest way is, to shut up all, and bear with what Infirmities you see in the governor, and advice him for the Common Good, as I said before, till an enquiry can be made on the place, and all may possibly be well yet; but I am sure better that way then any you now take: Pray consider well what you do, of which I have the better hope, if you can guide your Passions as well as I see you can your Pen. The moving for Appointing a Council, was very Ill; being no more in your Power, then it was in those Gentlemen to appoint a President, the governor being on the place: I hope you will excuse me for dealing thus plainly with you; I have dealt as plainly with your governor, and for no other reason, but that you might rightly understand one another, and the country be at Peace: that others may be encouraged to come to you; to which end, I have desired the governor to show you what I have Writ him; and if you please to do the like to him, I think it would be very well: I have sent you back all your Papers, and thank you for your good Intentions in the Oranges; tho not one came, which ought not to lessen your kindness: Possibly you may hear from me again from hence, if not, tis ten to one the next you hear from me, will be from England, from whence( if I go) you will all hear from me. Pray remember what I tell you, let no endeavours of yours be wanting to keep all in Peace; from whence( believe me) you will Reap the greatest Advantage. I am, Carolina, Febr. 27th 1692. SIR, Your Friend and Humble Servant, Phillip Ludwell. I have not seen the Articles of High Treason on either side, and so can say nothing to them. You Complain of Intercepting of Letters, and so does the governor; I know not which side, or whether both are Guilty; but it is certainly a Crime of so Base and Barbarous a Nature, that any thing less Savage then an Indian, would Abhor it. Pray let there be no more cause of such Complaints among you; it will make all People shy of Corresponding with you. A LETTER from Thomas Bulkley of New-Providence, Merchant,( being a Prisoner under the Tyrannical and Usurped Power of cadwalader Jones, who was Accused of High Treason, and many oaths Capital Crimes, by the said Bulkley as Prosecutor for the King, and Lords Proprietors; and[ by the Council of the Province] Confined to be 〈…〉 Law; but was Rescued out of Custody by a party of Impudent Rogues, Pirates, &c.) Superscribed, To the Right Honourable colonel Phillip Ludwel, governor of Carolina. As a Surreioynder to his Letters foregoing. SIR, YOURS bearing date the 27th of October in Answer to mine, dated the 16th of July, Subscribed by Mr. Gilbert Ashley, and Coll. Bowen Clasen,( being two of the Lords Proprietors Deputies) and myself, Confirmed in us all, an opinion, that you had Authority to inquire into the Constitution and Administration of our Government; and to rectify the Errors which do abound in both, through the evil Conduct of our governor. To which( upon Receipt of our Complaints) in your first Letter to us, you seemed very inclinable, only you desired( first) a clearer Information of the Fundamental causes, which were largely set forth unto you, in sundry Letters, and Papers, sent to you by Mr. Irelands Vessels In which you had such a Representation of the multiplied, Follys, and Roguerys of Coll. Jones,( in the Instances whereof, we were so far from exceeding, that without an Hyperbole, I may say we did not charge him with one of an Hundred; nor did we, nor could we set them out in their Native Deformity, in regard of their Circumstantial Aggravations) as we thought would have kindled in your Breast a just Indignation against him, and have Excited you to the performance of your Promise, in the Postscript of your Letter, in these words, viz.( If nothing will do, but my coming, that shall not be wanting, as soon as ever I can settle matters here, which I hope are now in a fair way) whereof we had Pregnant hopes, and my House being thought the fittest for your Entertainment; I did put myself and Wife to no small Trouble, and Charge to prepare for your Reception; which was not upon any information from Mr. clerk, of his being promised by you a Commission for me to be governor, that was a shameless lie of Jones's own Inventing; but is not the first( by some Hundred of lies) that he hath Forgod of me; and such I suppose are most if not all his Complaints to you against me: And indeed, like those rulers in Isaiah the 28. c. 15. v. He makes lies his Refuge, and hiding Place; which I hope God will sweep away with his threatened judgement, v. 17. For your Conviction, that Mr. clerk Writ not any such thing to me, as Jones hath informed you; I shall sand you the only Letter that ever I received from him, who( however he hath carried himself in Carolina) when here, was so far from being a Disturber of the Peace, that he was a great Peace-maker; and therein he was Officious almost beyond what prudence and Justice would admit, particularly in Mediating a Reconciliation between Jones and myself, who were at Variance when he came; tho that( being Hypocritical on Jones's part) was of short continuance; nor is any peace to be held with him, but by an approbation of his vile practices, and a Consociation with him