VOLUME XVI

VOLUME XVI

1731-undated

BARBADOS

1. Meeting of the Society's (Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) Attorneys at Consett's, Apr. 6, 1731. Present, Samuel Osborne, Abell Alleyne, Arthur Holt, and John Bennett. On death of the manager of the Coddrington plantation, John Smalridge, they named John Vaughton as his successor, James Pemberton was appointed town agent, Holt dissenting (cf. xv. 294-5). Francis Grant was named accountant. When Holt asked if the slaves should be reported for taxation, the other attorneys decided not to, as they had not paid taxes on their own slaves and thought that most of the islanders had not done so (cf. xv. 278-9).

2-3. Brian Hunt to Bishop Gibson, Bridge Town, Apr. 8, 1731. Reports his arrival, with his family. Governor Worsley has promised to present him to a vacant parish. Barbados is prosperous, and the Church well supported. Hunt is surprised that there are criticisms of Governor Worsley at home. Several of the clergy send their respects.

4-5. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, Apr. 9, 1731. Encloses (1). Because of Holt's objection to the refusal to pay the tax, the issue has been referred to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for direction. Holt describes the working of a town agency and asserts that Osborne and Pemberton work for each other's advantage. Mentions --- Tryon as Osborne's agent in England. Suggests that William Johnson, Joseph Pilgrim, or Ralph Weeks be added to the number of attorneys.

6-7. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, July 3,1731. He has received and distributed the bishop's pastorals. He recommends the bearer, Charles Bolton, a nephew to the Bishop of Cashel, as town agent. He did the town business under Smalridge, and is willing to serve without salary, for the profit involved. Osborne and Bennett became quite violent when Holt called for a strict auditing of accounts, but Alleyne, who always behaves like a gentleman, has pacified them, and promises to support stricter accounting in the future. Osborne recently allowed some of the society's sugar to be shipped in a New England ship which Holt considers unsafe. Holt has the advice and support of the Attorney-General, --- Blenman. He again recommends that Johnson be named an attorney. Johnson is having trouble with his vestry, because he supports the governor. He is able to withstand them because of his private fortune. Other clergy are dependent on annual presents and house allowances with which the vestries supplement the statutory salaries of £150 currency. The vestries have so much power over parish property that the annual elections are occasions of intense electioneering.

8-9. Thomas Warren to Reverend Doctor Crow, rector of St. Mary Magdalene in Old Fish Street and chaplain to Bishop Gibson, Bridgetown, July 3,1731. Not having received any replies to his repeated requests for a licence, he fears that unfavourable reports of his character may have been made to the bishop. He can, if required, produce testimonials from Bridgetown, where he is serving as curate of St. Michael's.

10-11. Patrick Rose to Bishop Gibson, St. Andrew's, July 13, 1731. Introduces his nephew, Charles Rose, who is seeking orders after teaching a Latin school in Barbados for three years. Proposes to employ his nephew as curate, for he himself is getting too old and infirm for full parochial duty.

12. Patrick Rose, Alexander Deuchar, and Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, July 13, 1731. (In Latin.) Testimonial to Charles Rose.

13-14. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, July 20, 1731. Recommends Charles Rose, who has been resident in his parish. Other attorneys have misrepresented Holt to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. He admits that he has occasionally grown rather heated in their controversies.

15-16. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, Oct. 4, 1731. On the recent departure of Governor Worsley, a mob, under the leaders of the opposition, including some magistrates, invaded Johnson's house and assaulted him and Holt, who was visiting him. They were repelled by Johnson's friends and delivered to the watch, but later released, after beating the constable and threatening to use their power as magistrates. The Warrens both support the opposition. Johnson had to dismiss Thomas for intriguing against him, but the vestry are petitioning the bishop to have him reinstated.

17-18. Wardens and vestry of St. Michael's, Bridgetown, to Bishop Gibson, undated, but received Oct. 25, 1731. (Notation.) Ask that Thomas Warren be licensed to serve as curate.