therein. Sir, it seems strange to us, that such Capital Crimes as he stands charged with,( not against particular Persons only, but the whole Interest of the Lords, and People, as to their Lives Liberties and Properties,) should be termed Failings and Infirmitys, which we should bear with, and advice him to better Courses. Sir, we say we have born long, not with Infirmities only, but with gross Enormities, in which he hath exercised himself ever since he came to the Government, which is now more then two Years, and three Quarters; and that is a long tract of time, for one that hath such a strong bent of inclination to all that is Vile, and detestable; and a conceit that he is not at all liable to the Coactive Power of the Law: If good advice could have had any Efficacy( by informing his Understanding, to have Reformed his practise) we should not have used such methods as we have with him, nor complained to you: But his Errors proceed not so much from want of knowledge, as pravity of will, and affections, which makes him Obstinate, and fills him with-Malignity against such as express a dislike of his Courses, insomuch that he makes it his business to traduce them, with false Accusations, at home, and abroad; and is restless till he hath gotten them out of all places of Power, or Trust, and Capacity of Living on the place. You say you are certain that the way that hath been taken to rectify his Errors, will not, cannot be justified, any where; As to which, I shall crave leave to tell you, that I am of a contrary opinion, and will venture to Vindicate them before the Strictest Tribunal on Earth, which I long to appear before, for that end; which was the reason that we addressed our Complaints to you, who( we thought) was every way qualified to be a Judge, from whom we expected a just and speedy Decision; but( to our great dissapointment, and grief) you have declined so good a work, wherein the Honour of God, and of their Majesties, and the Interest of the Lords Proprietors, and the Safety and Tranquillity of the People, is greatly concerned; and whereby you would have procured to yourself the Blessings of the Oppressed; which Job( that incomparable Magestrate of his time) set a High value upon, and much Gloried in, c. 29. v. 11, 12. And indeed a Virtuous Man, takes it as a great a Favour of God, when he puts Power, and an opportunity into his hand, to Relieve the Oppressed; than ●hich, there is not a more Honourable and Praise-worthy Work, that a Man can be employed in. Sir, you say you were in hopes to have reconciled our Differences,( which arising from such causes as you have been made acquainted with) you might as well 〈…〉 in Nature. You say if the State of the Matter had come to you as it ought, you would have Spared no Pains, Trouble, and Charge, to have Reconciled them. Sir, How you would have had it come, we cannot apprehended: You desired to know the Grounds of our Discontents, and Complaints, which in the Letters, and other Papers, was Plentifully Communicated to you; and( as we think) with a Competent measure of Humble Respect to you, and Submission to to your judgement: If you thought our Animadvertions on him, and his Actions, too Sharp; it was because you wanted some Degrees of a due Measure of Sympathy with us, under our intolerable Pressures. And I believe our Proceedings towards Jones, may be much better Vindicated, than for any governor, that hath Authority and Power to Relieve his Majesties Subjects( upon Complaint made to him) to let them lie Groaning under such Insuportable Grievances, exposed to the Rage of a Detestable traitor and Tyrant. The Distempets of our Body politic are such as do affect the Vital parts with Strong Convultions, and therefore require a speedy application; Which makes us wonder that our Extraordinary physician should Prescribe a Remedy, that in all human Probability cannot be had till long after the Patient is Dead; I mean waiting to hear from the Lords Proprietors. Sir, You seem very much to disapprove of his being sequestered from the Administration of the Government, tho Accused of High Treason, contained in Sundry Articles; which( in the judgement of human Laws) is the greatest Crime that can be Committed, and advice the Reinstateing him therein; as if it were impossible for him( having a Commission to be governor) by any Crimes whatsoever, to forfeit his Right of Government: But I am persuaded, that you cannot produce one president of any Person Invested with any Office of Power, and Trust, that( being Accused of High Treason) did continue in the Administration thereof, after such Accusation, till cleared by due Process of Law. And if you duly consider the Formidable Consequences thereof, you will Retract such Advice( some of which I shall present you with.) Sir, You seem to pass a Censure of Blame on those that sequestered him from the Administration of the Government, and took it on themselves, in that you say, you hope they have better considered, and delivered it back to him, having the Lords Commission. I suppose they did well consider before they Acted, and did apprehended it to be( not only Warrantable, but) their bound Du●y, to Suspend him from the Administration of the Government, being accused of High Treason in sundry particulars, whereby he was Legally Disabled, until Cleared by Law. And the Dangerous consequences, that rationally may be expected to be the Issue of his Continuance, or Reinvestiture, are sufficient Arguments against both; for thereby he will be in a capacity to go on in his Tyrannical and traitorous Practices, to the further Ruin of the Settlement, and Inhabitants; especially those who Opposed him, in his Nefarious Practices, and Plots; whose Lives, and Estates, will be exposed to his Revengeful Malice: And when he hath Committed all the villainies that his Savage Cruelty of Disposition will Prompt him unto, and suspects to be Called to account for the same. He may do, as( about five Months after his coming) he said be would in case the Lords should sand for him home, viz. That he would go amongst the Spaniards at the Havanna; and then where shall satisfaction be had for those Murders and Rapines that he shall commit in that time; but prevention is better than remedy. And tho you think that my Fears as to myself, and the danger of my Life, by reason of his Malice, is Groundless, and senseless; yet when I shall have related to you, what hath been Acted since I Wrote last to you, you will see cause to think as I did, and do; which said Narrative please to take as followeth, viz. The general Impeachment( which you have seen) was delivered to Coll. Bowen Clasen, and Mr. Gilbert Ashley, the 20th. of January, and by them Communicated to the Council immediately; and upon Reading thereof, Jones was Seized, and made acquainted with the Impeachment against him; which( at first) he made light of, Saying, He had intended to Impeach me; But after one nights Consideration thereof, he was greatly Dejected, and the next day desired three of the Council, to come to me, and acquaint me, that he desired that he might Discourse with me at my House, which they having consented to, I did not refuse; So he came to my House, and in the presence of five Members of the Council, he did earnestly Solicit me, to desist further Proceeding on my Accusation; and( that all matters of difference might be Silently Composed) he promised that whatsoever was amiss in his Management of the Government, should for the future be amended; and that he would Restore me to my Offices, from which( by his Procurement) I was unjustly Suspended, and that he wou●d make me such Reparation of the Injuries done to me, as I should desire, according to his Ability: And in his future Conduct of the Government, he would be directed by me, and every thing should be managed according to my will, and desire; at the same time he acknowledged many Errors, but pleaded Ignorance as an excuse for all. After about three hours spent in discourse of this Nature, he went home, just before his departure, desiring me to promise him that I would consider of matters to his Advantage; and asked if he might not Visit me the next Morning, to the same end, which( it being the Lords day) I refused, thereupon he proposed the Evening of the same day, which I yielded to: Accordingly he came, soon after his coming, my Wife entered into a serious debate with him, enquiring what was the reason of his Cruel Malice against me, instancing in sundry Particulars thereof, to which he replied, that I had crossed him, she asked wherein, he said in hindering him of the Tenths of Salt; and she taxing him with writing a Letter to across, and his Company of Pirates, he would have Evaded an answer to that, but she held him so close to the question, that at last she wrung out of him a Confession, that he did sand a Note to the said across, which( he said) was only that they might justify him, as to an Aspersion that had been cast on him by some, who had reported that he had given them a Commission, when they were here before. Much other discourse passed on both sides, till it grew late in the Night, when( being about to depart) he desired to know the result of my Consideration, as to his former desires, which I told him, I could not comply with, having accused him of such Crimes, as were Unpardonable. by any except their Majesties, and that by withdrawing my Accusation, and privately Shuffling up such Heinous Offences; I should make myself Guilty of Misprision of Treason, and thereby incur such Penalties, as I had no reason to do, for the nearest and dearest Friend in the World, much less for my Mortal Enemy: Whereupon he said, will you have my Harts Blood then, and so( without any more but good night) he departed with his man Robert Bolion, who waited on him both times of his coming. On Monday Morning the 23d. of January, the said Accusation was publicly red in the Town, and I required by the Council to give Bond of 500 l. to Prosecute him upon the Impeachment, and on the 1st. day of February, to produce particular Aritcles to make good the General Accusation, both which I did, and delivered the Articles in Council on the day appointed, where they were red; after which one Martin Cock( lately a Tapster at a Rum-Punch-House, but newly made a Deputy to one of the Lords Proprietors) in Jones's behalf, asked for a copy of the Articles; which being denied, as a thing neither Usual, nor pro[er; and being told that( he sitting