19-20. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, Barbados, Apr. 3, 1732. Party strife is intense and immorality is rife. A man in Holt's parish has had a child by his father's widow. A young woman was brought to trial for murdering a child that she had had by her own father. The father, though charged as an accessory, was permitted to testify that he saw the child born dead. She was acquitted and they were both discharged, for the province has no law against incest. The Warrens continue to cause trouble for Holt and Johnson. Johnson and Hunt send their respects. Johnson consented to the release of the rioters, after they submitted to the court. Mrs. Acourt has received word that her husband has been released and proposes to return to the island. Holt urges that this be prevented, as he will surely have a relapse if he returns to this hot climate (cf. xv. 159-62, 260-1).

21-22. --- Brady to Bishop Gibson, May 27, 1732. He is serving in the secretary's office under Colonel Webster and asks the bishop's recommendation to the new governor.

23-24. Charles Bolton to Bishop Gibson, May 30, 1732. Complains that Osborne will not call a meeting of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel attorneys to clear his accounts.

25-26. Vestry of St. George's Parish to Bishop Gibson, June 12, 1732. A testimonial to the rector, Hotchkiss, who is visiting England on business. Thomas Warren is serving as curate in his absence.

27-28. William Johnson to Bishop Gibson, Bridge-Town, June 17, 1732. He has been appointed commissary, but the local lawyers are of the opinion that he cannot exercise jurisdiction until the bishop's commission has been published by the governor. Complains of Thomas Warren and of his own vestry.

29-30. Charles Bolton to Bishop Gibson, Aug. 14, 1732. He is sending the bishop a keg of 'Barbados Spirit'

31-32. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, Aug. 16, 1732. He is sending a new bill to replace one that has been protested. The island's economy is in a declining state and many are leaving. Holt would like permission to move to Virginia because of his wife's health. The most recent meeting of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel attorneys was fairly amicable. Wilke has recovered from some illness, but little work has been done in instructing the Negroes. Holt has baptized an Indian slave belonging to George Graeme and three Negroes of his own.

33-34. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, Aug. 28, 1732. Encloses another bill replacing the protested bill, the previous one, enclosed in (31-32), having only covered part of the amount. Again appeals for permission to move to Virginia or Carolina.

35-36. Frances Acourt to Bishop Gibson, Apr. 9, 1733. Solicits help for herself and family.

37-38. Copy of (35-36).

39-40. John Acourt, Junior, to Bishop Gibson, May 2, 17(33?). (Year partly effaced but thought to be 1733, because of apparent connexion with 35-36.) Acourt, age 16, asks help in preparing for the ministry. Family is dependent on relatives.

41-42. Arthur Holt to Bishop Gibson, Christ Church, May 2, 1733. He has received permission to leave, but is delayed by having to collect arrears of salary. Wilkie has died and Solomon Smirk has been elected catechist on the Coddrington estate. Holt complains that the manager keeps his own Negroes on the estate and works them less than the society's slaves, though he has been instructed to buy slaves for the society. A testimonial signed by many merchants and others has been sent home in favour of Bolton who still seeks the town agency.

43. Unsigned memorandum describing state of Coddrington plantation, May 16, 1733.

44-45. William Johnson to Bishop Gibson, Bridge-Town, June 2,1733. Holt is about to embark for Maryland. Johnson hints that his removal is due to disagreements with his vestry. Thomas Warren, the only unbeneficed clergyman in the island, will serve as curate during his absence. Wardens are often guilty of withholding clerical salaries, but it is hoped that a recent law will remedy this. Vestries judge the clergy by their politics rather than by their pastoral zeal. Johnson has become one of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel attorneys. Mr. Trian, who bears this letter, can inform the bishop of conditions on the estate. James Warren, in his brother's presence, recently married --- Wilcox to his (deceased?) wife's sister. The people show no inclination to obey the King's order to pay the arrears of the disputed tax.

46-47. Samuel Osborne, John Ashley, and Abel Alleyne to Jonathan Blenman, attorney-general, Aug. 15, 1733. Informed by Johnson that Blenman will proceed against the Coddrington estate if they do not agree to pay the tax, they say that they were instructed by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel that, as trustees of a public trust, they should not pay the disputed tax until the issue had been legally adjudged. They will willingly abide by the decision of any of the suits now pending. (Copy.)