there as a Proprietors Deput), and Jones Accused of High Crimes and Misdemeanours, Committed against the Lords) it did ill become him to make such a Motion: He immediately started up and went out, rudely saying, a Fart for you all; whereupon Coll. Bowen Clasen( taking it as an intolerable Affront) went after him, and gave him two or three Cuffs, and a Kick, and so left him. Away goes Cock to Jones, and his Confederates, tells them what Coll. Bowen Clasen had done to him; whereupon Daniel Jackson( a Pirate, who ●●me in here with one Captain Woollery, whose Name is much known in Carolina, and most parts of America, and who was another of Jones's Deputies) came out, and with his Sword drawn, Presented the Point to Coll. Bowens Breast, requiring him to draw, which he( considering the Dangerous consequence thereof) refused to do: Jackson( with many Bloody Oaths, and Horrid Imprecations) said, he would have the Souls of some of us; and that( if he had his Western Men of whom Jones had newly made him Captain) he would drive us all to the Devil. Mr. Ashley( who was President of the Council) required him in their Majesties Name to keep the Peace; To which he replied, That he would not obey his Commands, and they were Fools that would; and called out, Who is for Jackson, whereupon two Men came forth as Abettors to him, in his Seditious Actions, but none appeared to Suppress them. At last( with much persuasion of Coll. Bowen) Jackson was a little cooled, but by his Hectoring, Martin Cock was emboldened to give Coll. Bowen, and President Ashley, most Abusive and Provoking Language, and to Challange them. By this their Insolent and Seditious Behaviour, I was in great danger of being Assaulted, by two Lewd and Impudent Women, the one being Jacksons Wife, the other Graves's Whore, from whom I was forced Patiently to take very Abusive Language. This days work broke the Council in pieces, so that they could not proceed to Settle the Government, nor do any thing tending thereunto; whereby all our Laws( according to the Lords Proprietors Rules of Government) did Expire, they allowing them to continve but Two Years, unless Ratified by their Assent, which none of ours were; So, Eight Days after this Combusion, our Laws did give up the Ghost. The next day after the said uproar, Jones( who had been limited to his House from Monday the 23d. of January till then) presumed to set himself at Liberty, and to go where he pleased; and held divers Consults with his Cabal of Plotters; the result whereof was, That( on Monday the 27th. of Feb.) the said Daniel Jackson, and one Thomas Witter,( a Shoemaker belonging to Barmudus, but resident here for about Twelve Months, yet no Free-holder; Nevertheless a little before made a Captain by Jones) Thomas Wake,( a Jamaica Pirate,) Martin Cock, Thomas Cumber,( another deputy, made of an Ejected Representative) Bartholomew Mercier,( a Native Frenchman who in the year 1688. or 89. was Leader of a Party of Men who Robbed, some French Protestants, who had fled for Religion from some of the French Plantations, and were Bound for Carolina; but their Vessel proving Leaky, they came to the West end of this iceland to repair the same, where being descried by some of our People, Information was given of them, and a Party sent to discover who they were, who after discourse with them, return'd with the account aforesaid, viz. That they were Fugitive French Protetestants for Religion, which satisfied the People; But not Mercier, who got together about 14 men, most of which were Pirates, with these, he Marched to them again, on pretence of not being sufficiently satisfied concerning them; but the true reason was to Share their Money, which they did( by force of arms, with threatenings of Death) compel them to part with, to the Valve of 1600 Pieces of Eight, besides Gold: as I hav● b●●n Informed. This Fact is well known to many in Carolina, some or the wronged Persons being there, as I have heard; the greatest loser was Monsieur ball.) George Dumarisque( who is Marshal, and a country Representative, so made, by Jones's Pact Parliament) and Robert Bolton, Jones Foot Boy; These together with a parcel of the Seduced and Deluded Rabble, gathered together, and in a most Seditious mannerbrought forth Jones, demanded his arms, and Papers, of Coll. Bowen Clasen,( in whose Custody they were) threatening that if they had them not, they would pull down his House, which they forcibly entered, and there took what they pleased: Then Re-established Jones as governor: Jackson at the same time declaring, That tho they had Restor●d him to the Government, yet he was their Prisoner: After this, Jackson, Cock, Witter, and Bolton, with about 9 of the Mobile-Vulgus( in a Riotous and S●ditious Manner) came to my House, of which( for my safety) I had shut up the Doors, Locking and Bolting them; when they came up to the House, I Spake to them through the Window, demanding what was their business, Jackson answered that they were come for the Countreys Books of Records, &c. I told them I had not any Books of the Countreys, tho I had the Books which contained the Records, and other public Concernments of the Country, and that they were my pro[er Charge, committed to my Trust by mayor