48-49. J. Blenman to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel attorneys, Aug. 16, 1733. He wishes they had given the date of the society's instruction. He hardly thinks that it could take the view expressed following the issue of the royal order of Sept. 28, 1732, instructing him to bring suits to collect the taxes. He holds that that order represented an adjudication of the basic issue by the King in Council. The pending suits are merely to determine the amounts due, and there is beginning to be a rush to settle them out of court. The only ones he knows of that are being pressed are those of Warren Clarke, a member of the assembly, and two Jews who are represented by him. Out of respect for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, he will defer suit until the attorneys have had time to obtain a fresh instruction. (Copy.)

50. Copies of (46-49).

51. Copy of (48-49).

52-53. William Johnson to Bishop Gibson, St. Michael's, Nov. 28, 1733. Encloses (46-49). He has always favoured payment of the tax.

54-55. Minute of a meeting of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Dec. 21, 1733. They direct their attorneys to pay the tax.

56-57. Renunciation of the Roman Catholic Church and declaration of acceptance of the Church of England by Christopher Gilmor, read in St. Michael's, Bridge-town, July 14, 1734. Certified by Johnson and parishioners. Recorded in the secretary's office July 23, 1734, by William Duke, Secretary.

58-59. William Johnson to Bishop Gibson, July 29, 1734. Encloses (56-57). Gillmor is a former Roman Catholic priest and regular of the Order of St. Austin, who has been in the island five years. Lord Howe, the governor, has advanced a small sum for his support and will present him to a parish, if the bishop will license him. Johnson has been advised by the bishop that prudential reasons preclude the exercise of commissarial authority at present. Holt is settled in All Faiths Parish, Maryland --- Seawell, lately arrived from England, is serving his parish pro tempore, but governor is reserving it for another. Johnson's health will require a northern trip. Refers to a legacy left by Timothy Roberts of Barbados for charities in England and administered by Johnson, Mrs. Smallridge, and Vaughton.

60-61. Christopher Gillmor to Bishop Gibson, Aug. 1, 1734. Assuming that Johnson has written the bishop about him, he writes to pay his respects.

62. Barbados-Gazette, Mar. 26-29, 1735. Reports death of the governor, Scroop, Viscount Howe.

63-64. Barbados-Gazette, Apr. 5-9 and Apr. 30-May 3, 1735. Obituary tributes to Lord Howe.

65-66. M. Bradford to Doctor Tyrwhit, May 22, 1735. Brought to Barbados by Lord Howe and collated by him to Christ Church, he seeks the bishop's permission to leave his parish long enough to return to England for Lord Howe's obsequies. Lord Howe was eager to please the bishop and appointed Gillmor to St. Lucy's on his recommendation. --- Dowding will supply Christ Church in Bradford's absence.

67-68. Alured Popple to Bishop Gibson, Whitehall, Aug. 1, 1735. At the bishop's request, the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations have directed him to insert a clause in the instructions of the next governor of Barbados that the bishop's commission shall be registered.

69-70. Christopher Gillmore to Bishop Gibson, Aug. 13, 1735. Thanks him for the recommendation which led the governor to present him to St. Lucy's.

71-72. Charles Bolton to Philip Bearcroft, Apr. 25, 1741. Accuses Daniel Moore, who succeeded him as town agent for the Coddrington estate, of various malpractices.

73-74. Charles Bolton to Bishop Gibson, Apr. 25, 1741. Enclosing (71-72).

75-78. Address of Barbados Council to the King in behalf of Governor Sir Thomas Robinson, Mar. 23, 1746. Unsigned copy. Designed to defend him against criticisms by the opposition, but does not specify the nature of the dispute.

79-80. List of clergy in Barbados, Aug. 7, 1747.

81-82. Thomas Barnard to Bishop Sherlock, Feb. 14, 1748/9. Having served as commissary under Bishop Gibson, he reports to Bishop Sherlock that Church affairs in the island are in good order. Two rectors (of St. James' and St. Lucia's) are absent, but the first parish is supplied by a curate and the second by the other clergy. The college begins to flourish. The grammar school of St. Michael's is without a master, as the former one, --- Ewing, has gone to England to seek orders. The clergy of the island refused to sign his testimonials because of previous misconduct, though he behaved well when in charge of the school.

83-84. R. Temple to Bishop Sherlock, St. Philip's, June 24, 1750. He came to Barbados three years ago with Governor Henry Grenville, nephew to Lord Cobham. He was chaplain of H.M.S. Dragon, but being also related to Lord Cobham, he persuaded Grenville to appoint him to this parish. When he returned to England for his family, Bishop Gibson was dead and Bishop Sherlock not yet appointed, so he did not obtain a licence. If one is required, he will take the necessary oaths before the governor. He served for ten years in Suffolk County in the Diocese of Norwich and was the first clergyman instituted by the present Bishop of Ely, Bishop Sherlock's brother-in-law, when he became Bishop of Norwich. This letter is brought by John Edwards, a candidate for orders.

85-86. Governor Charles Pinfold to Bishop Osbaldeston, July 20, 1762. Complains that Barnard has made arrangements to farm his parish (St. Michael's, Bridgetown) to curates and live in England. Barnard's brother is a canon of Windsor and Headmaster of Eton.

87-88. Copy of (85-86).

89-90. Notes concerning the information in (85-86) apparently made by the bishop or his secretary.

91. Bishop Osbaldeston to Governor Pinfold, Fulham, Nov. 20, 1762. Condemns Barnard's action and says that Lord Egremont at the colonial office has assured him that Barnard will not be granted any extension of his present year's leave of absence, which was granted by Pinfold on assurances that Barnard intended to bring his family out.

92-93. James Marriott to Bishop Terrick, Southampton St., Bloomsbury, Dec. 24, 1764. Having been instructed by His Majesty's Council to find out what can be done about a clergyman in Barbados who has deserted his living in defiance of the governor, he desires a sight of Bishop Gibson's commission so he can ascertain what the bishop's powers are. A postscript notes that a reply from a previous bishop seemed to indicate that the commission was personal to Bishop Gibson.

94-95. James Marriott to Bishop Terrick, Southampton St., 'Wednesday'. (Dec. 26, 1764. Notation.) Names Barnard as the clergyman concerned and doubts that there is any legal remedy. Proceedings could be started under a statute of Henry VIII, but Barnard could probably escape the penalty by pleading ill health and the fact that his cure was supplied. Since the act does carry a penalty, he holds that it precludes any other proceeding.

96. Memorandum by James Marriott, Henry Norton, and William De Grey, Mar. 11, 1765. Give the opinion that His Majesty by proper powers under the Great Seal can authorize the governor of Barbados to make an inquiry, after citation, fixed upon the church door, and either sequester the income of the living or declare it vacant and collate a new incumbent.

97-98. Record of indictment and conviction of Thomas Harris, rector of St. Lucy's, of assault with intent to ravish of his sister-in-law, Frances Bennett, June 12 and 13, 1765. Petition of the vestry to Governor Charles Pinfold, June 27, 1765, asking him either to suspend Harris or declare the living vacant.

99-102. Copy of (97-98).

103-8. Reference of (97-98) by Governor Pinfold to the attorney-general (J. Blenman) and solicitor-general (J. Stone), July 2-6, 1765. Blenman thinks that the governor has power to declare the living vacant. Stone thinks he had better refer the matter to the Bishop of London and the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantation. Blenman recalls two previous cases. In that of --- Porter (cf. xv. 158-62), he does not recollect that there were any formal proceedings. In that of (Brian) Hunt, Commissary Johnson proceeded against and censured a clergyman for some unspecified offence.

109-12. Copy of (103-8).

113-21. Thomas Harris's answer to the vestry's petition (97-98), received by the governor, July 11, 1765. He holds that the vestry met illegally, since he was not present, that deprivation would be an additional penalty to the sentence already imposed on him, and that the governor has no jurisdiction.