Holloway, with the Approbation of the Council; and that 1000 l. Bond was given as Security for my Fidelity in the Secretarys Office, which I had by Deputation from mayor Holloway, to whom I had given a Receipt for the Books which were properly his, being Purchased by him with his Money; and it would be a Breach of Trust and Obligation in me, to deliver them, unless Legally demanded: They said they were the Countrys, and as such they demanded them, and would have them; I told them, I should not deliver them on that pretence, whereupon Jackson took up a Log of Timber, and therewith broke open the back Door, which had Iron Hinges, and an Iron boult, and he and his Company forcibly entered the House, Reitterating their demands, which still I refused to Comply with; whereupon they said they would break every Lock in the House for them, and if they got them not, they would Burn the House: I told them if they did, I could not help it, for I was not able to resist them. They preached several Chests, &c. but not finding them, they said they would carry me away with them, and keep me a Prisoner, till I would deliver them, which they immediately did, setting a Guard of three Armed-Men upon my House, and brought me as a Malefactor before Jones( that Vile traitor against whom I had then Exhibited Articles of High Treason) who presently applied himself to draw a Warrant for my Commitment to Prison, which was directed to divers of the aforenamed Persons; by Virtue of which I was shut up in a Room of a House, whereof Jones's Miss, her Mother, was owner; and after I had been there some time, I was visited by some of my gaolers, who came to see if I would submit to their demands, but I still persisting in my denial, they threatened me with the Strappado: I told them the Laws of England did prohibit Torturing the greatest Criminal, therefore it would be Barbarous Cruelty to deal so with an Innocent Man, for his Fidelity to his Trust. I also demanded( in their Majesties name) a copy of the Warrant for my Imprisonment, but could not obtain it: They left me again for a short time, and then came and asked me, if I would sand home an Order, for delivery of the Books, I answered I would not do it, then they told me they would keep me there, without Meat, Drink, or any other of the Necessary Refreshments of Nature, and I should lie on the Bare Boards; so they nailed up the Window Shutters, which made the room like a Dungeon, without Light, or Air, except a very little which came through the Crevices of the Shutters, whereby( the room being newly plastered and the Weather very hot) I was like to faint: After I had been in this stifling condition a while, they came to me again, and told me they would( on delivery of the Books) give me up the Security bond, pay me Five Pounds for the Books, and release me from my Imprisonment; to which Proposals( finding that for want of Air, I could not Live in that Condition Twelve Hours) I yielded, to save my Life: But they performed not what they offered. So I was conducted home with a Guard, and delivered the Books; after which, Witter( who Commanded the Party) demanded the rolls of Laws, made in our first General Assembly, which were then expired: I told him they were of no more use than an old almanac, that they were my Labour, in the Proposeing, Frameing, and Writing, for which I was never paid any thing by the Country: And if I was not worthy of Civil Respect and trust by them, they were not worthy of the Fruit of my pains and Labours; Nor was I obliged by promise to deliver them, neither were they expressed in his Written Order. Then Witter told me, They would carry me Prisoner back again; rather then which( it being very late, I very ill, and my Lodging like to be so very bad) against my Reason and Inclination I yielded to his unreasonable demands. The next day Jones with his Juncto of Traytors, and Rebbells, sat in Council, and Passed some Orders, which they called Laws, one whereof was, That Mr. Ashley, Coll. Bowen, and myself, should be Ejected out of our Respective Offices, and be for ever uncapable of any Office in the Grvernment. Two or three days after, all these Ruffians,( except two) with almost all the men belonging to the iceland, went away to the Salt pounds, leaving it Naked and Desti●ute of Defence, although Jones was informed lately from Jamaica, that the French did intend to 〈◇〉 ●nother visit this Summer▪ and therefore was advised to prepare for them. I am informed that Jones hath wri 〈…〉 to the Deputy governor of Xuma( being one of the adjacent Islands, where is the principal Salt Pond, and greatest resort of vessels) that in Case Ashley, Bowen, or I, should come thither, with design to go off, we should be stopped; the like( I suppose) he hath written to other Places. Now Sir, by what hath been related, which is real matter of Fact, you may see what desperate Villains we have amongst us, and those introduced into Places of Power by Jones, on purpose to support him, and assist him, in his Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government, and to crush all those which do oppose it, tho in Just and Lawful ways; and what great reason I had to demand a Guard for my protection. Truly Sir, I have been so