122-30. Duplicate of (113-21).

131-8. Replication of the vestry to Harris's answer (113-21), received Aug. 15, 1765. They answer Harris's objections at some length, but do not give any positive reasons for holding that the governor has the power to deprive or suspend.

139-46. Duplicate of (131-8).

147-55. Harris's second answer to the vestry, received Aug. 26,1765. Goes over the same ground without adding any new arguments.

156-63. Duplicate of (147-55).

164-5. Governor Charles Pinfold to Bishop Terrick, Sept. 3,1765. Encloses (97-63). He agrees with the solicitor-general that he does not have power to act and is referring the matter to the bishop and, in a separate letter, to the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. Thomas Barnard, rector of St. Michael's and reputed to be the bishop's commissary, has not been on the island for nine years, except for a visit of one month.

166-7. Duplicate of (164-5).

168-9. W. Dunlap to William Dicks, secretary to Bishop Terrick, June 7,1766. Returning to Barbados after his ordination, he had a quiet voyage, with a stop at Madeira, where he officiated for the British subjects residing there. He reached Barbados to find Bridgetown ravaged by a fire which, on May 14 had destroyed 440 houses. Governor Pinfold had returned before he arrived, so he asks a recommendation to his successor.

170-1. A list of the parishes and rectors in Barbados, Dec., 1772. Thomas Harris is listed as rector of St. Lucy's. Sheet is headed with a small map of the island showing location of the parishes.

172-3. Clearances of the Coddrington estate from 1750-83. Certified by Conrade Pile, accountant to Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

174-5. Clergy of Barbados to Bishop Porteus, Sept. 26,1788. In response to his circular letter to the West Indian clergy, they say that though efforts are made to convert the Negroes, they do not meet with great success. A number are baptized, but few are regular in their observance of religious duties. They wonder how they can obtain curates if the bishop persists in his determination to ordain only those who have an appointment to a vacant benefice.

176. D. Parry to Bishop Porteus, Aug. 1,1792. He has circulated the directions to the clergy sent by the bishop.

177-8. F(rancis) Fitchatt to Governor Ricketts, St. James's Seminary, Aug. 19,1796. Writing in evident agitation, he retracts previous testimonials to an unnamed person who has proven to be a hypocrite. (Copy.)

179-80. F. Fitchatt to Governor Ricketts, St. James's Seminary, Oct. 12, 1796. The offender is Richard Foster Clarke, once a favourite pupil of Fitchatt's, to whose mother Fitchatt was married after the death of his son and first wife. Fitchatt accuses him of seducing his own sister-in-law and Fitchatt's stepdaughter, a girl of eighteen, who was living in his household. (Copy.)

181-2. Governor G. P. Ricketts to Bishop Porteus, Nov. 14,1796. Encloses (177-80). Clarke was one whom Governor Ricketts recommended to the bishop for ordination, but he was exposed in time to prevent his being presented to a living and he has been discharged from his post as magistrate.

183-4. Bishop Porteus to Clarke, Feb. 2, 1797. (Draft.) He will proceed against him unless he is able to offer a sufficient defence to the foregoing charge.

185-6. Bishop Porteus to Governor Ricketts, Feb. 2, 1797. (Draft.) He thinks that the governor, as ordinary, may have power to punish Clarke and that he, as the bishop who conferred orders on him, may have power to depose him, but he does not appear entirely sure of either proposition.

187. G. P. Ricketts to Bishop Porteus, Nov. 3, 1797. He has received and will distribute some instructions which the bishop has sent concerning candidates for orders.

188. Duplicate of (187).

189-90. F. Fitchatt to Bishop Porteus, St. James's Seminary, June 21, 1800. He has been unable so far to get --- Turner to return to England as the bishop and he both think necessary, as Turner is suffering both from lung trouble and acute mental depression.

191-2. F. Fitchatt to Bishop Porteus, St. James's Seminary, July 21, 1800. Announces Turner's death.

193-4. Anthony Heighley Thomas to Bishop Porteus, Bristol, Oct. 30, 1800. Informs the bishop of a report that Lord Seaforth is named governor of Barbados. Thomas, who is rector of St. George's, has recovered his health and intends to return to Barbados with the next fleet.

195-6. Bishop Porteus to Lord Seaforth, London, Oct. 15, 1801. Refers to ordination of --- Als and --- Payne. Asks Seaforth to ascertain if the leading inhabitants of Barbados are willing to co-operate with a missionary from the Society for the Religious Instruction, Conversion and Education of Negro Slaves.

197-8. T. H. Orderson to Bishop Howley, Christ Church, Apr. 8, 1819. Encloses records relating to the formation of a Barbados Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and introduces William Prescod Hinds a candidate for orders. Refers to himself as the senior clergyman on the island.

199-200. Record of a meeting of planters, clergy, and others concerned in the management of slaves, Sept. 15, 1823, Reverend --- Garnett presiding. Formed a society to promote the religious instruction of slaves. Minute signed by R.F. King, Secretary.

201-2. W. Garnett to Bishop Howley, Sept. 20, 1823. Encloses (199-200) and asks the bishop to accept election as patron of the society. Garnett is rector of St. Michael's.

203-4. N.F. King to Bishop Howley, Oct. 20,1823. Reports on his work in the services of the Society for the Conversion of Negro Slaves and refers to the formation of the local society. Two local clergymen, --- Maycock and --- Neuse, would be willing to serve the society.

205. Extracts from the minutes of a meeting of the Governors of Coddrington College, June 19, 1824. Approve work of Forster Clarke, agricultural attorney of the estate, including his plans for a Negro village.

206-9. F. Clarke to Bishop Howley, June 29, 1824. Encloses some accounts of the Coddrington estate showing that its returns over the past ten years have been better than in any previous period.

210-11. W. H., Barbados (William Hart Coleridge, first bishop) to Bishop Howley, Gibraltar, Apr. 27, 1825. Encloses a plan of proposed enlargement of Coddrington College and makes some recommendations for its improvement.

212-15. Abel Clinkett to Bishop Coleridge, High St., Bridgetown, Dec. 22,1827. He will have to tone down his championship of the education of Negroes and have fewer religious articles in his paper because he is losing readers and he is heavily in debt and unable to be as independent as he would like. (Copy.)

216-17. Undated notes on the Barbados establishment and the origin of the supposed colonial jurisdiction of the Bishop of London. Probably made by Bishop Gibson.

218-19. Undated notes referring to a bequest by Colonel Draix and some supplementary contributions for the founding of a college in Barbados. Project was in abeyance at time of writing, but writer thought it could be revived.

220. Incomplete letter, without date or signature, but evidently written by Arthur Holt prior to (31-32) as it refers to the disallowance of the bill for which payment is remitted with that letter. Tryon and Osborne have brought charges against him before the society. Refers to the appointment of Johnson as Commissary and urges his appointment as attorney for the Coddrington estate, succeeding John Alleyne, deceased. Also recommends replacing Bennett, who does not attend meetings regularly. Wilkie 'is much better disposed in his mind', but Holt fears a relapse.

221-2. Undated extract from instructions to unnamed governor of Barbados. Contain the usual clauses concerning licensing of clergy and the bishop's jurisdiction.

223. Detached portion of wrapper from papers relating to the Harris case (cf. 97-163).

224-5. John Ashley to Bishop Gibson, undated, but enclosing copies of (46-49). Also encloses a pamphlet on the sugar trade, probably of his own authorship.

226-7. Undated statement of the case of Thomas Barnard, giving his excuses for living in England. Accuses Bishop Osbaldeston of prejudging his case and refusing to hear his defence.

228-9. Undated memorial of Thomas Barnard justifying his living in England. Copy of memorial originally presented to Bishop Osbaldeston, probably enclosed with (226-7).

230. Undated fragment referring to the sending of a note from --- to --- by the sexton of St. Michael's (Bridgetown?).

(For another Barbados document, cf. xxxvi. 299-300.)

FP XVI

English