horribly abused and threatened by Pirates, and Lewd Women, that are his favourites and Adherents, that I have been Little Better than a Prisoner to my House, for near Four Months; and there not in safety, not daring to go about my Lawful and necessary Occasions, nor can I get in any Debts, whereof I have many out-standing, whereby I and my Family are like to be R●duced to terrible Extremities, unless God( who pleadeth the Cause of the Oppressed) do sand speedy deliverance. It is a most Heart-cutting Consideration, that a man( for no other cause, but his Zealous standing up for the interest of the Lords Proprietors, and the Safety and Liberty of the People) shall be exposed to the Barbarous rage of Execrable Traytors, and rebels, and no remedy to be had, nor any way to escape, that Application may be made where Justice may be had, which is that I desire, and( seeing it is not to be had in the Derivatives) I will( if possible) repair to the fountain, tho I Wade through the Greatest Diffiiculties. You say my moving for appointing a Council was very Ill, it being no more in my power, then in the Councils to appoint a President. Sir, In answer to that, I say I did it not as an Act of Power, but by way of Advice, for common safety; and tho it were a Deviation from the Letter of the Lords Instructions, yet was it agreeable to the Spirit and Design of them, which without doubt was the Safety and Prosperity of the Settlement, which the most Virtuous and Discreet men are more likely Instruments to promote, than a parcel of Sea and Land-Robbers, Whoremongers, Blasphemers, Horrible Swearers, and Drunkards, of which sort were 8 of the 12 Counfellors; and I Suppose such shall be chosen to fill up the places of Mr. Ashley and Coll. Bowen, turned out: Therefore I think it was not very ill, but very well done of me, to propose a Reformation; and for which( when the Lords Proprietors know it) I expect their thanks. I am confident if they had imagined that Jones would have so vilely Prostituted the Power, and Honour, which they had entrusted him with the distribution of; they would have thought him unworthy to bear any part thereof himself. Sir, You say that you take the Interest of the Lords and People to be Highly Hazarded by the Discords between him and me, if you had said by the Causes,( his Misgovernment) you had hit the Mark, viz. Consumeing on his Lusts, the public Treasure, which should have been laid out in Fortification, and ammunition, letting the Timber( which with much toil and Charge was sawed and brought out of the Woods for Carriages of Guns) lie Rotting on the Ground, not converting it to the use for which it was provided, but either Selling or Giving it away; letting great Guns lie Useless in the Sea, and se●ding others off, when for want, he had sent for two from Jamaica, which after they came, lay about 12 Mo●●●● in the Sea; and whereas there was 5 Mounted whe● Se 〈…〉 and Extravagant manner; so that sometimes we have not had sufficient for ●●ree Rounds; permitting the People to Live Scattering in the Adjacent Islands, contrary to Law, and all the Political ends of human Society; entertaining Pirates, and Granting them Commissions, whereby the Place is become a mear Den of Thieves; tolerating, yea Countenancing all manner of profaneness and Debauchery, and Discouraging all Piety and Morality, to the High Displeasure of Almighty God, and great Reproach of the Place, and People inhabiting the same: These are the things that hazard the Lords Interest, and the Peoples, and these are the Grounds of our Controversies, and Contests with him, and not( as you seem to apprehended) little pikes, and Animosities; and of these, and such like, I have mildly told him, and Advised otherwise, but to no Purpose: I have told him after this manner, Sir, Act in your Place as becomes a Man of Honour, and Honesty, and you shall always find me ready to serve you, with the respect that is due to your Place; but if you will Engage yourself in things that are Base, and Vile, you must not expect me to join with you. Which my Disapprobation of his Roguish Practices, and dissension from him, and his Ignorant and Wicked Confederates, hath brought me into this Deplorable Condition, wherein I now am, destitute of all human Relief, and exposed to the Inveterate and Exasperated Malice of my Mortal Enemy, who will not be Satisfied with any thing less then my Person for a Bloody Sacrifice, which,( if the great Preserver and Deliverer of those who are appointed to die, do not wonderfully prevent) I am designed by him, and do expect to be made. But before I die, I bequeath to you( as a Memorial) the 11th and 12th Verses, of the 24th Chapter of Solomans Proverbs, viz. If thou forbear to deliver them that are ready to be Slain; If thou sayest, behold we knew it not, doth not he that Poridereth the Heart consider it; and he that keepeth thy Soul, doth not he know it; and shall not he render to every Man, according to his works. Which Text( so often as you red it) will bring to your Remembrance, th●i● Majesties, and the Lords Proprietors Martyr, who( on their behal● as well as his own) was once New Providence, the 20th of May, 1693. Your Humble Orator, Thomas Bulkley. The End of the Second Part.